With a grand plan in place, Cero decided to embark on the first monumental step in this new world: large-scale construction. He knew that to conquer the Noxian Ocean and Abyssal Sea, a larger and more formidable fleet was a necessity.
Standing in his office surrounded by strategic maps and logistical reports from his team, his focus shifted to another matter—the shop interface in his system, where he could allocate his remaining Gold to bolster his military strength.
Activating the Modern Generation System, the familiar blue holographic screen materialized, projecting the store's interface before him.
"Sistem," he commanded firmly.
[System active. Ready to assist, Director.]
"I want to use the remaining Gold to strengthen the fleet. Show me ship recommendations suitable for our current strategy."
[Accessing store feature... Scanning current conditions... Analyzing operational needs...]
After a few seconds, the system displayed a list of ships, detailing their statistics and primary functions:
System Ship Recommendations:
Arleigh Burke-Class Destroyer (DDG-51)
Cost: 500 Gold
Function: Multi-role destroyer equipped with guided missile systems.
Armament:Aegis Missile System (SM-2 and SM-3) for long-range air defense.Harpoon anti-ship missiles.Mk 46 torpedoes for underwater combat.
Advantages: High operational flexibility, capable of surviving diverse combat scenarios.
Drawbacks: Significant logistical support required.
Virginia-Class Attack Submarine
Cost: 450 Gold
Function: Nuclear-powered attack submarine for reconnaissance and underwater assaults.
Armament:Mk 48 torpedoes.Tomahawk cruise missiles for long-range strikes.
Advantages: Stealth infiltration capability, ideal for crippling enemy fleets before battle.
Drawbacks: Ineffective in surface combat.
Invincible-Class Light Aircraft Carrier
Cost: 800 Gold
Function: Light carrier capable of deploying VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) aircraft such as Harriers or attack drones.
Armament:Capacity for up to 20 aircraft/drones.CIWS (Close-In Weapon System) for self-defense.
Advantages: Provides air superiority during naval operations.
Drawbacks: Vulnerable without supporting ships.
Cero studied the details displayed on the holographic interface carefully, weighing the options.
"Hmm... System," he said, "which of these suits our current situation best?"
[Operational analysis complete. Recommendation: Arleigh Burke-Class Destroyer. Reasons:
Noxian Ocean operations demand tactical superiority on the surface.The Aegis air defense system ensures protection against aerial threats.Harpoon missiles and torpedoes offer versatility against various sea threats.]
Cero nodded slowly, considering the recommendation. "And what about the submarine?"
[Virginia-Class Submarine excels in reconnaissance and underwater strikes but offers limited impact in direct surface engagements. Suggested for future acquisitions.]
"What about the aircraft carrier?" he asked.
[The Invincible-Class Light Aircraft Carrier is highly effective for air superiority. However, given the current Gold reserves, purchasing it would reduce resource flexibility for other needs.]
Cero smirked, satisfied with the analysis. "Alright. We'll start with the Arleigh Burke."
[Confirm purchase: Arleigh Burke-Class Destroyer?]
"Confirm," Cero replied without hesitation.
Immediately, the system processed the purchase, and a holographic flash manifested a detailed model of the destroyer before him. Technical data and logistical plans for deploying the ship were seamlessly integrated into the system.
Once the ship was summoned and stationed at the main harbor, Cero summoned Ragner and several officers to inspect their new asset.
"This ship is now one of our greatest assets," Cero declared, pointing at the destroyer majestically floating at the dock. "I want the crew trained immediately to operate its missile and air defense systems. Ragner, ensure it's ready for operations within two weeks."
Ragner saluted sharply. "Understood, Director. We'll begin training right away."
Cero turned to Lieutenant Brax, head of logistics. "Brax, secure missile and torpedo supplies. We cannot afford to have this ship unprepared when we need it."
"Yes, Director," Brax replied firmly.
As the inspection concluded, Cero stood on the harbor's bridge, gazing at the newly acquired destroyer gleaming under the sun. His mind was filled with ambitious plans to dominate the seas and claim the strategic islands of the Noxian Ocean.
"Sistem," he called again.
[Ready to serve, Director.]
"Simulate a military operation with this destroyer leading the fleet. Include enemy ship threats and aerial assaults in the scenario."
