I built an armada.

The somber atmosphere at the breakfast table had not completely dissipated.

General Koro's encrypted tablet lit up again. After quickly scanning it, a complex expression appeared on his face. He looked up at General Cruz in the main seat.

"General, there's more to come."

"The Foreign Affairs Department of the Longxia Tribe has just released a carefully worded statement, providing an 'official explanation' of the auction process for the aircraft carrier 'Fukuno'."

"They specifically emphasized that this is a matter of handling 'ownerless assets' based on 'international business rules' and that they 'look forward to maintaining regional peace and stability with all parties on the basis of mutual respect'."

After glancing at Cruise, Willis, and Douglas, Coro added, "The statement was impeccably written, but the composure of the victor and the implicit warning between the lines were impossible to hide."

"Humph!"

General Cruise snorted coldly, looking quite displeased, and gently placed his coffee cup on the saucer, making a crisp clinking sound.

"It has a profound meaning..."

His gaze gradually deepened. "They have not only won militarily, but now they also want to win the right to speak and the right to set the rules."

"They use our rules to humiliate us, and then stand on the moral high ground. Longxia's foreign affairs department is becoming more and more cunning."

"This time, the people of the Eastern Wilderness have completely lost face. From now on, they will be inferior to the people of Longxia, no, to the people of the world. This is the cruel reality of the international community!"

"Fortunately, this matter has little to do with our country, so we don't have to worry about it."

No sooner had he finished speaking than Koro dropped another bombshell: "We have also received confirmation from the European side."

"The countries in the European maritime region, including core countries such as the Gallic tribes, the Hans tribes, and the Boots tribes, have publicly expressed their welcome to the Longxia Naval Expeditionary Fleet through formal diplomatic channels, and to exchange views on international security issues of common concern."

This news immediately shocked everyone present.

"what?!"

This time, even General Cruise could not remain completely calm, his brows furrowed deeply. "Foolish! Short-sighted! They're drinking poison to quench their thirst!"

His voice was filled with obvious anger, "Can't they see that the Longxia Navy's trip is not a so-called 'friendly visit' at all, but rather a show of force to flex its muscles and undermine our relationship with our traditional allies, riding the wave of a great victory?"

"Their move is tantamount to handing over a stepping stone to the already tense standoff between us and Longxia! It has turned our previous seven-nation naval joint exercise into an international joke!"

He took a deep breath, suppressing his anger, and turned sharply to Captain Douglas of the USS Condor, who had remained silent.

General Cruise's expression turned unusually serious as he reminded him, "Douglas, listen, your fleet is currently operating in the relevant waters. I want you to remember that clearly!"

"Without direct orders from headquarters, and without absolute certainty of victory, we are absolutely not allowed to provoke the Longxia Navy, or even to engage in dangerous close-range maneuvers!"

"Do you understand? In the current situation, one wrong step could trigger a chain reaction. We cannot afford the cost of a direct conflict with Longxia at this time and place!"

A hint of disdain flashed across Captain Douglas's face, but he maintained his military discipline.

He bowed slightly and accepted the order: "Understood, General. We will remain vigilant and act with caution."

However, a flicker of defiant spirit danced in his lowered eyes.

In his view, the Eagle Navy has been traversing the seas for decades, so how could it be timid and hesitant because of a single tactical victory by the Dragon Summer Navy?

He secretly thought that perhaps he could find an opportunity to "test" the true reaction of the Longxia Navy without direct conflict.

This time, he was going to completely crush the Longxia Navy and make them...
Willis, on the other hand, kept his head down, frantically working on the cold food on his plate, as if trying to focus all his attention on chewing in order to cover up his embarrassment and lack of presence.

He returned to base because he had "deserted in the face of battle," although it was a very rational choice that saved the lives of so many sailors. Now, listening to the generals discussing Longxia's strength and Europe's "betrayal," he felt his face burning with embarrassment.

Koro's earlier words about "auctioning off an aircraft carrier" echoed in his mind like a curse. He couldn't help but think again that if he had made a slightly different choice back then, the "Enterprise" might be the one being discussed and humiliated now.

The relief of surviving the ordeal was intertwined with the shame of his professional dignity being shattered, making him feel like he was sitting on pins and needles, and he dared not interrupt to express any opinion.

