56: Chapter 56 Eco-Islands

"Eco-Medium-Island No. 13, an island suspected of having a large, complete ecosystem. It hasn't been explored yet because it's on the edge of the Southern Military Radiation Zone." Li Ming put down his tablet. "So, this is the target you've chosen?"

"Dolphin thinks there's a big treasure here!" Royal Fortune said confidently. "So let's go check it out!"

"A big treasure?" Li Ming nodded. "If Dolphin feels that way, there's a high probability there really is something. Ruins, or some lost treasure?"

"Who knows? Anyway, let's go on an adventure on this island!"

"I have no objection." Li Ming shrugged. Exploring was fine, but insects and strange bacteria or viruses were no joke. They were Ship Girls and didn't need to worry, but as a genuine human, his life definitely wouldn't be easy for the next while...

Still, he was quite looking forward to it.

An adventure... the kind of activity he'd only ever seen on TV before.

"By the way, where's Vida? Why haven't I seen her?" Royal Fortune looked at the deck. Everyone was there, even A6 had taken off her equipment, but Vida was missing.

"This is why I always insist on sleeping alone." Li Ming rubbed his neck. "I think I kicked Vida out of bed after I fell asleep last night."

Royal Fortune nearly choked. "Huh?! But didn't you say before that Laffey sleeps with you every day?"

"Because if I'm tired enough, I don't move..."

"Pfft! *Cough, cough, cough, cough*..."

"What a simple and unadorned reason..." Gary Adventure remarked.

"Should I go wake Vida up?" Li Ming asked guiltily.

"No need. There's still some time before we reach the destination, let her sleep a bit longer."

"Alright." Li Ming turned his gaze to the deck. "What about A6? Is A6 coming down too?"

"Certainly. According to the 'Commanders Health and Safety Protocol', I am authorized to follow and protect the superior's personal safety."

"Then what about yourself?"

"Response: If it is less than seventy-two hours, physical damage can be reversed."

"Alright then." Li Ming looked at Royal Fortune again.

Royal Fortune gave him a wink. She understood; the upcoming exploration wouldn't go too far.

Without a crane, A6's equipment was cube-ified and couldn't be carried directly by the Ship Girls, so she had to proceed on foot.

——————

Li Ming and A6 went ashore on Gary Adventure's rigging. The others had already performed a preliminary scout of the coast and confirmed a safe zone.

Stepping onto the beach once more, A6 looked at the ground beneath her feet with curiosity; the sand seemed different from before.

"That way is our Outpost." Li Ming pointed to an unidentified single-story building with a flagpole at one end. "We originally planned to build another Radar Station there, but currently, most of our energy is focused on the north."

"Ooh, so that means we don't have to manually build a place to stay?" Royal Fortune breathed a sigh of relief. "That'll save a lot of time for our adventure!"

"Probably, but the food here definitely won't be enough." Li Ming thought for a moment. "There should be a radio station here. We can contact the rear later to have some supplies sent over."

"No need for that, Commander." Mary gently rested her hand on Li Ming's shoulder from behind. "I've prepared everything."

"As expected of you." Li Ming looked at the others. "I mean, everyone has prepared quite well."

Mary smiled; the Commander's survival instinct was very strong.

"Anyway, let's go put our things in the Outpost and get ready to explore in an hour!"

"Okay!"

The group walked toward the Outpost. A6, carrying her Ship-Slaying Sword and holding her rifle steadily, walked at the very back, looking completely out of place with the others.

"A6, relax a little."

"Response: According to the 'Commanders Health and Safety Protocol'... Query! Meaning unclear!"

Forced to lower her rifle and let it hang by her waist supported by the strap, A6 struggled to adjust her hairclip while voicing her unique protest.

There were only six Yellow Chickens in the Outpost responsible for its operations. However, the Outpost had everything it was supposed to.

Especially the Lao Gan Ma by the door; it was a super treasure used to deal with the local beasts. Never mind beasts, even a T-Rex would have to stay down if it showed up.

"Signalman, please send a message to headquarters, Identification Code 1145." Although they were out exploring, Li Ming still had to report his location, otherwise he was afraid Fujian might go on a rampage looking for him.

"What a stinky identification code, Commander." Royal Fortune nudged him with her elbow. Any Ship Girl who understood that clearly spent too much time scrolling through short videos.

"Out of all of us, you're the only one who knows what that means. Tell me, what do you usually do in the port?" Li Ming gave her a sidelong glance.

"Ahaha..." Royal Fortune laughed awkwardly.

"What are the Commander and Royal Fortune talking about?" Gary Adventure turned to Vida; she should understand this stuff, right?

"Just an internet meme, it's nothing." Vida didn't answer directly because it was a hassle.

Since Vida wouldn't say, Gary Adventure and Mary were left completely confused.

"Ahem, everyone come over." Li Ming placed his tablet on the table. "I'll give an overview of this island."

Seeing everyone gather around, Li Ming opened the folder for the island.

"In the most recent close-range aerial scan, we identified some anomalies here," Li Ming said. "On the other side of the small hill on this island, there are signs of suspected man-made objects. From what we can see, they look more like ruins of unknown history, but considering the Sirens' skill at making things look ancient, it could also be a magical little adventure they've deliberately arranged for us."

"Royal Fortune, what do you think?"

"In the words of your hometown, Commander: 'When soldiers come, send a general; when water comes, use earth!'"

"You sit down. Golden Deer, you speak."

"Bring necessary spare items, and if possible, it's best to prepare some unconventional supplies."

"Alright. This place is equipped with explosives and directional demolition charges. If necessary, there's also an 82mm mortar here." Li Ming agreed.

"We don't really need those..." Golden Deer facepalmed. This is an exploration, not a beach landing, my dear Commander... "Necessary life-saving supplies and survival equipment for extreme environments."

"We have those too." Li Ming scratched his head. "Climbing axes, a medical kit, ropes... what else?"

"Well, we have about forty minutes left." Royal Fortune checked her watch. "Everyone grab what you need, and we'll get ready to head out."

"Okay!"

Li Ming took off his coat and stuffed it into a large bag he took from the Outpost. The weather was quite hot now; if he went in wearing that, he would definitely get dehydrated.

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