Chapter 184
Chapter 184
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 184
Chapter Title: Naval Ambush in the Fog
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"From here on out, it's a race against time."
"Can we make it in time?"
"The pilots will have confirmed there's no frontline at the Jangsan Islands. So by now, they're probably starting to anchor at Cheolsan Island."
"How long will it take?"
"About one hour."
"That'll be cutting it close."
"We told them to hurry, so they'll definitely arrive on schedule."
I thought I'd done everything I could and just needed to watch now, but I couldn't help feeling tense. Just then, Go Yeonmu, who had been peering ahead beside me, shouted.
"Fog's rolling in."
"What?"
Thinking it was the worst possible luck, I looked outside. Sure enough, just as Go Yeonmu said, a thin mist was creeping up, blanketing the sea. The lead warships, visible moments ago, were now hazy in the fog. The thought that this would make us even later slipped out unbidden.
"This is bad."
But Ga Do-han, standing next to me, broke into a wide grin.
"True heavenly fortune."
"We can't see a thing—how's that fortunate?"
"If they can't see us, they can't see them either. But this is our home waters, unfamiliar territory to them. They'll probably rush to hug the coast and wait."
Only then did I understand why Ga Do-han was so pleased.
"Until the fog lifts?"
"Exactly. Who moves in zero visibility? Especially near the coast, with shallow waters and who-knows-what reefs—they won't dare."
"Then we strike before it clears."
"Looks like it won't lift anytime soon. I'll tell them to hurry."
"What about us?"
To ease my worry, Ga Do-han pointed at the lead warship.
"Men born and bred on these waters are aboard that one. Just follow, and we'll be fine."
"Good."
"Rest up a bit. Still about half an hour to go."
"Thanks."
The tension drained away, and I let out a sigh without realizing it.
The dozen or so warships and fire ships sped along the coastline. The fog thickened, to the point where the lead ships were barely visible. Fortunately, they'd hoisted prominent red flags high, so we could tail them without losing sight. Meanwhile, inside the fire ships, the crew busied themselves checking the Goguryeo Fire launchers. The fog brought higher waves that splashed up to the iron-plated sloped roofs. Go Yeonmu, fascinated by the sea mist, wouldn't leave the observation port. As we closed in, Ga Do-han gave the order.
"Lower the sails!"
The crew sprang into action at the command. Sails dropped, masts folded. We saw the lead ships doing the same. Watching it, Go Yeonmu muttered.
"Here we go for real."
A shout rang out to give the launchers a final check. Ga Do-han, having watched the masts fold, approached me.
"We'll pass the Jangsan Islands soon and reach the waters off Bisa Fortress."
"Target's the enemy ships anchored around Cheolsan Island."
"Probably hundreds lined up side by side."
"Speed is everything. Stop, and we're surrounded."
"I've already ordered no stopping, no matter what. The lead ship will guide us."
"Battle's yours. Anywhere good to watch from?"
"This way."
Ga Do-han pointed to a ladder behind the dragon head. Climbing up, I was surprised. It was a small observation deck cum watchtower. Like the mast-top cabins on turtle ships from movies and dramas, but smaller, with thick planks around to block arrows easily. Iron spikes studded the sloped roof, deterring boarders.
"Great view."
"Built for command."
Looking back, I saw warships and fire ships churning spray in our wake. Fog still shrouded everything; the right-hand shore was a dim blur. Ahead, beyond the dragon head, fluttered the lead ship's flag. Ga Do-han, squinting, yelled.
"Past Jangsan Islands. Almost there."
"Will the enemy really be bunched up? They shouldn't have disembarked yet."
As I fretted, Ga Do-han reassured me.
"If I were the Tang navy commander, I wouldn't move a muscle in this fog. No landings either."
"Hope you're right."
Staring anxiously ahead, a fire arrow streaked up. Watching it pierce the mist, Ga Do-han muttered.
"Lead ship's spotted the enemy."
"Showtime."
"Hold on tight."
No sooner had Ga Do-han spoken than a wave rocked the fire ship hard. Geom Mojam grabbed my arm, keeping me from falling. Ga Do-han bellowed below.
"Prepare Goguryeo Fire launchers! Tell everyone to stay sharp!"
