Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys Chapter 1500 - 515: Underground and Offshore (Part 3)

Had their own Goddess emerged victorious, a manifestation of her presence would surely remain even after Red Queen Menia’s self-destruction, yet the area was completely void of her influence.

"That massive detonation was undeniably a surge of Fire Element energy; there is no question that Red Queen Menia has perished!"

"Nevertheless, it is highly probable that Rein survived and perhaps even overcame my Lord’s avatar."

"The adversary must be gravely wounded, forcing him into hiding before our arrival. That is the only logical reason for the emptiness of this battlefield!" Pope Egil’s mind raced with possibilities as a spark of realization lit his eyes.

His conviction deepened when he reached out to his Goddess through a silent prayer and was met with nothing but silence!

"Halt the Imperial Airship and conduct a thorough search of this entire island!" Egil commanded without delay.

"Your will be done, Your Holiness the Pope!"

...

Parallel deductions were forming within Reginald’s mind.

"It is almost certain that Prince Menia has fallen!"

"However, Rein might still be among the living. The absence of the Nether Sea Goddess’s aquatic avatar suggests that Rein may have triumphed over her after Prince Menia’s self-destruction left the opponent severely weakened."

"Could he be concealed at the base of that blast crater?"

Reginald’s train of thought was severed by a sudden, aggressive strike from the Sea God Sect.

Under the relentless assault of the Sea God Sect, the remaining Imperial fleet found itself outmatched despite their fearless resolve. Under Reginald’s leadership, they managed a disciplined fighting retreat, barely maintaining their formation.

The situation shifted when the Sea God Sect spotted a small Federation fleet rapidly closing in from the neighboring waters.

Though the Sea God Sect’s Flying Knights swiftly annihilated this initial group, it forced the enemy to divide their attention. Furthermore, shortly after the destruction of that vanguard, several more nimble Federal maritime patrol fleets arrived on the scene.

In an instant, a battlefront spanning several kilometers erupted across the ocean, filled with the thunder of cannons and the roars of sea beasts!

...

A short time later.

"Your Holiness, our forces have scoured the island from end to end, yet no sign of Rein has been uncovered," an Evil Sorcerer reported.

"Do not stop! Keep searching!" Egil barked.

"But... Your Holiness, the Federal naval presence is swelling by the minute. Our Flying Fish and Manta Knights are taking heavy casualties; perhaps we should reconsider?" a High Rank Evil Sorcerer nearby suggested cautiously.

In truth, many of the High Rank Evil Sorcerers had been skeptical since Egil first ordered the search. To them, it seemed obvious that Menia, Rein, and their Goddess's avatar had all been vaporized in the cataclysmic blast.

With every passing minute of fruitlessness, their doubts only grew stronger.

Pope Egil understood the underlying message from his subordinate. Surveying the horizon, he saw the growing number of Federal vessels dotting the sea.

If they lingered much longer, the Federation’s elite powerhouses would surely arrive.

He attempted one final prayer, but his Goddess remained silent. If even the Pope received no answer, it was a certainty that her avatar had been destroyed.

Whether they had all perished together, however, remained a mystery.

"Was it truly a case of mutual destruction?" Egil mused, deep in thought.

Suddenly, a silver streak tore through the eastern horizon as a formidable warrior charged toward them at incredible speed!

"Boom!"

A colossal, cross-shaped silver sword beam cut through the heavens, instantly rending dozens of Manta and Flying Fish Knights into pieces and turning the sky into a crimson rain!

Witnessing such overwhelming power, the remaining Flying Knights shrank back, terrified to intervene.

"The Federation’s Swordsmanship Tiro!" Egil’s eyes narrowed into slits.

...