A promise, then

A shocking statement.

Tagelise stared in astonishment, his mouth slightly agape, speechless for a moment.

Kang De said sincerely, "It's true, I am the reincarnation of the Phoenix King. My incredibly powerful soul space and immense magical power have been sealed, but I am now human and in Valentan, unable to return. Now, all you need is one hundred million gold coins to break my seal, and I can once again become the majestic and exceptionally talented Phoenix King, a powerful elven man. If you help me, after I return to the capital and reclaim my bird throne, I will reserve a position for you as the head of the transport division. Together, we can build an imperial nation with elven characteristics."

"..."

No matter how seriously he spouted this nonsense, Tagelise simply stared at him expressionlessly. After a while, he coldly said, "So you're actually a female elf?"

"..."

Damn it.

Another queen?

Hearing this in the dead of winter, I'm so annoyed. Can this elf society ever recover?

After a moment of stalemate between the human and the elf, Tagelise sighed softly, "I almost believed it."

... No problem, people on the other side of the world have fallen for it too.

Just as Kang De was about to say something, Tagelise looked up at him, his expression somewhat solemn.

"Are you really completely unaware of this? Please don't joke around; this is very important. Her Majesty the Phoenix King's mysterious disappearance is a court mystery. We once believed she was assassinated by that mysterious organization... If you can provide information about her, or her whereabouts, the Dusk Moon Dynasty would be extremely grateful and would offer any reward imaginable..."

Kang De shook his head and replied, "I have never seen any Phoenix King."

Tagelise looked into his eyes and, finding his words to be true, sighed with slight disappointment, "I see... But why do you possess the bloodline of the Phoenix King...?"

Kang De was an Earthling. His upbringing was ordinary and normal; he had virtually no chance to come into contact with the king of the otherworldly elves.

But in his life so far, there was a Mortal World and wondrous experience, full of mystery, the unknown, and enigma. If he had any chance to come into contact with such a secret that astonished Tagelise... it must have been during his time on the Holy Seal Archipelago.

That marked the beginning of his journey to another world.

An unexpected turn of events completely changed his originally ordinary life.

His most unique and extraordinary experience is probably... the legacy of the Fire Thief.

Is this related?

I don't know, I'm not sure, I'm not certain.

But he won't say a word.

After all, their relationship with Tagelise was still superficial; it was only because of their intention to negotiate and their potential common enemy that they were able to sit down and have a calm and even pleasant exchange.

In other words, if the situation changes, there is still a possibility that the two sides could become enemies, or rather, there is a high possibility that they could become enemies. Trust has not been established, and their positions may still be hostile. Under such circumstances, how could Kang De have revealed the past of the Holy Seal Archipelago and the identity of the Fire Thief?

The main issue is that the identity of the Fire Thief sounds impressive, but who knows whether the Fire Thief perceive him as Taiwu or Xiangshu... What if they are sworn enemies?

So he just shook his head. "I'm not sure."

The elf said softly, "This time it's a bit untrue."

Wow... this guy's intuition is amazing.

Tagelise looked up at him, his beautiful emerald green eyes like a vast, endless forest, magnificent, grand, and profound. There was expectation, pleading, and a hint of weariness in his eyes.

He said softly, "You really can't tell me? It's very important."

Kang De observed the other's expression and knew that sophistry was useless. This spirit might occasionally act out of line, but that was merely a self-indulgent outburst. The other possessed all the qualities of a leader.

He simply replied, "Would you reveal all your secrets to me?"

Tagelise's gaze dimmed slightly, and he said with a wry smile, "We've come full circle again— Kang De, how exactly can we build genuine trust?"

You know that's difficult.

For countless years, we've talked about the global village and the community of shared future for mankind, but competition, hostility, discrimination, oppression, hatred, and even war continue unabated.

Not to mention that this other Civilization is a less developed civilization, and it involves two different races.

Kang De said softly, "Why don't you go out and ask the ordinary people of Valentan, ask them when they will finally forget the suffering of being invaded and slaughtered... I am not Goth People, but my friends also died in this war, more than one. When do you think I will forget the way they died?"

Tagelise's eyes glazed over for a moment, then he stared blankly at Kang De: "So you hate me?"

"You don't hate, otherwise you wouldn't have entered this city."

Kang De said calmly, "The hatred brought about by war should not be concentrated on individuals; it is a matter between nations and peoples. I am not Goth People, and I have nothing to do with this war, but from my perspective as an observer of justice and beliefs—the side that initiates the aggression must pay the price for this unjust war."

Tagelise swayed slightly, lowered his eyes, and a look of shame and pain, along with a faint sorrow and grief, appeared on his face.

The elf nodded slowly. "That's true—you're not wrong in thinking that way."

