Chapter 205: Nicole's Perplexity
This wave, Roger's arrangement is actually quite simple, which is to force the Nagas' forces to gather in order to fight against the navy forces.
At this moment, the Nagas expeditionary force knew that the troops in Sashak's hands were the last organized and combat-ready mobile power of the navy.
Simultaneously, they also hold strategic weapons capable of directly annihilating such a unit.
At this moment, the Naga commander, who is in a state of euphoria, celebrating the joy of victory, will surely choose the simplest strategy: to quickly eliminate the enemy and rest as soon as possible.
Continuous battles, even on the attacking side, will certainly leave them fatigued!
Through the previous encounters, Roger could confirm that Nicole is not an invincible war deity. She merely possesses a different approach from ordinary military commanders. It was at this critical moment, when she placed even greater trust in her divine spirits, that the decisive battle for the fall of the Black Shark Fortress was accomplished.
However, her strategic objective was achieved, yet correspondingly, it also depleted the Naga expeditionary force in her possession to a state of inadequate numbers.
Therefore, she didn't have the spare capacity to continue the fight in the maritime nation. Instead, she set aside the Dark Tree and established a base, awaiting the arrival of the second Naga battalion on the frontline to completely secure the landing points they occupied.
At this time, apart from a small portion with strong self-discipline who have already returned to the camp of the Dark Tree, the Naga army gathered on the battlefield is actually the final main force of the expeditionary force.
Afterward, Nicole and her military commanders discussed and concluded that by achieving remarkable success in a single battle, they could directly eradicate the remaining mobile forces of the maritime nation with strategic weaponry. By doing so, they believed they would secure victory in this battle with an astounding ninety-eight percent certainty!
At this moment, Nicole believed that the maritime nation was unaware of their possession of the tyrant bacteria, as in light of the intense nature of the conflict, they didn't deploy this ultimate weapon.
However, unfortunately, Roger, of course, not only sold equipment to the Naga Empire but also knew the whereabouts of Nicole's tyrant bacteria.
An intriguing scene unfolded as Nicole approved the expeditionary force's use of the tyrant bacteria. The tyrant bacteria, starting from the Western Forest Fortress, were first teleported to the camp of the Dark Tree and then proceeded to mobilize towards the frontline assembly point of the Naga forces.
Upon the convergence of weaponry and troops, an explosion occurred!
The largest individual explosion since the outbreak of this campaign occurred right at the edge of the main force formation of the Naga expeditionary army, causing it to rupture directly.
At this juncture, after enduring three days of battle and a day of slaughter and unleashing by the Naga soldiers, they were utterly heedless of the explosion among their own ranks.
They are already a weary army, eagerly anticipating the leadership to deliver super weapons that would directly eliminate the enemies behind them.
The result was that when the super weapon arrived, it created a new sun before their very eyes, ultimately bringing about their own demise.
At that moment, Roger pressed the activation button in his hand.
The energy released through fission triggered fusion, equivalent to the explosive force of five million tons of TNT, unleashed from a single point, directly tearing apart the meticulously reorganized formation of the expeditionary army.
Even if they were not at the very center of the military formation, this explosion alone would suffice to encompass all the soldiers.
With a sweep of the Reaper's scythe, along with the Na'ga officer who believed that this protracted battle was coming to an end, they were instantly atomized and evaporated, leaving behind faint scars on the ground.
At this moment, the naval forces of the coastal nation intentionally slowed down their pace, maintaining their speed while raising defensive shields.
Unable to withstand the frontal explosion of the tyrant bacteria, but holding ground against the aftermath, the magicians confidently proclaim, "I can handle it."
In the tumultuous currents, the soldiers of the coastal nation initially intended to witness their enemies meet their doomsday; however, the radiance proved too intense. Despite the successive weakening of their shields, the seawater became murky, rendering it impossible to directly behold.
However, the persistent tremors on the ground and the tumultuous clamor of the sea in their ears gave them the intuition that there might no longer be any survivors over there.
The main force of the Na'ga expeditionary army, numbering 150,000, vanished without a trace!
In that instant, the Naga officers who were awaiting triumphant news from the front line at the Dark Tree camp were left dumbfounded, one by one.
Why haven't we received the command to detonate yet? Why is it that instead of delivering a grand explosion upon our enemies, we find ourselves engulfed in an explosion right here in our own home?
