"Hmm? Someone."

Standing outside the office door belonging to the garrison commander, Vice Admiral Gustav, in "Dierben Castle".

With sharp senses and spiritual intuition, the Official Wizard Aiven clearly heard conversation inside the room, not quite a pleasant exchange.

"Hilus is really arrogant! They don't even bother to give a reason for blockading the sea area? We..."

That was the voice of the master of the place, Vice Admiral Gustav.

Another voice, sounding quite unfamiliar yet extremely arrogant, rudely interrupted him:

"Ha! In any case, the notice has been delivered to this envoy. How to proceed, I think you know very well.

As for the reason? When has Hilus ever needed a reason to act on the sea?

Alright.

My time is limited, so I won't chat with you two. I still have to visit other colonies of your Tulip.

I hope you can appreciate the...kind advice from Hilus!"

Boom—

The office door was suddenly pushed open.

Under the guard of two Hilus army soldiers dressed in fiery red uniforms and boots, a man in noble attire, sporting the Hilus-style mustache, strode out arrogantly.

He didn't even glance at Aiven standing outside the door, as if he was no different from a potted plant beside the door, and walked past him without looking.

The swaggering manner was as though this wasn't the largest military base of the Phaletis Kingdom in the New Continent, but his own backyard.

After he completely walked away, Aiven heard another voice from inside the door:

"It's outrageous!

Those bastards from Hilus don't regard us at all.

If he wasn't here as Philip II's envoy, I almost couldn't resist slapping him to death. Who gave an ordinary person, who isn't even an Extraordinary, the courage to boast shamelessly in front of two Great Knights?!"

"Alright, you and I both know it's obviously Hilus's sea hegemony that's letting this petty person flaunt.

Back to the topic.

According to the nautical chart, the people we've stealthily sent have sampled and sent back information; those Hilus soldiers brought back by the 'Storm Horn' weren't lying.

However, the Kingdom's position is somewhat awkward, wanting to seize the maximum benefit from this matter is extremely challenging. Whether it's Hilus, Sak, or Atlant, none are easy to deal with.

Plus, just now, the warning clearly indicates Hilus is determined to take Potosi.

It seems the Kingdom's conservative preparation strategy is currently the best countermeasure.

Strike them unawares, at least vent some frustration!"

Thinking it's not so good to eavesdrop for too long.

When Vice Admiral Gustav's voice paused, Aiven stepped forward to knock.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

"Report!"

"Come in!"

Push the door to enter.

"Commander! Captain Aiven Galliot of the 'Storm Horn' reporting!"

After standing at attention and saluting.

Aiven wasn't surprised to see Vice Admiral Gustav and the owner of the other voice, his Royal Navy Academy "Senior"—Quasi-Legendary Battleship Captain, Major General Demong Brand.

"Captain Aiven, please sit."

No matter where, a battleship captain is already in the mid-upper hierarchy of the Navy Officer system.

Plus, Aiven's numerous titles make it difficult even for the strict and stern Vice Admiral Gustav to treat him as an ordinary young man.

Just after Aiven sat on the couch opposite the commander, before the Vice Admiral spoke, Major General Demong stared at him and suddenly asked:

"Aiven, have you successfully promoted?"

Previously, the 'Storm Horn' had reported its exit in advance, having just returned at dawn today, and before having time to return to the base housing, the messenger called him over.

Aiven had no reason to hide; the stronger his strength, the more attention and merit he could garner.

Moreover, before joining the local guard mission, the local military heads would receive the resumes of major personnel, and both commanders knew Aiven belonged to the Kingdom's Witchcraft Association "Violet Eye".

In addition to this, connecting the conversation he heard earlier, Aiven had already guessed the purpose of these two leaders calling him over.

"Just barely succeeded!"

Although seeing Aiven returning here in good condition suggested no mishaps occurred, hearing him say it personally was both a relief and a joy, as every ounce of power is precious at such a crucial moment:

"Great! We had some concerns about whether you could handle this task.

Now it seems there's no issue; possessing both Peak Knight and Official Wizard qualities is enough to act as a covert force that affects the battlefield!"

Even if not deeply knowledgeable about Wizards, as a naval high command, Demong knew very well.

The means of Wizards are vast and varied; an Official Wizard from the "Alchemy School" doesn't just represent productivity. Given enough time to prepare, even burying a Great Knight in a trap isn't entirely impossible.

In times when Tier 4 "Crowned Wizards" exist only in legends and Tier 3 High-Rank Wizards are esteemed by kings, a Level 2 Official Wizard is a strategic high-end force in conventional battles.

Placed among all current armed forces of the Kingdom in the New Continent, Aiven's current Extraordinary Tier is already beneath only a limited few Great Knights!

Capable of taking on important duty!

Subsequently, Major General Demong also briefed Aiven on the latest happenings related to the Potosi Silver Mine during his focused preparation for the advancement ceremony.

Indeed.

The situation developments on the Potosi Islands, as predicted by the captured Captain Victor, had the three parties involved jointly concealing the news.

The intelligence about "Silver Island" in the Northern New Continent hasn't been widely known yet.

However, for this unparalleled treasure, the navies of the three countries have already battled fiercely several times on the vast open seas.

Of course, it's not a tripartite confrontation and mutual conflict; it's the navies of Sak and Atlant jointly attacking Hilus.

