Five magnificent, gigantic flagships cut through the waves.
Leading the way were the personal ships of five Marine Headquarters Vice Admirals.
More than thirty standard Marine warships flanked them like hunting dogs.
Dozens of auxiliary vessels accompanied them as well: repair ships, scout ships, supply ships, slave transports, and more.
The vast fleet, numbering over a hundred ships in total, was heading toward its target island.
The steel fleet spread out in formation, presenting a spectacular sight on the sea.
Whenever they encountered other ships, those vessels turned tail in terror before the patrol ships on the perimeter even had to drive them off.
Inside the hall of the Celestial Dragons' flagship-
The interior was so spacious that it almost made one forget they were aboard a ship. Rather than a hall, it was more like an exquisitely designed palace chamber.
The floor was made of dark, richly polished, top-quality teak, with almost invisible seams. Several enormous, custom-made, handwoven carpets covered it, their patterns intricate and elegant.
A lightweight alloy framework supported the enormous, curved natural-crystal skylight in the towering dome.
An artistic chandelier composed of countless diamonds cast a soft glow, lighting the entire space evenly.
The hall's layout cleverly divided it into distinct functional areas.
At its center was an open dance floor, its dark surface polished like a mirror. Apart from the usual furnishings, various slaves also served as "living furniture."
Quite a few of those arrangements could not be described directly.
On one side was a semi-enclosed lounge furnished with low, broad sofas and armchairs.
Each sofa had a small, exquisite solid-wood side table. Whenever a Celestial Dragon occupied one, attendants or slaves stood nearby, serving them with utmost care.
On the other side stood a long bar, its countertop a single slab of dark marble