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#456 - Chapter 190: Throat Sea Battle (VI)

Amidst the chaotic and tumultuous battlefield, Euron remained remarkably calm and clear-headed, despite the exceptionally perilous and complex situation. He was acutely aware that regardless of the battle's ultimate outcome, the Iron Fleet had suffered devastating losses, the magnitude of which was likely incalculable and irreparable.

If he chose to retreat in such a disheveled state, he, as the fleet's commander, would undoubtedly bear the full responsibility for this grievous failure. At that point, not only would his position as King of the Iron Islands be jeopardized, but the nobles and captains who had also suffered significant losses would certainly not let him off easily, and would undoubtedly launch a merciless reckoning and retaliation against him.

Moreover, without supplies, these men would find it difficult to cross the sea back to the Iron Islands. The only option now was to continue advancing into Blackwater Bay, engage with the Queen's navy, and, if necessary, head to King's Landing.

This intensely fierce battle had commenced at nine in the morning and only concluded at four in the afternoon. During this time, the valiant and fearless Iron Fleet had endured trials and tribulations, fighting a bloody battle, but ultimately managed to escape the smoke-filled battlefield at a heavy cost.

The Ironborn's prized longships were clearly at a disadvantage in terms of size. They appeared so small and fragile against the enemy's massive warships, seemingly vulnerable to even a single blow. Many longships were mercilessly crushed by the enemy's large vessels, instantly reduced to wreckage. Even the usually advantageous boarding tactics failed to provide the Ironborn with any benefit this time, as the well-equipped Queen's soldiers demonstrated combat prowess that was in no way inferior to that of the Ironborn.

On the other side, the Queen's army also suffered heavy losses, with a casualty rate approaching one-third. This was the brutal reality of naval warfare, but compared to the Iron Fleet, their situation was somewhat more optimistic. After all, the Queen's army held a geographical advantage, surrounded by their own territory. As a result, the severely damaged ships could quickly dock nearby for repairs and resupply, and even soldiers who fell into the water could receive timely and effective rescue.

At this moment, Euron's heart was pierced with anguish. After only a few hours of intense fighting, he had lost more than half of his warships! Furthermore, his troops had been reduced by more than a third. This meant that at least fifteen thousand brave warriors had been lost forever in that thrilling battle. Even during the rebellion launched by the late King Balon, the Iron Islands had not suffered such a heavy loss!

However, for the Iron Fleet, the real danger was not yet over. The Queen's fleet was relentlessly pursuing them like ravenous wolves, refusing to let go. Worryingly, more and more warships were methodically adjusting their battle formations and joining in the thrilling chase.

Looking back at the scene of the previous fierce naval battle, the turbulent sea was littered with the wreckage of shattered ships, as if narrating the bloody slaughter that had taken place. The cold corpses of countless sailors drifted with the waves, contrasting with the burning warships that were still billowing thick smoke, creating a horrific scene.

Those ships that had not yet sunk and were still fighting desperately resembled isolated fortresses in the sea, where fearless soldiers from both sides engaged in a life-and-death struggle. The battle situation was extremely tense and stimulating, with crimson blood flowing like a burst dam, instantly dyeing the hard decks a scarlet red, with everyone paying a heavy price, even sacrificing their precious lives.

However, even the side that ultimately emerged victorious was now exhausted and unable to propel their ships forward. Fortunately, the Queen's army arrived in time to quickly launch an operation to provide emergency support to the friendly warships that were still struggling, and to encircle and suppress the Ironborn warriors who were stubbornly resisting on the captured ships.

The Iron Fleet had fled into Blackwater Bay, and ships were constantly breaking away from the battle group. In the western battlefield, the commander of the Queen's army's left-wing forces was none other than Lord Morell of House Velaryon. He had suffered severe burns and was tightly wrapped in thick bandages, looking like an ancient mummy. At this moment, his heart was filled with uncontrollable anger. Despite having formulated detailed and comprehensive countermeasures in advance, the cunning and ferocious Ironborn had still managed to break through the defenses he was guarding! Failing to annihilate these detestable robbers in one fell swoop filled Lord Morell with deep shame and humiliation, feeling that he had disgraced his family.

The prestigious Admiral Groleo, an outstanding naval commander deeply trusted by the Queen, was responsible for controlling the Dragonstone blockade fleet, and he was the one who had engaged in a fierce confrontation with Euron earlier. After careful consideration, Groleo decided to leave some warships to clean up the battlefield, then joined forces with the fleet from Crackclaw Point to give chase. More than four hundred menacing warships quickly unfurled their massive sails, like hungry tigers pouncing on their prey, clinging tightly to the Iron Fleet's tail.

Due to their inherent limitations, the Ironborn's galleys were unable to maintain such an astonishing speed for extended periods, and the rowers' stamina was already reaching its limit. As a result, one after another, the Ironborn longships gradually fell behind due to exhaustion, and these isolated ships became the targets of the Queen's army's relentless attacks, eventually being sunk.

Thus, in this thrilling chase and escape, time quietly passed for more than two hours. Unknowingly, they had approached the estuary of the Wendwater River. As long as they continued westward along this route, they would be able to reach the vital Blackwater harbor of King's Landing.

At this moment, although the Iron Fleet still had a slight advantage in numbers, if they launched an all-out counterattack as a desperate gamble, the outcome would still be uncertain. Even if they were fortunate enough to defeat the Queen's fleet, the heavy price they would pay would undoubtedly be too much for Euron to bear. Faced with such a difficult choice, Euron gritted his teeth and said fiercely, "Continue heading west, we'll be safe when we reach King's Landing! The humiliation we suffer today will be repaid to them tenfold in the future!"

Euron stood firmly at the bow of his ship, gazing at the turbulent sea behind him, constantly calculating his next plan in his mind. At this moment, these men and ships were the last chips he held in his hand. The Iron Islands were sparsely populated to begin with, and if they were to suffer more losses, he would find it difficult to explain to the lords. But now, he had no better option but to place all his hopes on the promise made by Cersei, hoping to use the impregnable defenses of King's Landing to successfully repel the Queen's navy's relentless pursuit. Moreover, night was gradually falling, and the sky was becoming darker... Hmm? What is that?

Just as Euron was lost in thought, he suddenly glimpsed three blurry black shadows faintly visible in the direction of the setting sun. As the distance between them narrowed, the afterglow of the setting sun gently draped over their bodies like a golden veil, shimmering with a cold and dazzling metallic luster.

It's... dragons!!!