Area 91

White Mist World.

Gunfire erupted.

After emptying a magazine, Kang De threw the gun on the ground, squatted down, and picked up a still-smoking spent cartridge case; the brass-colored bullet now gleamed with an eerie purple hue.

Horus extended his sensor probe, scanned for a moment, and spoke with a somewhat grave tone.

"Father, this thing is amazing!"

The Transformers also looked somewhat shocked.

It said in a deep voice, "I even suspect that this energy has a certain intelligence, but it doesn't seem to, because after Extraction by Father, it has returned to its original state... But it is true, after only the simplest Element injection, the mysterious energy gathered in the bullet instantly enhanced each part of the ammunition the moment it was fired, and it was a segmented intelligent enhancement."

"The firing pin strikes the primer, igniting the propellant, instantly enhancing the propellant's power. This increases chamber pressure and power while controlling the flash and burning time."

"When the gas expands, it strengthens the cartridge case and even the barrel."

"When a warhead strikes a hard target, the energy alters the properties of the warhead material, significantly reducing its critical adiabatic shear strain rate and strain value. This causes the warhead to undergo instantaneous adiabatic shear fracture, generating a self-sharpening effect during impact and greatly increasing its penetration..."

At this point, Transformers' tone was filled with disbelief.

"I even find this kind of thing a bit scary... It's completely reactive, rapid enhancement, selectively enhancing the target based on the various states it experiences. I just tried it with a round-nosed bullet, hitting a piece of flesh, and the energy instantly transformed the bullet into a dumdum bullet after it hit the target..."

This smart ammunition is simply too smart.

"In short, Father," Horus said solemnly, "If you say this is a gift from a demon, then it is certain that the demon who gave this gift must be a most terrifying demon king."

Kang De threw the warhead to the ground and glanced at the target in the distance.

It was the shell taken from the back of that nameless monster. Using its own spear against its own shield, the outcome of the clash between spear and shield never changed: small-caliber rifle bullets pierced the shell during continuous fire.

Horus continued his explanation.

"Another experiment showed that this unknown energy element is also an excellent enchantment amplifier. Taking the commonly used Spark Enchantment as an example, which imparts a certain amount of Flame damage to bullets, and considering that the Flame Element required for Spark Enchantment is measured in increments of ten, then adding an unknown energy Element with an increment of one to this enchantment can increase the Flame damage effect by about eighty percent..."

"And this is just the simplest ammunition enhancement."

"Propellants, explosives, fuel, gears, levers, turbines, coils, fluid flow, cryogenic gas flow, hyperthermic gas flow, plasma flow, high-energy particle flow... all forms of work resulting from human technological advancements can be mixed together to see what happens."

The Transformers paused for a moment, then slowly said, "This is the real Pandora's Box, Father."

Kang De remained silent.

He has been dedicated to integrating and complementing the magic of another world with the technology of Earth. The bridge between these two completely different powers and systems is the power of the Fire Thief.

Extraction the mysteries of another world, attaching them to creations on Earth.

This is a massive undertaking, because enchanting isn't as simple as just extracting Element and filling them in. Ammunition, on the other hand, can be dealt with temporarily; at worst, the Iron Son can be reinforced to prevent it from exploding, and the optimal ratio can be figured out through continuous experimentation using a mech...

But what about the others? The more advanced the technology, the more delicate, fragile, and complex it is. Thousands of parts, nanoscale circuits—a slight error can lead to disastrous consequences. A single mistake can cause the whole thing to fall apart. In addition, with one thing after another keeping him busy, he has very little time left for research and experimentation.

And now, just when I'm feeling sleepy, a kind-hearted demon has delivered a pillow.

Enchantment assistant, worry-free and intelligent.

Kang De was skeptical.

He initially believed it to be a gift from the devil, and after the Parrot's assessment, his first reaction was to destroy it... But Malegith told him that a devil's gift is still a gift.

This world faces many challenges and needs gifts.

