Chapter 274 A Fatal Blow !!
This time, it was not a stealthy assault but a direct retaliatory strike against its adversaries!
In the face of the Overlord's lightning-fast approach, the 100-meter behemoth, a colossal crocodile, displayed incredible arrogance. It stood its ground instead of evading, opting to confront the Overlord head-on, charging forth with astonishing speed.
Then came the resounding impact!
A resounding thud reverberated from a submerged depth of 20 to 30 meters, marking the moment the immense 240-ton spear forcefully impaled the colossal crocodile's head.
Click!
The spear's tip penetrated the sturdy cuticle and thick hide of the enormous crocodile's head and pierced through its skull, reaching the depths of its brain.
The colossal spear traversed more than ten meters.
Another single strike, another life extinguished!
The massive crocodile, devoid of any struggle, perished instantly, akin to an unplugged electronic device, devoid of any lingering signs of life.
Observing this scene from a third-party perspective, Liu Yong was thoroughly gratified.
"Overlord, truly extraordinary!" he exclaimed.
Bawang, with pride brimming in its voice, responded, "Master, the new weapon you aided me in constructing has proven its worth. Through repeated trials, I have witnessed the swift demise of both these gargantuan crocodiles with a single strike."
Indeed, the sensation of delivering a swift, decisive blow was exhilarating!
This invigorating sensation coursed throughout the Overlord's being, visibly enlivening it as it swam with joyous abandon, gleefully circling the fallen giant crocodile several times.
"Master, this thousand-ton giant crocodile is so colossal. I wonder how it tastes," the Overlord inquired, its characteristic fondness for culinary indulgence manifesting itself.
Liu Yong smiled and replied, "It is now your trophy. You shall savor it and discover its flavor."
The Overlord found the notion reasonable, opening its jaws wide to take a bite of the colossal crocodile. However, it promptly spat it out, expressing its disappointment.
"This tastes utterly unsatisfactory. It deceived me into thinking I had secured several days' worth of sustenance. Alas, it was all for naught," the Overlord complained, wearing an expression of disdain as it peered at the 100-meter behemoth. He then withdrew the gigantic spear and allowed the vast crocodile to descend into the sea's abyssal depths gradually.
Liu Yong found the Overlord's reaction amusing, providing a momentary respite from the situation's intensity.
At Fast Company's secret island base.
Shortly after nullifying the alarm inside the vast control room, the data displays transitioned from alarming red to bright green. The indicator lights on all the instruments shifted from anxiety-inducing red and yellow to a calming green glow.
Silently, a sigh of relief escaped the lips of many present, while some pondered that despite the demise of No. 2, No. 1 remained, showcasing the triumph of their research project.
No. 1 was more extensive and formidable, serving as a testament to their project's success.
Now, all the data displays exhibited information regarding the 100-meter behemoth crocodile. Several scientists observed these data and felt contentment, seemingly leaving the matter concerning No. 2 behind them.
Suddenly, without any forewarning!
The previously tranquil control room erupted in blaring alarms, and the once serene green hues on the data display abruptly shifted to alarming red.
Previously emanating a comforting green, the indicator lights collectively transitioned to a pulsating red or flickering yellow, generating a disturbing spectacle.
Reacting with utmost urgency, Ram Scott leapt to his feet, his voice filled with agitation as he exclaimed, "What is happening once again?"
Bike Aiwen, the project's chief scientist, appeared dispirited, wearing a mournful countenance. He replied, "Boss, our No. 1 has also met its demise. I don't understand why, but it has perished."
What!
How could this happen?
Right on the heels of No. 2's demise, the beacon of hope for everyone—No. 1—also met its untimely end. In an instant, disbelief swept over the multitude, leaving many dumbfounded.
This project consumed over 10 billion in funding and endured for over five years. How would they explain this to the upper management and the board of directors? Ram Scott felt as though his world was crumbling.
Without a word, he left the stupefied crowd behind, paying no heed to the cacophony of sirens within the control room. Lost in a daze, Ram Scott returned to his office.
Upon reaching his sanctuary, he first picked up the phone and reported the situation, then gently opened his desk drawer, retrieving a pistol from within.
Releasing the safety and loading a bullet, Ram Scott's complexion grew pallid. With trembling hands, he pressed the muzzle of the gun against his temple, and with a decisive pull of the trigger—
Boom!
A gunshot echoed through the room as Ram Scott's brain burst forth, reminiscent of a watermelon smashed into pieces. The desk and wall were splattered with a grotesque red and white matter amalgam.
The gunshot startled onlookers, causing their hearts to skip a beat. All eyes turned towards Ram Scott's office, overwhelmed by a potent mix of shock and horror.
At Global Shipping Group.
Liu Yong basked in a euphoric mood. The two threats had finally been vanquished, ensuring the safe passage of his ships across the Pacific Ocean.
Resting atop his desk was a document dispatched by Qiu Yanggang. It contained an extensive list of the ships owned by the Global Shipping Group.
Comfortably settled in his executive chair, Liu Yong perused the document with great satisfaction.
Each ship's number, name, tonnage, and essential details were meticulously outlined, accompanied by vivid photographs.
Liu Yong spent over ten minutes perusing the document, revelling in a profound sense of accomplishment. The Global Shipping Group currently boasts 83 ships of varying sizes, with large vessels exceeding 100,000 tons accounting for over 80% of the fleet. Among them, 21 ships surpassed 200,000 tons.
Merely 12 ships fell below the 100,000-ton threshold, with two remaining beneath the 50,000-ton mark.
The fleet consisted of 83 vessels, amassing a combined deadweight tonnage exceeding 10 million tons, officially propelling the Global Shipping Group into the esteemed ten-million-ton club. Given the current total capacity, the Global Shipping Group ranked eighth globally.
Closing the document, Liu Yong contemplated the future with anticipation, envisioning the day when his organization would ascend to the pinnacle of the global shipping industry, clinching the coveted number one position.
A knock at the door disrupted his thoughts.
Qiu Yang entered, sporting a jubilant expression. He proclaimed, "Boss, congratulations! We have just acquired another large oil tanker from Risheng Ocean Shipping Group—a vessel boasting a deadweight tonnage of 160,000, capable of transporting over 1 million barrels of crude oil."
Liu Yong smiled and replied, "Excellent news! With an additional 160,000 tons, we have come one step closer to claiming the top spot worldwide."
Both men took their seats and conversed about the company's affairs.
In recent days, acting on behalf of the company, Qiu Yang had procured over a dozen large ships from Risheng Ocean Group, expanding the shipping capacity of the Global Shipping Group even further.
The influx of these new vessels necessitated an increased number of crew members. However, Qiu Yang didn't retain the entire complement from Risheng Ocean Group; instead, he conducted a rigorous screening and assessment process, selectively recruiting a portion of their crew.
"Boss, we still have a few gaps to fill, particularly when it comes to experienced engineers like chief engineers, boatswains, electricians, third mates, and third engineers," Qiu Yang pointed out.
Liu Yong waved dismissively and said, "Let's announce our recruitment drive to the world. We offer competitive benefits, so I'm confident we can attract the right talent."
Qiu Yang agreed, stating, "I concur. I plan to cast our net globally."
Facing the world!
Liu Yong was momentarily taken aback, and then a wry smile played upon his lips. Considering the Global Shipping Group's current scale and strength, coupled with its favourable employment conditions, recruiting talent from around the globe was a viable option.
There was no harm in hiring foreign personnel. In fact, it might even prove beneficial. Such thoughts swirled in Liu Yong's mind as he contemplated the possibilities.