Amidst these individuals, the value of approximately twenty human lives seemed trivial and insignificant. Their primary concern lay in an ambitious venture—an enigmatic undertaking revolving around creating an extraordinary entity, an immense crocodilian behemoth.
They embarked on a flurry of activities without delay, engaging in a meticulous array of tasks. These endeavours encompassed the relentless scrutiny and refinement of the biological chip nestled within the colossal reptile's cranium.
Nearby, a second enormous crocodile lay supine, its colossal form only marginally smaller than its predecessor, measuring an imposing seventy to eighty meters in length and weighing no less than five to six hundred tons.
Ram Scott, the authoritative figure among them, waved his hand, commanding attention. "Our esteemed Number One exhibits remarkable progress, and I believe our Number Two ought to be given an opportunity for some exercise as well," he declared.
A voice of caution interjected from a nearby companion, "Sir, considering the tonnage and dimensions of Number Two are comparatively smaller, would it not require an additional year or perhaps half a year before it can be deemed ready?"
"Yes, indeed. There is a concern for potential peril, but even if we were to release it, we would endeavor to confine its range to a few hundred nautical miles," responded Ram Scott, brimming with unwavering confidence. "Given its colossal stature, danger should be but an afterthought. Once liberated, the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean shall become its veritable domain."
As the person in charge, his authoritative words left little room for dissent.
Soon after, a group of scientific researchers busied themselves, meticulously scrutinizing every aspect of Number Two. This comprehensive examination entailed the exact measurement of pertinent dimensions, ensuring that every piece of data was accurately recorded.
Once these tasks concluded, the chief scientist overseeing Number Two assumed a position before a computer, while others instinctively stepped back, maintaining a safe distance.
As he busied himself before the computer, the chief scientist activated the awakening protocol. Gradually, the massive crocodile, spanning over seventy meters, stirred from its slumber.
Initially, it merely opened its eyes, immobile and adjusting to the abrupt interruption following its prolonged period of dormancy.
After approximately two to three minutes, the crocodile acclimated to its surroundings. Obediently adhering to the instructions transmitted via the biochip embedded within its brain, it executed a deliberate turn and proceeded to swim through the expansive passage that led to the outside world.
The passage descended gradually, presenting a subtle incline before straightening out after several hundred meters. The mammoth reptile dutifully followed this path, entering the boundless expanse of the sea.
Upon entering the vast oceanic realm, the creature propelled itself forward swiftly. Opting to remain primarily near the water's surface, it ventured sparingly into the abysmal depths below.
Ram Scott settled into his office, preparing a cup of coffee before directing his gaze toward a colossal screen adorning the walls. Projected onto this expansive display was a cartographic representation of the world, upon which a luminous marker designated the current whereabouts of the colossal Number Two crocodile.
Amidst the vast seascape, an enormous iron ore bulk carrier traversed the waters, steadily progressing toward the mainland of Yanguo along the designated international maritime route.
Blessed with impeccable weather, the sky donned an azure hue devoid of cloud formations while the sea maintained a serene composure. To while away the hours, several crew members endeavoured in the age-old pursuit of fishing upon the vessel.
Their endeavours focused on capturing tuna, utilizing specialized fishing rods designed explicitly for this purpose. Casting their lines far into the distance, they skillfully exploited the boat's velocity to simulate the movement of swiftly swimming prey. It was an artful deception intended to entice the tuna to strike.
Fortuitously, one of the crew members successfully hauled in a sizable tuna weighing several tens of pounds.
Taking advantage of the elevated position from the deck to the sea's surface, they exerted strength to retrieve this bountiful catch.
"Mirthful tidings! An additional feast awaits us tonight," one crew member exclaimed with delight.
"This tuna is truly exceptional. I fancy a dish of sashimi, resplendent in its raw splendor," another crew member said. "However, I believe braising it in soy sauce would be equally delectable. Let us not squander the fish bones, for they shall grant us a sumptuous soup."
"Fret not, for there shall be sashimi aplenty, complemented by the succulence of braised fish. Trust in my ability to capture one or two more," assured a particularly confident crew member.
Before long, another tuna succumbed to their deception, causing the fishing rod in the hands of a crew member to bow under its weight.
"Heave ho, it is a weighty catch. I implore your assistance," the crew member beseeched, prompting several others to rally to the cause. With the combined might of two or three stalwart individuals, the fishing rod was held steadfast. A voice exclaimed in exhilaration, "This specimen weighs no less than a hundred pounds!"
"Nay, I dare surmise it exceeds two hundred pounds, a true leviathan among tunas," countered another with mounting excitement.
Mirth and joy permeated the atmosphere as, through concerted effort, the crew members gradually glimpsed the nearing prize.
"Behold, its magnificence! This tuna must surely tip the scales at two or three hundred pounds!"
"Ha! Sashimi and braised fish in abundance, sufficient to sustain us through the morrow and the day after. With every meal, we shall relish the gift of tuna."
Yet, as their joy reached its zenith and they contemplated the means to trap this giant tuna, an astounding spectacle unfolded before their very eyes.
Beneath the shimmering depths, a colossal black shadow emerged, casting an ominous pall over the scene.
"By the heavens, it cannot be a mere whale," someone exclaimed in shock.
"Indeed, it is no ordinary whale. Where could such a colossal behemoth be found? Observe the sheer magnitude of this shadow; its length must exceed sixty to seventy meters," another individual asserted gravely.
True enough, the whales' dimensions failed to match this entity's enormity. Even from the vantage point of their vessel, a tangible sense of unease coursed through their veins as they beheld the sudden manifestation of this mysterious obsidian silhouette.
One individual stood transfixed, uttering doubtlessly, "Could it be a submarine clandestinely deployed by a foreign power?"
Yet, before the echoes of this question could dissipate, the colossal black shadow surged forth from the water's depths, effortlessly snatching the meticulously crafted spear, along with the two- to three-hundred-pound tuna, in a single gulp.
At that moment, their eyes unveiled the terrifying reality—an immense crocodile had unveiled itself before their very eyes.
The beast's maw, agape and brimming with razor-sharp teeth, left an indelible imprint upon the minds of all who bore witness. Even from their considerable distance, an aura of trepidation enveloped each soul.
Apprehension permeated the air.
Horror thrived.
This monstrous crocodile had stolen The painstakingly caught tuna, followed by a series of menacing strikes against the vessel, emanating a resounding "bang, bang, bang."
Amidst the assault, anxiety coursed through the crew as they wondered whether the ship's hull would be rent asunder. Fortunately, after several attempts, the behemoth retreated with a quiet resolution, leaving behind naught but a slightly dented and deformed section of the hull, which posed no threat to the ship's seaworthiness.
As the colossal crocodile gradually receded into the distance, a sigh of relief swept over the crew aboard the vessel. The terror experienced moments before still clung to their souls, leaving many with a lingering dread.
Meanwhile, within the confines of his own home, Liu Yong lounged on the living room sofa, engrossed in the television's captivating allure.
This was their new villa, a residence they occasionally frequented. Tonight's dinner had been procured from a high-end restaurant, its excellent contents now being unveiled and arranged by Li Changle upon the dining table.
At this very moment, Liu Yong's cell phone stirred to life, its dulcet tones announcing an incoming call from Hu Shijun.
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