Voices continued to ring out over the Arctic port's command channel.
"The offshore portal has finished expanding. Its width meets navigation requirements."
"First wave of warships, prepare to pass through."
On the sea, the unmanned frigate at the very front was the first to get underway.
It carried no personnel, so there was no risk to a crew to consider, making it the most suitable unit for the initial test.
The ship slowly accelerated, its bow cutting through the water as it entered the blue portal.
A second later, it appeared in the waters off Antarctica.
An icy sea wind bore down on it.
The ship's sensors rapidly deployed, scanning the surrounding sea conditions, radiation levels, wind speed, and ocean currents.
"Unmanned frigate through. Hull intact."
"Communications normal. Coordinates in Antarctic waters confirmed."
The Arctic fleet commander immediately gave the order.
"Main fleet, proceed through in sequence."
Then the massive fleet moved. Destroyers entered the portal one after another, with air-defense ships close behind.
A replenishment ship held position in the middle of the formation.
Under the escort of the frigates, the carrier group slowly passed through the enormous blue gateway.
It was a spectacular sight.
One moment, they had been assembling outside the Arctic port.
The next, their bows were slicing through Antarctica's icy waters.
Blue light reflected off their hulls, as though coating the steel giants in a layer of cold-colored flame.
The storms in Antarctic waters did not stop for their arrival.
Waves struck their bows and shattered into white spray.
The fleet began deploying in its predetermined formation.
The air-defense ships moved toward the perimeter, establishing an aerial surveillance ring.
The destroyers moved into position for long-range strikes.
The unmanned fleet and submarines spread farther out, taking responsibility for antisubmarine operations, reconnaissance, and drawing out the