He smiled with a hint of sadness, "So, hatred can never be eradicated, generation after generation?"

--No, that's not it. At least now, I no longer think about sinking Japan or killing all the Japanese devils. Targeted strikes to eliminate them are enough. Let's not escalate the struggle.

--And I also believe that when China builds five or six aircraft carriers and gradually closes the United States Forces Japan, the Japan government and people will deeply reflect on the mistakes and sins of the war of aggression against China and sincerely apologize. We will also generously forgive them, and the two countries will carry out comprehensive exchanges and cooperation in politics, economy, culture and military affairs. China and Japan are one family, woof woof woof woof woof woof woof.

As Kang De pondered how to phrase "You come here to be our dogs" more tactfully, Tagelise, no longer willing to listen, took two steps back. "Excuse me... I must take my leave to calm down."

We definitely need to calm down.

Putting everything else aside, the fact that Kang De could awaken the Phoenix King's bloodline power, even surpassing that of his own siblings, is enough to shock this elf.

Tagelise left without a word, vanishing without a trace.

Kang De extended Erkang's hand, but before he could speak, Tagelise nodded slightly to him, his body as light as the wind, and floated out of the room, disappearing in a flash.

--Wait, what's going on? Why did they leave?

Why did he come? Shouldn't we talk about something else?

Instinctively wanting to chase after him, she felt a warmth on her back as A Xing wrapped his arms around her from behind, resting her head on his shoulders. The full, firm elasticity and pressure felt like the wind outside the car window at 120 mph.

"I'm relieved to hear you speak so well."

A Xing chuckled in his ear, "Here's a reward."

With a loud smack, I nudged him hard across the face.

The suction power is quite strong.

Kang De asked, puzzled, "What do you mean?"

"I'm praising you." A Xing wouldn't let go, continuing to hug him tightly. "You should say the same to the Big Goldie, you know? There will be an even bigger reward then, hehehe."

Big Goldie?

Oh, Tina.

What did I say to Tina?

As the beautiful woman embraced him from behind, Kang De's mind was on another woman. Yes, Tina had thought he was dead, so she announced that he was her husband. He didn't know if it was to avoid other bastards bothering her or what, but now that he was alive, things were awkward. He wondered what she planned to do.

Is it a case of turning a fake relationship into a real one, a deliberate tactic, or simply going with the flow?

This was awkward enough, but the elves' peace terms made it even more awkward. She's always been shy, so she must be feeling incredibly anxious now. And then there's the news that the Dusk Moon Dynasty plans to introduce the Queen of Cathay to me. I wonder what she'll think... Ah, the Phoenix King was just joking, she probably won't take it seriously.

Hong San asked me to talk to her and write her a letter. What should I write? That I only have eyes for her, not her? What is this, a confession? Or...?

Kang De was lost in thought when Hong San pushed open the door and entered, only to find chairs shattered, tables collapsed, and the scene extremely chaotic: his lord and the Crimson Queen were embracing, a truly indecent act.

He was startled and quickly closed the door again.

Kang De said, "It's alright, you..."

Before he could finish speaking, A Xing tightened his arms around him. "Let me hold you a little longer."

Hong San, standing outside, asked, "Your Highness?"

Kang De sighed, "Let's wait a little longer. You can eat some food outside."

So Hong San said, "Then I will return in a while."

Kang De responded and noticed that A Xing was hugging him very tightly, and even his body was trembling slightly. A thought struck him, and he reached out and patted Ah Xing's hand, whispering, "What's wrong?"

"Have no idea."

A Xing nuzzled his head against Kang De's neck and mumbled, "Hearing that bean sprout talk about those things, I don't know why, but I just feel a little... scared."

Kang De asked in confusion, "Which...?"

Then he shut his mouth and understood.

A mysterious organization that suppresses the world and manipulates conspiracies targets all races, disrupts important historical processes, and even personally intervenes and plans for decades, all to plunge a Civilization into the abyss.

He calls himself the guardian of the Veil.

The Veil Ruins in the Holy Seal Archipelago.

It is almost certain that these are magical creatures that were transformed into beast forms and sealed here.

And there's also the A Xing has transformed back into human form.

A Xing was raised by the Parrot and had no memory of what happened before he became an ape.

But was she still scared...?

Was the memory sealed away, lost, or...?

"Don't be afraid, it's nothing serious."

Kang De grasped A Xing's arms as they embraced him. "Before, when I wasn't here, I didn't know what happened and couldn't stop it. But now that I'm here, I won't let anyone hurt you. Anyone who dares to cause trouble for us will be killed one by one. We won't let those who have hurt you get away with it either."

These magical creatures accompanied Kang De through his most difficult and desperate days.

