Chapter 53: The Initial Defense

Chapter 53: The Initial Defense



Back at the watchtower, Nick and Sam watched the enemy fleet grow closer. The dark ships cut through the water with menacing grace, their monstrous occupants preparing for the imminent assault.

Below them, personnel were hustling to prepare the coastal artillery for the impending battle. The main defensive artillery was the M777 howitzers, powerful and precise weapons designed for long-range bombardment. Each howitzer was equipped with a 155mm cannon, capable of firing shells with devastating accuracy over great distances.

The artillery crews worked with practiced efficiency. A team of five soldiers surrounded each M777, their movements coordinated and swift. One soldier loaded a shell into the breech, while another adjusted the targeting system. The gunner, responsible for aiming the cannon, peered through the sight, making fine adjustments to ensure accuracy. Two more soldiers stood by, ready to assist with loading and firing as needed.

The gunner for one of the M777 howitzers, Sergeant Alvarez, called out to his team. "Shell ready! Adjust elevation to three degrees!"Rêạd new chapters at novelhall.com

Private Jenkins, handling the targeting system, quickly made the adjustments. "Elevation set to three degrees, sir!"

"Good. Range to target, five thousand meters," Alvarez continued, checking the calculations on his tablet. "Adjust for wind speed, two knots north-northeast."

Jenkins made the necessary adjustments and then gave a thumbs-up. "Wind speed accounted for, Sergeant!"

"Ready to fire!" Alvarez shouted, signaling the rest of his team. The soldiers tensed their eyes on the target.

"Fire!" Alvarez commanded.

With a deafening roar, the M777 howitzer unleashed its shell. The cannon recoiled violently, but the team was already preparing for the next round. The shell arced through the sky, a streak of steel aimed at the approaching fleet.

Seconds later, a distant explosion marked the impact. One of the enemy ships shuddered and burst into flames, the force of the blast ripping through its hull.

"Direct hit!" Jenkins shouted, a grin spreading across his face.

Nick and Sam watched from their watchtower, their eyes wide with shock and horror.

"Did you see that?" Sam exclaimed.

"That thing just threw something at us!"

"Hey, you guys! Can you bring down that ship that just fired at us?" Nick yelled down to the artillery crews below.

Sergeant Alvarez, still coordinating the artillery teams, nodded grimly. "We'll do our best! Target the flagship!"

The artillery crews quickly adjusted their aim. The gunners recalibrated the sights, and loaders hurried to prepare the next shells. The focus was now on the largest ship in the enemy fleet, the one with the minotaur commander.

"Ready to fire on the flagship!" Alvarez shouted, his voice cutting through the noise.

"Fire!" came the command.

The M777 howitzers unleashed their shells, the thunderous booms echoing across the battlefield. The shells streaked through the sky, aimed directly at Ursa's flagship.

Ursa saw the arcing projectiles and knew he had to act fast. With a guttural roar, he released a wave of dark energy into the air. The energy rippled outward, creating a force field that slowed the momentum of the incoming shells. The shells seemed to hit an invisible barrier, their speed reducing dramatically as they approached the flagship.

However, not all the shells were affected. However, one shell broke through and exploded just a few feet away from Ursa. The impact was tremendous, sending shards of metal and wood flying in all directions. For the first time, Ursa felt pain. The blast threw him against the deck, his armor cracking under the force.

Ursa groaned as he struggled to his feet. Pain radiated through his body, a sensation he had not felt in centuries. His vision blurred, but his rage was clear.

"How... dare they!" he roared. "I will slaughter them all! Onwards!"