The tension in the detention hall finally eased as Isvel was escorted back to her quarters, under the tight watch of marines handpicked by Cero himself. Yet, the air remained heavy with unease and whispered doubts among the soldiers. Many questioned the wisdom of their leader's decisions.
As Cero stepped out of the detention hall, a mid-ranking officer, Lieutenant Brax, approached cautiously. His expression betrayed his concern.
"Dire— I mean, Sir," Brax began, stumbling over the title. "Are you certain this is wise? Allowing that… creature to roam free?"
Brax glanced back toward the now-empty cell where Isvel had been confined. "I mean… Isvel—whatever she is—clearly isn't something we can control easily."
Cero stopped in his tracks and fixed Brax with a sharp, unflinching stare. "First, Brax," he said firmly, "I've told you before: stop calling me 'Sir.' I'm not a noble or a king. I'm a Director. Make sure the others understand that."
Brax stiffened, offering a quick salute. "Understood, Director."
"And second," Cero continued, his tone measured but resolute, "Isvel isn't someone you simply lock away without purpose. She's offered her assistance, and I'll make the most of it. But don't mistake me—I know exactly what I'm doing."
Brax hesitated, doubt flickering in his eyes, but ultimately nodded. "Understood, Director. I'll relay your orders to the troops."
"Good," Cero replied curtly, resuming his stride toward his office, leaving Brax to carry out his instructions.
In his office, Cero stood before a desk cluttered with reports from various divisions. A large map of the new world sprawled across the surface, marked with locations identified from prisoner and slave interrogations.
Seated at his desk, Cero activated the holographic interface of the Modern Generation System—a futuristic tool exclusive to him. A cool blue light bathed the room, blending uneasily with the medieval wooden and stone aesthetics of the headquarters.
"System," Cero called, his voice steady and commanding.
[System Active: Ready to assist, Director.]
"I need a status report on current resources, including logistics supplies, production rates, and operational budgets. Also, simulate a 30% increase in troop numbers, factoring in projected costs and additional logistical requirements."
[Compiling data… processing simulation…]
While the system worked, Cero's mind turned toward his next moves. His thoughts weren't solely on military growth but also on how to integrate Isvel into his broader strategy. Though she had offered her aid, Cero understood that the horned woman had her own motives. For now, that was acceptable—as long as he remained in control.
The system chimed, displaying data and projections on the holographic screen.
[Resource Report:
Logistics: 70% of optimal capacity.Production Rates: Stable.Operational Budget: A 30% troop increase requires a 20% boost in logistical production and a 15% increase in Essentia resources.Operational Simulation: Increase feasible with minimal risk to resource stability.]
Cero gave a satisfied nod. "Good. Begin a gradual implementation of the troop increase. Prioritize logistical production to sustain military expansion."
[Order acknowledged. Initiating implementation.]
In the war room, Cero convened his top officers and technical specialists from various divisions. The space buzzed with the sound of heavy boots and the rustling of documents as they prepared their reports.
Seated at the head of the table with the Modern Generation System active before him, Cero opened the meeting with a grave tone.
"We're here to discuss domination of the surrounding seas. Before we proceed, I want detailed reports on what we have, what we need, and how we achieve it."
Commander Ragner, head of military operations, rose and saluted. "Director, allow me to provide an overview. Currently, we have three operational ships in our fleet."
Fleet Composition:
RFS Sovershennyy – A main warship equipped with 3M24 Uran anti-ship missiles (8 per launcher).
Strengths: Deadly for ship-to-ship combat.
Weaknesses: Requires support against aerial and underwater threats.
Gorshkov-Class Frigates (2 units) – Versatile patrol and escort ships armed with 130mm automatic cannons and short-range air defense missiles.
Strengths: Fast and flexible, ideal for escort and patrol.
Weaknesses: Lower durability compared to main warships.
Amphibious Transport Ship – Designed for marine and logistical transport, with minimal offensive capabilities.
Strengths: Large capacity for personnel and equipment.
Weaknesses: Vulnerable in direct combat.
Ragner continued, "Director, if we intend to dominate the Noxian Ocean, we need a significantly larger fleet capable of countering threats both above and below the waves."
Cero gazed at the holographic map of the Noxian Ocean projected onto the table. The region was a chaotic expanse dotted with uncharted islands and hidden dangers.
"Be specific, Ragner," Cero said evenly. "What do we need?"
Ragner responded immediately, his tone precise and confident.
Fast-Attack Submarines:
Diesel-electric submarines armed with torpedoes and missile systems.Purpose: Ambush trade routes and neutralize enemy vessels covertly.
Destroyers:
Heavily armed ships with long-range anti-ship missiles, air defense systems, and anti-submarine capabilities.
Purpose: Backbone of the fleet for offensive and defensive operations.
Mobile Air Defense Systems:
Short-range missile systems mounted on frigates or amphibious platforms.
Purpose: Protect the fleet from sudden aerial attacks.
Amphibious Combat Vehicles:
Lightly armed vehicles capable of operating on both land and sea.
Purpose: Securing small islands and coastal areas.
Maritime Reconnaissance Drones:
Unmanned drones for wide-area surveillance and underwater threat detection.
Purpose: Provide the fleet with tactical intelligence before engagements.
Ragner concluded, "In addition, we need a larger force of marines trained for naval operations and sufficient logistical supplies to sustain prolonged campaigns."
Cero leaned back, considering the demands carefully. His mind calculated not just the resources needed but also the strategic benefits of each asset. Finally, he gave a decisive nod.
"Begin drafting procurement and training plans. We'll grow the fleet and fortify our position. The Noxian Ocean will belong to us."
After Ragner's report concluded, Lieutenant Alana, the head of logistics, stood to deliver her briefing. Adjusting her glasses, she addressed the room.
"Director," she began, her tone measured, "dominating a vast maritime territory will require a significant upgrade in logistics. Here are the specifics:
Fuel:
A 30% increase will be necessary to support the operations of an expanded fleet.Primary source: untapped oil reserves from nearby islands.
Ammunition:
Current missile and torpedo supplies are sufficient for three months but will deplete faster with intensified operations.Local production of small-scale missiles can be initiated with existing equipment.
Food and Supplies:
Enhanced storage capacity on transport ships is required to sustain the troops for more than three weeks at sea.
New Port:
An additional port on a small island in the middle of the Noxian Ocean could serve as a logistics hub and ship repair facility."
Cero nodded, absorbing the information with a sharp focus. "Alana, prioritize fuel acquisition and design a robust storage system to support prolonged operations. Ensure we don't run out of supplies mid-campaign."
"Understood, Director," Alana replied firmly.
With the reports concluded, Cero returned to his office, sitting alone at his desk. Before him, the holographic interface of the Modern Generation System displayed synchronized maps and data from Ragner and Alana's presentations.
"Sistem," he called out.
[Ready to assist, Director.]
"Estimate the time required to prepare the fleet and logistics in accordance with Ragner and Alana's reports."
[Simulation complete. Full preparations will take 60 days, contingent on increased mining output and the exploitation of new resource deposits.]
Cero allowed himself a faint smile. "Good. Begin the process. I want everything ready in under two months. We'll launch our operations to conquer the Noxian Ocean."
[Order acknowledged. Implementation initiated.]
Leaning back in his chair, Cero stared at the sprawling map of this new world. His ambition to dominate the seas had officially begun, and he knew that the challenges ahead were merely stepping stones toward the power he envisioned.