Chapter 53

Gao Deng: "Can they control the rise and fall of the tides and the flow of seawater? Can they further control ocean currents or create a tsunami with the combined strength of their entire clan?"

Dai Li: "No, no, they don't have that much power. The extent of their control over the tides is the same as normal tides, and they can only influence a small coastal area. Their abilities have no destructive power on land-based buildings or facilities, and they cannot disrupt shipping."

Gao Deng: "Do they have any other abilities?"

Dai Li: "Apart from being excellent swimmers who won't drown, their other abilities are similar to those of ordinary humans."

I (narrator): "The strongest ability is controlling the tides, and other abilities are similar to those of ordinary humans? No wonder they are called the Tidal Clan; it's truly fitting."

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Cheshire Cat: "What a useless ability." — lamenting

Gao Deng: "What a precious ability." — praising

Cheshire Cat: "Why do you always deliberately contradict me and make me unhappy? I haven't offended you. If you have a grudge against my superior, go back and vent to him, don't use me as a punching bag!" — can't hold back any longer, bursts out

Gao Deng: "I'm just expressing my true feelings. Why do you think I'm deliberately contradicting you?" — innocent look

Cheshire Cat: "Isn't it just to deliberately contradict me? Tell me what's so precious about the Tidal Clan's useless ability. If you can't, you're just deliberately making me unhappy. I'll report this to my superior and have him deal with you, to get back at you."

Gao Deng: "Sigh, do you think any superpower without destructive power is a useless ability?"

Cheshire Cat: "Yes."

Gao Deng: "That's why you're a fool with an IQ of 9, with such a narrow perspective. Let me tell you something, and you better remember it: [There are no useless superpowers, only useless superpower users.]"

Cheshire Cat: "What do you mean?"

Gao Deng: "When you truly understand and can apply this saying, you will become a top-tier talent in the organization, capable of handling things independently, not just a top killer or a tool in others' hands. Specifically, the Tidal Clan's ability, though lacking in destructive power, is invaluable and the sharpest tool for amphibious landing operations."

Cheshire Cat: "Amphibious landing operations? Isn't it just sending a few landing craft to transport a unit ashore to establish a beachhead, with at most air and naval artillery support..."

Gao Deng: "Idiot! It's not that simple! Do you think amphibious landing operations are like us secretly infiltrating Paradise Island in rubber boats? I'll tell you, the most unpredictable factor in amphibious landing operations is the natural conditions of the landing area. Any sudden changes (wind, rain, currents, unexpected tides) can ruin the original plan, leading to a complete failure of the operation and the annihilation of the landing forces. With the Tidal Clan's assistance, such unexpected events can be greatly reduced, and amphibious landings can be conducted at any time, not just during natural high tides, catching the enemy off guard..." — speaking non-stop

I (narrator): "No wonder the old man is a military veteran; once he gets started on this topic, he can't stop."

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Cheshire Cat: "Oh, okay, stop it. Even if you're not deliberately making me unhappy, it's still annoying." — impatient

Gao Deng: "You fool, you don't even understand why Lei Xiaogu sent you here. He saw your potential and wanted me to develop it and cultivate you into a talent. But you find it annoying. [The Shadow of Terror] must really be short of people." — frustrated

Cheshire Cat: "Trying to trick me again, so I'll willingly let you bully me? I won't fall for it." — disbelieving

Gao Deng: "Believe it or not, I have the duty to cooperate. It's your own fault. When we return, Lei Xiaogu will blame himself for his poor judgment."

Cheshire Cat: "Keep tricking me. You've been giving me a hard time all along. How can you truly care about me or help your superior? Given your relationship with him?" — even more disbelieving

Gao Deng: "Fine, keep not believing." — smirking

Dai Li: "Ladies and gentlemen, stop bickering and sulking. Our first stop is about to arrive. Up ahead is the ruins of Seashell Village...?" — surprised

I (narrator): "Hahaha, visiting ruins, what a great tourist spot."

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The three enter the ruins of Seashell Village.

Cheshire Cat: "This is Seashell Village? What happened? This scene... was it forcibly demolished by developers?" — observing the ruins

Gao Deng: "What are you talking about? This isn't in China, where developers would develop this beach as a resort and build villas, causing this 'accident.' Was it a natural disaster like a typhoon or an earthquake?" — investigating the damage to collapsed and damaged houses

Dai Li: "No, it's definitely not a natural disaster. Look, the walls and windows were smashed with tools, and some houses were burned..." — listing various pieces of evidence and suspicious points

Cheshire Cat: "See, see, this is a forced demolition. The developers' people came into the village."

Gao Deng: "Developers' people? I think it's more likely that pirates or bandits came into the village. The valuable things in the houses are gone, though the difference is minor."

Cheshire Cat: "Nonsense, this is the South Pacific, far from Japan. Where would pirates come from...?" — as he speaks, eight men in uniform, each holding a round shield and a spear, with short swords on their belts, emerge from the ruins.

The captain (with a pistol on his belt) shouts at the three, "Hey! Who are you three, and where are you from?"

Dai Li: "We are underworld mercenaries looking for work on Paradise Island." — calmly stepping forward to negotiate

Captain: "Mercenaries? First time seeing you. You're all either masked or have your faces covered by helmets, which is suspicious. For safety, come over for a check."

Dai Li: "Oh? A check? Who are you?"

Captain: "Stop talking nonsense. Take everything out of your pockets!" — threatening tone

I (narrator): "This thug-like mercenary captain? He's just a bandit, no, a pirate."

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Cheshire Cat: "Director Gao, my cat mask's auxiliary system recognized one of them..." — whispering

Gao Deng: "No need to say more, I recognized him too. He's quite bold, daring to strut around Paradise Island with his squad. We'll act according to the situation and try not to reveal our identities here." — whispering

I (narrator): "Gao Deng knows this thug captain? He must be no ordinary person, a super criminal?"