Chapter 28: Barriers

"Fire!"

It was indistinguishable as to who fired first as almost all of the soldiers attacked at the same time.

They hurriedly activated the formation embedded in the weapons, and different projectiles blasted the large monstrosity made of metal.

*Boom* *Swish*

Ear-splitting sounds thundered and the explosions looked like bright fireworks, lighting up the dark smoke from the aftermath.

The aura alone swept the clouds into nothingness. The air split and the temperature rose.

After a while, the smoke dissipated and the humongous airship came into view. It was still unscathed and shined brightly under the sun.

In place of the airship was a barrier made of water. Runes were swimming around in the water like fishes, but they weren't in disorder. Instead, it was as if a school of runes were swimming together harmoniously.

Any cannonballs fired at the barrier would bounce back, producing ripples that spread outwards and minimized the shockwaves.

The woman at the top of the ship raised her head confidently and asked her subordinates.

"How are the preparations?"

"Ma'am, we're ready to fire at any time."

"Good, it's time to counter attack."

The woman nodded with delight. She pointed at the enemy commander and gave her orders.

"Soldiers! Ready! Set! Fire!"

Her words were akin to a fire spreading towards a dynamite. At the end of her words, all the soldiers on top of the hull of the ship simultaneously activated the magic weapons.

*Boom* *Swish*

A suffocating aura radiated as the weapons blasted projectiles onto the enemy camp.

The fiery aura it radiated has reached the peak of the tenth level! And that is only for the individual bullets! Think about it, what if they all attacked together?

The projectiles smoothly passed through the water barrier and beautifully rained down upon the camp like shower meteor.

Bright lights lit up the sky and pierced the clouds. The heatwaves radiating from the fireballs made the soldiers on the walls sweat.

Seeing the approaching attack, black lines surfaced on the Commander's forehead. He imposingly sent his orders.

"Activate the barrier!"

The soldiers on standby at the walls hurriedly moved and formed a series of runes made from magic energy.

The runes took shape and were embedded in the walls that were dented in the same shape. Like a key unlocking a lock, the wall lit up with colorful brilliance.

As if a switch was activated, lights flickered from the walls and an imposing heavy aura radiated.

*Beam*

Runes appeared on the walls one by one at a fast rate. Myriad of lights interconnected and formed a light barrier, shielding the camp from the attacks.

If used well, this is a barrier that can somehow receive an Integrated's attack thrice! This is how sturdy it is!

At this moment, the fireballs fell down from the sky and collided with the shining barrier.

*Boom* *Crack* *Rubble*

The earth trembled as the thunderous sound of the collision spread out from the source of impact. The aura from the explosion spread out and swept the nearby flora, even uprooting weaker trees.

After a while, the explosion finally stabilized and the smoke dispersed. The bright barrier came into view. It was still standing straight, shielding the soldiers underneath from the rains of fire.

The rubbles left behind fell down from the slope formed by the barrier, removing any large debris.

"Look! We're safe! The enemy can never destroy this barrier!"

Some of the soldiers screamed in happiness as the imposing aura of the fireballs nearly made them pee in their pants.

However, the keen soldiers heard the sound of something cracking and knew that the barrier was damaged somehow.

They frowned in nervousness as they knew that if the barrier was destroyed, the enemy would gain enormous advantage, especially as the enemy possesses the high ground.

The Commander also understood this matter. He hurriedly thought of a way to counter attack.

'Water barriers are hard to break through because of its flexibility and the ability to spread the shockwaves. To defeat this, we would need something fiery and sharp!'

"All soldiers on the wall! Prepare sharp ballistas with fire magic! Remember, attack at the same point– the center of the water barrier! And the flying scouts! Attack the center too! Be careful not to hit each other!"

Instructed by the Commander.

"Yes, sir!"

With their hearts throbbing in nervousness, the soldiers hurriedly changed the cannons into ballista and inscribed a simple runic flames.

Meanwhile, above the camp, the woman also took advantage of the light barrier's weaknesses.

'Ha! Looks like our prediction was right. The enemy really used a light-element barrier. Luckily, we have prepared the right ammunition and weapons.'

