Dragon Raja: Lu Mingfei finds a Freylian

Angers slowly leaned back in his chair and released his grip on the folding knife.

Parisian fashion shows, the aroma of coffee from old friends, the gentle breeze along the Seine. All these holiday leisures now seem as distant as things of the last century.

Deep beneath the ocean, in the darkness and high pressure of eight thousand meters below, the heart of an ancient supreme being beats slowly and powerfully. Its existence is being concealed, and its awakening is on a countdown.

Death is indeed watching. And it sleeps in an abyss where sunlight can never reach.

Chapter 322 How to Destroy the Ancient Dragon Embryo

A deathly silence filled the conference room, with only the faint, eerie heartbeat pounding in everyone's minds.

Angers broke the suffocating silence, “So, the situation we are facing now is that everything is unknown. We don’t know which noble first or second generation prince this embryo belongs to, nor do we know which kind-hearted friend placed it like a time bomb 8,000 meters below the Japan Trench.”

“It is precisely because it is unknown and difficult that we need you, Principal, to decide on the next course of action,” Deputy Director Karl interjected. “Although it is bad news, at least we discovered it in advance. We still have time before it truly awakens and unleashes its destructive wave.”

The slightly short and stout researcher C next to him added in a low voice, "It's like a terminally ill cancer patient finding out their condition in advance, so at least, uh, they die knowing why?"

Deputy Director Carl turned his head, and even the thick mask couldn't hide the rage in his eyes and the strong message of "Shut up, you idiot!" Researcher C shrank back, burying himself in his protective suit, and dared not utter another sound.

Angers ignored the little incident, his mind racing as he weighed all the information and possibilities.

"What's the attitude of the Japanese branch? Their affiliated Ganryu Research Institute has its own strengths in deep-sea exploration and bioengineering, which are comparable to those of the Equipment Department. Could we entrust them with embryo status detection and assessment? After all, they have a geographical advantage."

The moment the Japanese branch was mentioned, especially the Ganryu Research Institute, Deputy Director Karl's composure, which he had just barely managed to maintain, vanished without a trace.

"The Japanese branch? The Ganryu Research Institute? Principal, please don't compare them to our Equipment Department! They're a bunch of rigid, bookish idiots who only know how to follow manuals and data! Their heads are full of sake and sushi, lacking even the most basic creativity and adventurous spirit! Our guys in the Equipment Department,"

He opened his arms and embraced all the geniuses in the conference room. "We are doing scientific research with our souls and passion! Every idea sparkles with wisdom! And what about them? While they are methodically studying the genetic sequences of plankton, we are already conceiving how to reshape the continental shelf with directed energy weapons!"

Angers listened quietly to this biased and impassioned speech, his face expressionless, until Karl finished speaking. Then he said calmly, "Deputy Director Karl, if you call the idea of ​​reshaping the continental shelf with directed energy weapons—an idea that could trigger a global geological catastrophe—a flash of brilliance, and think it's something to be proud of, then I suggest that you don't let Professor Schneider hear it next time you give a work report."

Karl was speechless, rapid breathing coming from his breathing mask. He stubbornly tried to argue, but ultimately changed to a more serious tone, though his inherent arrogance remained: "Principal, what I mean is, technically speaking, as long as our equipment department gets serious, we can easily surpass those self-righteous fools in Japan. Their achievements are nothing but copying others' work."

Angers sighed and rubbed his temples. He felt that discussing interpersonal relationships and teamwork with these guys was more mentally taxing than facing a second-generation beast alone. "Getting back to the point," he forced the conversation back on track, "Have you formally communicated with the Japanese branch about this matter?"

"We communicated with them. As soon as we received the data from the Moniach, we shared it with the Japanese branch according to procedure. Their reaction was less one of vigilance or concern and more one of excitement, almost morbid excitement. They were practically drooling over that ancient dragon embryo. It was as if it wasn't a sign of destruction, but a precious research sample that had fallen from the sky and was exclusively for their use."

