Although current technology allows for powerful airships, their consumption is enormous. In flexibility and reinforcement, they're actually inferior to conventional air forces.
Even the smallest combat airships need at least a full crew. Considering training and costs, smaller ones are pointless—they carry limited firepower. No matter how advanced their engines or tech, they can't match conventional forces in scouting or mobile strikes.
Conventional air forces usually mean aerial knights like Griffin Riders.
With rising education levels, today's air force is different. Gone are the roughnecks; most Griffin Riders are now elite Battle Mages.
But right now, these proud elites were wailing high above—
“Aaaaaaaaaaaah!”
They clung helplessly to their Griffins, which spiraled wildly out of control.
From the ground, the Riders sped ten times faster than usual. Their erratic, fly-like paths showed the Griffins had lost all control.
The Griffins' panicked cries revealed their own despair as riders gripped them tightly.
A dragon was also in chaos, its Dragon Rider struggling not to be thrown off—
“Tsk tsk tsk. Amplifying the Lightness Spell tenfold? Truly fascinating.”
Watching the Griffin Riders dart like flies, I couldn't help but grin.
This chaos was entirely my doing.
The Lightness Spell normally reduces weight for slow descent. Its advanced form lessens gravity’s pull...
So what if I amplified that advanced spell tenfold on these knights?
They’d become incredibly fast—but only with perfect control.
Now, caught off guard, the patrolling knights had zero experience. A light wing flap sent them flying as if breaking the sound barrier. The knights might react, but Griffins aren’t as smart as humans. Instant panic ensued.
“...You really are a demon!”
Lily stared dumbfounded at the sky, then glared at me.
“I’m the Overlord, not a demon. The demon is this one.” I poked Ona beside me.
“Mew~ Got a problem with demons?” Ona turned to Lily with a smile after my poke.
“...No, nothing.” Lily paused, then muttered, “I misspoke. You should be the devil.”
“I’m not as malicious as the devil.” I waved dismissively. “Don’t worry about them. I’m just scaring them—safety triggers if they crash.” I added with a slight smile.
“Really?” Lily looked skeptical.
“Don’t doubt my character.” I met her gaze. “The knights’ chaos means they’ve noticed us. Exactly the effect we want.”
“Aren’t you afraid of alerting the snake, Dark Lord?” Wuluwu blinked at me. “They’ll prepare, making chaos harder.”
“No problem, no problem.” I waved. “We’re strong enough; their alert changes nothing.”
“...I thought you’d retreat temporarily, Dark Lord.” Ona’s ears twitched slightly as she spoke.
“Why retreat with strength?” I shrugged. “Might makes right. Besides, you’re all quite capable.”
I dropped my frivolous expression, turning serious.
“One, two, three... including the Holy Son and Champion, exactly five.” After sensing briefly, I continued. “The other three are hidden strong ones. Here’s the plan: I’ll handle the Holy Son. Lily, take Hawthorn against the Champion. Ona and Wuluwu, you two take the remaining three. No problem?”
“No problem.”
“No problem, mew~”
“...No problem.”
The girls responded immediately.
“But you against the Holy Son? Are you sure?” Lily unexpectedly spoke up.
“This generation’s Holy Son is Xia Xi. His mastery of the Holy Light is profound—he’s a truly deserving Holy Son of the Pioneer Church. You can’t toy with him. I admit you’re strong, but forcing him back will be tough. Let me handle him; you take the Champion. You’re familiar with Champions, right?”
“Oh ho? Concerned about me?” I raised an eyebrow after her speech.
“Wh-what!” Lily’s ears perked up as she shouted. “It’s just reasonable! Why would the Overlord face the Holy Son and invite trouble?”
“Haha, thanks for the suggestion.” I laughed, flashed to her side, and ruffled her head and ears. “But I’m confident in my strength. No need to worry.”
“Ugh... I know! Stop ruffling my head and ears! Seriously, why do you love messing with people’s heads so much?”
