Chapter 173: The Glory of the Invincible Armada
A nation’s strength lies in its economic power.
Among the various nations on the Eura Continent, it was the naval superpower Castilia in the southernmost region that first recognized this truth.
Only about two years ago, during the time when the superpower Germania intensified its invasion efforts to conquer the entire Eura Continent, the Castilia Kingdom did not merely watch from the sidelines. While conceding the land to the Germania Empire, Castilia claimed dominion over the vast seas, the nurturing embrace of the Mother Siren.
The grand maritime enterprise consumed a significant portion of Castilia’s national resources. As the threat from Germania grew, Castilia pushed its fleet further into the boundless ocean.
Through the Siren Sea, Castilia established numerous colonies on the southern continent of Afri, and via the Adorea Sea to the west, it revitalized trade with the Papal State of Ravenna, the Pulpolis City-State Alliance, and the Anatolia Empire.
The immense wealth brought by maritime commerce elevated Castilia to become the wealthiest nation on the Eura Continent.
Abundant maritime power translates directly into military strength. No matter how large the Germania Empire’s army is, Castilia’s naval forces excel in logistical capabilities.
Even if an invading force seeks provisions from enemy territory, there are limits. The larger the army, the longer the supply lines stretch, leading to exhaustion. Eventually, foreign campaigns stall.
In contrast, naval vessels with superior transport capacity swiftly ferry troops and supplies to various ports. It is Castilia, ruling the seas, that will ultimately secure victory.
Ferdinand, the hikikomori king who orchestrates world affairs from his study, is a rare and exceptional ruler. He prophesied that their grand strategy would steadily progress. Victory lies within the grasp of the Invincible Armada, beloved by the goddess. However…
In the flagship command room of the Invincible Armada, aboard the galley-like warship ‘Principe de Auturias’, Fleet Admiral Fiderico sits, his rich golden hair streaked with white, meticulously compiling a report to submit to His Majesty.
As the decisive fleet battle with Silesie approaches, I continue to write diligently. Yet, if this ship were to sink, it would become mere debris on the sea.
That’s precisely why Admiral Fiderico, known for his meticulous habits, reviewed the detailed reports on past battles. Writing in the ship’s log became both a routine and a prayer for victory.
With that done, he takes a moment to savor the bitter coffee. This coffee, transported from the ancient Anatolia Empire at the western edge, is a delicacy. Fiderico pairs it with a moderately sweet chocolate torte sprinkled with cocoa powder and black sugar. The prized cocoa beans come from a distant island in southern Afri, while the black sugar hails from the Papal State of Ravenna.
The opulence of Castilia is evident. Abundant resources adorn Castilia tables, positioned as the hub of global trade.
As for the United Kingdom of Britannia, which controls only a small part of the North Sea, it resembles a scavenging shark, seizing profits wherever it can. Other naval powers on the Eura continent pose no threat as long as Castilia reigns over the Siren Sea.
However, events unfolded unexpectedly.
Silesie, once a populous agricultural nation on the Eura continent, had fallen into decay and weakness after the past two centuries of glory. It was on the verge of being absorbed into the Germania Empire.
At that time, Castilia had considered annexing a small portion of Silesie’s territory.
But then, the aged Silesie rose to prominence thanks to the appearance of the hero, Sawatari Takeru. They triumphed in a decisive battle against the Germania Empire.
From there, Castilia’s calculations went awry.
Initially, it seemed advantageous. Silesie, now a contender, faced internal strife. Castilia aimed to exploit the economic chaos leading to the Germania Empire’s collapse and, in the process, swallow up the United Kingdom of Britannia.
However, contrary to expectations, the internal strife within the Silesie Kingdom did not lead to its collapse.
Almost from nothing, King General Sawatari Takeru, the silver-haired enigma, swiftly built a state-of-the-art navy. This dealt a severe blow to Castilia’s Invincible Armada—the very symbol of prosperity.
It was a bolt from the blue.
Having witnessed the power of Silesie’s cannons in the previous naval battle, Admiral Fiderico wondered if the Goddess of Creation had forsaken Castilia.
Yet lamenting to the heavens wouldn’t change anything.
Now in the position of Fleet Admiral, Fiderico had done everything necessary. And no matter what, he intended to win.
Defeat on land might be acceptable.
But Castilia must never falter at sea.
As Fiderico finished his sweet cake with gusto and wiped his mouth with a cloth, a knock echoed.
「Enter.」
「Viscount Kruna, are you here?」
The one who entered was the silver-haired advance mage, Revenant. Despite suffering multiple defeats against Silesie, he always rose again—a tenacious man.
