Ren Ziquan assumed the commanding stance of decision-making, his voice resonating like a clarion call brimming with unwavering conviction, proclaiming, "With resolute determination, we shall chart our course forward."
The atmosphere aboard the immense "Blue Whale" underwent a metamorphosis, morphing into a resonating symphony of exultant cheers, a crescendo that embodied the triumphant zenith of their laborious expedition, a culmination that had been ardently pursued.
As the air resonated with jubilation, the crew aboard the adjacent "Shiwang" seamlessly merged into the harmonious chorus, and the gentle caress of the sea breeze bore their joyous celebrations across the expanse, reaching distant shores with a symphonic cadence.
Within this shared triumph, the pulse of most resonated with a chorus of contentment, their spirits buoyed by the sight of "Shiwang," laden with an astonishing cargo of 50,000 to 60,000 tons of precious metal fragments.
Yet, amid this harmonious symphony, a discordant note lingered, a note of unfulfilled potential.
Eyes turned wistfully to the transport ship belonging to the Black Iron Company, situated tantalizingly close, yet bearing a payload of untapped metallic treasure.
A voice, tinged with a sense of missed opportunity, punctured the otherwise jubilant atmosphere, "Captain, should we truly abandon this fortune?"
Ren Ziquan's response carried a hint of reluctant acceptance, a touch of resignation, "Yes, these metal fragments were once ours, now adorning their transport ship. Perhaps not the entirety, but at least a considerable 10,000 tons."
A chorus of subdued murmurs filled the air, one brave soul vocalizing the collective sentiment, "This wealth is substantial; I've heard each ton can fetch two million yuan. Must we relinquish it so easily?"
A palpable sense of disappointment threaded through the gathering.
Yet beneath the veil of dejection, the echo of Liu Yong's counsel reverberated within Ren Ziquan's thoughts, lending a veneer of rationale to their reluctant retreat.
With a gesture of reluctant concession, he acknowledged, "Our options are constrained, and our hands are tied. Let us set our course for Huahai City."
As the "Blue Whale" embarked on its journey away from this maritime tableau, the "Shiwang" dutifully followed, bearing its precious load of metal fragments.
As the Global Shipping Group's vessel faded from view, a collective exhale of relief swept through the ranks of the Black Iron Company.
Throughout the days of salvage, they had found themselves overshadowed, their yield a mere fraction compared to the treasure amassed by their rivals.
Yet now, at last, equilibrium appeared to be reestablished.
As the "Blue Whale" vanished beyond the horizon, the Black Iron Company's fleet set forth, maintaining a cautious distance.
With the passage of time, jubilation began to overpower apprehension, the yield of over 10,000 tons of coveted metal fragments igniting a festive fervor among the salvagers.
Laughter and celebratory shouts reverberated across the ships, one voice proclaiming, "An unparalleled harvest!"
"Over 10,000 tons – a yield that exceeds all imagination."
"Such a haul is bound to draw the boss's admiration and reward."
Mirthful banter wafted on the sea breeze.
Meanwhile, the individual overseeing the meticulous task of salvage seized a satellite phone, quickly dialing Sherman's number.
Upon concluding the call, he poured a cup of coffee, gazing out across the boundless ocean through the ship's glass windows.
Within his heart, a fragment of his consciousness had already sailed thousands of miles to country M, his thoughts consumed by visions of the glory awaiting him.
Around him, the festive atmosphere aboard the ship mirrored the euphoria of the waves, as champagne erupted in joyous celebration.
Yet beneath the surface, hidden from view, a formidable presence stirred.
**Overlord**, a guardian of the depths, began to stir beneath the waves.
Throughout the painstaking process of salvage, Overlord had stood vigilant, guided by Liu Yong's distant observations.
Seeing the triumph of the Black Iron Company, a silent resolve took hold. Such precious metal fragments could not be surrendered without a fight.
Before the Black Iron Company's fleet could put significant distance between them, Overlord sprang into action.
Its massive appendage pierced the transport ship's hull, its motion as smooth as an artist's brushstroke. One penetration after another breached the ship's defenses, rendering it vulnerable.
Seawater surged forth, sealing the transport ship's fate. As the ship began to tilt, a rising panic gripped its occupants.
"Something is awry with the ship!"
"We're taking on water!"
"Dear heavens, what is happening?"
Amidst the festivities above deck, chaos reigned below.
Unbeknownst to them, the joy masked the lurking danger beneath the waves.
Overlord's imposing form remained concealed beneath the water's surface, its intentions hidden by the abyss.
**Suddenly.**
A tremor rippled through the transport ship, a muffled echo resonating beneath the waterline.
Amid the uproarious festivities, the ship's inhabitants remained oblivious.
Yet, as they reveled, a behemoth prowled beneath them—the Overlord.
An astute observer might have perceived a certain grace in its movements, a deliberate precision.
This guardian of the depths had remained a vigilant sentinel throughout the salvage, heeding Liu Yong's guidance from below.
Now, as the Black Iron Company's fleet reveled, Overlord's course of action was clear.
With Liu Yong's command, the behemoth struck.
Four transport ships, singled out one by one, bore the brunt of Overlord's onslaught. Its massive appendage penetrated the ships' hulls, rending them apart like fragile parchment.
A sequence of strikes, a meticulously choreographed symphony of destruction, left the vessels fatally wounded.
Seawater surged in, sealing their fates.
Onboard the ships, pandemonium erupted.
"The ship is sinking!"
"This cannot be happening!"
"...!"
Chaos reigned, and amidst the turmoil, some sought lifeboats, while others abandoned ship, plunging into the unforgiving sea.
Meanwhile, the **"Blue Whale"** pressed on, its occupants blissfully ignorant of the unfolding tragedy.
"Captain, observe!"
Ren Ziquan seized his binoculars, revealing the spectacle unfolding in the distance.
With a hearty laugh, he passed the instrument to a comrade, exclaiming, "Witness, four out of five ships are sinking. A sight to behold."
The binoculars circulated among the crew, each gaze drawn to the unfolding catastrophe on the horizon.
As the sinking ships slipped beneath the waves, Ren Ziquan's voice resounded, "A fitting end to their grand ambitions."
Eyes remained fixed on the tableau; amidst the wreckage, one vessel remained—the very ship entrusted with recovery.
And beyond, the "Blue Whale" and "Shiwang" pressed forward, the final act in this maritime drama.
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