Because if our own Goddess had the upper hand, even if Red Queen Menia self-destructed, there should have been an avatar of our Goddess present, but there isnāt.
"The recent explosion was indeed a fluctuation of Fire Element energy, Red Queen Menia is undoubtedly dead!"
"However, Rein is very likely still alive, and has even defeated the avatar of my Lord."
"At the same time, the opponent should be seriously injured, so he has hidden away before we arrived. This explains why thereās no one at the scene!" Pope Egilās brain was rapidly processing as his eyes gradually lit up.
Especially when he silently prayed to his own Goddess in his heart and received no response, it reinforced Egilās conviction in his speculation!
"Stop the Imperial Airship, search the entire island!" Egil immediately ordered.
"As you command, Your Holiness the Pope!"
...
The same thought occurred in Reginaldās mind.
"Prince Menia is very likely already deceased!"
"But perhaps Rein is not; at least thereās no sign of the Nether Sea Goddessās aquatic avatar here, which indicates that Rein might have defeated the Nether Sea Goddess after Prince Menia self-destructed and heavily injured the opponent."
"Could it be at the bottom of that explosion crater?"
The sudden offensive of the Sea God Sect interrupted Reginaldās thoughts.
Faced with the fierce offensive of the Sea God Sect, the remaining fleet of the Empire, although unafraid of death, was still at a disadvantage. But led by Reginald, they managed to fight while retreating, barely holding on.
However, soon the Sea God Sect noticed a small fleet from the Federation rapidly approaching from a nearby sea area.
Although this fleet was quickly wiped out by the Sea God Sectās Flying Knights, it nonetheless dispersed some forces. Moreover, shortly after this fleet was eliminated, several more swift Federal maritime fleets patrolling nearby arrived.
For a time, a long battle line stretched over kilometers across the sea, with cannon fire roaring and sea beasts bellowing!
...
A while later.
"Your Holiness the Pope, the subordinates have searched the entire island but still havenāt found any trace of Rein." At this time, an Evil Sorcerer reported.
"Continue searching!" Egil said sternly.
"Um... Your Holiness the Pope, more and more Federal naval vessels are gathering toward us now. Both Flying Fish Knights and Manta Knights have suffered significant losses; do you think...?" A nearby High Rank Evil Sorcerer advised.
In fact, when Pope Egil issued the command for the island-wide search, many High Rank Evil Sorcerers beside him were already puzzled, because in their view, whether it was the Empireās Menia, Rein, or their own Goddessās avatar, they should all have perished in the recent explosion.
Especially as no results have been found at this moment, this thought naturally became stronger.
Pope Egil of the Sea God Sect clearly heard the meaning in the words of his capable subordinate. He glanced around, indeed, further on the sea, more and more Federal ships were appearing.
Wait a bit more, and Federal strong warriors might arrive.
Moreover, he had just tried praying again in his heart, but his own Goddess didnāt respond, evidently, even his prayer as the Pope received no response, indicating that his own Goddessās avatar must have perished.
But as to whether they perished together, he couldnāt really be sure.
"Could it really be mutual destruction?" Egil appeared contemplative.
At that moment, a silver streak suddenly flashed across the eastern sky, as a powerful warrior raced towards them at high speed!
"Boom!"
A massive cross-shaped silver sword light streaked across the sky, immediately slicing dozens of Manta Knights and Flying Fish Knights attempting to block into several pieces, scattering them into a rain of blood!
Faced with such might, other Flying Knights dared not approach to obstruct.
"Federation Swordsmanship Tiro!" Egilās eyes narrowed slightly.
...