My queen is rebelling!

In a secret sea area within the Wailing Sound Trench, Cohen established his base for building the Ghost Ship.

Flint was directing the crew in modifying the ship.

The first to be upgraded were the three main battleships. The figureheads had been replaced with statues of weeping banshees, and their eyeballs had been replaced with those of gold-tier banshees.

Preparations were almost complete.

Cohen took out a top-grade shadow-attribute magic crystal, then produced a psionic core. Upon contact with the magic crystal, the psionic core instantly emitted a dim light.

The entire space became oppressive and heavy.

Cohen gently tossed the psionic core, which quickly levitated above the three main battleships.

An invisible force enveloped the three battleships.

As psionic power surged.

The seawater suddenly resembled a surging python, repeatedly crashing against the hull, producing groaning sounds of strain.

Even the sky turned pitch black, and eerie lightning bolts occasionally ripped through the darkness, striking the ships.

The statue of the weeping banshee on the figurehead, originally lifeless eyes, suddenly began to shed strange blood tears, then slowly lit up, emitting a captivating light.

Immediately afterward, the ship's planks and metal began to decay and peel, and the originally sturdy sails were torn into shreds by some invisible force, turning into smoke, hovering and lingering around the ship.

Seawater began to pour in continuously, and the hull gradually sank, but did not actually sink. The psionic core suspended in mid-air suddenly released a thick white mist, enveloping the entire ship.

Within the mist, countless transparent figures could be vaguely seen wandering.

After the mist dissipated, the material of the entire ship began to ossify, and shadowy halos began to form.

Cohen's mind was filled with the words of the ancient Pirate King—

For the first eight hours, the ship's materials, whether wood or metal, will transform into ossified coral. The compressive strength will be greatly enhanced, and psionic rings will be generated, improving the caster's perception and combat power, and strengthening the ship's defensive attributes.

The generation of psionic rings meant that the transformation was half successful.

The first one was a success, a good start.

Cohen breathed a sigh of relief, temporarily entrusting the psionic core to Flint, while he led the others back to the Scarlet Island base. He still had many important things to handle!

… …

In the Scarlet Island war room, besides Cohen, there were also several naval officers from Effien. Everyone was analyzing the war reports from the front lines.

The strategic plan to eliminate the remnants of the Dark Tide Ghost Pirate Group was proceeding smoothly. With the assistance of two legendary banshees, Beckman and the other three vice-captains successfully took over most of the Dark Tide Ghost Pirate Group's forces without much effort.

One of the young officers said, "At this rate, in about ten days, two-thirds of the Northwest Sea will be incorporated into the territory of our Scarlet Marauders."

Their captain had already gone to the Ceylon Kingdom, hoping to obtain the protection of the Ceylon Navy.

According to intelligence from the Quessar Station of the Military Intelligence Bureau, the Black Sails captain had secretly met with Admiral Norn, the commander of the navy, multiple times.

If it weren't for Effien's major movements on the border, which involved the entire Ceylon Kingdom's energy, the Ceylon Navy might have already prepared to accept the Black Sails' surrender and join forces with them to attack Scarlet Island.

Cohen put down the intelligence and said to the young naval officer who had spoken earlier:

"Stevens, I heard from Herman that your family is a seafood tycoon. You must have dealt with pirates a lot, right?"

Stevens was the youngest of the officers who had come from Effien. He was also personally recommended by Herman, so Cohen valued him particularly.

Having only arrived a few days ago, he had already been placed by Cohen's side as an advisor.

Stevens suppressed the excitement in his eyes and said respectfully:

"Yes… Captain, our family is quite familiar with several of the Black Sails' petty bosses.

Our fishing fleets that go out to sea often have to bribe them a little, as a protection fee."

Cohen nodded thoughtfully and then asked:

"With your family background, it seems that you don't need to join the army. Is it your father's request?"

Stevens' father was a viscount named Byron Jennings, a famous seafood tycoon in Effien.

He was also the viscount who once looked down on Herman and forced Herman to break up with his lover.

Since the Northwest Emerald Exchange, Herman's status suddenly rose, and Viscount Jennings knelt and cried, marrying his daughter to Herman.

Jennings gave most of his wealth as a dowry.

Rather than a dowry, it was more like Viscount Jennings expressing his sincerity and apology to Herman.

Jennings was afraid that this son-in-law would hold a grudge against him, as he had been the one who interfered, not only forcing his daughter to break up with Herman but also secretly arranging for Herman to be transferred to the Northern Border.

This matter could be considered a big deal or a small one, after all, Herman almost died in the Northern Border.

