Chapter 691
Claire's Shock and Furious
Based on some vague hints that Fan Ze and his colleagues had obtained from others in private, as well as the clues they had observed, Claire's identity had already been silently categorized as "His Majesty's relative" or even "the future imperial consort".
Therefore, in Fan Ze's view, supporting the merfolk was not only helping allies, but also relieving His Majesty's burdens.
Claire's will was, to a large extent, regarded by them as the will of His Majesty.
"...So, this is the current situation, Your Majesty Claire." Van Ze was giving a brief report on the recent results of the joint defense and harassment efforts between the two sides, as well as the movements of the Imperial Navy. "The main force of the Imperial Navy has withdrawn, but Gregor's 'Blue Spear' task force and its attached land forces are still maintaining a high-pressure standoff and small-scale harassment along the forward island chain."
They seemed to be waiting, or preparing for something.
Our ghost ships and fast attack formations maintained a mobile deterrent, but the enemy seemed to have adapted to our pace, and losses were within acceptable limits.
Overall, the battle lines are temporarily stable.
The meeting was proceeding in a tense but orderly manner when, just then, a soft yet rapid knocking sound came from outside the council chamber—the sound of the mermaid clan's specially made communication conch resonating with the barrier.
Claire slightly raised her eyes and gestured.
High Priestess Shalin whispered a spell, and a gap appeared in the barrier in one corner of the hall, rippled like water.
A middle-aged male mermaid with light blue scales on both sides of his forehead quickly entered.
He first bowed deeply in the direction of Claire, then turned to the assembled executives:
"Your Majesty, esteemed officials," the newcomer was a legendary elder of the Lan Clan currently in charge of perimeter security and reconnaissance. He spoke quickly, with the distinctive, slightly husky voice of a deep-sea dweller, "The frontline observation posts and the hidden sentries scattered around the perimeter have simultaneously sent back urgent reports: the Southern Empire's fleet is exhibiting large-scale unusual activity!"
This news immediately cheered everyone up.
Is it finally here? Is it about to launch a new offensive?
However, the Lan clan elder's next words were unexpected:
"However, their target does not seem to be our defensive line, nor the direction of Pearl Palace."
They had assembled a full fleet and were heading towards the southeast side of the Misty Corridor, near the Silent Island Chain, as if they were on some kind of escort mission.
Their movements were very swift, and their formation was tight.
Moreover, our scouts reported that they sensed more than one powerful extraordinary fluctuation outside the fleet, at least at the legendary level.
Our scouts, fearing discovery by those high-level superhumans, dared not get too close.
"Escort mission?"
Commander Fan Ze's gray eyebrows furrowed.
He was a seasoned veteran and had a deep understanding of the navy's operational patterns.
A fleet of this size, accompanied by high-level superhumans in secret, could not possibly be for ordinary material transport or personnel rotation.
"What important thing, or what important person, would require such force to travel through this remote sea area, far from the main shipping lanes, at this time?"
Claire narrowed her eyes slightly, her gaze falling on the area on the sand table marked "Silent Island Chain".
This is an area consisting of dozens of small, desolate islands, far from the main shipping lanes, riddled with reefs, with complex sea conditions, and shrouded in a light magical mist year-round.
Apart from a few desperate criminals or those engaged in clandestine activities, few ships ventured there.
Why would an elite squadron of the Imperial Navy go to such lengths during this sensitive period of confrontation between the two sides?
The Lan clan elder shook his head, the scales on his sides gleaming faintly in the dim light of the hall:
"The specifics are still unclear. The other side is on very tight security. Their visible fleet patrols cover no blind spots, while high-level superhumans are intermittently scanning large areas of the sea."
Our reconnaissance personnel could only observe its course from a distance and could not get close enough to determine what it was escorting.
But it's certain that their destination is likely one of the islands in the Silent Island Chain, or they may use it as a transit point.
The atmosphere in the hall became somewhat heavy.
The unknown is often more unsettling than a clear threat.
The unusual actions of the Southern Empire's navy must have some hidden purpose, which is likely related to the current predicament of the merfolk.
