Chapter 192 The Fourth Prince Who Couldn’t Kneel Down?
The Sea Kingdom’s second defense line.
Above the narrow trench, Base Coral, resembling a primal rainforest, had sealed it off, leaving only one gap at the front and one at the back for whale schools to pass through. Countless planktonic predators scurried back and forth within the coral clusters. New Biochemical Fish continuously hatched from incubation sacs and plunged into the water. Depending on their species, they would infiltrate designated crevices and enter a state of cryogenic dormancy. These fast-breeding species had very limited lifespans; dormancy was a necessary means to accumulate numbers, otherwise, the self-detonating fish produced in the early stages would all die before any battle commenced.
Approximately one-tenth of the Base Coral produced coral polyps, not self-detonating fish, as new fruit. These polyps appeared a dull, lava-like red. This was a species that the Base Coral had adapted and improved upon in response to the oceanic environment. The planktonic predators would carry these coral polyps, searching for suitable areas with undersea volcanic veins to establish and plant “Branch Bases.” Of course, such actions were only carried out with permission. Base Coral, after all, was merely coral and lacked significant intelligence. Lydia had designed expansion programs for them, which required activation by the Controller at appropriate times. The current production capacity of this Base Coral cluster had reached the critical point of its organic matter supply. If the consumption of organic matter were to increase further, it would inevitably and drastically disrupt the ecological balance, causing the disappearance of both marine plants and animals, gradually turning the area into a dead zone. This would be similar to the aftermath of a Zerg invasion: a barren land covered in their creep, dotted with massive hatcheries, and teeming with monstrous creatures, leaving no room for any other species to survive.
The ocean was also regarded as imperial territory by the Azurevine Empire, and the war was not yet at a critical stage. Therefore, Roger would not allow the Base Coral to enter a destructive exploitation mode. He was merely testing weapons, transmitting the latest combat and production data to Lydia for remote debugging and modification. By establishing new bases in more distant areas with new species, expanding production capacity, stockpiling troops, and configuring more targeted Biochemical Fish, they would tentatively pursue a sustainable development route. If the Naga Empire did not reinforce their troops, victory for the Sea Kingdom was only a matter of time.
Inside the camp in the canyon, the Sea Kingdom’s soldiers, having survived the first major battle, were recuperating. Naturally, most of them were too excited by their victory to sleep. The Sea Kingdom had been suppressed by the Naga for too long. Especially with Cromwell’s relentless advance, the mermaids had been utterly stunned. To then, on their first battle under the Crown Prince, directly dismantle the enemy’s central command tent, leading to the Naga Marshal committing suicide by poison and the capture of immense spoils of war – what a glorious victory! According to their officers, because of their victory, the Black Shark Fortress, which was on the verge of falling, had been automatically relieved. Rounded up, this was equivalent to their Crown Prince saving the Fourth Prince’s life! So, who was truly the Sea Kingdom’s God of War?
The actual situation was that the fortress troops who had sallied forth were surrounded, and the officers were merely describing the circumstances. However, through word of mouth, details became increasingly distorted. By the time the stories reached the ears of these mid-to-lower-ranking officers and soldiers, they had been exaggerated into a Sea Kingdom version of “Besiege Wei to rescue Zhao.” It was their successful surprise attack on the central army that had saved Black Shark Fortress. However, military commanders loyal to Shaq would not explain this to Doyle. Such a version fostered a greater sense of honor among the soldiers, allowing them to understand the significance of their victory and fight more bravely in the next battle. Young soldiers fought to defend their homeland not just for their pay; a passionate sense of mission was the true source of their morale. If the fighting continued, a formidable army might well be forged this way.
Of course, there were still casualties. However, the Sea Kingdom had a large population, and news of victory, along with requests for reinforcements and troop expansion, had been sent back to the Royal capital and would be processed quickly. At this moment, within Shaq’s whale chariot, in the conference room. The Sea Kingdom’s staff officers and the Empire’s military advisors were combining the latest intelligence to continuously make arrangements for the current situation and subsequent campaigns. It was true that they had a cheater with an “all-map view,” but such an intelligence advantage was not omnipotent. The Naga’s direct combat power still surpassed that of the Sea Kingdom. Suitable strategies still required continuous clashes and summarization to fully leverage strengths and avoid weaknesses, preventing them from falling into cognitive blind spots.
