Azur Lane Mobile Front

Zuikaku gritted her teeth and, while her legs still had some strength, she pushed off with all her might, lunging directly at Shoukaku. If she could knock her down, it would be enough to interrupt her playing.

"Please, Shoukaku-nee, stop." Looking at Shoukaku who was so close to her, Zuikaku stretched out her hand with all her might, trying to reach the flute that was near Shoukaku's mouth.

Unfortunately, Shoukaku merely shifted its body slightly and delivered a powerful kick to Zuikaku's abdomen.

The blow to Zuikaku's face instantly turned pale, as if all the air in her chest had been forcibly expelled in a second. She hunched over like a boiled shrimp, her eyes wide open and her mouth agape, but she couldn't utter a sound.

The "ghosts" swarmed in from all directions like vultures spotting carrion, surrounding Ruihe. She endured the excruciating pain, steadied herself, and fought desperately, but the enemies surrounding her seemed endless, and it appeared she wouldn't be able to break through the encirclement anytime soon.

The shield around Shoukaku was about to close again, but the "ghosts" on the sea surface continued to crawl out from underwater.

Even though some were already broken and battered, they still surrounded the enemy tirelessly and fearlessly, leaving everyone unable to free up their hands to deliver the final blow.

"Damn it, we're going to be late!"

After clearing out and sinking the recent enemies, the Enterprise seized the opportunity to forcefully increase its altitude. Before the "Undead" carrier-based aircraft could catch up, it raised its gun and aimed at the Shokaku, wanting to deliver the most crucial blow.

The shield surrounding Shoukaku has gradually taken shape and is about to be reassembled in just a few breaths.

Enterprise glanced back at the black carrier-based aircraft that were hot on its heels, gritted its teeth, maintained its maneuverability, and kept its gun aimed at Shoukaku.

A beam of light pierced through the battlefield, aimed at Shoukaku, and was about to hit.

Rob, positioned at the rear, clenched his fists, his eyes fixed on the crucial strike.

The warriors still fighting seemed to forget their enemies, staring blankly at the beam of light. This ordinary beam of light became the focus of the entire battlefield at this moment.

Suddenly, a thin shield formed almost against Shoukaku's face, and the beam of light collided with this seemingly fragile shield.

The two collided, exploded, and smoke and dust billowed up. If one didn't see it very clearly, they would definitely think that the attack had succeeded.

As the saying goes, smoke doesn't hurt. After the smoke cleared, Shoukaku's figure was revealed. Unharmed, she continued playing that incredibly eerie melody, completely unaffected.

"Damn it, this is bad. I knew it, the law of no harm in smoke."

Just when everyone thought everything was heading in the worst possible direction, several shells, from a deserted corner of the battlefield, traced parabolic arcs, crossed the battlefield filled with "dead souls," pierced through the forming shield, and accurately struck Shoukaku's hands.

If there is such a thing as a surprise, then this is a surprise!

Following the trajectory of the cannonball, everyone saw Mikasa looking confidently at her target. The lingering smoke on the gun barrels of her ship's rigging told everyone who had fired the decisive shot.

"A cannon that hits the target every time is better than a hundred cannons that hit the target only once in a hundred shots. The outcome of a battle is not determined by the performance of the equipment!" The senior warrior who hit the enemy with a single shot taught the younger generation a good lesson through his actions.

"Mikasa-senpai!" Everyone cheered; the successful hit boosted morale. Shoukaku's flute had been completely destroyed in the previous shelling. No new enemies appeared on the sea.

"As expected, it takes the veterans to step up in crucial moments." As if he had experienced the ups and downs of life, Rob slumped back on the deck and let out a long sigh.

Without further reinforcements, the number of "dead souls" on the sea is steadily decreasing. The sea, which was originally covered in darkness, is gradually revealing its original color. It's as if someone is using a paintbrush to stroke away the blackness, covering it with the color of the ocean.

"Keep up the work and get rid of these scum quickly. Enterprise, report on the extent of corrosion on Shokaku's ship equipment."

