Chapter 573: The Shift in Offensive and Defensive Momentum
On the calm sea surface, several warships were slowly sailing forward.
On the massive "Big Fish," the large iron-plated containers were particularly eye-catching.
Thousands of meters away on the sea, an invisible magical warship was silently floating on the water.
Closing the magical projection before him, Councilor Kaledor withdrew his gaze, a trace of contemplation flickering in his eyes.
That is steel!
He confirmed he had seen correctly—Bay Territory had truly mastered the technology to build ships with steel.
Countless thoughts flashed through Councilor Kaledor's mind.
Grand Arcanist Cronorman.
The Dwarven Kingdom's alchemical technology.
Rare metals and craftsmen from the Gray Dwarves.
Even the magical warship technology of the Ail Elves.
"Hmph, those self-degrading traitors actually traded precious magical warship technology to humans—disgraceful for elves."
Filled with resentment, Echan denounced the Ail Elves' degeneration.
He didn't feel at all that the Cole Elf Kingdom's goal to annihilate the Ail Elves was in any way wrong.
Councilor Kaledor didn't bother with Echan. For these somewhat arrogant youths, he always maintained an indulgent attitude.
The reason was simple: to keep the Cole Elf Kingdom aggressively expansionist.
The education of the new generation of elves had to include some overt subjective coloring.
This was something the Council tacitly approved this year and had proven highly effective over centuries of expansion.
As for whether this might cause the young elves to become arrogant and sow future disaster, the Elven Council wasn't too concerned.
With the Council's suppression and the long lifespan's room for cognitive growth and adjustment,
These once arrogant young elves would mature in time.
By then, they would naturally understand the Council's painstaking intentions.
What worried Councilor Kaledor most was whether Bay Territory's steel warships would present a combat advantage over the Cole Elf Kingdom's magical warships.
If these steel warships truly posed a threat,
Then he must obtain the production data and technology of the steel ships and study them immediately.
Either to find weaknesses or to develop countermeasures.
At that moment, a communication message arrived in Councilor Kaledor's hands.
"Bay Territory has deployed 5,000 navy soldiers to accompany them?"
Kaledor instinctively glanced over and, noticing the bulging shape of the Big Fish, immediately understood.
"Bay Territory is using the pretext of transporting goods to secretly mobilize naval soldiers?"
"What is their goal? To develop islands further south? Or to ambush pirate fleets of the Wokou?"
Considering various possibilities, Kaledor scrutinized the map on the wall.
Trying to deduce Bay Territory's true objective.
He had a vague feeling that if he could uncover Bay Territory's goal, he could formulate a targeted plan.
If they could destroy or trap these 5,000 navy soldiers,
It would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to retake Fishing Island and block Bay Territory's overseas expansion.
Having witnessed Bay Territory's operational style and the explosive productivity after transforming Fishing Island,
Kaledor believed Bay Territory's development potential was no less than that of the Karl Family, a major Arcanist house.
If Matthew took another step and became a Transcendent Arcanist or even a Grand Arcanist,
Then Bay Territory's threat to the Cole Elf Kingdom would reach unimaginable heights.
After all, the assassination actions by the Shadow Council had already cemented an irreconcilable hatred between the two sides.
With this in mind, Kaledor sent a magical message to the mysterious informant:
"Find out Bay Territory's transport fleet's purpose!"
After sending the message, Kaledor calmly observed the incoming combat intel about the Wokou pirates.
"The modified warriors have acted several times with zero casualties, not just due to their strong recovery abilities..."
Kaledor's view on the modified warriors was gradually shifting.
Echan, who was staring at Bay Territory's transport fleet from afar, noticed Kaledor deep in thought. His eyes lit up as he tentatively asked:
"Should we mobilize our forces and launch an attack now?"
In Echan's view, as long as they destroyed Bay Territory's fleet, there was no need for elaborate schemes.
Kaledor glanced at him and nodded with a smile:
"You can give it a try. Consider it a trial for your promotion as a candidate councilor."
