Internal and External Collusion

The Neo Marines fleet sped across the churning sea. Rayleigh stood on the bridge, gazing ahead through the massive windows.

His eyes were calm, yet they carried a trace of barely perceptible anxiety.

The fleet was vast and well-equipped. Warships dotted the sea, their flags snapping fiercely in the wind. The sight was grand and awe-inspiring.

Yet Rayleigh felt an indescribable unease.

Everything here seemed flawless, but he knew that beneath any brick or stone, rotten roots could be hidden.

"Vice Admiral, we've received reports from the surrounding ships. The enemy has formed an encirclement."

The adjutant stepped beside Rayleigh and reported in a low voice.

Rayleigh gave a slight nod, his gaze still fixed on that stretch of sea.

His hand lightly gripped the railing of the command console, as though waiting for something.

"Tell them to maintain formation and prepare for battle."

Rayleigh's voice was low and calm, but the turmoil within him could not be ignored.

These past few days, he had never lowered his guard. As a vice admiral of the Neo Marines, he knew full well that the situation before them was far from simple.

Though the Neo Marines had gradually risen to prominence and were advancing with unstoppable momentum, he understood that unfathomable enemies still lurked in the shadows.

In fact, Rayleigh was not the only one who felt uneasy.

Many among the Neo Marines' upper ranks had also begun to sense an invisible pressure.

Although many soldiers had thrown themselves into this war with all their strength, quite a few of these newcomers had not actually undergone sufficient tempering.

Worse still, some members who appeared loyal were concealing unknown secrets.

Rayleigh had secretly noticed some time ago that abnormal changes were quietly taking place within the Neo Marines.

Many soldiers who had once