Chapter 405 Black Iron Co.
In the midst of a vast and shallow sea, two remarkable vessels graced the tranquil waters. These were no ordinary ships but vessels uniquely suited for exploration and salvage, each bearing the hallmark of a craft designed for the most daring maritime endeavours.
As one observed this picturesque scene from a third-party perspective, it became immediately apparent that these were no mere seafaring vessels; they bore the distinctive black iron company uniforms. These uniforms left no doubt about the origin of these ships - they were the handiwork of the formidable Black Iron Company.
The resilience of the Black Iron Company was indeed impressive, for here they were again, navigating their way to this shallow sea with two exploration vessels in tow. Their mission was clear: to delve into the depths of this shallow expanse, braving its mysteries in the quest to unearth the elusive gray-black metal fragments.
A bitter exclamation escaped the lips of Liu Yong, who was observing these events unfold. "MMP's, they still don't give up!"
It was a testament to their unyielding determination that they had returned, this time with two exploration vessels, all in a relentless pursuit of the coveted grey-black metal fragments hidden beneath these tranquil waters.
In response to this audacious incursion, Bawang, a loyal companion to Liu Yong, inquired in a hushed tone, "Master, do you want me to sink them?"
Liu Yong considered the question carefully, a sly grin slowly forming on his face. "Go about it quietly," he suggested, "Give their vessels a few 'love taps,' enough to deter them from ever venturing here again."
Bawang's eager response was swift and unwavering. He descended into the watery depths with a giant spear, an executioner tasked with carrying out Liu Yong's commands. His target was the underbelly of one of the vessels, where he planned to deliver a powerful strike.
A loud "Boom!" reverberated through the depths as the colossal spear pierced the vessel's hull. It penetrated to a depth of at least ten meters, effortlessly breaching layer upon layer of metal. In contrast to a warship's thick, resilient plating, this vessel's defences were child's play.
It was a stark reminder of the ease with which they could undermine their foes.
Bawang retracted the formidable weapon, readying himself for another strike. The spear struck again, puncturing the vessel's hull to a similar depth.
Panic began to spread among the ship's crew; someone had sensed the unusual disturbance beneath the waves and was frantically peering into the depths.
Maintaining the utmost stealth, Bawang nestled himself at a depth of approximately 40 to 50 meters below the surface.
Even if the seawater were crystal clear, he would remain virtually invisible, an aquatic phantom at this depth.
He continued his assault, beating - the third, the fourth, the fifth time. Liu Yong chuckled with a mischievous glint in his eye, "That'll do, my friend. You've poked more than a dozen gaping holes in their ship. At this rate, it's become a veritable sieve."
Having accomplished his mission, Bawang emerged from the water's depths, giant spear in hand. On the two ships, panic had fully set in. They'd taken on a substantial amount of water and were now listing dangerously.
Some crew members scrambled to don life jackets, others desperately lowered lifeboats, while a few babbled incoherently for help.
Over the course of an hour, Bawang made his way back to his underwater abode, where a sumptuous dinner awaited him. In the shallow sea, the two ships had nearly disappeared beneath the surface, with only a small section remaining visible.
Several lifeboats, teeming with individuals wearing life jackets, bobbed on the water's surface, awaiting rescue. Isolated from international waterways, it could be a day or even longer before another vessel arrived to aid them.
Meanwhile, an atmosphere of excitement filled the air at the Global Scientific Research Centre. Hu Nan, Ning Zetao, and other key members engaged in a technical seminar, discussing the remarkable battery they had discovered.
"This battery, it's truly remarkable. It has unlocked a realm of possibilities we hadn't even fathomed," remarked one.
"Indeed, it's as if a veil has been lifted, revealing new frontiers in our understanding," added another.
In the eyes of these scientists, the battery sample was an endless source of wonder. Although their exploration of its potential had only just begun, the insights gained were profound.
Hu Nan spoke, his voice filled with determination, "Our first harvest may be complete, but it will take us five to ten years to fully comprehend this battery's technology."
Five to ten years - a sobering timeframe that spoke to the battery's complexity. Research into these emerging theories would be a protracted endeavour with no quick fixes.
However, despite the daunting prospect of the long road ahead, their initial encounters with this battery had already yielded substantial rewards.
The following day, Liu Yong himself visited the Global Scientific Research Center. He sat with Huang Guang, Hu Nan, and Ning Zetao for a comprehensive briefing.
Liu Yong's presence was a testament to his keen interest in the centre's progress, particularly regarding studying the alien technology battery.
As the head of the research centre, Huang Guang provided an overview of its current status, outlining details such as the team structure, management hierarchy, and overall research framework.
Listening attentively, Liu Yong was deeply impressed by the centre's swift development. The centre had taken form in a relatively short period, its essential structure already in place.
Following this, Hu Nan and Ning Zetao delved into the specifics of their research. Hu Nan began, "Boss, our exploration of the battery you provided has borne fruit. We've gained invaluable insights and knowledge."
Ning Zetao echoed this sentiment, "This battery has been a wellspring of inspiration. It's not only resolved longstanding questions but has also paved the way for entirely new theories."
Buoyed by their reports, Liu Yong inquired, "What are your plans for the next phase?"
Hu Nan answered confidently, "We've devised a dual-pronged approach. Firstly, we'll continue researching this battery, which we believe will be a long-term endeavor. We anticipate it will take at least five to ten years to fully comprehend its technology."
The prospect of acquiring more of these batteries was tempting, but there was only one for now. Liu Yong assured, "Rest assured, if more become available, you'll have them."
The scientists' eyes sparkled with anticipation as they spoke in unison, "Boss, there might indeed be more in the future!"
Liu Yong grinned, "I'll do my best."
As the Overlord grew, Liu Yong harboured hopes of discovering additional batteries within spaceship wrecks.
The potential for more batteries was very much on the horizon.
Hu Nan unveiled their grand vision: "Secondly, we plan to establish a research team to develop our own battery."
The notion of crafting their own battery was electrifying, and it resonated perfectly with Liu Yong's ambitions. He yearned for the Global Scientific Research Center to create groundbreaking scientific innovations.