Believe It or Not

The night air was crisp and cool, and magical signals, symbolizing encounters with enemies, bloomed across the sky, one after another.

It was like a series of iron fists striking the face of every Goth People.

Less than two hours earlier, an attack shattered the celebratory atmosphere that had followed the end of the war, reminding every Goth People was lost in a beautiful dream that the war was not over.

The original sin of Goth's weakness, which led to the war, still exists, and now, yet another attack has occurred, proclaiming the planners' unbridled arrogance and contempt.

Come whenever you want, leave whenever you want.

A nation's dignity can also be trampled upon.

Grand Duke Reknos's face darkened with anger, then, as if struck by a thought, he turned to look at his departing friend. As if on cue, Prime Minister Xide also turned back at that moment, their gazes meeting across the distant darkness. The Grand Duke only saw the mocking smile that flickered across his old friend's lips, wondering who he was laughing at. He realized that he could no longer understand this old friend of decades, or rather, he had never understood him at all.

"In the name of Archduke Goth, Xide Kailamu -Reknos-Teldrassil, you are hereby stripped of your authority as Chancellor of Goth. From this moment forward, you are forbidden from leaving the Kailam Manor and are prohibited from receiving guests until your suspicions are completely cleared, or until your crimes are finally proven."

Tonight's conversation had completely disappointed him. Whatever the reasons or difficulties, Xide was no longer capable of fulfilling the duties of a prime minister. Just as Tina had said, when the prime minister is confused, the grand duke must not be confused... He had to do the right thing.

Grand Duke Reknos took two steps back, gazed one last time at his dear friend who had disappeared into the darkness, and then turned away.

"Landisidun, Kailam Manor, you will personally arrange for surveillance and house arrest."

The cold night cast a cruel glint in his eyes, but even as the magical signals from the Maple Leaf Palace illuminated the night sky, he remained unperturbed.

His gaze fell on the Sword Saint Cascading Snow: "Judging from the two attacks, we have reason to believe that the one targeting Goth is a cunning and meticulously planned enemy. They orchestrated the first attack to lure us here, and then the second... So, the first thing we need to guard against is the third."

"Therefore, Xier, you should return to the Maple Leaf Palace immediately. We will follow shortly."

At this moment, the strongest pillars of Goth's forces, the Sword Saint Cascading Snow and the Crimson Queen, can provide crucial support in a battle with their immense power, facilitating the offensive of their weaker but stronger companions. It seems like the best option is for Hilmeria and the Crimson Queen to rush back and provide reinforcements. However, this would leave their own forces vulnerable, and a third attack would cause trouble.

Moreover, the Crimson Queen was merely a guest who accompanied Kang De to provide support, placing her at a greater distance from Kang De himself, and he had neither the standing nor the authority to command her.

The Sword Saint nodded and was about to leave when Kang De said, "A Xing, you go."

He handed a bullet anchored to a space beacon to A Xing.

Then there's the signal generator that can connect several worlds.

"At least I can see what the attacker looks like. Don't worry, I'm more cautious than you think," Kang De said. "Don't worry about it; this isn't just about Goth, it's also my personal grudge."

Phoenix Vision can at least see through the other party's origins and methods.

But the reasons don't stop there.

The assassin who had previously wounded Horus had vanished without a trace, and the trail had been severed. Kang De now felt a little regretful; if he had been left alive, he could have used the power of the Fire Thief to forcibly read the other's memory fragments. However, he couldn't reveal this reason to anyone else.

The ability to shatter flesh, devour souls, usurp skills, and read memories is terrifying and would certainly be feared even in a world of swords and magic.

He looked at Tina, Tina agreed with his assessment. Although she held Kang De in high regard and had great concerns for him, she rarely questioned Kang De decisions.

But at the same time, she also wanted Kang De to know that someone was always worried about him.

She stepped forward and hugged Kang De tightly, face to face. This wonderful, tactile sensation of bumping into someone with a ball is never tiring; it's always fresh and new. Yet, language is always the most powerful weapon.

Tina whispered in her ear, "I want to reward you again."

"..."

That's really... impossible to refuse.