He knew very well that, as a soldier, he had not resolutely carried out his superiors' orders, but had instead taken it upon himself to reach some kind of ceasefire agreement with the Longxia Navy at the front lines.

To the rest of the group, this behavior was tantamount to surrender!

……

Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, deep in the central desert, in the palace of a wealthy and modern oil-rich country.

The young crown prince was listening to a report from his Energy and Industry Minister, Bird Edin.

"Your Highness, we have received confirmation from the Longxia tribe. They are about to put the captured aircraft carrier 'Fukuno,' which has a displacement of over 60,000 tons, up for public auction."

Bird Eddin's voice held a hint of excitement. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!"

The crown prince stood before the huge floor-to-ceiling window, gazing at the brightly lit city outside, his eyes sharp and shrewd.

"Buying an aircraft carrier?"

He gently swirled the crystal glass in his hand, causing the amber liquid inside to ripple. "Byrd Edin, you haven't seen enough. What we're buying isn't just tens of thousands of tons of steel, nor is it just the technical specifications of the aircraft carrier itself."

“What we are buying is the attitude of the Longxia Navy, the military influence of the Longxia tribe, insurance for the future in turbulent regions, and even... a disguised form of ‘surrender’.”

He knew very well that as the largest oil-rich country in the central region, with the growing strength of the Longxia tribe and the expansion of the Longxia navy, the Tesha tribe could no longer rely solely on the protection of the Eagle tribe.

They must take concrete actions to bring the Longxia tribe into the fold and make them another powerful ally!
He turned and looked intently at his minister: "At a time of dramatic change in the global landscape, we must make choices. The Eagle Tribe remains powerful, but its strategic focus and reliability are questionable."

"And Longxia, like a rising sun, is demonstrating unprecedented strength, determination, and... keeping its promises, with infrastructure and energy cooperation progressing steadily." "Participating in this auction and striving to win it is the best opportunity for us to express goodwill to Longxia and deepen our strategic partnership! This carries more weight than any statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs!"

Therefore, he decisively ordered: "Immediately assemble a top-level bidding team, led by you, Bird Edin, in my private jet, and fly directly to the Dragonxia Tribe! Make sure to demonstrate our sincerity and strength!"

"As you command, Your Highness!"

Bird Edin bowed deeply, his eyes sparkling with anticipation for the future.

Almost simultaneously, several major Middle Eastern countries, including the Te'a, Te'sha, and Te'ka tribes, which are wealthy due to their abundant oil resources, also received the news.

They may not have the same far-reaching strategic considerations as the crown princes of oil-rich countries, but they are equally tempted.

Seeing that the oil-rich country and the Tesha tribe are also rumored to be interested in participating, the royal families may possess or even ride in aircraft carriers, even if they are second-hand spoils, equipment that symbolizes the power of top-level superpowers.

This greatly stimulated the deep-seated desires of these sheikhs and royalty who held substantial wealth and yearned to enhance their international standing and sense of security.

In a short time, multiple luxury private jets bearing the emblems of different tribal royal families took off from various desert oasis airports, carrying their respective plenipotentiaries and abundant "sincerity," mainly huge amounts of bank drafts, heading towards that ancient yet emerging power in the East.

……

Longxia Tribe, the Imperial Capital.

The atmosphere inside the Naval Headquarters Base Operations Command Center was solemn and orderly.

The enormous electronic nautical chart that occupies an entire wall is like a miniature, dynamic ocean world.

Against a deep blue background, lines of latitude and longitude are clearly intersected, and markers representing spheres of influence, shipping routes, and sensitive areas of various countries flash in different colors.

Most striking of all is the massive fleet symbol composed of a dozen or so deep blue triangular cursors, which, with a steady and resolute posture, is cutting a clear white trail across the simulated sea, steadily approaching the distant southwest, the seas near Europe.

This expeditionary fleet, composed of elite forces drawn from the Longxia Navy, is under the unified command of Captain Zhou Qinglei, a distinguished captain known for his rigorous and resolute character.

The fleet comprises three elite combat corps, totaling eighteen main warships of various types, forming a well-structured, offensive and defensive mobile fortress at sea.

