The Ghost Waters.
After the Ghost Captain incident, several neighboring countries sent investigation teams to look into it, just as expected.
Some sent research vessels, while others dispatched warships outright. Even a few civilian paranormal enthusiast groups came to join the fun. Over the past two days, this stretch of international waters had become positively bustling.
At that moment, two ships belonging to different factions happened to cross paths. As luck would have it, the people aboard even knew each other!
"Hey, buddy! Seen any ghosts today?"
"Nope. Maybe they're taking the weekend off?"
"Ghosts get days off?"
"You're not a ghost. How do you know they don't?"
"Fair point. Hey, did you hear? A Riyao Group ship is passing through today!"
"What? The Riyao Group that's the only one the Ghost Captain has targeted?"
"Yep, those unlucky bastards! Apparently, a warship from Rabbit Country is already escorting it. Clever of them, really. All they have to do is sit back and wait. If the Ghost Captain really exists, he'll definitely strike again this time!"
"Right! Why didn't I think of that? Riyao Group's ships are the perfect bait! Have you figured out their route?"
"Riyao Group already announced the route themselves. They're practically begging every investigation ship to come act as their guards!"
"So that's it! They've certainly worked out a sweet deal! What are we waiting for? Let's go together! If we're late, all the good spots will be taken!"
Things were exactly as they had expected. By the time they found Riyao Group's freighter, seven or eight ships had already surrounded it in layers. With warships and research vessels among them, they had practically formed a small fleet.
Clearly, they had arrived a little late. The "VIP seats" were already gone.
Riyao Group headquarters.
"Dad, that