CHAPTER 523: CHAPTER 473 SECONDARY PRAYER TECHNIQUE: CONCEPT REPLACEMENT

Southern New Continent, north of the Vice-Kingdom of Hilus Laplata, lies the "Chaotic Territory" of Cabraal.

This area is rich in resources, with active magic elements, abundant in both worldly minerals and forestry resources, as well as many demonized materials needed by the Extraordinary World.

However, before being known as a treasure land, it was more famous for its mix of different elements!

Colonies of civilized countries, large numbers of aboriginal survivors of extinct nations, escaped slaves from colonies, wizards, and various non-mainstream extraordinary forces interweave, making it the region with the most complex power constitution across the New Continent.

A blind spot of order, a paradise of chaos.

Even though Hilus has surrounded most of it with colonies, it has tried numerous times to take over this wealthy land, but each time it ended in vain.

Deep within the chaotic territory, lies the ominous Withered Wood Swamp.

A towering black tower looms amidst the strange-colored mist, its outer walls seemingly sealing numerous human faces in solidified black wax-like material. If you get close, you might even hear terrifying wails.

This is the forbidden land for all intelligent creatures within a hundred kilometers, and even in the Black Wizard community, it is a headquarters for the dreaded "Curse School".

Inside an office that could be described as a haven compared to the outside world.

Having lost a student and a Level 4 Battleship, the Bald Wizard Harvey ultimately preserved his own life. Though filled with resentment, he believes that as long as he survives, he can eventually rise again.

At this moment, he was slightly bowing, reporting this expedition to a petite old man:

"...Originally, I thought taking down the White Knight and his Dragon Cavalry Pirate Gang would be easy.

Then, using this achievement, I planned to exchange it for the ’Cursed Object’ Tavernier Blue Diamond from the Vice King of New Hilus, who is infuriated with the White Knight, and perhaps even gain the friendship of Vice Admiral Adonis Auston.

Unexpectedly, this legendary great pirate hid so deeply, leading to ultimate failure.

No wonder he always wore a mask; perhaps his real identity is some renowned figure."

The plain-looking petite old man lifted his eyes from behind the desk, his gaze emotionless:

"Although we paid some price this time, discovering the intelligence about the White Knight beforehand is much better than suffering a big loss unprepared later.

Moreover, most of the loss was on Bradley’s side.

Before fully understanding the White Knight’s background, regardless of any action the Hilus people might take, our people shouldn’t trouble him.

Just as Philip II is about to marry a princess of the Habsburg Clan and will soon be crowned Emperor, and the ’Tinder Sect’ of the new Eternal Flame Church is about to be established. There may not be peace there, so go to support Anduin in Hilus."

The Bald Wizard bowed deeply, and to this Great Wizard, who was just a step away from becoming crowned, he could only obey.

"I will follow your orders, Your Excellency!"

...

In the fleet’s command room, in Anita’s exclusive office.

"Here, Bess, catch this."

Awoo! Crunch crunch...

The snow-white great owl took flight, catching the fresh fish Annie tossed over in one bite.

"Delicious, thank you, dear sister!"

It has been a few days since that siege and counter-siege battle concluded.

As the Vice-Commander of the Privateer Fleet, in Aiven’s absence, Anita has fully taken over the fleet.

Currently in Hatrafa Port, only Bess is aware of the relationship between Jade Light and its owner.

While other pirate officers held deep respect for this Deputy Commander, it has already secured the privilege of calling her "dear sister".

Having been squeezed relentlessly by Aiven like a child laborer for years, Bess now sings a different tune, receiving vastly different treatment from Anita.

However, in Anita’s eyes, there might be no distinction between a Servant Demon and a regular animal. Never having raised an owl before, she actually, possibly, maybe treats it like a cat or dog...

Judging by its blissful appearance, it clearly doesn’t mind at all.

If Aiven were to see this scene, he would likely express his sincere ’care’ for it:

"Bess, your conscience is totally corrupted, daring to snatch sister’s affection from your general, acting like reserve food, you’re dead meat!"

Possibly, Bess also has something to say:

"When you need me, I’m Little Sweetie. Once used, I become the Old Bull Lady. Boss, please don’t play around; sister’s embrace is the warmest!"

After the great battle, the pirate gang’s operations returned to normal, and with Bess’s assistance, Anita has nearly sorted out all aspects of the "Dragon Cavalry".

For the gang members, seeing the well-known "Jade Light" in the Golden Sea becoming their Deputy Commander was as exhilarating as if they were holding original shares of a Fortune 500 company; everyone was overjoyed, even singing in their sleep.

And the addition of six pirate ships and nearly a thousand pirates further boosted the "Dragon Cavalry", lending them more confidence when they went raiding.

Because the main troops under several Pirate Kings were roughly at this level, of course, Bradley the Oathbreaker, supported by Hilus and having absorbed many free pirates, was an exception.

Including this real Great Knight and the unfathomable power of the Commander, it was not impossible to vie for the Golden Sea’s Pirate King position.

Moreover.

"Hatrafa Port" has been completely exposed; it could even be said no one among the pirates is unaware of it. But with a brightly shining Great Knight stationed there, just like the bases of the other two Pirate Kings, no one dared to cause trouble.

Moreover, Anita’s style is obviously different from Aiven’s. Though she’s a woman, her approach is tougher than Aiven’s. Hiding is not a long-term strategy, as a major force will eventually have to come to the forefront.

