What Was Her Name

When Kang De returned to Maple Leaf Fort, it was late at night, and moonlight streamed in through the cracks in the window.

Evening...

He shook his head and smiled.

The steaming hot fried egg and soy milk are still in my stomach. I just finished breakfast, and now it's already late at night. This time difference is really something else.

As soon as he appeared in the room, A Xing, who was lying on the sofa, immediately sat up straight. In the darkness, her golden, ring-shaped eyes sparkled, and the girl's face showed surprise.

Kang De made a subtle gesture, indicating to A Xing to be quiet.

But it was no use, because a soft, melodious moan came from the fluffy, soft bed. An alluring figure sat up, the blanket slipped off, and a hazy, beautiful silhouette could be seen through the gauze curtains.

Tina raised her hand to rub her eyes, then came to her senses. "Kang De's back?"

A glint of Arcane light shone from her fingertips, and the magic stone lamp by the bedside lit up in response. The princess's soft golden hair was tied to one side and draped over her chest. Her soft nightgown smoothly wrapped around her exquisite body, covering her from collarbone to calves completely, but even so, her outstanding features could not be concealed.

The princess's profile was even more captivating in the dim light. She moved, lifted the gauze curtain, and went to the window, where she put on the pink cotton slippers that Kang De had given her.

During this process, the act of bending over to put on her shoes caused the bodice of her nightgown to be drawn to the ground, inadvertently revealing a very white valley and very deep skin. In an instant, it attracted Kang De's attention, causing him to catch his breath slightly and unable to look away.

Incidentally, because his gaze was almost completely fixed there, Kang De naturally didn't see Tina's sidelong glance from below as she hooked her foot on her slipper, nor the smug smile on her lips.

She wore those slippers for about ten seconds.

Throughout this process, A Xing had no idea what was happening.

Tina looked at Kang De, her eyes brimming with tears, and asked softly, "Is everything going smoothly?"

"Very smoothly," Kang De nodded. "It's completely finished... And thank you."

Her Highness smiled beautifully and with a sense of peace.

She reached out and affectionately pinched Kang De's nose. "If you're going to say thank you, it's better to thank all the venerable mages and professors. There's no need for formalities between us. It's boring for you to thank me today and I to thank you tomorrow. Why not give me something more substantial as a token of your gratitude?"

The touch on my nose was cool and smooth; the girl in front of me had skin as smooth as jade, her eyes sparkling, and her smile as bright as the sun, as if her eyes were filled with starlight.

It is said that a girl's smile and eyes are different when she is in front of someone she likes.

Kang De gazed at the smiling face before him, the delicate fragrance wafting from her lips. The princess's affectionate gestures conveyed a deep and intimate bond, a scene every man in the world dreamed of.

But Kang De instinctively flinched.

Tina was taken aback, but the surprise vanished in an instant, and her smile returned to its usual radiance. Kang De also recovered and smiled, asking, "What kind of reward would you like?"

The princess blinked, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Any kind of thank-you gift is acceptable?"

A Xing's head peeked out from behind Kang De, his eyes wary.

Tsk.

Tina smiled nonchalantly and withdrew her hand, "Just kidding. What do you think Kang De would refuse me? It's getting late, would you like to rest? Or, would you like to eat something first?"

Kang De shook his head. "I just woke up... You guys go back to sleep, I have some things to do."

A Xing looked unwilling, but then noticed Tina giving him a serious look.

So A Xing reluctantly let go. "Then hurry back!"

Kang De comforted her and then hugged Tina. In the instant of the embrace, Tina's pen brushed against Kang De's shoulder, and she took a light sniff. It was a strong scent of Kang De, with no other unusual odors.

So the princess calmly straightened Kang De's clothes and saw him out.

As Kang De's footsteps faded into the distance, Her Highness leaned against the door and sighed softly.

A Xing frowned and said, "What's wrong? You wouldn't let me speak just now."

Tina paused for a moment, then walked to the window, opened it, and let the cool night breeze blow in. Gazing at the bright moon in the sky, she said softly, "Every time Kang De disappears for a while, he's always a little resistant to my intimate gestures when he first comes back, but he's normal after a while... It's been like this for a while now. Do you have any clue why?"

