Scared Back

They sealed the cave, left the scorched earth, and reunited with Stella, who had come to meet them.

Explain the general situation to her and propose a solution.

"I filmed a video."

In the logistics intelligence room, the senior officers of the investigation team and the spellcasters sat in rows on simple chairs. The tent doors were closed, and the room was pitch black. Only the mysterious alchemical equipment that Prince Kang De had brought out emitted a beam of light, illuminating the white curtain.

There was no need to turn off the lights, but Kang De instructed them to do so anyway.

--Because that's how you feel!

The officers and mages sat there like schoolchildren, watching with reverence and awe as Prince Kang De casually fiddled with the glowing alchemical equipment in front of him. This prince had just demonstrated spatial skills that were enough to shake the Arcane Council, transporting a massive amount of seawater from tens of kilometers away to this place. The purer the attack method, the more it evoked people's imagination and awe.

For example, they might wonder where Kang De's limits lie. He could send and move seawater to scour and seal a monster's lair, but he could also unleash a flood that engulfs a city, or even turn vast agricultural areas into saline-alkali land, permanently altering the soil structure, or perhaps...

If it can deliver seawater, it should also be able to deliver lava.

They had many thoughts about this, feeling both relieved and worried. They were relieved that such a powerful figure had finally fallen for Princess Tina, but worried that the Phoenix King's skirt also seemed to have an attraction for this Forbidden Spell magician. Goth had finally found a guardian deity in the mortal world; they hoped he wouldn't be led astray by an elf.

Hopefully, Princess Tina can uphold Prince Kang De's loyalty to their love.

Princess Tina is not here, and the Goth People's earnest expectations cannot be fulfilled. Therefore, in accordance with the established inheritance rules of the continent, the succession has been passed on to another Teldrassil member present.

--Your Highness, keep it up!

Stella, standing to the side, shifted her body, feeling that everyone's gazes were awkward.

At that moment, Kang De pressed the play button.

People saw a bright and clear image on that white screen.

In the bottomless, dark cave, glowing with an eerie purple light, a nameless beast with sharp claws and menacing teeth leaped swiftly across the steep rock walls, letting out a piercing roar as it lunged toward the screen.

Almost everyone instinctively leaned back.

There was even a dazzling light of Dou Qi and magic.

Kang De said calmly, "Don't be nervous, it's just an image."

Amazingly, everyone calmed down.

As they gazed at the image, they saw a pair of exquisite, dreamlike, gleaming silver gauntlets wielding a long, slender, and chillingly sharp weapon with six tubes. Aiming at the charging monster, the weapon's long tubes began to hum and spin, then spewed out dazzling flames, shattering and exploding wherever they went.

The Goth People realized that this was what had just happened.

It is a record of the marks of time and space from His Highness Kang De's perspective.

To precisely extract memories, create frozen images of time, and recreate them? It seems His Highness Kang De was also a master of spiritual studies... Truly awe-inspiring and admirable.

They gazed intently at the lifelike, timeless images.

The Earthling's lips curled into a slight smile.

This is probably the first time that humans from another world have watched a serious film on such a large scale.

The first film on Earth was called "The Arrival of a Train La Ciotat Station in Paris. It was slowed down to make up a one-minute runtime, but the effect was excellent at the time. Gentlemen and ladies watching the film were said to have been terrified and scattered, and some even fainted, as a Thomas the Tank Engine was seen crashing into them.

The first film the otherworldly beings saw was not the crude black-and-white silent film "The Arrival of a Train," but the high-definition "Heart of the Swarm" from a first-person perspective. Its effects and impact far surpassed the former. Perhaps this is the progress of Civilization — Kang De showed a gratified expression.

Clearly, Kang De has selectively forgotten about showing the Penguin's crew educational Japan action films on the Holy Seal Archipelago.

That's absolutely true.

How can that thing be recorded in a history textbook!