“Mouthwatering,” Angers repeated the word in a low voice, no longer asking questions. Instead, he took out an exquisite Cuban cigar from his inner suit pocket, calmly cut the cap with a cigar cutter, and then lit a lighter with a snap, the pale blue flame licking the base of the cigar.

He slowly rotated the cigar to ensure it was heated evenly, then took a deep drag, letting the thick smoke swirl in his mouth for a moment before slowly exhaling. The bluish-gray smoke rose gently, separating him from the surrounding, agitated yellow cans.

"So, putting aside the attitude of the Japanese branch, tell me, with the current capabilities of the Equipment Department, do we have a way to independently resolve this problem hidden eight thousand meters deep?"

This question was like a spark thrown into boiling oil, igniting the entire conference room.

The somewhat somber atmosphere that had just been dampened by the mention of the Japanese branch vanished instantly, and the researchers seemed to have been turned on, each eager to speak.

"Principal! We can modify the Storm Torpedo! Increase the explosive charge, implant an alchemical armor-piercing warhead, and guarantee a one-shot kill, sending the embryo and the sunken ship to their doom!"

"The torpedoes aren't accurate enough! We should use a supercavitating submersible carrying specialized bombs for close-range attacks! Although the submersible might not return, it's the most efficient!"

"Why not try detonating the weak crust near the trench? Trigger an artificial tsunami and earthquake, and use the power of nature to bury it!"

"That's too indirect! I think we should develop a new type of deep-sea bunker buster bomb, like the US military's Mother of All Bombs, but we should make it the progenitor of all bombs! Drop it from the sea surface, relying on gravity to penetrate the seawater and sediment layers, and strike straight at the heart of the enemy!"

These proposals were increasingly outrageous and destructive, as if they were discussing not how to precisely eliminate a target, but how to incidentally wipe the Japanese archipelago off the map.

Amid the noise, Matur, a researcher from India, stood up. He spoke with a distinctive accent, but his thoughts were clear: "Dear Principal, colleagues, I believe that your proposals are either too complex or have too much collateral damage."

He successfully attracted everyone's attention, including Angers' gaze.

Researcher Matur, somewhat pleased with himself, cleared his throat and continued, "After careful consideration, I propose two relatively pragmatic solutions."

"Option one," he said, extending his gloved finger, "we can borrow the design concept of the US military's GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator, but with alchemical enhancements, to create a penetrating bomb. This could be dropped from a modified strategic bomber in safe airspace, utilizing its immense mass and kinetic energy to overcome seawater resistance, penetrate the seabed, and detonate near the embryonic embryo. Advantages: high efficiency, no need for personnel to enter dangerous areas. Disadvantages: the explosive yield may require precise calculation; otherwise, there is a small probability of triggering large-scale geological activity along the Japanese coast."

The smoke from the Ang cigar paused for a moment.

Matur continued, "Option Two is more precise, but it's risky. We'll send a specially designed small deep-sea submersible, or better yet, one of our secretly developed ones that combines an alchemical matrix with pressure-resistant technology, carrying a high-energy bomb with a controllable yield. We'll dive into the trench and manually place the bomb on or near the sunken ship. Then we'll detonate it remotely. Advantages: Highly targeted, with minimal collateral damage. Disadvantages: Extremely high requirements for the submersible's technology, and the mission will be extremely risky for the specialists."

He finished speaking, stood there confidently, and awaited the evaluation.

The meeting room fell silent again, everyone looking at Angers, awaiting his decision. Would he choose the bomb that might inadvertently destroy Japan, or the precise detonation that required brave warriors to venture into the lion's den and risk their lives?

Angers slowly removed the cigar from his lips, and the bluish-gray smoke rose straight up.

Chapter 323 Refined Sulfur Bomb

Angers glanced at the excited researchers in the Equipment Department who were proposing various destructive solutions, and finally settled his gaze on Director Akadura, who had just barely recovered from the Eve dilemma. The highest-ranking official in the Equipment Department was frowning at this moment.

