The Assault Has Arrived

If the relationship between Kang De and the Dusk Moon Dynasty is somewhat complex due to Dairila and Malegith, containing both historical legacies and promising prospects, then his relationship with the Empire...

That's simpler.

The Imperial Ambassador to Goth was an old-fashioned and prudent gentleman who was well aware of such matters. Moreover, the fact that he was assigned to a place like Goth by the Empire, and was not recalled even after the outbreak of the Goth-Moon War, speaks volumes about his position in the Imperial political arena.

Since Goth's situation became critical and the Empire remained inactive, the perception of this nominal suzerain state within Germany has deteriorated day by day. After the Penguin's ordeal and Princess Tina's subsequent declaration reached Goth, public opinion was boiling over. Under these circumstances, the Imperial ambassador lived in constant fear, like a tortoise, his days filled with nothing but panic.

When Goth was about to lose, he panicked; when Goth won, he was still panicked.

If they lose, they fear being used as a shield by the fanatical Goth People and dying alongside them.

Having won, the Goth People, fearing the support of the Dragon of Cathay, would seize the opportunity to declare war on the Empire in retaliation. As a despicable imperial citizen, they would be dragged out and beheaded as a sacrifice at the rally.

--I heard this is very popular in Cathay.

The envoys of the Arcane Council were able to risk their lives and remain humble and dignified for the dignity and honor of their organization because the money, the treatment, the compensation, and the laws were all in place.

As for the imperial ambassador, screw him. Even if I lick his boots, what can the emperor do to me?

So when news came that Kang De had come directly to his door, he rushed out, jogging and bowing as he ushered him in, always saying yes and being extremely humble, with a constant smile on his face. (Abe meeting Putin)

He knew why Kang De had come.

As the imperial ambassador, he also received the emperor's top secret order. As an imperial nobleman, he also had his own information channels and heard that something big had happened in the Azure Waves Province.

Originally, it was said that the dragon delegation had gone missing, but it was later discovered that they hadn't gone missing at all. Instead, the dragons had stumbled upon an ancient ruin buried there, containing a magical substance that could alter the course of history. Goth wanted to possess it all... or rather, Kang De wanted to possess it all.

The rumor was quite detailed and escalated.

Initially, everyone was skeptical, as such rumors are inherently difficult to verify. There have been seven or eight similar rumors in the past month, but this time was different.

The Empire Fleet in the Broken Sea urgently recalled its crew members who were recuperating on shore; a giant dragon emerged from Dragon Island in the Southern Azure Sea; the Dusk Moon Parliament held another closed-door meeting; and the envoy of the Arcane Council had arrived in Goth. The behemoths that dominate the international order of the present day have confirmed the accuracy of the rumors through their actions.

It's true.

Thus, an invisible tidal wave surged down from the pyramid, layer upon layer.

Goth once again became the center of the world.

The ambassador's private messages were relayed back from the Broken Sea.

Not only was the Empire Fleet assembled urgently, but various adventure groups, private mercenaries, wandering fleets, and merchant guilds from that chaotic place were also eager to fight. They were like hyenas that had smelled blood, calculating whether they could snatch some scraps from this feast.

After all, the scraps of meat that flowed from the teeth of such behemoths as elves, empires, and Council enough to fill them to bursting; if all else failed, they could always eat Goth.

Yes.

This time, Goth seems to have incurred widespread wrath. The world's hegemon, the common master of humanity, and the center of magical technology—what use would a Forbidden Spell spellcaster be if these three giants joined forces?

If Goth were defeated and dismembered, the ensuing chaos would undoubtedly be a feast.

When a country collapses, it becomes a golden opportunity for a small group of people to feast. It is the best time to seize the wealth created by a weak nation, abduct its children and women, and seize its land and minerals. These are the most profitable deals in the world.

In fact, even before the Goth-Moon War ended, the hyenas of the world were already stirring, but the outcome disappointed and deterred them... Now, hope has returned.

Goth's situation now is clearly worse than it was during the Goth-Moon War.

However, the news has not yet fully spread.

Therefore, when the imperial ambassador received Kang De, he was all smiles and tried to please him in every way. He knew that this Forbidden Spell spellcaster must be extremely unhappy, or even furious.

He didn't want to become the target of the other party's anger.

But...

The ambassador looked at the face of the Cathayan before him, a smile on his face, but a hint of suspicion flashed through his mind.

That's not right.

The news leaked, his plans fell through, and in an instant, Goth was besieged by the world again. Moreover, once the news spread, many of Goth People would surely hate Kang De, feeling that he had brought all this upon himself. The once-proud Dragon of Cathay should be agitated, angry, frantic, and hysterical...

Why is he laughing?

For some reason, he always felt a chill run down his spine from Kang De's smile.

"Mr. Ambassador."

Kang De smiled and said, "Excuse me for bothering you, but I would like to ask you to pass on a message to your emperor for me."

The ambassador suddenly felt a jolt.

Then he nodded hurriedly, "Okay, okay!"

Damn, that scared me to death! I thought you were here to protest, express your dissatisfaction, or threaten me.