The first movie in this other world was something indescribable with a mysterious number—how are elementary school students from later generations supposed to feel about that!

While I was pondering this, the three or four-minute video finished playing. It was only cut to this short length because the rest of the video contained the same content: a heavily armored, muscular man wielding a terrifying heavy weapon cutting up, dismembering, exploding, and crushing a monster that looked ferocious, terrifying, and grotesque.

After the film finished playing, the lights inside the tent came on. The officers and spellcasters clicked their tongues, looked around blankly, and showed expressions of lingering enjoyment.

He looked like a primary school student who, after watching a movie organized by the school, looked at the lights in the theater and said with a disappointed expression, "Why did it end so quickly?"

Kang De said, "I hope my weapon won't give you the illusion that 'this thing is easy to deal with.'"

"As you all have seen," Stella continued, "Their bodies are clearly mutated, the corrosive energy is visible to the naked eye, they've lost their minds, and they don't understand fear. These are the standard signs of being infected by negative energy, thus exhibiting extremely strong aggression and aggression. They're willing to do anything for killing, regardless of the consequences or danger."

Everyone nodded.

They exhibit extreme aggression and invasiveness towards humans, and even the death of their companions cannot frighten them. They do not flee even when bleeding or in pain, which is the most typical characteristic of mutated creatures.

Normal living organisms generally do not have this.

There is a classic misconception, and the same is true for Earth. People who live in cities and modern Civilization often have the illusion that words like bravery and courage are associated with Predator like lions, tigers, leopards, and wolves, as if they are both fearless and proud.

That's not correct.

They are fierce, not brave, and ferocity often means bullying the weak and fearing the strong. Animals rarely possess the trait of courage. If there is one common trait among animals living in nature, it is cowardice.

There's also the issue of bullying the weak and fearing the strong.

Unless they are starving, they will not hunt anything outside their daily diet. They are cautious about creatures they have never seen before and will run away at any time. They will only eat them after confirming that they are weak. When the hunting target shows a certain degree of intimidation and is inexplicably difficult to handle, giving up is commonplace. If they encounter pain or bleeding, running away is the most likely option.

Because most animals are timid, and timidity isn't a derogatory term; it's because being timid is essential for survival.

Because Predator are all Souls-like players, their only goal is to kill without taking damage. Any minor injury can lead to the worst possible outcome... You can eat again later, but you only have one life.

Basically, especially on Earth, unless they are animals from Australia that have been spoiled by the local government and humans, the first reaction of animals in other regions when they see humans is to turn around and run away.

The animals in Australia simply haven't been beaten enough.

After all, while there may have been ferocious Predator that targeted humans, they were all artificially selected out over the long course of history.

Animals that run away at the sight of humans may be following instincts ingrained in their genes, while animals whose DNA doesn't have that kind of instinct...

Then I don't know where it is.

The same applies to the other world. The establishment of Civilization is often accompanied by the iron-fisted protection of their people. Any enemy that threatens the tribe or settlement will be subjected to organized killings, expulsions, or even extermination. This bloody and cruel battle will continue until an agreement is reached or one side is completely annihilated.

Human reproduction is such a process.

Intelligent beings are intelligent beings because they will carry out preventative retaliatory massacres.

If a village's toddler is carried off by a wolf, then able-bodied men from nearby settlements will gather and search the mountains and fields for wolf dens, burn down their nests, kill the cubs, and chase the wolves until the entire wolf pack is completely wiped out from the land. Only then will this work stop.

This would be an act of horrific brutality that would be unimaginable to any animal.

In other worlds with extraordinary powers, the animals are more ferocious and stronger than those on Earth due to the abundance of elemental energy. Consequently, human warfare and methods are more bloody and ruthless.

"We have witnessed and encountered these infected, mutated creatures, and a battle has taken place. The signs of corruption have been confirmed. I propose that we immediately establish a file, record it, and prepare to report it to the Life Department of the Arcane Council... Gentlemen, we should be extremely vigilant."

