Fire Thief

Upon discovering that two steel warships were rapidly approaching in the distance, the criminals of Yilan-Tai'er did not hesitate to turn their attention to them and charge forward with fierce momentum.

With their limited wisdom and vision, they could not discern the essential difference between Earth's ships and the Council's navy, and in fact, they did not care about it—the brave redeemers were today to offer all their loyalty to the merciful gods, exchanging the blood of their enemies for the gods' pleasure and forgiveness.

"Kill them all--"

The Aegis Guards soared into the sky, skimming across the sea, their blades of light piercing the air as they charged toward the two warships.

Slowing down, turning the rudder, the engines roared to life, and the gleaming armored warship carved white waves into the azure waters. The frigate "Knight Astolfo" and the converted merchant gunboat "Generous Boris" passed sideways, facing the enemy on their broadsides. Weapon systems were activated, turrets turned, and aimed at the sky!

"Fire!"

Smoke and flashes of light, accompanied by the roar of thunder, spread across the sea.

A Fu's main body is the Horizon class frigate, a new generation of advanced air defense ships in Europe, developed by France and Italy, two major powers in World War II, so it is full of traditional atmosphere and abundant martial spirit.

Similarly, when both are fleet air defense warships, and their air defense missiles fail to intercept targets, and they face terminal attacks from anti-ship missiles traveling at Mach 3, the poorly equipped American Empire Arleigh Burke class destroyers choose to use large-caliber naval guns in conjunction with Phalanx -in weapon systems for saturation interception.

The equally weak China also opted for a 130mm main gun and an 11-barreled 30mm close-in weapon system with a rate of fire of 4200 rounds per minute.

Only the courageous France, inheriting and carrying forward the spirit of the hand-cranked machine guns of World War II, chose two 20mm cannons as the last resort for a close-in weapon system to intercept supersonic anti-ship missiles.

Rate of fire: 720 rounds per minute.

Manual control.

When the Italy saw this design, they felt it was a gamble and decided to be more cautious, so they replaced it with a more powerful 25mm machine gun.

However, as a trade-off, the rate of fire was reduced by about 20%.

Therefore, after getting the A Fu for free from the France, Kang De and Horus made major modifications to this overly cost-effective weapon system.

In any case, under his command, the Afu didn't need to engage in electronic warfare or consider maneuverability issues. All the unimportant parts were removed and replaced with turrets and gun emplacements of various sizes.

After A Fu's transformation, he threw away all of the stupid Onii-chan's broken gadgets and independently integrated and modified the weapon system. He mainly improved the automated loading and rapid cooling parts, and integrated the weapon system with the ship system. With the help of advanced radar and optoelectronic systems, he greatly improved combat efficiency and fire control capabilities. All these modifications are coming in handy today.

The Aegis infantry swept in, but even their speed couldn't outpace the terminal attack of anti-ship missiles. In an instant, the ship's guns roared, the turrets spun, and a large number of spent shell casings were ejected, splashing into the sea like water. Rotary guns buzzed in a surprise attack, a metal storm weaving a web of death. Medium and large caliber cannons fired programmed shells, and high-density near-explosive fragmentation zones created death traps, like swatting flies, one after another, swatting them one by one.

In the blink of an eye, the horrific criminals who had come charging in were completely stunned.

The Aegis Battlesuit greatly enhances the individual combat capabilities of the criminals, but it is not an omnipotent intelligent armor. It provides optimal combat assistance based on the user's situation and intentions, but it cannot bring about a transformative leap in the user's combat power.

It's one thing to have an easy time, and anyone can bully the weak, but once they encounter strong resistance, the biggest flaw of these foolish and mediocre commoners is immediately exposed.

"Aaaaaaaahhhhh!"

Almost in the blink of an eye, each Aegis Guards rushing across the sea encountered a precise barrage of hundreds of large-caliber machine guns. Although the Aegis Battlesuit have advanced kinetic energy deflection Levitation Stone systems and Primal Gel armor as defensive measures, their quantity may not be infinite, and their defense has an upper limit.

