Ghost Game at the Naval Base (Part 1)

As Fang Zheng stepped out of the elevator, he was surprised to discover that the strange thing about this place was not limited to the elevator itself.

Unlike the Naval Base's somewhat old-fashioned style, outside the elevator was an extremely modern, pure-white hall that looked like some kind of high-tech facility. Not only that, Fang Zheng saw a row of green plants in the corner under fluorescent lights, along with things that looked like research equipment placed around the room. He even spotted a compartment made entirely of glass nearby... Judging by the equipment inside, it seemed to be an emergency room or perhaps an ICU...

Was this a hospital? Or some kind of research institute? Fang Zheng had never considered equipping Heavenly Dao Palace with a dedicated research facility, but now it seemed that one of the Ship Girls wanted to build one herself?

"1408, are you here?"

Musashi called out. Her voice echoed through the empty hall, but there was no response. For some reason, this place seemed exceptionally desolate. Even Fang Zheng and the others' footsteps seemed to be slowly swallowed by it...

"Brother Fang Zheng, I have a feeling this place is kind of scary..."

Cui uneasily pressed herself against Fang Zheng's side and reached out to tightly grasp the hem of his clothes. Fang Zheng patted her little head.

"Don't worry. I'm here to protect you. Besides, this is inside Heavenly Dao Palace. What danger could there possibly be?"

"Even so..."

"1408? The Captain needs you for something. Did you hear that? Come out."

Iona stepped forward as well and called out several times in the hall, but there was clearly no one here. Even the desk piled with what looked like Research Documents was deserted, with only a steaming cup of coffee sitting on