Necromancer, summoning 055? What the heck?

Chapter 351 The Tide Naga: A "Divine Artifact" from Eastern Xia

P.S.: I suddenly developed acute gastroenteritis yesterday and was on an IV drip at the hospital last night, so I didn't write a single word. I'll start with one update today to recover. The next update will be as soon as possible, but the timing is uncertain, so please don't wait. Also, I'm considering changing the book title after it's featured on the official website. Does anyone have any good suggestions?
Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Bailu Plain, East Coast, Hailuokou.

The sky was a clear, unwashed blue, with fluffy, soft white clouds of various shapes swirling around it, stretching all the way to the horizon.

Below that dividing line, the sea surface appears as large swathes of dark blue, as if some dark dye had been mixed into blue. Only the surface of the waves, pushed up by the wind, faintly shimmers with fine white foam in the sunlight, like silver edges that ripple back and forth.

This is the eastern bank of Bailu Plain, and the most eye-catching part of it is Hailuokou.

All the controlled areas of the Han Hai Territory share a striking characteristic: they are lush and verdant, creating a stark contrast with other non-Han Hai controlled areas. Hailuokou, as a gateway between the sea and land, is no exception.

The reason is simple: wild trees are one of the very few resources that lowly groups like orc laborers and human slaves can easily obtain.

Aside from these timbers, they were basically unrestricted in drinking the muddy waters of the swamp and eating the soil of the wild.

Therefore, in the vicinity of the orc settlement, within the reach of people, the trees and shrubs are like the heads of some "intelligent" beings: bald in the center, sparse on the periphery, and relatively lush at the far end.

The main reason is that the human race has a limited area of ​​activity and dares not go too far. Not only does it take a long time to travel back and forth, but it is also easy to run into wandering orcs. Therefore, the farther away from the settlement, the better the vegetation can be preserved.

Hailuokou is an exception. Within the management area under Hanhai's command, tree cutting is always planned and arranged in a clear manner. The trees that are cut down or removed often allow the entire area of ​​greenery to grow more lushly.

Moreover, the young lord also issued a separate order to arrange for his people to systematically manage and cultivate the underwater vegetation in the shallow coastal waters of Emerald Bay and Conch Mouth.

At this moment, amidst this picturesque landscape surrounded by blue skies, white clouds, green trees, and swaying seaweed, Chen Mo, the lord of the Vast Ocean Territory, engaged in a warm and friendly exchange with Cersei, the "Daughter of the Tides" and the young princess of the Naga clan, who had traveled from afar.

Uh, it's a formal meeting, Liu Shuang is there, don't get the wrong idea!
The hospitality at Han Hai Ling always makes one feel like they're bathed in a spring breeze.

The meeting was specially arranged in a unique underwater reception hall. Floating above the water and extending into the shallow sea, its floor is made of transparent crystal and a metal frame, allowing a clear view of the seaweed, coral, and schools of fish swimming among them.

Cersei lay comfortably in the water seat, most of her body submerged in the cool seawater, her scaly snake tail swaying gently.

Its tail was quite eye-catching in the sunlight.

Being with this group of humans, the little Naga princess's lifestyle habits were clearly getting worse and worse.

For example, every scale on the princess's lower body was covered with sparkling, rhinestone-studded, oddly shaped sequins. When she swam on the surface of the sea, these sequins refracted dazzling rainbow light, making her look like a giant laser spotlight.

For example, her long, dark blue hair, which was originally as wild and unruly as seaweed, was now covered with all sorts of fancy hair clips.

Gold-inlaid, silver-embedded, kingfisher feather-decorated, jade-adorned, and exquisitely cut gemstones shimmering with purple, blue, cyan, and yellow light, transformed her beautiful hair into a mobile display case of precious jewelry.

The once domineering Naga warriors are now dressed like delinquent girls from Earth.

But Cersei herself liked it, and the other sea creatures liked it too.

It seems the Naga race has a tradition of liking all things "shining." Or perhaps it's a primal gene in the females...

Without a doubt, all the exquisite accessories on her body came from Dongxia on Earth.

Compared to traditional seashell and pearl decorations, these pretty little trinkets, which don't require drilling or slotting, are firmly attached, and can be easily removed, are perfect for these female sea creatures.

Of course, Chen Mo brought more than just these ornaments to the sea creatures; he also brought all sorts of electronic products.