Claire quickly gave the order:
"Continue surveillance, maintain maximum concealment, and it is better to lose the target than to expose our reconnaissance point."
Additionally, activate our dormant outposts near the 'Silent Island Chain.' I need to know all recent unusual energy fluctuations and ship activity records, large and small, in that area.
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
The Lan clan elder accepted the order, bowed again, and quickly withdrew, causing the barrier to close again.
The meeting was temporarily suspended as everyone digested this unexpected intelligence.
Commander Van Zell pondered for a moment, then looked at Claire:
"Your Majesty, this matter is suspicious. The 'Silent Island Chain' is not a strategic location and has no important resources. There must be a hidden reason for the Imperial Navy's actions."
I suggest that we risk having our ghost ship, leveraging its stealth capabilities, conduct a close reconnaissance mission; perhaps we can discover something."
Before Claire could answer, Beckman, standing to the side, stroked his chin, a glint of shrewdness flashing in his eyes:
"Wait... Southeast of the Misty Corridor, the Silent Island Chain... If we go further east in that direction and cross the Dark Current Fjord, wouldn't we be close to the outer edge of the Shattered Star Islands of the Southern Empire's homeland?"
Is the Imperial Navy planning to secretly transport something back to the homeland from there?
Or perhaps they have some secret outpost on the 'Silent Island Chain' that they need to relocate to?
Chieftain Grean of the Bitao tribe snorted impatiently:
"Whatever it is, sneaking around can't be anything good."
If you ask me, we should send a team of skilled men to follow General Fan Ze's ghost ship, sneak over and take a look. If it's valuable treasure, we should rob it.
If it's a conspiracy by the Southern Empire, then we'll thwart it!
Claire raised her hand, stopping Grean from making any further outrageous remarks.
She did not make a decision immediately, but turned to look at a silent mermaid maid standing in the shadows behind her and whispered an instruction.
The maid nodded, and her body disappeared silently, as if melting into water.
About half an hour later, just as everyone was continuing to discuss whether to take more aggressive reconnaissance action, the maid returned with a sealed deep-sea shell box in her hand.
The maidservant respectfully presented the shell box to Claire.
A glint of blue light flashed at Claire's fingertips, and the shell box quietly opened, revealing only a thin slip of paper inside.
Claire picked up the note, glanced at it, and her stunningly beautiful face, which had been as calm and serene as ice for millennia, instantly turned pale.
Immediately afterwards, a chilling and terrifying aura erupted from his body.
"Om-!"
Inside the hall, the silent barrier maintained by High Priestess Shalin trembled violently, almost shattering.
Caught off guard, Van Ze, Barbos, and the others were all struck by this sudden legendary aura, their blood surging and their bodies tensing up instinctively as they looked at Claire with surprise and uncertainty.
Claire held the note, her hand trembling slightly. Her eyes burned with boundless rage and chilling killing intent, as if she wanted to freeze everything in sight.
High Priestess Shalin was the first to react, waving her hand to reinforce the barrier while looking at Claire with concern:
"Your Majesty, what has happened?"
Claire didn't answer, but simply pushed the slip of paper in her hand to the center of the sand table, so that everyone could see the top-secret intelligence that was rapidly developing on it.
The information revealed on the note sent chills down the spines of everyone present:
"The Imperial Navy's 'Deep Blue Spear' task force, along with the elite of the Court Mage Corps, secretly carried out Operation Return to Home."
Target of the escort: 357 merfolk elders who have been imprisoned in the 'Silent Island Chain Secret Chamber' for a long time.
Destination: Black Prison Island, the Imperial homeland.
Disposal method: To prevent unforeseen circumstances during wartime, the individuals will be secretly executed immediately upon arrival, and all traces will be erased. Attached is a list:…
This is followed by a series of names and brief descriptions of their identities.
Every name was once a shining star in the mermaid race, a pillar of the clan.
They may have mysteriously disappeared after a hunting expedition, vanished without a trace while exploring ruins, or "accidentally perished" in conflicts with other sea creatures...