The battle wasn't over yet. Rob propped himself up and observed the changes on the battlefield. According to the pattern, the boss should be moving into the third phase.

"It's almost 30% done, Commander." After clearing out the enemies around her, Enterprise flew over Shoukaku, who was still staring blankly at the sea.

At this moment, not only was the black area on Shoukaku's ship equipment visibly expanding, but her white crane-wing feather cloak was also tinged with an ominous color. Even the tips of her snow-white hair were gradually turning black.

"It looks like time is running out." Rob estimated it briefly. Although he had never encountered this situation before, he still believed that once the degree of erosion exceeded 60%, Shoukaku would irreversibly transform into a different form.

"That's strange. I've never seen this kind of thing before, but it looks kind of familiar."

Putting aside his questions for the moment, Rob focused all his attention on the battlefield.

Suddenly, Shoukaku, who had been motionless for a long time because Mikasa's attack had interrupted the performance, moved.

The black aura that had been surrounding her suddenly went out of control and spread wildly in all directions.

Blackness covered the sea at an extremely fast speed, and Zuikaku and Mikasa, who were still on the surface of the sea, were about to be swallowed up by this black aura.

Enterprise and Yixian exchanged a glance and thought to themselves, "This is bad." If Zuikaku and Mikasa turned into enemies at this moment, this battle would be even more difficult.

The two exchanged a glance, then swiftly disengaged from the battle line, heading straight for Zuikaku and Mikasa. Finally, just as the black aura was about to creep onto their bodies, they each grabbed one and flew away.

After placing the two people in a safe place, everyone looked at the scene before them.

The black aura had completely enveloped the remaining "wandering souls" on the sea surface, turning them into an invisible, pure black area. If anyone had remained in the middle just now, the consequences would have been unimaginable.

"Thank you!" Zuikaku and Mikasa, catching their breath, quickly expressed their gratitude to their saviors, since they knew they wouldn't have been able to escape at their current speed.

"It looks like the next phase of the battle is about to begin."

Lost in thought, Robo gripped the railing in front of him unconsciously as he stared at the sea, which was as black as ink.

Chapter Sixteen: Sword Light Sister Shoukaku

"Enterprise, fire a shot and see what's going on on the other side."

The sea not far away was still covered by a surging black mass, without the slightest movement, lifeless and making it impossible to figure out what was going on.

Unfortunately, Robo didn't have time to wait any longer. If Shoukaku really couldn't be saved, the reward would be gone in a flash.

As an honest man, Rob naturally had no face to ask for payment after failing the mission. Besides, they might be having a feast right now, and Rob might even have to pack something up and send it over.

"Understood." The company nodded, raised its hand, and fired a shot towards the black sea.

Since the target is invisible, there's no point in aiming. Consider this shot a trial balloon.

A dazzling beam of light pierced the deep black aura, causing the black energy to surge and instantly engulf the light. Rob frowned involuntarily; it seemed he wouldn't be able to figure out the situation inside for the time being.

"By the way, don't you guys think this black color has gotten darker?" New Jersey, who had been observing for a while, suddenly spoke up.

It would have been better if they hadn't said anything. After New Jersey reminded them, everyone was surprised to realize that the blackness in front of them was no longer the wispy, smoke-like thing it had been before; it had become deep and solid.

Now, this black substance can no longer be called an aura; it should be called black water.

Although time was running out, no one dared to rush into the black shroud.

Zuikaku, who was the most anxious, knew that he could not make any rash moves now, even though his fingers, gripping the katana, had turned white from gripping it too tightly due to his anxiety.

While keeping a close eye on the black expanse in the distance, everyone quickly rested and replenished their energy, treating it as a break as the boss moved to a new location.

Fortunately, not long afterward, new changes occurred on the sea surface.

"This black mass is shrinking." Rob was the first to notice this new development.

Upon hearing this, everyone immediately became extremely alert, for any change usually indicates that a new battle is about to begin.