However, Herman, for the sake of his wife, didn't hold too much against this father-in-law.

Viscount Jennings could also be considered to have climbed a high branch.

Herman was now a hereditary landed viscount, the Deputy Minister of the National Ministry of Justice, Assistant to the Grand Judge, and the designated successor to the Grand Judge position.

Moreover, he had the most important identity, the Director of the Military Intelligence Bureau's Secretariat, equivalent to the King's Political Secretary.

Everyone in Effien knew the weight of this young viscount.

Jennings also went from being an ordinary noble with a little money to a prominent figure in the Emerald noble circle.

Herman also hinted to this father-in-law through his wife, telling him not to be too high-profile. Jennings was still very obedient.

He also understood that his son-in-law was a person close to the King, so he naturally had to pay attention to his image and influence.

Therefore, even though his son-in-law was so high and mighty, Jennings rarely asked him for anything.

Or rather, there was no need to ask. Ever since Herman and Viscount Jennings' daughter held a grand wedding in Emerald, and the King personally attended the wedding to deliver a speech, Jennings' seafood business became particularly hot.

Even many neighboring countries have opened their mouths to designate the Jennings family as partners.

There was no way around it, as the name of the King of Effien was now too loud, and as a person close to the King of Effien, Herman's position naturally rose.

The only time Jennings officially opened his mouth to Herman was for his only son, Stevens Jennings.

Viscount Jennings was engaged in the seafood industry, and his main connections were in the navy, ports, and customs departments.

Originally, Viscount Jennings had arranged for his son to take the path of port customs, but the young and energetic Stevens secretly applied for military school without saying a word to his family.

Viscount Jennings had no choice but to arrange for him to serve in an Effien fleet as a company-level commander, responsible for commanding a small patrol boat after he graduated.

The ambitious Stevens was naturally unwilling to command a patrol boat all day long. He begged his father to say good things to his brother-in-law.

Viscount Jennings also broke his heart for this only son, so he had to lose his old face and took advantage of his daughter's birthday to find Herman.

Herman didn't explicitly refuse. At that time, Cohen hadn't told him about the Northwest Sea plan, and he hadn't figured out how to arrange it.

It wasn't until recently that Cohen's activities in the Northwest Sea were thriving, that Herman remembered his brother-in-law and called Jennings over.

For the sake of confidentiality, Herman didn't say what exactly he was going to do, only that he would give Stevens a chance to soar into the sky. As for whether he could seize it, it would depend on his own good fortune.

Viscount Jennings was naturally full of gratitude. Herman didn't delay and added Stevens to the list after knowing that Cohen needed naval officers.

Stevens was a little confused at first as to why he had come to a pirate base. Could it be that his brother-in-law was still resentful of what his father had done to him before?

Was he going to send himself to a pirate group to be a pirate?

But when he saw the true face of this pirate group leader, the doubts in his heart were dispelled by a huge surprise.

His Majesty the King!

He was actually sent to serve beside His Majesty the King!

His brother-in-law was right, this was indeed a chance to soar into the sky!

Facing Cohen's question, Stevens said everything in detail:

"Reporting, Captain, I wanted to join the army myself!

I applied to military school without telling my family."

Cohen nodded slightly:

"Good, it's good for young people to have the heart to serve the country.

Herman sent you here to me, do you understand what that means?"

Stevens immediately stood up straight and said:

"I will listen to all instructions from His… Captain, and resolutely complete all of your orders."

Cohen waved his hand:

"No need to be so restrained. Learn well from these seniors and don't limit your vision to a small Effien. Your future space is still vast!"

"Yes!"

Cohen turned to look at several officers not far away and said to one of them:

"General Fanze, you should have dealt with the Ceylon Navy before. What is their strength like?"

General Fanze in Cohen's mouth was the highest-ranking, most experienced, and most reliable of this group of naval officers.

When Cohen's father was alive, Fanze was already the Deputy Commander of the Effien Navy. He had climbed up step by step from a sailor, having worked as captain of various ships, and was very experienced in naval warfare.

After the death of King Cohen the First, Effie adopted a comprehensive contraction strategy, and did not pay much attention to the navy. General Fanz then applied to the Naval Academy to serve as the principal in disappointment.

Preparing to cultivate the next generation of naval talents.

It was not until Cohen's sudden emergence that Fanz rekindled his hope.

After receiving Cohen's message, Yadel began to look for suitable officers in the navy, and General Fanz was the first confirmed candidate.