"Alright, gentlemen, quiet. Director Akadula, as the head of the department, considering both the technical aspects and collateral damage, what is your recommendation?"

Director Akadura looked up and adjusted his glasses. "Principal, based on my calculations using the available data, Researcher Matur's second plan—using a deep-sea submersible to plant an artificial bomb—is theoretically the most feasible. However, the bomb he proposed is too general and lacks specificity. For dragons, especially high-ranking dragons, even embryos, the effectiveness of conventional and alchemical explosives may be reduced."

"My suggestion is to use a specially designed manned deep-sea submersible to carry high-concentration refined sulfur bombs that have been carefully designed and manufactured by our equipment department. Sulfur, especially sulfur refined and enhanced by alchemy, produces corrosive fumes that are far more destructive to dragons than conventional explosives of the same equivalent amount. This would more effectively destroy the life force of the embryos, while avoiding unpredictable chain reactions to the geological structure of the trench caused by excessive explosions."

“Manned deep-sea submersible?” Angers repeated the word.

“Yes, a manned deep-sea submersible,” Director Akadura answered affirmatively. “A depth of eight thousand meters, a complex underwater environment, and the possible unknown force fields or defense mechanisms that may form around the embryo all require high-level human judgment and adaptability on-site. Remote control equipment is too unreliable in that environment; signal delay and potential interference are fatal weaknesses.”

"So, how long will it take us to build a manned deep-sea submersible that can dive to a depth of 8,000 meters and carry out demolition missions?"

Upon hearing this, Director Akadula's face showed an expression that read, "You're insulting our Equipment Department," but then he became somewhat helpless: "If we start from scratch, designing, selecting materials, building, testing... Principal, even with the efficiency of our Equipment Department, it would take at least a year to build a brand-new deep-sea submersible that meets such stringent requirements and ensures absolute safety. And that's under ideal conditions. If we rush the project and produce a shoddy product..."

He shook his head, his tone heavy, "That would be tantamount to murder, and the lives of those on duty would be completely jeopardized."

"My God," Angers sighed, rubbing his forehead, a sense of helplessness washing over him. "A year—time is our biggest weakness. That embryo won't wait for our meticulous work." Was the only option truly a brutal solution that could trigger a regional catastrophe?

Seeing Angers' expression, Akadula realized he might be being too pessimistic and quickly added, "Headmaster, there's no time to build new ones, but we can definitely improve the existing ones!"

"Oh? Tell me more."

"In our equipment department's warehouse, there is a deep-sea submersible donated by a friendly person. After our theoretical calculations and some structural reinforcement tests, its maximum diving depth can barely reach the 8,000-meter threshold. We only need to carry out a complete overhaul of it, and we can obtain a usable deep-sea submersible in a short period of time!"

Angers' eyes lit up, and a genuine smile finally appeared on his face—the first one he'd shown since entering the conference room. He stood up, walked over to Director Akadura, and affectionately patted his shoulder hard, causing the man to grimace in pain.

"Good! Excellent! This is the Equipment Department I know! Now, tell me, how long will it take to complete this brand-new deep-sea submersible?"

Akadula struggled to maintain his balance under Angers' enthusiastic pats, adjusting his glasses. "The modification work actually began after the initial analysis of the embryo's location. It's progressing smoothly, with the main systems being upgraded simultaneously. It will be completed soon, Headmaster! I assure you! Now only the final stage of system integration and stress testing remains."

"Excellent! Who's the person to pilot this deep-sea submersible into the dinosaur embryonic region?"

"Principal, this is precisely what I wanted to remind you of. According to our research on dragons, especially these high-level embryos, the mental pressure and domain influence they emit increase exponentially with increasing distance. Ordinary hybrids, or even those with slightly lower bloodlines at A-rank, are likely to suffer mental breakdowns or be directly corrupted and assimilated by their will at such close range. The pilots of deep-sea submersibles must possess extremely high and stable bloodlines, at least top-tier A-rank, or even S-rank, to resist the oppressive feeling originating from the very source of life and maintain a clear mind to complete the mission."