Stella said, "You've all seen it. Even disregarding that mysterious corrosive force, just the sheer number of these creatures rushing to the surface will cause immense casualties and losses."

The Goth People rose and responded in unison.

"Then, the next task is to establish underground observation facilities, monitor underground activity, and build defensive positions along this swallowing cave to prevent the seal from being broken again. I request the Governor of the Azure Waves Province to send reinforcements again. We need more archers and war sorcerers. Gentlemen, we have a tough battle ahead."

An officer stood up and said, "Your Highness, shall we venture deeper into this cave to wipe out the strange beasts and eradicate their source?"

Stella paused for a moment, then nodded and said, "That possibility cannot be ruled out."

Kang De was about to speak when the second princess glanced at him and stopped him.

Until the meeting ended, each officer and mage went out to carry out their orders, some to conduct experiments on the samples, some to write reports, some to direct the construction of magical platforms, and some to lead the army to advance defenses. Only Kang De, Stella, A Xing, and Lily remained in the tent, and Kang De began to explain his plans.

"No!" Stella refused resolutely, "I disagree!"

Kang De frowned and said, "You see, it's dangerous down there. According to the clues we found, the guys the dragons sent to settle scores with me flew over here after entering the country, discovered some kind of sign, were lured by what was inside, and developed the idea of taking it all for themselves. They went deeper in and caused this mess. Logically and morally, this kind of thing should be resolved by the dragons—why not?"

For something this messy, are we supposed to let a dragon step on a landmine, or is Goth supposed to sacrifice human lives to fix it?

Lily added, "I have no objection. Those dragons are conservatives, opposing the Dragon Emperor and us reformers. I'm happy they're trapped. I'm even happier that those stupid conservative dragons got trapped too, trying to save them—don't worry about my opinion, and don't be surprised."

Her tone was nonchalant and calm. "You mere humans kill each other, each with your own agenda, fighting amongst yourselves, let alone us noble dragons."

"That's not how it works," Stella said, glancing at Kang De and Lily. "Sometimes I really envy you. With enough power, you can do whatever you want, without considering the consequences or thinking too much—but the problem now is, you have to think more."

Kang De and Lily exchanged a glance, both looking somewhat bewildered.

As for A Xing, there's no need to even look at him.

Stella shook her head. "To put it simply, the current findings are that there's a terrible corrosion phenomenon here, causing the extinction of species, the decay of animals, and the emergence of a vast number of terrifying monsters from the caves. This is a disaster happening in Goth; it threatens our land, our country, and our people. It's something we must solve; it's our most pressing issue..."

Kang De nodded.

"However, for the dragons, there is only one issue that matters: to ascertain the whereabouts of their people and rescue them. Why would they care about the disaster that is happening in Goth?"

"Even if you force or coerce them into doing this, all they'll do is rescue their people. As for solving this disaster for humanity or eradicating the corruption? Don't even think about it. They don't care at all. They might even do some destructive things to rescue their people, like blasting a huge hole in the ground or completely tearing up the land. And what does it matter to them if the monsters come out and wreak havoc after their people are rescued? They can just flap their wings and fly away."

... I see.

"Furthermore, even if you reach an agreement with them to let them in and resolve this matter, who will take charge? Will there be cooperation? If they point fingers at us and yell at us, how will we negotiate with them? Are you expected to go up there with Forbidden Spell and argue with them? Politics and international cooperation are such complicated matters. As far as I know, no cooperation that has ever reached the national level has ever succeeded."

Kang De, devoid of any political awareness, glanced around nervously.

"So..." the Second Princess sighed, "Your suggestion is very tempting; having the dragons lead the vanguard could indeed protect the lives of our soldiers... but things aren't that simple."

Kang De was silent for a moment, then said, "Then what should we do? Solve it ourselves?"

This may mean greater risks... and sacrifices.

Stella's eyes reddened, she turned her head away, and whispered, "What else?"