War causes heavy casualties, but it also drives technological progress. Much of the leaps and bounds in human technological development and progress over the past few decades were laid during the Cold War... Kang De understood this, and he knew what the previous Phoenix King wanted to say.

The reason why the devil's gift is so terrifying is not because the evil intentions hidden beneath the gift are so malicious and insidious, nor because the devil's methods are so cruel and bloody.

Rather, it's the devil who knows what you need most.

So his gift... will be impossible for you to refuse.

"Malegith said that the Fire Thief's power could neutralize this mysterious energy and make it work for me."

And that is indeed the case.

But...

He clenched his fist slightly. "Is it really that simple?"

"Father?" The Transformers hesitated. It was born from Kang De and spent every day with Kang De, so it was normal for its thought process to be similar. It was also wary of this unknown energy that was too useful.

But a decision still needs to be made.

It slowly said, "As the Phoenix King said, the decision is yours. If you seek my opinion, it is that although the enemy has not yet appeared, the threat certainly exists. Even if we are cautious and wary of this unknown energy, we should not completely eliminate it. We should at least preserve some samples, or seal them away for the future."

Save it for when something even worse is about to happen.

At least we can choose the lesser of two evils.

Kang De remained silent for a short while, then slowly stretched.

"Ah--"

He sighed, "Things are getting more and more complicated."

Lily's Dragon's Covenant led to the arrival of a dragon rival, a villain who inexplicably became the subject of a disappearance case. This disappearance then embroiled in a power struggle within the dragon race, and an unexpected discovery further propelled the situation into a catalyst for an interdimensional energy revolution...

Tracing back to the source, the reason for signing the dragon oath with Lily was the threat of Big Bob's swarm. The reason for confronting Big Bob was that they had kidnapped their father because of the artifact of Tacitus.

Tacitus and the Swarm were inextricably linked to the Fire Thief.

Tracing back through time in the insect hive, Kang De heard the echoes of the apocalypse. The voice said, "Lower the Veil of destruction." And so, meteorites fell from the sky. And so, a mysterious substance capable of overturning the existing scientific knowledge of both worlds was discovered underground. And so, the Parrot said, "War has begun."

The fog of fate before him was layered upon layered, shrouding the truth and reality in a hazy mist.

But each thread is interconnected, vaguely outlining the contours of the apocalypse.

Kang De slowly exhaled.

"You will continue here, conducting experiments and tests related to engine power and explosive lethality."

If we're talking about the consequences and side effects of this mysterious energy, there's no better testing ground than the White Mist World. Even if it causes the heavens and earth to collapse and the seas to dry up, a snap of the fingers can rewind the world and solve all the problems of being out of control at their root.

Kang De stated, "We will conduct cautious and conservative experiments to confirm whether this mysterious substance still shows signs of proliferation and spread after being processed by the Power of the Fire Thief, and tentatively, we will use it in combat."

"Clear."

While sealing the cave entrance, Kang De secretly collected more than a dozen corpses, which he now Extraction and handed over the mysterious Element he obtained to Horus. The quantity was not large, but it was enough for the experiments.

"You should not use this Element directly in any way."

"Don't worry, Father, I only inherited this cowardice from you."

As the ghostly light unfolded, Kang De returned to another world and suddenly realized what had happened.

Wait, what else am I a coward for?

What does "unfilial son" mean?

Have you thought it through?

It was still the Phoenix King's tent, and the Parrot lay on the bed, continuing to peck away.

Kang De nodded and said, "Hmm."

Malegith turned her head and glanced at him. "So what do we do?"

"Understand," Kang De said in a deep voice. "Whether I use it or not, I cannot let anyone else use it. Those who know about this now include that Goth researcher and his apprentice, Stella, and later I will tell the Grand Duke and Tina, myself, and you... Besides..."

A cold glint flashed in his eyes. "Perhaps there are still those dragons."

If those giant lizards were corrupted and died inside, that would be fine. But if they were still alive, that would be a real problem. If they were allowed to return to the dragon clan and bring back that news, the dragons, who dream of restoring the ancient glory, would probably fight tooth and nail to seize it.

