Water Magician

Editor: Tseirp

It was the fifteenth day.

“Yesterday... we weren’t attacked.”

“Yeah...”

Today, Ryo and Abel were on the upper deck.

Neither of them was reading; they were sitting and drinking coffee.

They knew that Marine Commander Rajaton would be coming to explain things later, so a large ice table had been set up, and coffee had been made in a larger-than-usual coffee press.

Just as they took their second sip, Marine Commander Rajaton and Guard Captain Bansox arrived and sat down.

Rajaton let out a big sigh.

A mix of fatigue from not understanding the situation and relief from passing through a critical point without incident.

“Here, please have some coffee, Rajaton-san, Bansox-san.”

Ryo offered them the special blend coffee from the Blue Jade Inn.

“Thank you.”

“Oh, it looks delicious.”

Rajaton and Bansox accepted the coffee happily and took their first sip.

“Ahh...”

A satisfied sigh escaped their lips simultaneously.

Ryo felt content watching that scene.

“I feel like the ship’s speed has slowed down a bit today.”

Abel commented.

Indeed, compared to yesterday, the ship seemed slower.

“Oh, yeah. In this part of the route towards the capital, we face a headwind. Of course, we can move forward using wind magic, but it is slower compared to having a tailwind.”

“I see, so that’s how it is.”

Rajaton explained, and Abel nodded.

“When we have a tailwind, we proceed using only the wind caught by the sails without using wind magic... it’s faster that way. The power of nature is great.”

Rajaton added with a smile.

At that moment.

The sound of bells echoed through the fleet.

“What is that?”

Abel asked, and Ryo looked around.

The bells were coming from the escort ship ahead of the fleet.

“An attack? Here?”

Rajaton muttered as he stood up and shouted.

“Prepare for an enemy attack! Marines to the upper deck!”

“Damn! Okay, guards to the upper deck too!”

Bansox also shouted.

He then turned towards Captain Dao and shouted.

“Dao, as planned!”

“Understood! ”

Captain Dao shouted back.

They could hear Dao shouting orders to her subordinates.

“Protect the princess in the captain’s cabin. The guards will handle it.”

They had pre-arranged procedures for such scenarios.

Finally, Bansox turned to Ryo and Abel and said,

“If the Suje Kingdom soldiers board, we need your help. Fight with us.”

“Of course.”

“Leave it to us.”

Both Abel and Ryo nodded without hesitation.

By then, the table and chairs were already gone.

This place would soon become a battlefield.

Ryo looked around.

But the enemy appeared only from the front.

Naturally.

There were no suitable islands around to hide ambushes.

They had thought they wouldn’t be attacked because of this...

However, being between large islands meant the sea was not very wide.

It wasn’t narrow enough to be called a strait, but...

In other words, unless there was a magic bombardment from land, they didn’t have to worry about an attack from the side.

Only from the front or back.

It would have been difficult for the enemy to come around from behind too.

So, for now.

They only needed to pay attention to the front...

Ryo leaned forward from the bow of the Bashteek, looking ahead.

Abel, Guard Captain Bansox, and Captain Dao, who had finished giving orders, also came running up behind him.

“What is that...?”

It was a mutter from someone.

Finally, they could clearly see the enemy fleet approaching from the front. The ships were very different from the escort ships of the Manyamya stationed fleet.

And, of course, different from the Bashteek.

“Are those... oars sticking out from the ship? A galley ship?”

To Ryo, it looked like a galley ship.

But there were supposed to be no galleys in the Central Countries or even in this archipelago region...

Captain Dao was surprised by Ryo’s mutter.

“Galley...could it be a galley ship? A ship that became obsolete over four hundred years ago.”

“Eh? Captain Dao, do you know what that is?”

“Ryo-san, you mentioned galley ship, didn’t you?”

“Yes... they supposedly existed in my homeland a long time ago...I’ve never actually seen one though.”

On Earth, the Battle of Lepanto was almost the last naval battle involving galleys.

Galleys were unsuitable for high seas with rough waves.

They were limited to enclosed seas like the Mediterranean and the Baltic Sea, where Vikings roamed.