They trembled violently in the air like tattered cotton, their protective suits quickly reaching their limit, and then their bodies shattered, turning into a spray of blood mist as they fell into the sea. Under the fire control system of the warship itself and A Fu's personal control, the accuracy of the ship's weapons had reached an unreasonable level.

With the support of modern technology, the accuracy of tank guns far surpasses that of sniper rifles, not to mention shipborne weapons with more usable space, more advanced systems, and larger fire control systems. Under A Fu's command, the two ridiculous 76mm Oto Melara super-fast naval guns that replaced the main guns on the Horizon class achieved terrifying results. To deal with such big flies, the 76mm caliber is just right.

With an extreme rate of fire of 120 rounds per minute, double the turret size, double the fun, and insane pre-fragmented shells that either detonate near the target or upon impact, a single shell can blast out 3,000 cubic tungsten blocks weighing 0.5 grams each in a flash of light. The A3 high-energy explosive gives these little things terrifying speed, and they explode in a blast, covering an entire area. In less than a minute, the first wave of criminals flying in were all reduced to dust!

"Results have been achieved. High-speed cameras have recorded the damage efficiency. Large-caliber conventional weapons are still effective, but the enemy's armor possesses astonishing defensive capabilities. It's not just hard solid-state defense, but also a kinetic energy repulsion field effect, likely due to the Levitation Stone. And there is a limit to its defensive capabilities."

A Fu has personally arrived on the warship, becoming one with the Knight Astolfo, serving as a mental model to assist in the battle.

A glint of light flashed in her eyes as she processed and received massive amounts of information in an orderly manner—this was one of her specialties.

"Father, a large enemy vehicle has entered the battlefield. Requesting permission to use Paradox ammunition to test its destructive effects."

Kang De's voice came through the communication channel. "Agreed."

Beneath the tower, in Hidden Domain, Tuosidiwa's face was ashen.

He observed the battlefield through the Mirror of the Deep Sea, still shaken. Since becoming the high priest, he had seen cruel events and bloody changes, but what he had just witnessed filled him with shock and anger.

Clad in their Aegis Battlesuit, the sinners were invincible, slaughtering the Council Fleet, which filled him with both joy and worry.

While it is gratifying to see that the Civilization level of the new Mortal World races is so low, the Oathbreakers led by Aifu can surely rely on the power of ancient weapons to establish themselves in the Mortal World. However, the new Mortal World races are so fragile and backward, far inferior to the peak of the Yilan-Tai'er era. If the Star Palace is determined to exterminate the Mortal World, Aifu will definitely not be able to escape.

He felt worried and depressed about this, but there was nothing he could do.

Because he is the High Priest, the King of Yilan-Tai'er, he must do everything possible to ensure the continuation of his people, even if it means bowing down to the Star Palace.

If Aifu's path is wrong, it means that her former friends and lovers will meet with bad ends.

But there was nothing he could do.

But the ferocious, exploding blood light shattered his arrogant judgment.

Through the first-person perspective of the Aegis Guards, he witnessed the scene of death's rampage. In the distance, a sailless steel ship swept across its hull, thick smoke and blazing flames rising from it. A rain of death poured down, too fast to see or hear, with flames raging across the sky and firestorms surging around it. Then, fragile bodies shattered into a shower of blood and light. Death arrived in an instant, even at great distances.

He kept shifting his perspective, sometimes with a deep look in his eyes, sometimes with cold sweat pouring down his face.

"This warship..."

He murmured, "Standardized processes—a mature industrial system, systematic advanced integration, metal smelting, weapons development, engineering design... Have we reached this point?"

"Is the Star Palace targeting them?" Tuosidiwa muttered to himself, his pace quickening. "No, it doesn't seem like it. Is it just my imagination? This warship doesn't seem to have any extraordinary features, or am I simply unaware of its nature?"

His gaze shifted, his perspective changed, and a dozen Celestial Mecha and three Gaili'ou Golem turned angrily toward him.

Hearing the drivers' shouts, the high priest sighed softly with a complex expression.

Because the criminals were not shouting "avenge our compatriots!"