His unconventional fighting style, akin to arcane magic, left Fiderico, a seasoned naval officer, struggling to keep up. Yet he highly valued Revenant’s experience and abilities.
Defeat meant knowing the enemy well. As Fleet Admiral, Fiderico reinstated Revenant, previously demoted, as a land general attached to the fleet.
Against Silesie’s navy, armed with new weapons, conventional strength alone wouldn’t suffice. Fiderico recognized this.
It was also that guy who had shown that he would win over the demons of Afri continents who had become nothing but obstacles to trade. He carried out a bizarre plan, enlisting them as mercenaries.
Once again, Fiderico had raised Revenant from the depths, and the silver-haired mage boasted of a ‘secret strategy for victory’.
「Address me as Fleet Admiral, Revenant. Even though I’ve stepped in as a temporary replacement due to the superior’s demise, I am now responsible for His Majesty Ferdinand’s fleet.」
「My apologies, Fleet Admiral Fiderico Kruna Cruz.」
Revenant’s silver bangs swayed as he bowed politely.
「Transparent flattery won’t do. What brings you here?」
「I’ve brought a refill of coffee.」
The mage Revenant conjured a steaming coffee cup seemingly out of thin air and offered it graciously. It was an eerie sleight of hand, not even magic. Admiral Fiderico, accustomed to the man’s peculiarities, raised an eyebrow and declined the cup with a dismissive, ‘Enough with your tiresome jokes’.
Revenant smirked faintly. Taking a refined sip from the cup, he began his report.
「We’ve spotted Silesie patrol boats and successfully destroyed them.」
「Tell me sooner! Is it finally time?」
Fiderico couldn’t help but rise from his seat. The long-awaited fleet battle was upon them.
「Since we missed a few enemy patrol boats, they now know our position.」
「Good. No avoiding this battle now.」
As Fiderico stood up, he swiftly organized the papers on his desk. Revenant watched the meticulous admiral with a creepy grin.
「Fiderico, it’s fortunate to have an admiral like you leading us into this decisive battle. Your mind is far more flexible than the previous stubborn one.」
Turning to face the voice, Fiderico felt more exasperated than flattered. His predecessor had been a capable and daring admiral but leaned toward conservatism.
Chastising the late commander’s honor was, in principle, a disrespectful statement. Yet Fiderico chuckled and let Revenant’s presumptuous remark slide.
Originally, he knew he was this kind of man, so it’s no surprise now.
Despite working tirelessly, his sharp tongue has made this eccentric mage unpopular among the nobles. Even so, they begrudgingly acknowledge his talent.
Fiderico is not even suspicious that his predecessor, who dislikes the creepy Revenant and refuses to put him back in the field as a general, ‘died in the battle’ when it’s most convenient for Revenant.
Rather than being open minded, it was a testament to the fleet admiral’s kindness.
「Being praised by the enigmatic mage Revenant doesn’t exactly thrill me, but for now, we must set aside discussions of mage factions and nobility. Castilia’s fate rests on this battle.」
「Indeed. I, too, am prepared to stake my life on this fight. Fleet Admiral, please use my power as you see fit. As for me, I’ll do everything within my abilities.」
With a hint of pride, Revenant added, ‘I’ve made all necessary preparations’.
His ‘necessary preparations’ likely reside on this flag ship’s deck, terrifying the crew with otherworldly cries—perhaps some beast from the depths.
Revenant keeps the details hidden, managing the demon’s cage through reptilian attendants. When asked about their plans, they merely smirk and refuse to explain, adhering to the adage, ‘to deceive the enemy, you must deceive your allies first’.
Fiderico forgave all these peculiarities.
After all, they were likely part of a winning strategy.
The use of malevolent demons in battle might not sit well with the Holy Goddess, but war is a human endeavor. May Goddess Asama’s blessings extend even to us, burdened by our sins.
「For the sake of our king, Revenant, give your all. As the fleet’s commander, I may lack strength, but I’ve done everything within my power. Now, I entrust my fate to destiny.」
「Indeed, let us vanquish Silesie’s hero, Sawatari Takeru. Then, this battle shall be Castilia’s victory.」
Revenant’s words always seem a bit off, but a caged bird can’t spread its wings.
Fleet Admiral Fiderico decided to let this man be and left the fleet command room to prepare for the decisive battle.
The fleet showdown with Silesie loomed before them.
Fiderico ascended to the prestigious flagship, the Trinidad, on its deck.
