Archer laughed at Olivia's predictable reaction; He, Elara, and the admiral have grown close since the Pirate War started. The other girls left to give them time together and tend to their duties as they began to enjoy the work.
Over the following week, Archer watched Eldertide Port build from the ground until it stretched in all directions. It came to life when the transport ships arrived and unloaded everyone who wanted to make the Island their new home.
After the First Legion finished the port, they moved inland, building roads, waystations, and farming villages. This area was dubbed Wyldheart Island, which pleased everyone and earned the approval of the Draconian Government.
That's when Archer discovered that two million citizens had chosen it as their home and were brought in by ships. He learned that the Ironfoot family had started creating airships that would allow them to travel between Draconia and the island fortresses.
This would be extremely helpful, as the fortifications and cities on the third pirate island under their control have been started for a while now. Then there was the last isle, which had been a nightmare to any invasion force that had been wiped out by poison gas and other horrible weapons.
They only discovered this yesterday when the Fifth Legion lost two cohorts when the order to begin the invasion was given the green light. Archer and Sera were asked to check out what was happening, and they agreed.
The duo were now flying south, and the redhead circled him while laughing, "Looking forward to fighting?" he questioned with a smile.
"Yes! "Sera exclaimed. I bet creepy monsters are lurking in the fog. Liv did say a dark mist enveloped the island."
'I bet it's the Swarm,' he pondered while scanning the sea below. 'Who knows? We'll find out.'
It wasn't long until they arrived above the blockade and fired on several pirate ships storming toward the First Fleet. The volley of mana shells sliced through the sky and peppered the enemy vessels.
Explosions rang out just as Sera spoke while pointing at the nearby mountain, "Someone is watching us from there."
"Do you know if it's human or something else?"
"Human, and they are as strong as you are," Sera answered. "Can we fight whoever it is? With you here, we have a chance to beat them."
Archer nodded before the two of them charged forward so fast that it created a sonic boom, and when they got close, he cast an Eldritch Blast while Sera used an Inferno Blast, but the stranger vanished.
"They teleported! How? The Swarm blocked it,' he thought.
He turned to the Fairy Dragon and spoke, "I think that person was working with the Swarm Sera. It means forces have betrayed the world and have joined the enemy."
Afterward, he rushed through the camp and soon found Elara ordering Dragon Legionnaires to the walls while the mages had to prepare their spells. Archer approached the Dragon
Marshal, who looked stunning in her tight-fitting uniform.
'She looked even better when serious,' he mused before approaching the redhead.
He shook his head before speaking, "Did you send out scouts, Lara?"
"Yes, Your Majesty, they are returning now, but some are missing,' she answered.
After that, Elara rushed toward them and started collecting reports, only giving them to Archer as he scanned them. He learned that strange creatures prowled for a while, ambushing anyone that got too close.
Once all the scouts were behind the wall, Archer summoned the Shadow Creatures and ordered them to find the monsters, which they did in no time, but there was a massive hole that the Swarm used to send the creatures here.
"The pirates worked with them then got betrayed?' he mused as shadows spread across the island.
Meanwhile, Archer and Sera made their way to the walls, gazing at the eerie landscape scarred by the Swarm's influence. Archer's thoughts were occupied with curiosity about the extent of the damage they had caused, but his resolve remained unshaken.
Regardless of what had been done, his determination was precise: he would eradicate every last one following another week passed until the last island was under Archer's control,
thanks to the legions and Shadow Creatures.
Archer ordered the building to begin in a port city before most legions returned to the mainland, leaving one legion on each isle. The pirates on the first island reported to the naval bases and were recruited into the navy, which pleased the people.
After all, Archer was in his room, with Ella and Leira sleeping on either side as he lay in bed. The trio was cuddled under the covers as the weather outside worsened, causing cold air to
seep into the room.
Ella snuggled closer as Leira did the same; Archer offered to cast Cosmic Shield and heat the inside, but the girls rejected it as they preferred what they already had. He smiled before pulling them in closer and started to fall asleep.
Outside, the storm battered the camp with heavy rain and fierce winds, sending massive waves crashing against the seawall. The next morning, Archer woke to the relentless storm still hammering the windows and sighed in frustration.
He exited the bed, stretched his limbs, and went to the bathroom, feeling the cold air brush against his skin. Stepping into the warm room, he undressed and sank into the hot water, letting out a contented sigh.
The door opened as Archer relaxed, resting his head back, and Edith entered with a beaming smile. "Good morning, Master!" she said cheerfully. "I checked on the Queens you spent the night with, and their both still fast asleep."