137: Star Legion

Star Sea City, Lords Mansion Strategic Discussion Hall.

This was a newly built secret chamber specifically for highest-level military meetings. The walls were made of sound-absorbing obsidian, the floor was covered with thick Demonic Beast fur carpets, and the long conference table was carved from a single piece of ironwood, its surface inlaid with a miniature magic sand table of the Star Sea Territory domain. At this moment, the sand table was automatically evolving the dynamic situation of the Star Sea Archipelago, East Sea Prefecture, and surrounding waters.

Linn sat in the main seat, with military generals led by Clay on his left and right, and administrative officials led by Morton.

The teleportation array between Star Sea Island and East Sea Prefecture had been officially completed two years ago. The communication and mobility between the two places had greatly improved.

Generals such as Clay, Ocean, Karl, Angus, Shirei, and Evan were all present. The most eye-catching one was Sebastian sitting next to Barton.

This former captain of the Sea God Clan guard had now completely integrated into the Star Sea Territory military System. He wore sea-blue light armor that combined Sea God Clan traditions with the Star Sea military uniform, and the scale patterns on his forehead shimmered faintly under the indoor magic lights. After years of dedicated cultivation and the allocation of resources from Star Sea Territory, his strength had stabilized at the Sky Elementary rank.

Linn did not beat around the bush and got straight to the point: "Everyone, I have gathered you all today to announce a major development that will change the future strategic landscape of Star Sea Territory."

He raised his hand and lightly tapped the control runes on the table, and a 3D holographic projection of the "starlight" airship immediately appeared above the magic sand table. The silver-gray streamlined hull, the sternly arrayed gun barrels, the complex magic patterns... every detail was clearly visible.

A suppressed sound of gasping echoed in the discussion hall.

Even the well-traveled Angus and the battle-hardened Shirei couldn't help but widen their eyes at this moment. Sebastian of the Sea God Clan even stood up directly, leaning forward and staring fixedly at the projected warship, his Adam's apple bobbing.

"This... this is..." Sebastian's voice was somewhat dry.

"A airship, 'starlight'." Linn calmly spoke the name. "Led by Great Master Henry, it was secretly built over three years by gathering the power of alchemy, arcanum, and engineering from across Star Sea Territory. Specific parameters will be issued in a detailed report later. In short, it can cruise at an altitude of a thousand meters at a speed of three hundred li per hour, is equipped with twenty main guns capable of piercing the walls of a Marquis's main city, has a triple defense System, and requires only thirty qualified operators to be fully functional."

A deathly silence.

Everyone understood what this meant.

Air superiority. In an era where cold weapons and magic coexisted, whoever could control the Sky held the initiative in war. In the past, only individual units like Legendary mages or Dragons could achieve limited air control, but a airship! This was a war machine that institutionalized and normalized air superiority!

"Lord," Angus was the first to recover from the shock, a blazing light igniting in the eyes of this marshal known for his calmness. "The existence of this warship will completely rewrite the balance of power between us and any potential enemies. The walls of the Marquisate of the Golden Peacock, the castles of the Iris Family, and even the fortresses of the Kingdom... will all be as fragile as paper before it."

"More than that!" Ocean slapped the table, his face flushed with excitement. "With this thing, we can strike wherever we want! They won't even be able to touch our shadow! Lord, how many of these treasures are there? When can they go to the battlefield?"

Linn raised his hand to signal everyone to stay calm: "Currently, there is only this one prototype. But Great Master Henry stated that with existing technology, two more simplified versions can be produced within a year, and it is feasible to assemble a fleet of five to six ships within three years."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over everyone: "And the core topic of today's meeting is how to utilize and develop this power."

Clay spoke thoughtfully: "Lord, the airship is a brand-new combat platform. It is different from the land army's ground advancement and the navy's surface operations. It requires a brand-new tactical System, training syllabus, and command process. None of our existing legion structures can fully adapt to it."

"That is exactly what I was going to say." Linn nodded. "I propose to form a brand-new independent combat unit, the Star Legion. This legion will be specifically responsible for the command, operation, combat, and maintenance of airships and all future aerial combat units."

As soon as the proposal was made, everyone nodded. This was an inevitable choice.

"Then," Linn threw out the key question, "does anyone have a suitable candidate for the first commander of the Star Legion?"

The discussion hall fell silent.

This was an extremely important position. The Star Legion was destined to become the trump card of Star Sea Territory. Its commander not only needed outstanding military talent but also absolute loyalty, as well as the ability to quickly learn and adapt to new technologies and tactics.

Everyone's gaze swept over several high-ranking generals. Clay was the commander of the Guard Army, his loyalty was unquestionable, but coming from the army, he might lack an understanding of aerial combat; Ocean was brave but slightly lacked finesse; Angus had to coordinate the overall situation; Shirei was stationed in East Sea Prefecture; Evan's seniority was still shallow... At this time, Clay suddenly stood up and bowed to Linn: "Lord, I recommend one person, General Sebastian."

All eyes instantly focused on that Sea God Clan general.

Sebastian obviously didn't expect Clay to recommend him. He was slightly startled but quickly regained his composure, his sitting posture becoming even more upright.

Clay continued to state his reasons: "First, General Sebastian's strength has reached the Sky Elementary rank, making him one of the top combat powers in Star Sea Territory, sufficient to suppress the new legion and deal with high-end threats. Second, the Sea God Clan is naturally sensitive to elements, which is an Innate advantage for understanding and mastering airships powered by magic. Third..."

He looked at Sebastian, his tone sincere: "Since Lady Aivi married the Lord, the Sea God Clan has completely integrated into Star Sea Territory, becoming an indispensable part of us. General Sebastian has been conscientious and responsible over the years, training Sea God Clan warriors and mages to cooperate with our army's operations, and his achievements are obvious to all. By having him serve as the first commander of the Star Legion, we can both utilize his talents and demonstrate to the Sea God Clan and all foreign races who have joined Star Sea Territory that Star Sea Territory appoints people based on merit, regardless of race."

This reasoning was sound.

Angus pondered for a moment and was the first to express his stance: "General Clay's words make sense. General Sebastian's loyalty and ability are trustworthy."

Shirei also nodded: "The Sea God Clan's talent in magic control is indeed suitable for mastering magic creations like airships."

Linn did not decide immediately but looked at Sebastian himself: "General Sebastian, what do you think?"

Sebastian stood up and performed a standard Sea God Clan military salute to Linn and everyone present, his movements crisp and neat.

"Lord, generals." His voice was steady and powerful, with the characteristic magnetic resonance of the Sea God Clan. "I am honored by General Clay's recommendation. If the Lord trusts me, I am willing to take on this heavy responsibility and will do my utmost to forge an invincible aerial force for Star Sea Territory."

He paused slightly and continued: "The Sea God Clan has sworn allegiance to Star Sea Territory; our destiny is shared with the territory's honor and disgrace. I swear that the Star Legion will become the sharpest sword and the strongest shield in the Lord's hand."

At this point, no more words were needed.

Linn slowly stood up, and everyone followed suit.

"Good." Linn walked up to Sebastian and looked directly into the Sea God Clan general's deep blue eyes. "Sebastian Ossiana, in the name of the Lord of Star Sea Territory, I now officially appoint you as the first commander of the Star Legion."

"Thank you for the Lord's trust!" Sebastian knelt on one knee, his right hand clenched in a fist against his chest.

Linn helped him up, turned to face everyone, and began to issue specific orders:

"From this day forward, the Star Legion is formed. The organization is as follows—"},{