Chapter 162: The Sky Battle Arena
In summary, the gunner's assault was manageable, with the knights able to hold their ground. However, the artillerymen's bombardment proved exceedingly troublesome. The incessant rain of cannon fire, coupled with the unlucky few directly hit and instantly transformed into beast balls, posed a significant risk of unnecessary casualties.
"Speed up!" Zhang Fan's brow furrowed. Holding his shield in his left hand, he drew his Magnum revolver with his right, firing continuously into the sky. Each bullet accurately intercepted a cannonball, causing them to explode mid-air and preventing further harm to his comrades.
"An unbelievable sight unfolds! The hero of Biscode single-handedly intercepts a barrage of cannon fire. Such a feat is unprecedented in Biscode!" the battlefield commentator exclaimed, marvelling at this first-time occurrence.
"The hero's efforts shall not go in vain. Young knights, follow me in the charge!" With a swing of her sword, Darkeion unleashed her signature move, "Celestial Slash," sweeping through the enemy's first line of defense. Seizing the moment, the knights commenced their initial sweep. The artillerymen and gunners, virtually defenseless in close combat, faced utter defeat against the knights' onslaught.
Swiftly, under Zhang Fan's leadership, the guardians around the Grana Floating Fortress were eliminated. Surprisingly, the defensive forces were meager, possibly a reflection of Leong Miuxi's own strategy. However, with no time to dwell on this, the team stormed the castle gates, ascending to the very top where Leong Miuxi awaited.
"Arrived rather late, haven't you, hero? Darkeion, and the captain of the drooping guard, I've grown impatient waiting. Now, at the pinnacle of this castle, the Sky Battle Arena, I offer you a chance for a decisive victory." Upon reaching the top, they found an empty hall with only a magical device projecting Leong Miuxi's declaration. A chance for victory? Perhaps not so straightforward.
"The legendary weapons, Granbel and Exmathena, are here. Claiming these artifacts will virtually assure your victory by points. Come, whether alone or together, I shall defeat you and claim Parathion, then crush the forces of Frolinde. Hurry up!" With that, Leong Miuxi's image vanished, her intent on securing Parathion unmistakable.
"I have a request," Miuxi suddenly spoke, following Leong Miuxi's message. As expected, the princess wished for a private audience with Leong Miuxi. However, knowing the potential outcomes, Zhang Fan could not allow Miuxi to face such danger alone.
"I'm afraid that's the one thing I cannot permit. As for why, just look to the skies." Zhang Fan shook his head, then gestured towards the ominous clouds that had overtaken the once clear sky, signaling the impending chaos that forbade further combat.
"This presence... Is this the demon Zhang Fan warned of? It seems I've come at the right time," Darkeion remarked, gazing at the sky with a grave expression. The impending threat was far more formidable than any typical demon beast.
"What should we do now?" With Darkeion acknowledging the demon's presence, Miuxi became visibly anxious, especially with Leong Miuxi above.
"Let's ascend together. Whatever's coming, we must face it," Zhang Fan resolved, his words hinting at the inevitability of the confrontation.
"Finally, here we are. I've been waiting a long time," Leong Miuxi greeted with a faint smile as Zhang Fan and his companions reached the top. Despite the dire circumstances, her demeanor suggested a possible deviation from the predicted tragic outcome.
"Sorry for the delay. Traffic was a nightmare," Zhang Fan joked.
"Traffic?" Leong Miuxi paused, puzzled by the term.
"Never mind that. Are you truly prepared to battle us, Leong Miuxi?" Zhang Fan asked teasingly, though he knew the fight could not proceed due to the storm's interference.
Before Leong Miuxi could respond, a battlefield announcement preempted her, signaling the suspension of hostilities due to the storm. The diminishing power of Frolinde and the risk of lightning strikes necessitated a temporary retreat.
As they contemplated their next move amidst the announcement, lightning struck, and the Sky Battle Arena began to ascend, pulled by a mysterious force. The final battle was about to commence.