A Xing's figure transformed into a streak of light, rushing towards the Maple Leaf Palace. At the same time, the Grand Duke and his entourage abandoned their carriages and boarded warhorses, eager to return as quickly as possible.

Under their gaze, Kang De shattered the eerie light and returned to the White Mist World.

Previously, when they rushed to Danfeng Lucerne's aid, A Xing and Sword Saint Cascading Snow were responsible for clearing the way and clearing a section of the territory before sending a signal to Kang De to summon him. They were already quite adept at this kind of thing.

Kang De returned to the White Mist World to wait and, incidentally, to prepare for war.

In the vast western airport of Comora, Horus sat leaning against a warehouse, surrounded by dismantled aircraft engines, nozzles, wiring, and piping. One of his arms, transformed into a welding torch, was repairing a wound on his body. Hearing the noise, he looked up and asked, "Father, did it go well?"

"Not going well."

Kang De carried several large boxes from the other side of the residential area and kicked one of them towards Iron Son: "Help me dispose of the ammunition, and also, set up an artillery position here..."

Iron Son was seriously injured, and its mobility and combat capabilities were greatly reduced, but that doesn't mean it's completely useless. Even if it can only stay in the White Mist World and prevent its injuries from worsening, Horus can still do a lot. For example, it can use Kang De's existing combat vehicles to build a fire position and open fire when Kang De opens the space portal, letting the enemy know what the theory of superior firepower is.

This move can be called the "King's Armory".

However, Iron Son seems to have his own ideas.

It asked, "Is Father going to battle?"

Kang De said, "No, at least protect yourself."

Small-scale battles were naturally left to A Xing, Sword Saint Cascading Snow, and Goth's tools. He only needed to protect himself and pay attention to his positioning and escape. He didn't feel any resentment at being protected by women.

Are you kidding me? Would a nuclear missile silo care about being protected by a fleet, fighter groups, and marine divisions?

Horus said, "Then I'll help."

Kang De frowned and said, "It's not necessary. Just focus on recovering and don't push yourself."

The welding torch in Iron Son's hand returned to his palm. He said, "No, it's not about being reckless, Father. This is based on rational judgment. You may be facing small-scale, high-intensity battles soon. Large-scale artillery bombardment is not very effective. What you need is greater mobility and stronger defense, as well as a certain degree of firepower to contain the enemy. I can provide all of these."

The Transformers hesitated for a moment, then said, "But..."

Kang De asked, "But what?"

"But there's one thing you have to promise me," Horus said in a muffled voice, "I did this for my father, out of affection and concern for you, so any ridicule is a trampling on that sentiment."

Kang De blinked, then put on a serious expression.

"Don't worry," he said, "I'm your father."

In that instant, Kang De recalled his father, Kang Jinzhu's mocking, foolish face and excessive facial expressions, which his son had memorized and learned throughout his life so far.

This is how a family's legacy and continuation are passed down.

Iron Son indeed showed a suspicious expression, then sighed, raised his hands, held his head, and pulled hard. The jaws made a soft click as the Transformer detached. Then, under Kang De's gaze, the Transformers pulled his head off.

Immediately, the Transformers emitted a sound like it was shutting down. The Man of Steel, beyond the imagination and comprehension of Earth's technology, instantly lost its vitality. The energy system and transmission system shut down simultaneously. The iron arm fell limply, and Horus's head detached from the palm and rolled to the ground with a thud.

Then, four mechanical spider legs extended from the neck of this imposing iron head.

Its head is that of Transformers, and its body is that of a terrifying robot. This enormous steel head, supported and moved by four short legs, spun around quickly and steadily, showing remarkable agility.

"..."

"..."

"Hiss..."

"Father."

"Um?"

Upon hearing his son's call, Kang De immediately adopted a serious and authoritative expression.

"You promised me you wouldn't laugh."

I didn't laugh.

"You're lying; you're clearly laughing at me."

Kang De naturally denied it, and his hand instinctively reached for his chest, Horus's cold voice shattered his restless movement. "Father, if you want to turn on the camera, then I will have to physically erase all the material you've accumulated these past few days."

