The Tycoon's Odyssey

Meanwhile, under Walter's command, the federation unveiled a groundbreaking array of technologies that left the USL leadership reeling.

The arsenal included cutting-edge weaponry, state-of-the-art missiles, and advanced gadgets—tools that seemed so sophisticated that they were almost otherworldly.

Yet, the question loomed: would these be effective against Evan's insurmountable defenses?

Malcolm, ever skeptical, suspected that Walter was once again setting them up as scapegoats. But with no other viable options and an urgent need to act, Malcolm begrudgingly accepted the aid. Despite USL's still-formidable naval fleet—superior to most nations—recent catastrophic losses, which included the loss of several fleet ships and a carrier, had left their military dominance in jeopardy.

In his desperation, Malcolm reached out to other nations, requesting their support for a coalition. Walter endorsed the idea, but the move sparked outrage among global powers like Daxia and USR, who mocked USL's "shameless plea for help," accusing them of dragging others into their mess. Nevertheless, a new multinational naval fleet was assembled and underwent rigorous upgrades over the course of a month.

During this time, the global economy spiraled deeper into chaos. Barely recovering from the initial attacks, the world faced mounting inflation and widespread panic. Social media exploded with doomsday cults predicting the end of the world by 2026, further fueling societal despair.

Yet, amidst the turmoil, a small reprieve emerged—communication networks were restored. This, however, was no victory for humanity; it was a calculated move by Evan. A gesture to show his mercy that underscored his dominance while ensuring global systems wouldn't collapse entirely.

_____

By early October, USL's newly equipped fleet, spearheaded by Strike Group Alpha, set sail for the Devil's Triangle, now believed to be Evan's stronghold. Joining them were fleets from Daxia, led by Task Force Jade Dragon, and USR, represented by Arctic Vanguard. Together, this combined force represented the pinnacle of global military might.

The naval fleet moved into formation, and a powerful force of warships from multiple nations gathered to face the unknown as they cut through the waves as a united force. At the helm of the operation was Admiral Nathaniel Rodgers of the USL Navy, a man known for his strategic brilliance and unyielding determination.

Alongside him were other high-ranking admirals, each representing their respective countries: Admiral Hiroshi Takamura of Daxia, Admiral Sergei Volkov of the USR, and Admiral Victor Castillo of Iberia.

As they stared into the dense fog enveloping the Devil's Triangle, the tension aboard each flagship was palpable. The unnatural mist seemed alive, swirling ominously around the ships and interfering with their advanced detection systems.

"This fog again," Admiral Takamura muttered, his voice laced with frustration. "Last time, it drove us back like cowards."

"Not this time," Admiral Rodgers replied firmly, his tone cutting through the tension. "We're better prepared. All ships, advance into the fog. Clear it if necessary."

Admiral Castillo frowned as he leaned over the operations table. "Rodgers, are you certain this will work? The last encounter wasn't just a failure—it was an embarrassment."

"We don't have the luxury of doubt," Rodgers said curtly. "We've all seen what's at stake. It's time to prove we've learned from our mistakes."

With a nod, the admirals issued their orders. Engines roared to life and the fleet began to move forward, as they plunged into the swirling mist.

The thick fog enveloped the ships like a living entity, pressing against their hulls and muffling the sea's rhythm. Visibility dropped to nearly zero, and even the fleet's most advanced radars struggled against the strange interference.

"It's like the fog is fighting back," an officer aboard the USL flagship muttered.

"Focus on your tasks," Rodgers snapped.

"Deploy the Fog Dissipation Arrays!"

At once, each ship activated its Fog Dissipation Array, an advanced system that combined sonic waves and thermal pulses to scatter moisture particles. The technology, though effective, was far from perfect—a rushed adaptation of older methods used by innovators like Evan. The fog began to lift slowly, revealing the vast expanse of ocean ahead.

On the Daxian flagship, Admiral Takamura watched the process unfold with a skeptical eye. "This system is far from refined," he said to his officers. "It's like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. But if it works, it works."

"It's working, Admiral," an officer confirmed. "The fog is clearing."

As the mist dissolved, the fleet came to an abrupt halt. Before them, in the heart of the Devil's Triangle, floated a massive, otherworldly city. For a moment, the admirals and their crews stared at the scene before them in stunned silence.

The city was a technological marvel, its sleek structures towering impossibly high above the water. Spires of glowing metal reflected the sunlight, while transparent walkways crisscrossed the skyline. Hovercrafts darted between the buildings, and shimmering energy waves pulsed through the air.

"This…" Admiral Volkov began, his deep voice trailing off. "This isn't just a city. It's a fortress of innovation."

"Impossible," Admiral Castillo whispered. "No nation on Earth has the resources or knowledge to build something like this."

The crews aboard the ships were equally mesmerized.

"It's like something out of a dream," one sailor murmured.

"Or a nightmare," another muttered under his breath.

On the USL flagship, Admiral Rodgers clenched his fists. "Don't be mesmerized," he barked. "Remember why we're here. This city is a threat to all of us. Focus on the mission. Chin up, everyone."

The fleet began to move again, their ships aligning into a calculated formation. The admirals discussed their next moves over a secure communication channel.

"Let's test their defenses," Rodgers suggested.

"A few tracer missiles should do the trick."

"Agreed," Takamura replied. "We need to see what we're up against."

The first missiles were launched, streaking across the sky, their sharp whine cutting through the air. But as they approached the city, a glowing barrier materialized, absorbing the impacts without so much as a ripple.

"As expected," Rodgers muttered grimly. "They've got an energy shield."

"This shield… it's stronger than anything we've encountered," Volkov noted. "But it's not invincible. We have the answer this time."

Rodgers gave the signal to deploy the fleet's secret weapon, the Kinetic Disruptor Missile. This cutting-edge missile, developed in secret collaboration between the fleet's nations, carried a specialized core designed to destabilize plasma-based defenses.

"Firing the Kinetic Disruptor now," an officer reported.

The missile roared into the air, its sleek design cutting through the sky like a knife. Upon reaching the barrier, it detonated, releasing a controlled burst of electromagnetic energy.

The result was immediate and dazzling—the once-impenetrable shield shimmered, cracked, and slowly began to disintegrate. A gaping hole formed, large enough for the fleet to pass through.

The crews erupted in cheers.

"It's working!"

"We've done it!"

"If we'd had this last time, we wouldn't have been humiliated!"

Admiral Castillo allowed himself a small smile.

"Ingenious. The electromagnetic pulse destabilized the plasma field, making it collapse under its own energy."

"And now," Rodgers said, his voice steady, "we have a way in." Enjoy more content from My Virtual Library Empire

As the fleet moved toward the opening, the sense of awe among the crews was replaced by steely determination.

Meanwhile, inside the USR flagship, Admiral Volkov addressed his officers.

"Do not let your guard down. This city may be a technological marvel, but we have our own strengths. Prepare for battle."

On the Iberian flagship, Castillo echoed the sentiment. "This is not the time to hesitate. Let's show them the full might of our fleet."

The ships aligned once more, their weapons systems coming online. Tracer rounds and missiles were loaded, ready to unleash a devastating assault.

"This is our moment," Rodgers declared, his words echoing through the command room. "Let's finish what we started."

With their engines roaring, the fleet surged forward, entering into the heart of the mysterious city's domain.