King Makai XXII had just finished his lunch when Grand Commander Migal requested an audience. In an instant, foul mood gripped King Makai XXII's heart as he recalled that yesterday Grand Commander Migal also came at exactly the same time, and the report he brought was the crushing defeat suffered by Prince Dellan and Battle Group C.

King Makai XXII then asked Grand Commander Migal to hide the report from Prince Makar and Prince Portho. He did not want the fighting spirit of the two princes affected by it. Considering that Battle Group A and Battle Group B were in final moment to carry out pincer attack on Levsait and Raisait.

However, since last night contact with Battle Group A was fully lost. After calming turmoil in his heart, King Makai XXII then asked the Captain of Makai Royal Guard to let Grand Commander Migal entered the dining hall. And as soon as he saw dark cloud filled Grand Commander Migal's face to the brim, King Makai XXII immediately realized that the bad hunch in his heart would come into reality soon.

“Uncle Migal, did Battle Group A also suffered a crushing defeat too?"

After giving King Makai XXII a deep bow, Grand Commander Migal replied, “Yes, Your Majesty, but their defeat are not as bad as Battle Group C. They lost all combat element on the ground, but still have more than half of their Riders.

For a moment, King Makai XXII closed his eyes. Then, he directed his attention to Battle Group B. "Did Portho and Battle Group B also suffered a crushing defeat?"

“Your Majesty…”

Seeing Grand Commander Migal stopped his words as complicated emotions reflected in his gaze, King Makai XXII immediately asked, "Did Portho die?"

“No, Your Majesty, but Prince Portho surrendered and ordered Battle Group B to stop their campaign."

In an instant, a big question mark filled King Makai XXII's gaze, "Did Portho really surrendered and let the chance to seize the throne slipped away from his hand?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. Crystal sensor suggest that Prince Portho, Duke Fogel, and Geko-01 were taken to Sommer Island."

"What a coincidence, they took him to a place where Dellan suffered the crushing defeat." King Makai XXII then continued in a mocking tone, "and I never thought the ambitious Portho turns out is a coward."

“Your Majesty, it seemed that Prince Portho didn't have other options."

“Explain it.”

"As your command."

Wasting no time, Grand Commander Migal then showed King Makai XXII the report regarding TF Amethyst's night raid on Geko-01. In adition, he also explained to King Makai XXII the value of intelligences that Prince Portho and Duke Fogel put on one of the officers who had to left Geko-01. Therefore, in case Battle Group B received a new command element, they would not make the same mistakes like they had made.

After he managed to calm his heart, King Makai XXII said, "Portho will lose the right to seize the throne, but I will not punish him any further.

Also, we can't launch a halfbaked retaliate invasion on Kingdom of Buriek. We will rebuilt and rearmed Battle Group A and Battle Group C, and send new command element for Battle Group B as soon as possible.”

“As you wish, Your Majesty.”

After nodding in satisfaction, King Makai XXII then asked, "Regarding the rumored attack attempt on Makai Royal City, does Makai Intelligence Service already have an update?"

“Not yet, Your Majesty," replied Grand Commander Migal. "but we had already established a defensive network up to a radius of 300 km from Makai Royal City. Our Riders also conduct combat air patrol in daily basis and ready to support the ground element at any moment of need.

With this defensive network, it’s hard to imagine TF Amethyst will be able to launch a surprise attack on Makai Royal City.”

“Glad to hear that.” In a cheerful mood, King Makai XXII then sipped his wine.

---

Sommer Island, a small coral island located around 200 km to the northwest of Buriek Continent. It had a flat surface up to 150 square kilometers without a single tree, and lacked freshwater reservoir to support a natural ecosystem. Even so, Air Combat Group considered that this lifeless island was an ideal location for a forward radar station.

Therefore, Air Combat Group established FRS Goblin in Sommer Island, along with a small docking port, simple air strip, and maintenance facility for Hercules and Osprey. Hercules that supported the combat freefall on Geko-01 also went to FRS Goblin after deploying the frogmen.