Well, this archipelago region did have many islands, so the waves were quite calm.

“In the past, when wind magic wasn’t as common as it is now, and when slavery existed, these ships were used as warships.”

“Oh...I’ve heard of them. They were ships that relied on slaves to function, right? Why would anyone revive such ships now?”

Captain Dao explained, and Bansox nodded, recalling what he had heard.

“Isn’t it incredibly fast?”

Abel murmured.

“Indeed, they have a tailwind, but... they’re unbelievably fast. Are they using galleys to increase speed? Their masts and sails are as large as modern ships.”

Bansox replied, nodding.

“It’s more like a galleass than a galley? Compared to a Venetian galleass...it’s incredibly sleek. It defies the conventional wisdom that galleasses are slow.”

Ryo murmured, but no one responded to his comment.

As they didn’t understand it.

Naturally. After all, Venetian galleasses aren’t common knowledge... they’re ships filled with romance!

“We’re going to collide!”

Just as Ryo said this, five galleass ships from the Suje Kingdom collided with the lead escort ship of the transport fleet.

Before the collision, arrows, and magic were launched at the galleass ships from the transport fleet, but they seemed to have no effect.

“They’ve stopped moving?”

Bansox muttered.

“There are two tactics for galley ships. Boarding and ramming. Given their speed, it’s the latter. Ramming...a ram attack. The purpose of a ram attack is simple...”

The galleass ships began to back away.

Not as fast as they charged, but still at considerable speed.

“They’re rowing backward with wind magic.”

“They move pretty quickly both forward and backward.”

Ryo observed, and Abel agreed.

As the galleass ships retreated, the transport fleet’s vanguard experienced a sudden change.

“Oh no...they’re starting to sink.”

“The goal of a ram attack is to create a hole in the ship.”

Ryo said bitterly in response to Bansox’s observation.

Galleys and galleass ships have a ram at their bow.

A sharp, underwater protrusion.

They charge at high speed, driving the ram into the enemy ship to create a hole and sink it.

That’s a ram attack.

Uh? How to prevent it?

Basically, there’s no way.

The only solution is to strike before being struck.

Of the five galleass ships that launched the ram attack, one couldn’t retract its ram and was engaging in a boarding battle, throwing ropes to the enemy ship.

Four galleass ships from the Suje Kingdom were retreating.

But behind them, more ships from the Suje Kingdom were approaching.

These weren’t galleass ships but looked similar to the escort ships of the Manyamya stationed fleet.

No oars.

However, they were likely using wind-attribute magic in addition to the tailwind.

Moving quickly past the retreating galleass ships.

Without slowing down, they moved to the outer edges of the transport fleet.

“Defensive formation!”

“Prepare for boarding!”

Voices shouted from the ships on the wings of the transport fleet, including the Bashteek.

However...

“They’re not boarding, just passing through?”

Bansox said suspiciously.

Captain Dao seemed to share his confusion. Tilting her head slightly.

“They intend to circle behind us.”

“A flanking maneuver...”

Abel said, and Ryo murmured.

The Suje Kingdom’s navy moved quickly.

Some ships in the transport fleet noticed their intent but were flanked before they could react.

“We’re surrounded.”

Abel muttered. Bansox, Captain Dao, and Ryo all nodded.

But the fleet behind didn’t attack.

They just lined up in an orderly fashion.

“If we try to escape, they’ll chase us?”

“Probably. The main force is in front.”

Bansox replied to Captain Dao’s open question.

“They’re peeling us like an onion...”

“Huh?”

Abel looked puzzled at Ryo’s murmur.

Though he could see from Ryo’s expression that he wasn’t making a frivolous remark...

“They peel us layer by layer from the outside. When surrounded, everyone except the outermost layer becomes a reserve force. Unable to join the fight. The first step in tactics is to avoid creating reserves, but we failed right from the start.”

“I get what you mean.”

“The Suje Kingdom’s navy will place its main force in front, and sink the transport fleet one by one. They will simply repeat this process, sinking any ships that come out to meet them head-on. Like peeling an onion layer by layer. Until they reach the core.”

“So, the Bashteek is the core of the onion, huh?”

