The beetles, driven by Xiao Guang, flew in a neat formation, their reins taut and straight, pulling the vessel carrying seven hundred people.
Sailors shouted out chants as they vigorously manipulated their oars. Dozens of individuals worked together to adjust the sails to catch the wind's optimal angle. With combined effort, the ship sliced through the waves with an untamed demeanor, its speed matching that of land travel.
On both sides of the ship, alligators were rapidly closing in. Ripples on the water's surface grew larger, and the sound of splashing water was audible.
Everyone was exerting themselves to the fullest. These two alligators had come out of curiosity, their claws capable of easily claiming the lives of hundreds with a single gentle swipe against the fragile vessel.
Captain Ma, standing at the bow, cursed loudly, "I'll be damned, your protected animals! If I survive this, I'm going to wear alligator skin. I'll be feeding crabs to dogs every day."
"Full speed ahead!"
"One, two!"
"One, two!"
The rowers exerted Herculean strength.
The commander anxiously observed the coastline growing closer. The alligators on both sides were approaching as well. Dozens of beetles in the sky pulled the ship relentlessly forward. The sail handlers clenched the ropes, utilizing every bit of wind to their advantage. The ship was pushing its limits, charging across the water surface with almost reckless determination.
"Attention, everyone!"
"Release the tail ship!"
The large vessel that had set out from Crab Island was assembled from a main ship and several smaller tail ships. Crew members were now unfastening the last tail ship.
The alligators on both sides drew closer. The ship's only two catapults were primed, and the limited number of stones were about to be launched.
The ship's acceleration had reached its peak. Crew members were expending every ounce of their energy, risking their lives. Old Su stood at the bow, facing the wind, while Li Ji looked at him. Old Su shook his head, and Li Ji was overcome with a sense of inexplicable grief and fury. He shouted loudly, "Push harder! Give it everything you've got!"
"One, two, one, two!"
"One, two, one, two!"
The cadence of the chants increased noticeably, yet the ship's speed remained unchanged. Physical stamina was pushed to the limit. At this life-or-death moment, no one would give up.
Li Ji gazed at Old Su, who in turn looked at the alligators. Old Su shook his head.
Suddenly, the wind seemed to pick up. The crew members pulling the wind sails brightened, swiftly adjusting their positions.
With the heavy ropes and large sails, it was a strenuous task, leaving red marks on many hands. Some of the more impulsive youngsters wrapped the ropes around their arms, their palms already blistered.
"Brothers, keep pushing!"
"Pull with all your might."
The wind grew stronger, yet unstable. The ropes couldn't hold up. Human strength was feeble against the forces of nature, and the shrunken human figures resembled ants, appearing even more powerless. The erratic sails failed to provide the desired acceleration, instead causing the ship, already inferior to the alligators, to sway even more violently.
At this moment, the ship's cabin floor opened, revealing first one bearded and haggard face, then another. These individuals, somewhat worn from hardship, crawled out from below with determined expressions. They were the wounded and the sick. A year of surviving in the wilderness, battling, teetering between life and death—aside from those who sacrificed themselves, a third of them were wounded or sick.
Lacking clothing and medicines, minor ailments escalated to major ones, small injuries turned into grave wounds. Often, a simple cold and fever could snatch away half a life.
What these people were about to do, both Li Ji and the others knew. No one said a word extra, just nodding silently. The limping, supporting each other, the last ones to come up, crawling—they clung onto the ropes with unwavering determination in their eyes.
Li Ji hesitated no longer, gritting his teeth in frustration. He glanced at the wind direction, his eyes bloodshot, and gave a loud order.
"Main sail, turn left by twenty degrees."
"One, two, pull!"
People pulled the ropes desperately, shouting chants. The wind was fierce, and the wild snake-like ropes threw people off balance.
A sharp creak, and the sail was raised.
Some, without any hesitation, rushed over to quickly tighten and secure it.
"Ah, ah!" Cheers erupted from the crowd. The ship's speed visibly increased. Li Ji looked at Old Su, who eased his expression slightly, but still shook his head.
The alligators wouldn't waste time. They had been getting closer all along, converging from both sides at the back of the ship, pursuing relentlessly. The closest one was already within shooting range.
"Abandon the tail ship!"
All the tail ships had been untied. Upon hearing the command, people began evacuating. With every ship that became empty, the connected ropes were immediately cut simultaneously.
The powerless tail ship was swiftly caught up by the alligators. The pursuing reptiles showed no mercy, crushing the tail ship in a single bite.
The people on the ship watched the alligators that followed with expressionless faces. Without the tail ship, the remaining vessels gained a good amount of speed. The deafening buzzing noise indicated that Xiao Guang's beetles had reached their limits.
The speed was still too slow!
"Catapults, ready, fire!"
The stones whistled through the air, landing on the alligators, but these creatures merely blinked.
The limited number of stones was soon depleted.
"Crossbowmen, ready!"
"Fire!"
The sound of "whoosh, whoosh" echoed incessantly. Some projectiles landed near the alligators, while others bounced off their tough skin. People ground their teeth in frustration.
"Fire!"
"Everyone, fire at will! Full-speed barrage!"
Words were no longer necessary. They were only a hair's breadth away from the shore. Once they reached the shore, the alligators might smash the boats, but they wouldn't attack ants like them. However, just that tiny distance could be the difference between success and failure.
The beach was so close, a clean stretch of fine sand lay before them. It seemed there were no predators, and even if there were, they couldn't be more difficult to handle than crabs. Once they reached the shore, they might all survive. But at this moment, their efforts might end in vain.
Hearts raced, waiting for the alligator's massive jaws to open, the final scene to unfold.
Old Su glanced at Li Ji, who nodded. Old Su walked to the bow and released the reins of the beetle Xiao Guang was riding.
Xiao Guang focused on urging the beetle forward, unable to constantly turn around. Things had happened too quickly— from firing the crossbows to the alligators catching up— it all occurred within seconds.
Suddenly, the pull from the boat ceased, and Xiao Guang's beetle shot forward with an unexpected burst of speed, startling him. He quickly turned around, seeing Old Su at the helm.
Perceptive as he was, Xiao Guang understood Old Su's intentions in an instant. With determination, he executed a sharp turn and swiftly returned, flying closer to the boat.
"Go, hurry!" Old Su shouted urgently, his voice laden with earnestness and anxiety. "You've done your best, now go. Take care of my daughter. Please!"
"Release all the reins! Trust me, I have a plan. Trust me this one time!" Xiao Guang shouted as he spiraled overhead.
"Release the reins!" With absolute trust, Old Su gave the command.
Everyone believed in Xiao Guang. He wasn't trying to take all the beetles away in escape.
"Is this a manned flight? Can we save a few lives at least?" Old Su barely had time to think.
Soon, almost in an instant, the beetles all buzzed into the air together. Freed from the restraints of the reins, they soared far away.
Xiao Guang had already positioned himself some distance away while the others released the reins. Waiting in a hover, he then shot forward, leading the beetle swarm in a dramatic aerial dance. After a brief and peculiar display in the sky, most of the beetles followed Xiao Guang, resembling a squadron of fighter jets as they boldly charged towards the alligators that sought to catch up with the ship.