At first, it was just a thin black line on the horizon.
But as ti passed and the sun crawled across the blue sky, the line began to thicken and stretch, slowly taking on shape and weight.
By midday, the illusion was gone. The line had broken apart into distinct forms. There were dozens of ships at first. Then over two hundred, spreading across the sea in tight formation.
The dark hulls cut through the water in unison, sails drawn and steady, giving the impression of a single, advancing mass rather than separate vessels. The Sumr Sea itself seed crowded, as if it could barely contain them.
The Magi of Amberfall stood along the walls and towers, watching in tense silence. They had never witnessed such a scene in their lives. One could even argue that no one in the history of the city ever had.
Their eyes remained fixed on the horizon, but their composure had begun to slightly shift. So adjusted their stance, others tightened their grip on the weapons, and a few exchanged brief, uneasy glances. No one could bla them.
The sheer size of the fleet was unsettling. What had been reported to be a large force now revealed itself to be sothing far greater. As the ships grew closer, the sense of distance shrank, and with it dawned a quiet realization among the defending Magi.
They were outnumbered by more than they had prepared for.
Standing at the center of the U-shaped harbor, Edward flexed his shoulder muscles and bounced lightly on his feet. He was itching to fight.
"Still not showing themselves?" He said with a contemptuous sneer.
Beside him stood the Mana Core Magi fighting on behalf of Amberfall. King Maximilian had already returned to the city, preparing for enemies that would attack from the north.
To Edward's left stood Anna and Balthazar, and to his right stood Virion and Bunosilo.
Adam's tily ssage had alleviated most, if not all, of their worries. Now, not only did they know the enemy Mana Core Magi's true numbers, but they also knew that powerful allies were coming soon to help them.
In tough tis, hope alone could beco the greatest of weapons.
"Edward, will you do the honors?" Anna said in an even voice, her solemn gaze glued to the horizon.
"With pleasure." Edward's lips curled into a confident smirk.
The enemy had chosen to hide the number of Mana Core Magi among their ranks in order to apply psychological pressure on their enemies. Although that tactic turned out to be futile now that the Amberfall Magi knew their exact numbers.
Still, they were heavily outnumbered. The Haynam Empire had sent four Mana Core Magi, all of them Necromancers of the Cult. aning, each of them had two Rank 4 undead knights and a large horde of unkillable monsters at their command.
anwhile, Amberfall only had six Mana Core Magi. Yet, they bravely faced the enemy, nevertheless.
With a simple hand seal, Edward jumped off the edge and landed firmly on the surface of the water. His figure did not plunge into the waters, however. It swayed with the ebb and flow of the waves.
"Rember the plan," Anna's voice echoed in his ears. "And don't get cocky."
"I know, I know." Edward resisted the urge to roll his eyes. But he understood her concerns.
He bent slightly, lowering his upper body as he got into a position to run. Blue lightning crackles around him, and once again, Edward felt like the world around him had slowed down considerably. Lightning streaked through his muscles and bones and organs.
A groan involuntarily escaped his lips, along with hot steam. At that mont, his surroundings faded away, and his gaze carried several kiloters and landed on the incoming enemy fleet.
"I am speed," he murmured.
"I am lightning. I am the bringer of storms."
And then, lightning crackled, and he disappeared from his spot.
Virion and Bunosilo were still looking at the place he was just standing, wondering if the youth had teleported. But they hadn't seen him weave and hand seals, so they thought he must have most likely used an artifact.
Anna, too, was staring at the spot where Edward had just been with light incredulity. Truth be told, he had simply disappeared from her vision. And she knew it wasn't teleportation. Just pure speed.
In that mont, she had this feeling that Edward might very well be faster than even the Dark King!
Only Balthazar looked normal, compared to the rest. He was aware of Edward's true powers, for he had sparred with him several tis in the recent past. However, instead of staring at where the youth had been standing, he looked toward where he was going to be.
No more than three seconds had passed since Edward disappeared, when
suddenly...
THUNDER!!!
An explosion of blue erupted in the middle of the ocean. The people at the harbor turned toward the source of the sound, and thier eyes trembled in
disbelief.
Within those three seconds, Edward had already crossed the great distance and struck the warship at the forefront of the enemy's fleet. Not only that, but he also went on to destroy five more ships in a straight line. The force of his attack was akin to the devastating force of lightning.
The mont the Storm King had drawn first blood, the rest of the Mana Core Magi standing in the harbor took flight and rapidly flew toward the ships.
Anna turned and looked at Marlow, who, for all intents and purposes, was the commander of Amberfall's army.
"Don't die, sweet brother."
Marlow, who was still reeling from the shock of what had just transpired, turned to the crimson-haired princess and gaped at her for a mont. But then, he snorted. "Get lost already."
Anna chuckled. She turned and was about to follow behind her allies when
Marlow suddenly called out to her.
"Hey, Anna."
The princess turned to him with an arched brow.
"Don't die, okay?" Marlow said in a soft voice.
Anna smiled fondly. She offered a faint nod before flying away, leaving behind
her parting words.
"I'll try not to."
anwhile, far into the distance, amid the wrecked ships and floating corpses, Edward stood proudly with lightning flickering across his body.
Enemies had surrounded him. Among them were Mana Core Magi as well as
Rank 4 undead knights, glaring at him with open hostility and rage.
But the Storm King only smiled and said:
"So who's going to dance with ?"
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