Abel nodded at Ryo’s explanation.

The Suje Kingdom’s navy goal was simple.

And their strategy was simple too.

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Because there’s little room for confusion.

“We’ve been on the defensive from the start... if we don’t do something, the situation will remain dire.”

“Indeed.”

Four ships of the transport fleet that took the initial ram attack were sinking, taking on water through the holes below the waterline.

The crew and marines were jumping into the sea, swimming to other ships.

These seamen were resilient.

In fact, human casualties might be minimal.

However, there was one galleass ship, unable to retract its deeply embedded ram.

And it had engaged in a boarding battle with the escort ship from the transport fleet...

A brutal fight was unfolding on the deck.

“It can’t be helped, but...the morale of the marines and the escort ship crew...”

“Yeah, they’re trying to muster their courage, but it’s tough.”

Ryo and Abel exchanged their opinions in low voices.

Up until yesterday, they had been under immense tension, relieved that there was no attack. And now, today...they were attacked.

To make matters worse, they were caught off guard.

Sunk by unfamiliar ships, and boarded by elite enemies...

It would be difficult for anyone not to waver under such circumstances.

At that moment, Ryo and Abel noticed a commotion spreading from the stern of the Bashteek.

Bansox and Captain Dao turned around as well...

“Princess?”

They muttered in unison.

Princess Iliaja walked slowly towards the bow of the ship.

The bow was high and curved upwards.

Both the bow and stern were higher than the center part of the ship.

Though the ratio was smaller compared to the previous generation of ships like carracks, standing at the bow of a galleon made her visible to the other ships.

“I cannot remain in a safe place while you all fight for me.”

“But, Princess...”

The one trying to stop her was Rajaton, the marine commander who had followed her.

“That position is clearly visible from other ships. You’ll be targeted.”

“I understand that. But still...”

The crew of the other ships began to notice Princess Iliaja standing at the bow of the Bashteek.

“Princess!” Princess Iliaja! Voices echoed to the Bashteek.

On some ships, people were even kneeling...

Naturally, the exiles from the Suje Kingdom, who had followed her, were already on their knees.

“If exposing myself raises morale, then I wish to stay here.”

Princess Iliaja’s voice wasn’t loud.

And this was a battlefield.

They were unquestionably the elite.

As the name ‘Assault Corps’ suggests, they were a unit meant to charge at the forefront and spearhead attacks.

However, in this battle, they were stationed on the flagship.

This was solely due to the orders of Admiral Rockday, the commander of the raiding fleet.

Assault Corps Commander Monrashou petitioned repeatedly.

For his unit to be at the front line.

If not, at least allow them to be part of the unit charging the ship carrying Princess Iliajah.

But Admiral Rockday dismissed this suggestion.

Admiral Rockday wasn’t well-regarded by other naval units and departments, despite the loyalty of his direct subordinates.

Was it because his appearance seemed weak by the standards of sea-faring men?

Or because, though he had a high success rate, his strategies often appeared cunning and stingy?

Or perhaps it was because he consistently kept his flagship at the rear during fleet battles?

While there were tactical reasons for his actions, his approach starkly contrasted with the daring spirit preferred by sailors...

Maybe that’s why.

The decision to station the First Assault Corps on the flagship drew various whispers and criticism.

The most common whispers included...

“He’s always at the rear, yet he places the elite Assault Corps there...what’s that cowardly admiral thinking?”

“Does he expect the flagship to become a battleground? Just like a coward!”

However, the flagship did indeed become a battleground.

“Prepare for interception!”

The voice of Assault Corps Commander Monrashou rang out.

In response, fifty members of the Assault Corps braced themselves.

Usually, they were the ones who boarded enemy ships.

For this reason, they carried no shields for defense.

They would charge with just a knife or a sword.

Though this time they were defending...their task remained unchanged.

Defeat the enemy.

In any case, they were confident that even the strongest foes would fall before the mightiest Assault Corps!

However, among the opponents this time...was someone they had never encountered before.

The first to emerge from the tunnel was a man wielding a glowing red magic sword.

The sword was evidently too large to wield on a ship.

