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The solid metal transport ship that quickly weighed more than a metric ton was sent cartwheeling through the air, crashing into the stone peak. There was a resounding boom as it bounced off to land on the flat rocky surface of the turtle's shell. The impact dislodged a large boat-shaped boulder covered in giant, vibrantly glowing coral. It collapsed on top of the transport ship in a crumpled heap, half burying it under the stone debris.
Roger was the first to react. He spun to face the Origin of the geyser with a circular flourish of his cloak, wrapping it around the melted-wax-like flesh of his ruined arm. Roger's arm was locked into a claw as he raised it, palm outward. He used his other hand to brace his shoulder as the exposed mouse climbed into Roger's glowing hair. Wisps of pink-lifeforce began to trail from his skin as he charged the cloak's ability. A focused [Disintegration Beam] shot from his palm toward the Kraken hidden beneath the waves.
The straight beam tore through the waves without any resistance, leaving behind a pink afterimage. It was accompanied by an overwhelming pulse sound that caused everyone to shield their ears. The ocean exploded as the radiant beam struck its target with a boom.
『Ahhhhhhh!』The Kraken cried out in rage and agony inside their minds.
The sheepdog acted immediately after the scream. Alvis radiated with orange-lifeforce as he howled toward the churning ocean above the Kraken. The shadow image of a dog leapt onto the water's surface and began to charge in the Kraken's direction. The phantom divided into three identical shadow doppelgangers. They crossed the distance within moments.
A colossal tentacle covered in swirling yellow patterns erupted from the water to sweep through the shadows as they arrived. The result was unexpected. When the tentacle hit them, the phantoms divided again as they were destroyed. The Kraken screamed in annoyance and pain as more than ten [Phantom Doppelgangers] swarmed over the tentacle, distracting the monster.
A second beam of light from Roger blasted into the Kraken, severing part of its tentacle in an explosion of flesh and blood erupting into the sky. The bloodcurdling scream of rage that came next could make even the bravest of hearts falter. Richard, the newly awakened oarsman, became flushed with terror. He couldn't endure any longer and dived into the ocean to swim toward the faraway shore.
The island turtle's head emerged to stare silently toward the wounded Kraken. It was as large as the Airshark in comparison. Intricate patterns formed of orange-lifeforce were revealed as water streamed from it into the ocean. They caught Noah's attention as they swirled across the surface of its skin. Its eyes began to emit orange light, and the severed tentacle floating on the surface of the ocean started to turn into stone in response, sinking under the churning waves. The water became eerily calm.
Avery hauled himself onto the rocky turtle's back. He was coughing and spluttering up seawater, drawing everyone's attention. Noah couldn't hear his muttered curses from this distance over the wind.
"Damn it. I lost my cane!" Avery shouted as he frantically looked around.
It was strange to see him so flustered. His current appearance was in stark contrast to his usual immaculately dressed image. He looked toward Richard, swimming toward the shore, then down at his soaking clothes before deciding against returning to the ocean. He pulled out his tucked shirt to release trapped water. Ignoring the stares as he adjusted his clothes and strolled haughtily to rejoin the group.
The turtle lowered its enormous head beneath the water. Noah felt vibrations through his feet as the island turtle began to swim away from the Airshark, causing him to become concerned that his plan wouldn't work.
"It's not dead, just pissed off," Dona said.
In response to the large muscular woman's warning, yellow-lifeforce illuminated the ocean above the Kraken. Tentacles erupted from the water radiating with light as they visibly grew.
"I hope that your friend is a strong swimmer. Things are about to become unpleasant for him. I will call a storm to cover our escape," Mistress Deville spoke with her exotic accent.
Noah looked toward Richard, swimming to shore as the wind rose in intensity. The mysterious trident symbol appeared between Mistress Deville's brow as she activated one of the abilities contained within Poseidon's idol. The sky turned dark as droplets of rain began to fall in the surrounding area. Another scream of rage berated them from the Kraken as the rain slashed it with thousands of small cuts. The tentacles became coated in blood, making them even more terrifying as they illuminated the darkened sky.
"It is time for you to go now, Fishbait," Roger said solemnly.
「We will stay to combat the demon to take the blood that it owes us. Take your own vengeance, and we will come if we live,亅The boss agreed.
The pair came to a unanimous agreement amid the [Squall] as the light appeared on the surface of their skin. Green-lifeforce shimmered through the door of the metal transport ship as the boss used his ability to tear it from the wreckage. It morphed into the shape of a fierce blade without a hilt as it flew to hover overhead. Roger was illuminated by blue-and-golden light as he used his [Air Manipulation] to pick up Noah, Josh, and the pair of armoured resistance fighters.
"Noah!" Lyn cried out as he ran toward him.
"Don't worry about me, Lyn. Keep them safe!" Noah replied.
The boy stopped running as he watched Roger send them hurtling across the growing distance between Sanctuary and the Airshark. The others were lowered onboard the deck a moment before Noah's [Battle Instinct] ability activated to warn him of danger. He was still hovering above the ocean when suddenly he was dropped from the air.
Noah caught the railing as a geyser burst overhead where he had been a moment before. There was a shower of debris as the stream of water destroyed the top two levels of the Airshark's fin.
As Noah dangled, he felt pressure on his bracers as the armoured men grabbed each of his wrists. They let out a grunt of effort as they hauled him on board. Noah pressed his back against the railing as he collected himself.
The destruction had ruined the sleek appearance of the Airshark's fin. Now there was only a portion of the metal wall still standing with the entrance door intact. The remaining metal belonging to the fin was strewn across the deck and floating in the surrounding ocean.
"Get us out of here. Now!" Josh instructed Bruce.
"Yes, sir!" Bruce replied.
Blue-lifeforce flowed through the damaged Airshark as it began to ascend. Noah could still feel a strange sensation of being watched. The wind became fiercer as they rose higher into the torrential sky. Noah seemed to be untouched by the wind in comparison to his companions. They clung to the rails, attempting to remain standing. He could feel it faintly, but it reduced in intensity as it encountered his wind-attuned body. There was the sound of breaking glass as the windows of the command room below shattered.
Suddenly there was a flash of blinding light across the darkened sky. A streak of lightning slammed into the rocky peak of the island turtle as it escaped. The lightning was followed by a thunderous boom as it faded away.
"No!" Noah cried out as he gripped the railing.
"There's only one awakened who can cause that much destruction from that distance. Ronan. The Fallen Citadel is here," Josh said ominously.
In the distance, Noah could faintly see the Origin of the attack. It was too far away for him to see more than a large silhouette in the darkness. The Airshark had corrected its flight course to fly toward the intimidating object in the sky. Suddenly, it was briefly revealed as a second [Lightning Bolt] pierced across the sky, missing the Airshark by less than a few meters. There was an explosion of rocky debris as the bolt struck the peak again. The island turtle began to dive in response. Noah was unable to see any casualties as the storm died in intensity until it stopped altogether. Sanctuary disappeared under the waves.
"Well, good luck to you, Noah. You're going to need it," Wayde said.
The red-plumed artillery clapped a hand on the silent Noah's shoulder before walking through the intact door to enter the command room below.