Those electronic screens that can play underwater, which loop the image of Princess Cersei standing on the "Tidal Wave" every time they are turned on, are now a must-have for every high-ranking member of the Naga.

Besides videos, it also includes several mini-games, which makes it incredibly addictive.

Lord Chen Mo wisely refrained from promoting these things in the Vast Ocean Territory. The territory is currently in a difficult construction phase, and everyone has a lot of work to do, so it's really not suitable for playing these video games.

Let the bored sea creatures do their thing! Deep-sea fishing, for example, has already become popular among most of the Naga population!
Why is virtual fishing on an electronic screen more popular than real fishing in the sea? Of course, it's because of the exaggerated sound and light effects, the dense schools of fish, the screen full of gold coins, and the ranking system based on points.

As long as you approach a location with an Dongxia base station, you will see a notification like this: "Congratulations! Your current fishing points have surpassed 99.93% of your competitors in the entire sea area! Would you like to share this with the community and be admired by the sea creatures?"

Who can stand this?

In short, over the past period, Lord Chen Mo has brought a large amount of useful but seemingly pointless items to the sea race, while the sea race's debt has increased rapidly.

It's not just the diamond pieces, jewelry, and electronic gadgets themselves that need to be priced; the biggest expense is actually the subsequent maintenance, charging, and recharge costs.

For example, damage caused by excessive diving depth and water pressure.
The waterproof seal was accidentally torn, causing water to enter the equipment;
Screen damage caused by bumps or knocks, or by squeezing the touchscreen too hard while playing games, can easily lead to a loss of control, especially when playing games.

Electronic products are inherently delicate, and in order to achieve better visual effects and user experience, Dongxia had to make some compromises in terms of reliability and durability for this batch of products.

Repair costs are, of course, inevitable.

Correspondingly, charging is also a huge and ongoing expense.

The Han Hai Territory has set up "Seafolk Friendly Charging Centers" in Emerald Bay, Conch Mouth, and Diaoyu Island, specifically to serve the seafolk, which has at one point aroused dissatisfaction among some other races.

The sea creatures raised their heads even higher.

While it's not impossible to change batteries underwater, the technology is advanced and the costs are high. Therefore, apart from a few high-ranking Naga members like Cersei who are equipped with dedicated and expensive "wet plug-in connector battery conversion equipment," other Naga equipment must have its batteries replaced at designated charging centers.

Today, a consensus circulates among the Naga of the Gentle Wave Sea: the most terrifying sight in the ocean is not being stared at by a deep-sea monster, nor being swept into an underwater whirlpool, but rather the red low battery icon that lights up in the upper right corner of the screen when you're having a great time playing.

terrible!

Finally, there's another bottomless pit – in-game purchases. Take deep-sea fishing games, for example. Whether you're casting nets or firing cannons, it consumes a value called "stamina." In these games, stamina is limited every day. Once you run out of stamina, you have to wait anxiously for it to replenish the next day.

However, with a tiny, insignificant extra recharge, you can enjoy the game again...

In short, for the bored sea creatures, from their appearance to their interior, from their material needs to their spiritual entertainment, they are increasingly being influenced by the magical creations of the Eastern Xia.

Conversely, an awkward reality is that the sea creatures can offer the Vast Ocean Territory in exchange for something of equal value, but this is quite limited.

Chen Mo is not only uninterested in the currency of the sea tribes, but he can even reverse-export it.

Thanks to Dongxia's artificial breeding technology, the pearls cultivated under strict temperature and light control and with precise feed are large, round, and have a uniform luster. They are almost identical in size, making them many times more beautiful than the wild pearls of the sea creatures that are naturally formed and have various shapes.

The vast ocean will symbolically collect a portion of the various materials that contain the magic of the water element produced in the sea, but the actual amount used is not large.

After the separation of land and water, magical civilizations have long since followed two distinct paths. The energy circuits and material bases of many arrays and enchanting techniques developed by the Land Magic Academy are fundamentally incompatible with the magical materials used in marine magic.

As for minerals in the sea...

Hanhailing does not yet have the capability to develop that technology.

The lord received the most valuable routes and rights to maneuver on the water from Cersei without spending a penny, entirely as a gift of "friendship." After all, at this stage, the sea creatures had no idea what these things were worth.

As a result, the Naga race accumulated a huge debt to the Vast Ocean Territory.