They knew I was just a nobody, so telling me was pointless.

That's good. It's just delivering a message, too easy. I'd even deliver a challenge.

He immediately stood up, strode to the desk, bent down, and gestured for him to leave. "Your Highness, please pass your letter to me. I can seal and send it under your guidance."

Kang De waved his hand. "No, no, no, you misunderstand. My letter will be delivered by itself. I wanted to ask the ambassador to remind your emperor that I sent the letter and to ask him to reply."

The ambassador paused for a moment, then said, "Ah? I... I don't understand..."

--You wrote the letter to the emperor and delivered it yourself. Why do I have to tell the emperor it was written by you and remind him to reply? Couldn't you have added your own name?

Kang De gave him a half-smile, then turned to look at the map hanging on the wall.

He looked for a while, then said with great interest, "Ambassador, my wife Tina told me about a place called the Broken Isles, inhabited by a bunch of scoundrels and bandits—where is that place?"

The ambassador instinctively pointed out the location to Kang De.

Then, I understood the smile on the other person's face.

His face quickly lost its color, turning pale and bewildered.

Kang De smiled, took the map down, and asked the ambassador if he could give it to him.

The ambassador said yes.

"Thank you, then I'll take my leave. Ambassador, remember to write a letter and tell the Emperor that I wrote that letter. He has to reply—although I will sign it, I'm afraid he'll deceive himself. A person can do anything, but self-deception is something he can't do. Don't you agree?"

The ambassador, in a daze and utterly dejected, saw Kang De off at the door.

Kang De smiled and said, "No need to see me off."

This was just polite talk, and according to the principles of politeness, the ambassador should have warmly seen him to the door after hearing this, but he actually stayed at the door of the reception room, his feet seemingly rooted to the spot.

Kang De waved goodbye to him, saying, "Don't forget."

"Of course not," the ambassador forced a smile. "Please believe me."

"Of course, I'm known for my trustworthiness; they all call me Kang De man who trusts his employees."

Cathayan departed under the ambassador's watchful eye, he turned a corner, put his arm around a guard in iron armor, and, holding the map, asked, "Excuse me, where are the Broken Isles?"

"..."

The sky was clear and the sun was high, the sea breeze was cool, and west of Goth lay the depths of the ocean.

This is the outpost of the Endless Ocean, a sea area called the Broken Isles, where islands of all sizes seem to have been cut into pieces by the sword of a god, scattered haphazardly, just like the chaotic state of governance here.

In today's world, the most profitable business is undoubtedly maritime trade.

As everyone knows, the current world hegemon, the Twilight Moon Elves, originated from the Vast Forest but made their fortune on the seas. They have built a powerful economic, territorial, and military system through fleets, colonies, and maritime trade. One Phoenix King even openly said that the sea is the elves' second home.

A large ship can transport goods that hundreds or thousands of mules and carts cannot pull to distant destinations quickly and efficiently, generating huge profits. It saves both time and effort.

Land-based merchants need to buy mules and horses to transport goods and food. Large carts require people to accompany and take care of them, and wages must be paid. The mountains are high and the roads are long and difficult to travel. Unlike sea-based merchants, who do not need mules or horses or manpower, they can sail thousands of miles, relying entirely on the power of the wind and sea gods. What a worthwhile business!

For a businessman, maritime transport is the path to wealth; for a country, it is the lifeline. Maritime transport is so important and the profits are so huge, but long voyages also mean risks: getting lost, pirates, natural disasters. Every year, many people make a fortune, while others lose everything.

Intelligent people are risk-averse, and they prefer more comfortable and secure ways to make money. Just as gold prospectors reap wealth through hard work and sweat, intelligent people sell shovels and drinking water. Shipping is so profitable, so intelligent people choose the smarter way.

For example, providing various port services.

Or collect taxes.

The former is the method of ordinary henchmen, while the latter is the privilege of big thugs.

Due to its unique geographical location, the Broken Sea became a transshipment point for maritime transport between the western ocean of the continent, where goods and gold coins converged, and every drop of seawater here exuded the scent of wealth.

Goth also had a long, narrow coastline and many excellent natural harbors, but the Broken Isles had a greater advantage than Goth. Goth's rulers and some of the nobility retained the romanticism of the pioneering era and had a moral fastidiousness, prohibiting the slave trade, the buying and selling of people, and banning drugs, smuggling, and illegal immigration. If they didn't do these most profitable businesses, what else would they do?

What Goth could do, the Broken Isles can also do; what Goth couldn't do, the Broken Isles can do.

Given this competitive advantage, the Broken Isles naturally became more desirable, and since the falling out between Song Moon and the gradual suppression of Goth's marine living space, the importance of the Broken Isles has become increasingly prominent.

There is no government here, nor does it belong to any country. The elves once considered bringing it under their rule, but after much deliberation, they abandoned the idea due to the complex web of interests and the extremely diverse population. The elves did not need to attack and rule this place themselves; their invincible fleet and military might were enough to achieve the same effect.

Each island has its own owner who governs and controls it, and they form a loose but complex council where every major power on the mainland has a representative and interests.