This includes four new 10,000-ton guided-missile destroyers, which are multi-functional maritime combat platforms that combine powerful regional air defense, anti-ship, and anti-submarine capabilities, serving as an indispensable protective umbrella for the fleet.

Eight high-performance Type 052D multi-purpose guided-missile destroyers, like agile naval cavalry, are responsible for medium- and short-range defense and attack missions.

The two large and technologically advanced replenishment ships serve as the fleet's "mobile logistics bases," ensuring that this ocean-going force can conduct continuous operations away from its homeland for extended periods.

In addition, at least two attack submarines are quietly following underwater. They are the most stealthy trump card, undertaking underwater surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, and strategic deterrence missions.

The size, modernization, and demonstrated long-range deployment capabilities of this force are enough to make any power along the route that pays attention to maritime power take notice and secretly assess the changes in regional influence it brings.

Meanwhile, on the invisible level of diplomatic electromagnetic waves, another "battle" without gunpowder has just come to an end.

Ambassador Chen, the chief representative of the Longxia tribe to countries in the European waters, has just concluded a video conference with the foreign affairs ambassadors of seven major countries.

On the screen, Ambassador Chen smiled, his tone gentle yet carrying undeniable weight: "Esteemed Ambassadors, on behalf of the Longxia tribe, I would like to reiterate the original intention of our naval fleet's journey to your waters."

"This is a long-planned friendly visit aimed at enhancing mutual understanding and promoting peace and cooperation."

"At the same time, we also hope to take this opportunity to fulfill a basic responsibility: to bring back our fellow countrymen from Longxia who are stranded overseas for various reasons and are eager to return home. We call this the 'Homecoming Campaign'."

"I believe this aligns with our shared interests and values."

He had prepared several countermeasures, including how to flex his muscles when the other party made things difficult, mentioning the strength of the fleet, and how to use economic leverage, such as threatening means like economic cooperation. In the end, none of them were used.

On the other side of the screen, the ambassadors had different expressions, but they all ultimately expressed a similar attitude.

The Gallic ambassador stated first: "We understand and welcome the friendly visit of the Longxia Navy, which is of great significance for maintaining the security of maritime routes. We will provide the necessary facilitation for your country's repatriation of its citizens within the framework of international law and bilateral agreements."

Ambassadors from the Hans tribe, the Boots tribe, and other countries echoed the sentiments, and the negotiations concluded in an unexpectedly smooth atmosphere.

When the news reached China, Liu Huaming, who was in charge of coordinating the overall operation, smiled broadly and said to Xu Dongguo and Qian Wenbing beside him, "It seems that our previous battle was indeed worthwhile. Now, people are listening to us."

Xu Dongguo nodded with emotion: "Yes, the talks went so smoothly, saving us a lot of trouble. Strength is indeed the most powerful diplomatic language."

Qian Wenbing immediately chimed in: "Since they've given us face, we should also make sure the details are perfect. Lao Zhou, we need to finalize the specifics of the visit immediately, and we can't afford any mistakes."

After a tense but efficient video conference with Commander Zhou Qinglei, who was far away on the fleet, the order and timing of the visit were finally determined: the entire visit would last for 14 days.

The itinerary included two days in each of the first seven major countries, focusing on activities such as port openings, joint exercises, and cultural exchanges; the final stop was set aside for one and a half days, primarily to facilitate the boarding of overseas Chinese. The trip was tightly packed with a clear objective.

"Alright, it's settled then! Zhao Xin, immediately pass on the final plan, and the Foreign Affairs Department should issue a public announcement simultaneously!" Liu Huaming decisively gave the order.

Zhang Zhaoxin stood up in response and quickly left the meeting room to convey the instructions.

Shortly afterward, the Longxia Tribe's Foreign Affairs Department released a new announcement through official channels and global media.

The announcement formally announced the agreement reached with seven countries in the European waters, published the itinerary of the Longxia naval expeditionary fleet, and specifically notified all Longxia compatriots stranded in the relevant countries.

"The nation has arranged 'follow-the-wind' vessels. Please proceed to the designated locations to assemble and board the ships according to the fleet's arrival times at various ports. Naval personnel will escort you home!"

"We will be waiting for your return back home!"

The announcement detailed the specific dates and time windows for the fleet's arrival at each port, presenting a clear and concise itinerary that exuded the reassurance of national power. (End of Chapter)