Chapter 395: Control

……

The shot from Sky Eye stunned everyone present, but Dainn Stacy's movements did not pause at all. The holy sword Dimos in her hand, amidst a flash of green light, directly cut a fifteenth-level Outlaw in half at the waist.

Meanwhile, Isadora Wicks' ghostly figure appeared abruptly in the room. A black dagger pierced straight through the back of another fourteenth-level Outlaw's head. In her left hand, the saint-level revolver 'Shadow Serpent's Fang' fired six shots in quick succession.

By this time, several guns were firing simultaneously inside the country villa.

Li Mochen was caught in a crossfire from two automatic rifles, dozens of bullets spraying toward him. But Li Tailai's figure had already stepped in front of him, his hands extending a huge thorny shield that covered Li Mochen's entire body tightly.

And a legendary-level force shield behind him ensured Li Mochen remained completely unscathed.

The exchange of fire lasted barely a moment, less than two seconds. The Latin man's seven Outlaw attendants were swept away by the half-elf maid Isadora Wicks, 'Nature Punisher' Dainn Stacy, and 'Sky Eye' Howard Eisenhower.

During this time, 'Sand Devil Gun' Camila Natasha and Major Thompson Adams remained calm, their rifles locked onto their respective targets, motionless.

At this point, aside from Franks, the more than twenty attendees were all in a daze. Many took several seconds to react, their faces pale, eyes filled with fear.

Even Louise Lyndon and the representative of the Targaryen family were stunned.

"Crazy, absolutely crazy!"

The middle-aged burly man looked incredulous: "You killed him? You actually killed Old Chuck."

In the corner, a black man in his thirties trembled and stammered: "Andre, we are all Mr. Li's friends. You shouldn't have done this."

"My father's friends wouldn't take his ships right after his death. Don't talk to me about friendship, everyone. You've all been watching, haven't you? The reason we're all gathered here today is for money."

Li Mochen expressed his distrust of everyone present nonchalantly, then glanced at his watch: "You have ten seconds. I suggest you stay and gamble with me. Ten, nine, eight—"

"Damn it, I hope your ships all sink in the sea!"

The middle-aged burly man in the leather jacket couldn't hold out. After cursing, he strode out of the small villa's door.

Li Mochen then turned his gaze to another elderly man in a Tang suit: "Mr. Luo, aren't you leaving? Do you think I wouldn't dare touch you? Huaqing Gang, huh?"

"No, of course I wouldn't think that."

The elderly man surnamed Luo smiled gently and handed a document to Li Mochen: "Your father's two ships are returned intact from today. This is the property transfer document. I merely couldn't stand by and watch a few people embezzle the assets of the Chunchu Company, so I kept them safe. The crews of these two ships are the original ones, untouched. If you wish, I can help you retrieve Old Chuck's—"

He then glanced sideways at the Latin man's corpse: "—five ships as well. Your father had high prestige in the fleet; even this man's subordinates would be happy to serve him."

Li Mochen's eyes narrowed slightly as he looked at the man, then flipped through the folder. After that, his aggressive demeanor softened a bit, and his face showed more respect.

This document had been prepared long ago, with the signing date five months prior, and the gift tax had already been paid.

That meant five months ago, without his knowledge, two ships had been added to his name.

"Sorry for misunderstanding you, Mr. Luo. Please stay later, and allow me to pour tea and apologize."

Then Li Mochen swept his gaze over the others present.

"Listen, everyone! I don't care what the old rules were, nor do I know how my father managed the fleet when he was alive. That has nothing to do with me."

Li Mochen scanned the crowd with cold eyes: "What you need to understand now is that the Alliance Wing Fleet is mine, and I will set the rules for this fleet. If you're not satisfied, you can leave now."

At this moment, everyone in the villa was silent.

"Also, during the voyage, each shipowner must allocate a proportion of magic-energy professionals to be directly under my command. Additionally, my share of the fleet's profits will increase by one point five percent, and the number of armed merchant ships under my name will increase to ten."

This time, not only did the shipowners stir, but Mr. Luo also frowned slightly. Louise Lyndon, however, knew Li Mochen's character and understood he wouldn't act without reason, so she directly asked: "May I ask the reason? One point five percent of the profits is no small amount."

"Of course there's a reason. I've already purchased the 'First Dawn,' a former Newton-class destroyer."

Li Mochen spoke calmly: "I've also hired Brigadier General Wallace Clayton as its captain. The maintenance costs of this ship must be shared by everyone. Of course, the fleet's size can be expanded as appropriate, up to seventy ships, with the proportions to be negotiated by all parties."

At this, the people in the hall perked up and began murmuring among themselves.

"The First Dawn? The one docked at Savannah Harbor?"

"I know it. It's known as the strongest civilian armed ship, equipped with a scaled-down Aegis system. They say its combat power surpasses that of battleships."

"Most of those old battleships in the Disaster Sea are obsolete. The First Dawn could take them out from a thousand kilometers away."

"He actually bought it? That must have cost several hundred million gold shields, right?"

"How is that possible? Where did he get so much money?"

"If that's the case, it's acceptable. With this ship, we won't have to fear even the strongest pirate groups in the Disaster Sea."

"Didn't you hear? It's Brigadier General Wallace Clayton! The Clayton who served as captain of three destroyers."

"Quiet!"

It was Louise Lyndon again. She met Li Mochen's gaze with a cool look: "I think we need to re-elect the Fleet Management Committee and vote on your proposal, Fleet Commander."

At this, most of those present were visibly moved, looking at the eldest daughter of the Lyndon family with delighted and approving eyes. Li Mochen's face remained cold and stern as he stared at her for a long moment before letting out a light snort: "Fine! The Fleet Management Committee will consist of five members, and I will have two votes in the committee."

He had never intended to turn the fleet into a one-man show, so he might as well do them a favor.