The Scent of a Traitor

Produced by the Storm Mountain Dragon Alchemical Ordnance Center, this is the launching position for the "Stone Thrower" type super-heavy kinetic energy projection cannon.

"Loading complete!"

"Bullet enchantment complete!"

"Pole arm strength restored!"

With the help of winches, alchemical golems, and operators, projectiles weighing tons are pushed into the projection section.

The mechanical lock closes and secures the device.

The alchemist activated the pre-installed enchanted array within the projectile, causing the projectile's triple iron hoops to light up one after another, and the elemental power stored within began to activate, brewing a power that could destroy everything.

The nature-based spellcaster, together with the alchemist, activated and repaired the rod arm, whose internal structure had been damaged by the massive deformation and energy transfer during the previous launch.

Then a confirmation signal is given to the launch director.

"Editing confirmed!"

"Calculation complete!"

The target has been changed!

"Attack the tourist platform in the central part of the main island!"

The commander of the Stone Thrower firing position pressed the trigger lever, and Magic Power was infused into the system.

"Emission!"

The magic flowed down the active wooden core in the trigger lever, then activated the fire element trigger. Flames ignited, and surging fire element spread along the complex magic network. After a series of violent elemental reactions, it finally activated the most inert earth element, and then—activated the balancing hammer!

This semi-magical kinetic weapon essentially adopts the concept of a counterweight catapult, using mechanics and geometry to launch heavy, enchanted projectiles that accurately hit their targets without guidance. It is not hindered by interception spells, nor interfered with by mental weapons, making it extremely reliable.

The role of magic and alchemy in this terrifying weapon of war lies in the reinforced lever structure and the robust and powerful material strength.

More importantly, it lies in the counterweight, the most crucial element of a heavy-duty catapult.

The principle of a counterweight catapult is to use manpower or material resources to lift a heavy counterweight, and then let it fall freely. The potential energy of the falling weight is converted into kinetic energy, which propels the projectile on the other side of the lever. Magic and alchemy have provided even more advanced ideas for upgrading it!

The elemental trigger activated the massive amount of earth element within the balancing hammer, causing the ancient earth patterns on its surface to glow brightly. This heavy totem pole regained its powerful elemental properties, and gravity increased rapidly, reaching the winch rope's maximum load limit in the blink of an eye. Then, with a snap, the rope broke, and the large totem plummeted down with the force of an avalanche, violently throwing the giant projectile from the projection platform!

A heavy gust of wind howled, and the triple rings began to spin and swirl. The shell, carrying the force of thunder, soared into the sky. All the data had been calculated, and the trajectory had been carefully determined. Its target was the observation platform on the central island—that beautiful place was now occupied by evil invaders!

Destroy them!

The soldiers at the launch site looked up at the sphere of destruction soaring into the sky, and anticipation appeared in every one of their eyes.

They all knew how powerful the Stone Thrower were; the one-ton projectiles were inlaid with a large number of magic crystals and pre-set spells. Once they reached their attack position, they could unleash the most terrifying explosion, shock, and elemental damage, with a kill radius of hundreds of meters.

If that shell hits its mark, at least half of the enemy soldiers on the viewing platform will be wiped out.

However, after the shell flew several kilometers, the sky flashed with fire, and two fleeting blast trails shot from the front, like two sharp arrows hitting the projectile, shattering it into pieces.

The Avenger-Type Vector Reflection System in the shell took effect, and the shattered shrapnel launched a sweeping counterattack towards the interception direction under the propulsion of the magic circle. However, the next moment, like a meteor shower, countless rays of light swept across, and the fragments of the boulder projectile were also shattered by several alternating rivers of Flame.

They all cried out in unison, expressing their regret.

"Reload!"

The Stone Thrower's firing supervisor gave the order without hesitation.

The heads of several heavy magical artifacts were all the island lord's absolute confidants. If their loyalty could not be guaranteed, the island lord could not remain the island lord. This person in charge was equally loyal. Even though he knew that the Stone Thrower posed almost no threat to Kang De, he still decided to fight the despicable Cathayan to the end.

Because the island lord has given orders to fight Kang De with all their might.

He shouted, "We still have plenty of ammunition! We still have plenty of courage! The enemy's alchemical weapons are powerful, but every bit we use is precious, and our reserves are definitely greater than theirs! Now is the time to show the invaders our strength and courage! Reload! Prepare to fire!"

The launch site was completely sealed off, and the soldiers serving there had no idea what was happening outside. The observation team and Eagle Eye officers, who could use Atmospheric Perspective magic, were under semi-house arrest and semi-surveillance. Apart from a few spellcasters, no one in the entire launch site knew what was going on.