Besides, although located in the Golden Sea, Hatrafa Port is only half a day’s sail from Far Sails Territory and equally close to Phaletis’s Navy base "Dierben Castle."

The Kingdom’s deterrent power is sufficient to shield them from quasi-legendary forces.

With two Tier 3 anchor points, the Pirate Gang is no longer as weak and defenseless as it was in the beginning. Especially after this counter-encirclement operation, even if the location of "Hatrafa Port" becomes public, it remains a restricted zone for enemies.

Furthermore, now with the Ship’s Figurehead of Lucky Gold Coins installed on "Venus," even if not quasi-legendary, the "Heavy Cruiser" has become renowned for being unbeatable in single combat among regular warships, showcasing some quasi-legendary prowess.

Even when facing forces of superior specifications, they are not without resistance.

"Bess, gather intelligence. Before Aiven returns, let’s see if we can pull off another big deal!"

....

Southern Continent.

Central Sea, shrouded in dense fog.

"Commander, I’ve arrived."

Major General Marz wrote a line of red text on an elliptical leaf.

After receiving a response, the "Long-nosed Shark" slowly sailed into the "War Fog" summoned by Divine Art. After a period of fierce battles, they were clearly aware of the Alliance’s unknown reconnaissance abilities and took targeted measures.

The windflower leaves used for instant communication are worth gold outside, but to Hilus, they’re merely special Spiritual Materials, and the Priests of the "Eternal Flame" are equally capable of Spirit Realm Exploration within the Magic System.

To facilitate coordination among quasi-legendaries, each captain is equipped with two leaves.

After entering the dense fog, the "Storm Horn" that had been entangled with it also slowly retreated, merging with two other quasi-legendaries pursuing their own targets.

In the fog, the other two quasi-legendaries were already waiting here.

"I don’t know where Tulip got hold of a quasi-legendary that disrupted the Kingdom’s strategic deployment. The situation must return to its original trajectory.

You all know the plan; for the Kingdom and the victory of the war, this time requires you two to give it your all. There may be danger, but it’s the fastest way to achieve victory!"

"I have no problem."

"I have no problem either."

As time passed, the Alliance’s support fleet gradually approached.

Hilus officers led by Griffith became increasingly impatient; they must seize the opportunity to decisively battle before the support fleet arrived, to prematurely crush the United Fleet stationed on the Southern Continent.

Even if not to prevent a convergence between both sides, simply dragging out the time too long and letting various nations see Hilus’s incapacity could have unpredictable consequences.

Conversely, the Alliance was eager to delay as long as possible to make Hilus retreat knowing the difficulty.

In truth, the Alliance wasn’t yet prepared for an all-out war with Hilus; various preparations weren’t complete, and even if they defeated Hilus, the greatest benefits might not end up in their hands.

"Dean Webster, everyone is here. Let’s start."

Griffith nodded to a dean beside him. The latter stepped forward, pulling out a sheepskin scroll that emitted a faint warmth.

"’Eternal Flame’ Supreme..."

In solemn prayer, a sacred red glow enveloped the three quasi-legendaries.

Moments later, the three warships left the War Fog and headed in different directions.

Due to the obscuring "War Fog," the Alliance quasi-legendaries, somewhat confused, met their respective opponents once more.

"Such trickery."

Even with three Wizards, Aiven and his team, whose Spiritual Sense should be keen, couldn’t detect any anomaly.

In reality.

It was a Secondary Prayer Technique sheepskin scroll handwritten by a Tier 3 Bishop. It was Griffith’s biggest trump card as the Fleet Commander this time and a strong support from the Church for this capable officer.

Unlike the Prayer Technique used by the Archbishop and the Great Prayer Technique deployable only by the Grand Pope, powers akin to miracles, the Secondary Prayer Technique can only replicate up to Tier 3 Divine Art and Witchcraft, granting Griffith the ability to act flexibly based on the situation.

After religious reforms, this method nearly represents the tacit bottom line between divine and secular authorities.

Using this scroll, they had discreetly launched a non-damaging yet eerily supernatural Divine Art.

[Concept Replacement]: Swap the Extraordinary Ability and perception between two warships, lasting up to three days, seamless in both external appearance and others’ perception.

The approximate effect is enabling the "Dragon Breath Torch" to release various Magic-like Techniques using the "Long-nosed Silver Shark" to release Dragon Breath Skill. The consumption remains the original strength, undetectable by outsiders.

(Note: Gods are not servants of humans; whatever one wishes to do must be realized by human hands. Divine power can only serve as assistance; do not be greedy.)

Because they clearly understand that to reverse the scenario, they must swiftly break the current quasi-legendary stalemate.

Among Hilus’s three quasi-legendary warships, the comprehensive combat power of the "Red Maple" with Peak Knight Griffith is the strongest; the attack power of the "Firebird" is the sharpest; the means of the "Long-nosed Shark" are the most varied.

It is commonly accepted in the Alliance that "Northern Cold Wind" with Vice Admiral Temple Elvis holds the highest strength; "Five-Mast Peak," with a massive and sturdy frame, has the hardest bones; recently entering the battlefield, "Storm Horn" possesses numerous Alchemy tools and not lacking strategies.

The only way to swiftly win is to create an overwhelming situation with superior forces against inferior ones, thereby definitively asserting victory with a sudden attack from the strongest "Red Maple"!