When I was working as a civil servant, I was found out to be a muscle-brained knight by the princess knight and got sent to the front lines - Episode 194

Episode 194

The wilderness near the capital city Nevorista of the Kingdom of Tashman.

This location, just outside the city walls, is usually used by the army for military exercises or by the Royal Academy for events. It is also designated as an evacuation site in case of emergencies. However, it is currently home to a massive white ship, 300 meters long and 50 meters tall.

This is the flagship of the 11th Legion: the Strategic-Grade Conceptual armament / Pseudo-Divine Artifact: the Skybound Ark—Mandjet/Mesektet. The ship, gleaming in the sunlight, displays its imposing presence to the residents of the capital. It proudly flew the flags of the Kingdom of Tashman, the Fourth Saintess, the 11th Legion, the Norman Margrave family, and the Alchemis Marquess family.

The final preparations for the launch, intended for the impending mission to the Divina Papal State, were nearing completion. The 500 crew members had loaded enough supplies to sustain them for three months without resupply—food, water, weapons, ammunition, magic stones, and other essentials. Additionally, they had brought aboard their personal equipment.

Various merchants, arranged by Cynthia, the Chief of Staff of the 11th Legion, and other officials from the Prime Minister’s Office, had delivered the necessary supplies. They were then loaded onto the ship by members of the 11th Legion.

Finally, the last of the cargo was loaded, and the gangway was raised. Bells rang throughout the ship, signaling the final checks before departure. On the bridge, Jez and the senior officers of the 11th Legion monitored the progress.

“… All bulkheads closed. All personnel have evacuated from outside the ship. All mooring ropes are secured! Commander Jez, we’re ready to go anytime!”

Cynthia reported after confirming everything was in order. Jez nodded in acknowledgment and issued a command over the microphone from the admiral’s seat on the bridge, ensuring the entire crew could hear.

“This is Jez Norman, Commander of the 11th Legion. Attention all crew members: we are now commencing the launch sequence for the Skybound Ark, Mandjet/Mesektet! Initiate battle stations! All personnel, take your positions!”

Jez’s command echoed throughout the ship, and the accompanying sirens alerted everyone outside to move away from the vessel.

“Main magic engine, standby! Energy links across the ship, all systems connected! Power output, increasing to maximum!”

At the operator’s seat was May Carter of Al-Faz unit. Despite everything, she had become quite skilled at this kind of operation and was now excelling as the main operator.

“Shield generators, deploy across all sectors! Engine room, stabilize the energy flow! Begin countdown until the core output reaches 100%!”

Jez issued instructions in response to May’s report. Hearing this, Victor turned the rosary-like activation key on the bridge while humming a tune. The ship trembled slightly as the massive magic engine roared to life.

“Control room, final status check for all sections! Weapons section, maintain all armaments on standby!”

The hum of the magic engine grew louder, sending power throughout the entire ship.

“Bridge, activate the all-around monitor! Begin launch countdown!”

Monitors linked to sensors across the ship flickered to life, providing a detailed view of the surroundings. This all-around monitor was a new piece of equipment added by Victor.

“5… 4… 3… 2… 1… Launch sequence, all clear! Destination: Divina Papal State! All thrusters, full power! Mandjet/Mesektet, launch!”

The massive white ship completed its launch sequence, slowly lifting off the ground as it stirred up a fierce wind.

A loud cheer erupted from the direction of the capital. It seemed many of the citizens had gathered to witness the moment the ship took flight.

Catching a glimpse of this scene out of the corner of their eyes, the Mandjet/Mesektet continued to ascend higher and higher. Once it passed 1,000 meters in altitude, it momentarily paused before converting its thrust for forward movement.

Despite having gone through this launch sequence many times before, Jez still couldn’t get used to it. The very idea of a ship this size floating in the air was absurd. As Jez pondered this, Victor, who insisted on being called “Captain,” was manning the helm. Despite his title, Victor had a fondness for piloting and had spent a significant amount of time steering the ship.

And so, the Mandjet/Mesektet continued its journey into the skies.

“Well, with so many people here to see us off, we’ve got to make it a grand departure, right?” 

Victor suddenly said in a playful tone. Before Jez could stop him, Victor continued, 

“Everyone, make sure you’re strapped into your seats!!! You might bite your tongues!!!”

Victor pushed the rosary-like activation key even deeper, and the interior of the ship momentarily blacked out as the energy systems switched over.

“The time has come to open the path of the gods and soar through the heavens. Unleash the source of power; as the sun’s ship crosses the sea of dawn, we too shall aim for the skies.”

An overwhelming amount of magic flowed through the ship, and the six wings supporting it began to expand even further.

“Converge infinite light, and let the divine radiance dwell within us. Fix the coordinates of time and space. Our destination is beyond the sky, into uncharted realms.”

The now-massive wings started to glow a brilliant gold, and a piercing high-frequency sound resonated through the ship. Jez, having resigned himself to the situation, quickly instructed all crew members to take their seats and secure their positions.

The members of the 11th Legion had spent enough time with Victor Achemis by now to understand what kind of person he was. They had expected something unusual to happen during the launch, and sure enough, it did.

“Ark, now unleash your true power and guide us through the skies! Pseudo-divine artifact, activate all systems!! Here we go, this is my full power!!!”

With Victor fully immersed in his excitement, he gripped the helm and slammed his foot down on the pedal.

The Mandjet/Mesektet, now glowing with an intense golden light, instantly broke the sound barrier. In a flash, the Skybound Ark vanished beyond the horizon. It left behind a deafening roar and shockwaves that reverberated through the entire capital.