The sea lurched. Doctor Bae Hyong tensed and Miss Ryu steadied him. She was remarkably adept: his head swam and his gut revolted but for her touch.

General Namgung seemed unperturbed. His eyes were locked on the Ring. Thousands of troops likewise stood resolute on the decks of the vessels that encircled the Ring.

“How long now?” asked the General.

“Soon, General,” said Hyong. He pulled a watch from his pocket and glanced at it. “Very soon.”

The waiting stretched on. Namgung paced like a hungry dog. “If you are wrong, many people suffer death.”

Hyong only grimaced and nodded.

Chapter 24

Chapter 26