However...

With a single swing, blood splattered.

Without even crossing swords once, he rendered each Assault Corps member incapable of combat.

“So strong...”

Whose voice uttered those words?

His swordsmanship was unfamiliar, his movements unseen before, and he wore...a smile.

Abel was likely not a battle maniac.

He wasn’t...but neither would he despair when caught in trouble.

Rather, he was the type to rejoice.

In this respect, he was undoubtedly more suited to being an adventurer than a king.

And if he could make use of the sword skills he had honed since childhood, his joy would only increase.

He never laughed maniacally like the djinn.

He wasn’t like a certain water-attribute magician who smiled during sword fights.

Yet...a smile would naturally appear...

He was a born swordsman.

Anyone watching could understand that his sword was no ordinary weapon.

“I’ll take on that magic swordsman. Handle the ones who came afterward!”

Commander Monrashou of the Assault Corps said as he positioned himself in front of Abel with his sword drawn.

“Oohh...”

Abel inadvertently voiced his impression of Monrashou’s presence.

Just by standing before him, Monrashou conveyed an aura entirely different from other foes.

“Bansox! This one looks strong. I’m counting on you for the rest!”

“Understood!”

Abel shouted without taking his eyes off his opponent.

Bansox, the Guard Captain, glanced at the man facing Abel and shouted back.

Chaos spread across the flagship’s deck, which wasn’t as spacious as the Bashteek’s.

“I’ve never heard of marines like you in the Manyamya stationed fleet. You’re not among the princess’s guards either. Who are you?”

“You know? If you’re asking someone’s name, they say it’s polite to introduce yourself first.”

Abel replied with a laugh to Commander Monrashou’s question.

“Hmph, interesting. I am Monrashou, Commander of the Suje Kingdom’s Central Navy First Assault Corps. Now. Who are you?”

“My name is Abel.”

“...Is that all?”

“Yeah... That’s right. If you want to know more, ask with your sword.”

“Very well. I’ll ask with my sword!”

With his words, Monrashou charged.

He crouched low...and his sword attacked Abel from below.

Clang, clang, clang.

Monrashou wielded a straight sword that was too long to be a knife but too short to be a sword.

While shorter than a typical sword, it was difficult to leverage against a swordsman.

However, it surpassed in one aspect.

That was attack speed.

Especially the speed of consecutive strikes.

The rapid consecutive attacks astonished even Abel.

(Color me surprised. I thought he was strong just by standing before me... I’ll be done for if I let my guard down.)

The sword fight began with Monrashou’s attacks and Abel’s defense.

Monrashou, with his fast short weapon, took the initiative.

However...

(What’s with this guy? Is he a monster? )

Commander Monrashou, unleashing his consecutive attacks, felt despair before Abel’s perfect defense.

Even an amateur could recognize exceptional offense.

However, it took an expert to recognize remarkable defense.

Abel could perfectly receive all of Monrashou’s attacks.

And he did so with ease.

Though Monrashou attacked and Abel defended, it was the attacking Monrashou who felt an overwhelming pressure.

“Once you engage in fulfilling training after a long time, and are thrown into a battlefield that sharpens you whether you like it or not, you can return to being a swordsman. Ryo was right; skills don’t deteriorate.”

Abel said with an upturned mouth.

“A man of such skill...what were you before returning to being a swordsman?”

“A king.”

Abel replied clearly and confidently to Monrashou’s question.

However...it seemed the message didn’t fully get across.

“A king...are you claiming to be the Sword King? Don’t be ridiculous!”

Monrashou inexplicably erupted in anger.

Abel didn’t know why Monrashou was angry, but he figured it was good enough that he had disrupted Monrashou’s composure.

Disrupting an opponent’s composure is the basic of basics in one-on-one combat.

Abel recalled a certain water-attribute magician saying that with delight.

Naturally, the angered party launched an attack.

Abel carefully received the attack.

It wasn’t that he had no choice but to defend.

He intentionally allowed Monrashou to attack to grasp Monrashou’s sword paths.

This was a technique commonly employed by experts after robbing an opponent of their composure.

The reason for grasping it.