Their relationship had become like that of family.

Whether it's that mysterious organization or some other enemy, no one can harm them.

"..."

A Xing remained silent, but her body language suggested she wanted to say something but hesitated.

Maybe she was shy, or maybe she was touched? Hehehehe...

Kang De was secretly pleased with himself when he heard A Xing sigh, "Kang De, I'm worried about you. You're so weak, be careful they don't harm you. Don't worry, I'll definitely protect you..."

"Wow, really?"

Even disregarding the skills of my humanoid superweapon, I'm already a pretty tough guy, right? With time-space skills, Extraction enchantments, and modern technological weapons, I can't really be called weak!

His self-esteem suffered a major blow.

"Sweetie, don't be stubborn. As long as one of us is strong, it's fine. I'll protect you, and you can feed me, comfort me, and make me happy. It's nothing."

--I don't want that kind of comfort!

No way, I need to become stronger!

We need to absorb people! Absorb spirits! Extraction Extraction all away!

However, with new enemies emerging, how can we afford to stand still?

After some time, Kang De called out, "Hong San!"

Hong San then pushed open the door and entered, ignoring the A Xing hanging behind Kang De, and calmly said, "Your Highness, Duke Tagelise... oh, this..."

He saw Kang De's eyes, burning like flames, and was immediately stunned.

"He's pretty handsome, isn't he? I think so too."

Kang De took out his phone and used it as a mirror, looking at himself from left to right. He was quite satisfied and explained, "This is some kind of bloodline limit of an elf... It's said to have been passed down from a certain Phoenix King."

"It really is Phoenix Vision..." Hong San actually recognized its value. "I've seen records of the shape and characteristics of this eye technique in my master's collection of books... but this is an inherited talent of the Phoenix King's bloodline, how come you..."

Kang De rolled his eyes. "Maybe it's because I'm more familiar with her... it's hard to explain in a short time."

"Then there's no need to say anything more."

Hong San then asked, "Your Highness, according to my master's records, the Phoenix Vision can perceive the mysteries of celestial phenomena, penetrate the secrets of the netherworld, detect the imprints of mechanisms and even changes in people's hearts, break through mental illusions, and even see through the structure of elements and the characteristics of all things. It even has wondrous functions that it is unaware of. You..."

... As expected of records made by people from the East.

Isn't this just weather forecasting, clairvoyance, eagle vision, and the Eye of Illusion...?

Kang De blinked at his incredibly powerful Phoenix Vision, looked around, and shrugged, saying, "... I don't think I know anything about it."

He recounted to Hong San what had happened earlier, from the awakening of the Phoenix Vision to the use of this thing. Hong San listened carefully and nodded, saying, "I see."

He pondered for a moment, "Your Highness has unexpectedly gained this, which is excellent. After all, our new enemy comes from the heavens, appearing and disappearing unpredictably. You have awakened the Phoenix Vision, so you can detect them if they get close, which is very useful... This is an unexpected bonus, preventing the elves from playing any tricks."

Hong San, somewhat pleased with himself, said, "Regardless of the reason you awakened this ability, it's not a bad thing. Phoenix Vision is one of the top-tier eye techniques; in our terms, it's a great opportunity. Using it only to detect whether those enemies are approaching is a bit of a waste..."

Kang De shrugged and said, "But I don't know how to do anything else either."

Hong San blinked and said mysteriously, "Can't you learn if you don't know how?"

"... But the benefactor who came to offer free cultivation techniques has already been driven away by me."

"Um?"

After Kang De finished explaining what happened next, Hong San sighed helplessly, "Couldn't you have tried to comfort him a little?"

Kang De retorted, "On what grounds? Did I say anything wrong?"

"... Does this have anything to do with right or wrong?"

"... Otherwise what?"

"You're obviously bringing up a sore spot. Is it appropriate to say something like that at a time like this? Although the logic is sound, we're in our honeymoon period now, shouldn't we put the controversy aside?"

"No, no, no, I think this is a matter of principle. Abandoning principles means losing our stance. Although we might get along well for a while, it will be even more unpleasant when conflicts erupt in the future. It's better to make things clear beforehand."

Hong San covered his head. "... You're actually trying to reason with me?"

Kang De retorted, seemingly puzzled, "What's the point of reasoning if not logic?"

"But trying to reason with them only made them angry and leave."

"He just ran away in a fit of anger; he should come back because he's a reasonable person."

"Impossible, I've never met anyone who's reasonable. She's definitely waiting for you to apologize..."

As soon as he finished speaking, the A Xing, who had been holding Kang De, suddenly looked up. "He's back."

Hong San's body trembled. "This is impossible!"

Kang De snorted and said arrogantly, "Still arguing with me? You don't understand people!"

