Chapter 20 The Sea of Fire
In the endless sea, the year-round whirlpools in the sea gradually dissipated. The fish in the sea noticed the changing ocean currents, and the direction of their cruise began to change.
They are no longer heading to the established sea areas along the past routes, but are heading in a new direction.
In the third era, in the summer of 1700, the fleets of the Canghong Empire and the Chuberry Kingdom fought in the waters southeast of the mainland.
In this battle, the Canghong Empire dispatched 228 ironclads and 789 sailing warships. The Hinyue Council dispatched 28 new warships, 107 ironclads, and 402 sailing warships. Because most of the southern territory of Clancia was lost, shipbuilding was limited. Factories and fleets moved north, and some fleets also had to perform part-time transportation and support coastal operations tasks, so they did not participate.
After the battle began, the Imperial Navy learned from past lessons and sent a large number of scouts this time. Patrolling sentries and elves were distributed throughout the battlefield.
The warships communicated with each other using the empire's newly developed transmitter. After encountering the fleet of the Youngberry Kingdom, they did not rush forward, but safely called their teammates.
In this way, more and more cruising fleets from both sides joined the battlefield, and it eventually turned into a decisive battle at sea.
"Fire! Fire!"
The commander on the imperial warship shouted urgently. The modified sail warship faced the enemy formation, and the muzzles on the side emitted fire one after another. The sound waves continued to sound from far to near, and the powerful cannonballs were fired one after another.
At that time, there were high splashes of water everywhere on the sea, flames and thick smoke were burning on the ships, broken boards and wreckage were fluttering with the waves, and the loud noise of the artillery never stopped, roaring and attacking the distant ships. boat shadow.
Viewed from a high altitude, the sea area was roughly divided into two parts by the fleets of the two sides. The two sides followed the flagships, fired around each other, and kept testing.
Bang!
Another warship was hit by a cannonball, and a burst of fire exploded on the hull, then threw up countless fragments and slowly sank in the thick smoke and flames.
Although the warships of the Young Berry Kingdom are technically advanced, as both sides continue to consume, the Empire's numerical advantage is slowly revealed. Moreover, the Imperial Navy as a whole has more extraordinarys and is more capable in tactical use. margin.
"It's not a pretty situation."
On board the Poseidon Eagle, the flagship of the Young Berry Kingdom, several commanders discussed with the navy admiral.
"There are still too few Aglaia-class battleships. It would have been nice if we could have saved Hopelaner last year. After losing the shipyard in Kalites, it will be difficult to build such excellent new battleships in a short time. It is not needed There are few brand-new technologies, but also the cooperation of familiar craftsmen and alchemists." Several people said with a little regret.
"There is no other way. Fortunately, the Kalites Chamber of Commerce has transferred many personnel to the southern island. It is estimated that work can be started urgently and production can be resumed in the second half of the year."
"These are the most difficult days. If Crancia fails, then even if we win the naval battle, it will be of little significance. Facing a unified continent, our Southern Islands will gradually become a marginal existence. In various resources, Everywhere is subject to imperial control.”
"So, we must win a big victory this time, so that we can ease the empire's offensive and draw part of the empire's forces and energy to the southern coast."
"Yes, General."
"There is no problem with this plan. Most of the nobles fighting are from the vassals of the Baskar family in the south. Their territories are mostly in the wealthy areas along the southern coast of the empire. If we carry out login harassment operations there, it will be difficult for them to ignore them. Heart to maintain.”
"But the Imperial Navy's number is nearly twice ours. Can we win this time?" One of the young commanders asked worriedly.
"You'll know this later." Although the others didn't say anything, they seemed to be confident.
Seeing this scene, the commander shook his head helplessly. It seemed that these old men in the navy still had many tricks up their sleeves.
But under such circumstances, what other tricks can be done? Most of the warships and ships of the Chuberry United Kingdom have been requisitioned. Is it possible to conjure a fleet out of thin air?
The seawater mixed with various debris constantly collided with the side of the ship. The warship carrying artillery moved forward through the waves in the sea, constantly fine-tuning its direction, avoiding the opponent's cannonballs at speed, and then pouring out its own attacks.
"It's fast, it's steady." On the golden-red flagship in the center of the empire, a general wearing a luxurious high-shoulder military uniform held a telescope and looked at the large fleet on the sea. The adjutant beside him kept reporting the information of each incoming ship.
"If we continue to fight like this, even if we suffer more casualties, it will still be worth it. An island country is an island country, and this is their entire fleet. It will be gone after the fight, haha." He put down the precision telescope made of brass and picked up the one beside him. wine glass, take a sip and relax your mood.
As the new naval commander of the empire, the emperor did not put many demands on him, but there was only one thing for him to do, and that was to use up the number of warships in the Southern Islands as much as possible. Even if the sinking ratio was 2:1, it would be a great achievement. The empire had plenty. Money and boats are affordable.
"As long as we win this war, all losses will be made up tenfold and a hundredfold after the war."