Most people were unaware of the massive invasion by sea monsters, the disappearance of the island's lords, Kang De swift and powerful alchemical weapons that swept across the entire island, killing two garrison legions in just over ten minutes, and the fact that the Cathayan actually possessed terrifying weapons capable of striking the entire island.

They don't need to know.

The person in charge had a grim face and kept issuing orders, confirming the outer defenses and supply lines. He knew the situation was extremely dangerous and that Kang De's power was unmatched, but now the Stone Thrower had to cause Kang De enough trouble and distract him so that the master of Sea Suppression Castle would have more room to do something—whether it was fighting or retreating.

He chose to remain loyal there, do his job well, and complete his mission.

But now, a disturbing question is troubling him.

Why didn't Kang De just raze this place to the ground?

Using his Atmospheric Perspective, he saw rockets launched from the Astolfo, trailing terrible plumes of flame, sweeping through a cluster of bunkers like hail, setting off an inextinguishable fire that burned the grieving defenders to the bone.

Unlike the Flame-Particle Light Lance and the Raging Tide, the Stone Thrower Magic Device, due to its combat mechanism, cannot conceal most of its structure under a fortress—its launching position is open-air.

This means that Kang De could have turned this place into a sea of fire in the same way.

A brilliant idea flashed in the mind of the person in charge.

I see.

He sneered—"You want to capture us and seize the Stone Thrower? What a joke!"

Kang De, I know how powerful you are, and I know that your alchemical weapons are incredibly strong, leaving scorched earth in their wake. But destruction and conquest are two different things. You can certainly destroy us and the Stone Thrower with ease, but you will never get it intact, because you will be facing a group of the most tenacious and unyielding guardians!

We'll destroy the Stone Thrower before you succeed!

The launch supervisor looked around. The Stone Thrower positions were open-air, which was a weakness, so this deficiency was considered during the construction and deployment.

Of the three fortress-like magical artifacts on the island, the Stone Thrower have the strongest security force. The surrounding terrain, fortifications, and personnel configuration have all been carefully modified, constructed, and trained, so that no matter where Kang De's henchmen attack from, they can be detected immediately.

What awaits them is a fierce storm and the most tenacious resistance!

They may not be able to stop Kang De's advance, but they can at least buy time to destroy the Stone Thrower!

Even if a dragon launches an attack from the sky, the interception array and defense mages will detect it instantly and unleash powerful anti-air spells—absolutely no problem!

With this in mind, he continued to urge, "We will win! There's nothing to be afraid of..."

The next moment, he heard the whistling of the wind from the sky.

Then the alarm blared!

The mage in the observation team shouted hoarsely, "Space—"

The person in charge subconsciously looked up, only to see the Phase Gate silently opening in the sky.

Huge black shadows plummeted downwards at high speed!

In the blink of an eye, with a soft thud, a large, gleaming foot landed on his face.

His fragile body couldn't withstand the impact for even a second before being smashed into a pile by the power armor that fell from the sky. His face was first deformed, then his chest was crushed, and then his spine exploded like firecrackers. Amidst the cracking sounds, his back pressed against his calves, and his whole body was folded over.

Blood splattered from his torn skin, making him look like a crushed southern cockroach, its red sap bursting and splashing in all directions.

The Doom Warriors raised his.50 heavy machine gun, flames erupting as explosive incendiary grenades rained down. Warriors charging from all sides with their swords drawn were swept away as if by a giant, invisible scythe, their bodies shattered and limbs exploding. Amidst the heavy whistling sounds, warriors clad in power armor continued to fall from the Phase Gate, unleashing a horrific carnage!

Screams rang out continuously, gunshots and the sound of bodies shattering blended together. The space teleportation powered armor soldiers rushed in. Such a blessing was something that even the modern military powers of Earth had never enjoyed, let alone these otherworldly beings. The constant bursts of death and the continuous explosions easily destroyed their reason!

"Ulysses, use melee! There are three enemies fifty meters to your left front. Heavy firearms will damage your magical artifacts. Kill them!"

Horus's voice rang in his ears, bringing Valentan's messenger immense peace of mind.

Out of the corner of his eye, he could see a small light screen in the lower left corner of the visor. It was a map showing his location, orientation, surrounding allies, and even enemies. The messenger quickly locked onto the enemy. He threw down his light machine gun, drew the chainsaw greatsword from his back, took two steps forward, bypassed the Stone Thrower's inspection platform, and strange energy surged from the Paradox Core on his back, strengthening his arms as he unleashed a furious slash!

"Well done!"

