Underwater City, the fleet that had set out for the Sea Monster Royal Court had returned... a battered fleet.
However, just as the dozen or so warships were about to enter Underwater City, the fleet's final ship, the Sapphire, suddenly lost contact and began changing course.
The commanders of the remaining fleet hurriedly tried to contact the Sapphire, but not only did they fail to receive a response from its commander, they were even suddenly attacked by the Sapphire!
A sudden attack from within one's own ranks was terrifying—especially since the Sapphire had originally been equipped with many powerful cannons.
"What the hell happened?! Sapphire! Sapphire! Respond! Respond—!"
Rumble—!!
The warships had already suffered extensive damage on their return from battle. After the Sapphire's sudden ambush, the remaining ships fell into massive chaos in only moments.
By then, the Sapphire had already begun sailing away... Judging by its direction, it seemed to be heading for the Somna Trench.
Inside the Sapphire... the corridors were filled with Underwater City's fleet soldiers lying unconscious on the floor.
It seemed that something had suddenly infiltrated the ship... The fallen soldiers were packed tightly together, all the way to the door of the Sapphire's control room.
The control room's door was already open. The pilots had all collapsed in their seats—including the temporarily appointed captain of the Sapphire.
Only one figure remained standing there.
It was a tall figure hidden beneath a black robe... His face was invisible, for a dense mass of black mist covered it.
The black-robed man stood before the light screen. The screen was open, and he seemed to be communicating with someone somewhere.
The screen was pitch-black, displaying only a white symbol.
"You have exceeded the time of your last communication by quite a while." A deep voice