Necromancer, But Civilization Before the Collapse Chapter 32

"Yeah, Eli."

Elysia gently took Elysia's hand and gazed into the clear eyes of the pink fairy, sighing deeply.

"Other than Moros, I don't think anyone else on this ship could cause such a commotion."

However, since they had already guessed that the Spectral Dragon was summoned by Moros, neither Elysia nor Elysia intended to investigate further.

They believed Moros would not harm them.

Ignoring the panic of the passengers and crew, Moros commanded the Spectral Dragon.

"Go, my servant, and carry out your mission."

"Roar!"

Receiving the Necromancer's command, the Spectral Dragon let out a sky-shattering roar, then flapped its tattered dragon wings and flew towards the direction where the faint firelight of the Spectres could be seen in the distance.

Standing by the porthole, gazing deeply into a certain sea area in the distance, Moros's lips curved into a cold, sharp arc.

Moth to Fire, let me see what you're capable of.

Chapter 51: Moth to Fire's Decision and the California

Time moved forward.

Upon learning that the mercenary team had failed and discovering that it was the Necromancer Moros who was responsible, the director of the Ninth Research Institute under Moth to Fire felt a surge of alarm.

He understood that his rash actions had brought considerable trouble to the organization.

Although Moth to Fire's database contained data on Moros, it was not comprehensive.

However, even this incomplete data was enough for the director to recognize Moros's power and danger.

Therefore, after cutting off contact with the mercenaries, the director of the Ninth Research Institute decisively contacted his backer—Councillor Vincent, who represented the interests of the sole superpower on the North American continent.

Councillor Vincent, after receiving the director's report, also realized the seriousness of the situation.

Without hesitation, he communicated with other councillors and convened an emergency video conference to discuss countermeasures.

"...That's the situation, everyone can speak freely."

After thoroughly briefing the members of the Moth to Fire Council on the events that occurred on the Ocean Miracle, Councillor Vincent stood with his arms crossed, calmly observing the astonishment and worry on the faces of the other councillors.

Although his subordinates had caused this mess, the situation was fundamentally different for Councillor Vincent.

After all, the mercenaries only knew that they had accepted a commission from Moth to Fire, and how could they possibly understand the internal factional disputes within Moth to Fire?

Since the mercenaries were unaware of the inside story behind the mission, even if the Necromancer possessed some strange powers, he would not be able to discern who was orchestrating the attack on the Ocean Miracle.

In this case, Moros would 100% blame Moth to Fire for this incident.

And with the "foil" of the other members of Moth to Fire, Councillor Vincent could naturally remain calm and composed.

Similarly, while the other members of the Moth to Fire Council were angered by this unwarranted disaster, they also understood that the immediate priority was to clean up the mess for Councillor Vincent and resolve this crisis.

However, they also made a decision in their hearts.

After this incident, they would definitely make the country behind Councillor Vincent pay the price it deserved and carve out a larger share of the profit pie.

"I believe we should eliminate those mercenaries first to ensure Moros doesn't get any more information from them."

After a moment of silence, Councillor Eugene from the Mu Continent broke the deadlock and was the first to propose.

"That's not difficult. Our California is currently patrolling that sea area, and they are fully capable of handling this matter."

In response to Councillor Eugene's proposal, Councillor Vincent unhesitatingly accepted the task, deciding to silence the mercenaries to eliminate future trouble.

"The Ocean Miracle will dock at Quanzhou Port, and we can be responsible for communicating with Moros at that time."

Councillor Wang, from the East Asian continent, took on the task of post-incident communication.

After the three councillors with the most authority in the Moth to Fire Council spoke, the progress of the video conference accelerated dramatically.

One plan after another was proposed, carefully discussed and modified until consensus was reached.

Just as the emergency meeting was about to conclude, Councillor Eugene put forward a proposal that greatly interested everyone present.

"Everyone, since our submarine is in that sea area, why don't we use it to test Moros's strength?"

He surveyed the councillors present and elaborated on his idea.

"Imagine, if we could deal with Moros, what kind of impact would that have on Moth to Fire?"

Gazing into the eyes of each Moth to Fire councillor in the video link, Councillor Eugene encouraged them with great fervor.

"I can responsibly say that as long as Moros can be dealt with, the Mu Continent is willing to provide technical assistance to the countries represented by each of you here."

Councillor Eugene's proposal was like a burning flame, instantly igniting the interest of those present.

Technical assistance from the Mu Continent was an extremely tempting gift for any country.

The councillors naturally understood the risks involved in Councillor Eugene's proposal, but considering the immense potential benefits, taking some risks was worthwhile.

Thus, after a period of intense discussion and negotiation, Councillor Eugene's proposal was finally passed.

Councillor Vincent was initially opposed, as he was concerned that such a proposal would bring too much risk to his country.

But when Councillor Eugene proposed a private deal, offering more and more valuable technical assistance, Councillor Vincent's stance shifted.

There was no help for it; Councillor Eugene was offering far too much.

So much so that he and the nation behind him were willing to risk an attack nuclear submarine.

Just as the Moth to Fire council reached a consensus, deep in the dark ocean depths of the Pacific, a 120-meter-long steel behemoth moved silently beneath the surface.

This was the California, an attack nuclear submarine belonging to the North American Navy's combat fleet.

