Chapter 129: Destroyer

After confirming the enemy fleet, we began withdrawing toward the Orline Empire.

But the enemy had found us first.

“Already?”

More than ten long, narrow ships separated from the main force and raced after our fleet.

“Destroyers.”

They intended to catch our rear guard and hold us in place until the larger fleet arrived.

“This is Noah. The enemy’s advance force has begun pursuit.”

“Understood. Rear guard, remain on maximum alert,” Captain Yurick replied.

A tall column of water suddenly rose from the sea.

A moment later, the sound of the gun reached me.

“They’re already firing.”

One of the pursuing destroyers had opened fire from a considerable distance. Its guns clearly outranged those of the Lunoa Navy.

More shells fell around our rear guard.

“Rear guard, begin evasive manoeuvres!” Captain Yurick ordered.

Our destroyers changed course repeatedly, but the enemy continued firing. Eventually, one of those shells would hit.

“Tch.”

I descended toward the pursuing ships.

“This is Noah. I’ll attack the enemy advance force and slow its pursuit.”

“Alone? Please don’t do anything reckless.”

“I won’t overextend myself.”

Emma’s voice came through the radio.

“Noah, give them everything you have. You’ll be fine.”

“Naturally.”

I strengthened my body with magic and raised my sniper rifle.

From the edge of my effective range, I shot a lookout high on the first destroyer, then moved to another target.

The enemy sailors scattered and fired back, but their shots were disorganised. From above, I could see their movements and avoid their fire while continuing to pick off exposed personnel.

After more than ten casualties, the destroyer I had concentrated on began to lose speed.

“Now, the next—”

A rifle shot passed close to my abdomen.

“There you are.”

It had come from a sniper on another destroyer.

The enemy had no visible aerial mages, but they had prepared long-range rifles to counter attacks from the sky.

I climbed immediately and widened the distance.

The destroyers adjusted to follow my movement, slowing their pursuit of our fleet.

“This is Noah. The enemy advance force has temporarily reduced speed.”

“That helps greatly, Major General Willard,” Captain Yurick replied.

“How’s the fleet?”

“No hits. Everyone is safe.”

“Good. Keep it that way.”

Emma entered the channel.

“We’ve been reorganising personnel during the withdrawal. Reinforcements are already on their way to you.”

“Already?”

“Already. You’re the one who needs them. Don’t lose, Noah. I believe in you.”

“That’s the second time you’ve said that, Your Highness. Leave it to me.”

I continued circling above the pursuing destroyers, dividing their attention while I waited for the magic aerial soldiers to arrive.