I Pioneered Scientific Magic

"Unfortunately, if it weren't for the interference of that Holy Church Saintess, you alone could have annihilated the entire Imperial Expeditionary Force!" Raphael expressed regret.

Elok, standing beside him, curiously inquired, "Lord Headmaster, with such powerful magic, why haven't we seen you use it before?"

"【Sunlight Illumination】 has strict requirements on weather conditions, and the first-time usage has the best effect," Lynn explained.

If the situation hadn't been urgent this time, he had intended to use it in a more critical location.

After all, this magic, while powerful, had a long preparation time and many drawbacks, such as requiring clear weather and light that can be refracted, emitted, or absorbed.

The enemy was not foolish; after experiencing a setback, they would surely be on guard.

This time, the laser he shot was bounced back.

Clearly, the Holy Church had learned its lesson and found a way to counter laser magic.

Of course, Lynn didn't think the enemy had the ability to create a mirror that could reflect light 100%. As long as the laser's intensity was high enough, even a reflective surface would be instantly cut!

"Inform Redell and the others, set off immediately, and head to the Misty Lands!" Lynn stood up and said solemnly.

Although he temporarily repelled the Holy Church's attack, he didn't rule out the possibility of pursuit. Immediate reinforcement was necessary.

Raphael and the others nodded in agreement. In fact, they were also preparing to leave the Steel City, and all supplies were already prepared!

Due to the need for communication stations and daily patrols, nearly forty percent of the airships were assigned to tasks. They had only forty ships, which were not enough to transport over ten thousand people together.

After a brief discussion, Lynn quickly made a decision. He and Raphael would take an airship, leading a portion of the people to the destination. Redell, along with two grand wizards, would lead the remaining forces and slowly catch up.

...

The Steel City of Seltoden was about 159 kilometers in a straight line from the Imperial border. Normal marching, including detours over mountains and rivers, would take several days at least, while air travel only required a little over an hour!

Continuous intelligence from various sources across the kingdom flowed through electromagnetic communication technology, reaching the receiving devices and then being translated.

Raphael couldn't help but marvel at the convenience of this technology. Messages sent from any location could reach the entire kingdom in a matter of minutes!

Summarizing all the information, there were essentially two key points.

First, the airships patrolling the kingdom and imperial border were intact, indicating that the Holy Church's Expeditionary Force had infiltrated their defensive perimeter without removing these 'nails.'

This eased Lynn's worries a bit. Constructing this defensive line across the kingdom had taken considerable effort. The patrol trajectories and positions of each airship were carefully designed to ensure mutual support, with communication at regular intervals.

Unless the enemy could instantly wipe out a large area of airships, there would inevitably be messages coming through.

Second, Harof had retreated with his people to a previously captured Imperial town, holding out for reinforcements.

When the airship landed in the town, a group of wizards was busy reinforcing the walls. Upon seeing Lynn, they respectfully bowed.

"Master Lynn, thanks to you, we probably would have died on the battlefield." Sanchez approached, patting Lynn's shoulder with gratitude.

If Lynn hadn't arrived in time, he had already prepared to stay behind for a rearguard action, a decision clearly leading to certain death.

"No need to be so polite; facing the Imperial and Holy Church blockade, everyone must give their all," Lynn shook his head. They were already at a disadvantage, losing any legion would be an unacceptable loss.

Lynn then inquired about the casualties of this war.

"More severe than expected," Sanchez said with a bitter smile. "Over 1,200 dead, and more than 3,700 injured."

This meant that over half of the ten thousand-strong musket unit had casualties. Moreover, they had also lost a large number of cannons and firearms.

"I think these weapons must have been confiscated by the enemy!" Sanchez said with a serious expression, which was his main concern.

Since leaving the Wizard Lands, they had won victories in several wars, even the fierce defense of the capital. They didn't need to worry about this before.

But now was different; with so many weapons seized by the enemy, they could likely be replicated.

"No matter; I have already melted down the cannons and armored vehicles. As for the basic method of making muskets, it's impossible to hide. It's only a matter of time before the enemy figures it out. We just need to ensure that we stay ahead of them in the update and replacement of weapons," Lynn said optimistically.

He knew well that simple weapons like flintlock muskets and airships could be figured out by the elites of the Empire and Holy Church if they put their minds to it. The reason for the current lack of action was the short time and the bishops' focus on feudal superstition, believing these were demonic creations.

Of course, more advanced devices like internal combustion engines, without blueprints, were impossible for them to recreate, no matter how hard they tried.

While talking, Sanchez led everyone into a mansion.

This was the residence of a small Imperial count. When they killed their way here from the kingdom, the count directly packed up and fled, leaving no guards behind. They effortlessly took control of the entire city.

Now, the mansion had become a temporary command post and a place to house the wounded. Many tents were set up in the spacious area, herbalists busily preparing magical potions, and faint cries of pain could be heard.

"I really don't know when this war will end." Johnny, following the two, looked at the tents and sighed.

"Probably when we completely defeat the Holy Church," Elok continued with anticipation. "We will bring down the gods from the sky, build towers for wizards in every corner of this continent, spread knowledge, eliminate ignorance, and shower the glory of magic across the land!"

This was the war propaganda commonly used by the council. For many young wizards with aspirations and untamed blood, it was highly motivating.

"Someday, for sure!" Elok said confidently.

Lynn also nodded, smiling, "Perhaps sooner, if this battle goes well."