Chapter 141
The day of the decisive battle was approaching, and Jung Dong-gun took the lead in drawing the attention of the Immortal Cult towards the Grand Coalition’s special forces unit.
If the usual battles were dull, ending with moderate skirmishes and tactical retreats, this time was different.
As if possessed, the Grand Coalition launched a fierce attack on the Immortal Cult,
Striking so hard that the Immortal Cult was forced into a defensive stance, mistakenly believing that the Grand Coalition was eager for battle due to the sudden and relentless offensive.
In response, the Immortal Cult reorganized its forces and deployed a large number of troops to the battlefield, while the Grand Coalition, without hesitation, withdrew their forces back to Ulsan Airport.
It was as if the true purpose of this attack was not victory but to serve as a warning to the Immortal Cult—
A message that they should not underestimate the forces stationed at Ulsan Airport.
After the fierce assault, the Grand Coalition once again retreated into their stronghold, forcing the Immortal Cult into a tedious siege.
“It just so happens that tonight is a moonless night.”
“The fleet’s movements might be exposed under the moonlight. This is a good thing.”
However, the real objective of the Grand Coalition was to divert attention towards Ulsan Airport, ensuring that the enemy would not notice the movements of the Pohang Fleet.
The fleet, which had already set sail from Pohang, carried the designated forces and arrived at the Ulsan Sea at approximately 6:30 PM, as per the agreed schedule.
Concealed under the cover of darkness, the fleet cut their engines and waited patiently for the signal from the Grand Coalition.
“This is nerve-wracking.”
For the success of this operation, Jina Ahn participated in the morning battle at Ulsan Airport to ensure that her presence there was acknowledged.
However, by noon, she had secretly withdrawn from the front lines and led the elite Decisive Assault Force northward to Pohang, where they boarded a vessel under the command of the Pohang Fleet.
Resting her battle-worn body inside the ship, Jina Ahn anxiously awaited the signal from Jung Dong-gun, the supreme commander overseeing operations at Ulsan Airport.
‘There’s no problem. We’ve prepared thoroughly for this mission.’
It was a well-planned operation, and many preparations had been made to ensure its success.
The enemy’s attention was already fixed on Ulsan Airport due to the Grand Coalition’s relentless counteroffensive.
As such, the Immortal Cult would not be able to respond quickly to this amphibious landing operation.
Above all…
“Nice to meet you.”
“Y-Yuna…? No, you’re not.”
The operation also included Baek Seol-hwa, the Priestess of the Dragon.
Baek Seol-hwa, serving as the Admiral of the Pohang Fleet, had insisted on joining the amphibious landing operation, arguing that such an important mission could not proceed without her.
Boarding the same vessel as Jina Ahn, Baek Seol-hwa came to meet her, but the immense magical energy radiating from Seol-hwa led Jina Ahn to momentarily mistake her for Choi Yuna.
“Unfortunately, I’m not Miss Yuna. My name is Baek Seol-hwa, Jina Ahn.”
With a bright smile, she introduced herself, extending a handshake.
Realizing that her interlocutor was younger than Choi Yuna, Jina Ahn hesitated momentarily before taking Baek Seol-hwa’s hand and introducing herself as well.
“Oh… Yeah. You already know, huh? I’m Jina Ahn. So… the Priestess of the Dragon, huh?”
“Yes. I am Baek Seol-hwa, the Priestess of Bahamut, responsible for Pohang. I have come to assist you all in this amphibious operation.”
When Jina Ahn asked if she was the rumored Priestess of the Dragon, Baek Seol-hwa nodded, her expression serious, reaffirming her commitment to supporting the mission.
And with Baek Seol-hwa here…
“I am Kim Tae-sik, captain of the Pohang Fleet. I will ensure your safe passage.”
It also meant that Kim Tae-sik, who had sworn allegiance to Baek Seol-hwa, was present as well.
Now fully serving as Baek Seol-hwa’s lieutenant, Kim Tae-sik stepped forward after Jina Ahn and Baek Seol-hwa finished their introductions, formally presenting himself.
There was no longer any hesitation or embarrassment about treating a young girl as his superior.
More notably, there was no mention of his past rank from the Republic of Korea—a sign that he had completely severed his ties with his previous life.
