I built an armada.

Koro looked at the somewhat distraught Cruise and sighed inwardly.

He noticed that although General Cruz appeared relaxed on the surface, seemingly having emerged from the shadow of defeat, the anxiety and desire to escape deep in his eyes remained undiminished.

This deliberate relaxation is more like a disguise to numb oneself.

"Our transfer applications have all been suppressed."

Koro calmly stated a fact: "The message from the government is clear: we are now in the same boat. Until a suitable successor is found, or the situation becomes clearer, we must stabilize the situation here."

Cruise scratched his head in frustration, took a few deep breaths, and forced himself to calm down.

He picked up his glass again, took a big gulp, and asked, "What about those two guys, Willis and Douglas? How are they?" He was referring to the commander of the destroyer squadron and the aircraft carrier captain who had participated in that naval battle.

"They often get together."

Koro replied, "It is said that their mental state has been adjusted quite well, after all... they have done their best. The post-war psychological assessment report also shows that their condition is relatively stable."

To some extent, officers who directly participate in combat are more likely to accept and process defeat from a specific military perspective.

"And what about Bowensmit?"

Cruz then recalled the lucky commander of the USS Carl, who was unable to participate in the operation due to the delay of the carrier fleet.

"he?"

Koro curled his lip. "He and Willis never fought together, so they're even less likely to be together now. I heard he's enjoying his freedom and taking this opportunity to intensify his pilot training, as if nothing ever happened."

Cruise snorted coldly and offered no comment.

He then asked, "What about the base's repair work? Especially the progress on the damaged ships?"

When the conversation turned to specifics, Koro regained his professional tone: "It has been carried out in secret, General. But as you know, due to the conditions and confidentiality requirements here, we can only carry out some of the simplest emergency repairs to ensure that the hull does not deteriorate further and to ensure basic navigational safety."

"Most of the structural damage, and the complete repair of radar and weapon systems, can only be carried out after returning home and entering dry dock."

"The current focus is more on meticulously compiling a detailed account of every damage point, producing the most accurate repair report and a list of required spare parts as possible, in preparation for the subsequent major overhaul."

This means that for a considerable period of time, the combat effectiveness of this mighty eagle fleet stationed in the East will remain at an extremely low level, almost losing its substantial deterrent capability.

This was undoubtedly adding insult to injury for Cruise.

He waved his hand, indicating that Koro could leave.

When the office door closed again, leaving him alone, the irritation and toughness on Cruise's face vanished instantly, replaced by a deep weariness and bewilderment.

He gazed at the gloomy sky outside the window and the silhouettes of ships lying listlessly in the distant harbor, like wounded beasts. He felt like a wild animal trapped in a cage, his former majesty long since worn away by the iron cage of reality, leaving him only to endure the torment of awaiting an unknown fate.

The lights at Hongshan Base burn all night, illuminating the firm steps toward the deep blue sea; while under the gloom of Dongyang Base, there is only the helplessness and silence of a trapped beast struggling.

The tide of time surges forward amidst this stark contrast.

The Eastern Wilderness Tribe, the Eagle Tribe's garrison base.

The air in the commander's office seemed thicker and heavier than usual. General Cruise had just finished listening to the intelligence briefing on the latest developments in the Eastern Seas, and his hand, holding a whiskey glass, remained suspended in mid-air, not falling for a long time.

"The leaders of the Philippine tribe, the Thousand Buddha tribe, the Niying tribe... even that slippery Lijiapo tribe, have all been 'invited' away by the Great Chief?"

Cruise's voice was slightly hoarse as he downed the remaining wine in his glass, but the cold liquid failed to quell the inexplicable anxiety in his heart.

"It seems that Washington is determined to play a big game in this sea area."

He put down his wine glass and rubbed his face vigorously with both hands, trying to dispel the deep sense of powerlessness.

"The Eastern Seas... are destined for turmoil." A long sigh revealed his dejection as a frontline commander, yet powerless to change the course of events.

General Koro stood to the side, his expression equally grave.

He understood Cruise's feelings; in fact, he shared the same sentiment.

"General, the situation is indeed not optimistic. The Great Chieftain's move is intended to integrate the forces of the Eastern Continent's sea area and build a new chain against Longxia."