As the person directly responsible for the debt, Princess Cersei's attitude was quite frank: as long as you dare to lend, I dare to ask for it back!

Just pay it back slowly, you can't exactly rush into the sea to demand repayment, can you?
This time, Cersei came to Conch Mouth at the invitation of Lord Chen Mo. In addition to the usual free food and drinks, she also took the opportunity to discuss the next round of the "big loan".

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Chen Mo cut straight to the point without beating around the bush.

"Your Highness Cersei, the Naga and the Orcs have a history of grudges, right?" Cersei rolled her eyes without any politeness. The Naga were the straightforward type and hadn't quite learned the roundabout ways of the Humans.

"Hmph, do we Naga only have a grudge against orcs? Don't we have a grudge against all land races?"

"If we really want to calculate it, the enmity between us and your human race... is even greater! After all, it was mainly those few bastard human nations that prevented us from landing in the first place!"

Chen Mo remained expressionless, seemingly oblivious to the resentment in Cersei's tone, and instead activated the projection device in the reception hall. A soft beam of light shone out, clearly projecting a detailed "Map of the Distribution of Power in the White Deer Plain" onto the white screen behind Chen Mo.

"Historical grievances are complex and intertwined, so let's focus on the present!"

Chen Mo picked up a laser pointer and flashed it on the map. The two cat-like officers accompanying him stared wide-eyed, and Liu Shuang's ears perked up slightly.

"As you've probably heard, my troops had a minor skirmish with the orcs on the White Deer Plains!"

"Currently, our forces have achieved a glorious victory, but the enemy is gathering strength. In the near future, there is a possibility that the orcs from various tribes on the White Deer Plain may join forces to attack us!"

"I'll be frank, I hope the sea creatures can provide me with some military support!"

Cersei agreed without hesitation.

"That's it? No problem! Didn't we already agree on this? Within the protected area, if those stinking orcs dare to come, the valiant royal guards will skewer them into meat skewers with their tridents!"

The Sea Clan did indeed make a verbal promise to the Vast Ocean Territory that they would provide military protection for Chen Mo's territory within a 30-kilometer radius extending inland from the coastline.

Based on this distance, the area that can currently be covered is one-third of the Han Hai territory and most of Hailuokou.

"No, it's not just that!"

Chen Mo turned to the side and tapped on the map with his finger.

"The orcs' main attack on me will likely focus on the area around Xuan Shui City and Black Mane Ridge. I hope the sea race can provide support for my Vast Ocean Territory here!"

Cersei tilted her head, a hint of confusion in her eyes, and turned to look at Xilan beside her.

As a tide mage, Xilan was clearly much better at math than the princess. After a quick calculation, she stood up and replied, "Your Excellency Lord of the Vast Ocean, I'm afraid this is impossible!"

"A range of thirty kilometers is a reasonable distance for sea warriors to land, conduct rapid operations, and safely withdraw. Once the distance is increased, the great sea warriors will face the enormous risk of being unable to return to the sea and dying on land!"

"The location you've marked, even the very edge, is a one-way ticket of no return for the sea warriors, I think..."

"Your Highness Cersei, the sorceress Xilan!"

Chen Mo smiled warmly and said, "Please give me a moment to explain!"

Faced with the surprised and uncertain gazes of the Sea Clan's high-ranking officials, Chen Mo slowly explained, "The reason for asking the Sea Clan for help is that I am in trouble because I am caught in the crossfire in the White Deer Plains. It would be difficult for me to deal with it on my own."

“I look across the entire starry sky, and those humans, orcs, priests of the Misty Moon, and elves of the Silver Moon all have their own thoughts.”

"Looking around, only the sea creatures have never engaged in any scheming or plotting against each other in our interactions!"

"Having seen all the races on land, only the sea races are truly trustworthy. This is the tragedy of my Vast Ocean Territory! However, isn't it also my honor, Chen Mo's honor!"

These words... Cersei's tense face relaxed slightly, and a faint smile appeared at the corner of her mouth.

Chen Mo continued, "Secondly, I know that the sea creatures, especially our Naga race, have old grudges with the orcs."

"From this perspective, the Vast Ocean Territory and the Gentle Wave Sea are natural allies when facing the common enemy, the orcs!"

The Gentle Wave Sea that Chen Mo mentioned refers to one of the seven seas divided within the sea race, and the main base of the Naga race.