Powered by the S9G pressurized water reactor, it could roam the ocean depths freely at an astonishing speed of 34 knots.

"All hands!"

Upon receiving the order transmitted through the encrypted channel, Colonel Marvin, the commander of the California, immediately stood up from his command chair.

"All hands, man battle stations! We have a mission!"

Under Colonel Marvin's command, the crew moved swiftly, skillfully operating the pinnacle of North American naval technology as they advanced towards the mission objective's waters.

Soon, the California's bow sonar system detected the acoustic signatures of two man-made objects of different sizes.

"Surface to torpedo firing depth!"

Colonel Marvin's gaze swept across the rows of instruments before him, carefully judging the right moment to launch the torpedo.

"Load torpedo tube number one!"

Following Colonel Marvin's order, a Mark 48 torpedo was rapidly loaded into the firing tube by the sailors in the torpedo room.

The entire process was orderly, with each step honed through rigorous training and practice.

"Target is in range, prepare to fire!"

The crew's breathing grew tense; they knew the next moment would determine the mission's success or failure.

Everyone waited with bated breath for Colonel Marvin's command.

"Fire!"

With the order, the torpedo shot out like an arrow, piercing the dark water and speeding towards its target.

The tens of seconds of waiting felt like centuries.

Everyone held their breath, awaiting the result.

Suddenly, the smaller acoustic signature on the sonar display changed drastically, then fell silent.

"Target destroyed!"

Before the crew could celebrate, Colonel Marvin issued a new order.

"Change attack formation, target: Ocean Miracle!"

Under Colonel Marvin's command, the California's stern planes deflected sharply, and the submarine began tactical maneuvering, preparing to attack the next target.

However, before this steel behemoth could reach its next intended attack position, Spectres, tracking back along the torpedo's wake, had already locked onto it.

Chapter 52: Submarine Hunt

Guided by the Spectres, the Spectral Dragon quickly flew above the California.

It assessed the submarine's depth and realized its Death Dragon Breath might not have the intended lethality in such deep seawater.

Therefore, to complete the Necromancer's command, the dragon, a symbol of death, decisively retracted its damaged wings and plunged fiercely into the seawater.

"Captain! We have a situation!"

A tense shout broke the submarine's tranquility, drawing Colonel Marvin's attention.

"What is it?"

He asked immediately, his eyes fixed on the sonar operator.

The sonar operator's face was pale, his voice trembling slightly.

"Captain! There's a massive object entering the water! It doesn't sound like a depth charge, and I've never heard such a strange acoustic signature."

"Are you sure?"

Colonel Marvin frowned, a look of confusion and vigilance in his eyes.

Before Colonel Marvin could ask further, the sonar operator suddenly shuddered, his pupils constricting.

"Captain! That unidentified object is rapidly approaching us! It's moving incredibly fast, faster than a torpedo!"

While dragons are undisputed rulers of the skies, their mobility in the ocean is not to be underestimated.

And although the Spectral Dragon was not as powerful as ordinary dragons in terms of physical body and dragon breath, its ability to dive was superior to that of ordinary dragons, as it did not need to breathe.

At this moment, the California attack nuclear submarine had to face the might of this oceanic overlord.

"Evasive maneuvers!"

Although he couldn't quite figure out what the unknown acoustic signature was, Colonel Marvin had no intention of letting it get close to his submarine.

The maneuverability of the California attack nuclear submarine was outstanding among its peers, second only to that of the Mu Continent.

Even so, facing the Spectral Dragon's pursuit, the California's maneuverability still seemed pale and powerless.

The Spectral Dragon's swimming speed wasn't outstanding among dragons, but compared to the cumbersome attack nuclear submarine, it appeared extremely agile.

Inside the command center, the atmosphere grew increasingly tense.

The sonar display showed the acoustic signature continuously strengthening, signaling the rapid approach of the unknown object.

Cold sweat broke out on the crew members' foreheads, and unconcealable fear flickered in their eyes.

Sensing that their speed was insufficient to escape the enemy's pursuit, Colonel Marvin immediately adjusted their tactics.

"Load torpedo tubes 1 through 4!"

Since escape was impossible, they would fight to the death.

"Turn the hull!"

Under Colonel Marvin's command, the 120-meter-long steel behemoth began to turn.

Colonel Marvin's order was timely; had he given it just a few minutes later, the California would absolutely not have had time to turn its bow before the Spectral Dragon caught up.

At that point, this attack nuclear submarine, carrying hundreds of naval elites, would likely be torn apart by the Spectral Dragon's claws without even a chance to retaliate.

There was no other way; the California's torpedo tubes were all concentrated at the bow, with none equipped at the stern.

However, even with such a timely order, Colonel Marvin had only managed to secure one round of attack.

Given the Spectral Dragon's speed in the water, this attack nuclear submarine would absolutely not have a second chance to reload torpedoes.

"Prepare to fire!"

Colonel Marvin stared intently at the sonar screen, which displayed a massive red dot relentlessly approaching the California – the Spectral Dragon's position.

Fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead. The feeling of being responsible for the lives of everyone on board weighed heavily on Colonel Marvin, even as an outstanding graduate of the military academy.

However, Colonel Marvin understood clearly that now was not the time for hesitation or retreat.