Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys Chapter 1429 - 489: Fierce Aerial Battle

"Alas~"

Vice Speaker Bertrand’s fury seemed to evaporate upon receiving the report, replaced by a heavy, helpless sigh.

"How humiliating! That our Federation must rely on external assistance just to maintain security within our own borders is a disgrace."

"Send word to Prince Menia immediately. We require the intervention of the Imperial Dragon Knights."

"Furthermore, Admiral Ruiz, reconfigure the airship fleet at once. Coordinate a massive synchronized strike the moment the Dragon Knights move into their positions."

"By your will, Vice Speaker."

A series of rapid-fire orders echoed through the captain’s quarters.

This time, the coverings were finally stripped away from the three Ajax Super Giant Magic Statues anchored beneath the transport vessel.

While these massive constructs lacked the mobility to chase the Abnormal Fire Dragon through the skies, the energy cannons integrated into their frames possessed devastating firepower.

They had been kept dormant previously to avoid drawing the beast's ire and risking the destruction of such costly assets. However, with the situation spiraling out of control and the Imperial Dragon Knights about to join the fray, they were quickly powered up.

...

Meanwhile, aboard the Imperial Airship.

Rein stood watching the violent struggle, lost in contemplation.

"The Federation may have outpaced the Empire in the Steam Revolution, but even their most sophisticated giant magic statues find it difficult to withstand a resurgent beast of this caliber."

"A flying predator like this is an especially nightmareish opponent to pin down."

"The Empire desires the Federation’s cutting-edge tech, while the Federation finds itself needing the martial might of the Imperial Dragon Knights..."

"It is no wonder the two nations pivoted so rapidly from hostility to diplomatic exchanges."

As Rein’s mind wandered, a Messenger sprinted to the railing to deliver a report:

"Report! Prince Menia, the Federation fleet has dispatched an emergency plea for the Imperial Dragon Knights to provide support!"

"Understood. Inform the Federation that Reginald and I shall deploy at once."

"As you command, Prince Menia!"

Hmm?

Ready for battle, Rein felt a surge of confusion at Menia’s declaration.

Was he being sidelined?

Was he expected to stay behind this time?

As if confirming his suspicions, Menia glanced back with a faint, knowing smile.

"Rein, Reginald and I can handle this; your task is to remain here and protect the airship."

"Uh... very well."

"I understand, Prince Menia," Rein replied, offering a wry smile as he conceded.

He grasped the hidden meaning behind Menia’s decision.

The Prince likely wanted him to keep a low profile.

From Menia's perspective, Rein had probably drawn too much attention during the previous conflicts with the Sea God Sect and the Magic-tailed Three-headed Sea Dragon, making him a subject of intense scrutiny for the Federation.

This aligned perfectly with the subtle warning Menia had given him in the carriage only yesterday.

Even so, Rein felt he had been remarkably reserved.

Had the world learned that he had triggered the Dawn Killing Move nine times in a row within the Nether Sea Domain, the shockwaves would have been monumental.

"Roar! Roar!!"

Two thunderous draconic bellows shook the air!

Dressed in her crimson Wizard Robe, the ’Red Queen’ Menia stood tall atop her bonded partner, the Red Dragon Tasa, as they accelerated toward the Abnormal Fire Dragon.

Dozens of meters behind them to the right, Reginald followed suit, mounted upon the khaki-colored Giant Dragon, Ted.

Rein watched their departure, thinking to himself:

"If the two of them can neutralize the threat to the Federation fleet, Trena’s safety will be secured by extension. I will have fulfilled my obligations as her Guardian Knight."

"As for the matter of harvesting dragon genes, I can simply wait for the Abnormal Fire Dragon to fall and seize a chance to profit then."

His mind at ease, Rein stopped fretting and turned his full attention to the spectacle of the battle.

The Abnormal Fire Dragon, which had been tearing through the Federation ships with impunity, suddenly paused its assault. It shifted its gaze from the vessel beneath its talons, its slitted red pupils narrowing as it warily observed the two approaching Dragon Knights.

Typically, a top-tier sub-dragon like a Fire Dragon would feel a primal sense of dread when facing true dragons, owing to the inherent hierarchy of their bloodlines.

That was the general rule of thumb.

However, in Rein's estimation, this Ancient Fire Dragon was a mutant; its sheer scale and distorted features suggested it was unlikely to cow before anyone.

And he was right!

"Roar!!!"

Facing the combined pressure of two Dragon Knights, the Abnormal Fire Dragon showed no fear, instead launching itself directly at Menia and Reginald.

"Hmm? It isn't retreating?"

"This beast is more formidable than I suspected. It seems the bloodline aura of higher-tier dragons fails to affect it," Rein observed, his eyes narrowing.

Usually, a standard Fire Dragon would show at least some trepidation when meeting a Red Dragon. This massive, Abnormal Ancient Fire Dragon was clearly an anomaly that defied such biological laws.

Since both sides were flying toward each other at high speeds, they collided in a matter of seconds.

Instantly, two pillars of incinerating Dragon’s Breath smashed into one another in the sky.

"Boom!!!"

The fiery streams clashed with violent intensity, but it was quickly apparent that Red Dragon Tasa’s flames were being overpowered. Within heartbeats, Tasa's breath was forced back to within ten meters of her own jaws.

"Oh?"

Menia had known this wouldn't be an easy fight, but she hadn't expected that Tasa, a pure-blooded Red Dragon, would be so thoroughly outmatched in a contest of flames.

Nevertheless, as a veteran epic-level expert, she recovered from her surprise almost instantly, her reflexes as sharp as ever.