Stepping outside, he was greeted by cloudless skies. The sails billowed with wind, creating a resounding chorus. The weather favored them—a perfect day for battle.
Fiderico adjusted his admiral’s hat against the wind and murmured, ‘May the Holy Goddess bless us…’. Then he straightened his spine and opened his eyes wide.
Brave officers stood in formation on the upper deck, awaiting the Fleet Admiral. With a dignified air, Fleet Admiral Fiderico raised his hand toward them.
The fate of their homeland hung in the balance; the decisive battle was about to begin.
※※※
From the Galley Village near Silesie to the strait stretching toward Britainnia’s Main Island, locals referred to it as the ‘Narrow Sea of High Waves’.
It was an ideal ambush location. According to reports from the scouting boats, they would intercept the Invincible Armada’s path here.
If neither side yielded, a fleet battle was inevitable.
Perhaps this clash would be known as the Narrow Sea Battle. Lost in thought while studying the map, I was interrupted by Admiral Drake at my side.
「King General, it seems the time has come.」
「Yes, the Invincible Armada has arrived.」
Through the telescope, I saw a fleet filling the horizon—an assembly so dense that ships seemed ready to collide. Their precise fleet maneuvers, avoiding collisions, owed to superior steering skills.
The masts of the advancing fleet bear Castilia’s ‘Blood and Gold’ flag—a red field with a golden horizontal stripe.
Though enemies, their fleet maneuvers are flawless and dignified. Truly befitting the Invincible Armada’s reputation.
Despite the formidable armada forging ahead through the waves, we remain undaunted. In fact, I find it amusing that they’ve come all this way to be defeated.
「As King General instructed, we’ll engage the Invincible Armada head-on with a lateral formation.」
「Yes. Once again, we’re downwind… We can’t choose the wind direction, but let’s proceed as planned, Drake.」
Even though these large warships are only around a thousand tons, spotting them amidst the vast ocean is a daunting task. At a distance of twenty nautical miles, they vanish from sight.
If the sea were shrouded in mist, we might pass each other without noticing, even within a few nautical miles.
Before this fleet battle, we should be grateful for the clear weather, courtesy of Asama.
「Can’t be helped, King General. Unfortunately, their fleet maneuvers are superior due to their higher training. But we’re well-prepared in this advantageous position.」
「Exactly.」
Our goal is simple: crush the enemy who traveled all this way from Silesie. The unfavorable wind is a minor concern; in fact, it lured the enemy into our trap.
「Of course, the accuracy of our soldiers firing cannons from the ship matters.」
「Drake, details aside, just consider the cannon range and aim carefully.」
As the Invincible Armada confidently sails straight into the wind, the Silesie fleet maneuvers in a zigzag pattern, adopting the so-called T-shaped formation.
Our forces align sideways to intercept the enemy’s path, delivering full firepower upon their vanguard.
It would be ideal to systematically defeat each enemy ship from the front. However, such intentions are merely theoretical on paper.
The T-shaped formation is straightforward, but fleet coordination and gunnery control are quite challenging. Since our fleet is a makeshift assembly, engaging in real combat requires more than haphazard collisions—it demands strategy.
And yet, the enemy charges forward, fully aware of our long-range advantage. They must be prepared for this.
Perhaps their momentum drives them to break through our fleet’s center, aiming to divide and conquer. Given that we’re downwind due to the unfavorable wind, their central breakthrough strategy makes sense.
If our fleet’s center is breached, devolving into chaotic boarding combat, the Castilia Navy—with its ships brimming with sailors—will prevail. But we won’t allow outdated charges. Our goal is to deal a fatal blow before they can close in.
「Actually, the enemy’s dense formation works in our favor. Let’s startle those Castilia fools with a resounding salvo from our main cannons, King General!」
「You have my trust, Drake. All hands! Prepare for main cannon fire—hold onto something or risk being thrown overboard!」
Drake issues the main cannon fire command with practiced ease. The two Magic Armstrong cannons swivel and unleash their fury toward the center of the Invincible Armada. The ship shudders with a thunderous explosion.
A massive column of water erupts, leaving a gaping hole in the distant enemy fleet. The engulfed large enemy vessels become mere debris on the sea.
This spectacular attack will undoubtedly rattle the enemy, affecting their morale even with a single shot.
For our fleet, it’s an uplifting moment. Cheers echo from every corner of the ship.
The overwhelming power of our main cannons might even make the Invincible Armada of Castilia question their invincibility.