He clapped his hands to make A Xing let go, patted Hong San on the shoulder, and said earnestly, "You lack life experience; you still have a lot to learn!"

After Kang De left the room, Hong San was still completely bewildered. "That doesn't make sense... Even if it's this one, he should still be..."

While he was questioning the meaning of life, Kang De saw Tagelise again, who had been away for some time.

The elf looked at him and snorted.

Kang De chuckled, "Are you hungry?"

Tagelise wrinkled his nose. "Enough nonsense! Where's that noodle from last night? I want three bowls!"

"Then we'll have to go to another restaurant."

They exchanged a smile, as if nothing had happened.

"Hey, Kang De."

"Um?"

"I calmed down—you say hatred will never disappear, I don't agree."

How so?

"I cannot erase the Goth People' hatred for the Elves, because the wounds of the past cannot be healed. You said this is a matter between nations and peoples, but I can help you so that you will acknowledge and be grateful to me."

"Then?"

"Then you'll be even less able to hate me. You'll even be torn between Goth and the elves, unsure of what to do. When I need to mend relations between the two countries, you'll help me, because you can't stand being caught in the middle and suffering the consequences—can't you?"

"... This logic sounds rather subtle; something seems off."

"But it's better than doing nothing, right?"

Upon hearing the elf's words, Kang De laughed and asked, "Then what do you intend to do?"

"I warned you, alerted you to the impending enemy, fought for you, and protected you. Isn't that what I'm doing? Aren't you grateful?" Tagelise walked side by side with Kang De, winking and laughing. "Even if you aren't, I taught you other uses of Phoenix Vision —doesn't that count as helping you? Aren't you grateful?"

Just as things seemed to have reached a turning point, Kang De stopped and looked at him. "That's it."

A slight smile appeared on the elf's lips, "The first step in building trust?"

Kang De extended his hand. "I don't object."

They shook hands again.

Then smile.

"But one thing must be made clear beforehand," the elf said solemnly, looking at him. "You cannot use it against my people unless forced to defend yourself... Otherwise, you will be my enemy."

"Yes," Kang De said, shaking the other's hand. "Let me make this clear beforehand: my trust is not cheap. If you betray it, you will suffer consequences you cannot bear. Remember that."

You can trust me.

I hope so.

An oral agreement, not in writing, seems to have no binding force.

But the agreement was made, in the hearts of Kang De and the elf.

"Then it's a deal." The elf smiled. "When you trust me enough, you'll tell me your secrets. I'll tell you what I want to know, and I can tell you what I don't want to know, and in exchange..."

He said softly, "I will also tell you... my secret."

Kang De smiled, "Well then, it's a date."

"It's a date."

Meanwhile, thousands of miles away, at the headquarters of the Elf Expeditionary Force.

Since the Battle of Valentan, the Council signaled for peace talks, and the various units of the expeditionary force slowed down all offensives, carrying out a series of complex mobilizations and defenses to avoid repeating the mistakes of the Valentan army that destroyed the Legion.

Today should have been an ordinary and busy day. The unassuming headquarters of the expeditionary force, located in a Goth city, welcomed a special guest. He arrived with a group of officers on routine duty reports, but secretly met with the expeditionary force's commander-in-chief, Lord Xierfankai Le of the Lord of Dawnlight.

He then removed his illusion mask, revealing his true face.

The supreme commander of the expeditionary force stood up in surprise and saluted. "Greetings, Light of the Morning Star, the expeditionary force welcomes you... Your Excellency, Vice-Chairman."

"I bring the will of Twilight Moon, Lord of Dawnlight."

The other person's voice was deep and resonant, like the unchanging breeze of a vast forest.

The commander bowed his head to listen.

"I also brought strength."

"Three Royal Air Force squadrons, the fully activated Iron Sky Magitek Defense Network, the Royal Arcane Center's overnight simulations and testing of the Airstrike Hunt Plan, and one hundred and twenty air superiority mages who have completed their training. In three days, five more Dragon Knight will be entering combat and under your command—therefore, Lord Xierfankai Le, please accept the new military orders..."

The scroll that was handed over shimmered with magical light.

The commander instinctively knelt on one knee, raising his hands to receive the order.

But at that moment, he hesitated for a second. As a soldier with extremely high military skills and an excellent political sense, upon hearing about the military force the other side brought, he almost instantly guessed the target of this military operation... and who these newly added military forces were prepared for.

"Is this an order from the Queen, or from the Council?"

His only response was a cold, soft laugh.

Is this important?

￥￥￥￥￥￥￥￥￥￥

PS1: Six thousand words... Time for bed, goodnight, hope I can fall asleep early tonight, damn it.