Rather, it was "daring to defy the punishment of the gods."

As well as...

"These incompetent wretch, their deaths dishonor the glory of the gods! Let us destroy these cunning enemies with even more powerful weapons, and gain the supreme grace of the gods!"

Even though he had already decided that following the Star Palace was the only way to survive, Tuosidiwa still felt a deep sorrow. No one is born wanting to be a pig or a dog; being awake is more painful than being ignorant.

He sighed softly.

Regardless, the criminals had learned their lesson and came prepared. Their superior combat power, including the Celestial Mecha and the Gaili'ou Golem enough to turn the tide. The two steel warships only defeated the Aegis infantry because of the range advantage of their advanced weapons, whose combat role was, after all, high-speed assault and close combat.

"If this warship doesn't possess any extraordinary components or elemental powers, then the battle is over."

Tuosidiwa shook his head and said, "As for ranged attacks..."

Before he finished speaking, the ancient weapons hovering on the sea surface and hurtling forward lit up their tactical equipment, their high-energy Radiant Crystal circuits powerfully storing energy, and their high-energy rays illuminating the air and shooting across the sea!

In the previous battle, these high-energy rays repeatedly cut through like divine blades, easily dismantling a Council warship into eight pieces. Even warships made of steel could not withstand the dense barrage of so many ancient weapons. The battle was about to end.

The high priest's pupils contracted the next moment.

--Because a dazzling purple light rose from around the menacing warship, blocking the ray bombardment!

"Energy shield!?"

The cannon barrel rotated, and an eerie light shone from the end of the rifling.

"--They started fighting!"

On the Azure Fleet side, the crew members, caught in a fierce battle, let out shouts of joy and surprise.

Those guys aren't on Kang De's side!

The Cathayan have come to our aid!

"You saw it too!" In the command room, Osko exclaimed, spitting as he spoke. "His Highness Kang De must have been worried about your safety, so he sent the fleet to help. He's so devoted to you, why are you doing this? Even if you resent us, the soldiers are innocent. You want to see His Highness Kang De alive, don't you?"

He patiently persuaded them, adopting a very humble posture, a stark contrast to his previous demeanor.

"We are not forcing you to do anything you don't want to do. We simply want you to fulfill your duties as commander, lead us to resist the invaders, and protect ourselves. The soldiers are begging for your salvation. Only you can shoulder this responsibility, Lady Nixiyasi..."

The officers pleaded with him, their voices trembling with tears in their eyes.

An enemy unlike any they had ever heard of or seen before, with bizarre and powerful abilities and ever-changing tactics, inflicted heavy damage on the fleet upon first encounter. Now, with the Azure Fleet's command failing and no one in charge to defend against the formidable foe, it was only then that the officers who had previously sidelined and sidelined Nixiyasi thought of their former commander.

Only her prestige, ability, and military expertise could extricate the Azure Fleet from danger.

Just like the time we were besieged by sea monsters.

The soldiers fought bravely, stood shoulder to shoulder in defense, and successfully survived.

Nixiyasi's gaze swept across everyone's face, and everyone put on a smile, their faces full of humility, as if the vicious gossip and scheming behind their backs had never happened.

She went to the window and looked at the chaotic scene. The wind carried shouts from afar. The spellcaster's ability allowed him to distinguish the shouts. Clearly, someone was crying, shouting, and cursing in the midst of the crisis.

"Why aren't the Cathayan warships here yet! Didn't our commander become his mistress?!"

She quietly clenched her nails, turned her head, and saw that the envoy's smile was sickeningly obsequious.

"Commander, I will accept whatever punishment you may give me afterward," he apologized profusely. "But now, for the Council, for the Azure Fleet, for the honor of soldiers, please save us."

He said softly, "His Highness Kang De is saving you; even just responding to him would be helpful."

Kang De?

Nixiyasi looked at the distant warships, activated Eagle Eye, and swept across the raging sea. She looked at the Astolfo, which was exchanging fire with those large weapons. Purple streaks of light flew like lightning, with tremendous power. Even those incredibly sturdy and powerful large combat platforms were destroyed and collapsed.