But the sea hegemon, true to its name, remains firmly in control even in a two-against-one scenario.

It's just because the three parties are holding each other in check, preventing anyone from confidently landing to mine the resources, that the situation has reached a temporary stalemate.

However, to prevent new disruptors from emerging.

Hilus has issued diplomatic notes to the various colonial territories in the New Continent, prohibiting vessels from other kingdoms from entering a vast area it has delineated.

This scope not only encompasses the Silver Island, but also includes a substantial portion of Atlant's "Giant Horn Cape Fishery."

To outsiders, it might seem like Hilus has its eyes on Atlant's large fishery.

Although it seems a bit like revealing one's intentions carelessly, under Hilus's domineering style, other countries can only simmer in silent anger.

"After receiving the intelligence you captured, we immediately sent it back to the mainland.

While Hilus is still unaware that we have knowledge of this, the Kingdom has already engaged with Sak and Atlant.

Currently, the Tulip Alliance and they have temporarily formed a united front to jointly resist pressure from Hilus.

However, the situation at the frontlines is tense, and even though Sak and Atlant have put all their efforts into it, Hilus is fighting on foreign grounds.

But as their reinforcements arrive, they have gradually managed to put both countries under pressure.

To make matters worse, recently, northern pirates have become increasingly active, causing both countries to be on high alert and repeatedly urge us to deploy troops.

Therefore, the Kingdom's plan is to target Hilus's supply line!"

National interests cannot be swayed by the intimidation of a single envoy. Major General Demong laid out the plan his side had already formulated before the arrival of Hilus's envoy.

Then he took out a nautical chart, pointing to a spot on it for Aiven to analyze:

"Look! Hilus has hardly developed the 'barren' Northern Continent.

Even in their main occupied areas in the central and southern parts, most of their colonies are on the west coast of the New Continent, near the Broken Star Sea, rather than on the east coast near the Black Sea.

From their nearest central colony, it takes at least 20 days to reach the Potosi Islands, and the long supply line is bound to drag down the frontline combat.

If they cannot decisively suppress the two countries in one go, they will have to be dragged into a war of attrition!"

Aiven is, of course, clear about Hilus's influence in the New Continent.

From the central New Continent gradually moving south, the sequence is:

New Hilus Vice-Kingdom, Vice-Kingdom of New Granada, Vice-Kingdom of Secret Dragon, Vice-Kingdom of La Plata; any of these vice-kingdoms are much larger than the mainland of Phaletis Kingdom, each with several governor districts.

Each area has a Hilus vice king overseeing management, and they all have their own fleet. Although the strength of the fleets varies due to different establishment times, their combined force undoubtedly possesses formidable power to dominate the seas.

Even to prevent remnants from the two imperial forces in the New Continent from counterattacking and to intimidate other nations, each vice king's command includes at least one quasi-legendary suppression vessel, which is far more formidable than the pitiful Phaletis.

Now, it depends on how fast and decisively the four vice kings can provide support.

Demong raised his head to gaze at Aiven, and nearby, the stationed commander Vice Admiral Gustav also turned his head.

"So we have a challenging task for you.

In this 'Silver War' determining the 'Potosi' ownership, between the near and the far seas, block Hilus's main supply line.

Just in time, the 'Storm Horn' and 'Endeavor' have rotated to the New Continent, so even if they suddenly disappear, they won't easily attract the attention of Hilus's intelligence agencies.

Her Majesty the Queen's command to us is that the large silver mine must not fall into Hilus's hands again, at least not completely.

Now, you are required to act as a Ghost Unit, and with the force of two battleships, dealing with some supply ships, civilian vessels, and increasingly active pirates should pose no problem.

Even small-scale naval reinforcements, if possible, all should be taken out! Just try not to leave any witnesses!"

Upon hearing this, Aiven's mind raced.

Isn't this the kingdom wanting to have it both ways?

Because it's adjacent to the New Hilus Vice-Kingdom in the central New Continent while Hilus is also the largest customer of the kingdom's industrial products.

Unwilling to openly deploy battleships and tear their relationships, yet wanting to hinder Hilus, perhaps even aiming to create a situation where it can profit from the conflict between others.

Under multiple considerations, it can only covertly set obstacles for Hilus.

Moreover.

As predicted, once the war begins, one becomes completely constrained.

Especially with these interception missions with unspecified targets, which are the most troublesome. Sea hunts are like lucky draws; before action, it's hard to tell if the opposing ship carries a harmless bunny or a fearsome tiger.

During the pirate hunts, at least there was a list plus corresponding intelligence, providing some assurance for the pursuers.

But regarding this task, Aiven certainly cannot refuse; indeed, under the kingdom's grand strategy, he has no right to refusal.

Still, Aiven is confident.

With his current force and battleship configuration, as long as he doesn't encounter those nearly unbeatable "quasi-legendary battleships," he would not be intimidated by anyone.

Bang—!

Stand at attention and salute.

"Promise to complete the task!"

The reply was clean and decisive.

The two base commanders smiled.

"Take it easy! As long as you preserve yourself, try your best!

Other alliance countries will also deploy battleships to set up layers of nets, only your task is the most challenging.

At the same time, we guarantee that all the seized items during the mission belong entirely to you.

And the base here isn't without additional support."

Vice Admiral Gustav said as he called out towards the door:

"Has Major Boris arrived?"

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