Angers nodded slowly, a few names flashing through his mind.

"So, on the equipment department's side, have you considered sending one of your best technicians to accompany the deep-sea submersible on its dive to provide the most professional technical support? After all, you know this ship and that bomb best."

As soon as the words were spoken, the researchers, who had just been enthusiastically discussing the technical solutions, shook their heads in unison, with such a high frequency that it seemed as if they had undergone rigorous training.

Director Akadula, representing the institute, firmly rejected the proposal: "Principal! I think it's completely unnecessary! We've already designed the submersible's interface to be as user-friendly as possible. Most importantly, field operations in dangerous environments are fraught with peril! Every member of our Equipment Department is a gem of human technology, bearing the heavy responsibility of continuing the flame of civilization; we cannot easily take risks! Isn't the Japanese branch eager to acquire it? Letting their people provide on-site technical support is sufficient! They should feel honored!"

Angers looked at this group of people who spoke of their fear of death with such noble and righteous indignation, and for a moment he didn't know whether to be angry or amused. He should have expected this outcome. To let these underground workers, who valued their lives like gold, leave their impregnable Vat Alheim and infiltrate the perilous deep sea where a dragon's embryo might be hidden? It was harder than taking a fish out of water.

“Alright,” Angers reluctantly accepted reality. “Then, the specific action plan, the final testing of the deep-sea submersible, and the preparation of the bombs are all your responsibility. I will determine the personnel to carry out the mission as soon as possible and coordinate with the Japanese branch.”

The meeting was now over. Angers stubbed out his cigar, preparing to leave this place that had left him physically and mentally exhausted.

The researchers from the Equipment Department, led by Director Akadula and Deputy Director Karl, stood up in unison. They exchanged glances and reached a tacit understanding.

"Hmm? Is there anything else?"

Amidst Angers' somewhat bewildered gaze, the group of researchers in bright yellow protective suits began to bid him farewell in the manner of their respective hometowns.

Director Akadullah placed one hand on his chest and recited something in a low voice—a prayer for travelers.

Deputy Director Carl made the sign of the cross and murmured, "May the Lord be with you, Amen."

The Indian researcher, Mathur, put his hands together in front of his forehead and muttered something, probably a Hindu blessing.

Researcher C, who had previously misspoke, imitated a Buddhist gesture he had learned from who-knows-where and chanted, "Amitabha, your merits are immeasurable."

"This is a final mourning for the warrior who is about to embark on a path of no return," Ange thought to himself.

Chapter 324 The Little Devil Wants a Vacation

Cold. A chilling cold that seeps into your bones, freezing even your thoughts.

Lu Mingfei felt as if he were floating in an endless white void, or buried deep within the Siberian permafrost. His consciousness was clear, acutely aware of the absolute cold, but his body was immobile, and his eyelids were too heavy to open. This feeling was familiar to him; it usually meant the little devil had arrived.

Sure enough, the incongruous warmth, mixed with a spicy aroma, forcefully pried open the cold barrier.

He struggled to open his eyes, and saw an endless snowfield and a leaden-gray sky.

A brass-made nine-compartment hot pot bubbled and bubbled, its red oil rising and dispelling the chill within a radius of several meters, creating a warm haven in the frigid air. Something beneath the pot provided the heat, the fire blazing fiercely. Beside the hot pot sat several comfortable-looking reclining chairs, and on a small table were a few familiar blue bottles of Erguotou (a type of Chinese liquor).

A young man in a black suit sat on one of the recliners, skillfully using long chopsticks to simmer a slice of tripe in the boiling red oil. It was Lu Mingze.

“Brother, what are you standing there for? This snowflake beef will get too old if we don’t scoop it up soon.” Lu Mingze looked up and pointed to the empty recliner next to him, as if they were just meeting at an ordinary Sichuan restaurant.

