Chapter 161 Chapter 161: So You're the One Called Artoria? (Just Kidding)
Chapter 161: So You're the One Called Artoria? (Just Kidding)
"Rhodes Island's main ship has entered the strike zone... The Fragmentum Tower is ready."
"Your Highness, since we cannot use the airship for long-range targeting, this attack will most likely affect the Lahan District. Welcome to the Night Raid's Monthly Fee Group: 694936135."
With the airship intercepted by the enemy through unknown means, the Fragmentum Tower's strike range has been reduced to a rather limited area. This is an unavoidable compromise.
Upon hearing this, Theresa's gaze, cold as a deep pool, showed no fluctuation.
"Strike authorized."
The lives of a few Londinium citizens are clearly insufficient to influence Theresa's judgment. His decision remains resolute.
"Understood."
——————
Rhodes Island Main Ship,
"Approaching Londinium urban area. Welcome to the Night Raid's Monthly Fee Group: 694936135."
The surroundings gradually darkened. Almost every operator on the main ship could see the sky-obscuring Catastrophe clouds over Londinium.
"What's this, after going around in circles, we're back again."
Blaze inspected her chainsaw. This old partner is her guarantee for standing tall at Rhodes Island's victory banquet.
"No, this time it's different, Blaze."
Ace remained his usual efficient self. Previously, Rhodes Island was driven out of Londinium by the Military Commission. Now, because of someone's arrival, the roles of attacker and defender have reversed.
"Ah, you're right...! Ace, look! The Catastrophe clouds!"
Not just Blaze, all operators on the deck noticed the anomaly in the sky.
The dark clouds in the sky began gathering purposefully, pressing down towards Rhodes Island's direction. The occasional leakage of storms and lightning gave people a sense of facing the apocalypse.
For Theresa, sacrificing a portion of Londinium's citizens to annihilate most of Rhodes Island's effective forces is completely a worthwhile trade.
But what he doesn't know is that this move plays right into the Doctor's hands. She understands Theresa's character too well. No longer a skilled woman unable to cook without rice, the Doctor finally has the chance to set an effective plan in motion.
"Execute Plan A."
Having regained the opportunity for this game of chess, the Doctor finally makes her move.
......
Londinium Southern District Central Square. A large crowd had gathered here at some unknown time, with many more people poking their heads out of windows, looking with terror at the Catastrophe clouds hovering over the Lahan District.
"That damned executioner! He's taking revenge, making all of us pay with our lives for the dead Sarkaz from before!"
"What do we do?! The purge has already begun; sooner or later it will be our turn...."
Panic spread through the crowd at a frantic pace. The sleeper agents the Doctor planted among the people served their purpose perfectly. Of course, the main catalyst was still that massive mass of Catastrophe clouds on the verge of eruption.
"Execute Plan A."
The Doctor's calm voice came through the earpiece. Kevin nodded to Siege. She took a deep breath, her fingers gripping tightly at Caliburn at her waist.
Finally, she took a step forward. At first, she seemed somewhat hesitant and lost, but each subsequent step grew firmer, and her aura began to surge!
The proud young lioness raised her head. Her sun-bright golden hair, under the gloomy shadow of the Catastrophe, was like dawn breaking through the heavens. Every citizen in the central square noticed this woman of noble bearing.
And involuntarily made way for her.
She ascended the steps step by step, like a golden monarch ascending the throne.
Finally, Siege stopped at the top, facing Londinium's citizens, and drew her sword!
Clang!
A dazzling golden light instantly captured everyone's attention.
"Citizens of Londinium!"
Siege's voice resounded throughout the entire square. A strange power contained within it instantly silenced all clamor in the plaza.
"My name is Siege Eselheld!"
Eselheld!
This was the surname of the previous generation's Victorian emperor. The time since the passing of the former monarch was not so long ago that it could erase the people's memory, especially for citizens residing in the capital.
"I am—the only child of Eselheld II!"
"The Sarkaz have invaded our homes and lands, plundered our property and dignity, destroyed our achievements and pride! Now, they even seek to drive a Catastrophe to take our remaining lives!"
Her voice was impassioned and stirring. With every word and action, she mobilized the emotions of almost all the people.
"If a tiger's jaws already hang over our heads, compromise will never guarantee our safety. Will you truly allow your most precious lives to be slaughtered at their whim?!"
"No! No!"
The voices of thousands nearly converged into waves, turbulent enough to swallow most who stood before them!
"Now, I have returned. The light of Caliburn shall guide us to pierce through the darkness of this Catastrophe!"
Siege raised high her royal sword. Caliburn seemed to respond to her call as well, erupting with a dazzling radiance. A beam of dawn light pierced through the gloomy clouds and ignited the last vestiges of courage in the bewildered citizens' hearts.
All of Londinium trembled. Siege pointed her sword at the heavy Catastrophe clouds shrouding the distant Lahan District.
The colossal entity buried underground was reactivated. This was another one of Victoria's hidden assets besides the Fragmentum Tower and the Steam Knights!
Caliburn!
The deeply buried royal tombs, the towering mountains no one treads upon, the magnificent lakes concealing secrets...
Countless tiny beams of light seeped from every inch of Londinium's soil. The golden brilliance seemed to crown Siege as she stepped forward—
This sword represents Victoria's history, recording the past and entrusting the present.
Now, it shall also—carve open the future—
"Caliburn—Full Release!"
Golden light tore through the heavens, boldly slashing towards the seemingly endless Catastrophe clouds in the sky—fearless and majestic!
The Sarkaz stationed in the city, Londinium's citizens, Rhodes Island's operators, even the Victorian Dukes observing the situation!
The Catastrophe clouds over Lahan District were boldly pierced by golden light. Rippling waves dispersed vast swathes of gloom; the Catastrophe was rapidly dissolving!
"Caliburn?! How is this possible?!"
The Duke of Caster could no longer maintain her usual air of having everything under control. Losing her composure, she rushed to the railing beside the bridge deck. Her tightly clenched hand almost left imprints on the iron railing.
How did she do it?!
This was now the only question remaining in the Duke of Caster's mind.
.....
Until the Catastrophe dispersed and the golden light faded.
When all present citizens looked towards that figure holding the royal sword, their expressions had completely changed—a fervor and faith rebounding after long suppression!
The impact brought by Caliburn's release was unparalleled; this was a true miracle!
"The King! Our King!"
No one knew who shouted first, but everyone seemed swept up by this fervent atmosphere.
The bitterness in their hearts had finally found an outlet. Among the crowd, operators who had recorded everything beforehand quietly withdrew; they would still be needed for subsequent plans.
"Kevin, how is progress?"
"Everything is proceeding smoothly."
"Good. Preparations are complete. The next phase... I leave it to you..."
The voice from the earpiece ceased. Kevin took one last look at Siege, who was now fully in her element. He smiled faintly, his eyes filled with approval.
Although he helped release Caliburn's power, those lines were entirely improvised on her part.
All in all, she did well.
Kevin turned around; he had other tasks and should leave now.
On stage, Siege, who was directing the crowd, seemed to sense something. She looked towards that alley corner but only caught a glimpse of a blue-black coat hem.
"Everyone! Let us not act blindly! To ensure citizen safety as much as possible, first go to supply points to collect weapons! Then we will first recapture Londinium's outer districts! We will gather strength and finally drive out these invading Sarkaz from our homeland!"
"For Victoria!"
"For Victoria!" ×n
One call received a hundred responses. Since ancient times, those who win people's hearts have always been like this.
EX-CALIBURR