A cacophony of chattering sounds that was intermingled with buzzing noises created a most unpleasant din. Shielding one's ears was of no avail, for this racket did not attack the ears or hearing but the mind itself.

It was a potent psychic assault. Most of the expeditionary forces had no resistance to such an overwhelming mental attack. Some of the more frail-hearted people staggered, then grasped the ship's railings and retched over the side of the ship.

Suddenly, a swarm of insects emerged, seemingly out of nowhere. But where had they come from? Still midair, Eugene looked below while gritting his teeth.

The sea was dyed a deep crimson, reminiscent of congealed blood. The lifeless bodies of sea creatures floated atop, and dark dust poured out from their gaping mouths and overturned eyes. As the dust rose, it instantaneously transformed into winged pests, buzzing and flapping haphazardly in all directions.

The grotesque scene caused Eugene’s face to twist in revulsion. While most of the expeditionary force might have been unfamiliar with this noise and phenomenon, Eugene wasn't, as he had witnessed such a scene in his previous life. It stirred memories from long ago, memories he dearly wished to forget.

Taking action immediately, he drew the Holy Sword from within his cloak. As he raised the weapon high into the air, Altair’s blade erupted with a blinding light.

Fwoosh!

The dazzling Light spread with Eugene at its epicenter, illuminating the darkened sky and casting brilliant radiance upon the shrouded fleet. But Eugene did not stop there and swung the sacred sword with might.

The radiant Light surged forward,...