The black water receded faster and faster, eventually forming a whirlpool on the sea surface. At the center of the whirlpool, there seemed to be a black hole that swallowed all the black water.

In the end, all the blackness was swallowed up, and at the center of the vortex was the target of this operation—Shokaku.

Although the ship's rigging beside her was still billowing thick smoke, the smoke drifting in the wind, like the previous black aura, was deep and ominous. Blackish-gray crystals covered the deck of the rigging, unexpectedly making it appear somewhat translucent.

She wore a pure white embroidered feather cloak, the crane-wing sleeves on both hands completely stained with ink, and carried a katana similar to a Zuigaku sword. The blade was as black as ink, looking like an abyss devouring light.

"Zuihe, your sister can even wield a knife?" Rob thought it was outrageous. What happened to the mage? Did she suddenly become a swordsman?

"Of course Shoukaku-nee knows how to use a sword." Zuikaku rolled her eyes at Rob, assuming he was ignorant. What kind of sword does someone who can't use it deserve—just for decoration?

"How's your skill level?"

"Amazing!"

"That's it, get out of the way!" Rob seemed to have thought of something and quickly ordered everyone to leave.

Before the ships could react, a pure black crescent moon tore through the sea and charged straight towards them.

The company scooped up Rob and New Jersey beside him and flew away. The remaining people scattered like birds and beasts, barely avoiding Shoukaku's blade.

The black crescent moon sliced ​​through the sea and flew into the distance until it was out of sight. It encountered no obstacles along the way. The ship that Rob had just been on was like butter that had met a hot knife, and was smoothly cut in half. A wisp of black smoke slowly emerged from the cut.

"What the hell! Crescent Moon Sky Rush?" Having escaped death, Rob recalled the scene just now, and a strong sense of déjà vu washed over him.

Without boats, Rob had nowhere to land. After all, he couldn't stand on the water like a ship.

"Hmph, luckily I was prepared." New Jersey gestured for the company to lower him down. A rainbow-like light flashed, and a steel behemoth appeared on the sea, creating a massive wave. Its dark blue paint job exuded an oppressive aura; the name "Black Dragon" was truly well-deserved.

"This is?"

The scene before them made everyone forget that a powerful enemy was lurking nearby, ready to strike.

"Don't just stand there, hurry up and stop Shoukaku! Don't let her unleash her sword attack! I don't think the New Jersey ship's hull can withstand it. It's still unfinished; if it gets damaged, I reckon Iowa will skin me alive!"

Rob, who had just been placed on the New Jersey ship, immediately shouted to wake up the group who were still standing there in a daze. After all, the sudden appearance of such a large target on the sea was bound to be a great source of taunts.

"Then Commander, be careful." After giving Rob a few words of advice, Enterprise and Yatsen turned around and prepared to fly towards Shoukaku.

"Don't worry, don't worry, I can definitely withstand that kind of attack!" New Jersey was full of confidence, indicating that she could definitely protect Rob and that they didn't need to worry.

As if to prove that New Jersey hadn't lied, a new, jet-black crescent moon sliced ​​precisely across the bow of the New Jersey ship. The collision of black light and metal produced a teeth-grinding, tearing sound.

Indeed, as New Jersey said, her ship's hull could withstand a single "Getsuga Tenshou" from Shoukaku.

However, judging from the shockingly huge crack at the bow and the sparks flickering from the pipes protruding from it, it's uncertain whether it can withstand another blow.

"Hurry up! Don't stand there, another stab and he's really gone!"

Rob, who nearly had a heart attack from the blow, pounded on the railing at the bow of the ship, forcibly drawing everyone's attention back to the ship.

Everyone suddenly realized what was happening and rushed towards the Shoukaku, which had been left hanging for half a day.

Before anyone could get close, Shoukaku casually slashed again, and an even larger black crescent moon sliced ​​through the sea, its target the New Jersey ship.

If they take this hit, it's uncertain whether the New Jersey ship will be damaged, but Rob is definitely done for.

