Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys Chapter 1430 - 489: Fierce Aerial Battle (Part 2)

Chanting a rapid incantation, Princess Menia pointed her slender finger toward the fray. A crimson, spiraling beam erupted from her hand, slicing through the chaotic fire of the collision to strike directly at the Abnormal Fire Dragon.

"Sss!"

This was the 'Blazing Light Wave Cone,' a Dawn Killing Move of Menia's known for its devastating piercing capability!

Simultaneously, the earth-colored Giant Dragon Ted, guided by 'Earth Pulse' Reginald, initiated a breath attack from a position high above the Abnormal Fire Dragon’s spine.

"Gravel Breath!"

A torrent of air saturated with countless shards of stone plummeted down, aiming for the Abnormal Fire Dragon’s back.

Despite a shaky start to the encounter, the two seasoned Dragon Knights had rapidly regained control, demonstrating their expert combat skills.

Observing from a medium-sized airship nearby, Federation Sword Saint Terrio couldn't help but voice his respect:

"The combat experience of the Empire's Princess Menia is so vast that even epic-level experts would find it difficult to rival her."

"Quite right, and with such a powerful dragon as her companion, the prestige of the Imperial Dragon Knights is clearly well-earned," Hernandez agreed, having recently joined him.

The pair remained roughly 700 to 800 meters from the Abnormal Fire Dragon. Hernandez was also hesitant to act, fearing his Water Witchcraft would react with the dragon's Protective Fire Ring, creating a thick steam that might blind their allies.

Consequently, the two held their positions, waiting for a perfect moment to strike.

However, just as victory seemed within reach, the Abnormal Fire Dragon suddenly banked from a horizontal path into a vertical climb, effortlessly evading the 'Gravel Breath' from Giant Dragon Ted.

At the same time, it absorbed the full force of Menia’s Blazing Light Wave Cone against its chest and surged toward Red Dragon Tasa, striking out with a lethal claw.

"Pffft!"

Scales were torn apart as blood sprayed into the air!

Caught by surprise, Tasa’s right wing was instantly carved with four deep gashes, each over a meter in length.

"Roar!!!"

The Abnormal Fire Dragon was doing more than just surviving against the veteran Dragon Knights, Menia and Reginald!

No, it was actually seizing the advantage.

Since the severe trauma to Red Dragon Tasa’s wing would ruin its balance and flight speed, the dragon would be at a massive disadvantage in the dogfight to follow.

"What!?"

The eyes of Sword Saint Terrio flew open in disbelief!

"This..."

"With such terrifying power, this Abnormal Fire Dragon must have been famous even in the ancient era. We should contact the flagship immediately to uncover its history," Hernandez added, his face pale with shock.

Engaging an unidentified behemoth of this scale was proving to be an immense risk.

Only moments ago, the observers believed the battle was won.

Yet, the tide had turned with shocking speed.

Nearby, Rein's brow was also deeply furrowed.

He saw the core issue of the conflict: Sword Saint Terrio and the Water Dawn Wizard Hernandez were hindered by their lack of flying mounts, preventing them from providing immediate aid to the Dragon Knights.

Strictly speaking, it wasn't that the Federation lacked mounts, but rather that typical beasts were more of a liability than an asset when facing dragons.

A mount paralyzed by draconic fear becomes nothing but a burden in the sky.

With the Federation unable to assist, should Tasa's wounds worsen, the Abnormal Fire Dragon would likely finish them off one by one.

This was the unique nature of aerial warfare; high mobility allowed a single entity to dominate multiple opponents.

Rein saw this clearly.

Though the shift was subtle, the situation was spiraling toward disaster.

Rein calculated that if Tasa was forced to retreat, Reginald and Giant Dragon Ted would likely be overwhelmed by this Abnormal Fire Dragon as well.

After that, the Federation duo would be next.

"I have to intervene now while Tasa can still fight; otherwise, this Abnormal Fire Dragon will just pick us off individually!"

Having reached a conclusion, Rein stepped to the edge and dove off the airship's deck.

In the following heartbeat, a massive, dark silver dragon materialized before the eyes of the onlookers.

This was Rein's first transformation since integrating Gazrian’s Dragon Gene Segment, and he was stunned to see his size had increased dramatically.

His length had jumped from thirty meters to nearly forty, making him even larger than the Red Dragon Tasa.

...

Meanwhile.

At the base of the mountain, the elite units of Zaral’s rebel army were watching the spectacle with delight.

At the head of the group, the bearded General Richmond was taking advantage of a rare lull in the mission to drink heavily.

He popped the cap off a steel military flask and swallowed massive gulps of rum until it was empty!

"General Richmond, have mine," a man in leather armor offered with a friendly grin, handing over another bottle of spirits.

"General, that Ancient Fire Dragon is incredible! It has already taken down six airships and just drew blood from the Empire's Red Dragon."

"True, even the Imperial Dragon Knights are failing. This 'Red Queen' isn't as tough as they say, haha!"

"Hmm." Richmond gave a small nod of agreement, keeping his words brief while failing to hide the smirk on his face.

His soldiers knew him well; the General simply enjoyed appearing deep and maintaining his stoic, dignified image.