Subordinates echoed the order. As the fog thinned slightly, surroundings emerged. To the right, distant Bisa Fortress glowed with torches, fog-amplified. Seaward, ship shadows loomed vaguely. Go Yeonmu shouted beside me.
"Island-like shape left side."
Sure enough, unlike ships, an island shadow appeared.
"Cheolsan Island."
Between it and the mainland, ships massed incredibly. Geom Mojam eyed them and turned to me.
"Roughly fifty visible. More behind, probably."
The lead ship lowered its red flag, raised yellow. Ga Do-han yelled below again.
"Follow the lead ship. No stopping, whatever happens."
Then to me:
"Plowing through the enemy now. Arrows incoming—stay low."
"Don't worry about me. Attack. First real clash with Tang—must win."
"Already as good as won. No worries."
Grinning broadly, Ga Do-han peered ahead. Fog parted a bit, revealing Tang warships. As expected, over a hundred crammed the sea between Cheolsan Island and Bisa's shore.
The lead ship darted into a gap. Tang ships, spotting us late, blared horns and drums. Soon, arrows whistled through the air. Wild shooting mostly hit their own ships. Screams and shouts tangled as we burst through.
"Enemies everywhere."
Geom Mojam gripped his Hwandu Greatsword, voice taut—not from the enemy horde, but his duty to guard me.
As Ga Do-han ordered Goguryeo Fire prep, tightly packed Tang ships appeared. Just as he said, huddled between Cheolsan Island and shore to dodge waves. Our line of warships and fire ships sliced through swiftly. Ga Do-han bellowed below.
"Fire!"
Goguryeo Fire streaked from both flanks. Elongated metal tubes sent it farther than before. Fire streams pierced fog, slamming Tang ships. Packed tight, no misses. Tang soldiers' panicked cries rang out at the surprise. Inextinguishable Goguryeo Fire devoured decks instantly. Ignorant foes tried water or cloth—fire spread with water, ignored cloth. Each volley torched five or six. Trailing fire ships followed suit. Excited Go Yeonmu yelled.
"Lingering fog makes it look like dragons spewing fire."
"Perfect."
Tang soldiers leaped from burning ships into the sea. Roused Tang ships loosed erratic arrows—most missed or ricocheted off sloped iron roofs. A few thunked into shields, vibrating. Go Yeonmu flinched, then peeked out again. Ga Do-han kept ordering from the ladder.
"No slowing! Keep following. Replenish Goguryeo Fire pronto."
Subordinates echoed like an echo. Fire ships shoved burning Tang wreckage aside, pressing on. Ga Do-han roared hoarsely.
"No slowing! Full speed ahead!"
Goguryeo Fire poured nonstop. Lead ships advanced, peppering with arrows and crossbow bolts. Eerie sight: fire piercing fog toward Tang hulls. Roaring flames brought screams. Burning Tang soldiers plunged seaward—fire burned on in water. Ships turning to flee tangled.
"Slaughter."
I muttered unwittingly. Perfect ambush, unknown weapon—they couldn't respond. Too one-sided for joy. Excited, Geom Mojam said brightly.
"At least a hundred torched. Victory already."
As I started to say not enough, a thud echoed from the lead ship. It lurched sideways hard. Spray crested the dragon head; I shielded my face. All startled, but Ga Do-han snapped orders to swing right. Fire ship heeled left sharply, grazing the halted ship's side perilously. A massive shadow blocked ahead.
"That!"
A colossal three-tiered Tang tower ship.
"Tower ship. Looks like its swing ram smashed the lead."
Sure enough, a lever arm with a huge club-like ram fronted it. It jogged my memory of history illustrations.
"Like the Sui's massive Ouara tower ships against Chen."
Fewer decks for ocean crossing, but easily twice normal size. Awed by its overwhelming bulk and height, Ga Do-han's shout cut through.
"Target the dragon head! Swing harder left!"
Ship groaned, tilting further. Thus, our dragon head prow bore on the tower ship's beam. Its ram had wrecked the lead; another mounted portside. Rope-tethered massive pole rose, iron weight at end—could doom us. I swallowed dryly as Ga Do-han yelled.
"Fire!"