"You may contact two Wokou pirate fleets and command them under standard mercenary terms."
Hearing this, Echan's eyes lit up. He was immediately moved and swiftly began contacting and organizing.
Echan had it all figured out: even if they failed, it would just cost a bunch of cannon fodder. It wouldn't affect his position.
But if they succeeded, he would surely get credit.
Naturally, Echan, brimming with confidence, felt there was no way he could lose.
His arrogance wasn't due to stupidity.
Rather, he had earned his pride.
At only 35 years old, just entering elf young adulthood, he was already a Transcendent-tier Ranger.
Even among the prodigiously gifted Cole Elves, he was among the best.
Beyond individual strength, Echan had demonstrated incredible talent in battlefield command.
He rose from leading a patrol squad, battling Ail Elven scouts for years with great success.
At just 20, upon reaching adulthood,
He was promoted to command 500 elves and successfully led a raid on an Ael Elf stronghold.
From then on, his rise was unstoppable, winning multiple battles against Ail Elves, never tasting defeat.
This year, Echan conquered an Ael Elf fortress with distinction.
He was not only promoted to the rank of elven commander with full military authority,
But also became one of the youngest commanders in Cole Elf history.
His personal excellence and strong family background made him a candidate for future council membership.
With his invincible record against Ail Elves and understanding of Bay Territory's average soldier strength, he naturally held them in little regard.
"Just a bunch of soldiers whose average power hasn't even reached mid-tier Professional level. There's nothing to worry about."
"Although the Wokou pirates have limited troop types and average ship combat power,"
"They have strong will to fight, decent individual strength, and numerical superiority."
"As long as they're willing to suffer some losses, they'll definitely be able to capture Bay Territory's fleet."
"Bay Territory's previous brilliant record was just because their enemies were too weak. Now it's time to use them as my stepping stone!"
And so, he took immediate action.
Echan quickly walked to the magical warship's communication room and contacted two large pirate fleets.
These were the same pirates who had just sent Echan gifts a few days earlier.
Thinking of ways to deepen ties with him, the Wokou pirate generals were overjoyed.
From mangy dogs to rulers of the Eastern Archipelago, the Wokou owed everything to their "godfather," the Cole Elf Kingdom.
With the scraps thrown their way, they took on dirty and tiring tasks and received the Cole Elves' intentional or unintentional protection.
Knowing the Cole Elves' power, the Wokou were happy to be their dogs.
Obeying their commands and orders was the bare minimum.
Upon receiving Echan's order, the two well-prepared pirate generals immediately began assembling their fleets.
In just three hours, a total of 63 pirate warships gathered before Echan.
Nearly one-tenth of the Wokou fleets along the eastern coast—nearly 20,000 pirates—were gathered here.
In Echan's view, assembling this many ships already guaranteed victory.
All that remained was a straight path to crush the enemy!
In the sky above, Yaya, enduring faint whispers in her ears, curiously observed the massive pirate fleet below:
"So they're preparing to attack?"
Having received detailed instruction from Matthew, Yaya scratched her head.
No unified command.
No pre-battle drills.
No proper battle formation.
Just charging straight in like that?
After observing for a moment, Yaya confirmed her assessment and said to Matthew with a wry smile:
"A big fish has taken the bait—63 pirate warships in total, two seven-masted warships, forty-eight five-masted warships, sixteen small warships."
"Equipped with around 200 magical cannons; the rest are old cannons."
"No reinforcements in the rear—it seems they intend to finish this in one go..."
Upon hearing her, Matthew slowly opened his eyes, patted the smiling Beelzebub on the shoulder, and said:
"Notify everyone—prepare for battle!"
"Woooooo..."
A deep, resonant call echoed across the sea.
The six magical warships in motion immediately accelerated toward the coast, escorting the Big Fish.
Upon hearing the signal, the soldiers aboard sped to their battle stations.
"Quickly check weapons, move ammunition, inspect supplies..."
"There are a lot of enemies. Everyone be ready for a prolonged battle."
