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

Had their Goddess emerged victorious, her avatar would certainly be present even if Red Queen Menia had resorted to self-destruction. However, she was nowhere to be found.

"That recent blast was undeniably a surge of Fire Element energy; there is no doubt that Red Queen Menia has perished!"

"Nevertheless, it is highly probable that Rein survives and has even managed to overcome my Lord’s avatar."

"The adversary must be gravely wounded, explaining why he fled and concealed himself before our arrival. This is why the area appears deserted!" Pope Egil’s mind raced with these thoughts, his gaze intensifying with realization.

His conviction only grew stronger when his silent prayers to the Goddess were met with absolute silence!

"Halt the Imperial Airship and conduct a thorough search of the entire island!" Egil commanded immediately.

"Your Holiness the Pope, it shall be done as you command!"

...

Reginald was simultaneously reaching the same conclusion.

"It is very likely that Prince Menia has fallen!"

"But Rein might still be alive. 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 hiding at the bottom of that massive crater?"

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

Under the ferocious assault of the Sea God Sect, the remaining Imperial fleet found itself at a disadvantage despite their fearless resolve. Guided by Reginald, they maintained a defensive retreat, struggling to hold their ground.

Soon, however, the Sea God Sect spotted a small Federation fleet moving swiftly toward them from a neighboring stretch of water.

Though the Sea God Sect’s Flying Knights made short work of this small force, it succeeded in spreading the enemy's strength thin. Furthermore, shortly after that initial fleet was sunk, several more Federal maritime patrol units arrived on the scene.

Before long, a battle line spanning several kilometers stretched across the ocean, filled with the thunder of cannons and the roars of sea beasts!

...

Some time passed.

"Your Holiness, our forces have scoured the entire island, yet no sign of Rein has been discovered," an Evil Sorcerer reported.

"Keep searching!" Egil barked.

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

Many of the High Rank Evil Sorcerers had been skeptical since Egil first ordered the search. In their estimation, Menia, Rein, and their Goddess’s avatar had likely all been annihilated in the explosion.

Now that the search had yielded nothing, their doubts only intensified.

Pope Egil understood the underlying message in his subordinate's report. He surveyed the horizon, noting the increasing number of Federal vessels appearing on the waves.

If they lingered much longer, powerful Federal warriors would surely arrive.

He attempted to pray once more, yet the Goddess remained silent. The fact that even the Pope’s direct prayer went unanswered was a clear sign that her avatar had been destroyed.

Whether everyone involved had perished together remained an open question.

"Was it truly a case of mutual destruction?" Egil pondered.

Just then, a silver flash cut through the eastern horizon as a formidable warrior accelerated toward them!

"Boom!"

A giant, cross-shaped silver sword light tore through the atmosphere, instantly shredding dozens of Manta and Flying Fish Knights who tried to intervene. They were reduced to a shower of blood and gore!

Witnessing such overwhelming power, the remaining Flying Knights were too terrified to block the path.

"Federation Swordsmanship Tiro!" Egil’s eyes narrowed as he recognized the technique.

...