Chapter 1103 439: Vanguard, Ambush Battle

"They're here!"

As the sun completely set, Wolian finally sounded the alarm:

"A fleet is rapidly entering the Fiore territory from the west. Judging by the magic power response, they should be flying cruisers!"

The guild members immediately gathered, everyone converging in front of the stage.

Makarov asked, "How many people?"

Wolian tapped on the tablet in his hand, the big screen on the stage displayed glowing dots:

"50 large flying cruisers, with about... 50,000 troops!

"Moreover, three of them have magic power responses significantly higher than the others, likely the Holy Shield of the Twelve!"

Reby was the first to focus on the numbers: "On average, each ship can carry 1,000 people... that's way too large."

Lucy thought of the intelligence published during the pre-war meeting:

"Entering from the west, I remember the west is defended by the Four-headed Hound leading over 40 small guilds together, why..."

Gray calmly said, "Such large cruisers, each one can match a guild."

If pessimistically thought, perhaps over forty guilds have already been wiped out.

At this point, Makarov's Communication Magic Crystal lit up, the screen showing Goldman, the president of the Four-headed Hound, with a smoky background.

"I'm sorry, Makarov." Goldman said apologetically,

"The enemy directly headed towards you, their ships are high-speed types. We suffered a round of bombardment and couldn't react afterward."

Makarov asked with concern, "How are you? How are things over there?"

Goldman quickly said, "I'm fine, casualties are still unclear, but what's confirmed is that morale here has greatly been affected.

"I analyzed that this is just the enemy's vanguard, concentrating all fast ships; subsequent troops shouldn't arrive as quickly.

"I think your side is the main target of this force, you must be careful!"

Makarov responded, "Then leave this force to us, we'll be fine, you take care too."

Communication ended, Makarov looked towards Mebius and Rhode.

With two ready military advisors at hand, he didn't want to think too much now.

Rhode smiled, "I was worried it would be difficult to investigate the enemy's marching route, now the intelligence has been delivered."

Mebius quickly understood his meaning, "Are you planning to capture prisoners for interrogation?"

Rhode nodded, "Yes, First Generation, please evaluate their assault route for suitable ambush locations."

"Sure." Mebius's eyes focused on the blinking dots on the radar map, her brain rapidly processing.

The enemy's marching speed and direction were quickly estimated by her, the map of Fiore's west unfolded in her mind.

A clear flight path had already been drawn in the map in her brain.

The terrain information of all mountains, jungles, plains along the way flashed through her mind quickly, several suitable ambush locations were swiftly selected.

Immediately afterward, Mebius calculated the time required for departure from the guild, filtering out several options.

In less than twenty seconds, Mebius pointed out two positions on the map:

"The best location is here, if our speed is insufficient, we can choose here as a backup."

"Alright, then..." Rhode started assigning the team, "Laxus, Natsu, Gajeel, Kana, and... Mira and Erza."

Rhode hesitated for a moment, but still included the latter two.

The six stood out together, Laxus was calm, Natsu and Gajeel were relentlessly excited, the other three just smiled confidently.

"The ambush task is yours; I'll send Hex-Tech Sub-Dragons with you, the Tmall Squad will also operate alongside you.

"There are two objectives: First, capture at least one of their three strongest members.

"Second, is to destroy all their ships. Return as soon as these are accomplished, any questions?"

"What about any remaining enemies after accomplishing these two goals?" Gajeel felt the target should be set on annihilating these 50,000 people.

Rhode replied, "This operation's purpose is intelligence, we've estimated the enemy has 2 million, these 50,000 won't impact the overall situation.

"Moreover, I've prepared other things to deal with them... forget it,"

Rhode looked at the eager individuals:

"I'll allow you three Dragon Slayer Mages to hang around a bit longer, the withdrawal timing will be at Laxus's discretion. The others will escort the captives back immediately."

Natsu laughed heartily, "Ah hahahaha... it should've been like this from the start!"

Gajeel traded punches, "Hehe, what you prepared won't be needed!"

"Set out now, choose the best location the First Generation mentioned; Hex-Tech Sub-Dragon's speed should allow you to get there first, and catch them off guard."

As they spoke, the Hex-Tech Sub-Dragon had already appeared outside the guild gate, with one wing drooped down to make it easier for them to climb onto its back.

"Oh!!!" Natsu ran out excitedly, "Hapi, let's go!"

"Aye!"

Rhode didn't specifically instruct Mira anything further, if this lineup can't handle the three suspected Twelve Shields, then the subsequent war isn't worth fighting—it's meaningless.

They followed Natsu outside the guild, their steady steps exuding complete confidence.

"Oh, right, a final reminder." Rhode casually added,

"You Dragon Slayer Mages, don't stupidly leap onto someone else's ship; getting seasick at this moment would be fatal."

"..."

Natsu, leading the run, probably didn't hear.

But Laxus and Gajeel's steps visibly stiffened for a moment, responding dully, "Understood."