"Future confrontations will likely no longer be limited to small-scale frictions and probing."

"That's right!"

Cruise suddenly stood up, walked to the huge sea map on the wall, and pointed heavily at the long coastline of the Longxia tribe. "Through the last battle, the Longxia Navy has completely opened up the situation and broken the first island chain blockade that we have been working on for many years."

"But their fundamental beliefs are different from ours! What we pursue is a rules-based international order, and 'freedom of navigation' led by the Eagle Tribe!"

"And what about them? They are pursuing national rejuvenation, regional dominance, and their so-called 'peaceful development'!"

His tone carried a condescending criticism, but deep in his eyes lurked a barely perceptible fear.

"Their development will inevitably touch upon our core interests. The pie is only so big; if they take a bigger slice, we will have one less slice."

"The intensity of future confrontations in the waters around Dongzhou will far exceed that of any other hotspot in the world, and may even be more dangerous and direct than the counterinsurgency battles in the central region! This is a systemic clash!"

Cruise turned around, his gaze fixed intently on Koro: "Do you understand, Koro? This place is about to become a giant powder keg! If we stay here, we won't be a deterrent, but rather cannon fodder that might be the first to explode!"

"I must leave, and so must you. We must get away from this place of trouble as soon as possible!"

Koro nodded silently.

He also wanted to leave.

The shadow of the last naval battle still looms over the base, soldiers' morale is low, equipment repairs are slow, and domestic support remains ambiguous.

Staying here is torture every day.

"And those people from the Longxia tribe!"

Cruise seemed to have found an outlet for his frustration, continuing to complain, "The way they do things is truly baffling! They sold the Fukuno aircraft carrier without a second thought, and for an astronomical price, which essentially opened up the arms sales market across the entire planet." "The visit to the Europa Sea was also a resounding success. But when it comes to us, to the Eastern Wilderness tribe, they just keep dragging their feet! What are they trying to do? Do they expect us to kneel down and apologize?"

"This is incredibly inefficient and absurd!"

This complaint sounds more like the impotent rage of a defeated general.

He wanted the matter to end quickly so he could extricate himself, but he was also indignant that Longxia's side was acting unpredictably and controlling the pace of the event.

Koro chimed in, "Indeed, their rhythm is hard to grasp. Perhaps they are waiting for the perfect moment, or rather, waiting for us to reveal a bigger weakness."

Just as the two were silent, each lost in their own troubled thoughts, there was a knock on the office door.

A lieutenant colonel from the intelligence department strode in, a strange look on his face.

"General, there's been a result regarding the matter you specifically instructed us to pay attention to."

Cruise perked up: "Speak!"

"The Foreign Affairs Department of the Longxia Tribe issued a new announcement to the world at 8:10 AM local time in their capital. This is the full text of the announcement." The lieutenant colonel handed over a printed document.

Cruise practically snatched the document, and Koro immediately moved closer. Their eyes quickly scanned the carefully chosen, yet weighty, words.

The core message of the announcement is crystal clear.

First, we strongly condemn the Donghuang tribe for its unwarranted provocation in the previous naval battle, and for failing to provide any satisfactory explanation or account of its provocative actions after suffering a shameful defeat.

Secondly, a clear red line was drawn, requiring the Donghuang tribe to provide a formal and responsible response to this incident before 24:00 today.

Thirdly, a stern warning was issued: if the Eastern Wilderness Tribe fails to meet the requirements by the deadline, the Longxia Navy will have no choice but to take necessary "strategic adjustments" to defend national sovereignty and dignity. At that time, all serious consequences will be borne unilaterally by the Eastern Wilderness Tribe.

Fourthly, the announcement also made a meaningful appeal, stating that it "hopes" that relevant countries in the East China Sea region will uphold fairness and play a constructive role in maintaining regional peace and stability, "and not engage in underhanded tactics to avoid getting burned."

"24:00...strategic adjustment..."

Cruise muttered to himself, his face turning extremely grim. "This is an ultimatum! What will their so-called 'strategic adjustment' be? Increased patrols? Blockade? Or... direct military strikes?"

