Magic Warships

The adjutant stepped forward and carefully examined the tough fragments of the net hanging on the Silver Dragon's body. "This is a specially made alchemical net, designed specifically for aerial targets. Dwarves particularly like to use it."

Clearly, the Feather Race scouts had concealed these nets beneath the sea surface in advance, specifically to counter any potential aerial pursuit.

It's truly a matter of reciprocity!

"However, both Feather Race were seriously injured in the chase and are certainly unable to carry out reconnaissance missions anymore," the other Silver Dragon added in its report.

Yin'er nodded, his massive head turning towards Tai'ao'duo, his voice low yet carrying an undeniable warning. "Please proceed with extreme caution." He reiterated, "Our targets are merely Bone King and Bay Owl. We are not here to serve as your henchmen." With that, he said no more, his enormous body turning and departing.

As Dragon Race, Yin'er did not wish to get too involved in the complex entanglements between the Temple of Light and various forces. His only goal was to complete the mission as soon as possible and bring Zijin back to Dragon Valley.

As Yin'er departed, the Naga Queen's cold, sharp gaze pierced Tai'ao'duo: "Our people have paid the price in this battle, and this vengeance will be exacted! You'd better have the ability to lead us to victory!"

A feeling of indescribable frustration welled up inside Tai'ao'duo. How could he, a dignified admiral, find himself in such an awkward and difficult situation?

But he couldn't afford to offend the dragon race; and on this vast ocean, he also couldn't afford to offend the Naga Clan, who controlled the waters.

He suppressed the surging frustration and anger within him and turned his gaze to the edge of the fleet formation. The two magical warships radiating an eerie, ghostly light—the "Thorns of Atonement" and the "Scourge of Absolution"—were undergoing intense pre-battle preparations.

Tai'ao'duo looked up at the gathering clouds in the sky, his tone becoming resolute. "Phase one: surround the enemy ships; Phase two: when the blizzard is at its fiercest, we will launch the final assault!"

****

As Su Ming watched the snow eagle land, a report from the Jade Sea Merchant Association arrived: the Naga Queen's most beloved son had perished in last night's torpedo attack.

Very good, the Naga Clan reputation is now completely black.

Thanks to Zijin, Su Ming was already used to this situation. Besides, his current situation was much better than when he first arrived in this other world.

The letter from the Jade Sea Merchant Association stated: The Naga Queen has a violent temper, and she will lead her people to fight the Bone King with all her might in the upcoming battle. Be prepared for her fierce retaliation.

Su Ming, however, thought the Naga Queen was out of her mind. She was the one who initiated the conflict, and if she had the nerve to resent Su Ming for killing her son, then Su Ming wouldn't mind reuniting the mother and son.

According to intelligence, although this Naga Queen is not Saint Rank, she would be just as troublesome in an underwater environment.

Su Ming sighed. It's alright, at least it's not like some Saint Rank being randomly inserted.

The Jade Sea Merchant Association also found the Naga's sudden entry into the war incomprehensible. The specific reasons are still under investigation.

Su Ming put down the communication device of the Jade Sea Merchant Association, took the scroll of paper from the Snow Eagle anklet, and began to read Stanton's investigation report.

This snow eagle was a trophy captured during the battle against Jimite, the chairman of the Northern Lands Nobles' Alliance. Later, by chance, it guided Su Ming and Zijin to intercept Jimite and his fleeing party, allowing the war with the Lords' Alliance to end cleanly and decisively.

After the incident, he entrusted the snow eagle to a Feather Race hunter in a nearby village. Later, he entrusted it to Princess Dafulin to take care of the Sheltered Valley base, and after the war, he handed it over to Stanton.

After all, he had eaten someone's carrier pigeon—the pigeon could not be brought back to life, but returning a new bird was still a token of his goodwill.

Stanton really liked the snow eagle and named it Xueya.

The paper was unrolled, and the handwriting on it was extremely messy, written in standard shorthand. At first glance, it looked like a few random, wavy lines drawn by a ghost!

Fortunately, Zijin had already taught Su Ming how to deal with this situation.

"Academy Spell: Elegant Brushstrokes and Refined Ink!"

The spell took effect, and a series of neat and clear words immediately appeared on the originally illegible note.

The report confirms that the ship destroyed was the "Water Nest". Judging from the number of bodies recovered, the Temple of Light's rescue was timely, and the loss of personnel on board was limited, but nearly half of the Sea Eagle Beast were lost.

The report mentions that, in addition to the eight "Dawn Pioneer Class" cruisers known for their firepower, the Light Fleet also confirmed the participation of two magic-specialized warships: the "Thorns of Atonement" and the "Scourge of Absolution".

At this point, the enemy fleet's configuration became clearer, and its possible tactical framework could be roughly deduced.

In addition, Stanton discovered that the Light Fleet had used Grodno Port as a forward supply base, with supply ships coming and going unusually frequently.

