The night over Virelia Island was quiet — too quiet.
But Ardyn knew better.
Inside the Expeditionary Command Tent, Commander Selene stared at the holographic display.
Multiple red blips approached from the north-east sea corridor.
> [System Notification]
Unknown Naval Fleet — Estimated Strength: Moderate
Identification: Non-affiliated Privateer Forces (High Aggression Rating)
Likely Intent: Raid / Seize Island Assets
---
The First Threat — The Black Reaver Fleet
A notorious privateer group — the Black Reavers.
Known for attacking unclaimed or weakly defended islands. Ruthless. Merciless.
Commander Selene's jaw tightened.
"Looks like we're about to baptize Virelia with blood."
---
Ardyn's Orders — Absolute Defense
Back in Caelora, Ardyn issued clear instructions through the command network.
> [Royal Command Order]
"Defend Virelia at all costs. No retreat. Establish the Kingdom's strength from the very first blow."
Rewards for Victory:
Increased Reputation Across Terra Magna
Unlock Combat Specialization Upgrades
Gain Ownership Rights Solidification Over Virelia
---
The Battle Formation
Commander Selene deployed her forces:
3 Rapid Deployment Coastal Gun Emplacements
Naval Mines Activated
Defensive Turrets Calibrated
Infantry & Sniper Teams Secured in Elevated Terrain
Artillery Teams Preloaded with High-Impact Shells
Support Drones patrolled the perimeter skies.
---
The Black Reavers Approach
Their fleet was brutal — retrofitted warships with black sails marked by a crimson skull emblem.
Onboard the lead ship stood Captain Varrik — a cruel man whose name stirred fear in the smaller islands.
"Fresh settlers on a fat island? Easy prey."
He had no idea he was walking into a trap.
---
The Battle Erupts
As the Black Reavers closed in — the first line of naval mines detonated.
Massive fireballs erupted across the sea.
> BOOM!
BOOM!
Two smaller ships were instantly obliterated.
Commander Selene's voice cut through the comms.
"Artillery — open fire!"
Heavy shells screamed through the sky — striking the enemy vessels.
Turrets along the shore roared to life — cutting down approaching landing craft.
---
Close Quarters Combat
Some Black Reaver forces managed to breach the beach.
But Caelora's Elite Troops met them with brutal efficiency.
Selene herself led the vanguard — wielding a plasma-forged saber, cutting down foes in swift, elegant strikes.
Gunfire echoed across the jungle edge.
Snipers eliminated targets before they even realized they were exposed.
---
The Turning Point
Captain Varrik, furious, attempted a desperate charge.
But then — the Horizon Star (Ardyn's advanced scout ship) flanked them.
High-energy cannons fired.
> KA-THOOM!
Varrik's flagship shattered — splitting in two as flames consumed it.
His last words were drowned by the sea.
---
Victory Achieved
By dawn, the battle was over.
Virelia's beaches were littered with the wreckage of the defeated Black Reaver fleet.
Ardyn received the report.
> [System Notification]
Victory Achieved — Black Reaver Fleet Destroyed
Virelia Claim Status: Strengthened
Caelora's Reputation Increased Worldwide
---
Rewards Unlocked
Blueprint: Coastal Fortress Upgrade
Unique Resource Discovered: Black Reaver's War Chest (Hidden Treasures and Rare Materials)
New Title Unlocked: Defender of the Isles
---
Ardyn's Declaration
Standing before the people of Caelora and the Expedition Force of Virelia, Ardyn spoke:
"Today marks the first of many victories. Let it be known — Caelora does not bow. We do not break. We build, we defend, and we rise."
The cheers echoed across both islands.
But Ardyn knew this was only the beginning.
Across Terra Magna, the world was watching.
And powerful enemies were taking note.