As for security means, Air Combat Group deployed a base security regiment on the island. Meanwhile, Buriek Navy deployed a task force consisting of 36 destroyers and 80 veteran Riders.

However, TF Amethyst’s high-rangking officers never imagined that two weeks after FRS Goblin fully commissioned, Sommer Island would become the most contested area in the Battle against Battle Group C. Until 28 hours ago, Battle Group C totally isolated Sommer Island using every single one of means they have in disposal. Fortunately, all of that was history now. Even though not all of it would become a good story to share while enjoyed delicious beers on some pubs.

As for now, the surrounding sea around Sommer Island was calm and silent. As long as you ignored the thousand swollen bodies and ship wreckages that covered the sea surface.

Meanwhile, from command center on FRS Goblin, Lt. Colonel Gillray and Rear Admiral Norrak observed the aerial footage on Geko-01. Then, as Geko-01 and other ships from Battle Group B were separated 20 km away, the two officers immediately took a breath of relief.

“Fortunately, Prince Portho is still able to use his reasoning,” said Lt. Colonel Gillray.

Rear Admiral Norrak slightly nodded as he replied, "Yeah."

Both Lt. Colonel Gillray and Rear Admiral Norrak had a deep concern regarding Prince Portho attitude because they won't be able to help Captain Kasino and his men, if Prince Portho refused to surrender. First because Geko-01 was 502 km away to the north of Sommer Island, which means it was out of the Riders' effective range. Second because Rear Admiral Norrak had lost all destroyers under his command.

Meanwhile, if Geko-01 failed to get away from other ships when salvo of Harpoon Extended Range was launched from FRS Goblin, then it was certain that Geko-01 would also being hit by one or two Harpoon ER. Considering that Harpoon ER guidance system would switch to internal seeker when it reached a certain distance from its target, and automatically locked the closest target without being able to distinguish between friends or foe.

“I will prepare the reception for Prince Portho and Duke Fogel. We have to treat them properly before they fly to Lagra Castle," said Rear Admiral Norrak.

“We also have to prepare living quarter for slave women and slave children until their transportation is ready," replied Lt. Colonel Gillray. "I will take care of that personally. I need something to refresh my mind.”

“Okay.”

Wasting no time, the two highest-ranking officers in FRS Goblin left command center which became their home for the last eight days.

—

Geko-01's maneuvers to Sommer Island was an anticipation in case some of Battle Group B's element took the initiative to flanking to the east, and cut the return route to Sandhur Region. And finally, just before the sunset Geko-01 and all of its passengers arrived at Sommer Island safely. Nate immediately took a breath of relief after he heard the report.

‘Thank God, IDG's hardwork finally bear some sweet fruits. First is Count Isak, and now is Prince Portho.’

Right now, Nate was trully felt the importance of correct intel to increase the success rate of coaxing attempt on an important figure. After he took another breath of relief, Nate then turned his gaze towards Major Fritz.

“Major, Is there other update you want to report?"

“Yes, Sir. At noon, our personnel at Jack Sparrow managed to tap a conversation at Royal Makai Dinning Hall. King Makai XXII decided to rebuild and rearmed Battle Group A and C.

He also want to send new command element for Battle Group B. Our analyst predict it would take 2-4 weeks to complete the plan.

Nate was silent for a long time before saying, "Out of three battle groups he sent, two were destroyed in a matter of days after the first contact, but he want to continue the campaign.

Can't he see the difference in strength between Makai Guard and TF Amethyst?"

"I'm afraid he can't, Sir," Major Fritz calmly replied.

General Karthoum who so far had only listened to the conversation, decided to join in. “Ser Nate, King Makai XXII is a gambler by nature. As long as he still has a chip to put on the table, he won't stop."

Viscount Issel then added, “Moreover, King Makai XXII has a tendency to raise the stake when he lost the fight."

"What a troublesome war maniac." Nate then smiled before continuing cheerfully, "Well, Tiger Leap will be ready in a few days.

Let’s see how he will react when Makai Royal City receive a fatal attack for the first time since a hundred and fifty years ago."

*****