The Shield Islands.
Joffrey's face bloomed with genuine joy at the thought of a bountiful harvest, as if he saw the wheat growing ripe on its own and prey willingly entering his pocket.
Counting the days, the final hunting ground should be the Shield Islands, where he would capture Crow's Eye and the Kraken.
There was no reason to fail.
The Third Fleet and the incorporated Redwyne Fleet had set sail north from The Arbor this morning, totaling two hundred and forty warships. The personnel and operations were already well-integrated, making them a mature fighting unit.
The dozens of ships in the Shield Islands Fleet probably wouldn't have time to integrate their combat power, but dealing with a few longships wouldn't be a problem.
There was also Theon and the Fourth Fleet, only two days' sail behind, who should still arrive in time to participate in the hunt.
No reason to miss.
Facing a hunt by three to four hundred super-era warships, with comprehensive monitoring, reconnaissance, and intelligence support, could five longships and a Kraken possibly escape?
Moreover, the Kraken had run into a dead end itself.
The Shield Islands are located within a bay on the western side of the Westeros Continent, with land on three sides. By simply blockading the outer waters, the sea where the Kraken is located becomes a sealed fishpond, with nowhere left to escape.
But...
Didn't Crow's Eye consider this? So confident.
Joffrey felt a bit puzzled again.
It was understandable that the Ironborn following Crow's Eye, who hadn't witnessed the battle in the Great Hall at Pyke, were awed by the Kraken. But why wasn't Crow's Eye afraid of being surrounded?
Prophecy? What did he see? Didn't he see the power of the ship cannons? Didn't he see the massive fleet?
Who gave him the prophecy?
The more Joffrey couldn't figure out the answer, the more he wanted to quickly capture Crow's Eye and the Kraken, to find clues and the truth from these two key figures.
Soon, soon.
The Red Comet, the Kraken, Renly.
Joffrey walked out of the large tent. It was all about to begin, this year, next week, tomorrow.
The exact timing of the Red Comet's appearance was not precise, only that it was likely this year, 298 AC, the 298th year since "Aegon the Conqueror" was crowned.
At the Kraken's speed, it would enter the hunting ground of the Shield Islands next week, walking right into the trap.
As for Renly, he would arrive tomorrow.
To welcome such a distinguished guest as "His Majesty Renly I," a gift must naturally be prepared in advance—heavy, enduring, and surprising.
Joffrey faced south and said lightly:
"Enter Storm's End."
The generals waiting in front of the large tent all heard the King's command.
"Long live!"
Excitement and confidence filled everyone's faces.
Yes, enter Storm's End, what a fitting phrase. Why use words like "attack" for Storm's End? Just approach, make a slight movement, and walk in.
"Long live Storm's End!"
"Please rest assured, Your Majesty, you will be able to reside in a clean and tidy Storm's End before sunset!"
"May The Seven bless Your Majesty!"
Everyone moved impatiently.
God knows how they had endured these past days, staring longingly at Storm's End day after day, clearly within reach, yet only able to look and not touch.
It was too unbearable.
It was like being in a room with a beautiful woman completely undressed, yet unable to do anything, with nowhere to vent.
Fortunately, this day had finally arrived.
The order to act spread rapidly through the military camp. All the soldiers excitedly looked at the mission description on the light screen, and repeatedly confirmed it with each other.
It wasn't an illusion! The sweet and glorious fruit of Storm's End could indeed be plucked!
The entire military camp cheered and celebrated the victory.
"Long live His Majesty!"
"Haha, we can finally get moving, it's been so boring these past few days!"
"Exactly."
"It's all Renly's fault, he's too slow..."
"What are you arguing about! We haven't taken Storm's End yet, hurry up and get moving! Save your strength for charging and capturing people!" the Lord Commander of the Royal Guard, "The Hound," shouted loudly in reprimand.
Other officers of various ranks also began urging the soldiers to organize their equipment and assemble in formation.
Woo~~ woo~~
Intense horns soon sounded, not from the Royal Guard's camp, but from the Storm's End watchtower to the south.
The action was discovered.
But Joffrey simply mounted the white hart led by Bran, and stood in place observing the situation.
The Hound himself was leading the First Regiment of the Royal Guard, defending the area around the main tent. As the headquarters of the Royal Guard, they were responsible for protecting the King, holding the line, and commanding.
The Second Regiment was currently assembling with great urgency.
They were the main force of the operation, responsible for breaching the gate of the west city walls and clearing the traps and obstacles on the path forward.
"Shield warriors line up at the front, sorcerers and fire warriors at the back, prepare to assemble the artillery!"
Allun Santagar, Commander of the Second Regiment, shouted loudly.
Although he had already conveyed the orders to the soldiers on the Divine Grace Light Screen, these officers always felt more at ease shouting them out personally.
Especially Allun Santagar.
Having served as Master-at-Arms in the Red Keep for many years, he had the loudest voice in the army and preferred to give orders by voice rather than the light screen.
The Third and Fourth Regiments had already marched out of the military camp.
They were each responsible for guarding the south and north city walls, luring the enemy to divide their forces, preventing people inside the city from escaping or launching surprise attacks from outside the city, and seizing the opportunity to enter the city.
The Fifth Regiment was still dispersed throughout the camp, tasked with organizing logistics and gathering supplies.
Its Commander was Humfrey Waters. He had been the Captain of the Dragon Gate Guard during the time of the Gold Cloaks, and most of the soldiers in the Fifth Regiment were usable personnel selected from the Gold Cloaks, and they were older in age.
Humfrey Waters was standing quietly in the open space, assigning tasks one by one using the Divine Grace Light Screen.
He was a bit conservative and slippery, but barely reliable.
Joffrey looked out at the sea.
The six warships at sea were lined up in a row, facing the towering cliffs of Storm's End's seaward city walls.
Their task was not to attack, but to monitor closely, preventing anyone or any word from escaping from beneath that chalky cliff face.
Attacked from both sea and land, surrounded on all sides, with continuous reconnaissance.
The outcome was already decided; Storm's End's final struggle would soon end.
As he sighed, he looked at Storm's End.
This fortress, which had never fallen, was essentially a giant tower. Its sturdy battlements were neatly arranged, like a giant fist with spikes, punching straight into the clouds.
This fist was dozens or even hundreds of meters high, with skin dozens of meters thick, and within it was woven ancient power that shielded against magic.
In this era, it was indeed an unparalleled fortress.
Unfortunately, it was facing the impact of a new era.
Fortunately, the wave of magic's resurgence came later than Joffrey himself, allowing him to stand at the crest of the wave, ride the wind and break the waves, and charge at the very front.
"Your Majesty."
Joffrey lowered his head. The Hound stood to the left of the white hart, asking for instructions, his head just reaching the white hart's belly.
"The entire army is in position, awaiting your command."
Tap... tap... tap...
The white hart took a few steps forward, and the image of Storm's End was still so far away.
But Joffrey saw it.
Three thousand Royal Guards were lined up five hundred paces from the city walls. The defenders on the battlements of Storm's End were ready, with countless siege engines prepared.
Most importantly, artillery composed of artillery chips and steel, looking menacing, was placed within the army formation.
"Begin."
The next moment, the sirens wailed—
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