Lu Mingfei took a deep breath, the aroma of the hot pot mingling with the polar chill, creating a surreal sense of disorientation. He walked to the recliner and sat down, his body immediately enveloped in warmth, dispelling the last trace of cold.

"What are you up to now?" Lu Mingfei asked, looking at the plate of glistening, fatty beef that Lu Mingze had pushed in front of him. "Eating hot pot in the Arctic Circle? Your taste is such a mishmash."

“Only an extreme environment can bring out the extreme enjoyment.” Lu Mingze poured himself a glass of Erguotou and filled Lu Mingfei’s glass as well. “Think about it, it’s freezing cold outside, a no-man’s land, and we’re here around the stove, eating piping hot hot pot and drinking strong liquor. This is the true taste of life, brother.”

Lu Mingfei didn't banter with him. He picked up a slice of fatty beef, dipped it in the oil sauce, and put it in his mouth. The delicious, scalding sensation on his taste buds was unbelievably real, completely unlike a dream. He also picked up his cup and took a sip. A fiery sensation shot from his throat straight to his stomach, then a burst of warmth exploded, flowing through his limbs and bones.

"Alright, whatever you say," Lu Mingfei put down his cup. "What do you want? You didn't really just want to treat me to hot pot, did you?"

Lu Mingze chewed the tripe, which had been cooked through and was now perfectly tender, before saying slowly, "Nothing special, I just came to say goodbye to my brother. I'm going on vacation to relax. For the next while, I probably won't be able to help you as readily as before."

"A vacation?" Lu Mingfei choked on a mouthful of enoki mushrooms, his eyes widening as if he'd heard something out of the blue. "You? A vacation? Aren't you the kind of person who's like a ghost or a cheat code guru? You need a vacation?"

Lu Mingze swirled his wine glass, watching the clear liquid ripple, and sighed, feigning sadness: "Sigh, brother, what are you saying? Can't I have a personal life? Even the devil has the right to paid annual leave. It's exhausting to worry about you every day, okay?"

Lu Mingfei's lips twitched. He thought to himself, "What are you worrying about? Every time you just push me into an even worse situation." But he couldn't help being curious: "Where are you going on vacation?"

Lu Mingze's face immediately lit up with longing. He put down his wine glass and gestured with his hands: "Beautiful South America! Rio de Janeiro, the golden Copacabana Beach, the passionate samba, the scorching sun, and those beautiful women in bikinis, with hot figures and smiles as bright as the sun! That's what life should be like, a paradise of freedom and passion!"

He described it so vividly, as if he were already there on that sunny coast. As Lu Mingfei listened, news reports of gunfights and tourist robberies in Rio's favelas involuntarily surfaced in his mind. He opened his mouth, but ultimately swallowed his complaints. Oh well, this little devil probably isn't afraid of those things.

"Alright, have fun." Lu Mingfei took another swig of Erguotou in a sullen mood, feeling that the liquor was really strong, even making him drunk in his dreams. "Without you watching the fun, I guess I could live a few more years."

"Brother, you're not being honest at all. You clearly miss me," Lu Mingze said with a grin, placing another piece of tripe on Lu Mingfei's plate. "Seriously, brother. Although I've gone on vacation, things haven't been peaceful here lately. Something big is about to happen."

Lu Mingfei's heart skipped a beat. Anything big that came out of the little devil's mouth usually meant huge trouble. He put down his chopsticks and looked at Lu Mingze: "What is it? Is the academy sending me to some weird place to slay a dragon again? Or has my dear senior brother taken on another SSS-level mission and is going to drag me down with him?"

Lu Mingze shook his head mysteriously, then held up a finger and shook it: "No, no, no. This time it's different. We're going to a place you longed for in your last reincarnation."

He deliberately kept everyone in suspense, observing Lu Mingfei's somewhat nervous and confused expression before slowly revealing the answer, "It's Japan."

"Japan?" Lu Mingfei was taken aback. This answer was indeed a bit unexpected.