Chapter 698 The Unknown Continent
Valkyria nodded. ''Okay, Admiral. More protection is always welcomed. '' She looked at the white-haired woman and greeted her. ''It's good to meet you, Evangeline.''
''You too, Valkyria Blackwood. Is your team ready to leave?'' The white-haired woman inquired.
''Yes, they are waiting to depart now,'' she answered.
Vera spoke before Evangeline could reply, ''Well, we better get going before the weather puts a stop to it,'' she looked at her daughter and ordered. ''Report back with the flares, Eve. Green for safe, red for dangerous. Good luck, you two.''
Evangeline saluted before leaving, and Valkyria smiled at the two remaining women before leaving the office and returning to her team. As Valkyria followed the white-haired woman through the ship's corridors, the hum of activity surrounded them.
Valkyria moved out of the way as dozens of sailors rushed past, preparing to land on the beach once they secured it. Finally, they arrived at the shuttle bay where the Battleship's shuttles awaited.
The massive doors opened with a hiss, revealing a sight that took Valkyria's breath away. Two hundred well-armored Avalonian Marines stood at attention, their weapons gleaming under the bay's harsh lights.
Evangeline wasted no time, issuing orders with authority, "Board the shuttles, double-time! We have a mission to complete!"
The Marines sprang into action, moving efficiently as they filed into the waiting shuttles. Each one radiated a sense of readiness and determination, prepared to face whatever challenges awaited them.
Turning to her team, Valkyria mirrored Evangeline's actions, "Alright, team. Let's move out. Board the shuttle and get ready for deployment."
Her team members nodded in acknowledgment, their expressions focused and determined. Without hesitation, they followed Valkyria's lead, boarding the shuttle and preparing for the mission ahead.This chapter is updated by
Once they sat down, a large door opened on the Battleship's side, allowing the shuttles to drop to the calm sea below. As they hit the surface, the drivers powered up the mana engine and started sailing toward the beach.
As they did that, Valkyria assigned roles to her team. ''Cleo and Soraya, you will be our scouts and travel ahead of us,'' she said. The two women nodded and prepared their weapons.
She looked at the rest of the team, ''We will explore a few miles into the forest to assess the area while the Marines secure the beach for the builders to come to shore to construct the fortress.''
Valkyria looked around and saw none of them had any questions. So she nodded and started sharpening her short swords while the shuttle skimmed across the surface. As she gazed toward the shore, the distant silhouette of trees grew larger with each passing moment.
The anticipation of the mission coursed through her veins, her heart pounding in rhythm with the thrum of the shuttle's mana engines. As the sea breeze tousled her short hair, she watched the shoreline draw nearer, her focus intensifying with each passing second.
Suddenly, the shuttles slammed into the beach with a jolt, jarring Valkyria from her reverie. Without hesitation, her team and the Marines poured out of the shuttles, their movements swift as they fanned out to secure the area.
After ensuring that the area was secure, Evangeline approached Valkyria with a look of gratitude, "Thank you," she said earnestly, her voice carrying over the quiet beach. "Your quick thinking and bravery saved us from what could have been a disaster."
Valkyria nodded as she wiped the sweat off her forehead, "It was our duty," she replied, her tone firm yet humble. "We're just glad we could help."
With the beach now secured, the Marines began to set up a perimeter, their training and expertise evident as they worked swiftly and efficiently. Meanwhile, a group of builders began to disembark from the ships.
Their tools and materials were ready to begin construction on the fortress that would serve as their home for the foreseeable futureâthe sun started to set on the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the beach.
Amidst the noise of hammers clanging and saws whirring, the crew's laughter echoed through the air, starkly contrasting with the recent battle as the fort's construction progressed with surprising speed.
Valkyria and her team gathered around a crackling campfire, the warmth of the flames offering solace in the cool night air. However, she remained aware of the need to ensure their safety in this unfamiliar territory.
She tasked Cleo and Soraya with embarking on a scouting mission, knowing their expertise was crucial for surveying the surrounding terrain and identifying dangers. With their agility and quick thinking, she was confident that they would navigate the mission successfully.
Meanwhile, Thora's strength was used as she tirelessly helped build the fort, contributing to its rapid progress. Valkyria couldn't help but be impressed by the speed at which the fortress took shape.
As the days passed, they didn't get attacked, and all their scouting returned nothing apart from endless jungles and an old village about a day's travel into the trees. Valkyria and her team were astounded to find the construction completed.
They were in awe of the towering walls, which stood ten meters high and were fortified with impressive black stones from the empire. As they looked at the fortress, they noticed Admiral Vara Highmore had arrived ashore to inspect the finished creation.
The day had been long, filled with the hustle and bustle of construction as the fortress took shape, but now, a sense of quiet anticipation hung in the air. Suddenly, a young soldier approached, his footsteps echoing against the stone walls as he hurried toward Valkyria.
His serious expression indicated that he had important news, "Valkyria, Admiral Vera wishes to see you," he announced, his voice respectful but urgent.
Valkyria nodded, her senses sharpening as she turned to follow the soldier into the fortress. The scent of fresh wood and mortar hit her nose as she entered, mingling with the faint hint of sea salt carried on the breeze.
With each step, the fortress loomed larger, its imposing silhouette rising against the backdrop of the darkening sky. The sound of hammers and saws reverberated through the air, a testament to the ongoing construction efforts.
As Valkyria passed through the towering gates, she stood in the fortress's heart. Her eyes widened in awe as she took in the sight before her. The courtyard stretched out before her, bustling with activity as soldiers and workers carried their tasks purposefully.
Tents and makeshift shelters dotted the landscape, temporary homes for those who toiled tirelessly to bring the fortress to life. The main keep rose in the center of it all, its towering walls decorated with the Avalon Empire's banners.
[Please let me know if you spot any mistakes, and I will edit them. Thank you]