The Most Satisfied Reincarnate

Meanwhile, in the expanse of the sea that stretched between the border of the North Kingdom and the Imperial Empire, a fierce battle unfolded under the broad daylight. Two ships, unlike the conventional vessels that unleashed cannons and arrows, engaged in combat using a myriad of magical attacks.

Not far from the raging clash, a peculiar land emerged, its terrain divided into distinct climates. One half was veiled in a relentless storm, engulfed in swirling snow, while the other side appeared desolate and barren, devoid of any signs of life.

The once calm waters transformed into a tumultuous maelstrom, littered with fragments of shattered ship planks that floated ominously. Amongst the debris, the remnants of human bodies, charred and lifeless, drifted along with the relentless waves.

The emblem of the North Kingdom adorned one of the ships, bearing witness to the presence of numerous soldiers and mages who manned its decks. Crafted with the finest aged black wood, the vessel exuded an air of superiority, draped in an array of banners that signaled its affiliation with the kingdom.

The people hailing from the North Kingdom cast hostile gazes upon the opposing ship, their eyes brimming with a profound sense of loss, as if the enemy had robbed them of someone dear. In response, they hurled a barrage of fireballs towards the ragged vessel, their intention to overpower it, despite its size advantage.

*Boom!*

However, instead of inflicting damage, the fireballs abruptly halted mid-air, suspended in a moment of eerie stillness. They collided with a faint golden barrier that enveloped the shabby ship, shielding its inhabitants from harm.

In a burst of brilliance akin to resplendent fireworks, each fireball detonated, releasing a cascade of residual flames that danced across the surface of the ethereal golden shield.

A collective sigh of relief swept through the crew aboard the battered ship as they witnessed the continued fortitude of their protective barrier, preserving their safety amidst the chaos.

"Maintain the barrier!" a woman's voice commanded. She possessed an enchanting allure, her figure adorned in a long robe that hinted at her bosom, her arms resting defiantly on her waist. With an air of regret lingering in her eyes, she stood tall, observing the opposing ship, its crew glaring back at her with eyes burning crimson.

"Swordsman, unleash your weaponry!" Beside her, a middle-aged man of striking handsomeness and a robust physique stood, his gaze fixed upon the kingdom's vessel, his brow furrowed with determination. Pointing firmly at the newly fashioned metal spikes that jutted from the ship's deck, he issued orders to his comrades.

In contrast to the grandeur of the kingdom's vessel, their own ship appeared weathered and neglected. Lacking a quarter-deck, it brimmed with barrels filled haphazardly with provisions, ranging from loaves of bread to assorted vegetables. The hull bore visible signs of damage, while the mainsail sported several small punctures, hindering their progress through the treacherous waters.

Only a mere handful of individuals remained to steer this vessel.

"I apologize for the loss of your master," the beautiful woman suddenly expressed, her delicate and rosy lips parting as she whispered incantations. Above her head, a magical circle materialized, spinning vertically in the air, aimed directly at the kingdom's ship.

Drawing upon the energy that permeated the surrounding sea, the enchantress siphoned it into the expanding magical circle, imbuing it with a menacing aura. Each successive circle grew in size, their presence exuding an ominous foreboding.

"Expend every ounce of your energy!" On the opposing vessel, a woman garbed in military attire, her blonde locks

cascading about her shoulders, bellowed furiously at her subordinates, dissatisfaction etched upon her countenance. Her pale, reddened lips murmured incantations, summoning multiple magic circles that hovered in the air before her.

"Advance Spell: Element Burst!"

Numerous fireballs, dwarfing the size of a human, materialized from behind the conjured magic circles. Propelled by unseen forces, the fiery orbs hurtled toward the weathered ship, propelled by a blistering speed.

The number of fireballs had multiplied exponentially, surpassing fifty in count. They blazed through the sky, transforming the once serene blue expanse into a fiery inferno, suffusing the air with scorching heat. The intense heat even caused the surrounding waters to evaporate, giving rise to a thick shroud of mist that engulfed the battlefield, obscuring their view of the unfolding events.

With a thunderous boom, the fireballs collided with the faint golden barrier, causing a violent eruption of sound. The mist, born from the evaporated water, spread rapidly, enveloping the scene and shrouding their vision.

As the fiery assault raged on, the blonde woman, who had summoned the onslaught, fell to her knees upon the deck. Her complexion drained of color, and her breath came in feeble gasps.

"Master Witch," a chorus of concerned soldiers rushed to her aid, eager to lend assistance. However, she waved them off, her weakened form slowly rising as she clutched a slender staff for support.

"Expert Spell: Magic Break!" a resolute voice boomed from the direction of the weathered ship.

"Expert spell?" The soldiers and mages from the kingdom exchanged incredulous glances, their eyes covertly darting toward the blonde woman.

"Expert spell... So you've been concealing your true power all along!" the blonde woman snapped with a hoarse voice, her eyes bulging as she fixed her gaze upon the billowing mist.

From within the veil of mist, numerous shadowy figures materialized, darting swiftly toward their location.

"Raise your shields!" The captain, discerning the imminent danger, barked the order, hastening to protect the blonde woman. He positioned his shield, forming a protective barrier around her.

*Stab!*

*Stab!*

*Stab!*

Metal spikes mercilessly punctured the deck, their sharp ends piercing the wood with a vengeance. Undeterred, the blonde woman's gaze remained fixed on the onslaught. "Leona and her family... I can't believe they've been orchestrating this all along," she murmured amidst the relentless barrage of spikes.

Noel, known as the disciple of the late Grandmaster Weston, stood resolute. For the past few months, she and her comrades had pursued Leona and her family relentlessly.

After a few harrowing minutes, the onslaught ceased. The captain lowered his shield and surveyed the area where the shabby ship had once been. "Master, they have sailed away," he reported.

Noel's gaze lingered on the diminishing ship, now reduced to a mere shadow in the distance. "Check on everyone's condition," she ordered, her eyes scanning her weary companions.

Their once beautiful and opulent deck now bore the scars of the metal spikes that had pierced its surface. Thankfully, due to the soldiers' vigilant protection, none of the mages had sustained injuries during the assault.

Noel turned away, her gaze fixated on the direction in which the shabby ship had disappeared. A torrent of memories flooded her mind—conversations and shared moments with Leona, discussions about the future, and even light-hearted banter about Desmond's love life. All those beautiful images clashed against the vivid recollection of her master's lifeless body lying in a coffin.

"Master... I'm sorry," tears welled in the corners of her eyes, cascading down her cheeks, their path becoming one with the vast expanse of the sea. She clenched the fabric of her clothing tightly and bit down on her lower lip until it drew blood.

"Master, we have received distressing news! The kingdom is facing a calamity. Ferocious beasts have emerged from the west, spreading throughout our territories!

The king has issued orders for our immediate return!" a messenger urgently relayed the grave tidings.

Noel spun around, taking in the worried expressions of her comrades. Their family, their kingdom, was in peril, and she understood the weight of their apprehension. "Hasten our journey and employ your spells!" she commanded.

At her words, the mages wasted no time, chanting incantations that propelled their ship forward at three times its usual speed. Unlike their previous encounter with Leona and her family, there was no need to conserve their energy; they now wielded their magic with unrestrained force, driven by the urgency to protect their imperiled homeland.