Light barriers are a type of barrier that absorbs all of the shockwaves to protect all of the structures inside it.

This type of barrier is rather good to use when you want to protect civilians and infrastructures from the shock waves of a large attack.

"Prepare for one more round!"

"Yes, Ma'am!"

*Thud* *Rattle*

The steady sound of cannonballs rolling on the floor resounded throughout the hull as the soldiers reloaded the cannonballs.

"How many rounds of bullets do we have left?"

Secretly, the woman whispered to the personnel in charge of logistics.

"Reporting to Ma'am, based on our current pace, the stored ammunition is enough to attack for an additional 10 rounds."

Satisfied, the woman nodded as a sign of approval.

"Good, that amount of rounds of attack is enough to break the barrier."

The woman sternly faced her soldiers.

"Keep on firing even if the barrier is broken. Soldiers that are on standby are ordered to surround the camp and kill all escaping enemies. I have to do something else so I have to leave someone in charge in case of an emergency."

The soldiers listened without the slightest scruple, awaiting for the leader's commands.

"Sydney!"

"Y—Yes!"

Hearing her name came out of the leader's mouth, the woman stuttered and quickly fixed her posture.

'Oh my God! The leader called my name!'

Sydney has always admired the leader because of her skills and beautiful looks. She was not the leader for nothing. It was rumored that she pummeled her way through the top, pulverizing any obstacles in her way, may it be background or power.

"You will be the one temporarily in charge. I trust that you will live up to my expectations. Understood?"

"Yes, Ma'am!"

Sydney answered as loudly as possible.

"Good, I have to get going now. Take care."

With that, the leader left the hull and entered inside the ship. The soldiers continued their jobs and kept loading the cannons.

Some of the soldiers hop on the backs of aerial beasts and surround the enemy camp, attacking all enemies within range.

Inside the ship, the leader passed through several hallways until she finally reached one of the rooms in the boundary.

In front of her was an elegantly designed golden door, it seemed to be made for persons of high standing.

*Knock*

After a knock, the leader opened her mouth to speak.

"Excuse me, Duke Elamine, this is Melajaine reporting."

She said in a manner that was loud, yet not overbearing.

"You may enter."

A voice came from inside of the room. It was rather deep and husky, sounding like it came from a middle aged man.

*Click*

With a click, the door-knob opened and the interior of the room came into view.

The floor was simply made of unblemished white tiles, but it was so clean that the light from the sun seemed to reflect at it.

The room was rather spacious, yet it was empty. There was only a desk, restroom, bed, sofas, and other luxurious necessities.

The walls were designed with elegant curves, lines, and patterns that somehow symbolized a phoenix's feathers.

At one side of the room was a giant glass, showing the beautiful view of the sun. However, there was faint black smoke and a water screen blocking this view.

An armored middle-aged man was sitting on a sofa, admiring his weapon. His clean and tidy sideburn and mustache made him appear more domineering and strict.

His calm eyes seemed to have the ability to peer through your soul, making him appear more mature.

He looked like he had experienced all the vicissitudes of life.

In his hands was a sword. Oddly though, its blade was made of an ice that was as clear as glass, and inside it seemed to contain a whirlpool of cold water.

The weapon brought extremely cold air, which seemed to freeze the surroundings.

The man caressed the helm of the sword, which was made of a weird blue metal, embedded with water-like runes in them. The runes seemed to ebb and flow like tides in the sea.

But what was the prominent feature of the sword was the dark-blue gem embedded in the middle of the helm. It looked like it came from the deepest part of the ocean, containing within it endless water pressure that can cut the earth and clouds.

"Report the situation."

Hearing this, Melajaine slightly tensed and quickly answered.

"Yes, sir! The enemy has now erected the barrier, however, It is expected that the stored ammunition is enough to break the barrier. There are currently no signs of reinforcement from the enemy. All is proceeding according to plan."

"Good. Report back to me if there's any emergency or it's time for the main part of the plan."

"Yes, sir!"

"You may leave."

With that, Melajaine bowed and took her leave.

After Melajaine took her leave. The Duke looked at the giant window. The Duke stood up and looked at the window. He seemed to be looking far away, even though he couldn't see it.

"I guess this will be the official start of the real war huh."