With so many tragic cases before them, Roger, who was already a cautious individual, could not afford any carelessness. He had consistently maintained that the unit under his command should stay calm. The soldiers below could be exuberant and fanatical, but those at the top needed to be able to judge the situation clearly. Margaret held the latest intelligence report and said with some disappointment, “The enemy did not pursue. They are consolidating their forces and retreating. They are more composed than we imagined.” The greatest advantage of Base Coral lay in its rapid manufacturing capabilities. At this moment, they had more Biochemical Fish than when they had previously sallied forth. Even if the Naga main force attacked this trench, the second defense line, they had absolute confidence in defending it, coupled with support from Black Shark Fortress, this Naga expeditionary force would essentially be annihilated here. Although the Sea Kingdom was at a disadvantage, they were fighting on their own territory, and replenishment of troops and equipment was simpler. The Naga were different; while an army suddenly losing its command might have the “grieved soldier” attribute, it would inevitably have strategic deficiencies.
Unfortunately, the enemy had not lost their minds due to Marshal Cromwell’s death and become rabid dogs driven only by revenge. The successor commander had effectively controlled the troops’ emotions and chosen to retreat and regroup for a new round of offense. “I suppose the Saintess has already taken control of the situation,” Roger said, knowing more about the upper echelons of the Naga expeditionary force than Margaret did. The military commanders, being hot-headed, wanted to pursue them, but Saintess Nicole, prioritizing the completion of the oracle above all else, would certainly step in to stop the military’s rash actions. Thinking of that kind young girl potentially being forced to kill at such a moment to control the scene, Roger couldn’t help but sigh. Faith and war, he wondered how much human nature they twisted.
Although it was somewhat regrettable, the absence of a pursuing force meant they had more time to rest, and the tense atmosphere in the conference room eased considerably. This battle had shown the Sea Kingdom a glimmer of hope; the Naga’s new equipment was not insurmountable, and the Empire’s support had given them the means to resist. The meeting concluded quickly. Roger returned to his luxurious tent, where a Dark Night Guard silently appeared beside him. “My lord, the Sea Kingdom’s Fourth Prince has agreed and stated he is available at any time.” “Then let’s do it now,” Roger nodded, guessing that His Highness Doyle must be feeling quite uncomfortable and incredibly curious about what had happened on Shaq’s side.
Soon, a teleportation portal appeared in the tent. Roger rose and went to greet him. Stepping out of the portal was Doyle, the Sea Kingdom’s more popular heir, the Fourth Prince. He was a head shorter than Shaq, but due to years of military service, his build was more robust, with a naturally fierce aura and sharp, determined eyes. Doyle dared to come to Shaq’s camp alone for a meeting at Roger’s invitation, which could be considered courage and decisiveness. Perhaps there was also an element of gamble, betting that Shaq would not take action against him at this time and eliminate a competitor for the throne through underhanded means.
“Thank you, Lord Charles. With Cromwell dead, I finally don’t have to have nightmares anymore.” Doyle respectfully bowed to Roger, demonstrating proper etiquette and appearing neither servile nor overbearing. However, as a prince of a kingdom, showing Roger, an Azurevine Empire Duke, an attitude of equality already implied an acknowledgment of the Empire’s power. “Your Highness, please rise. Now, the Naga are in league with the Terrans, they are our common enemies, and there is no need for formality.” Roger invited him to sit. “Indeed, I believe the Sea Kingdom and the Empire have many common interests.” Doyle sitting down also hinted at his bargaining chip. If the Empire supported him in becoming the next Sea Emperor, he would undoubtedly represent the Sea Kingdom in supporting the Empire, establishing a mutual defense alliance.
“Your Highness is indeed perceptive. The Azurevine Empire and the Sea Kingdom will certainly advance further, and we prefer to see obedient allies rule the seas.” A flicker of displeasure crossed Doyle’s eyes, but his tone was one of lighthearted teasing, “The Azurevine Empire is indeed powerful, but it is not so easy for your land races to interfere more broadly in the politics of the ocean, is it?” Roger’s words implied that they could help the Sea Kingdom exterminate the Naga, but the price would be his obedience, becoming a vassal of the Empire. To completely resolve the age-old enmity with the Naga was undoubtedly tempting, but becoming a vassal of the Empire was a condition Doyle found hard to accept.
He vied with Shaq for the throne precisely because he was ambitious and unyielding, unable to kneel. That was why he countered Roger’s question, reminding him of the difference between land and sea, and that the other’s plan would not be so easily realized. Roger smiled slightly, “Would Your Highness like to take a walk with me?” Showing off? Doyle understood immediately and agreed. He transformed into human guise using magic and changed into Azurevine Empire attire, concealing his appearance before following Roger out of the tent. After all, this was Shaq’s territory. Despite Roger’s various privileges, directly inviting Shaq’s sworn enemy to visit here was quite audacious.