For hundreds of years, the successive "accidental" disappearances of exceptionally talented merfolk have been a dark cloud hanging over the race, and one of the important reasons for the decline in the merfolk's strength and the lack of successors in recent years.
There have been various speculations within the clan: internal strife, shipwreck, dangerous deep-sea locations, and even plots by other sea creatures, but no one has ever dared to think of such a thing, nor has anyone ever considered it.
They were secretly captured by the Southern Empire, an empire that outwardly maintained an arrogant "civilized" facade, and imprisoned for a long time on a deserted island far from their homeland!
Now, simply because the war has begun, and out of fear of "unexpected trouble," the Empire is going to secretly send these tormented people back to the so-called Black Prison Island like garbage, to carry out a cold-blooded execution!
No wonder such a large fleet was needed for escort, and no wonder high-level superhumans were secretly on guard.
What they were escorting was not some treasure, but the stolen pride and trampled dignity of the merfolk, and the blood that had flowed silently for hundreds of years!
Commander Van Ze's gray eyebrows were tightly furrowed, his fingers unconsciously twisting the edge of the sand table, his sharp gaze fixed on the note in Claire's hand.
As a seasoned general, he instinctively harbored suspicions about this "just-right" delivery of top-secret intelligence, especially during such a sensitive period.
"Your Majesty, is the source of this information reliable?"
Could this be bait deliberately laid out by the Southern Empire to lure us into an attack and set a trap?
Claire's anger subsided slightly, but her chill deepened.
She gently placed the note on the table and whispered:
"The intelligence source is the Military Intelligence Bureau, Whirlpool Fort Station."
That short sentence made Fan Ze, as well as Babos, Beckman and others who were listening intently, all tense up.
Military Intelligence Bureau!
That intelligence and special operations agency that is directly under His Majesty the Emperor and has astonishing power?
Fan Ze's doubts vanished almost instantly.
The fact that the Military Intelligence Bureau risked their lives to deliver such top-secret intelligence, and that it was delivered directly to His Majesty Claire, speaks volumes.
The ability to mobilize the Military Intelligence Bureau for her own use—this level of trust and authority is extraordinary; she is undoubtedly the future princess…
He quickly composed himself, suppressing distracting thoughts, and asked in a deep voice, "Then what is His Majesty's plan?" Claire's gaze swept across the red route on the sand table leading to the "Silent Island Chain," and her voice was resolute:
"We must save them. They are not only my people, but also the backbone of the merfolk."
Centuries of imprisonment and torture, and now he is to be secretly executed... This is an irreconcilable enmity.
The Southern Empire must pay the price for this!
She paused, a resolute look appearing on her stunningly beautiful face:
"Moreover, I must personally lead this operation."
Only I, wielding the Trident of the Sea God, have a chance to tear a hole in the inescapable net the Empire may have laid and bring our people back.
The others who went would face potential traps and heavy imperial forces; their chances of survival were slim, let alone rescuing others.
"Your Majesty, you mustn't!" Fan Ze spoke up almost immediately, his face full of disapproval. "This matter is suspicious in every way."
The Imperial Navy's high-profile operation, coupled with the fact that we intercepted such detailed intelligence... it all seems like a meticulously designed trap.
You are very likely the target; please think carefully.
The rescue operation can be left to me and Barbos. We'll lead the ghost ship fleet; with our speed and unpredictability, we might have a chance..."
Claire interrupted him, her voice calming, but beneath that calm lay an even stronger resolve.
"General Fan Ze, I understand your concerns."
This is very likely, even extremely likely, a trap set for me.
She raised her hand, palm up, and a wisp of dark blue light danced at her fingertips, eventually transforming into a miniature phantom of a trident.
"But so what?"
With the Trident of Poseidon in my hand, and with the continent's sealing rules still in place, the power of those above the Saint level is greatly restricted, making it difficult for them to descend into the world in their true form at full strength.