As the supreme emperor of the Cang Red Empire, Aimank is famous for his generosity and rewards. As long as you can show your worth in the war, whether it is money or title, he will reward you without mercy. The same is true. Even if the imperial army encounters many setbacks, its morale can still be maintained. Whether they are nobles or civilians, many people are still eager to use this war to make a comeback.
Isn't this how the great nobles who hold high positions in the empire got their start? I'm just going through this path again.
"Let the following fleet follow up and send a message to them
, if you still want to get some meat after the war, come to me as soon as possible and kill the burning battleships on the opposite side. "He sat on the throne in the bridge, rubbing his chin beard with his palms and grinning proudly.
Under the urging of the naval commander, several subsequent fleets of the empire rushed forward, using artillery fire to shoot at the enemy ships in the stormy sea. While achieving more results, their formations gradually became denser as they advanced.
"The time has come, haha." Looking at the opponent's eager formation, the veteran of the Chuyue Council showed a knowing smile.
"Although the Imperial Navy has a numerical advantage, they are still too green when it comes to naval warfare." The Southern Islands were founded with sea power. They experienced countless naval battles when they were unified in the early years. In addition, they have continued to fight against pirates and sea beasts over the years. The navy's combat effectiveness has always been maintained.
"Send the signal."
"Yes, sir." An adjutant replied loudly, and then nervously and quickly operated the transmitting instrument at his hand.
This precision alchemical instrument made of brass functions like the telegraph in the past, and can use radio waves to transmit information. This technology originated from the former country of Lurna and is currently used by both warring parties.
However, because it is difficult to manufacture and carry, it is mostly used in the navy.
Drip. Drip. Drip...
A black fleet behind the Youngberry fleet received the message. The receiver picked up the page and quickly walked towards the captain commanding the battleship. It was a sassy figure standing in front of the deck. She was wearing a black and blue navy jacket, her slender legs stepped between the railings, and she carried a beautiful long enchanted knife at her waist.
"Lady Alena, the flagship sent a message asking me to take action immediately."
"Good~" Alena put down the telescope happily and turned around.
"Hello everyone, let's start working!"
"Yes, eldest sister!" Each of the crew members who had been gearing up for a long time also answered excitedly.
Compared with the lazy appearance of previous years, these people have changed their appearance now. They are all energetic and fierce, and their faces and eyes are full of energy. If you want to ask why, there are only two reasons: continuous victory and generous wealth returns.
With these two things, even the most pessimistic and numb guy in the past becomes eager to try.
Under the leadership of Alena, this special fleet of more than 20 ships slowly disappeared into the smoke, and then disappeared into the sea.
They will briefly submerge underwater, and then hunt the opponent's increasingly dense warships.
Gulu gulu, after bursts of water spray, this black sea pig-like fleet slowly entered the sea and moved closer to the enemy ship.
At this time, the battlefield was still fierce, and artillery fire and water spray kept ringing on the sea, which concealed their whereabouts very well.
Then long special cannonballs were shot out from the water and entered the hinterland of the local fleet.
Bang!
A sudden and inexplicable explosion sounded in the Imperial fleet, and several battleships were engulfed in violent flames, but it was not over yet. A layer of black oil floated on the sea full of debris, and it burned in the sea.
Dark red flames spread on the sea, and many old-fashioned sail warships were ignited. Most of them were made of old wooden structures and were in danger in the flames.
The crew members on the ignited battleship let out horrified wails. Some of them wanted to put out the fire with water, but watering it was of no use at this moment. Instead, the fire spread everywhere.
Facing a sea of burning fire all around, many of the empire's sail warships began to panic and retreat, and the formation also broke down.
In the densely packed area in the center, each other began to swerve randomly to avoid the fire. Many of the ships collided with each other, while the ships on the edge and behind were divided by the fire. Some escaped, some tried to contact the flagship, and some could only lead a few ships around them. Stay away from the flames and watch.
After this chaos, the empire's large fleet was divided into several small pieces, and the previously ferocious firepower suddenly disappeared. One after another, the fleet of the Young Berry Kingdom began to encroach on the scattered warships step by step.
"Damn it!"
Standing on the flagship of the empire, the naval commander gritted his teeth, walked back and forth, and kept giving orders to turn and adjust. Unfortunately, the effect was not good.
After a while, he fell into thought again, and his expression began to struggle violently.
"This is the only way." He said in a low voice, seemingly determined.
"Send a message to all battleships. All extraordinary beings who can lift into the air should lift off to me and join me in raiding the enemy fleet and killing everyone on the enemy's flagship!"
"But, this..." The adjutant on the side hesitated.
Such behavior is really excessive. The extraordinary beings that are scattered into the air can easily become the targets of the opposing magicians, and most of such raids will probably never come back.
"Nothing but! I will never let down His Majesty the Emperor, and we will definitely win this naval battle."
The commander-in-chief glared sharply and shouted again.
"Yes, sir!" the adjutant trembled, then hurriedly walked aside and began to issue emergency orders to all warships, and then repeated them repeatedly, trying to make all warships receive this order.