Even if the more rational Dragon Emperor restrained his ambition and greed, given his nature, he would definitely propose a deal, perhaps even conditions like joint development or equity participation.

If that's the case, things will become a million times more complicated.

This outcome is already the best possible result.

In the worst-case scenario, the big-mouthed conservatives would try to seize it by force. If that fails, they would make a scene that the whole world knows about, and countries would unite to demand joint development of this dream energy that symbolizes the future. They would hold meetings in Valentan every year to confirm the energy quotas and production capacity of each country for the following year.

Because of the production of this mysterious energy, Goth became a target of the Human Empire. The empire, which had maintained a superficial peace with Goth, launched a war against Goth. In order to seize the right to distribute this mysterious energy, Goth defeated and annexed Goth, renaming it Area 91, and appointing Mr. Kang De as its governor...

--This plot is just too ridiculous.

However, while this energy is beneficial, its side effects are extremely pronounced. Kang De's Power of the Fire Thief seems capable of neutralizing this highly corrosive and destructive mysterious energy, meaning he possesses a humanoid extraction and processing facility with core technology. If this plot unfolds...

"You'll have sluts from all over the world lining up to seduce you."

The Parrot said nonchalantly, "That's just a scenario imagined by disgusting otaku like you."

Kang De glared and said, "Who's fantasizing about that! Stop playing around and come with me to a dungeon!"

The golden henchman of the previous generation of Fire Thief, the famous former Phoenix King, the Parrot that had been painstakingly fed with peanuts and melon seeds for over a year finally became fully grown—this kind of tool... ugh, if we don't cling to this powerful figure now, when will we ever get another chance?

"No, no, I'm a lady. How can I go into a dark, stinking, filthy cave to fight strange monsters? I'm so scared!"

As it spoke, the Parrot raised a large red blade amidst the crimson, blood, lava, and howling hell, and slashed at the demons coming from all directions.

Kang De threatened, "If you keep doing this, I won't download any new games for you!"

The Parrot wasn't about to fall for that. She said arrogantly, "Kang De, are you sure you want to be my enemy?"

The unyielding Fire Thief glared and said, "What do you want?"

"I had no choice but to go to Danfeng Lucerne and shout loudly in front of Tina..." The Parrot raised a hand, cupping it to its beak, "King—"

Kang De said seriously, "You play first, I'm leaving."

Malegith chuckled, then jumped up and hugged Kang De from behind.

If a player with the ball pushes or moves to a defender's torso, causing physical contact, and the defender has already taken their position at the moment of contact, then the attacking player is guilty of charging.

She reached out and playfully pinched Kang De's chin. "That's so funny."

Kang De retorted with displeasure, "Get out of the way!"

"If I go with you, the Goth People will be terrified if they see me with you, especially that big-brother woman's second sister. She'll probably sneak into your bed that very night."

She exclaimed in surprise, "Wow, this is your purpose?"

"--no!"

"Good boy, do your own job." The Parrot rested its chin on Kang De's head, gently hugging him, its voice ethereal, its tone different from Dairila's.

She whispered, "Focus on your own affairs, make your own decisions, bear the consequences, reap the rewards, be with your companions and gain new ones, trust them, move forward together, cherish those who haven't left, and remember those who have left. This is your own destiny..."

A hand gently pressed against Kang De's eyes.

Then, he breathed hot air on my face, followed by a warm, wet sensation on my cheek, a soft touch that resonated deep within my soul.

The Parrot chuckled, "Accept it with gratitude. This is a kiss of blessing from the goddess, a reward that countless elven warriors dream of but none can obtain..."

Kang De snorted, "The word 'goddess' has lost its meaning where we're from. Besides, it's so insincere of you to be giving out freebies under the guise of Dairila..."

No sooner had he finished speaking than he felt a sharp pain in his buttocks, as the Parrot kicked him hard out of the tent.