A Xing was slightly startled. "You..."

"I'll just ask directly," Tina turned to look at A Xing, "What's her name?"

Kang De left the west wing of Maple Leaf Fort, first returning to the White Mist World to pick up Horus, then moving from the rooftop to the Sky Garden, and proceeding along the long corridor.

From here you can see a panoramic view of Danfeng Lucerne. It's already late at night, but some areas of the streets are still brightly lit, it seems the revelry hasn't ended yet, it's really exaggerated.

He gazed at the night view for a moment, then sighed.

"Father, it's written all over your face."

"Um?"

"It's so satisfying to be pursued and confessed to by the princess, but thinking about my childhood sweetheart on Earth makes me feel guilty for being a scumbag. I'm really torn. This feeling of being both satisfied and guilty is so irresistible. What should I do? Will I get beaten to death if I want it all? -- Is that right?"

"..."

Kang De's face immediately darkened.

I have a feeling that Iron Son is evolving rapidly towards Superman, damn it.

He wanted to argue, but he was a little guilty, so he just rolled his eyes and said, "Bullshit, utter nonsense. When did you become so gossipy?"

"As your child, I'm simply amazed by the behavior of our parents."

"... What's so amazing about it?"

"I'm astonished that you've just returned from your childhood sweetheart's place, abandoning the princess with whom you shared deep affection, leaving behind your warm room and beautiful love, all to see another woman—and a guest of the princess's household, no less. Earthly customs typically refer to men who do such things as..."

"--Shut up."

"Yes."

After walking for a while, Horus finally couldn't help but ask, "So, Father, what exactly do you intend to do...?"

"I don't know, I'm not sure," Kang De said blankly. "I'm still a child. My job is to become stronger and save the world. I don't have time to think about love and romance. Don't bother me."

"..." Horus sighed, "Look at what you've taught me, and what you've made me into!"

Kang De ignored him.

He walked along the long garden path toward the other wing of Maple Leaf Fort, past guards and hidden stakeouts. After checking that his pass was valid, he was immediately allowed to pass.

As they walked, Iron Son laughed again.

What are you laughing at now?

"Father, I have a plan to address our current predicament. Why don't you emulate the wisdom of ancient emperors and establish two separate palaces, one on Earth and one in another world, so that they will never see each other again, thus keeping both sides in the dark? Wouldn't that be wonderful?"

"... You're so annoying."

Kang De retorted, "Instead of wasting time gossiping about me, why not do something useful? My mom wants me to call her at set times. Do you have any ideas on building a real-time communication device that can bridge the two worlds? And do you have any thoughts on getting that Afu up and running?"

Xiaoman volunteered and persuaded his mother to accept the reality that her son wouldn't be home often lately. However, just like any mother, she would worry when her child travels far away.

As usual, we agreed on three rules: eat on time, maintain a good schedule, exercise, and call each other frequently.

The last one is the most troublesome.

As for the Knight Astolfo, it was also quite troublesome.

Although the combat capability of this modern frigate is worrisome due to the drag from joint development and its extremely confusing design, its concept is still very advanced. Due to its high degree of automation, the air defense frigate with a displacement of six or seven thousand tons and a length of 150 meters only needs two hundred people to maintain full operation - but let alone two hundred people, Kang De can't even gather twenty people.

This ship definitely cannot be taken to Earth; otherwise, even the American Empire would explode.

Recruiting crew members from another world raises serious concerns about secrecy. Even if one recruits soldiers with unwavering loyalty, it would be utterly useless. The saying goes, "Ten years for an army, a hundred years for a navy." To teach a group of nearly illiterate natives from another world to operate advanced warships of Earth's new era would essentially require implementing compulsory education at Goth...

Of course, Kang De had also considered using the method of infusing White Mist to see if he could conjure up a ship girl, just like he did with Horus —to be honest, he was quite looking forward to it.