Indeed, the power of these main cannons is impressive, but their recoil is excessively strong.
Firing them consecutively risks capsizing even stable, large Black Cedar warships.
We can manage only one or two shots before engaging the enemy.
For now, they serve as morale-boosting weapons.
The Silesie First Fleet consists of the flagship, a Black Cedar warship (equipped with two Magic Armstrong cannons), two hastily assembled Black Cedar ships (with partial exterior), one Carrack, and four Cogs, along with ten small Galleys—totaling eighteen vessels.
The Silesie Second Fleet, led by pirate chief Mearid, comprises three Carracks, twelve Cogs, and eighty-two large and small Galleys—ninety-seven ships in all.
In total, we have one hundred and fifteen ships. Admittedly, most are aging pirate vessels, so their quality is inferior. Nevertheless, we’ve assembled the numbers. All ships are armed with cannons.
The Black Cedar warship’s ram is made from the massive horn of the divine beast Behemoth.
Rather than considering close combat, we attached it to boost morale.
The Behemoth-hide armor, lightweight yet sturdy with excellent water repellency, is ideal for equipping sailors. However, we pray for resolution before the casualties mount due to the armor’s effectiveness.
Facing us is the unprecedented Invincible Armada of Castilia, consisting of over two hundred and thirty ships, primarily large vessels.
Their decks teemed with combatants skilled in close-quarters naval combat.
Despite losing forty ships, including state-of-the-art Galleons, in the previous Battle of Grace Bay, Castilia’s unfathomable strength has only grown.
Their inexplicable shipbuilding speed likely involves repurposing merchant vessels for military use. Even so, the majority are Carrack-class large ships, making their close combat capabilities formidable.
Even the core naval forces have quietly strengthened. After all, the number of state-of-the-art Galleons has increased from five to seven.
Indeed, the flagship of the Invincible Armada stood out with its exceptionally large oars, resembling a galley line. These were not mere galleons; they were galleasses, combining the maneuverability of oar-powered vessels with the might of Castilia’s advanced shipbuilding techniques—a formidable class of warships.
As we faced the Invincible Armada, their imposing presence reflected Castilia’s unwavering naval pride. The more we fought, the stronger they seemed to become.
「King General, it’s time to commence our standard bombardment. 」
「Very well. Let’s see how much damage we can inflict with concentrated cannon fire. 」
This vast naval battle consumed the open sea. While I had taught basic flag signals to each ship, I knew that expecting intricate fleet maneuvers from the inexperienced Silesie fleet was unrealistic.
Hence, we had prearranged a synchronized volley. Drake’s flagship would fire first, serving as the signal for the other ships to unleash their cannons. The success of this initial salvo hinged on precise timing.
We wouldn’t panic against the overwhelming fleet filling the strait. Instead, we’d draw them in, biding our time until the most opportune moment to unleash our barrage. Drake’s seasoned eye would guide us.
「Fire! 」
From the Black Cedar flagship, cannon fire erupted, iron balls piercing the enemy’s bow. Given the number of large vessels, at least some shots were bound to hit their mark.
「Nicely done! 」
As the flagship’s cannons fired, the rest of our fleet followed suit. A deluge of cannonballs rained down upon the Invincible Armada, creating billowing columns of water and shrouding the enemy vessels in smoke.
While not every shot would find its mark, as long as our barrage served as a protective screen against the enemy, we’d achieved our purpose.
Our crew had little time for repairs, having practiced naval bombardments while maintaining ship functionality. Now, in the heat of battle, our fleet maneuvers were put to the ultimate test.
I wondered what would happen if a stray shot veered toward the day after tomorrow, but for now, this performance was satisfactory. It had been a nerve-wracking experience, but we’d executed it well.
「At this rate, we’ll significantly reduce their numbers. 」
The artillery battle is decided even before the ships collide. If it were a clash of bows, our smaller vessels would be at a significant disadvantage.
Once the enemy breaches our fleet’s core and plunges us into close combat, the advantage of our cannons would be completely nullified. We must secure victory before that point.
「King General, look at the rear! The second fleet of Mearid is in trouble!」
I turned to see, and from a distance, a hauntingly beautiful song reached my ears. It was Celestina’s voice. She sang, ‘Oh, seafaring souls, halt your battle cries and listen to my song~♪’.
Who stops a war with a song? What kind of galactic diva is she?
Amidst the clamor of soldiers’ shouts and the thunderous cannon fire on the battlefield, this abnormality—a woman’s voice—pierced through. Clearly, it carried a potent magical resonance. At this distance, we could resist, but nearby ships were being ensnared and rendered powerless by her magic.
