Returning in Triumph, a Murder Announced

Only after the dust settled on the Battle of Distant Harbor and the international turmoil surrounding the Paradox Element finally came to an end did the core political figures of the various national power institutions, including the Supreme Joint Conference of the Arcane Council, the Imperial Cabinet, and the Twilight Moon Council, receive a secret report from their respective naval commanders.

Only through the testimonies of these direct eyewitnesses did they learn the full story of that day.

"I tried with all my might to penetrate the steel hull and uncover the inner secrets of this sea fortress, but to no avail, like an apprentice witnessing the mysteries of magic for the first time."

"With my limited wisdom, I cannot comprehend the operating mechanism of this unprecedented alchemical warship."

"Just as I don't understand what kind of sophisticated and powerful propulsion system it relied on to enable a heavy hull with a displacement three times that of the Antoniers to break through the waves at twice the speed of the former."

Master Niola, the fleet commander of the Azure Fleet and a recipient of the Glory Rank and the Azure Medal of Honor, still couldn't hide the shock in his heart during the secret hearing within the Council.

"I think this means something that you core council members, with your superior wisdom and magical skills, should be well aware of. Kang De's path of alchemy as a military science student is completely different from ours, far more so than the difference between the human continental magic system and the elven ocean magic system."

"I must even painfully admit that this difference even includes the gap between advanced and backward."

"The perfect unity of speed, power, and precision displayed by that warship—its high-speed propulsion system, accurate and fierce firepower, its steel-clad defensive structure, and even its achievements in automation and magic-based technology—is no different from our new approach to naval construction, but it has far surpassed us."

"Gentlemen, I have already recounted my account and findings regarding the Battle of Distant Harbor. If you gentlemen were to inquire of my views beyond the war itself, my opinions might be somewhat harsh."

"--The Council carefully consider how to ease relations with His Highness Kang De and once again increase its strategic importance to him."

"And, quicken your pace... because we have already fallen behind Kang De."

"But the good news is, at least we now know the way forward."

In Silvermoon Silver Moon City, the capital of Twilight Moon, during a closed-door meeting, Commodore Kavilonsa, the fleet commander, who had demonstrated skill in advancing and retreating during the Battle of Distant Harbor, made every effort to preserve the vast majority of warships and soldiers, and maintained the dignity of the dynasty by remaining neither servile nor arrogant in the face of the strategic enemy, was also giving a secret report after receiving praise.

"I saw, amidst the continuous eruptions of Flame and thick smoke, giant arrows of Flame, trailing trails of light, soar into the air from the front of the ship, reaching lightning speed in a short time, catching up with the mutated monsters that were scattering in all directions and at whatever altitude they were at."

"I saw those enormous, agile, and hideous monsters flapping their wings in their final moments, changing direction with nimble speed, trying to evade."

"This is not uncommon; during hunts, cunning prey will use this method to avoid our arrows."

"But what terrified me was that these giant Flame arrows, which clearly exceeded four times the speed of sound, adjusted their pursuit direction on their own when the target suddenly changed course, like guiding arrows shot by the moon goddess, always chasing the enemy's heart, never deviating for a moment."

"As you all know, what's needed to do this at speeds exceeding four times the speed of sound?"

"What happened next is unnecessary to elaborate on; the replicated battle reports before you all mention it. These high-speed monsters, possessing immense strength and instinct, were killed one by one by the alchemical weapons launched from the warships."

"Powerful, extremely fast, and with self-calibration capabilities, this weapon can easily kill targets dozens of miles away. It can kill corrupted monsters, and of course, it can also kill normal dragons."

"Let's even consider whether our aviation mages and gryphon riders are also among the targets."

"And, could this alchemical weapon, capable of killing high-speed flying targets, also hit warships that are far slower, or even coastal fortresses, cities, or armies that have no maneuverability whatsoever?"

"Gentlemen, there is no doubt that another Sword of Deterrence is slowly rising, standing alongside the Forbidden Spell. The Invincible Fleet that has maintained the Dusk Moon Dynasty's hegemony and dominated the world for hundreds of years is facing a powerful challenge."