Nicole concluded her own prayer and urgently rushed into the command chamber. As she beheld the location of the explosion center on the magical sand table, she realized that it closely coincided with the position of the Naga's final main force. Overwhelmed with a sensation of blankness and oxygen deprivation in her mind, she gently caressed her forehead, almost fainting.
Why, oh why, did it have to be this way?
Why, oh why, did our painstakingly acquired arsenal have to explode within our own military camp? Why is it that despite being on the brink of victory, we are destined to have our history rewritten by a mere prince?
Numerous officers also cast questioning gazes upon her, particularly Vice Marshal Kamy Blue Coral of the Expeditionary Force.
His son, Nickle Blue Coral, went to establish a blockade line to prevent Prince Shak from providing support to the primary battleground.
However, now that Prince Shak's forces have appeared here, indicating that his son's prospects are turning increasingly grim.
Having a profound understanding of his own son's character, Kamy is keenly aware that his son is undoubtedly destined for certain death. Otherwise, he would never have allowed Prince Shak to breach the blockade line.
He made such a monumental sacrifice, the Expeditionary Force made a monumental sacrifice, and the Nagha Empire made such a monumental sacrifice, all in exchange for the attainment of victory.
And a major cornerstone of this victory is the fact that the equipment introduced by Nicole is highly reliable and indeed possesses the exact same level of power as described.
Certainly, all the previous equipment demonstrated its worth, even surpassing the expectations of the Naghas themselves.
However, the most crucial strategic weapon encountered a fatal issue at the most critical moment!
At this moment, everyone will not concern themselves with the collective decision to purchase the King's Mushroom, as it was a unanimous vote. Instead, they will only cast their gaze of blame towards Nicole, bearing the weight of the catastrophe.
Nicole is also deeply distressed, not even knowing what has transpired!
Master Copperbeard's weapon surely has no issue, as it has been tested numerous times before. Why did it malfunction this time?
However, all communication on the front line has indeed been severed. They are attempting to ascertain the origin of those chaotic energy storms, which have unleashed explosions of unprecedented destructive intensity, surpassing even the catastrophic devastation caused by the largest prior blight sac fungi failure.
In other words, the King's Mushroom they delivered to the front line exploded.
Without the enemy's super magic, without the enemy acquiring new weapons and equipment, it was their own weapon that ended up destroying their remaining forces in a catastrophic explosion.
Nicole's mind regained its functionality from a state of void, and she uttered with great difficulty, "Could you give me approximately one minute?"
She arrived outside the command room and took out the hyperdimensional sketchpad, asking Master Copperbeard in the anti-Green Vines Alliance group, "Master, why do the King's Mushrooms explode without any apparent reason?"
"Child, there is no love in the world that is without reason, just as there are no explosions that occur without cause," Copperbeard promptly replied.
What does this mean...
Nicole hadn't even finished her sentence when she suddenly realized that the hyperdimensional sketchpad in her hand had malfunctioned, transforming into an ordinary soap bubble and promptly evaporating.
She was removed from the chat group.
She began to question the identities of the group members and realized that she was on the verge of being captured by the Green Vines Empire. Continuing to stay in the group would serve no purpose.
Frankenstein, fearing too many questions from her, utilized the stolen authority to obtain Roger's permission and promptly kicked Nicole out.
As long as I'm not interrogated, I shall remain guilt-free - that's how it is!
And in this moment, the clarion call of battle resounds.
The forces of the maritime nation, led by Captain Shaque, have arrived outside the encampment of the Dark Tree.
Chapter 206: The Blasphemous Utterance of the Deity
A vast army of sixty thousand is arranged beyond the range of the Dark Guardian, while a multitude of obscuring and overwhelming bioluminescent fish schools gathers in the rear.
The recently planted and rapidly growing coral base didn't yet form brood pouches, but instead it feasts upon the organic matter in this area, being nourished by the bioluminescent fish schools brought in from afar.
The greatest challenge of this genetically modified creature known as the coral base, characterized by its swarm-like nature, lies in its excessively vigorous metabolism. Unless in a state of dormancy, feeding these creatures adequately is a daunting task, as they can devour approximately one-tenth of the necessary organic matter within a matter of days.
Why else would the produced bioluminescent fish schools enter hibernation, and moreover, strive to be generated as close to the frontlines as possible?
...all in an effort to minimize depletion.
It's like the combat radius of a fighter jet - while the speed and firepower are formidable, the fuel tank imposes limitations on the jet's endless endurance, necessitating the assistance of an aircraft carrier to extend its combat radius.
