The apocalypse struck, and I became a druid.

Page 248

Zheng Weiguo, Lin Chen, and the others maintained polite smiles and gave simple responses, neither appearing distant nor making any substantive promises.

Liang Tie, on the other hand, had a cold expression, and few people dared to approach him easily.

Not to mention him, the military, fission survivors, and other survivors in the settlements were clearly separated, forming several relatively isolated circles.

Survivors from other settlements wanted to approach them, but were intimidated by their imposing presence.

Just then, Colonel Pang from the Navy, carrying a metal water glass, took the initiative to walk towards the Sword of Judgment.

He first nodded to the captains around Zheng Weiguo, then looked at Zheng Weiguo and said, "Commander Zheng, how have you been?"

This title stirred something in Han Ning's heart, who was sitting a little further back.

Commander?

Zheng Weiguo's current position is the commander-in-chief of the Sword of Judgment, and his military rank is only lieutenant colonel.

The term "commander" sounds like a term of address between old acquaintances.

When Zheng Weiguo saw Colonel Pang, a genuine smile appeared on his serious face, and he stood up: "Old Pang."

He picked up the water glass in front of him and lightly touched it with Colonel Pang's glass.

After exchanging a few brief pleasantries, Colonel Pang's gaze quickly fell on Han Ning, who was standing to the side and behind Zheng Weiguo.

"He looks a bit unfamiliar. Is Gu Cheng not here?" Colonel Pang looked at Zheng Weiguo with a questioning gaze.

Zheng Weiguo stepped aside and introduced:

"You should have heard about the situation at the high ground outpost. He doesn't have time to come over. This is Han Ning, Chief Han, from the Biyun Gathering Area."

He paused and added,

"That's the Han leader who traded triangular sea ray with your navy through us before."

Colonel Pang looked enlightened, then sized Han Ning up and down before extending his hand: "So it's you. You're young and promising, Commander Han."

Han Ning had great respect for the naval commander who dared to promise to personally lead the team deep into the dangerous source. He understood that Zheng Weiguo was helping him expand his network of contacts.

He immediately stood up and reached out to shake hands with Colonel Pang.

Colonel Pang's hands were broad and strong.

"Colonel Pang, it's a pleasure to meet you." Han Ning's tone was calm and neither humble nor arrogant.

Colonel Pang shook hands and then released them: "The research value of the triangular sea ray is very high. The technical ideas you provided are very inspiring. I hope there will be opportunities for cooperation in the future."

"It's my duty to do what I can," Han Ning replied briefly.

"Old Pang is a friend I met privately after a meeting. You two can communicate more in the future," Zheng Weiguo said with a smile.

The navy may not necessarily build ships, but through their connections with the Sword of Judgment, they should be able to find quite a few professionals who are skilled in shipbuilding.

This thought flashed through Han Ning's mind.

"sure."

Chapter 287 Tripartite Cooperation

"Speaking of cooperation, officers, do you have any further considerations for the future? For example, if the water level continues to rise, will the navy have enough fuel to continue sailing at sea, and will the Sword of Judgment have enough powerful ships to sail?"

Han Ning questioned Colonel Pang and Zheng Weiguo.

Upon hearing this, Colonel Pang's face lit up with interest. He picked up a glass of water and took a sip: "Chief Han, what are your plans for asking about this so suddenly?"

Han Ning didn't beat around the bush and said directly:

"I do have some ideas. Our Biyun settlement is located near the central part of the mountains, and it seems to be relatively safe at the moment."

"But if the water level continues to rise and the mountains are constantly being submerged, this place will eventually be submerged as well. At that time, boats will be the only means of survival and movement."

"The navy has existing warships, and I'm curious how you solve your fuel problem."

"On the Sword of Judgment side, have you built or acquired any sturdy ships capable of withstanding deep-sea monsters and harsh sea conditions?"

Colonel Pang's expression turned serious:

"To be honest, fuel is indeed a big problem. Our current fuel reserves are barely enough to support daily patrols and emergency deployments, let alone long-distance voyages."

"The engineers and technicians at the base have been trying to find alternative energy sources or see if they can utilize some mutated biological oils, but progress has been slow."

"Modern warships are mostly used as mobile defense platforms and last resorts, with very limited long-range sailing capabilities."

The country's nuclear-powered warships have not yet been launched; most of the warships currently in service are conventionally powered.

The fuel used for combustion is heavy oil, which is extracted from gasoline and diesel residues.

Given the length of time the warship has been sailing and the fuel it consumes, Han Ning estimates that the fuel is almost completely used up.

It appears that the Navy has not yet found a fuel alternative.

Zheng Weiguo took over the conversation, his tone grave:

"The situation with the Sword of Judgment is similar. Our department has tried to modify some large fishing boats and even reinforce the hulls with monster materials, but the results were not ideal."

"Ordinary materials are no match for those mutated marine creatures. We lack the key materials and technologies, and we have now shifted our research focus to using native marine life to cross the ocean."