"This challenge doesn't come from a powerful alchemical warship, but from a completely new combat system!"

"I maintain my view on the Battle of Danfeng Lucerne. Commander-in-Chief Xierfankai Le employed groundbreaking air force tactics in the siege. Before Kang De arrived, the newly formed air wing had already inflicted devastating damage on Danfeng Lucerne's defenses. Their ultimate defeat was not a failure of these tactics, because Kang De used the same tactics, only with greater strength!"

"This tactic can also be applied to the ocean."

"In my judgment, naval aviation will play a greater role in future maritime operations."

"The devastating attack on the three nations' fleets by the Aberrant Dragon's high-speed dive that day was enough to prove this point. High-speed dives bring an unstoppable speed advantage. The completeness of the long-range, medium-range, and short-range composite air defense network of the Kang De flagship further confirms the accuracy of this statement, because the elven shields are unparalleled in their protection against arrows. Only those who are skilled in a certain type of attack can understand how to defend against it!"

"Honorable lords, I have fulfilled my duty as a soldier to offer advice and suggestions to the glorious council. We are now at the crossroads of the next military era. Kang De's figure is faintly visible ahead. Lagging behind is a reality that must be acknowledged, but at least we can use the unparalleled wealth, magical expertise, wisdom, and manpower of the Dusk Moon Dynasty to rise up and catch up, and then surpass them!"

Meanwhile, at the Holy Empire's cabinet meeting, trembling screams rang out.

"Charge... charges in! The steel battleship with a speed of twenty-nine knots is charging in!"

As the fleet that suffered the greatest losses and the most tragic fate among the three kingdoms, the Fourth Subfleet lost all of its decision-making officers, including the commander. The captains of the five battleships who took over command in turn all died in battle.

The surviving highest-ranking officer was the captain of a fourth-rate battleship, a spoiled rich kid who barely graduated from the Royal Navy Academy, a nepotism operative who coasted along for the time being. After experiencing both the biohazard crisis and the super battleship, he had developed severe PTSD. The image of A Fu's cannons constantly flashed through his mind, and the nightmares lingered.

Therefore, the imperial ministers could only obtain intelligence from officers of lower rank.

Although all the pieces were eventually pieced together, these officers, though perhaps loyal, were clearly lacking in professionalism. At least among the noble officers whom the esteemed lords had deigned to consult, none could see in this super warship the hazy vision of the next military era.

The ministers discussed it for a long time and finally came to a self-comforting conclusion.

At least Kang De's warships couldn't sail ashore, and the Empire still shared a narrow border with Goth. The Empire's vast military, political, cultural, and economic advantages, along with its status as the suzerain state, were amplified to an extreme degree under the premise of direct borders, and the Empire still held the upper hand.

Just as Kang De's deeds and the power he displayed in the Battle of Valentan and the Battle of Danfeng Lucerne were gradually having a profound impact on this continent, the Battle of Distant Harbor would further deepen and expand this significance, only this time the impact was layered and even more profound.

Moreover, it is not limited to military innovation and the challenge of maritime hegemony.

There are also the far-reaching effects and serious consequences caused by Paradox Element.

And even more.

But those are things that will gradually unfold and come to pass over time.

Politics and war are the same: slow and tedious long-term preparations, followed by lightning-fast progress when launched; fast and slow, movement and stillness, everything is a combination of the two.

Even the officers' final reports to their respective countries' highest authorities came more than ten days after the Battle of Distant Harbor had completely subsided.

Before that, at least for that moment on that day, victory was sweet.

While Kavilonsa, Master Niola, and other officers obeyed Kang De's orders and tried every means to glean more clues and intelligence from the divine warship, everything returned to calm after all the Aberrant Dragon that attempted to escape were destroyed one by one by the ship's anti-aircraft missiles.

The Knight Astolfo back to the vicinity of the Distant Harbor, but did not enter the harbor.

