Chapter 568
The assumption that they belonged to the Blue Magic Tower followed naturally. Hadn’t it been said that it was located somewhere in the south?
So, did they march out so boldly because this was a joint operation?
The corner of Ian’s mouth twisted a little more. The fact that the Black Fleet was corrupted would have been no issue for the mages of the magic tower. In fact, since neither side had to hide its true nature, it would have been more convenient for them. Of course, it was unlikely they had joined out of pure goodwill.
They must have been promised a fitting reward, something like the remains of an archdemon or the essence bead of a sea beast.
In any case, seeing them in this state, it was clear that even the magic tower hadn't expected what would happen after Bukikia was consumed by madness.
"What?" Thesaya let out a low gasp.
Ian, following her gaze, also narrowed his eyes slightly.
A blue projectile, shooting out from between the mists, was slamming into the stern of the fleeing smuggling ship. The archipelago's vessel had fired a large crossbow. A blue explosion flashed, and the smuggling ship's hull staggered violently just a moment later.
"They would have been caught soon enough anyway. Why did they fire? Did they find them annoying?" Thesaya murmured, blinking.
Ian clicked his tongue and said, “Or they mean to use them as bait.”
Although it avoided sinking, the smuggling ship's trajectory was now tilting sideways. Its speed, of course, had slowed noticeably.
"If that's the case, they're as vicious as any pointy-ear. Then again, they're corrupted ones, so I suppose it's natural," said Thesaya.