「Celestina’s Fascination Magic, as troublesome as ever. And the distance is too great for us to counter.」
Celestina Siren, the court mage of Castilia, wielded this unique magic. When exposed to its waves, soldiers fell into a charmed state, their minds elsewhere, far from the war.
The second fleet, struck directly by Celestina’s magic, had ceased firing and remained silent. Even the intermediate and novice mages aboard were struggling. Fireball spells, imbued with magic, rained down, setting some ships ablaze.
If we allowed the enemy to board our defenseless fleet, annihilation was inevitable.
「Prime Minister Nicola, can’t we do something?」
I spoke, knowing that the distance between us and the enemy made it nearly impossible. Maneuvering a sailship was cumbersome, especially amidst the crowded fleet. Even if we formed a large-scale counter-magic Dispel field from our flagship, its effective range had limitations.
The enemy has factored that into their calculations, positioning the advanced sorceress Celestina and her mage corps on a ship within the second fleet, as far from our flagship as possible.
It’s frustrating, but the enemy admiral is one step ahead. Their fleet maneuvers are precise, based on a thorough understanding of both our forces’ capabilities.
Though somewhat risky, should we have Are and Kaala transport Prime Minister Nicola’s entire mage corps?
However, that would leave the first fleet vulnerable to magical attacks, and the enemy has Revenant among their ranks…
Even as we deliberate, the second fleet edges closer to annihilation.
In my moment of distress, Prime Minister Nicola, his brown beard fluttering in the sea breeze, chuckled and thumped his chest.
「Fear not, we have a plan. Leave it to us, Your Highness King General!」
「But what’s your strategy, Prime Minister?」
「Behold.」
Nicola presented a massive cluster of magical gemstones, brought by the mages of Silesia.
I’ve visited gemstone mines where precious magical stones were extracted, but never have I seen such a colossal cluster.
At this size, it could be worth a thousand gold coins—or perhaps even more. An invaluable gem that defies pricing. If auctioned, it would fetch an astronomical sum.
Indeed, a giant magic stone could unleash considerable power.
「So, you intend to amplify its magic and expand the range of our counter-magic Dispel field?」
「No, the interference zone of the counter-magic Dispel field cannot be expanded further, regardless of the gem’s magical potency. Allow me to demonstrate.」
Nicola’s mage corps surrounded the gemstone from six directions, their hands forming intricate seals as they began casting the Dispel magic.
The gemstone shimmered with iridescent hues, radiating intense light.
「We’ve anchored the properties of this colossal magic gem to the counter-magic Dispel field. Now, load it into the main cannon and fire it toward the enemy!」
「Ah, I see! By infusing magic into the gemstone and firing it, we’ll deliver a potent counter-magic Dispel field directly at the enemy.」
Prime Minister Nicola beamed with satisfaction. To use nullification magic, typically employed for defense, as an offensive weapon—this was an innovative approach.
Perhaps we could call it the ‘Dispel Magic Cannon’.
「Very well, Drake, I entrust this task to you. Fire this magic gemstone from the main cannon. You know where to aim.」
「Got it. Right at the heart of that wretched song!」
The gemstone, charged with Dispel magic, shot toward the galleon where Celestina likely stood. The Black Cedar fleet’s main cannon, the Magic Armstrong, launched it skyward, and the gemstone burst above the enemy fleet.
Shards of the shattered gemstone scattered, casting a sparkling, multicolored light. They contained the magic of both the enemy mages and Celestina’s fascination. The chaos that had befallen Silesia’s second fleet due to Celestina’s magic soon subsided.
Just in the nick of time, the second fleet regained control, reorganized, and resumed firing upon the approaching enemy.
「However, who would come up with such audacious tactics?」
「Sherry was the mastermind behind this.」
Nicola, rubbing his brown beard as if taking credit, wore the smile of a contented elder.
Indeed, if anyone could conceive this plan, it was Sherry.
Despite lacking magical abilities herself, Sherry possessed an unparalleled genius—able to grasp tenfold from hearing just one. Combining my modern knowledge and the magical expertise she learned from Prime Minister Nicola, devising a new weapon was likely child’s play for her.
Yet the audacity of using a gemstone equivalent to a thousand gold coins so freely, without hesitation, was beyond my frugal nature. It was quintessentially Sherry, the shrewd speculator.
Incredible thinking, but… the extravagance was staggering. I couldn’t help but wonder if that girl would eventually bankrupt herself.