This has become an international consensus and tacit acceptance.

Wealth flows ceaselessly here day and night, but it also breeds sin and suffering. People from all races and countries, seeking to escape their past, struggle, rise and fall, and perish here.

As the sun began to set and noon was well past, the bustling and chaotic docks and harbors saw ships raising their sails one after another, with sailors urgently tidying up and repairing them.

"Another one, the Shameless Scoundrel. Are the Sisifu Chamber of Commerce's vicious dogs going too?"

On the southeastern Ajinsi Island, a mage tower stands atop a mountain overlooking the entire archipelago. As a pillar of the Broken Isles' magical defense system, two mages on duty lean against the railing, idly scanning the area with Eagle Eye, chatting as they watch.

"Pah, human traffickers, a bunch of scum."

Another monk spat. He had long black hair, tied in a bun and covered by a ceremonial crown, and was Cathayan. "What are they doing there? Do they really think Goth is finished? Are they so eager to sell Goth's women to big shots all over the world?"

Isn't that so?

Another brown-haired mage pointed down to the vast Broken Isles, where most of the islands had docks and harbors, with ships of all sizes moored there.

As evening approaches, many boats are actually setting sail.

"Look at these sharks that have smelled blood. Goth is in big trouble this time. They are scum, villains, criminals, and greedy people, but you have to admit that in this damned world, these bastards actually live very well. They have no dignity, no shame, no loyalty or decency, only interests. They can only smell the scent of profit and the weakness of the enemy, and every time they smell it accurately."

He sighed, "The Empire, the Elves, the Council— each of these behemoths could reduce the Broken Isles to ruins in an instant. Now that they've united to face a single enemy, what nation in this world could withstand them? Let alone any individual..."

His companion retorted, "That's Forbidden Spell spellcaster!"

The mage shrugged. "Yes, yes, but the Arcane Council also represents the highest achievement of magical skill in our world. Do you dare say we don't have methods and measures to deal with Forbidden Spell spellcasters? Not to mention the elves and the Empire, and maybe even the dragons will get involved. And your idol Kang De is just one person. No matter how powerful he is, his spellcasting ability has its limits, and..."

The other party continued indignantly, arguing, "And His Highness Kang De and the Elf Queen..."

"... That's just boring gossip. People talk about it, have a laugh, and tease the elves, that's all. You didn't actually believe it, did you?"

The mage shook his head. "So what if I'm Forbidden Spell mage? Alas, I've long seen through it. Those who dominate this world are always these high and mighty figures: the emperors of empires, the elven queens, the chairmen of Council, and those island lords over there in high-ranking districts and spire palaces, elegantly sipping their wine glasses. They control people's hearts with money and power, talking eloquently while making their subordinates work for them..."

He sighed, "Even a Forbidden Spell spellcaster is just a slightly stronger weapon; they don't even consider it a threat..."

"--I think you completely misunderstand! The power of Forbidden Spell lies not in their destructive force, but in their deterrent power! You have no idea what His Highness Kang De's power signifies, he..."

"Alright, enough said. Just look at the current situation. We've already counted to the fifty-fourth ship, and there will definitely be more tomorrow. So many ships, so much power and will, heading to Goth to besiege, covet, and plunder. Even if Kang De possesses Forbidden Spell, what can he do?"

"To Broken Isles to the ground with Forbidden Spell? How vast is this sea? I doubt even his Forbidden Spell could accomplish it—and even if it could, what would the consequences be? There are at least a million people here, mostly scum, but also many good ones. More importantly, they come from all over the world and from all walks of life, with endless entanglements of interests and financial relationships intertwined, a place even the elves dare not touch... to raze it to the ground with Forbidden Spell?"

"The next day he will become the enemy of the whole world."

"Wait until these ships are out to sea before fighting? The ocean is so vast, how can he possibly fight?"

As he spoke, he patted his companion on the shoulder. "That's just how it is. In the face of true power, the so-called power we spellcasters possess is utterly insignificant. I've come to understand it now. That's just how the world is. Instead of searching for so-called Truth, it's better to make money and join them. Life is short, enjoy it while you can, that's better than anything else. You should give up those illusions too..."

"Kang De wasn't omnipotent, and you shouldn't be thinking about reclaiming your homeland all the time. As you can see, Kang De couldn't even protect Goth, so how could he save Cathay? That has nothing to do with you. You grew up here, became a magician, and are respected by others, so why not enjoy life?"

He said a few words, but seeing that his companion didn't answer, he became displeased. He turned around and saw that the other person was staring blankly at the sky, his face changing from surprise to fear. He shouted, "What is that?"

The monk subconsciously looked up and saw a dazzling light on the horizon, like a shooting star.

The next moment, the detection magic devices behind them roared loudly, and then, the numerous mages in the entire Broken Sea suddenly shone brightly, and beams of light shot into the sky, reaching straight into the clouds. Sharp whistles swept across the entire island, and the heavily invested early warning system issued the highest level of alert—the attack has arrived!

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PS1: Update... Damn, I can't finish writing anymore, going to sleep, I'll write again when I wake up.