The reason Kang De called this method "Fantasy Grand Construction" is because the last two words are condensed with the blood and tears of countless Africa. Don't you see, every beautiful female character's social security illustration in hit mobile games, every pixel and color block in her beautiful black stockings is a solidification of the eternal skin color of Africans. The exaggerated revenue and profits of every top mobile game company are condensed with the unwilling tears of Africa.

You only get one chance.

If it sinks, then it's a real shipwreck.

The Knight Afu on Earth had already sailed away from the waters of Gambia, and there was no chance to replicate it again. If the Fantasy Grand Construction failed, the massive amount of White Mist Element filling the hull would directly disintegrate this steel warship into nothingness—that would be a huge loss.

As for letting Iron Son devour the ship like it devoured a fighter jet... First, Iron Son hasn't finished repairing it yet; second, it can't possibly devour it; and third, if Horus were to devour the ship, its body would expand to an unprecedented size. This wouldn't just be a matter of agility, but it would also consume computing power and affect energy output, resulting in numerous drawbacks. The Transformers themselves do not recommend doing this.

"My tentative idea is to use the alchemical puppetry techniques of this other world to create a crew capable of controlling and piloting this ship, which I will then manipulate using my mental power."

Horus said in a deep voice, "But this requires me to fully understand the ship's mechanics and design a corresponding control scheme... This will take time, and what will take even more time is the custom-made craftsmanship of this other world."

The Horizon class requires two hundred crew members.

Even with Horus in overall control, at least several dozen specially customized alchemical golems would be needed.

Kang De nodded. "I will communicate with Goth's National Alchemy Institute."

Then the father and son fell silent.

Actually, there is more than one method.

But they all tacitly avoided mentioning it.

--The insect hive, perfectly replicated by the White Mist World, obediently followed every command of Kang De.

But having heard the Sound of Destruction and witnessed the terrifying Eye of Chaos, Kang De was wary of the Grewind Swarm, a gift from them... one that would come at a price.

His trip was for this very reason.

A short distance ahead, a figure in a black dress fluttered gracefully; the Dragon Girl's expression was aloof, her long, pale golden hair swaying in the night breeze.

She saw Kang De, her face showing unease and exhaustion. She took a step back and pleaded in a seemingly insincere tone, "Please, let me rest. I really have no more drops left. Don't suck anymore, nothing will come out..."

To emphasize a certain implication, her weak, protective gesture of crossing her arms over her chest clearly highlighted a certain advantage, perfectly matching the phrase "Don't smoke anymore."

So, does living a long time inevitably lead to mental illness?

The best way to deal with these dragons is to let them know...

--Even without the internet, the recording equipment still has a memory!

He expressionlessly took out his phone, pressed the redial button, and the Dragon Girl's pleading voice echoed in the wind, "Please let me rest for a bit... don't smoke anymore..."

The One-Punch Dragon Girl approached like a whirlwind, her eyes suddenly fixed on the object in Kang De's hand.

Her face was flushed.

She swallowed hard, staring at the thin, black object in Kang De's hand. Its material was unknown, but it had a shimmering sheen. Considering Kang De's identity, it must be some kind of exquisite alchemical artifact.

"Has Cathay's alchemical expertise reached this level?" Her breathing quickened. "Alchemy research institutes in various countries are attempting to miniaturize and portability the magical recording device, but the results are still in the experimental stage. The high cost and cumbersome process remain unoptimized..."

--Wait, is that the main point?

"As expected of you, Kang De. This alchemical device can record the beautiful performances of musical masters, allowing more people to hear heavenly notes, and it can also record the incantations of high-level spellcasters, making it easier and more convenient for apprentices to learn. This ingenious invention means immeasurable wealth..."

Kang De was speechless. As expected of a dragon; even this little female assassin, whose mind was filled with lust, had a knack for business. Compared to her...

He felt a little ashamed of himself, just as the Dragon Girl continued.

"This invention could have so many applications, it could have meant countless riches, it could have benefited so many people, and yet you, Kang De, created this ingenious alchemical creation merely to record the uncontrollable, shy voice of an innocent girl, to achieve your wicked and sinister goals, to fulfill your evil ambitions of coercion and humiliation... Truly, you are something else!"