A flash of silver light, Lily transformed into human form, landing on the deck of the Knight Afu.

A gentle breeze ruffled her long black dress and pale golden hair. The silvery reflection of the warship illuminated the Dragon Girl's slightly pale face. This was an undeniable victory, the result of her fighting alongside the new Fire Thief. Lily looked at the A Xing that jumped out and waved to her with a silly grin, and a heavy weight lifted from her heart.

She smiled as she watched Kang De emerge.

Kang De smiled and looked at her.

The two remained silent for about five seconds. Then, a portion of Horus's armor slipped into Kang De's coat, gripping Kang De shoulders, back, and forearms, forcibly opening his father's arms.

Then Lily flashed a radiant, beautiful smile and leaped into Kang De's arms.

This is a joyful embrace after victory, the kind that's pure and innocent.

--The other part of Horus remained on the bridge, controlling the fire control system, with only a small portion being converted from optical sensors into a reflex viewfinder camera.

Great moments need to be recorded.

After embracing for a while, Lily calmed down from the complex emotions she felt after the reunion. Concealing the slight flush on her face, she quietly left Kang De's embrace, gazing at the calm sky with a somber expression.

"Dragon Clan..."

The Empire Fleet suffered the heaviest losses, with more than half of its members killed or wounded, a devastating blow. However, this time, the Dragon Clan was undoubtedly the biggest loser. Including the seven dragons in the delegation, plus the infected and parasitized Dragon Legion, the casualties were close to thirty. Adding the casualties from the Battle of Danfeng Lucerne, it was enough to go down in history.

The kind of thing that could get the elders to impeach the Dragon Emperor.

He asked, "Are they all dead?"

Lily shook her head and said, "No, there were eight survivors. They were originally doomed too, but then the Aberrant Dragon suddenly abandoned their target and began hunting down the fleets of various nations. When you turned the tide, I found them... They... They were terrified. I persuaded them to stay for the time being."

At this point, the Dragon Girl hesitated for a moment. "They were all injured..."

The so-called injuries were naturally left by the Aberrant Dragon, and there was a risk of infection and decay.

She hesitated to speak, but still said, "So... can I do you a favor? Of course, the medical expenses won't be small, and I'll cooperate with you to extort a hefty sum from the Dragon Emperor and Dragon Island..."

Kang De said, "Don't worry, I will treat them, for free."

Lily looked surprised.

Kang De simply smiled and said, "Just as you said, the Fire Thief is not Goth's Fire Thief, but the Fire Thief of this world... isn't that right?"

Without waiting for the Dragon Girl's reply, he waved his hand, and the megaphone fell into his hand.

The voices of the Fire Thief swept across the sea.

"I am Kang De, speaking to all intelligent beings in the waters near the Distant Harbor: the threat has been averted."

The Paradox Engine and Yasha's gift allowed the Fire Thief to see the activity of the Paradox Element in this sea area, and there was no longer any threatening accumulation.

"All illegally entered fleets, remain where they are, regroup, repair ships, and rescue those who have fallen into the water and the seriously wounded. Exercise extreme caution, as the infected remain aggressive. After each fleet leader has made their arrangements, proceed to the Distant Harbor city hall to await orders and prepare for surrender procedures. All crew members of each fleet should disembark in turn, undergo inspection and Paradox Element removal treatment, and then proceed to the prisoner-of-war camp for resettlement."

"All matters are pending further instructions and arrangements; until then, all ships should remain in place."

"Those who violate this rule will be immediately sunk and strangled."

"Soldiers, your mission and tasks are over. Until the negotiations and discussions at the national level conclude, you have become my prisoners. May your monarch and rulers be magnanimous."

The words carried far, across the now calm sea.

The Dragon Girl rolled her eyes. "Don't we still charge you?"

Kang De proudly declared, "Providing humanitarian medical aid is already an act of kindness on my part. Do you expect me to return these invaders unscathed? Of course, I have to pay! And double the amount! One for redeeming the people, one for redeeming the ships! Depreciation costs, food expenses, and lodging fees—all must be collected!"

