Extraordinary Voyage-Chapter 617 - 541 Sudden Siege

End of August.

On the New Continent, the aftershocks of the "Misty Sea" incident continue to ferment here.

Some factions celebrate with glee, while others are in great distress, with various open and covert clashes ceaselessly occurring.

On a clear evening.

In the upper reaches of the San Francisco River in the southern part of the New Continent, seemingly unaffected by the ongoing conflicts, three small two-masted mixed sail ships, almost completely blended into their environment, reveal a slight anomaly only because they are traveling upstream, and gently dock at a riverside with deeper waters amid lush vegetation. 𝕗𝚛𝚎𝚎𝐰𝗲𝗯𝗻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝕞

The optical camouflage effect slowly dissipates, revealing the ink-green color of the hull.

Though it is still the high water period, and large warships can't enter inland rivers, these small privateer ships have no such issues.

Aiven, clad in his "Venom" armor, exits the cabin, and reconfirms the situation of the target through the Mind Network, then waves his hand to issue orders:

"Abandon ship and go ashore!"

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!...

One after another, figures as agile as leopards swiftly leap to the riverbank within two minutes and stealthily enter the dense forest.

Now, they are only three kilometers away from the target location, a distance close enough for the wizards, further advancing openly from the exposed river surface would undoubtedly greatly increase the risk of exposure.

Aiven, overseeing the rear, is the last to step onto the bank, and he swiftly scans all the combat personnel involved in this operation.

Led by Aiven himself [Branded Swordsman], Anita [Great Knight], Gel [Life Tree Totem Warrior], and a powerful unexpected external ally in a hooded robe.

Extraordinary level pirate officers: William, Alek, Baldwin (Skin-Wearing People), Zinaro (Life Tree Totem Warrior), Jasmine (Tidal Messenger), Jeanne, Granny, Onions (recently defected "Oathbreaker" follower)

Besides the losses sustained in the Misty Sea, the number of "Skin-Wearing People" has been increased to fifty during this time, forming the most steadfast Extraordinary force in the "Dragon Cavalry Pirate Gang."

Thanks to the tireless efforts of Angie and Olivia.

Additionally, a "Venom" corps composed of three hundred elite pirates, though only equipped with a simplified version of "Venom" that can amplify to the advanced apprentice level, it is already a formidable force that few factions can muster.

Plus, the orthodox Transcendent trio from the "Storm Horn": Milan, Boris, Gary.

As for his direct subordinate Navy personnel, Aiven had high hopes for Sailor Vid and now not considered a new recruit Fleck, the only two with potential to independently advance to Official Knight status, they were not included.

They have been following Aiven for nearly three years, with far better cultivation resources and under Aiven's guidance, both have reached the Peak of Apprentice level, preparing for their final push towards Official Knight status.

Though Tier 3 is a distant hope, the orthodox Transcendent path remains the most stable, and they could just like Gary, ascend normally in the kingdom's officer system, potentially later becoming pivotal members of the Navy's "Galliot System."

Aiven now doesn't lack ordinary Official Knights anymore, naturally wouldn't hinder them.

Besides.

Relating to his wizard path and the "Vitalist School" future, the increasingly influential Aiven pooled all his forces, leaving no retreat, determined to crush openly.

Success is the only option, failure is not permitted!

Furthermore, with the traitor Evil Alchemist Samuel present, Aiven had the conditions to emulate Hawkins's action when capturing the "Heart of the Ocean," meticulously prepared, knowing both self and enemy.

From the moment Samuel was captured, Aiven dispatched a large number of Seagulls here. When he saw the "Blasphemous Cultist" appearing nearby, he realized they couldn't wait any longer.

"From now, total silence, only communication via Mind Network allowed. Led by the 'Skin-Wearing People' unit, move out!"

Olivia, standing closely by Aiven, cooperatively tossed a chicken egg-sized organic Tourmaline.

imit ——

[Gem Witchcraft: Mimicry]

A flash of faint colorful radiance swiftly fades, and the nearly four-hundred strong team slowly vanishes into the forest.

From this position, lifting one's head, a towering fortress interwoven with various mechanical structures can be seen silently standing on the distant cliffs in the river valley, amidst the twilight.

...

Simultaneously, inside High Cliff Castle.

The School Chief Sedric gazed at the two Official Wizards and ten Wizard Apprentices below, the sunset teeming through the narrow fortress windows falling on his face — his expression obscure and inscrutable:

"Have you memorized the teachings of the Fog of Order? Are you ready? The Messenger has returned the message; tonight they will make a special trip to High Cliff Castle to conduct the initiation ceremony for you."

"Yes, Chief Sir!"

For the almost within grasp "eternal life," these first batch Evil Alchemists, prepared to embrace their new life, filled only with eager anticipation.

Since the Blasphemous Cultist visited High Cliff Castle as a messenger, exchanging several missives later, veiled beneath the possibility of future spiritual detachment offered by the [Intelligent Mechanical Template], internally reaching a "unified" opinion.

More accurately, the faction within the school favoring cooperation easily overwhelmed the opposing faction.