Of course, it was for...

Clang.

Abel’s counterattack struck, and Monrashou’s sword was knocked away.

“Ah!

A voice slipped from Monrashou’s lips.

Abel prepared to deliver a finishing blow...

But!

Sensing something, Abel turned to his right rear.

What he saw was a stone spear.

The spear deeply pierced Abel.

He was blown backward.

Crushing a wooden crate, and more crates fell onto him.

“Rockday, don’t interfere!”

Commander Monrashou shouted.

Instantly understanding who was responsible.

“Even so... if you were to die, Lord Kabui would scold me severely.”

Stepping out from the shadows was a middle-aged man who was neither very tall nor muscular, and didn’t appear at all capable in individual combat.

His face was unremarkable, one that might be considered average at best, unlikely to attract any fanatical female admirers...

However, his attire was of fine quality.

That alone indicated a high status.

Indeed, he held a very high position.

The highest in this fleet. The admiral commanding the fleet.

He was Admiral Rockday, the fleet commander.

Commander Monrashou retrieved his fallen sword.

Then he asked.

“Is he dead?”

“It pierced his throat, chest, abdomen, and both legs.”

“In an instant, five stone spears... Magicians are indeed terrifying.”

Commander Monrashou muttered, frowning at Admiral Rockday’s response.

“I believe there are far more terrifying magicians on the enemy side than me.”

Admiral Rockday said, gazing at the 200-meter ice bridge extending to his ship.

“Indeed, you’re right...”

Commander Monrashou nodded in agreement.

“Rather than alchemy. It’s likely magic, but...for such a grand spell, how many water-attribute magicians are required... The magician who orchestrated such a massive spell must be one of the leading magicians of the Archipelago region.”

“But...I’ve never heard of such a water-attribute magician?”

“Yeah. Neither have I. That’s why it’s terrifying. The fact that the Komakyuta Principality harbors such talent unknown to us.”

“True enough.”

Commander Monrashou nodded deeply at Admiral Rockday’s words.

It meant that they were severely lagging in information warfare.

“Those three months indeed took a toll...”

At the moment Admiral Rockday said that.

Rustle.

The two, whose eyes were on the ice bridge, were slow to understand what had happened.

By the time they realized it was the sound of a crate being moved...

Monrashou’s right arm had been severed.

And with a returning stroke, his left arm as well.

“Ughaa!”

Monrashou groaned involuntarily.

The red shadow didn’t stop there...

“Ugh...”

The sword deeply pierced Admiral Rockday’s abdomen.

Abel, who had thrust the sword, was also bleeding significantly from his right side and right thigh.

“The armor that I just had repaired has more holes again...”

His words were light, but his expression was stern.

One could even say he was angry.

Indeed, Abel was angry.

If asked whether he had let his guard down when attacked by magic...he had to admit he might have.

Therefore...

He was angry with himself.

The gaping holes in his abdomen and leg were his penance.

“You made me pay a steep price.”

Glaring down at the man who had cast the spell, his sword still embedded.

He spoke.

“Hey, magician. You’re wearing fine clothes, so you must be of high status, right? Where’s the fleet commander?”

“Haha... Do you think I’d answer that?”

“Yeah, probably not.”

With those words, Abel slightly twisted the sword embedded in the man.

“Ughhaah”

A groan escaped Rockday’s mouth.

“Sorry. I dislike torture, but I need to end this battle quickly. Even at this moment, both enemies and allies are dying. So, I’ll ask again, where is the fleet commander?”

“I don’t know.”

Rockday replied to Abel’s words with a faint smile.

“I see. Then you’re unnecessary. Die.”

With that, Abel withdrew his sword.

He prepared to sever the man’s head.

“Wait!”

The shout came from Commander Monrashou, lying on the deck with severed arms.

“Stop it, Monrashou!”

Rockday shouted.

He realized that Monrashou was about to reveal his identity.

“Rockday, you can’t die now! The future of our country depends on Lord Kabui. You are his right hand.”

Abel listened silently to Monrashou’s words.

He roughly understood from the content...

“That magician is the commander of this fleet, Admiral Rockday.”

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