Chapter 674: Close‑Combat Attack

What kind of battle is this? All of our shells have been redirected by her gravity field to another direction. Moreover, torpedoes and carrier aircraft are now completely unusable; how are we supposed to fight if this continues?

Washington said, somewhat exasperated, "Originally I imagined the final showdown as a cannon-to-cannon clash, freely bombarding the enemy, to see who would fall first."

But now, at the moment of the final battle, she realized her attacks were so feeble that she couldn't even touch the enemy; this feeling of frustration left Washington helpless.

"Now there is only one method left. Although her gravity field can redirect distant shells, it cannot redirect our swords chopping at her." King George V, looking at the distant Siteliankus still standing in place, said.

"What King George V said is correct. His gravity field can alter the trajectory of our shells, but if we engage in close combat, our swords can inflict damage on her." Mikasa's eyes lit up as she nodded and said.

"If that's the case, then those with weapons draw their swords and prepare for close‑combat mode. Those without weapons provide long‑range artillery support. If we advance into the city to distract her, her gravity field may not necessarily remain effective." King George V said.

"Alright, then the vanguard for close combat will be under your command, King George V. I will lead the remaining personnel in the rear to provide you with artillery support." Xin ze xi hammered out the decision.

"Understood." King George V replied crisply, but her actions were even more swift.

Immediately drawing his long sword from his waist and swinging the blade forward, he shouted, "All personnel take note: anyone with a weapon capable of close‑range attack on the shipgirl, follow my steps—let's charge the enemy warship together."

"Yes!"

Immediately, King George V shot forward like an arrow released from a bow. Following behind were Monarch, Mikasa, Yanzhan, two Prince of Wales, Duke of York, Enterprise, Banrenma, Luodenni, Weineituo, Independence, and others, who fell into step with King George V and surged ahead.

Afterward, Biaoqiang, Duoduo, Tianlangxing, Zala, and the others quickly fell in alongside King George V to the left and right, charging forward.

Most of these personnel belonged to the Royal faction, with a portion from the Sardinian Empire and the White Eagle, although the White Eagle contingent was relatively small.

"Tsk, we're a bit short‑handed. At this moment I find myself missing those Sakura Empire folks—they all carry swords, and in a battle like this they'd surely be thrilled." Watching the retreating close‑combat unit, Washington clicked her tongue.

"Perhaps, but I'm now somewhat worried that the Sakura Empire side might also have an Arbiter, just like the Donghuang side here." North Carolina said from beside her.

"Maybe, but don't forget that their fleet also includes a Gneisenau, a Gneisenau from another world."

"According to the commander, the Hai Lun Na who gave him this information is also from another world, so believe that this Gneisenau is certainly no ordinary soldier; even if they encounter an Arbiter, we trust they have the ability to protect themselves." Washington said.

"Hehe, Washington has picked up quite a few idioms lately—she's even using phrases like "ordinary folk." Could it be because of the commander?" North Carolina smiled and said.

"Who would do it for him? We're just in Donghuang now, so we're merely learning a bit of the local history." Washington argued vigorously, but if her eyes weren't darting about so wildly, it would be more credible.

Seeing her sister like that, North Carolina merely gave a light smile and said nothing more.

Meanwhile, Washington, seeing her sister not press further, also let out a sigh of relief, then channeled all that embarrassment into the gunfire aimed at Siteliankus.

"Hehe, look, they've finally realized that long‑range attacks have no effect on Siteliankus whatsoever." Hai Lun Na said with a laugh.

"And what about you—does your long‑range fire have any effect on Siteliankus?" Qin Ge asked Hai Lun Na.

"Didn't I say before? The gravity field's influence on gravity is limited; as long as we break through its limit, the gravity field can't affect us." Hai Lun Na said with a laugh.

"So her gravity field is useless against you?" Qin Ge asked.

"No, it's definitely useful, because hardly any ships can break through her gravity field's limit." Hai Lun Na said.

Qin Ge blinked, then said, "When you talk about breaking the gravity field's limit, it made me think you could easily breach Siteliankus's gravity field."

"Hehe, although most of us can't break her original gravity field, we have ways to weaken it until we reach a level we can breach."

"In short, there are many such methods, but none apply to Qin Ge's current fleet as commander. Therefore, the approach your shipgirl is taking now is the most effective." Hai Lun Na said.

Qin Ge stared at Hai Lun Na before him; the more he looked, the more mysterious she seemed, as if she knew everything—it was hard to imagine Hai Lun Na reaching such a level.

Although he now has a bellyful of questions he wants answered, the current setting doesn't allow it; he can only suppress those questions silently and then turn his gaze back to the battlefield.

Facing the assault led by King George V, with everyone raising their long swords, Siteliancus, who had hitherto made no attacking move, finally acted.

When King George V's sword thrust came straight at him, Siteliancus raised his arm and gripped the blade with that enormous blue palm, preventing George V's thrust from advancing any further.

Meanwhile, King George V felt her sword blade seized by a tremendous force, and for a moment she couldn't pull it free.

At that moment, the attacks from Yanzhan and Monarch arriving from the side had come: a greatsword slashing toward Siteliancus's head, and a thin sword thrusting toward his right rib.

If Siteliancus did not release George V's sword blade at this instant, it was highly likely he would be struck by one of those attacks.

But would the result be that simple?

Just then, a ripple began to spread around Siteliancus; it quickly grew larger, and in the blink of an eye it turned into a ring of energy.

This energy surged outward at high speed, instantly flinging Yanzhan, Monarch, and the others who had just reached Siteliancus's vicinity into the air—and this group even included King George V, who had initially thrust his sword at Siteliancus.

"What a formidable foe, but this can't stop our advance." King George V slid far across the water before coming to a halt, gazing at the distant Siteliancus and couldn't help but say.

Immediately, King George V and the others surged forward again; at that moment the carrier shipgirl bringing up the rear also arrived, whereupon they all drew their bows, nocking gleaming arrows in the longbows, and followed the charging King George V and his companions as they shot arrows toward Siteliancus……