Strongest Among the Heavens
Chapter 351: Battle for the Princess’ Shore

Chapter 351: Battle for the Princess’ Shore

His eyes could see through the fog. But it was his ears that noticed something amiss first.

’The shore is becoming louder.’

He already knew they were close. Just in case, his left eye pulsed and he peered into the future.

Princess Otohime’s island and its rugged shoreline were confirmed to be ahead. The fleet of Kobaya ships slowed down, their crews rowing with a steady rhythm. Kazi stood at the bow, his eyes scanning the water and the distant shore. As they neared their destination, he made a gesture. Kibiwott, who was standing most closeby, came forward. Silently, he gestured at him to bring the others.

"What’s up, pal?" Jackson asked. "You sense another monster?"

"No. Not at all."

"So...?"

"And that’s the issue," Kazi stated, crossing his arms with one leg propped forward, an arm dangling off the knee.

Glances were exchanged. They had no idea what he was talking about.

"I mean...that means better for us, right?" Jackson said. "That shark thing was strong. With that thick ass fog, I can see how you’d die from it on ’em lil canoes."

"The mermaids. Where are they then?"

The moment he said that, they understood.

"R-right, if no one is sensing ’em, then...where are them buckaroos? They’re mermaids, it’s not like they can fight anywhere else but in water."

"They’re likely going to ambush us from behind once we arrive at shore." Kazi peered over his shoulder. "I don’t sense them, and that’s the issue. They should be in the water, but they’re not. My guess is that they’re aware of our ability to sense mana and life energy and planned accordingly." Kazi’s left eye pulsed. "Yeah, they’ve probably distanced themselves enough to stay out of my range. They know that once we engage the army on shore, they can strike without the sensors being able to warn everyone in time."

"Wait...ya think maybe the shark was a decoy to get us comfy?"

"I think so. Think about it, the princess can revive her little guardians between attacks."

Kibiwott’s eyes narrowed. "What should we do?"

"Them gunning for this ambush tells one thing," Kazi said, "that they have strong long-range attacks."

"Well, shit. If they’re in the water snipin’ at us while we’re fighting the men..." Jackson cursed. "What the hell can we do?"

Kazi glanced around at the other ships, then their own ship where the players and fishermen were preparing for the imminent battle. "We don’t tell everyone. You three alongside the players and fishermen here need to confront the two mermaids yourselves."

Kibiwott was more than up for the idea, a hint of a smile on his lips. "Understood."

"More XP for us, right?" Remmy said. "Great!"

"Ha! A chance for us boys to get that sweet moola." Jackson nodded with a grin. "I’m with ya, Kazi. We’ll take care of those mermaid bastards."

Kazi already knew in advance that they would agree. They were all driven by the desire to get stronger. To attain their wish, XP and levels were necessary. To be able to fight an exclusive monster couldn’t be ignored. It was simple logic.

The shore was up ahead and the sense of anticipation grew.

The fog dissipated. The island was revealed.

Fear began to seep in.

"Well, I’ll be damned. They done bring the whole country. Grinnin’ like a possum eatin’ a sweet tater." Jackson gripped his axe tightly. "Let’s fry ’em."

The reveal of the beach was a harrowing one. The front of the island was lined with an army of players, their armor and weapons gleaming in the early light. The players on the side of Princess Otohime were not like them. They had proper weapons. Proper armoury. Not their old stuff, new equipment.

In exchange, there were only two hundred of them. Two hundred players versus five hundred players and one hundred fishermen.

"Prepare for landing!" Kazi’s voice rang out and the rowers slowed their pace. "Synchronize with the other ships! Attack as one!

"Ah, shit." Remmy drew in a breath and fired off four Fire Darts. His mana was low at this point. His expression was set in worry, hoping that a minute would pass and that his mana regen would help him out.

In one minute, they would hit shore. Not one at a time but all together. The players on the island waited.

"They don’t have archers," Kazi noted. "They’re definitely trying to do that ambush."

But on the side of fishermen, there were forty archers. Two on Kazi’s ship, including Remmy, and the remaining behind him. He could hear the sound of arrows slicing the air.

Unfortunately, their opponents were ready with magical barriers. Over twenty arrows rained over them and not a single one landed on a body.

"Players! Fisherman!" Kazi yelled. "Follow Kibiwott! He will be spear heading our squadron!"

Grunts and exclamations of acceptance rang through. The ships hit the sand with a lurch. At that moment, the players and fishermen disembarked fast. Kibiwott raised a hand, silently ordering them to stay. Their job was to take care of the ambushing mermaids.

"Oi, Kazi," Jackson called out. "You really doing it, huh?"

They talked about this after the Samebito was killed. If there was anyone capable of killing the princess, it was Kazi.

"If I want to end this with as little bloodshed as possible..." Kazi’s legs coursed with mana. "I should head straight for the princess."

Wind kicked up the moment he sprung forward. His goal was clear: to avoid unnecessary bloodshed by defeating Princess Otohime as quickly as possible. He touched the sand...

Bam! Bam! Bam!

...and dashed through the enemy ranks, knocking out dozens of them in mere seconds with precise, non-lethal strikes. The back of his head, the vagus nerve, the gallbladder, all vital points that went straight to knocking them out. Kazi’s movements were a blur, and before the opposing players could react, he had already moved past the front-lines. He was now neck-deep within the hundred player army.

"This...!"

Slam! A punch to the gut and then a kick to the neighbouring player. Both went down and when Kazi’s feet touched the floor, he dashed off.

Kazi Hossain was too fast for anyone.

"Super Spark Strike!"

Or so he thought. He saw a flash of pink hair when an electric blade suddenly came swinging toward his neck. Momentum carrying, he dropped his knees and slid underneath it, moderately surprised but not deterred. He sent a single glance over his shoulder and had his left eye pulse.

The pink-haired woman was grinning like a maniac and attempted to chase after him. Alas, Kazi was too fast. He out-paced her with ease and wound up looking past her to gaze upon his crew members.

Just like he asked, they were still on the ship and away from the main force. They were about to move back to confront the mermaids.

But the main assault was still happening. Players were beginning to fight and his side was winning.

Kazi continued his own assault, weaving through the enemy lines and knocking out who he could. The opposing players were well-equipped, but they were no match for his speed and skill. Eventually, after a palm strike to the temple, a player lost their grip and Kazi managed to steal their silver sword.

[ Item forcibly equipped! ]

’A B-class magical sword,’ Kazi deduced. ’These would definitely even the playing the field against superior numbers.’

His left eye ached. He could see the gates of Princess Otohime’s castle in the distance, a majestic structure made of coral and pearl, rising from a moat like a fairytale palace. The gates themselves were a shimmering silver, reflecting the bright moat in dazzling patterns. He went faster.

The pink lady was left in the dust.

’The moat,’ Kazi thought. ’I sense something. That must be...’

Kazi had to reach the castle and confront Princess Otohime before the mermaids could launch their ambush, before too much blood was spilled between players. His path was littered with unconscious players, their armor clattering as they fell, but Kazi paid them no mind. His goal was within reach.

The eyes of the divine bore down on the lone warrior.

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