General Fanz replied:

"More than 30 years ago, I fought against their North Sea Fleet. At that time, Effie's national strength was on the rise.

The two sides were just testing each other, but according to my estimation, the strength of one of their fleets is comparable to the entire Effie navy."

The Kingdom of Ceylon has four fleets in the southeast, northwest, which means that 30 years ago, the strength of the Ceylon Navy was four times that of Effie. In the past 30 years, the opponent must not have stagnated.

The current naval strength of the Kingdom of Ceylon will only be more terrifying.

General Fanz seemed to be worried that his words would scare Cohen, and added:

"However, the commander does not need to worry too much. The four fleets of the Kingdom of Ceylon have their own missions.

After all, pirates are not the main defense target of the navy. In fact, it is already beyond my expectations that the Kingdom of Ceylon is willing to send its navy to deal with our Crimson Raiders this time.

Therefore, I estimate that even if the other party really sends out the navy, they can only spare the strength of one fleet at most.

And they can't come out for too long."

Cohen nodded slowly and said:

"General Fanz's analysis is very correct. I have obtained accurate information that Admiral Nuo'en, the commander of the Ceylon Navy, has put the North Sea Fleet into a state of combat mobilization.

If it weren't for the Queen and the others' actions on the Effie border, I'm afraid the vanguard of the North Sea Fleet would have arrived in the waters near the Crying Trench."

A deep sense of shock welled up in General Fanz's heart. His Majesty even knew such confidential information.

He almost immediately thought of Effie's mysterious and terrifying organization, known as the omnipresent Military Intelligence Bureau!

Cohen pondered slightly, and then asked:

"According to your estimation, if the Kingdom of Ceylon sends the North Sea Fleet to attack our Crimson Island, what are the odds?"

General Fanz thought for a while, and said slowly:

"With the sonic defense wall of the Crying Banshee tribe, plus so many legendary transcendents, it is definitely wishful thinking to break through the defense of Crimson Island.

However, if we want to completely smash their attack and give them a profound lesson, the current Crimson Raiders are still somewhat lacking in strength."

Cohen asked:

"Is it still not enough with the ghost ship?"

General Fanz said:

"If one-third of the main battleships of the Crimson Raiders can be strengthened into ghost ships, then the invading enemies can be easily wiped out."

One-third, there are currently about 100 main battleships of the Crimson Raiders, and one-third is 30.

There is definitely not enough time.

The deterrent on the Effie border can only buy Cohen more than ten days. A few days have already passed, and counting the time for the navy to dispatch and prepare, Cohen doesn't have much time left.

It is simply unrealistic to strengthen 30 ghost ships and let the crew master the control of the ghost ships.

Cohen said in a deep voice:

"Thirty is unrealistic. Ideally, when we face the navy of the Kingdom of Ceylon, we can have about ten ghost ships put into battle."

General Fanz was silent for a moment and then said:

"If we can separate the forces of the North Sea Fleet, then ten ghost ships plus the Crimson Raiders' own ships, plus the support of the Sharkmen's submarine detachment, there is a chance of success."

Cohen raised his eyebrows slightly and murmured softly:

"Defeat them one by one? That's a good idea, but how can we get the North Sea Fleet to divide its troops?"

Stevens next to him had a gleam in his eyes, and suddenly thought of something, and said:

"I have an immature idea, I don't know if it is feasible."

Cohen said:

"Tell me about it."

Stevens took a breath and said in a condensed voice:

"Our Jennings family has a lot of dealings with the Black Sails. In fact, the head of the Black Sails has a very close relationship with the deputy commander of the Ceylon Navy.

If we send the main fleet to encircle and suppress the Black Sails' base camp, the Ceylon Navy fleet will definitely send troops to rescue them.

The premise is that we must launch an encirclement and suppression of the Black Sails when the Ceylon Navy is attacking our Crimson Island.

This way, they can be forced to divide their troops."

Cohen said:

"I understand what you mean. You want to use the main base of Crimson Island as bait to lure them to attack, and then attack the Black Sails when they are besieging us.

Force them to divide their troops, right?"

Stevens nodded heavily and said:

"However, there are two key points in this. One is that we must grasp the accurate time of their actions, and send the main fleet to secretly surround the Black Sails' base camp before they start besieging us.

The other is that the main base of Crimson Island must be able to withstand the attack of the North Sea Fleet."

Cohen said:

"These two points are no problem. With the sonic defense wall of the Crying Banshee, it is still no problem to withstand the attack of the North Sea Fleet."

General Fanz said after a moment of silence:

"Under normal circumstances, this plan is very good, but if it is Nuo'en, our plan may not be implemented smoothly.