"Review your targeting data again. When it's time to fire, be steady, accurate, and fierce."
"Train those new recruits properly..."
"..."
Various orders spread through the magical warships.
Bay Territory soldiers, having gone through days of drills, completed battle preparations at incredible speed.
Cannon firing ports were opened, and heavy crossbows lined the rails.
At the ends of the warships, engineering teams quickly began constructing temporary watchtowers.
The seven ships approached a beach along the coast.
The Big Fish was in the center, with six warships divided into two teams guarding both flanks in a pin-shaped formation.
Not long after they docked, high-flying pirate flags appeared on the distant sea.
Sixty-three warships surged forward in a grand display, creating a sense of awe and intimidation.
Seeing the Bay Territory's transport fleet formation, Echan's handsome face revealed a satisfied smile, and he proudly said aloud:
"So this is a desperate stand? The most foolish choice!"
"I was hoping to enjoy a good chase."
Hearing this, the two pirate generals were delighted to realize—
The noble elven commander before them was exactly the kind of pro-war faction they liked best.
Elves from the pro-war faction frequently assigned combat missions to the Wa pirates.
Even if it meant heavy losses, they were usually quite generous.
They never cared about any loot—it all belonged to the pirates.
As long as the mission was completed, they were always rewarded.
For instance, after they reported the Bay Territory's development and combat intel,
They received 200 upgraded magic cannons.
Over the past ten days, they had been preparing for battle, and now the harvest time had come.
Beijin and Tianwen exchanged glances and saw joy in each other's eyes. The two old foxes quickly made up their minds—
Follow Echan's orders completely!
As the Bay Territory transport fleet drew closer, Echan—who had little naval combat experience but had made thorough preparations—decisively gave the order:
"Aside from the eight main warships, scatter the rest and advance at full speed!"
Beijin and Tianwen quickly organized the fleet, and a series of sharp howls echoed across the entire fleet.
The 63 warships began to spread out irregularly—some ahead, some behind, some fast, some slow—causing Echan to frown.
He silently observed the Bay Territory warships that had not moved, his eyes calm and steady.
Though arrogant, Echan never underestimated an opponent.
Once in combat, he always gave his all!
Watching the incoming ships as they entered the 1200-meter range, Rika withdrew her gaze from her owl familiar and called out excitedly:
"Captain, enemy within cannon range!"
Annie's eyes gleamed with light. Recalling years of bullying from the Cole Elves, she gave the attack order decisively:
"Group One, prepare—open fire!"
"Volley fire!"
Udala lit the fuse, listening to the roar of the cannons. Her chest burned with passion, her big eyes sparkling with excitement.
Rika, observing nearby, stared wide-eyed and open-mouthed as she followed the fired cannonballs.
One spinning shot slammed into the bow of an enemy warship.
A massive gap opened, sending wooden splinters flying.
"Yeah! Hit confirmed!"
Rika cheered and quickly reported the distance:
"1100 meters!"
Udala raised an eyebrow proudly, quickly reloading with her teammate.
Rika noted that the first volley wasn't very effective.
Of 40 cannonballs fired, only four hit.
Only two inflicted real damage.
Seeing the cannons weren't lethal, the dispersed pirate ships raised full sails and charged.
At that moment, the second volley fired!
Boom!
Cannonballs rained down continuously.
Rika watched as 15 of them struck enemy ships, blasting hole after hole.
The pirate momentum visibly slowed.
Smelling the smoke, Rika's eyes shone with excitement.
But she quickly suppressed her feelings and shouted crisply:
"1020 meters!"
The third volley roared.
Cannon fire traced burning arcs in the sky.
Two smaller warships were struck by two cannonballs each, breaching below the bow—water poured in rapidly.
Rika knew they were already out of commission.
The faster they charged, the faster they sank.
Just as Udala was ready to fire again, a new order came:
"Each squad form a group—focus fire on one ship!"
Udala quickly received orders from her squad leader: "Target the third pirate ship left of center—fire!"