Overlord's response was swift as it agreed to the task without hesitation. [ " No problem, I'm leaving now, " ] it declared with determination.
As Overlord embarked on its mission, an unexpected surge of energy coursed through its being, banishing any hint of drowsiness. Armed with its mighty 50-meter-long spear, the colossal creature propelled itself forward, gradually increasing its swimming speed until it settled at a steady pace of approximately 280 knots.
Although separated by over 1,000 nautical miles from the "Shixiong" and "Shiyue," Overlord reached its destination within four or five hours. The colossal figure of the "Shixiong" oil tanker came into view, looming large within Overlord's field of vision.
Meanwhile, the "Shiyue" tanker was still en route to the meeting point, approximately two hundred nautical miles away.
[ " Master, I have sighted our oil tanker, 'Shixiong,' " ] reported Bawang to Liu Yong.
Receiving the message, Liu Yong engaged his third-party vision to confirm the sighting. Indeed, the vessel sailing across the sea was none other than the "Shixiong" oil tanker, laden with a total cargo capacity of 100,000 tons. Everything seemed normal, and the bold characters spelling "Shixiong" near the bow were discernible.
Addressing Overlord, Liu Yong entrusted it with a secret task. [ " Overlord, in addition to guarding this area, I want you to venture into the nearby waters and keep an eye out for any approaching YD ships or warships. " ]
Overlord responded with confidence, [ " Okay, leave everything to me. " ]
Throughout the night, silence prevailed, and the weather remained calm.
The following day arrived.
The "Shixiong" and "Shiyue" had united, forming a tight-knit convoy. The two ships sailed close, with the distance between them less than one nautical mile.
And what of Overlord?
Far from idle, it diligently surveyed its surroundings, understanding the situation comprehensively within a radius of 100 nautical miles. So far, there were no signs of any YD vessels or warships approaching, at least within this range.
Having found no abnormalities, Overlord breathed a sigh of relief. It discreetly departed, traversing hundreds of nautical miles in one swift motion, until it located the "Shining" and "Jinyao." Overlord meticulously scoured the area around the two ships, ensuring no YD or warships were lurking nearby. After fulfilling its escort duties for a certain distance, Overlord left the vicinity with a sense of contentment, heading back towards the "Shixiong" and "Shiyue."
Liu Yong believed these two ships, situated closest to the YD mainland, was highly likely to be targeted by the YD forces.
The first two days, they had passed without any problems.
On the third morning, Bawang was the first to notice something amiss. As in the previous two days, it surveyed the surrounding waters near the two massive oil tankers and spotted a YD warship rapidly approaching. The vessel appeared to be a guided missile frigate, heading straight for the location of the "Shixiong" and "Shiyue."
Sensing the abnormality, Overlord decided to discreetly trail the warship, maintaining a mere few hundred meters distance.
Meanwhile, aboard the "Shixiong," certain crew members had already caught sight of the "Shiyue" oil tanker in the distance. Having witnessed its presence the day before, curiosity finally got the better of someone.
[ "Captain, that's our group's tanker. Why aren't they sailing with us? " ] inquired one of the crew members.
Jiang Xuyao, the Captain of the "Shixiong," calmly responded, [ " Safety is enhanced when sailing in formation. " ]
Surprised, the crew member retorted, [ " This is the international waterway in the Indian Ocean, and we are already thousands of nautical miles away from the Gulf of Aden. Are there pirates lurking here as well? " ]
Jiang Xuyao remained silent, knowing full well that he couldn't reveal the real reason behind their formation. If he were to disclose the possibility of YD forces detaining their ship after receiving a group notice, it would only amplify the crew's panic. It was better to keep this information concealed for now.
Noontime arrived.
Considering the time difference, it was already past four o'clock in the afternoon in Huahai City. Many companies were preparing to conclude work for the day. However, Liu Yong had yet to leave.
In the morning, he had received a message from Bawang, alerting him to the YD missile frigate approaching the "Shixiong" and "Shiyue," posing a potential threat to both vessels.
He commanded Overlord to trail behind discreetly, undetected, while obediently following his instructions.
Overlord's voice resonated in Liu Yong's mind, conveying crucial information. [ " Master, the warship has caught up with our two ships. It has approached the 'Shixiong' and begun issuing warnings. " ]
This development stirred anger within Liu Yong. Without uttering a word, he promptly activated his third-party vision, allowing him to witness the warship's proximity to the "Shixiong." A loudspeaker on the vessel bellowed fluently in Mandarin, demanding, [ " Please stop the ship and submit to inspection. We suspect you are carrying prohibited items on board. " ]
The message was repeated, emphasizing the command for the ship to halt immediately.
Anger coursed through everyone on the "Shixiong," including the Captain. How dare they attempt to inspect their vessel? This was the high seas, an international waterway. Who gave them the authority to conduct such an inspection?
A few timid crew members, however, felt a hint of fear when faced with the warship's proximity, coupled with the presence of cannons. [ " Captain, should we comply and stop the ship? Look, their warship has cannons. I'm a little scared, " ] one crew member expressed hesitantly.
Jiang Xuyao waved his hand dismissively. [ " Pay no attention to them and continue sailing. This is an international waterway, and they have no right to inspect us. " ]
The "Shixiong" disregarded the warnings and defiantly continued, guided by Captain Jiang Xuyao's resolute decision.
To their disbelief, the warship took a drastic measure. Witnessing the "Shixiong's" persistent movement, it resorted to firing warning shots.
This was outrageous!
These were the high seas, an international waterway!
Jiang Xuyao seethed with anger, his face turning grim. However, it was apparent that the opposing party held a more formidable fist, leaving him with no choice but to issue the order to halt the ship.
Witnessing the "Shixiong" come to a stop, some crew members on the warship laughed arrogantly, preparing to lower their boats and board the ship, intending to seize control.
As this scene unfolded, a chilling sense of foreboding enveloped the crew aboard the "Shixiong." They feared the worst—disaster was imminent.
Meanwhile, the "Shiyue," situated at a distance, had taken note of the unfolding situation. Taking a more honest approach, it decelerated instead of making an escape, moving closer to the "Shixiong."
The "Shiyue's" Captain personally wielded a loudspeaker and vehemently protested in English.
However, the YD warship disregarded their protests entirely. On the contrary, it responded by shouting at the "Shiyue," demanding inspection of their vessel. Liu Yong comprehended the situation by observing all of this through his third-party vision. Contemptuously, he sneered internally, amused by their audacity to board the ship for inspection.
Did they genuinely believe they were invincible?
This was the high seas, international waters! The "Shixiong" and "Shiyue" were not registered in YD and had no obligation to submit to their inspections.
Were they attempting to challenge the heavens?
Very well, let's see whose fist reigns supreme.
Liu Yong seethed angrily and commanded: [ " Overlord, there's no need to wait any longer. Obliterate their warship. " ]
Bawang's enthusiasm soared. Sinking ships was its favourite pastime, and turning the warship into a sieve brought unparalleled joy.
Rejoicing, Bawang exclaimed, [ " Master, watch me. I will undoubtedly reduce that warship to a sieve. " ]
............
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