Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys Chapter 1411 - 481: Ice Crystal Barrier
Previously on Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys...
The events unfolding on the Fadeel Mountains remained hidden from the Federation Giant Airship's lookouts, obscured by the vast distance and the interference of a mysterious witch array.
Meanwhile, Rein and Terrio made a swift approach toward the location of the "Ice Sea Giant Demon" Gazrian.
Utilizing the agile movements of their giant dragons, Menia and Reginald pinned Gazrian down from both flanks, managing to keep the beast in a state of precarious equilibrium.
Whenever Gazrian was baited into chasing one of them, the other would immediately initiate a heavy assault, successfully reclaiming the demon's focus.
This rhythmic exchange kept Gazrian spinning in frustration, and for the time being, it appeared they could sustain this stalemate without much trouble.
Nevertheless, both Rein and Terrio were fully aware that this balance was fragile and could not last indefinitely.
The reality was that both combatants were already pushing their limits.
"Lord Terrio, would it be best if I accompanied you to the other two sectors?"
"Lord Rein, are you suggesting we each occupy a position and rotate Gazrian’s aggro to give everyone a chance to recover?" Sword Saint Terrio instantly grasped Rein’s strategy.
"Precisely," Rein replied.
"A fine plan." Terrio smiled and gave a nod of approval.
His physical stamina had been heavily taxed by the recent frantic travel and combat; to be honest, launching another immediate high-intensity offensive would have been a significant strain.
Consequently, he welcomed Rein’s cautious proposal and agreed without hesitation.
At that moment, a communication from Red Queen Menia arrived: "Rein, regarding what you just did..."
"Never mind that, we can discuss it at a later time."
It was clear that Menia was dying to know how Rein had achieved his recent feat.
Still, she understood that the heat of battle was no place for such inquiries.
"You and Lord Terrio should take over the distraction duties at the other two points; Reginald and I need a brief moment to stabilize ourselves."
"Understood, Prince Menia."
Menia’s tactical adjustments were perfectly in line with Rein’s own thoughts.
The pressure on Red Queen Menia and Reginald visibly lessened once Rein and the Federation Sword Saint Terrio entered the fray.
The four of them, all highly seasoned veterans, quickly established a steady combat rhythm that trapped Gazrian within a specific zone.
Had the creature possessed any desire to flee, their task would have been far more difficult.
However, as the sovereign of the ancient Three-Headed Sea Dragons, the "Ice Sea Giant Demon" Gazrian would never consider retreating from a handful of 'ants'.
It was intent on making these insects pay with their lives!
Furthermore, having endured an eon of imprisonment, its three heads were already brimming with rage; after being toyed with by Menia and Reginald, its fury completely overrode its reason.
Thus, instead of diving back into the safety of the ocean, Gazrian met the relentless barrage with a violent counter-offensive.
This stubbornness played directly into the hands of the hunters.
...
High above.
Inside the bridge of the Federation Giant Airship.
"The front has stabilized."
"It appears the rewards from this victory will be quite substantial."
"Indeed, that young Imperial man named Rein is truly remarkable!"
"..."
Observing the battlefield steady itself, many Federation generals let out sighs of relief.
Vice Speaker Bertrand, looking down at the conflict, allowed a smile to cross his face for the first time.
As long as they could maintain this stability on Federation soil, their reinforcements would only continue to bolster their strength as time went on.
"How much longer until the nearest Epic-level powerhouse arrives?" Vice Speaker Bertrand inquired.
"Roughly twenty minutes, sir."
"Excellent."
Bertrand nodded. If they could hold the line for those twenty minutes, the outcome of the battle would be a foregone conclusion.
...
At the heart of the combat zone.
Thanks to Rein’s timely intervention, Menia and Reginald had nearly returned to full strength after a few minutes of respite.
Menia spoke up, "Everyone, the time is right. We should attempt to put more pressure on the target."
The Red Queen was well aware that the "Ice Sea Giant Demon" Gazrian would not fall easily.
The beast undoubtedly had a trump card yet to be played.
It was simply that their current level of force hadn't made the creature feel truly endangered.
Furthermore, since the ancient records didn't detail all of the Ice Sea Giant Demon's traits, she had to test its capabilities herself.
"I'm in agreement."
"Very well!"
"No objections here."
Upon receiving Menia’s signal, the group was more than ready to escalate the fight.
For Rein, this prehistoric monster represented a high probability of further refining his bloodline concentration.
For the others, the prestige of slaying the legendary "Ice Sea Giant Demon" of antiquity was a monumental honor.
"The left head belongs to me; Rein, you handle the center; Lord Reginald, strike the right one. Lord Terrio, you will deliver the finishing blow..."
According to ancient lore, the only way to permanently slay this primeval behemoth was to destroy all three of its heads simultaneously.
Following the "Red Queen" Menia’s lead, the four warriors launched a synchronized strike.
"Blazing Light Wave Cone!"
A crimson ray erupted before Menia, lashing out at Gazrian’s right dragon head.
"Giant Rock Throwing!"
A colossal stone, resembling a falling star, thundered toward the demon's left head.
"Steel Forest!"
A dense thicket of dark gold metal spikes surged toward Gazrian’s central head.