After all, reality is not a game. Once the creatures are created, they resemble perpetual motion machines, capable of engulfing one target after another like a tidal wave.
They need to have a meal!
The real battle of the insect swarm is akin to a plague of locusts, leaving no greenery in its wake. While it serves to expand the population, there is also a tremendous amount of energy within it, which is consumed by these creatures to sustain their own needs.
Therefore, the insect swarm covers the ground with a fungal carpet, which can synthesize the fast food that the insects enjoy. It is readily available anytime, anywhere, allowing their metabolism to maintain its highest level. As a result, their combat capabilities surpass those in their natural habitat while also alleviating concerns about energy supply.
The current coral base possessed by the maritime nation doesn't yet have many supporting functions. It is merely the fledgling form that has just taken its first steps. The diversity of troops urgently needs to learn from this actual combat experience in order to possess a broader adaptability.
Now, Shaq's biofish squad has swum all the way from the second defense line to here, with a weight reduction of 30%.
This state of hunger not only leads to a decline in combat effectiveness, but it also significantly reduces power when self-destructing.
When the method of energy release remains unchanged, power and quality are positively correlated.
After receiving feedback from Roger regarding this series of issues, Lydia has urgently utilized the genetic material of the maritime nation's colossal whale to modify the suitable vehicular apparatus for the biofish squad.
This concept is akin to a biochemical version of an aircraft carrier, which greatly enhances the combat radius and maneuverability of the biofish squad. It enables them to be transported to the front lines and directly engage in battle.
However advanced the genetic modification of organisms may be, it still requires time. This battle, undoubtedly, cannot be caught up with.
As for whether Leviathan of the Eternal Night World will appear in the future, that depends on whether the Empire can find relevant organisms for Lydia to experiment with, as well as her luck in drawing mutations every day.
Even though the biofish squad may not be able to engage in battle, the sense of oppression it brings to the Nagas expeditionary force is genuine.
The remaining military strength of the expeditionary force was ultimately annihilated by an inexplicable explosion of a tyrant fungus.
At this moment, within the camp of the Dark Tree, including General Nicole's personal guards and several squadrons that had gathered before nightfall, the total military strength amounted to less than five thousand.
The good news is that a considerable proportion of these individuals are strong warriors—legends and near-legends in their respective professions who have long been accustomed to life-and-death situations. They will not be burdened by the need to release pressure from a few battles, which means that this expeditionary force of five thousand still possesses formidable combat capabilities.
However, facing an enemy force that is more than ten times their own, even with the defensive advantage provided by the Dark Tree, it would be impossible to sustain until the Naga Empire dispatches a second wave of troops.
The Naga not only staked the fate of their nation on this offensive but also achieved the capture of the landing point, which solidified the resolve of the Naga Queen. It compelled them to mobilize more soldiers, commit themselves further, and sustain the state of war.
However, all of this requires time.
Originally, General Nicole could have relied on the destructive and deterrent power of the tyrant bacteria to buy time for herself and complete the replenishment of military forces in the rear.
However, due to reasons that she entirely failed to comprehend, the sudden explosion rendered her meticulously devised plan futile.
She was kicked out of the group for simply wanting to inquire about the reason, which left her feeling resentful, unable to accept, and filled with anger.
If it weren't for the maritime nation blocking the passage and shutting down teleportation, she would even have considered confronting Tasika in the desert to demand an explanation!
Currently, she is unsure how to explain herself to those military commanders.
Actually, Nicole also knew that such an attitude indicated that Grandmaster Tongsu must have known something. The sudden explosion of the tyrant bacteria in the Nagas' territory was definitely not an accident, but rather...
A conspiracy?
Unfortunately, now is not the time to contemplate this question.
Nicole stood atop the observation tower, which had emerged from the canopy of the Tree of Darkness, gazing at the mighty naval army with high morale. Suddenly, she too was unsure of what she should contemplate.
This was an impasse that she couldn't unravel; apart from praying for a miracle from the divine, she couldn't think of any other means to resolve it.
On the other hand.
Within the coalition forces of the maritime nation, Prince Shak, adorned in resplendent armor, gripped a sword stained with drops of blood. He gazed at the towering Tree of Darkness, reaching a height of over a hundred meters with a canopy radius extending three kilometers into the sky, displaying no sign of fear.
The underwater giant tree can be hailed as a marvel created by the Creator—a natural fortress.
The dark guardians generated in the surrounding area, along with the magical power of the Tree of Darkness itself, can compose a considerably powerful offense and defense system.
