Chapter 617: The World Is Changing

Upgrading the world is not something that can be completed in a moment; even with the arrival of Zero and everyone's assistance, it must take several days to finish. Therefore, during this period, aside from the preset mass-produced warships continuing to operate, all other Sirens have ceased activity.

However, this action did not cause the Nine Major Factions or Qin Ge to have the slightest doubt, after all, previously, aside from the mass-produced warships one could encounter on the sea and the Executors, it was rare to see any trace of high-ranking humanoid Sirens commanding.

Meanwhile, as the time of the Siren Tide draws nearer, the commanders who had gone out for training in the port area have also returned to the port area.

This time, upon their return, Qin Ge could clearly see from their submitted reports that everyone's strength had greatly increased.

Not only did each person add two or three fully trained shipgirls under their command, but their demeanor also changed; they finally bore the look of soldiers who had experienced battle.

This made Qin Ge feel very satisfied, and he also secretly felt guilty about some of his earlier plans. If it weren't for Emperor Frederick prompting him to timely reform the Grand Fleet, he feared that by the time Li Chenming and the others truly possessed combat power, it would still be several years later.

But now they are already capable of acting as independent commanders. And upon returning, they took over the garrison duties at three temporary ports from Qin Ge.

Qin Ge also readily agreed; previously, Enterprise's similar arrangement was mainly to have people observe and report promptly if any situation arose.

After assigning the garrison duties of the three temporary ports to Li Chenming and others, each garrison detail now at least consists of a commander leading a detachment of shipgirls.

When faced with any urgent problem, they can first respond, then decide based on the severity whether to request support from the port area, which greatly eases the pressure on the port area.

In the port area thereafter, aside from this matter, nothing major has happened recently; all work proceeds as usual.

Until one day, while accompanying Qin Ge in the office, Hai Lun Na suddenly froze, then quickly ran to the window, braced her hands on it, and looked outside.

Qin Ge, who was working in the office, was somewhat puzzled by Hai Lun Na's series of actions, stood up and asked, "Hai Lun Na, what's wrong?"

Upon hearing Qin Ge's question, Hai Lun Na immediately turned and said to him, "Commander, I feel that the world is changing."

"What? The world is changing?" Qin Ge, bewildered by Hai Lun Na's reply, said, "What exactly does that mean?"

Hai Lun Na shook her head, "I don't know either; it's just a feeling—I sense that the world is changing."

"Hmm... a feeling?" Qin Ge stroked his chin, "As an Awakened Shipgirl, it's impossible to suddenly have such a feeling; since you're so certain, there must be something fishy."

As soon as Qin Ge finished speaking, the office phone rang; he glanced at Hai Lun Na, picked up the phone, and said, "This is Qin Ge, go ahead."

"Commander, I am Enterprise; I just sensed that the world is changing."

Enterprise's voice came through the phone, and her words made Qin Ge frown. After all, Hai Lun Na had just said the same to him, and now Enterprise called immediately with the same message, indicating that perhaps many more shipgirls have noticed.

After a moment's thought, Qin Ge said into the phone, "I already know; Hai Lun Na just told me. Don't spread it—first note who has sensed the world's change, and report to me promptly."

"Understood."

After Enterprise finished speaking and hung up, Qin Ge also set down the phone. Hai Lun Na beside him asked strangely, "Commander, do you think some people have noticed the world's change while others haven't?"

Qin Ge nodded, "Go to the window, point at the destroyers playing below, and tell Hai Lun Na that if they too had sensed the world's change, their reaction now should be the same as yours."

But unfortunately, their actions haven't been interrupted, and moreover, Li Chenming and the others have already returned and are working in the office area.

If they had also noticed, the office area wouldn't be this quiet right now. Furthermore, this call came from Enterprise, and you two share the trait of being Awakened Shipgirls, so I believe perhaps only you have sensed the world's change.

To be thorough, that's why I had Enterprise pay attention.

Hai Lun Na immediately realized, smiling at Qin Ge, "Your observation is truly meticulous, Commander."

Qin Ge shook his head, "It's not that I'm observant; I just always feel that this Siren Tide will bring circumstances we've never seen before, so prior to this Siren Tide, no matter what happens, I won't feel surprised."

Moreover, if it's truly as you say—that the world is changing—then it's highly likely to confirm the danger of this Siren Tide. Looks like we'll be busy in the coming days.

"Commander, I will always stay by your side, no matter what happens." Hai Lun Na said firmly, gazing at Qin Ge.

Qin Ge smiled, opened his arms, and embraced Hai Lun Na beside him. Seeing her face instantly blush, he smiled and said, "Rest assured, with me I will surely bring Hai Lun Na to victory."

"Hmm."

Not long after, the office door was knocked open, and entering were Enterprise and Ou Gen Qin Wang.

Qin Ge lifted his head from his seat and looked at the two, asking, "How is it?"

Enterprise nodded at Qin Ge, "Commander, after some investigation, I found that the shipgirls who sensed the world's change this time seem to be only us Awakened Shipgirls, while the unawakened shipgirls sensed nothing."

Qin Ge nodded, "That matches my prediction; it means not only our port area, but the Awakened Shipgirls within the Nine Major Factions also feel that the world is changing."

"That's inevitable; since we've noticed it, they must have as well." Ou Gen Qin Wang said, "However, I'm curious as to exactly where in the world this change has occurred."

Enterprise shook her head, "I'm not sure, but at this special time point, something like this happening is indeed quite strange."

"Hmm." Qin Ge looked at the two and said, "During this period, we should strengthen patrols of the waters near the main island; I believe this matter is definitely related to the Sirens."

Moreover, the Siren Tide is imminent; carrying out this now, we can imagine that we have still underestimated this Siren Tide.

Therefore, if any abnormality occurs thereafter, we must immediately activate the port area's security protocol and fully guard against attacks from the Sirens.

"Yes, Commander!"