Master Reiju

"Germa 66? What kind of organization is this? Why did they design their ship to resemble a snail?" Robin asked, her curiosity piqued as she glanced at Stracey.

As an agent of CP0, Stracey was well-versed in the details about Germa 66. She first noticed Finn's interested gaze before turning her attention to Robin and Tashigi. With a slight nod, she began to explain.

"Germa 66 is a notorious force in the North Blue, specializing in transforming soldiers through scientific advancements. They're capable of creating clones of soldiers in just five years—it's truly terrifying!" Stracey elaborated.

Tashigi's eyes widened in shock. "That's incredible! If these soldiers are indeed fearless, they could be ruthless killers in battle!"

Robin's gaze hardened as she absorbed the information. "You're right. These soldiers would be formidable, a real threat on the battlefield."

Stracey nodded in agreement. "Exactly. Germa 66 is notorious for their advanced military technology. They dominate North Blue and use their unique snail-shaped ships to travel swiftly across the seas, spreading chaos wherever they go."

She paused, then turned to Finn, her voice lowering slightly. "Master Finn, don't worry too much about their combat prowess, but do be cautious of their scientific weapons."

Finn smiled, clearly impressed by the information. "You've been a great help, Miss Stracey," he said, his voice warm with appreciation.

"Ah, Master Finn, it's nothing," Stracey replied, her voice suddenly soft and playful. "I do it because I admire you. Surely, you must understand that I can't help but be intrigued by someone so impressive?"

Robin's eyes narrowed slightly at Stracey's tone. She playfully tugged on Finn's ear, a teasing smile on her lips. "Brother, don't encourage her."

Stracey, unperturbed, caught Robin's gaze and added, "Don't worry, Miss Robin. Master Finn's just too charming for his own good—everyone can't help but admire him."

Finn, feeling a little embarrassed, quickly changed the subject. "Ah, don't worry about it. Miss Stracey, if you're offering such useful information, perhaps you'd consider joining my team as a secretary?"

Stracey blinked in surprise before nodding eagerly. "I'd be honored, Master Finn. Though, I've heard you already have someone in that position?"

"Kalifa is doing well, but it's a bit much for her to handle on her own. From now on, I'd like you to work alongside her as my co-secretary," Finn suggested.

Stracey's eyes lit up with gratitude. "Thank you, Master Finn! I won't disappoint you!"

Finn chuckled and nodded, glad to have made a new ally.

Meanwhile, several massive snail-shaped battleships approached the super battleship, forming a flotilla. The ships were connected by their decks, forming a complete, floating fortress.

Inside one of the luxurious halls of the lead ship, a soldier knelt before a young woman seated on a mahogany throne. "Master Reiju, it seems the commander of the Northern Army, Karas, has escaped our pursuit."

Reiju's expression darkened. "Escaped?"

She recalled the earlier battles in North Blue, where Germa 66 had defeated the Revolutionary Army's Northern Army. After the defeat, her forces had split to hunt down the survivors, and now Karas, a key commander, had eluded capture.

Her father, Kaji, had given her strict orders to capture or kill Karas to make a deal with the World Government, bolstering their position. But Reiju was deeply worried. Failure could mean punishment, and her father's punishments were always severe.

Sighing, Reiju muttered to herself, "If I fail, I'll be locked away for at least a month."

She quickly composed herself and ordered, "We'll return to base."

Just then, another soldier entered and reported, "Master Reiju, a massive warship has been spotted ahead. Should we engage?"

Reiju paused and shook her head. "No need. Let's turn back."

Despite having undergone genetic modifications like her siblings, giving her a superhuman body, Reiju still held onto her human emotions. Unlike her brothers, she didn't enjoy senseless violence.

But just as she gave the order to retreat, the sky suddenly erupted with the sound of heavy artillery.

"What's happening?" Reiju snapped, standing up.

"I'll check, Master," the soldier replied, rushing out of the room.

Moments later, the soldier returned, breathless. "Master Reiju, it's Chief of Staff Dingluth! He's the one attacking the warship ahead."

Reiju sighed, rubbing her temples. "That madman."

Dingluth, a member of her father's science team, was a war enthusiast, much like Kaji himself. When the pursuit of the Revolutionary Army had begun, Dingluth had joined Reiju's group as the chief of staff.

Despite Reiju's royal status, Dingluth often overshadowed her because of his ties to Kaji. He had nearly unlimited authority within the army.

"Should I inform Dingluth to ceasefire?" the soldier asked cautiously.

Reiju shook her head. "It's too late for that now."

With a resigned sigh, Reiju sat back down, covering her face with her hands, her thoughts heavy with the consequences of the attack.