Horus praised him, then said, "But Ulysses, more than your fighting spirit and skills, I am impressed by your calmness and wisdom. My father and I both believe you can play a greater role than just a warrior—now, do you see the tactical map? The five men at ten o'clock, you will try to replace me and command them in battle."

On the other side of the battlefield, another Doom Warriors received real-time guidance from Lord Horus: "Power armor has given you the physique of a warrior, but you are still a mage. The upcoming upgraded and improved versions of power armor will emphasize this point. Spellcasters will receive dedicated power armor more suitable for their combat. But now, I need your cooperation and testing—extend your hands."

The novice mage, having laid down his weapon, unhesitatingly extended his hands. Several enemies were already charging at him. Horus calmly said, "Your power armor has a birchwood core embedded in the palms, often used to craft fire wands. Now, use the Cone of Flame!"

Magic Power surged, the model was constructed, but this familiar spellcasting was different from the past, because the powerful energy in the Paradox Core amplified the spell's effect in an instant. Two fire dragons roared out, and as the Doom Warriors opened his arms, they surged out to both sides, and the scorching heat instantly engulfed the enemy!

"Burning Hands!"

The spellcaster clenched his right fist, the Flame surging and restraining him, and then he swung it violently, a huge fiery fist gushing out and smashing into a frost mage who was casting a spell with a staff.

--The opponent's spell hasn't even finished yet!

A tremendous sense of joy filled the mind of this novice mage.

This thing is definitely much better than a staff!

"Well done, spellcasters. Now cast aside the old rules and regulations and begin to adapt to the new way of fighting—the power armor bestowed upon you by your father will redefine the mage."

Under Horus's guidance and command, these dozens of Doom Warriors fought as one, methodical and with a clear division of labor. They provided ranged fire suppression, close-range assaults, and mage support. They fought like a team, driving out and eliminating the guardians of the Stone Thrower from within.

Kang De used the Power of the Fire Thief to sever the control circuit of the self-destruct device, then stood aside and watched his first chapter's first battle; it looked promising.

"Father, Earth's conventional weapons are no longer suitable for them."

Horus stated, "Power armor's ability to withstand recoil far surpasses that of humans, even some light vehicles. They can wield far more powerful weapons in combat, and they certainly need them."

"Weapons on Earth are designed to fight against humanity, and due to military budget constraints, they tend to prioritize cost-effectiveness. But we are different... Our enemy is not just humanity, not in the past, not now, and definitely not in the future."

Kang De nodded silently. "This requires a production line..."

In terms of individual firearms, are there any firearms on Earth that far surpass military firearms in power and accuracy? Yes, there are many, but their production is limited and demand is low. There are terrifying shotguns on Earth that fire exaggerated.750 Nitro-Express bullets, but they are handcrafted, toys for the wealthy. Their power is indeed enormous, but any general who proposes to equip the army with them would probably be sent to a mental hospital on the spot.

"The next stage will involve considering a comprehensive industrial layout across the globe."

"Yes."

Kang De looked at the battlefield, which was gradually coming to an end. "But now, we must bring them back to the Distant Harbor."

He thought for a moment and asked, "How's the terrain reconnaissance going?"

Horus replied, "On the central island, there are three sufficiently flat and expansive areas. However, two of them are located in low-lying areas near the sea and have been occupied by sea monsters. The last one is on a mountain, in the back garden of the Sea Suppression Castle. The wealthy island lord has built a huge racecourse on his own plateau. It is vast and flat and should meet our needs, Father."

Kang De nodded and turned his gaze to the mountaintop, the most prominent part of the large island.

A magnificent castle complex stretching across a vast area.

"So..." he sighed, "We have to go there no matter what?"

"Anyway?"

Horus noticed the word keenly. "It sounds like, Father, that you're having me search for a sufficiently large and flat area just as a backup plan."

"Of course, it's a backup plan... If things get really bad, at least we can bring everyone back alive," Kang De said coldly. "But before that, if circumstances allow, we need to go to that damned castle, find the island lord inside, and ask him if he's aware of the current situation."

Sea monsters that appear out of nowhere, are ferocious, violent, fearless, and numerous.

The island lord who, even in a moment of crisis, still ordered an attack on Kang De.

The former made this Fire Thief, who had already experienced many major battles, realize that it was a familiar aura.

The latter's extremely abnormal behavior made him suspect that he was a traitor.

"The last fortress magic device has been captured, and Father, Raging Tide, and Flame-Particle Light Lance are also under our control. Now, we can organize an attack and exploration of Sea Suppression Castle."

Kang De nodded. "Alright, let's see what's inside."

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PS1: Update... Ah, it's getting later and later lately. I've decided that for the next week, I'll at least move the update time to 1 AM. I'll play Ghost of Tsushima whenever I switch to that time.