Dimensional Codex System: I'm really not a cultist!

Chapter 278: Chapter 277: Battle on the High Seas

“Wuuu…wu!!”

At Captain Fox’s command, the lookout immediately climbed to the watchtower atop the mast and blew the horn loudly. Soon, the Black Crow Ship began to slow down, and the sailors pushed the magitech cannons to the edge of the deck. These weapons, similar in shape to cannons but firing projectiles with magic energy, had attack power and range comparable to traditional artillery. Because they could be triggered with crystal stones instead of gunpowder, they had long ago replaced cannons as the self-defense weapons of choice for merchant and cargo ships in the Main World.

After all, for ships at sea, storms and giant waves are their biggest enemies.

The shields that were originally hanging on both sides of the ship were also pulled up by the sailors, propped against the ship’s edge inward, quickly transforming the ordinary merchant vessel into a moving sea fortress. Captain Fox also strode to the helm, lifted his monocular telescope, and looked toward the other side of the sea horizon; his expression suddenly changed.

“Damn it!”

“Looks like we’re in trouble?”

Using magical vision, Fang Zheng could also clearly see the three shadows that had emerged from the other side of the sea. Leading them was a luxurious passenger ship. Its flashy appearance and glittering emblems alone sufficed to show the ship must belong to some renowned and high-status nobility.

Unfortunately, at the moment, the ship had lost all its original majesty. Its hull was covered in pitch-black marks from explosions and enveloped in roaring flames. The white sails, hoisted high, were riddled with holes, much like a spiderweb after being ravaged by a storm.

Behind it, two pirate ships were chasing it like hungry wolves. The three ships seemed to have similar speeds, but the one desperately trying to escape at the front was clearly starting to falter. It wasn’t only dodging the gunfire from behind but was also concerned about other troubles.

That would be magic.

“Boom, boom, boom!”

Fang Zheng saw a series of fireballs shoot out from one of the pirate ships flying a black flag, bombarding the target ahead. Shortly afterward, flickering magic radiance formed a barrier in front of the fireballs’ trajectory, blocking the bombardment. For a moment, fire and explosions burst forth; and although they didn’t directly damage the target ahead, Fang Zheng could clearly see the smoke and fire starting to billow from the tail of the ship, and its speed subsequently began to drop.

“Such bad luck, those damned devils!”

Seeing this scene, fear appeared on Fox’s face while Fang Zheng raised an eyebrow.

“Do you know them?”

“Of course, sir. There’s no one who makes a living in these waters who doesn’t know the name of the ‘Devil Sarn’ pirate crew. It’s said their leader is a mage, and through deals with Hell, he and his crewmen were transformed into some kind of evil and powerful beings. They can use hellfire at will, a nightmare for everyone.”

As he spoke, Fox’s expression grew even more tense; he clutched the telescope in his hand, his face turning ashen.

“I never imagined it would be them…damn it, these guys are tough to deal with…!”

“Does that mean a battle is inevitable?”

“I’m afraid it really is so.”

Hearing Fang Zheng’s question, Fox sighed helplessly.

“They are the most vicious robbers in these waters. Rumor has it that almost no one who encounters them lives to tell the tale. I never thought our luck would be this bad… Sir, it would be best if you and the ladies went back to the cabin to take cover; it’s not safe out here.”

“No, I don’t think so,” Fang Zheng shook his head, declining Captain Fox’s proposal. He then looked towards the young ladies not far from his side. Due to the sound of the horns, the girls who had been in the cabin had all come out, standing on the deck curiously watching the distant battle. Even Kuliya, who had lain like a corpse in her own cabin as soon as she boarded the ship, was no exception—this poor child had just discovered for the first time that she suffered from an incurable affliction known as “seasickness.”

At this time, the three ships were getting closer and closer to the Black Crow Ship. Although Captain Fox had ordered his ship to clear a path, it was very doubtful that the pursued ship would be able to avoid sinking before long.

Meanwhile, the three ships had undoubtedly noticed the presence of the Black Crow Ship. The fleeing ship in front obviously could not do much, but the two pirate ships following closely did not hesitate to fire cannonballs at the Black Crow Ship. Although they did not hit, their intentions were crystal clear.

“Tilia.”

“Here, Elder Brother. What can I do for you?”

Tilia responded with a smile, approaching Fang Zheng and playfully clutching his arm.

“Take them down, but don’t open the Sealing.”

“Leave it to me,” Tilia said with a sweet smile. The seamen on the deck and individuals like Fox watched in amazement as the young noblewoman, clad in a splendid pink dress, leapt up quietly. Then, like a nimble bird, she perched atop the tall mast. Tilia raised her umbrella, taking aim at the pirate ship ahead.

The next moment, a bright red Light Beam cut through the air, shooting straight toward the pirate ship in sight.

The Energy Beam, forged from the Power of Existence, whistled past, and even the air and sea water involuntarily parted ways under this powerful impulse. The Mages aboard the pirate ship were obviously not fools and reacted just as Tilia made her move. Suddenly, clouds of Pitch Black smoke appeared around the pirate ship, rapidly intertwining to form a barrier smooth and solid like a mirror, shielding the front of the pirate ship.

At the same time, Fang Zheng raised his right hand.

Mysterious Magic Power danced and formed at his fingertips, spreading in an imperceptible vibration that tangled with the barrier ahead. In the blink of an eye, the barrier rapidly disintegrated. With a flick of his finger, Fang Zheng projected a Dimensional Anchor that enveloped the entire sea area.

Simultaneously, the Light Beam Tilia fired roared through the crumbling Magic Barrier, striking the pirate ship directly.

“Boom!!”

A bright, resplendent fireball erupted from the center of the pirate ship, reaching the sky, and in an instant, the explosive Power of Existence burst forth like an inflating balloon popping. The rampant force mercilessly turned all caught within it to dust. Even the sea itself couldn’t withstand the fierce explosion, resulting in a huge void. The powerful blast created a giant whirlpool on the surface, wildly swirling, absorbing everything around, completely engulfing the wreckage of the pirate ship in a blink of an eye.

This sudden turn of events left everyone dumbfounded. Aside from Fang Zheng, Nymph, and Black Katie, the rest stared with wide eyes at Tilia on the mast top and the umbrella in her hand. The other pirate ship, of course, was not foolish enough to continue its approach; it frantically tried to turn around to retreat. But before its ship’s body could even make the half turn, another Light Beam burst forth from Tilia’s umbrella, striking the pirate ship with unerring precision. After a moment, the pirate ship met the same fate as its companion, utterly consumed by destruction.

“Very well.”

Fang Zheng nodded in satisfaction at the scene before him then glanced over at Captain Fox, who stood there, speechless and motionless.

“Now, the danger has been eliminated.”