The Tycoon's Odyssey

Aurora's voice broke the silence in the control room.

[They are going all out this time, no longer hiding anything,] she said, her serious tone matching the intensity of her glowing red hair.

Evan rubbed his chin, his eyes fixed on the screen. "It seems even the Federation is feeling desperate. For them to unveil their hidden stash of weaponry… this isn't something they'd do lightly."

Aurora analyzed further, her tone sharp and calculated. [These weapons are extraordinary. We might have been in serious trouble if this had happened before my upgrade.]

She paused before adding, [Still, it's impressive that the Federation has managed to keep this under wraps for so long. Their restraint may have probably helped maintain peace. If they'd unleashed weapons of mass destruction earlier, maintaining law and order would've been impossible.]

Evan nodded silently, his eyes glued to the advanced weaponry displayed on the screen. It was just as he'd suspected: technological progress had skyrocketed, reaching levels he could hardly believe. The long-rumored experiments of Einstein and Tesla, whispered about in scientific circles, weren't myths after all. They had been classified, their breakthroughs hidden away until now.

"To think they invented technology decades ahead of its time when electricity was still in its infancy…" Evan murmured. He shook his head, marveling at their brilliance. "Just how extraordinary were those minds? Newton, Tesla, Einstein... It's no wonder their work has shaped our world."

[Don't sell yourself short, sir,] a voice emerged as a golden-haired young man appeared, patting Evan on the shoulder.

[You have done well yourself.] The system spoke with a smile.

"I'm not underestimating myself," Evan said with a rare smile. "But I'm just stating a fact. Without the system, none of this would have been possible. For that, I'm eternally grateful."

The system nodded, his expression warm. [You've done well, Evan. Don't let your humility blind you to your own accomplishments.]

Evan fell silent for a moment, reflecting. In the beginning, he had hated the system, viewing it as an uninvited force interfering with his life. But as time passed and he matured, his perspective shifted.

"The world," Evan said quietly, "is nothing but a cage of narrow beliefs. Every few centuries, there are individuals who shatter those cages with light. But in time, new cages are built from the remnants of the old ones."

He shook his head, clearing his thoughts. His gaze returned to the screen and focused on the display of the Federation's arsenal of gleaming missiles, autonomous drones, and advanced energy weapons.

Aurora's voice pulled him back. [What are your orders, sir? Do we proceed with the plan?]

Evan hesitated, considering the weight of his next move. Finally, he spoke with resolve.

"Yes. We will begin global espionage."

Aurora's screen flickered, indicating her readiness. [Shall I send the signal to our operatives?]

Evan raised a hand, stopping her. "Not yet. Put them on standby. They are to wait for further instructions."

[Understood,] Aurora replied, her tone steady. [According to the plan, we can seize control of the major countries in exchange for minimal casualties. The projected loss is only 1%. However, unforeseen variables may arise.]

Evan nodded, his mind already working through the potential scenarios. "None of this will matter unless we dismantle the Federation first."

The screen shifted, revealing rows of hibernation pods containing key allies, including Suri. Evan's lips curved into a small, confident smile.

"Once Suri and the others wake up, we'll launch the final phase. The Federation will fall, and everything they've worked for will crumble."

Aurora tilted her head, a slight note of curiosity in her voice. [You seem eager, sir.]

Evan's smile widened. "I've been itching for a fight with Walter. It's time to settle the score."

He turned away from the screen, his expression a mix of determination and anticipation. "Soon," he said softly. "It will be the time to end this."

_____

The soldiers on the naval fleet erupted in cheers as they watched the plasma barrier shatter, piece by piece. It was a sight they had been yearning for—finally, after countless failed attempts, they had broken through the first obstacle that had always kept them at bay.

"Fire more! Create a clear path for us!" one of the admirals shouted, his voice echoing across the deck.

Missiles launched one after another, streaking across the sky and slamming into the remnants of the barrier. The officers and crew gleamed with joy, a sense of triumph spreading through the fleet. For once, the enemy's defenses seemed to be failing.

But their celebration was short-lived.

The sea beneath the floating city began to tremble and a low, guttural rumble echoed across the waters.

"What is that?" a sailor murmured, his voice shaky.

The tremor intensified, causing the ships to sway. From the base of the city, massive waves began to form—rising higher and higher until they transformed into towering walls of water that surged toward the fleet.

"Brace for impact!" a voice boomed through the communication lines. "I repeat. Everyone, brace for impact!"

Panic erupted. Soldiers scrambled to secure themselves while equipment rattled and slid across the decks. The admirals shouted orders, their voices barely audible over the chaos. Explore more adventures at My Virtual Library Empire

"Hold your ground!"

The colossal waves slammed into the ships, tossing them around like toys. Water crashed over the decks, drenching the soldiers and dragging some equipment into the sea.

"Status report!" an admiral demanded.

"Severe damage to the rear ships!" one officer responded. "Several are taking on water!"

As the fleet struggled to recover, the unthinkable happened. The floating city—enormous and otherworldly—began to shift. Its base descended slightly, and its immense structure loomed closer. Then, with a thunderous crash, parts of the city collided with the ships, crushing them like brittle shells.

"Deploy the submarines!" one of the admirals barked. "If we can't handle it from above, we'll take the fight below!"

The submarines, which had been waiting in reserve, sprang into action. One by one, they plunged beneath the waves, their sleek forms disappearing into the depths.

"Target the city's base," a commander instructed. "Destroy its foundation and sink it!"

Moving cautiously, the submarines approached the city's base. Though parts of the shield remained active, they launched kinetic control missiles to blast away the last remnants of the energy barrier. Each explosion shook the waters, clearing a path forward.

"Entering the city's periphery," a pilot reported.

But as they advanced, a warning signal blared inside the submarines.

"What's that sound?" an officer asked, alarmed.

The commander dismissed it. "Ignore it! Deploy the missiles and hit their base hard!"

Just as the submarines prepared to fire, everything went dark.

"What? What just happened?"

"Damn it, the engine's offline!"