Ice Age Apocalypse: I Hoard Billions of Supplies
Chapter 792: The Columbian Ocean Fleet

Chapter 792: The Columbian Ocean Fleet

Neon Pirate, Ropefly Island.

Since the last century, the Columbian Expeditionary Forces had maintained a garrison of fifty thousand troops here.

Though not particularly large in number, in the context of modern warfare, this force—armed with advanced aircraft carriers and warships—had always been an undeniable presence in the oceanic region no one dared overlook.

After the Ice Age descended, the entire Neon Pirate archipelago plunged into severe glacial panic.

The lower-class citizens suffered from shortages of food and clothing, with most perishing from cold and starvation.

Yet the Columbian Expeditionary Forces continued to enjoy a life of luxury.

According to the agreement between Neon Pirate and Columbia, the living supplies for the expeditionary forces had to be guaranteed.

Thus, it was bitterly ironic.

While the civilian mortality rate on Ropefly Island soared to 90%, few in the expeditionary forces died from hunger or cold.

Even their discarded canned food kept many locals alive.

This scene bore an uncanny resemblance to a century ago.

The onset of the Ice Age disrupted transportation between the expeditionary forces and the Columbian mainland across the ocean, effectively turning the expeditionary forces into a warlord-like entity in the region.

The relationship between the Ocean Fleet and the Columbian high command was ambiguous.

Though they ostensibly obeyed orders from the high command, they enjoyed substantial autonomy in the oceanic region.

The commander of the Columbian Expeditionary Forces, five-star general Douglas, had essentially become the local warlord.

One day, the communications department of the expeditionary forces received a call from the Neon Pirate maritime authorities, informing them of the discovery of a Huaxu Kingdom icebreaker heading toward the southeastern sea.

This naturally drew the attention of the expeditionary forces.

As their most formidable rival in the oceanic region, every maritime operation by the Huaxu Kingdom post-apocalypse warranted their scrutiny.

The information was relayed up the chain of command until it reached Colonel Karlosen, commander of the 50th Task Force.

Upon reviewing the intelligence, Karlosen took the matter seriously.

"Since the Ice Age began, every nation has struggled to survive, barely maintaining basic operations on their home soil."

"So why would a civilian vessel from the Huaxu Kingdom embark on a long voyage now? How do they plan to handle supplies along the way?"

His aide, Lieutenant Trandell, stepped forward. "Should we intercept them for a thorough investigation?"

Karlosen frowned, deep in thought.

Intercepting a civilian vessel from the Huaxu Kingdom in international waters would undoubtedly spark major controversy.

Currently operating independently overseas, the expeditionary forces were wary of provoking conflict with the Huaxu Kingdom, especially given the delicate global situation.

After all, if a real fight broke out, the Huaxu Kingdom's Death Reaper of Love aboard the Xifeng could easily annihilate their carrier strike group.

Karlosen carefully examined the intelligence.

Information about the Golden Edge was readily available—as one of the world's most advanced icebreakers, detailed records existed.

"Privately owned, originally belonging to a couple who loved global travel before the apocalypse. After the collapse, it fell into the hands of an armed group in Tianhai City."

"A civilian vessel, unlikely to carry heavy weaponry..."

After a long deliberation, Karlosen made his decision.

"Ignore it. It's just a civilian ship—no threat to us. But monitor its course closely. Report any anomalies immediately."

"Yes, Colonel!"

Trandell acknowledged the order and instructed the reconnaissance department to track the ship's movements.

In truth, even if they boarded the vessel for inspection, they wouldn't find anything suspicious.

The true secret of Zhang Yi's mission lay with a certain individual on Rockflow Island—something hidden in that person's mind held the real value.

Thus, during the voyage, Zhang Yi had prepared for possible interception and questioning.

Backed by the Huaxu Kingdom, he wasn't overly concerned about regional forces or nations risking open conflict with them.

Pirates were another matter, but Zhang Yi wasn't afraid of those ragtag militias either.

Trandell carried out his orders and headed to the reconnaissance department, which managed the naval base's radar stations and satellite surveillance.

They could monitor signals across most of the ocean.

Trandell briefed the head of reconnaissance, Major Helisen, on the task of tracking the Golden Edge's movements.

Helisen confidently replied, "Don't worry. As long as they're sailing in these waters, they can't escape our sight."

Trandell added, "Unless they're using military-grade cloaking tech."

"But that would mean they're not a civilian ship—they'd be on a special mission for the Huaxu Kingdom."

Both men exchanged knowing smirks.

If that were the case, the situation would take a different turn.

As they spoke, Trandell noticed stacks of A4 paper nearby, covered in dense symbols and English text.

"Still getting this many messages lately?"

He picked up one sheet, which read:

"We've been stranded in Malay for six months. For God's sake, send ships to protect us! Otherwise, the pirates here will turn us into jerky.

In the name of God, save us!"

The plea was signed by Jackman Brick, Oceanic Division President of Edtosen Shipbuilding.

Helisen scoffed. "These rich folks are still clinging to life even after the apocalypse. But expecting us to rescue them? Hilarious."

"I still can't figure out how someone with that kind of brains climbed so high in the first place."

After the apocalypse, oceanic travel became extremely perilous.

Only major factions could afford it.

First, vessels had to be sturdy enough to withstand pirates and deep-sea monsters.

Second, the difficulty of transporting fuel made naval deployments rare.

Post-collapse, hundreds of thousands of Columbian citizens in oceanic regions had submitted rescue requests.

Fleet Commander Douglas had only one response: "Tell them to pray to God, not the navy."

...

After dealing with the pirates, Zhang Yi's ship continued toward distant Rockflow Island.

Only after entering international waters did Zhang Yi fully grasp why Zhu Zheng had insisted on assigning him this mission.

Long voyages across the sea were both monotonous and hazardous.

Only a captain capable of carrying vast supplies and holding his own in combat could lead a civilian vessel safely to an island 3,700 kilometers away in the South Seas.

The initial encounter with Neon Pirate was just the prelude.

The Golden Edge sailed for seven more days, with Old Tian skirting dangerous deep-sea zones by following the coastline.

Then, they entered the territorial waters of a nation called South Taku.

Shortly after, they found themselves surrounded by hundreds of vessels of all sizes!

Author's Note