Chapter 121. The Battle, Part 1.
Roku. Island Forty-Three.
The appearance of our green hot air balloons unmistakably signaled which forces had joined the battle. With the news brought by Wan, we had to urgently change plans. So, seven balloons now flew to Waterfall Island to assist the Order, while only three air transports remained with me. Originally, the plan was to drop bombs and leave, but due to the spirits' interference, it's better to finish this quickly so Ozai's forces can help in the main battle.
"Tell one of them to attack the shoreline where the trebuchets are concentrated!" I shouted over the strong wind. "The second one drops a little gift on that battleship!" I pointed at the largest ship, which was now ramming cruisers and frigates without hindrance. "Ours will head to the main Temple of the Sages!"
Due to the slight bad weather, our arrival was delayed a bit. Ideally, we should have dropped the explosives before the battle began, but plans rarely go as intended.
"Don't change course! I'll hold the defense!" I told the others, starting to manipulate pre-prepared stone plates, which became a means to counter the arrows flying at us. "Damn! Where's this range coming from?!"
Apparently, someone on Ozai's side realized we were targeting their enemies, as they began drawing attention to themselves with doubled intensity.
Soon, large wooden crates were dropped from the balloons, containing a more advanced explosive substance—the same one that once collapsed part of Ba Sing Se's upper ring.
The next moment, the air was shaken by a series of powerful explosions. At the epicenter, flames still raged, preventing us from seeing the aftermath. Even our balloons were thrown off course, forcing us to quickly adjust our flight.
"What did they pack in there?!" a stunned crew member asked loudly. More than one person's ears were ringing, and more than one was in shock.
Soon it became clear that more than half of the battleship's hull was severely deformed; its sinking was only a matter of time. Onshore, a massive crater had formed, surrounded by broken trebuchets and ballistae. Of the Temple of the Sages, a multi-tiered pagoda, only the first floor remained.
"Return to base!" I shouted, already climbing over the railings, ready to jump down.