Chapter 24: Shark Nine

Duan Peng’s teasing remarks clearly had little effect; the others merely glanced at Xu Yan’s actions before losing interest. They had seen plenty of new recruits driven by curiosity and conceit, but what struck them as strange was how focused Xu Yan remained without asking a single question.

"Don't strain your eyes!" one of the team members remarked.

However, his words had no impact on Xu Yan. His gaze remained fixed on the operator’s constant adjustments, and his blinking frequency even slowed. The deep-diving submersible continued its descent, maintaining real-time, three-way communication with both the Relic Island command center and another patrol team on the surface. Because of their current position, it was highly unlikely to be the target of a "Redeem" attack, so the mood among the crew was relatively relaxed.

Reaching a depth of 300 meters, the submersible’s descent slowed, and the sonar began to widen its sweep. Time crept by. At 600 meters, the craft halted its descent; unless "Redeem" utilized heavy submarines or specialized equipment, this depth provided sufficient coverage. Waiting and searching were tedious. The submersible powered down all systems capable of causing fluctuations, slipping into silent mode to hide in the deep sea. Aside from minor course corrections, the propulsion system remained in standby.

Just as everyone assumed this mission would consist of nothing more than waiting for further instructions from command, an unidentified biological signal appeared on the sonar. The operator didn’t call out; instead, he gently raised his right hand above his shoulder. The seemingly lethargic veteran members instantly sprang to life as if energized.

"Damn it, I can’t believe such a prize fell into our laps," the team leader said, sounding genuinely excited.

"Check the launchers, verify communication systems, keep the three-way link ready, check your weapons, synchronize watches..." A series of crisp orders followed, demonstrating high tactical proficiency.

"Speed 28 knots, bearing 005 degrees, intercept in five minutes," the operator reported. "Channel to command center is open."

The team leader stared at the sonar display and said, "Command Center, please advise."

"Hostile contacts detected from three directions. Eliminate them quickly," the command center ordered.

"Activate synchronized monitoring, open all three launchers, prepare."

"Copy," the operator replied firmly.

An older team member pulled at Xu Yan, saying, "Stop watching. Come with me."

Except for the operator and the team leader, the other six ascended the ladder to the upper deck and sealed the hatch behind them. Xu Yan and Duan Peng exchanged a look; they hadn't expected to see real combat on their first outing. The combat suits sealed completely, and the respirators connected to their helmets engaged.

Two minutes later, after a sharp jolt, a green light illuminated the upper compartment. "Damn, were they really that fragile?" a veteran grumbled.

The hatch opened from below, and the team leader stood there, looking disappointed. "Too easy!"

The group returned to the lower deck. Ahead, the water was churning; although there was no fire, the density of the bubbles indicated that the hostile "Redeem" underwater equipment had been neutralized. However, the churning water obstructed the sonar sensors.

Suddenly, an emergency call came over the loudspeaker from the command center: "Suicide drone boats are closing in on your position. Dive immediately!"

Everyone’s nerves tightened. This tactic was unexpected; after losing their primary equipment and personnel, the enemy still had suicide drones. It seemed this sector wasn't their main thrust, but rather a distraction to draw out firepower.

The submersible began an emergency dive, but the final launcher was already open—it only needed a sonar lock to fire. As Xu Yan descended, his eyes remained glued to the sonar screen. Suddenly, he shouted, "Now! 35-degree pitch, fire!"

The team leader glanced at Xu Yan, ready to reprimand him, but the operator had already pressed the fire button. At the edge of the churning water, more bubbles appeared, though far fewer in number.

"Crap," the operator gasped. "It’s a Shark-9 armored drone boat."

The screen showed nothing else. A massive shadow loomed—no sonar analysis was needed to know the Shark-9 was charging at them. The deep-sea torpedo they had just fired became the very target it was tracking.

"Everyone, prepare to abandon ship," the operator ordered decisively.

The team leader said nothing, his face grim, and turned toward the ladder. The operator, after inputting the command for an emergency ascent, also turned toward the ladder. But behind him, Xu Yan remained motionless, his eyes darting across the console.

"Move!" the operator urged, pulling at Xu Yan.

"Wait, there’s still a chance." Xu Yan pushed past the operator and sat in his seat. To the operator’s astonishment, Xu Yan quickly adjusted the backend of the main console and modified several data parameters. The ascending submersible suddenly accelerated, charging head-on toward the Shark-9.

The team leader shouted, but Xu Yan ignored him. The operator, whose hand had been raised to stop him, froze in mid-air and turned back, saying, "Get out of there!"

There was no need to look at the sonar now; through the reinforced glass, it was visible. The submersible was closing in on the Shark-9 at a 35-degree downward angle at maximum speed. Everyone’s heart was in their throat. Only Xu Yan and the operator remained calm—one because he was confident, the other in awe of Xu Yan’s bold plan.

"Here—" the operator began, but he saw Xu Yan’s hand already pressing the electronic jamming sequence. His hand stopped in mid-air once more. As Xu Yan worked, the temperature inside the craft plummeted; breath began to mist under their raised helmet visors.

At that moment, Xu Yan hauled back on the manual control stick. The submersible pulled an impossible turn, grazing the top of the Shark-9. Simultaneously, a burst of flame erupted from the craft's stern, propelling it forward. The Shark-9 behind them detonated instantly. The shockwave caused the submersible to lurch violently, but Xu Yan fought the manual controls to steady the bucking craft, darting away like a swordfish.

The force of the water pushed the explosion's spray to both sides of the craft. It was beautiful, like blown bubbles. Despite the darkness of the deep sea, the explosion of the Shark-9 provided the perfect illumination.

Unfortunately, the bubbles were only one color. Still, against the backdrop of the deep sea, it was a magnificent sight.

The submersible continued forward. The command center’s voice crackled over the comms: "Report status immediately. What happened?"