Before anyone else could react, Enterprise leaped into the air, grabbed his shield, and stood directly in front of the black crescent moon that seemed capable of swallowing all light.

The immense force pushed her backward for a moment.

As she drew closer to the New Jersey ship, Enterprise gritted her teeth and unleashed the full power of her thrusters. The massive exhaust plume, even larger than usual, dispersed the seawater behind her, forcibly keeping the Black Crescent ship stationary and preventing it from advancing any further.

The clash between the black crescent moon and the corporation continues, the shield creaking under the strain of constant cutting.

However, the companies ignored this and even increased their efforts to push forward, as if they wanted to forcefully push this new moon back.

"Go! You guys go and hold off Shoukaku. Leave this to Enterprise. I trust her." While continuing to instruct everyone not to worry about him, Rob silently walked behind Enterprise, watching her still fighting figure.

At that moment, Rob's vision was filled with nothing but the company.

The strong impact generated wind pressure that blew away the company's full head of silver hair. Under the black light, the company's figure was unrecognizable to Robert, but that touch of white was so dazzling.

Ultimately, the company emerged victorious in this clash.

The company, whose forehead was already beaded with sweat, let out a long sigh as the crescent moon turned into scattered black specks of light.

She turned around and found her commander standing not far behind her.

Rob nodded and waved, everything understood without a word.

The company nodded in response, then turned and flew toward the battlefield.

Now that the company has left, Robb has time to examine the damage to the New Jersey ship's hull.

A huge crack almost tore the bow of the ship apart, narrowly preventing New Jersey from turning into the "Gagahaha" Wisconsin.

Such a serious injury must be really tough for that idiot.

As Rob thought this, he looked at New Jersey beside him.

Miss Black Dragon stood there, completely stunned. She stared blankly at the shocking, enormous wound on her ship, tears welling up in her eyes.

With a "screech," New Jersey knelt on the deck. "This is it, I'm going to get yelled at by my older sister!" he cried, before collapsing to the ground as if he had fallen to the ground.

Luo Bo, who was originally going to go up and say a few words of comfort, was speechless. "Is this what you're focusing on?"

Rob walked over and patted New Jersey on the back.

"Hey, isn't your focus a bit off? I feel like your ship is emitting black smoke too."

Upon hearing Rob's words, New Jersey scrambled to her feet and carefully examined her ship. Just as she had heard, the torn sections of the hull, besides the sparks from the pipes, also had an almost invisible black aura clinging to them.

"What do we do? We're doomed!" New Jersey was struck dumb; the entire ship went numb. This time, it wasn't just about getting a scolding when they got back.

Realizing the seriousness of the problem, she was on the verge of bursting into tears.

"To be honest, I don't know." Rob didn't really know much about ship equipment; he was in the command department, not the research department. The academy hadn't even taught that much, and it didn't even offer any credits.

"Go back and check on things as soon as it's over. Maybe it's not a big problem," Rob tried to reassure New Jersey.

"If there's really no other way, we'll have to solve this problem ourselves." Rob didn't say this aloud, but that's what he truly thought. After all, he bore some responsibility for the New Jersey ship's hull issues.

Let's turn our attention to the battlefield.

With a new target nearby, Shoukaku temporarily shifted her gaze away from the New Jersey ship and instead focused on the various ships that were taking turns attacking her.

"Miss Zuikaku, is your sister's swordsmanship truly so exquisite?" Having dodged several of the tricky black crescent swords with a series of quick movements, Yixian asked Zuikaku. After all, Shoukaku's strength, speed, and accuracy in her strikes were now completely unreasonable. If she was truly that powerful, why was Zuikaku chosen as the warship instead of Shoukaku?

"Shoukaku-nee's swordsmanship is certainly exquisite, but it's definitely not at this level." Zuikaku, who had just rolled on the sea surface to barely dodge her older sister's "love's ultimate move," immediately declared that her sister wasn't that powerful.