Su Ming examined the map and confirmed that Grodno Port was indeed the location where Dafulin had disguised herself as a force and attempted to sail into the sea under the guise of the White Bone Train. The coastline was gentle and the terrain excellent, making it an ideal supply base.

The land distance from the Jishou Tidal Flats is one thousand kilometers... Su Ming calculated the tactical space involved.

The intelligence report concluded by mentioning that due to the ambush by the Silver Dragon, he and Yuya were seriously injured and would be temporarily removed from the front lines. However, the situation was not serious, so there was no need to worry. At the same time, to avoid leading the enemy towards the Pious Widow," they chose to escape in the opposite direction.

Su Ming understood; this was why the report needed to be delivered using the Snow Eagle, instead of through the "Pious Widow" communication array as before.

Su Ming quickly wrote a brief note, "Understood, take good care of your injuries!"

He carefully tied the letter to the snow eagle's leg, then gently tossed it into the air.

****

At the Pansy Restaurant, the egg supply for lunch today was exceptionally abundant. Not only were the plates piled high with various kinds of scrambled eggs, but everyone was also given an extra boiled egg.

Many trainees were puzzled and discussed it extensively.

"Did the chefs smash up the egg storage shelves?"

Su Ming glanced at Stacy, who responded with a gesture that indicated "everything is taken care of."

After getting her food, she picked up her tray and met up with Su Ming, and together they went into the small dining room on the side.

"The preparation of microorganisms is within the research scope of the Necromancer system, not to mention the technical guidance you provide." As she spoke, she released a silencing barrier.

"If this kind of thing gets out of control, the consequences will be immeasurable," Su Ming sighed.

"You're not worried about the psoriasis virus itself, but about us, right?" Stacy raised an eyebrow and retorted. "It seems you haven't read my academic papers." She spoke with a self-deprecating smile, "The necromancer class has always been at the forefront of the fight against disease. Many major plagues in history were ultimately resolved thanks to necromancers analyzing their transmission mechanisms and characteristics. It's just... the world only sees the healers performing healing spells on stage."

Su Ming immediately realized his narrow-mindedness and sincerely apologized to Stacy.

"President, Professor Stacy has authored hundreds of groundbreaking works on combating various plagues," a student who works with Stacy explained to Su Ming. "It is based on her research that the healers have been able to develop corresponding Disease Removal Spell."

Su Ming's hand holding the spoon trembled slightly. He instantly thought of something, "You're ranked fourth on the wanted list. Could it be because the Temple of Light is trying to erase your achievements and steal your credit?!"

"Binggo!" Stacy snapped her fingers. "In the Divine Might Prison, I was 'given special treatment' by having my own laboratory. They allowed me to continue my research so they could continue their public displays of power." She continued, "That's why I was able to maintain and manage that virus repository."

"So, this is where the psoriasis virus strain used this time came from?" Su Ming asked.

"Of course," Stacy replied.

Su Ming nodded. "How are the follow-up plans coming along?"

"If the salicylic acid and coal tar you mentioned are effective," Stacy replied, "We can use these medications to suppress the symptoms first, and then use specific healing magic to eradicate them completely. As long as Yinfei isn't around, I'm absolutely confident I can handle this group of sick silver Silver Dragon."

"Let's give it a try." Su Ming couldn't be sure of its effectiveness either, "After all, there aren't any real dragons for us to use as clinical trials."

Overall, the problem shouldn't be too serious, since there's still Zijin as a backup. For some reason, the Scholar's currently unlocked Divine Favor Scepter has a trait that greatly amplifies the effectiveness of healing diseases.

Some special healing techniques can only be performed using the Divine Favor Scepter.

Stacy was also astonished, believing that the god of the planes must have been blind.

"This is the biggest satirical comedy of the year." She had absolutely no idea how to express the absurdity. "Belladonna has actually activated the healing form of the Divine Favor Scepter!"

"Zijin herself is furious," Su Ming said, unable to suppress a laugh. "I feel that if it weren't for the fact that it was impossible to dismantle, she would have smashed the Divine Favor Scepter on the spot—I don't even dare to mention this to her face now."

A familiar hand pressed down on Su Ming's shoulder from behind.

"So Zijin was this cute before!" Su Ming immediately changed the subject.

Stacy burst out laughing uncontrollably.

****

In the afternoon, at Su Ming's summons, the final key components of the Pansy's propulsion system—two propulsion pods—were finally transferred.

A large number of undead creatures jumped into the icy seawater and struggled to drag the heavy pods, installing them into the large holes pre-drilled at the stern of the ship.

The necromancers swiftly cast spells to complete the support, reinforcement, and watertight sealing of the pod. The mechanical installation team then began connecting the thick power cables to the frequency converter and the cooling pipes to the cooling pump system, carrying out the final hardware installation.

As the sun began to set, the connection of the power supply and cooling pipes was finally completed.