They proceeded to the coral clusters above the trench, where planktonic predators and various self-detonating fish swam about, creating a scene of great variety and vitality. “What does Your Highness think of the scenery here?” “Such lush and continuous coral clusters are a rare sight even in the deep sea.” “This place was barren just yesterday. These corals were planted by us.” “Planting coral? They only grow a few centimeters a year…” “That’s natural. These are our secret weapons that we’ve provided to His Highness Shaq, a modified life form that can produce troops without limit.”
Roger watched Doyle’s astonished expression and briefly explained the operating principles of Base Coral and the significant contribution of the Biochemical Fish in forcing Cromwell’s death. Although Doyle had not witnessed the destructive power of the Biochemical Fish exploding firsthand, with the arrival of the Azurevine Empire’s support, they had achieved their greatest victory since the war began, indicating their formidable power. He now realized that today was merely a small demonstration. These modified biological weapons were designed to win through sheer numbers, and their power increased the longer the battle dragged on. Although the Sea Kingdom also bred its Sea God of War, “living weapons” like Base Coral had never appeared before; it was a path he had never imagined.
“This is merely the Azurevine Empire’s initial foray into the ocean,” Roger added. The implication was clear: as the Empire understood the ocean better, they would reveal more advanced magic, equipment, and these modified biological weapons. Doyle remained silent. Mastering such technology would indeed allow even a “waste” like Shaq to easily crush him. Coupled with Roger’s counsel, he realized he lacked the capital to compete with Shaq. He harbored ambitions of ascending the throne and would undoubtedly gather intelligence on the Azurevine Empire, which bordered the Sea Kingdom. He was aware of the recent series of significant changes in the Empire, all connected to the handsome young Duke before him. He was deeply trusted by the Empire’s Empress, and there were even some ambiguous rumors about them. Coupled with the surname “Charles,” it indicated his high status within the Empire. Influencing the Empire’s foreign policy to support him might not be a matter of Roger Charles’s single word, but he undoubtedly possessed enough influence. Conversely, supporting Shaq’s ascension to Sea Emperor and continuing the current strategy would be a matter of Roger’s word.
“So, the Sea Emperor’s capability is of no consequence to you at all…” Thinking this, Doyle’s expression finally changed. With this equipment, the Azurevine Empire could sweep aside the Naga in time. All they needed was a puppet to manage the oceanic races, and the puppet’s capability was irrelevant. Perhaps attitude was more important. “No, capability is also important, because our ultimate enemy is not beneath the sea,” Roger smiled and pointed upwards. “You want us to help deal with other countries on the surface?” “Further up.” “The sky… the Gods? The Azurevine Empire is actually going to oppose the Seven Gods?” Doyle recalled intelligence from a long time ago about the Azurevine Empire expelling the Seven Gods Church and prohibiting its proselytization, his face filled with surprise and uncertainty. “Yes, so you are not a follower of the God of Knowledge, and you are more capable, which is an advantage.” Roger smiled calmly, offering no further explanation, believing Doyle understood. Shaq was easier to control, but he was a devout follower of the God of Knowledge; otherwise, he would not be allied with Shady. If the situation further developed, there could be significant uncontrollable factors. Doyle, however, was not a follower and disliked being subordinate, even to gods.
“Then, what are you thinking now, my lord?” Doyle asked. “What I think is not important. What is important is what you plan to do next.” Roger beckoned, and the Dark Night Guard appeared. “Escort His Highness the Fourth Prince back. You need time to consider.” Doyle had no choice. After understanding the power of Base Coral, he realized everything was within Roger’s grasp. The next step was to see if he could demonstrate sufficient sincerity to impress Roger.
Transported back to Black Shark Fortress, Doyle locked himself in his room for a long time, lost in thought. He sighed, “The Azurevine… that Empress is truly powerful, and truly arrogant.” It was the nation’s power that was formidable, and the Empress of Eternal Night’s arrogance in wanting to stand against the Gods with her entire nation and world. This ambition alone earned his admiration. If he had to bow down to such a warship, he didn’t object. But the problem before him now was not that he couldn’t kneel, but how to kneel in a way that would satisfy them… Based on his understanding of his elder brother, only a few more victories would be needed for Shaq to comfortably settle into a relaxed state, willing to exchange future peace for the Empire’s support. That fellow wouldn’t mind being a happy pet dog at all. He, however, wanted to use the Empire’s support to become a “fighting wolf” and defeat the Naga while standing tall.
As Doyle was lost in thought, the Naga Empire was shocked by the news of the front-line defeat. The entire nation was in an uproar, discussing how to retaliate against the Sea Kingdom in streets and alleys, from top to bottom.