This person's character is extremely cautious, and he will not easily divide his troops without the certainty of winning."

Cohen said:

"You mean he will give up supporting the Black Sails?"

General Fanz nodded and said:

"If Nuo'en is the commander-in-chief of this operation, with his character, he will not only not divide his troops to rescue the Black Sails, but even guess that this is a conspiracy."

A stern look flashed in Cohen's eyes, and he said:

"Then we will change a commander-in-chief!

Stevens, you just said that the deputy commander of the navy who has a good relationship with the head of the Black Sails, what's his name?"

Stevens was stunned for a moment, and said after recalling for a moment:

"His name is Gaston Davenport."

… …

Quiesang, the capital of the Kingdom of Ceylon.

A secret safe house of the Effie Military Intelligence Quiesang Station.

Station Chief Hulian handed Cohen's latest instructions to Malin Paxson, the chief of the intelligence department.

Hulian said softly:

"The director's latest instructions, take a look."

Cohen instructed them to do everything possible to make Gaston Davenport, the deputy commander of the navy, the military commander-in-chief of the Kingdom of Ceylon's encirclement and suppression of pirates.

Baron Malin fell into deep thought after reading it.

After a brief silence, Hulian lit a cigar and said:

"You are Charles' secretary, and Charles is the prince in charge of the navy.

He should have the most say in the choice of the military commander-in-chief. What are your thoughts?"

Baron Malin said in a deep voice:

"It's not enough for Second Highness alone.

After all, Charles has not taken over the navy for a long time, and Gaston himself has to actively fight for it, otherwise it will be difficult to fight against those elders in the military."

Hulian asked:

"Does Gaston himself have this intention?"

Baron Malin shook his head:

"It's hard to say, I don't have much contact with him."

Hulian narrowed his eyes and said:

"The director reminded us in his instructions to pay attention to the relationship between this Deputy Commander Gaston and the head of the Black Sails.

Perhaps we can start from this aspect and force him to actively fight for the position of commander-in-chief.

The head of the Black Sails has been in Quiesang recently!"

Baron Malin pondered for a while, his eyes lit up, and he said:

"I have an idea!

However, we must ensure that this Deputy Commander Gaston and the head of the Black Sails can no longer appear in the Kingdom of Ceylon.

It doesn't matter whether they are dead or not, at least they can't speak anymore, otherwise my identity is likely to be exposed."

Station Chief Hulian said:

"Don't worry about this. According to the director's meaning, it is estimated that the North Sea Fleet of the Kingdom of Ceylon and the Black Sails will be finished together this time!"

… …

Herlan, the head of the Black Sails, is a gentle middle-aged man with rimless glasses and a gentle smile on his face at all times.

People who don't know him really can't associate such a person with the head of the Black Sails, one of the three major pirate groups rampant in the Northwest Sea.

At this moment, Herlan was in the high-level box of the Veterans Club, waiting for his guests.

Hulian is the commercial front man of the Second Prince Charles, and the Veterans Club under his banner is naturally the most favorite place for many of Charles' subordinates to discuss matters and relax.

Before long, a well-dressed man pushed the door open and walked in.

When Herlan saw the visitor, he quickly got up, with a flattering smile on his face:

"Baron, how is His Highness?"

Baron Malin returned a smile and said:

"Everything is fine. His Highness said that he had a very happy conversation with Head Herlan a few times ago.

And it won't be long before... Well, after His Majesty figures out the true intentions of those annoying guys in Effie, we can free up our hands to deal with that arrogant Crimson Raider pirate group!"

Herlan was overjoyed. In the past few days, he couldn't sleep well at night. He was worried all day long, fearing that Crimson Island would suddenly teleport to the top of his head one day.

Then a group of legendary ranks would besiege him, ending up like David Moss, the head of the Dark Tide Ghost Pirate Group.

Now that he has the guarantee of the Kingdom of Ceylon, his heart is mostly relieved.

The two chatted for a while, and Baron Malin brought up the main topic:

"Actually, I came here this time to discuss a private matter with Head Herlan."

Herlan still had a gentle smile on his face, but he kept pondering the meaning of Baron Malin's words in his heart.

Private matter?

Whose private matter?

Is it Baron Malin's own, or Charles Cromwell, the Second Prince's?

Baron Malin seemed to see through the little Jiujiu in Herlan's heart, chuckled and said:

"Head Herlan, some things, no matter who you do it for, once you leave this door, you can only say that you did it for me.

I wonder if you understand what I mean!"