“I am Han Seong-geun.”
“Yes, I’ve heard of you. Han Seong-geun, you serve as the Vice Commander of the Grand Coalition, correct?”
Meanwhile, standing beside Jina Ahn, deeply contemplating the success of the operation, Han Seong-geun introduced himself as well.
Kim Tae-sik, recognizing the name, addressed him as the Vice Commander of the Grand Coalition, his expression warm and friendly.
“Haha… It just happened. The Commander happened to pick me… It’s quite the burden.”
In response, Han Seong-geun humbly stated that it was all thanks to Jung Dong-gun, the Supreme Commander, which had enabled him to take on such a role.
Hearing this, Kim Tae-sik looked at him with a mixture of envy and admiration.
Had he not opposed Jung Dong-gun and the Balhut Cult, perhaps that position could have been his.
But…
‘No, that’s not right. I should be satisfied with this. Seol-hwa has already given me a position beyond what I deserve.’
Serving under Baek Seol-hwa, the Priestess of Bahamut, was a position with immense potential, and he resolved to no longer covet greater ranks.
Of course, there were still competitors—Seo Un-jae and Ha Jin-woo—but the field was much less crowded, and with Baek Seol-hwa’s trust, Kim Tae-sik had a high chance of rising further.
Even now, within the Ghost Fleet, Baek Seol-hwa had entrusted him with command.
And considering that the Pohang Fleet would continue to be crucial for securing the East Sea, his path to further promotion was already set.
“That concludes the introductions. It’s almost time. Once Jung Dong-gun gives us the signal, we’ll set sail. Captain, prepare the fleet for movement.”
“Understood, Lady Seol-hwa. Inform the entire fleet. Start the engines and wait for our allies’ signal.”
After the introductions of each commander were completed, Baek Seol-hwa gave the order to prepare for the operation, and Kim Tae-sik dutifully followed her command.
He sent a wireless message to the entire fleet, ordering the ships to start their engines. Taking advantage of the darkness, the fleet began moving toward Ulsan Harbor from offshore.
Although the Grand Coalition had already secured the coastline, this was a precaution against any potential surveillance.
“This operation was meticulously planned.”
“Of course. The situation on the Korean Peninsula has not been favorable lately. Even the Balhut Cult’s main temple desperately needs a victory to counteract this grim news.”
Jina Ahn remarked on how much effort had been put into this operation, while Kim Tae-sik, wearing a slightly somber expression, mentioned the worsening state of affairs on the Korean Peninsula.
“Huh? Not favorable? What happened in the East Sea, old man?”
“Old man…!? Well, I suppose you’re not wrong… In any case, to put it simply, the issue isn’t in the East Sea, but in Seoul. According to reports circulating in Seoul’s community, the city’s hero, Kim Suho, was defeated by the undead.”
The so-called Hero of Seoul, Kim Suho, had suffered his first defeat.
He had been hailed as an undefeated warlord, an invincible force, and yet now he had lost.
Jina Ahn, shocked, immediately turned her head to glare at Kim Tae-sik.
After all, Kim Suho was the first to reach the realm of transcendence on the Korean Peninsula, and his achievements had been widely publicized through the online community.
“What? Does that mean Kim Suho is dead? That guy?”
“According to the reports, Kim Suho himself is still alive. However, his forces were pushed back to the Han River Defense Line and have since taken a defensive stance. From what I’ve heard, they had even managed to reclaim Myeong-dong, but unfortunately, they lost all that territory to the undead.”
“So, it’s not that bad, then?”
At least, it wasn’t the worst-case scenario—Kim Suho had not been killed.
Though he had lost a significant amount of reclaimed land and had been forced into a defensive stance at the Han River, it could still be considered a mere tactical retreat rather than a complete disaster.
The Balhut Cult had also abandoned unusable territories when necessary, so Jina Ahn questioned whether this situation was dire enough to warrant serious concern.
“The real issue is that the attempt to reclaim Seoul has failed. If they had succeeded, it would have proven that Korea as a nation was not yet finished.”
Had Kim Suho successfully retaken Seoul, it would have been a defining moment, allowing his faction to distinguish itself from the Balhut Cult, which had severed all ties with the Republic of Korea.