The Dragon Girl exclaimed, "I knew I hadn't misjudged you! You always manage to surprise me so much, sparking countless ideas within me... Ah, I can't believe you even have this kind of thought..."

She took out paper and pen from her skirt pocket and began to write rapidly.

"..."

"..."

--I don't even know what to say!

Kang De remained silent for a moment, then said expressionlessly, "I've dealt with the insect hive."

Without looking up, the Dragon Girl said, "Oh."

"... Oh? That's it? Nothing else you want to ask?"

"What are you asking? The laws of victory have already been determined. I'm not interested in the predetermined process. If I ask you for details, will you tell me? Where did the Zerg swarm attack occur? Where did you go? Will you tell me these things?"

The Dragon Girl said calmly, "If the Fire Thief can't even handle something like this, then you might as well just die."

"..."

Kang De said, "Since you have nothing to ask, it's my turn to ask you."

"Ask away," the Dragon Girl said. "Considering the inspiration I had earlier... the consultation fee is waived this time."

Kang De took a deep breath.

"The creators of the Grewind Swarm... whom do they obey?"

"Have no idea."

"The Veil falls on the end of the world—does that phrase ring a bell?"

"No."

"..."

"Don't look at me like that," Lily said casually. "I know very little about the Fire Thief; most of what I know comes from that guy's diary... There are really no related records."

"The Fire Thief..." Kang De said, "The previous Fire Thief was a woman, and Cathayan?"

Lily finally raised her head, a cold glint flashing in her eyes.

"How did you know... no, how could you not know?" she asked in astonishment. "If you didn't know in the first place, how did you find out about this?"

Kang De hesitated for a moment before replying, "When I was destroying the new Swarm Lord, the power of the Fire Thief allowed me to see countless fragments of memories—memories of the victims, the new Swarm Lord, and the old Swarm Lord, including their memories from birth to destruction. I also saw the memories of the Swarm Creators who were defeated by the previous generation of Fire Thief. From those fragments, I saw the previous generation of Fire Thief..."

He stopped talking after saying that.

Because Lily's expression was already quite unpleasant.

Kang De asked, "... What's wrong?"

The little dragoness, her face grim, asked, "So, you saw what the previous Fire Thief looked like?"

"... yes."

"So, this previous Fire Thief you mentioned..." Lily asked, "Was she beautiful?"

Why care about this?

A fleeting glimpse in my memory, a gaze as sharp as a sword, flowing long hair, shining like a Valkyrie.

It was the long, straight black hair he loved.

"... It's quite beautiful, the kind of thing that's very unique."

Lily gave a heavy snort.

--What exactly is this guy unhappy about?

"Hmph, you males are all the same, infatuated with a woman, one abandoning his wife and daughter to become a simp, you've completely disgraced the dragon race. You're pathetic too, just a glimpse from a fragment of memory and you come running around like a lovesick fool asking all sorts of questions—she's long dead, she's turned to ashes!"

"... You've misunderstood."

Kang De shook his head, too lazy to explain any further. Although he and the Dragon Girl had reached some kind of alliance agreement, they were not exactly sworn brothers who could reveal all their secrets to each other.

-- He doesn't intend to tell anyone for the time being about how he was taken to an unknown world by some terrible force and heard the Sound of Doomsday.

He said, "Anyway, the matter of the Zerg hive is settled. Thank you for your help. Our alliance will continue. If there's anything I can help you with, just let me know... I'll be going now."

You can't get anything out of Lily.

She's clearly the daughter of some wicked dragon-licking monster from the Holy Seal Archipelago. Her father followed the Fire Thief in his youth, abandoning his widow and daughter, and he even signed some kind of Dragon's Covenant. In short, it's a very shameful situation, and the rumors are probably all directed at the mother and daughter... It feels like a family drama and a dark childhood.

I'll ask around for her later.

He turned to look into the distance, where the darkness of night enveloped the scene outside the city.

Since the Dragon Girl couldn't get anything out of her, she could only ask you.

Hey Parrot, the old man's here.

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PS1: 5000 words, update... I missed the excitement of today's US stock market...