Five distinguished military officers, Admiral Zhang, Vice Admirals Zhao and Wu, and Rear Admirals Yang and Suo, were standing before Luo Yin.
These were the "senile old coots" of whom Luo Yin had spoken, though perhaps that term was too harsh.
Despite Luo Yin's derogatory remark about them being "senile old coots," they were not actually that old.
The eldest, Admiral Zhang, was not yet a hundred, while the youngest, Rear Admiral Yang, was only seventy-one. The problem was not that they were too old, but rather that Luo Yin was too young and inexperienced compared to them.
"Our thanks, Your Excellency, for permitting us to offer our opinions." Being the eldest one, Admiral Zhang spoke for all of them.
Admiral Zhang had joined the service long before Luo Yin had been born, and was rich in knowledge and experience of both combat and military administration.
His impressive cultivation base of Core Formation Realm gave him the appearance of a great military leader, and his records and reputation were far greater than those of the likes of Luo Yin.
"I understand what you wish to say, milords, You wish to bring our disadvantaged circumstances to my attention."
Taking the initiative, Luo Yin politely replied, In form only, he was following the etiquette that Admiral Zhang had displayed.
"We do, Your Excellency." Answered Vice Admiral Zhao, advancing a half step forward.
Vice Admiral Zhao was in his mid eighties, slender as a knife, and gave the impression of a man with a very sharp mind.
"The enemy has twice the number of ships that we do. Moreover, they are attempting to envelop us from three directions. This means that in terms of battle readiness, we are trailing behind the enemy already."
Vice Admiral Zhao Kept his point in front of Luo Yin with well detailed explanation and meaning.
"In other words, you are saying that we will lose?" Luo Yin's blood-red eyes glinted coldly as he looked straight at Vice Admiral Zhao with a calm smile.
"I said nothing of the sort, Excellency. But it is a fact that we are at a disadvantage in terms of preparedness. If you look at your display screen, you'll understand."
Vice Admiral Zhao clarified, and to illustrate his point, he directed their attention to the flagship's display, as all seven pairs of eyes focused on it.
The positions of the two opposing forces, as Commander Lin Feng had shown to Luo Yin, were indicated there.
Beyond the boundary of the sound-deadening field, a multitude of soldiers shot furtive, inquisitive looks at the exalted Marshalls.
Vice Admiral Zhao paused to clear his throat as he shot a menacing glare towards the soldiers, who hastily diverted their gazes.
"The rebels of the Human Dao Alliance dealt a crippling blow to our empire's once-prestigious fleet many years ago, employing this very formation." stated the Vice Admiral, his tone grave and somber.
"Are you familiar with the Cerberus Formation?" queried Luo Yin, a placid grin spreading across his visage, betraying no hint of concern.
The "senile old coots" viewed such matters as perilous, but to Luo Yin, it was simply a matter of time before he vanquished them.
"I am familiar with the Cerberus Formation. It was an unfortunate defeat. The victory was rightfully ours, belonging to His Highness, the Emperor of the Eternal Empire, the one true ruler of Humanity, and his devoted warriors—the marshalls and soldiers of our military."
"However, the rebels' deceitful stratagem caught them off-guard, and in the end, a million of our bravest, brightest, and best met a meaningless demise."
"It would bring anguish to His Highness if we were to repeat the same errors of our predecessors in the upcoming battle."
"I may be foolish, but wouldn't it be prudent to withdraw honorably instead of impulsively rushing forward in pursuit of glory?" questioned the Vice Admiral Zhao with a heavy sigh, his countenance forlorn as he recollected one of the empire's most significant losses in history.
The feeling of grief was visible on his face as he explained to Luo Yin of the empire's one of the greatest losses in the history of the eternal.
Unbeknownst to them, Sadly, the Emperor himself had slain many more to create a facade of a perfect utopia without a trace of corruption. But that was a lost cause.
"Your eloquence is undeniable, milord, but I cannot concede to your argument. Withdrawal is not an option." firmly replied Luo Yin, declining the Vice Admiral's suggestion courteously.
"Foolish thinking indeed, you worse than incompetent blatherer." Luo Yin thought in disdain.
"But … why? May we inquire about your reasoning?" queried Vice Admiral Zhao, his expression suggesting his exasperation with the seemingly stubborn youngster.
"We have an overwhelming tactical advantage over the enemy." replied Luo Yin nonchalantly, paying no attention to the Vice Admiral's tone.
"I don't understand." said Vice Admiral Zhao, his brows furrowing in confusion.
Admirals Zhang, Wu, and Suo stared at Luo Yin, dumbfounded by his response.
Only Yang, the youngest among them, however, displayed a keen interest in Luo Yin's explanation, his light-aquamarine eyes gleaming with curiosity.
Yang belonged to a lower-class aristocratic family and claimed that he had joined the military to secure his next meal. For which, Some referred to him as greedy.
Yang had garnered a reputation for devising high-speed, high-mobility attacks, but it was also said that he lacked tenacity when it came to defending against assaults.
"It would seem you have an opinion that is difficult for dullards such as ourselves to understand. We would be grateful if you could explain your meaning in more detail."
Vice Admiral Zhao's loud voice grated on Luo Yin's ears. Despite of which, Luo Yin kept his composure and simply grinned.