Even if they really spare no expense, deploying saintly avatars or using some forbidden methods... On this endless sea, I have a divine artifact protecting me. Even if I can't win, can't I at least escape?
Moreover, I would first conceal my whereabouts, quietly approach to observe, and confirm the situation.
If things are not going to work, I will naturally not risk exposing myself.
But if there is even a sliver of hope... my people are there, being led to their deaths.
As the queen of the merfolk, I have no reason, nor the face, to hide in the safety of my Pearl Palace and wait for someone to risk their life to save my people.
Fan Ze opened his mouth, wanting to persuade her again, but seeing the unwavering light in Claire's eyes, he knew that further persuasion would be useless.
While Her Majesty usually accepts their advice, her will is as firm as a rock when it comes to matters concerning the very foundation of her people and her own responsibilities.
Fan Ze finally sighed helplessly, placed his right hand on his chest, and bowed solemnly.
"...In that case, Your Majesty must prioritize your own safety."
Your Majesty, I humbly request that you bring at least a few more capable assistants.
"His Majesty!"
At this moment, the Lan tribe chief Bamos and the Bitao tribe chief Grean, who had been listening in, also stood up.
Barmos stepped forward, his voice slightly hoarse with excitement:
"Your Majesty, this is not just a matter for the Tide Clan; it is a shared shame and hatred for our entire Merfolk, the three royal clans."
Among the imprisoned members of our clan are the previous high priest of the Lan clan and the genius warrior of the Bitao clan!
Rescuing them is the responsibility of all our people!
Grean echoed in a deep voice:
“Indeed, if His Majesty Claire is willing to take the risk herself, how can we sit idly by in the rear?”
Although we two are not as powerful as His Majesty's divine artifact, we are still considered to be at the pinnacle of legend, and we also have sacred artifacts passed down from our ancestors to protect us.
"Accompanying Your Majesty will alleviate some of the burden; please grant me permission!"
The two clan leaders were resolute in their stance, their eyes burning with the same anger and determination.
They may have political differences with Claire, but when faced with such a blood feud that insults the entire clan and touches upon the very foundation of their being, they are more united than ever before.
Moreover, their legendary peak strength, coupled with the sacred artifacts passed down in their respective clans, is indeed a powerful asset.
Claire looked at the two excited clan leaders, pondered for a moment, and slowly nodded:
"Good, with the help of the two of you, the chances of saving our people are much greater."
However, all actions must be taken under my command; impulsiveness is strictly prohibited.
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
The two clan leaders solemnly responded.
Just then, another mermaid guard silently entered the hall, bringing detailed follow-up intelligence from the Military Intelligence Bureau.
This includes the escort fleet's specific sailing schedule, route adjustments, ship configurations, and the number and approximate professions of the high-ranking superhumans already identified.
The intelligence was so detailed that it was almost as if the Imperial Navy itself had submitted an action plan.
After carefully reading the note, Claire put it away:
"There is no time to lose, General Fan Ze. You and Shalin will stay at Pearl Palace to coordinate the defense and prepare for the next move."
Barbos and Beckman, select the most elite assault force and have them stand by on the outskirts of 'Dark Current Fjord'. Once you receive my signal, immediately proceed with the planned support.
Will, your fleet is responsible for containing any potential Imperial patrols on the outskirts.
She issued a series of orders methodically, her gaze finally settling on the two clan leaders:
"We must set off immediately and intercept the Imperial fleet before it enters the narrowest part of the 'Dark Current Fjord,' the 'Weeping Strait.'"
"Yes!"
……
Cohen's "Book of Time and Space" only contains the time and space anchor point of the Crimson Island main base, so he can only go to the Crimson Island main base first, and then go to the South China Sea from the Crimson Island main base.
The Crimson Island main base serves as a crucial foothold for Effie's operations in the northwestern part of the Endless Sea, although it is quite a distance away from the South China Sea where conflicts are currently taking place.
But for Cohen, who has now firmly established himself at the legendary level and has a deeper understanding of the laws of space, this journey, which would take the fleet several days or even longer to traverse in the eyes of ordinary people, is just a matter of spending a little more time and effort.
