Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys Chapter 1494 - 513: The Returning Airship (Part 3)

Menia stared at the mermaid princess's faint silhouette, which was visible within the massive watery avatar of Hela.

"Hold on! Prince Menia, there is an island just ahead. If we can lead her there, I am certain I can emerge victorious!" Rein urged with desperation.

"Oh?" Upon hearing Rein's conviction and the mention of nearby land, Menia paused, reconsidering the choice of a final, suicidal charge.

"However, my physical strength is almost gone; maintaining the Giant Dragon Form much longer will be impossible for me..."

"Do not worry, Prince Menia, I am with you!" Rein replied with a solemn expression.

Rein was focused forward and failed to notice the deep, contemplative gaze Menia directed at his back from behind.

Meanwhile, Hela, the Nether Sea Goddess, showed no rush to strike. Instead, she took her time observing Rein in his Three-headed Dragon form, remarking leisurely:

"Mortal, you are quite the surprise; despite this prolonged combat, the Dragon descendant at your side is spent, yet you appear as vigorous as you were at the start of the fray."

"Nevertheless, I am curious to see exactly how much longer your endurance can last."

"You want to challenge my stamina? I promise you won't be let down! Though, I must say, that disgusting black water of yours could use a thorough cleaning."

Menia was stunned by these words, shooting a look at Rein that seemed to ask, 'Do you really dare to provoke her? Aren't you terrified that the Nether Sea Goddess Hela will unleash her full wrath upon you?'

"Blasphemer! You filthy blasphemer!!!"

"Mortal! You shall be utterly consumed by the Nether Sea! Die!"

As expected, Rein’s taunt sent Hela into a fit of trembling rage. Her hundred-meter-tall liquid form began to rain down in a fury, her previous aura of calm and composure shattering instantly.

But just as she prepared to trap Rein and Menia under a canopy of dark water, hundreds of glowing red iron spheres suddenly rained down from the heavens, crashing into her vicinity!

"What?"

Confused, Hela looked upward only to realize that the Empire airships that had previously retreated had made a return.

While the heavy side cannons of the airships lacked the power to truly wound the Nether Sea Goddess Hela, the barrage wasn't aimed solely at her; it also targeted the Flying Fish Knights and Manta Knights.

The strength of these aerial riders was insufficient to endure such heavy artillery fire. These cannons were the most advanced models in the Empire, upgraded for maximum range and destructive power specifically for these visiting vessels.

Consequently, the tight formation of the Sea God Sect’s flying knights was thrown into immediate and total disarray.

"Let's go!"

Rein glanced toward the returning fleet of Empire airships, understanding that their return was a calculated sacrifice to give them a chance to break the siege.

He didn't waste a single moment, knowing the Empire's soldiers were fighting for every second. Rein grabbed Menia—who was struggling even to stay in Giant Dragon Form—and charged through the chaotic ranks of the Sea God Sect’s knights, flying straight toward the island.

"You think you can escape!"

Hela, having just annihilated an airship with a beam of black light, witnessed their flight and immediately gave chase.

It wasn't long before Hela spotted the island looming ahead as well.

Blinded by her fury, however, she didn't believe the terrain would change her advantage.

To her, the island was small; even if she faced a setback, she could easily retreat back into the depths of the ocean. Without a second thought, she gripped her Energy Trident and followed Rein onto the land.

Thirty seconds later.

Upon reaching the center of the island, Rein turned around to face the goddess.

"Have you finally stopped running? Do you imagine that because we are no longer over the open sea, I cannot manifest my avatars freely?"

The half-minute chase had allowed Hela to regain her composure. Believing she had seen through Rein's plan, her lips curled into a disdainful smirk.

"At the very least, it won't be as lopsided as it was on the water."

Rein carefully set down the exhausted, human-form Menia and stood protectively in front of him.

"Is that so? I truly hope you believe that."

Hela let out a mocking laugh at Rein's remark.

Suddenly, Rein and Menia felt the earth beneath them begin to tremble. Four more massive avatars of the Nether Sea Goddess Hela were stomping inward from the northeast, southwest, and northwest.

Hela had manipulated a staggering volume of seawater to create five separate avatars simultaneously, completely surrounding Rein and Menia from every side!

....