Horus's eyes glowed with a fiery red light, and the immense energy propelled beams of photons that left scorch marks on the ground, proving that its words were true.

"I almost forgot about that."

Kang De glared and said, "Where did Lily get that Formidable cosplay outfit? Who gave it to A Xing? Why were you near the window earlier? And what about shouting 'You were wrong'? Were you filming...?"

The Transformers's eyes blinked repeatedly, a cheap electronic voice emanating from its head, followed by Horus's cold, monotone reply, "Memory module damaged. I don't know what Father is talking about."

Kang De squinted, but just then, the signal generator flashed, its red light dazzling.

Horus said calmly, "Father, now doesn't seem like the time to discuss this."

My son needs a spanking.

In the end, Kang De had no choice but to pick up Horus. The metal head suddenly unfolded, transformed, and became sturdy armor and flexible joints, wrapping around Kang De's left arm and turning him into the Winter Soldier.

But this thing is obviously much more powerful than the Winter Soldier. Kang De raised his left arm, and Horus, knowing his intention, opened and fused together, while the inner structure rotated and contracted, and the protruding muzzle gathered a blazing light.

"Protection, attack, auxiliary computing... there are many things it can do."

Kang De stretched his arms and asked, "A new ability?"

"Yes, it's a skill I learned after absorbing Tacitus," Horus replied. "It can greatly enhance Father's self-defense, combat, and mobility. Now that my body is severely injured, with only my core well protected, I can detach myself and serve as an exoskeleton to assist Father."

Kang De nodded. He was already dressed and in his battle attire. Then he snapped his fingers, passed through the ghostly light, and returned to the other world. His landing point was Maple Leaf Palace. A Xing had already cleared the teleportation location.

That should be the case.

When Kang De stepped out of the spatial portal and appeared in the night of the other world, besides the A Xing beside him, he also saw the figure opposite him. He was clad in dragon armor and phoenix helmet, his sword was like flames, and the king was watching him. His expression and gaze were hidden by the phoenix-winged battle helmet. It was the Empress of the Twilight Moon, the Phoenix King Dairila.

He was taken aback and asked in surprise, "What are you doing here?"

The moment the Phoenix King appeared, the rebellious son's REC lit up.

The Phoenix King's voice was cold and calm, as if Kang De were a complete stranger. "The world is so vast, I can go wherever I want, why can't I come?"

--Oh, okay, I understand. No wonder. After all, Maple Leaf Palace caused such a commotion, and the current peace situation between the two countries is a bit awkward. You definitely had to come and take a look in order to avoid any misunderstandings. After all, in the current situation, if there is any misunderstanding again, a major war could break out, and hundreds of thousands more would die from Mass Projection.

Kang De understood.

He said, "Nothing happened, you don't need to worry."

Dairila's tone turned colder and more urgent as she immediately asked, "What am I worried about?"

Kang De immediately replied, "Alright, alright, you're not worried at all."

Indeed, these words make it sound like she, the Elf Queen, is timid and fearful under the threat of Forbidden Spell, needing to explain herself at the slightest provocation. No wonder people don't like to hear it; let's give her some face.

As expected, Dairila let out a heavy snort.

So this was all a misunderstanding?

Kang De's question to the A Xing was also a question to the Phoenix King: "Was it you who broke into the Maple Leaf Palace the second time?"

Before A Xing could answer, Dairila sneered, "Misunderstanding? Don't you suspect I deliberately broke in to do bad things? Don't you suspect that I also sent people to carry out the first attack?"

Kang De replied without hesitation, "Of course you wouldn't do that."

--The parliament's declaration of war over you again undermines your rule and absolute authority. Hundreds of thousands of troops are trapped on Goth's side. Your most important task now is to lead your army back home, overthrow the traitor, and then settle accounts with me properly. How can you not understand priorities and attack me again at a time like this?

Upon hearing this, the Phoenix King gave Kang De a deep look, a slight ripple appearing in his eyes.

Her tone softened, no longer as harsh as before. She said calmly, "The second intruder wasn't me. I just came to take a look and happened to run into them. The intruder was very rude to me, so I just punished them casually. That's it, believe it or not."

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PS1: Update... a bit early, keep working on it.