If there were sufficient soldiers to sustain it, the defensive power of the Tree of Darkness encampment would undoubtedly rival the formidable Black Shark Fortress constructed by the maritime nation. It could withstand an army ten times its size for several months without collapsing.
Unfortunately, the greatest predicament facing the Naga expeditionary force at present is that there are no longer enough soldiers to sustain it.
The morale is soaring as the desire to unleash fury upon the heads of the sixty thousand Naga army intensifies. The bio-fish swarm is gradually returning to the battle formation, and an increasing number of formidable maritime warriors are converging here. Victory is merely a matter of time.
It may only take one or two waves of attack for the landing points that the Naga have cunningly seized to return to the hands of the maritime nation.
Because the enemy's numbers are insufficient, they dare not use the remaining imperial bacteria, nor do they dare deliver it to the encampment of the Tree of Darkness.
Fearing the occurrence of another classic reenactment, which would directly catapult this encampment into the heavens, would indeed cause a self-implosion.
However, despite the victory within reach, Shaq had no sense of joy whatsoever.
He recalled the Black Shark Fortress being reduced to ruins, the fourth brother being swallowed by the base coral, and all the while seeing the mistreated and disfigured maritime people.
While dispersing the Naga soldiers who were exterminating the city, there was a disheveled mermaid maiden who, clutching onto Shaq's trouser hem, tearfully beseeched him to end her life.
All her family members perished, she endured countless humiliations, her fish tail was brutally severed, and there was no longer any longing for survival in her eyes.
Her injuries are treatable, her disabilities can also be treated. Of course, she may lack the financial means to cover the medical expenses. Will these pains eventually fade and be forgotten with time?
It is possible that it won't happen either. Even if she continues to live, she will forever be tormented by the nightmarish present. What joy is there left in life?
Shaq didn't know what thoughts crossed his mind in that moment, but facing such innocent yet lifeless eyes, he couldn't refuse or console her. He could only respect her wishes.
As she wished, a sword pierced througt
Perhaps they were all cowardly evading, and all Shaq could do was kill all the Naga invaders who had infiltrated this village.
However, as he looked at the village, which no longer showed any signs of life, he could only feel waves of helplessness.
When he reunited with Roger, Shaq asked him, "What is the significance of everything we have done?"
Revenge? But too much has already happened; the dead cannot be brought back to life, and the living are in unbearable pain.
No, it is to become stronger and ensure that today's events don't repeat themselves.
Roger confidently gave him an answer.
Galloping all the way to the shade of the Dark Tree, Shaq had been pondering the distinction between "revenge" and "becoming stronger" until he finally had a glimmer of enlightenment.
Revenge is to kill those who have harmed you; it is a targeted act of retribution.
To become stronger, on the other hand, means to keep all those who could potentially harm him outside the borders of the nation.
It is a brave act to declare war on the entire world without any specific targets!
He suddenly understood what the Green Vine Empire was truly up to.
Even if it means standing against the world and the gods themselves, we shall establish an unwavering backbone and create an ideal land that safeguards the peaceful livelihoods of our people within our borders.
Is following such a nation, even as a vassal, seems desirable?
Shak instinctively tightened his grip on the sword in his hand.
He still harbored fear of combat, and the sight of blood filled him with a chilling sensation.
However, from this day forward, he will no longer shrink back because of such fear.
When he shouted "Charge with me," uplifting the morale of the marine army and breaking through the blockade painstakingly maintained by Nichel, he suddenly realized the responsibility and glory that came with being the prince of the maritime nation.
He doesn't require exceptional talent, excelling in all aspects; he simply needs the courage to take responsibility and fight alongside these people longing for an ordinary life.
In that battle, he personally severed Nichel's head, a liquid hotter and stickier than the sea splattering all over Shak's face, yet he no longer felt fear.
He could even grab the hair of the severed head, hoisting it high while leading his subordinates all the way to the Black Shark Fortress.
Now, on his steed, hung the trophy symbolizing his initial military achievement.
He gave the seahorse a pat, breaking through the military formation and entering the range of the Dark Guardian.
However, no arrows were shot at him. The Naga knew that Shak must have some life-saving gear on him, rendering long-range attacks from this distance completely pointless.
The eyes of both sides locked onto him in battle, a pressure that in the past would have made Shak nervous and even nauseous. But at this moment, he simply pursed his lips and raised the severed head in his hand.