"I'm going to feed them mushroom and chicken noodle soup and Spam luncheon meat every day, one gold coin per meal! If other countries don't want to pay for food, they can give me the same instant noodles and canned meat instead!"

At this point, the Fire Thief, holding the intercom, roared, "Damn it, answer me! Didn't you hear me?!"

The esteemed Kang De's tirade also swept across the sea.

After a short while, the commanders of the three fleets expressed their agreement in a strange tone.

Having witnessed the overwhelming firepower of the Knight Afu throughout the entire operation, even the almost unscathed Elven fleet chose to surrender rather than fight.

The proud elven commander did not lead his fleet to flee, even though he knew that even if he did, Kang De would most likely not sink it. He chose to stay, even if it might invite the humiliation and ridicule of this despicable Cathayan —after all, he had recently rejected the alchemical golem's suggestion.

He needed to find out more intelligence about this steel warship.

The Battle of Distant Harbor has been a resounding victory.

Kang De said, "I'm going to Distant Harbor to see Stella and take care of some other things. Lily will stay here for now. Horus, if anything unexpected happens, whether it's these fleets causing trouble or some other inconsiderate thing coming to cause trouble, blow them all to smithereens and kill them outright."

The Horizon class corvette has forty-eight vertical launch cells, and at this point, it still has more than thirty Aster missiles remaining. With the enhancement of the Paradox Element and Horus's fire control, these anti-aircraft missiles can even be used as anti-ship and cruise missiles. In addition, the dense firepower launched from the ship is enough to control any emergencies in this sea area. With Lily there to take care of the high-level battles, it is very appropriate.

Horus asked, "Father, shouldn't I come along? They're terrified."

"Need not."

Outside the Distant Harbor City Hall, Kang De met Stella.

The second princess's eyes were red, clearly she had been crying, but they were probably tears of joy. Their eyes met, and the previous conflict and disagreement seemed to be replaced by more complex emotions. Kang De slowly said, "You've worked hard."

These words brought tears to Stella's eyes again.

She barely managed to control her emotions and said softly, "You must have had a very tough time."

Kang De nodded and said, "Yes... I kept my promise."

Stella's body trembled slightly.

The Fire Thief's gaze swept over the high-ranking officials and nobles of the Azure Waves Province behind Stella. His piercing gaze and the warships outside the harbor instilled a sense of unease in these important figures, forcing even their smiles. Without further ado, Kang De said directly, "I will explain in detail... but not now. You stay here, maintain control of the situation, ensure your personal safety, appease the people, and find a place outside the city to prepare to take in the prisoners."

After he finished speaking, he repeated, "... Thank you for your hard work, in every sense of the word. Thank you for your trust and support, which is especially precious. Now, I..."

Stella suddenly stepped forward and grabbed Kang De's arm.

Her voice was low, even pleading.

"When you appeared..." she said, "I already sent someone to report to Danfeng Lucerne, with the fastest speed and the most urgent message, so please wait a little longer, okay..."

Kang De gently placed his hand on the princess's delicate hand.

The intense heat sent a shiver down Stella's spine.

"You know, it doesn't make sense," Kang De gently removed her hand. "What's done is done."

With the intelligence of the Fire Thief, it's not hard to figure out that with chaos erupting in the Distant Harbor and fleets from various nations brazenly entering the country, it must be a full-scale attack orchestrated by various forces. The fact that the Distant Harbor is in such disarray means that the biggest storm's epicenter must still be Danfeng Lucerne.

The pressure Tina faced was immense.

So...

See you later.

Upon returning to Danfeng Lucerne, Kang De received his first piece of news.

Tina has been placed under house arrest.

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PS1: Five thousand words. Sigh, this part is finally coming to an end. Uncontrollable factors interfered with the integrity of the plot... It really ruined my mood. Hmm, I've decided, in the next part of the plot I'll kill a supporting character to get back into the swing of things.