"Finally, I also know that the Naga people, and Her Highness Cersei, have always been exemplary in keeping their promises. Regarding the debts owed to the Vast Ocean Territory... well, those 'minor' debts, Her Highness has always felt uneasy and has been trying various ways to repay them. Although I don't think it's a big deal, we can't let the Naga people always carry this huge psychological burden!"

I don't seem that uneasy...

Cersei opened her mouth, but ultimately did not utter those words.

Debts must be repaid, but there's no urgent need to do so, especially as the debt accumulates. However, it's not something a "Daughter of the Tide" can easily say to someone's face.

"After much consideration, I believe that requesting the support of the sea tribes is a great thing that would benefit both sides. Therefore, I earnestly prayed to the great Eastern Xia deity, the Industrial King, and obtained this divine artifact!"

"Wearing it, the warriors of the sea tribe can swim upstream and reach any river on the mainland!"

"And here in the White Deer Plain, the entire Illusion Flame River will become an unobstructed thoroughfare for the Naga race!"

With a clattering sound, the cups and plates on Naga's side were scattered all over the floor.

All the high-ranking Naga, including Cersei and Xilan, stared wide-eyed, their faces filled with disbelief, shock, and ecstasy!

They knew that behind this lord was a strange deity who disliked displaying power but preferred to create all sorts of novel gadgets. Many things that became popular among the Naga were the work of this deity.

The powerful weapons of the Vast Ocean Territory had left a deep impression on the Naga race. However, these "firearms" were ineffective in the sea, so the Naga race naturally believed that this was a land deity.

Now, what did they hear?
A magical artifact that allows sea creatures to move freely in freshwater?
Next, the entire sea race, as if on a pilgrimage, witnessed the actual testing of this divine artifact.

Chen Mo didn't quite understand the principles of fresh water, salt water, osmotic pressure, and electrolytes before, but the expert group from Dongxia had studied them very thoroughly.

After Chen Mo obtained some corpses of the Starry Sea Clan through certain "special channels" and sent them to the biological laboratory in Dongxia for careful dissection and research, obtaining detailed physiological data, the experts easily came up with the corresponding technical solutions.

A thin, waterproof suit that covers the main parts of the body.

It's not designed to prevent outside water from flowing in, but rather to prevent inside water from leaking out. Therefore, its standard name in Dongxia is the "Type 07 Multifunctional Water Storage Suit".

In appearance, it resembles a flexible, transparent polymer material cover. After being put on the body of the marine creature, a micro-motor creates an internal and external pressure difference to make this water-retaining suit fit the user's body as closely as possible.

Considering the transportation capacity of the altar, Dongxia did not tailor-make one for each sea tribe warrior, but instead prepared several standard sizes of large, medium and small according to the approximate body size of different sea tribe warriors.

Although some areas may appear bulky due to overlapping and congestion after being put on and fitted, it does not affect basic mobility.

With this suit, the sea warrior's body surface will always be covered with a layer of water, the salinity of which is slightly higher than that of body fluids, which is equivalent to keeping the user constantly immersed in "seawater".

The water-storage suit contains a miniature parameter detection probe. If any abnormality is detected, it can inject salt, increase oxygen, and even replenish electrolytes and trace elements into the water at any time through the intelligent adjustment device on its back.

The engineers at Dongxia even thoughtfully considered physiological needs, setting up an openable and closable closing vent for the water-storage suit.

According to Chen Mo, a full set of the Type 07 multi-functional water-storage suit, filled with energy and supplies, can support the massive Naga Royal Guards for over seventy hours of continuous offshore operations! For the relatively smaller Naga Siren, who consumes less energy, the duration can be extended to over one hundred and twenty hours!

After listening to Chen Mo's introduction and undergoing a simple test, Cersei felt her entire body, from the tips of her hair to the tips of her tails, trembling slightly uncontrollably.

Without any hesitation, she raised her slender arm from the edge of the reception pool and pulled out a dark blue conch shell with an antique design.

“Woo——!”

A deep, long horn-like sound, imbued with mysterious power, suddenly rang out, and some unseen force of law instantly pierced through the deep sea surface, spreading towards the distant ocean depths.

This is a unique communication method used only by the Naga race, symbolizing the highest level of emergency – the [Ocean Soul Conch]!
This is a huge deal!
Cersei needs to call her parents too!
(End of this chapter)