*Sigh*

The sigh echoed in the room, bringing a sense of desolation.

*Clang!*

The sound of metal colliding echoed high up in the air. 2 soldiers were fighting while riding their aerial beast.

After this collision, because of too much force and unstable stance, the enemy's sword was sent upwards.

'An opening!'

Seeing this, the soldier took this opportunity to deal critical damage. He applied wind magic behind him to boost himself and rushed towards the enemy.

"Aaarrgh!!"

*Whoosh*

The air split because of the quick speed of the soldier. He gripped his sword tightly and aimed for the enemy's chest.

The enemy tried to dodge it by falling, but he was too late. The enemy was cut clean in the neck.

His desperate expression lingered on his face, showing his unwillingness to succumb to his fate.

*Squawk!*

With the loss of its master, the aerial beast panicked and quickly fled away in fear.

'I did it!'

*Huff*⁴

The knight took this opportunity to rest. He was intensely fighting for 15 minutes. It was quite hard as he always needs to keep his stance in mind. This took quite a toll on his body and mind.

After settling down, he looked around and suddenly discovered that even though the fight ended, he hadn't won the war. His teammates were still fighting with the enemies.

A melancholic light surfaced in his eyes. He looked like a man ready to accept his death.

"Aaargh!"

The soldier screamed in desperation and sadness. He attacked a nearby enemy and supported his teammate.

Blood rained and smoke rose, with aching bodies and crying hearts, they persevere 'till their last breath, just to protect their homeland.

The Ershnirian soldiers were aiming to destroy the water barrier, while the Fenixians were preserving it.

The ballistas at the top of the walls kept on firing at the same time. However, like stones in a lake, their attacks only produced ripples.

"Fire!"

*Boom!* *Whoosh!*

For the 8th time, the cannons at the hull of the airship launched another round of fireballs at the breaking barrier.

*Crack* *Rumble*

The earth shookt because of the large force that the impact produced. Leaves fell down from the neighboring trees, and all animals buried themselves deep inside their shelter while shaking in fear.

"Oh fuck! We're going to die!"

The soldiers panicked while looking at the breaking barrier. The barrier was full of cracks, making it look like scales.

"Commander! Our barrier can't hold another attack! We must do something!"

The Commander's subordinate pleaded in desperation. With the enemy's bombing, its just a matter of time before they are rained with bullets.

'Damn it! I know we already lost from the start, but I need to do my best!'

The Commander frowned as he hurriedly thought of a way to defend. He looked up to see the cracking barrier. It was shining brightly just now, but the light dimmed down.

'Our light energy is depleting.... we need more energy.... Light.... Light! That's right! Light!'

A flash of brilliance streaked in the Commander's eyes. He hurriedly asked his subordinate.

"How many minutes do we have left until the next round of cannons?"

"Ummh... It is estimated that it would need 40 minutes for the enemy to prepare."

"Hmm... That time is enough..."

"Sir?"

"Call Zowie here."

Hearing this, the subordinate slightly panicked.

"Wh—Who? Zowie? Him? Bu—But—"

"There's no buts! We have to hurry! He's our only hope!"

The Commander shouted.

'There's no other soldier who can simulate the power light other than him. Even though his element is still on fire, there's no one closer to light than he is.'

"Y— Yes sir!"

*Pit-a-pat*

The sound of clattering footsteps echoed as the soldier ran with all of his might.

The glaring sunlight blinded the Commander, but his vision still caught sight of the enemies.

He saw that more and more flying enemies were surrounding the camp. They were preparing to besiege the camp as soon as the barrier was destroyed.

'It seems that they don't want anyone to escape, huh.'

The glaring sunlight blinded the Commander while looking at the humongous airship up above.

'Zowie.... If it really works... then that would be for the better.... However.... if it doesn't... then I should prepare for the worst.'

With a swing of his head, the Commander looked around and searched for a nearby subordinate. He saw a nearby one and called him.

"You! Tell the idle soldiers, form a formation around the camp. Make sure to keep in mind the enemies surrounding us."

"Yes, sir!"

"Good, you may go."

The soldier bowed and took his leave. He spread the order of the Commander while also preparing himself.