9 A Moment Of Respite
Luo Yin then issued orders to his crew, commanding that the soldiers be given breaks of an hour and a half each, to be taken in two shifts.
During that time, they were to eat, rest up, and spend some time in restoration baths, ensuring they were in optimal condition for the upcoming battle.
A restoration bath was an exquisite marvel, a vast basin crafted from the rare and precious Vitality Wood, brimming with Medicinal Liquid to a depth of thirty centimeters.
As one laid afloat in its serene interior, a state of unparalleled tranquility enveloped them, isolating them from the clamor of the outside world – devoid of color, lighting, heating, sound, and all other external senses.
Its effects were such that indulging in this extraordinary bathing experience for a mere hour was akin to the restorative powers of a full eight hours of undisturbed sleep.
Such was the profound impact it had on the mind and body, revitalizing them in a way no other remedy could.
For soldiers worn by the demands of combat, there was no match for the swiftness with which the restoration bath could revive their fatigued bodies and spirits.
It was a haven of solace, providing respite and rejuvenation to those who bore the burdens of battle.
Truly, it stood unrivaled in its ability to quickly restore the weary, both in flesh and soul.
In situations where restoration bath facilities were scarce, Blood Enhancing Pills were occasionally resorted to as an alternative.
However, it was widely recognized that these pills were not only perilous to the physical well-being of the soldiers, but they also had deleterious effects on the military organization as a whole.
Soldiers who became addicted to drugs posed a severe threat to the efficiency and effectiveness of the military, as they were rendered virtually useless as human resources.
As a result, this measure was strictly employed as a last resort in the direst of circumstances.
It had been well established since the late Great Change Era that Pills had the capability to invigorate the body's cells, amplifying their innate abilities exponentially.
Nevertheless, it was also known that overindulgence could drive one to a state wherein death would be deemed preferable.
Such was the precarious nature of tampering with these potent substances.
In the aftermath of the battles, a fleeting respite of peace and tranquility descended upon the crews of the Imperial vessels.
The mess halls of each ship buzzed with animated activity, brimming with cheerful commotion.
Although alcohol was strictly prohibited, the crew members found themselves entranced by a kind of intoxication born of the adrenaline-fueled triumphs of battle.
Even the food, though perhaps lacking in quality, tasted delectable to their jubilant palates.
In hushed tones, whispers circulated among the crew. "Did you see our Young Admiral? Quite impressive, isn't he?"
The people of the Ink Dragon Fleet had always respected him and knew of his talent and capabilities as a Commander.
But, there was a newfound appreciation for the youthful leader who was once dismissed as a mere figurehead, admired now for his tactical prowess, even from those who had simply joined the Fleet just for this mission.
Some even compared him to the esteemed Admirals Li Liang and Shen Xing from the days of yore, a testament to his strategic acumen.
The existential question of the purpose behind the senseless bloodshed, and for whom they were sacrificing their lives, was conspicuously absent from the soldiers' conversations.
In that fleeting moment, they were simply reveling in their survival and hard-earned victory, unencumbered by deeper reflections.
However, little did they know that within a few short hours, some of these very survivors would join the ranks of the fallen, adding to the toll of the newly deceased.
Such was the cruel reality of war, where fleeting moments of celebration were often eclipsed by the harshness of its aftermath.
At the moment, the Second Fleet was swiftly advancing towards the Fifth Fleet, with a well-devised plan to deliver a decisive blow to the Imperial Fleet.
"We cannot afford to waste any time! Full speed ahead towards the Fifth Fleet!"
Admiral Mu Kongdong's orders rang out with urgency, compelling the Second Fleet to push their vessels to their maximum speed, eager to reach the designated area of the Fifth Fleet as swiftly as possible.
"Calculate the precise time required to reach our target," Admiral Mu Kongdong directed Lieutenant Commander Xiu Yong, wasting no time in taking decisive action.
Without a moment's hesitation, Lieutenant Commander Xiu Yong immediately set to work, diligently crunching the numbers to determine the precise time needed to reach the Fifth Fleet's location.
He was acutely aware of the sacrifice made by the Fourth Fleet and was determined to ensure that their efforts would not be in vain..
"It'll take us approximately four hours to reach them, utilizing the maximum capabilities of our Starships," reported Lieutenant Commander Xiu Yong after taking ten minutes to perform the calculations.
"I see. Convey my orders. Inform the soldiers to be prepared for war within three hours," ordered Admiral Mu Kongdong with unwavering resolve.
"Yes, sir!" responded Lieutenant Commander Xiu Yong, promptly carrying out the command and leaving the room.
Admiral Mu Kongdong remained composed as he remarked, "Well, let's see how this Commander of the Imperial Fleet deals with these circumstances."
After two hours had elapsed, the Imperial Fleet's Surveillance Ships finally detected the Second Fleet rapidly approaching the Fifth Fleet at an astronomical speed.
"I see, so that's their plan, huh? Hahaha! They've certainly outmaneuvered us, haven't they? Not bad!" chuckled Luo Yin, a smile spreading across his face.
"So, what do we do now? It doesn't appear to be advantageous for us in the slightest," voiced Lieutenant Commander Lin Feng, his expression filled with concern.
"Even if it doesn't seem that way, we never had the option to retreat from the very beginning. We will fight until the bitter end," declared Luo Yin, his excitement palpable.
"As you wish, Your Excellency!" bowed Lieutenant Commander Lin Feng, his admiration for Luo Yin evident.
"In such dire circumstances, choosing to fight rather than flee and calling it an honorable withdrawal, you are truly a great leader… maybe, an Emperor?" mused Lin Feng.
"I believe the moment is imminent," mused Luo Yin, his excitement mounting, "for the Ink Dragon Fleet to unveil its true might in this impending battle."