[Processing simulation... complete. Result: Arleigh Burke-Class Destroyer increases operational success by 40%. Minimal risks with adequate support from the fleet.]
Cero's lips curled into a faint smile, his eyes sharp and calculating. "Good. This is just the first step. The world will soon know who I am."
Back in his office, Cero scrutinized the holographic graphs displaying his gold mining reports. The numbers were unsatisfactory. Production was declining, leaving him increasingly frustrated. Despite the mines still operating, the resources produced were insufficient to meet the demands of logistics, construction, and personnel expansion.
He knew one truth: Gold was the lifeblood of his operations. Without it, his ambitions would falter. But acquiring Gold in substantial quantities was no simple task. Pillaging merchant ships crossed his mind, but he quickly dismissed the idea.
"I will not be branded a pirate," he muttered to himself. "If I am to conquer this world, my name must be remembered as a leader, not a bandit."
Yet the pressing need couldn't be ignored—logistics had to improve, forces had to grow, and the current island was too small to house all his plans. He needed new territory.
Standing before a massive map of Althera hanging on the wall, his thoughts zeroed in on one name: Isvel. The former queen of the mystical Yundal Kingdom, now a tenuous ally and a potential source of invaluable information.
"Ragner," Cero called through the intercom.
A firm voice responded promptly, "At your service, Director."
"Bring Isvel to the briefing room. I need to speak with her."
"Understood. She'll be there shortly."
Minutes later, Isvel entered the briefing room, flanked by two marines. Though technically free, she remained under constant watch. Her long black hair swayed with her elegant steps, and her crimson, slit-like eyes locked onto Cero.
"Cero," she said casually, her tone teasing yet enigmatic. "What's this? Do you miss me?"
Ignoring her provocation, Cero gestured toward the chair opposite him. "Sit. I need information from you."
Raising an eyebrow, she complied. "Information? Now you've piqued my curiosity. What do you want to know?"
Cero's expression was serious as he spoke. "The Kingdom of Delos," he said bluntly. "You mentioned they took your kingdom. I need details about their territory—their strengths, weaknesses, and which region we can target first."
Isvel chuckled softly, but there was no joy in her voice. "Delos," she said coldly, as if just saying the name was enough to disgust her. "A great kingdom, full of ambition and greed. They are the reason my kingdom, Yundal, is now nothing but ashes. But I doubt you care about that. You're only interested in what you can take from them."
"You're right," Cero replied calmly. "But if it makes you feel any better, this invasion isn't just about taking land. It's about building something greater."
Isvel leaned back in her chair, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. "And what do you offer me in return? I can tell you everything you want to know about Delos, but I don't give out information for free."
Cero crossed his arms over his chest. "You want revenge, don't you? If I take territory from Delos, it's the first step in breaking them. And if you help me, I'll make sure your name is remembered when that day comes."
Isvel seemed to contemplate this, then offered a faint smile. "You're clever, Cero. You know how to entice someone like me. Very well, I'll give you the information you need."
She stood and approached the large map hanging on the wall. Her slender hand pointed to the southwestern region of the map, where a vast kingdom sprawled.
"This is Delos," she said. "They're one of the strongest kingdoms in Althera, with military and magical power that cannot be underestimated. Their capital, Luthen, is situated at the heart of the continent, protected by mountains to the north and a vast river to the south."
She then pointed to a smaller region near the northeastern coast of Delos. "But this area, Pelagos, is where you can strike. It's a major port, the central trade hub between Delos and the Yurlath Confederacy. If you take Pelagos, you won't just cut off their trade routes—you'll weaken their influence at sea."
Cero nodded, his eyes glinting with satisfaction. "And what about their strength there?"
"Pelagos doesn't have strong defenses," Isvel replied. "Most of Delos's forces are stationed in the capital and along the northern border. They consider the port safe because of its proximity to the heart of the kingdom. But that's also their weakness."
Cero sat back down, his fingers tapping the surface of the conference table in a slow rhythm as he mulled over the plan. "Pelagos," he murmured. "It's the perfect target. Close to the sea, rich in resources, and strategically vital for controlling trade."
Isvel smirked faintly. "But don't underestimate Delos, Cero. If you strike them, they will retaliate. You'll need to be ready to face their true strength."
"I know," Cero replied.