He glided out like a wild goose landing on a sandbar.

Grass.

What happened now?

Just you wait! One day I'll pay for this a hundredfold!

Kang De rubbed his bottom, a cool breeze blowing around him. Kang De was lying on a soft blanket. The ground around the Queen's tent was covered with fine embroidered carpets. He saw a pair of winged High Elf war boots in front of him. The silver boots were decorated with winged pegasi on the back, and the vine patterns were intricate and beautiful.

Moving the gaze upwards, one sees trousers that tautly accentuate the shapely legs, an exquisitely crafted skirt armor that gleams with shimmering scales, a breastplate with a relief depicting the legendary story of a sword dancer taming a chimera, and a beautiful elven woman with delicate features and pointed ears—the leader of the Phoenix King's royal guard.

The surrounding royal guards all looked over. The elven beauties in their battle skirts and armor stared in astonishment, seemingly unaware of what had happened.

The atmosphere was very quiet.

The next moment, the captain of the guard drew her rapier, her beautiful face flushed red.

"The Cathay bandits are here again!"

Such roars echoed throughout the camp.

In short, another major source of gossip has emerged regarding the relationship between Phoenix King Dairila and the Dragon of Cathay, Kang De.

A disheveled Kang De activated his ability to return to the White Mist World, then jumped to the Maple Leaf Palace in Danfeng Lucerne.

He met with Tina first.

After enjoying a short while with the princess, he asked her to go and discuss matters with the Grand Duke.

Then he explained the situation to the Grand Duke and his daughter.

All the samples were left to Horus, who also lacked the safety and expertise to demonstrate the revolutionary significance of this mysterious energy to the Grand Duke and his daughter.

But Kang De's words are the best evidence.

"You can go to the Survey Corps' research camp and see for yourself," Kang De said. "This is indeed a crossroads for this country, Your Grace. I don't know if this is divine favor or demonic curse, and I know you are currently facing a dilemma and inner conflict."

The significance of this mysterious energy to Goth is obvious. If it could be kept secret and quietly possessed and studied, it wouldn't be long before Goth's nation's power would leap forward.

But even a common man is innocent, yet possessing a treasure is a crime; if the news leaks out, it will be a great disaster.

Moreover, this kind of energy is not safe, or rather, it is definitely not safe.

The Grand Duke seemed to have no ambition, or rather, no ambition to expand his territory. He seemed to have accepted the fate of being a small country. What he wanted now was to recover from the war as soon as possible and give the people peace and rest. With Kang De as a strategic deterrent, he did not need any new mysterious power to become stronger.

After all, the more you gain, the greater the danger.

If we have too many good things but no ability to protect them, they will surely be seized by trickery and force.

This is the so-called international order.

Seeing the Duke's troubled expression, Kang De knew that he was resistant to using this energy.

But some things, you can't simply choose to get rid of them.

Kang De said, "But we must act immediately; in any case, we cannot let those dragons that have gone deep into the earth leave alive—otherwise, the consequences will be endless, and Goth will never have peace."

The Grand Duke glanced at Kang De and said softly, "What's the harm in letting them leave? It'll just mean handing these underground caves over to foreign powers..."

"Father!"

Tina retorted sharply, "Should we hand it over to foreign countries for development? Lease or cede? What if they want to cede it after we lease it? What if the various countries fight over it and want to use Goth as a battlefield? What if they think there are more mines and want to explore other areas of Goth? What if they find it troublesome to coordinate with various departments every time and simply want to lease more of your land?"

"This is an opportunity given by fate. If we don't want the elves to invade so brazenly, causing heavy casualties among the people, and the world to stand by and watch indifferently, Goth has no choice but to rely on himself, to plan for the future, and to become strong!"

The Grand Duke was shaken and sighed silently.

Tina looked at Kang De and said, "Let's get to work. How we deal with this mysterious energy is Goth's internal affair. We must first cut off the sights of others who covet it... We must completely control it!"

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PS1: Damn... I've slacked off again. Time for bed.