Koro's attention was focused more on the last sentence: "General, they're sending a warning signal to the entire Eastern Continent maritime region! They must have already noticed something! We can't keep our secret contact with those countries a secret anymore!"

This strongly worded and time-sensitive announcement was like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, but in reality, it stirred up turbulent undercurrents, instantly creating waves in the power centers of the major powers on Earth.

High-ranking officials from almost all countries that are concerned about the situation in the East Asian waters studied the announcement immediately.

Their reactions varied, but without exception, they all sensed the immense pressure and strategic resolve involved.

In the capital of the Niying tribe, the chief and his advisors held an emergency meeting, the meeting room filled with smoke.

"Long Xia's last sentence was clearly meant for us!"

"They definitely know we sent people to the Eagle Tribe! This is a warning to us not to take sides, and even more importantly, not to stab us in the back!" a security consultant said with certainty.

In Macheng, a tribal town in the Philippines, the higher-ups are equally uneasy.

"'Don't engage in any underhanded tactics'... that's too obvious. Longxia's intelligence capabilities are far stronger than we imagined. We must be much more cautious in our contact with the Eagle Tribe."

In Mancheng, the capital of the Thousand Buddhas tribe, the royal family and the military weighed the pros and cons.

“Longxia is clearly unhappy about our growing closeness with the Eagle Tribe. They are now showing such a tough stance, if we blindly side with the Eagles, we might really ‘get burned.’”

The Iron Monkey tribe, which is suspected by many countries of having the closest contact with the Eagle tribe, had its spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs adopt a stubborn and defiant stance when questioned by reporters.

They categorically denied any "backstabbing" behavior, claiming that the Iron Monkey Tribe has always pursued an independent foreign policy, and conversely accused certain countries of "unfounded suspicion and undermining regional mutual trust."

As for the decision-makers in countries like Singapore and Malay tribes, they were equally apprehensive after carefully weighing the weight of the announcement.

However, based on their reliance on the Eagle Tribe's traditionally dominant position and their doubts about Longxia's long-term strategic intentions, they ultimately chose to lean towards the Eagle Tribe.

However, given Long Xia's explicit warning, this choice seemed even more secretive and cautious.

In a broader international context, countries and organizations in other regions are observing with different attitudes.

Some believe that the Longxia tribe's strategy of attacking on all sides, simultaneously opposing the Eagle tribe, the Eastern Wilderness tribe, and even potential nations in the Eastern Continent's maritime region, is unwise and constitutes "making enemies on multiple fronts."

Some secretly admired the strength and courage of the Longxia tribe, which dared to directly challenge the old order dominated by the Eagle tribe.

Regardless of the perspective, leaders from various countries generally feel that in the turbulent waves of great power rivalry, small countries face immense difficulties in survival, each with its own troubles and crises. A single misstep could lead to utter ruin.

Just as the nations of the Eastern Continent were wavering over Longxia's announcement, the Eastern Wilderness tribes, at the eye of the storm, reacted more directly and fiercely.

Inside the Cabinet residence, a crisp sound of porcelain shattering broke the morning's tranquility.

"Baka! Nonsense! This is outrageous!"

The head of the Eastern Wilderness Tribe's cabinet was flushed, his chest heaving violently, and at his feet were the shards of the precious porcelain cup that he had just smashed.

He clutched the translated copy of the Longxia Announcement, urgently sent by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, his knuckles turning white from the excessive force.

"It's not that we didn't try to negotiate! It's that they rejected all our proposals for negotiation!"

The leader roared at the silent cabinet officials and the vice minister of foreign affairs before him, "The conditions they proposed are utterly humiliating! They want us to publicly apologize, pay huge compensation for the losses, and severely punish those responsible... How can we accept this?"

"This isn't negotiation, this is an ultimatum! And now, they're turning around and accusing us of not giving an explanation? We're innocent! This is a complete and blatant injustice!"

He felt a rush of blood to his head, and his vision went black.

Longxia's announcement placed him in an extremely passive and dangerous situation.

Agree to Long Xia's conditions? The domestic right-wing forces and the military would never agree. His cabinet would collapse immediately, and they would be in even greater distress, possibly even facing mortal danger! (End of Chapter)