Published: July 5, 2025
As Ryo and Abel were talking, preparations for battle were progressing on the deck.
But wait a moment.
Skizblaznil is not a warship, but a merchant ship.
Therefore, Paulina is not called "Captain" but "Shipmaster."
That's right, Skizblaznil is not a warship.
The crew is made up of ordinary crew members.
"But the Shipmaster said she wanted to intercept."
"Yes, she did."
"I have a big question regarding that."
Saying this, Abel gazed at the massive mast of Skizblaznil.
Since Skizblaznil is a clipper ship, it has three large masts.
By unfurling the sails, it can sail at high speeds.
Conversely, if those masts or sails are damaged, the ship's greatest strength—its speed—will be hindered.
Currently, perhaps because they were about to engage in combat, all the sails were furled, and the ship was moving by inertia.
"The question is, how do we protect these masts and sails from fire arrows or projectiles?"
From Abel's gaze, Ryo nodded in understanding.
Yes, that is the most challenging aspect of combat between ships.
"You're the King, aren't you?"
"Yeah, that's right."
"So you probably know that in battle, arrows aren't very effective, right?"
"That's true. A wind attribute mage can use the [Wind Pressure] magic to deflect enemy arrows... could it be that this ship has that too?"
"Yes, it seems so."
Ryo nodded.
Ryo knew this because he had seen the blueprints.
The wind magic stone used for repelling sea monsters could be repurposed for defense during combat.
"The sea monster repellent... isn't that a magic formula for water magic stones?"
"Ah, as expected of Abel. You've noticed something wonderful."
Ryo praised him.
Indeed, the sea monster repellent from the Western Nations is a "magic formula."
Not a "magic circle."
This means it has a defined attribute.
"The magic formula for the 'sea monster repellent' exists separately for wind magic stones, earth magic stones, and other attributes."
"Now that you mention it, I feel like I heard that in the Eastern Nations before. Ryo's ice ship... was it the USS Neil Anderson? They explained that during that time."
"You remember well!"
Abel's words surprised Ryo.
Ryo felt that Abel was genuinely impressive at times like this.
"You mentioned that it can also be directly inscribed on the magic stone..."
"Apparently, that's possible, but this Skizblaznil doesn't have it directly inscribed on the magic stone. A separate magic formula has been prepared to absorb magical power from the wind magic stone."
"That means it's prepared as alchemy tools."
"That's right. By switching that..."
"Using the magical power of the magic stone for 'sea monster repellent' to create a magical phenomenon like [Wind Pressure], thus protecting the masts and sails."
"That's right."
"And during that time, the monster repellent will..."
"Yes, it will be immobilized."
Ryo nodded at the concern.
They would be engaging in combat against pirates and such.
A temporary halt to the monster repellent was unavoidable.
"Deploy 'Wind Barrier'!"
Paulina's voice echoed.
Vroom.
A low rumble sounded, almost as if it was waiting for Paulina's command.
Even the two on the deck could tell that something was deployed around the ship.
"Is this [Wind Pressure]?"
"Yes, it seems to be called 'Wind Barrier.' Its main objective appears to be to protect against physical attacks like arrows and projectiles."
"Does it not protect against magic?"
"Apparently, it's not that it absolutely can't, but... the effect is weak."
"Is it something like a [Physical Barrier]?"
"Yeah, that. It was mentioned when I was explained, but honestly, I don't know such dubious magic."
"Well, it seems to be the first magic that mages learn, but to Ryo, it's dubious."
"Isn't it that attributeless magic? Water attribute magic is superior!"
"R-Right..."
Ryo proudly advocated for water attribute magic, while Abel shook his head slightly.
"If we're going to defend with wind attribute magic, then it's closer to a 'Wind Defense Membrane.'"
"Ah, like how a wyvern deploys it close to its body."
"In Whitnash, there are alchemy tools that imitate that."