Where is Kamy Blue Coral? Come and see your son. See how terrified he looked before? He's calling for Daddy to save him!
A waterspout came rushing towards Shak, only to be effortlessly blocked by the guards behind him.
The deputy marshal of the Naga expeditionary force, Kamy, stood atop the camp's defensive wall, his visage grim as he bellowed, "Do not insult my son! You have already prevailed over him!"
I didn't insult; I merely stated facts. If you don't believe me, it doesn't matter. Soon, you can return to the heavenly realm and personally inquire about the last moments of little Nick's life—whether he called for help from his mother or his father.
Shak casually whistled, causing the soldiers from the Sea Country behind him to burst into laughter.
It's ridiculous; adults don't seek help from their parents; only children would do such a thing.
Unexpectedly, even the general of the Naga is such a spineless creature.
Kamy, standing on the city wall, glared with furious eyes. If it weren't for his colleagues desperately holding him back, he would have undoubtedly charged out and fought Shak with all his might.
However, he is not the type of unmatched individual combatant but a commander renowned for exceptional operational and coordinating abilities. Even in a one-on-one duel, it is uncertain whether he could defeat Shak.
At this moment, the morale of the Sea Country is rising, while the Naga troops are wavering. If the deputy commander goes into battle and suffers another defeat, it is likely that this battle will not need to be fought.
Shak suddenly ceased all smiles, straightened his posture, and looked in the direction where the Naga were located. "Mermaids wish to live; Naga wishes to live as well. We, the most ordinary individuals, actually share no significant distinction. We all carry simple aspirations, desiring nothing more than to survive. Moreover, the vastness of the ocean begs the question, Why must our two nations engage in war?"
"Because you are heretics," Nicole replied to Shak's question.
"Oh, heretics! Just because we believe in different gods, we are deemed heretics, condemned to fight to the death... Don't you find it ridiculous and troublesome?" Shak looked at Nicole, his voice suddenly rising in inquiry. "Wouldn't it be better to simply not believe in any gods?"
Nicole was momentarily taken aback, unable to comprehend how there could possibly be people in the world who didn't believe in gods. Instinctively, she responded with doctrine, saying, "God bestows upon us enlightenment; God showers us with grace. We must praise the name of God and bow down our inherently sinful heads."
Rubbish, rubbish, it's all nonsense! Light comes from the sun; blessings come from parents; what does God have to do with it?
You are uttering blasphemous words...
I said it, so what? What can you do to me? You and your god should both go die! Only mortals need to live!
Shak let out a hoarse, thunderous roar, "In my eyes, gods only bring us conflict, bring us death, plunder our faith and wealth, pollute the land on which we toil for survival... There should be no gods in this world!"
"You despicable heretic, be silent!" Nicole could no longer contain her raging fury, as she raised her hand, countless beams of divine light descended, accompanied by the fortress of the Dark Guardian, and a torrent of spikes rained down upon Shak.
However, the strong warriors of the maritime nation would not allow such an attack on their commander and promptly bestowed a magical shield upon him.
Shak, placing unwavering trust in his subordinates, stood his ground without stepping back and regarded Nicole with extreme disdain, "Since the gods are too distant, we shall begin with these charlatans..."
He drew a blood-stained blade from his waist and bellowed, "Charge the entire army and send them all back to the realm of gods!"
Return to the realm of gods!
The emotions of the brave soldiers of the sea tribe reached an exhilarating climax as frontline warriors unsheathed their weapons and mages chanted spells. The self-destructing schools of fish surged ahead towards the lush, towering Darkness Tree.
This is the final decisive battle; there is no need for intricate tactics, only to overwhelm the enemy with absolute superiority!
And regarding the dangers posed by gods, all the way until they arrived and witnessed the corpses, everyone had gained a profound understanding. Therefore, Shak's speech could completely resonate with their emotions.
This was a battle without any suspense, and the miraculous intervention that Nicole prayed for didn't come to pass.
The enormous Darkness Tree collapsed, the Nagas' camp was overrun, and countless commanders committed suicide.
Before Nicole could take her own life, she was discovered by the Night Sentinels, who severed her connection with the Sea God, rendering her unable to unleash even the simplest level of divine magic.
Nicole's expression was filled with confusion. Despite being angry at Shak's words, she was angered precisely because she listened and pondered upon them.
If there were no prophecies, would so many Nagas have perished?
A young man dressed in imperial military uniform appeared before her.
Roger Charles?
You can call me Joestar too!
"!!!"