The elves are enemies, not friends; the empire stands idly by; Cathay long since ceased all communication; and the other nations and races of the continent are either vassal states of the elves or intimidated by the power of the elves and the empire—why would they offer assistance?

From the beginning of the war until now, Goth has had to rely on himself.

But trials and tribulations continued to befall this land of suffering.

"I see..." Kang De paused for a moment, then slowly said, "Let's resolve this matter."

Stella looked up in surprise.

Kang De smiled in response, "That's what your father taught me to say."

This was the lesson the Grand Duke had taught him earlier in Danfeng Lucerne.

He shrugged and said, "Feels pretty good."

Stella chuckled, then covered her mouth, her eyes growing even redder.

She couldn't describe how she felt.

"Um..." In this awkward atmosphere, Lily hesitated for a long time before reluctantly saying, "Although I don't want to interrupt you..."

... Can't bear it?

What's the meaning?

When Kang De saw her regretful expression, he was visibly shocked.

You beast, what materials were you collecting just now?

He glared at him and asked, "What's wrong?"

"What I'm trying to say is..." the Dragon Girl said slowly, "Although what you said makes a lot of sense, Your Highness, given Goth's current situation, it really doesn't seem appropriate to involve dragons in this matter, but..."

She shook her head and said, "Dragons aren't creatures you can summon to work whenever you want and dismiss at will... The seal was just broken and then resealed, which is enough for the Dragonfire Soul Lamp to sense."

Kang De and Stella both paled.

"In other words..." the Dragon Girl shrugged, "They definitely know, and might even take action."

Stella immediately picked up the walkie-talkie and ordered the observers on the outer Eye of Lucius to pay attention to the surrounding situation. She also ordered the dispatch of carrier eagles and elemental signals towards the capital of the Azure Waves Province.

A moment later, the intelligence arrived before the reply.

The second princess deciphered the elemental code, glanced at the urgent message, and her expression changed slightly. "At approximately 4:12 PM, a giant dragon that had been waiting outside Goth's territorial waters rapidly entered the country. The West Coast Fleet attempted to intercept it but failed, and no conflict occurred. The dragons did not show any hostile attitude in the face of the interception."

Lily glanced at the time; it was already 5:24. "Oh, we should have been here sooner."

Stella looked on, a look of surprise on her face. "At 4:37, the West Coast Fleet's naval aviation mages, who were in pursuit, suddenly noticed that the dragon that had entered the territory without permission immediately turned around and flew out of Goth's territorial waters at a faster speed than when it entered, without any conflict occurring."

Kang De and Lily exchanged a puzzled look.

Why did you come and then run away?

What happened?

Stella thought for a moment, and, befitting her status as a leading figure of the new generation in Goth's legal studies, she looked puzzled and said, "I think I know the reason..."

She checked the time, a look of confirmation on her face. "4:12. That's shortly after the seal was broken and the anomaly occurred. The dragon entered the territory because it received an urgent order to come here to track down its people..."

Kang De asked, "Why did you go back again?"

Stella said subtly, "Because around 4:37, that's exactly when you used spatial magic to guide seawater to rush into the cave from mid-air..."

Kang De and Lily exchanged another glance, and after a few seconds, they realized what was happening.

"Hold."

Lily swore.

I lost several rounds.

They were actually frightened back by this palm strike that came from the sky.

"That should be the only explanation."

Princess Goth received professional training from a young age, mastering every skill and etiquette in social situations. She would never laugh when she shouldn't, and she can still hold it in now.

She said calmly, "Because shortly after they flew back, a giant dragon transformed into human form and boarded a warship of the West Coast Fleet. Through the captain, it sent a message to the Azure Waves Province, asking the governor to convey to us that the dragons had discovered the presence of their missing kin and requested Prince Kang De to come and explain the situation."

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PS1: Ring Fit Adventure Day 3 - My tomorrow as a macho man is calling me!