It must be Kang De's new weapon.

She carefully observed the battle situation and suddenly noticed something.

Regardless of the enemy's numbers, whether in battle or victory, these two warships seem...

It simply stayed in the same spot.

A flash of inspiration struck her, Nixiyasi's face showed disbelief. Then, her beautiful face turned deathly pale, and she quietly grabbed the windowsill, her body swaying slightly.

Then, she smiled with relief.

Ah, that makes sense.

That's fine too.

I was just indulging in an unrealistic fantasy.

She turned around, all traces of resentment and weakness from the past few days gone, her gaze now filled with imposing authority.

"Sound the horn!" the admiral shouted. "Prepare for a counterattack!"

If this is what you want, then let it all end here.

Nautical miles.

The Abyss Walker was fleeing for its life—they had broken the seal, realized they had angered Kang De, and were of course running for their lives. Fortunately, the Dragon of Cathay did not catch up. The soldiers escaped, but dared not relax and planned to continue their escape. The orders from the Council also instructed them to run as far away as possible.

What did we release?

"Have no idea."

"The sea is still very calm."

"Knock knock knock."

"What was that sound?"

"Knock knock knock."

The Oathbreakers circled around the submarine, communicating through their unique Oathbreakers technology. "Aifu, what are we doing here?"

"This is the Council's submarine. I have to warn them... at least try to re-establish contact with them!" Aifu replied. "There's definitely a huge fighting going on up there. Once we get out, the Council's support fleet will treat us as hostile targets, so we have to find a way to get something from this submarine!"

The front armor slowly opened, Aifu's spirits lifted. She swam over, first spreading her arms to indicate that she was harmless and unarmed. Then she wrote a line of text on the specially made crystallization observation window.

"I am a friend of the Council. I had a long conversation with your think tank's chief, and I have an appointment with the Starry Sky Council. Please convey my apologies and warnings to the council members..."

Less than a minute later, the reply from the remote communication was decisive, "Surf to a safe depth immediately, use the Moon Pool Magic Device to bring the target into the submarine, and use the teleportation array to send her to Tula Xiaye!"

The battle in the Broken Sea was in full swing. The submarine quietly surfaced and took the Oathbreakers into its cabin. Aifu refused the suggestion to teleport immediately and communicated with the captain for a long time with pen and paper.

The incident happened suddenly, Council did not think of any confidentiality measures. They simply asked the captain to treat the other party with courtesy. The captain was also puzzled and did not hold back like the think tank.

Basically, they answered whatever Aifu asked.

Then...

"Kang De?" she exclaimed, "--Forbidden Spell?"

Beneath the deep sea, Land of Shelter.

Tuosidiwa nearly collapsed to the ground.

He was breathing heavily, clutching his chest, his face pale, his heart pounding.

The fear and shock I felt were indescribable.

The shield, formed from pure energy, withstood the high-energy radiation from the Radiant Crystal weapon.

The remotely projected intelligent kinetic weapons even adapted to the defensive characteristics of the Gaili'ou Golem during their operation, and adjusted their damage mechanisms to bypass the Levitation Stone force field, easily corroding and destroying this powerful war machine.

This astonishing display of spear and shield deeply impressed Tuosidiwa.

But compared to what happened next, this was nothing.

After the second major defeat, through the eyes of the sinners, he witnessed a stealthy raid. Two Mortal World new mortals easily captured several sinners, took them back to a waterless land, and led them to meet a living being.

Unable to communicate verbally, the criminals only cursed and swore. Then he saw the black-haired male approach a criminal, grab his head, and Tuosidiwa witnessed everything that followed from a first-person perspective.

--Intense light shot from the other's eyes, relentlessly shattering and seizing everything—soul, bloodline, memory, history, everything—usurping, acquiring, and controlling.

In an instant, the criminals vanished into thin air. Tuosidiwa witnessed it firsthand, and fear gripped his heart, as if he himself had been stripped of everything and devoured.

"Oh, sea god, no, no..."

He turned pale, collapsed to the ground, clutched his heart, and murmured to himself.

"The Fire Thief..."