Tearing through space to travel long distances is no longer a difficult task for him.
With a slight thought, the Book of Time and Space in his hand moved without wind, and as the pages turned, complex silver runes flowed out, eventually forming a stable and deep portal in front of him.
Cohen stepped in, and his figure was instantly swallowed by the silver light.
The next second, Cohen's figure appeared deep within the Crimson Island main base, with the unique hustle and bustle of the dock and the orderly shouts of the boatmen in the distance.
Stepping out of the secret chamber, there is a straight corridor that slopes slightly upwards. The walls are made of rough-cut but exceptionally sturdy volcanic rock, and every so often there is a wall lamp fueled by sea monster grease and glowing moss. The lamplight is steady, illuminating the corridor in a half-light and half-dark manner.
The air was filled with an even stronger smell of the sea and the metallic cooling oil.
A series of rhythmic, muffled rumbling sounds could be faintly heard from afar—that was the magical furnace deep within the base, powering certain special facilities such as the Ghost Shipyard, at work.
Cohen's arrival didn't alarm many people, but when he pushed open the door to the room on the top floor of the command tower, which overlooked most of the harbor, the people inside were clearly taken aback.
A well-dressed young man was hunched over a chart table, carefully marking something with a compass and ruler.
Hearing the door open, he subconsciously looked up, and when he saw the person's face clearly, his expression instantly showed obvious astonishment and heartfelt excitement.
He abruptly straightened up, the movement somewhat hasty, and then, with a posture that carried the dual meaning of soldier and subject, clenched his right fist and struck his left chest heavily, bowing his head deeply:
"Your Majesty, Stevens Jennings salutes you!"
I am deeply apprehensive for not being able to greet you from afar!
Cohen nodded slightly, indicating that there was no need for formalities, and quickly scanned the room with his gaze:
Where is Flint?
Currently, only Chief Captain Flint Salgado and the head of the main base Stevens Jennings remain at the main base.
Logically, with Commander Vanzee absent, "Chief Captain" Flint Salgado, as one of the Scarlet Raiders' nominal highest commanders, should be here at this moment.
Jennings maintained a slightly bowed posture, speaking quickly but clearly:
"Your Majesty, Mr. Flint is currently at Ghost Shipyard No. 3, conducting final adaptation tests and crew coordination training on the newly built ghost ship."
This was a task specifically assigned by Commander Van Ze before his departure, requiring him to ensure that all remaining ghost ships were always in optimal combat readiness.
He's been at the dock for four days straight, eating and sleeping there, so..."
Cohen walked to the window and looked out at the harbor.
The midday sun, slightly glaring, shone on the shimmering sea. The number of ships moored in the harbor was much sparser than usual, and the outlines of those few iconic ghost ships appeared somewhat blurred in the sunlight.
Most of the conventional warships were nowhere to be seen, with only some small and medium-sized vessels responsible for daily patrols and guard duties moving slowly in the harbor.
"How many people did Fan Ze take away?" Cohen asked, his gaze still fixed on the window.
Jennings was clearly aware of these circumstances and quickly replied:
"Commander Fan Ze, following His Majesty's supreme instructions, has almost completely depleted the Crimson Raiders' mobile forces and command core in order to fully support the merfolk in the South China Sea."
Deputy Commanders Barbos, Will, and Beckman, along with the commanders of the First, Third, and Fifth Fast Attack Fleets, more than 60% of the veteran ghost ship operators and boarding combat experts, and more than 80% of the elite marines, all went south with the commander.
Currently, the combat force remaining at the base mainly consists of a ghost ship fleet directly commanded by Chief Captain Flint and its crew, as well as the standing fleet I am responsible for maintaining base security and daily deterrence in the northwest sea area; this force represents only about 30% of its peak strength.
He paused, then added:
"The commander believes that since the main strategic direction has shifted to the south, the base only needs to retain the forces necessary to maintain basic operations and regional stability."
Only by concentrating all our elite forces in the South China Sea can we best implement your will. (End of Chapter)