Soon, black dots rose up from the battleship. Many of them were noble officers in black and blue uniforms, and some were navy soldiers in uniform.
After advancing to Sequence 4, most Demon Sequences and Naturals can gain the ability to fly briefly, and after Sequence 5, they can fly freely. The empire was founded on these two sequences, and there are many talents in this field in its army. Although there are only a few high-level extraordinary beings on each battleship, when hundreds of battleships gather together, they form a powerful force.
Bright red and emerald green wings streaked through the air at high speed, dodging the magic arrows fired by the mages below. They rushed towards the flagship of the Young Berry Kingdom like a swarm of bees.
Encountering such a situation, many mages emerged from each warship to support the flagship. It's a pity that the flying speed of the mages is not as fast as those speeding red and green streams of light.
There were shouts of killing on the flagship, and the imperial nobles holding sharp swords, led by the brave commander, rushed straight to the bridge, and the others even directly bombarded the warship beneath him.
"Resonance, start!" Facing the sudden enemy, the guards on the flagship urgently connected to the resonance, using the small and complex space in the cabin to block the sudden enemy one after another, buying time for their own commanders.
This flagship is not the wooden-structured sail warship of the past, but a strengthened warship specially customized by the Kingdom from the Carites Chamber of Commerce. Its material is made of special wind-sound steel. It is lighter and still very strong. It's tenacity.
Swords and halberds clashed inside the ship, and the weapons from both sides collided continuously, creating sparks and scratches on the walls.
Bang, bang!
Some ordinary crew members also picked up muskets and fought, struggling as hard as they could.
"It's useless!" A nobleman in black pulled out the flash of sword light, split the guard in front of him, and let the opponent's musket hit him, making a crisp sound.
The lining of his clothes was covered with armor passed down from his family, which could not be penetrated by ordinary muskets.
Uh-huh!
Then he raised his hand casually, and several red marks streaked through the atmosphere, hitting the ordinary crew member hiding in the corner, causing the sailor to fall to the ground and die clutching his punctured throat.
Immediately afterwards, he searched inside the cabin again, looking for possible naval commanders.
In the distance on the sea, the black fleet completed its mission and slowly emerged from the sea.
"Phew, I'm suffocated." Alena opened the closed hatch, came to the deck to breathe, and then turned back to continue her instructions.
"Quickly ask, how is the situation now? Are we close to victory?" After she led this group of 'black ships' to destroy a number of enemy ships, she saw that the opponent's formation began to become chaotic. She thought that the victory would be stable.
"It's not good, eldest sister, the enemy has attacked our flagship, and many mages have gone there to support us."
"Tsk, there is really no beauty in fighting. Come on, let's go too." Before taking off, she seemed to think of something again.
"Bring that firebolt out and fire it, I'll hang on it and rush over!"
"But isn't that one still being tested? What if it explodes mid-flight?" The young alchemist on the side replied in surprise.
"It's an emergency, that's it. I've always been lucky and nothing will happen."
"Uh, okay."
After that, a rocket-shaped thing with a diameter of one meter was quickly lifted out. After simply arranging the angle, its bottom was ignited, and then a strong fire erupted from its tail. With a whoosh, it entered the air, getting faster and faster. ,faster and faster.
ah----
Alena, who was sitting on it, let out a high-pitched shout, and then followed the special shell across thousands of meters of sea in an instant. After seeing the approaching flagship, she suddenly let go, then kicked into the air, directly Jump down.
"Ahhhh~" The rapid air flow rolled up the half-length jacket on her body, and the trousers that wrapped her legs clung tightly to her body in the wind, outlining her well-proportioned figure.
As the bold barbarian mage lady fell, the golden sword light swept across in an instant, cutting down the Imperial Navy on the two decks. She looked around briefly, and ran towards the entrance of the cabin without waiting for other enemies to surround her.
Along the way, the sound of metal clashing was continuous, but many enemies were slashed by the mage lady. The seemingly gorgeous golden blade was equipped with several special effects of armor-breaking and demon-breaking. Combat power that matches the gorgeous appearance.
Seeing that many blades were being attracted to her and surrounding her, Alena took out the only special bomb left in her coat, tore off the fuse on it with her teeth, and threw it back.
It exploded suddenly, and then the pink poisonous substance filled the chaotic room full of debris and corpses. Taking this opportunity, she also entered the lower part of the cabin where the chaotic and fierce battle was taking place.
In the noisy and chaotic cabin, gunpowder smoke and wreckage were everywhere, and battle cries were heard one after another. After both sides of the fleet lost command, the two sides fought on their own, fighting on the scorched sea, but the hearts of the soldiers on both sides were also paying close attention. A flagship battle that determines success or failure. If one side wins, the battle, which barely maintains a fragile balance, will be completely tilted.
"It's a really unsightly battle, although I also like it."
Stepping over a fallen body, Alena put away the bloody long knife and continued towards the bottom of the dark and noisy ship.