The operation to reclaim Seoul was, in essence, a chance to stage a powerful counteroffensive.
However, the effort had ended in failure.
The reclaimed territories, including Myeong-dong, were lost once again, and the government based in Gangnam, Seoul, remained in its interim status without any real authority.
“Kim Suho has pulled back his forces and is now focusing on retaking Seongnam, Suwon, Gwangju, and Yongin. He claims it’s to rescue survivors in those areas.”
“In other words, he might be giving up on Seoul—or at least North Seoul.”
“Giving up on Seoul?”
The idea of abandoning Seoul was shocking.
Even in an apocalypse—especially in an apocalypse—Seoul held unparalleled significance in the Korean Peninsula.
It was the most important city, both strategically and symbolically.
If Seoul alone could be reclaimed, the momentum would be enough to liberate the remaining cities.
That was why Kim Suho had pushed so hard to retake it—his goal was to prevent independent city-states from breaking away from the remnants of Korea.
“Yes, the situation on the Korean Peninsula is not promising. If they’re willing to abandon previously reclaimed territory, it means the undead in Seoul are overwhelmingly powerful.”
“Kim Suho had gathered the most powerful awakeners under his command. If even he is considering retreat, then Seoul must truly be hell on Earth.”
“That means the Han River is now the front line.”
If even the Hero of Seoul had failed to reclaim the city, then Seoul was likely overrun with the undead.
With Kim Suho’s forces retreating, the Han River had now become the frontline of the war against the undead.
Jina Ahn shuddered at the thought.
“Heh… Considering the remnants of the old Republic of Korea’s government are still in Seoul, one could say that Korea has lost the battle against the apocalypse.”
“That’s… grim.”
“However, since the Hero of Seoul, Kim Suho, is still alive and has preserved a significant portion of his forces, we can still consider this a manageable situation.”
There was still hope.
The Hero of Seoul had survived and was already preparing to challenge the undead once more.
His forces were intact, and his will to fight remained strong.
As long as he continued his efforts, there was a chance for progress.
“From Kim Suho’s perspective, his army was surrounded on all sides.
He needed a city in the rear to serve as a staging ground.
The rumors about him giving up on Seoul could just be speculation from the online community.”
“Hah, that situation is just like our siege at Ulsan Airport. I’d like to hear more about it.”
Jina Ahn, intrigued, wanted to hear more about the broader geopolitical situation.
However, unfortunately…
“Hmm. That’s enough chatting.”
Their conversation was cut short.
A signal had arrived from Jung Dong-gun.
“This isn’t the Han River, but let’s begin the amphibious operation.”
At Baek Seol-hwa’s command, the fleet swiftly moved beyond Ulsan Harbor, preparing to deploy troops to Southern Ulsan.
In the blink of an eye, the ships had already reached the shore.
“Ghost Fleet spotted ahead! Just as expected, they are related to the Immortal Cult!”
“Yes. But they are not our primary enemy. All ships, get ready. Respond as usual.”
“Roger!”
The enemy forces responded immediately to the sudden appearance of the Pohang Fleet, but the Immortal Cult was caught off guard.
They had not anticipated such an abrupt assault, so instead of deploying stationed forces from Ulsan, they summoned the Ghost Fleet to counterattack.
With this, the Balhut Cult had obtained valuable intelligence—confirmation that the Ghost Fleet was connected to the Immortal Cult.
At the same time…
“All ships, prepare for battle! The Priestess of Bahamut will be taking the field!”
It was the perfect opportunity to weaken their enemy’s forces.
Standing on the deck, Baek Seol-hwa narrowed her eyes at the Ghost Fleet, a chilling smile forming on her lips.
“Turn Undead.”
From aboard the Pohang Fleet, she uttered the incantation of victory.
For the Ghost Fleet, it was the very spell they had desperately sought to avoid—
One that would devastate them completely.
—
Read More at – GENZNOVEL.COM!!
PLEASE JOIN OUR DISCORD AND SUBSCRIBE THE ROLE TO RECEIVE LATEST NOTIFICATIONS!!
Click here -> https://discord.gg/S8c2kGVr2g
Comment