"Native species, huh..."

Han Ning nodded thoughtfully.

This is actually one direction, for example, using the ability of awakened beings to control monsters, controlling some large marine creatures, and using them as ships to sail.

However, this method is too risky, and there are many uncertainties surrounding biological warships.

Without the help of the two military leaders, the shipbuilding process would be extremely slow.

Han Ning decided to reveal some information:

“Our Biyun Cluster has recently made some breakthroughs in materials. We have discovered and cultivated a special kind of extraordinary wood. This wood is far stronger than ordinary steel, and it has good energy conductivity and corrosion resistance. Perhaps... it can be used as a core material for future shipbuilding.”

Colonel Pang and Zheng Weiguo's eyes lit up slightly.

"What level of strength can it reach? How is its energy conductivity?" Zheng Weiguo immediately pressed for details.

"Specific data still needs further testing. Preliminary observations show that the strength of the mature Ink Fragrance Wood trunk is at least three times that of high-quality alloy steel, and its strength is even greater than that of the large trees in the core of the Green Wood Cluster. It has an extremely high affinity for energy, and even a Black Iron level expert cannot crack it."

Currently, the strength of the raw material of *Ink Fragrance Wood* has reached level 16, and this is only the raw material.

It will then undergo multiple processing steps, including hardening and enchanting.

Han Ning estimates that the final strength can reach the level of Brilliant Silver.

He smiled and explained.

"As for production, we are actively expanding the planting scale, but the current quantity is still very limited. The reason for bringing this up is to see if there is any possibility of cooperation. After all, if we really want to make a living at sea in the future, it will be difficult for our Biyun Industrial Cluster to independently complete the design and construction of large ships."

"Three times stronger than high-strength alloy steel? And it can still conduct energy efficiently?"

Colonel Pang's expression shifted slightly; as a naval officer, he knew all too well what this meant.

If the hull material itself has such terrifying strength and can be seamlessly integrated with an energy protection system, then the survivability will be a qualitative leap.

"What about the yield? How long is the growth cycle of this type of wood? Can it be supplied on a large scale?" Colonel Pang continued to ask.

"The cultivation technology is mature."

Han Ning frankly told him,

"As long as there is enough land and monster crystals, mass cultivation is not difficult. The growth cycle... under special catalysis, can be shortened to less than a month to meet the material standards."

"Shipbuilding is a systems engineering project, especially for ships that can withstand deep-sea monsters and harsh sea conditions. Design, structure, and technology are all indispensable. How do you plan to operate it?"

Han Ning looked at Zheng Weiguo, knowing that the key moment had arrived:

"My idea is that our Biyun Cluster can provide the core Ink Fragrance Wood material, as well as some alien heritage runes and shipbuilding blueprints. Meanwhile, the Navy and the Sword of Judgment can provide ship design and construction experts. We can jointly select a site to build a shipyard, share technology, and work together to create ships that belong to us humans and can sail in the future water world."

"We can share the blueprints and processes, and the final ships will be distributed proportionally based on the investment."

Colonel Pang and Zheng Weiguo exchanged a glance, both seeing the intention in each other's eyes.

"Colonel Pang, Commander Zheng, seeing is believing."

"If you two officers have any doubts, I sincerely invite you to visit our Biyun Industrial Park after this meeting, to see for yourselves the quality of the ink-fragrant wood, and then we can discuss the details of cooperation."

"Um……"

This proposal thoroughly impressed Colonel Pang and Zheng Weiguo.

Talk is cheap, especially when it comes to cooperation that involves future strategic resources; personal verification is essential.

"Alright." Colonel Pang nodded slightly. "Chief Han, we accept this invitation. Once the details of the 'Deep Tide Decapitation' plan are finalized, I will definitely go and take a look myself."

Zheng Weiguo remained silent. As an ally of Biyun, it was too easy for him to visit Han Ning.

The three parties, sitting in a corner of the dining area, quickly finalized a preliminary cooperation agreement.

When~

The three glasses clinked together, the liquid inside sloshing slightly.

Zheng Weiguo took a sip of water and warned, "Chief Han, this cooperation is of great significance. Before it is officially launched, it is best to keep the news to a minimum, especially the existence of the Ink Fragrance Wood. It must be kept strictly confidential to avoid attracting unnecessary covetousness."

In the end times, everyone understands the principle that possessing a treasure is a crime.

Chapter 288 Finalized, Visit

"Don't worry, Commander Zheng, I understand the importance of this." Han Ning nodded.

The Biyun gathering area is relatively remote, and with bee colonies and forests as natural barriers, it has relatively good confidentiality.

After a brief meal and free exchange, all participants returned to the conference room.

By this time, it was completely dark.

A cold wind was howling outside.

The house is brightly lit.

Discussions continue regarding the selection of members for the reconnaissance team in the "Deep Tide Decapitation" operation.

After the meeting starts.

Lin Chen looked around the room and, seeing that no one else would speak up, took the initiative to speak: