Kang De, the Wall Thief

Tentacles, emerging from the deep well and constantly waving, moved with lightning speed, precisely grabbing living people and dragging them back into the enormous, bottomless well.

The elderly island lord knelt devoutly on the ground, turning a blind eye and a deaf ear to all of this.

The cries, questions, curses, and screams around him had nothing to do with him.

Even if these people were once his most loyal subordinates, his most obedient servants, and his closest friends—so what?

Subordinates can be trained and recruited, servants can be trained and taught, friends... haha.

As long as he has power, money, and influence, more friends will continue to come to him.

He only heard the whistling wind in his ears and thought of that deep well.

When his ancestors came to this island, the magnificent underground palace had already been built. His ancestors simply built another great castle on the mountaintop to protect the secrets within.

In his youth, he was entrusted with the secrets of this place by his elderly father, who also entrusted him with their greatest mission and meaning, and with the means to communicate with the Star Palace. The response and blessings from the heavens filled him with joy, and he worked even harder to follow the guidance and offer tributes to please the rulers.

They don't want sacrifices of flesh and blood, they don't want pure maidens, and they don't want money. What they want is something more illusory. What they want is to see—to see the moral decay of the lower world, to see everyone worship power, to see morality despised, to see money dominate the soul, to see justice tainted—that's what they like.

This was evil and terrifying. The so-called rulers of the high Star Palace were certainly not legitimate gods. After discovering this, the then young island lord felt panic and unease.

But soon, this instinctive unease was forgotten.

He took over his father's business, using money to control living beings, defile holiness, instigate wars, and bully the weak. He indulged in all pleasures without restraint, treating people like pigs and dogs. His various indulgent and morbid acts were full of blasphemy and depravity. Countless people died because of him, but no righteous and benevolent god punished him, nor did any hero punish him according to the oracle of the benevolent gods.

Nothing happened.

Evil goes unpunished.

Instead of being punished, more and more people knelt at his feet, sang his praises, and revered him. The poor people he exploited and bullied called him "Master" and made him the object of their praise. Shameless bards fabricated a great deal of legendary stories about his kindness, generosity, and success through hard work and frugality, and the pathetic commoners actually believed them without a doubt.

He made more and more friends, and powerful figures from the mainland vied to befriend him, do things for him, and become his friend. Those so-called wise monarchs, upright ministers, and erudite monks even turned a blind eye to his bloody and dark side and pretended not to know it.

Those important figures even look just like him.

If that's the case, and since evil goes unpunished, why be afraid?

After realizing this, he became even more outrageous, and ironically, the more outrageous he became, the better his reputation became, the more friends he had, and the bigger his business grew.

He carried out the decrees of a completely evil god, using depraved desires to tempt the evil side of living beings, causing wars to break out, corrupting people's hearts, and letting greed and evil dominate the world. He worked so hard and achieved such outstanding results that he should have been despised and attacked by the "forces of justice." But strangely, he remained glamorous and prestigious in the Mortal World. The more evil he did, the more respected he became.

It has been forty or fifty years now.

With such an outrageous, bizarre, absurd, and even darkly humorous life of wealth and prosperity, one can only imagine the extent to which this island owner's mind and values are distorted.

He could even use the entire island and even the whole sea as sacrifices of flesh and blood without batting an eye.

He did this solely to please the god he revered and believed in.

There are few things left that can inspire his fear and reverence.

Human laws and morals cannot restrain such a monster. Apart from the gods residing in the Star Palace, only the things within the enormous well of the Star Worship Square can frighten him.

His father entrusted him with the secrets and mission of the Star Palace.

They also showed him the deep well.

Enormous.

He had stood by the well's edge countless times, looking down into its bottomless darkness, which filled him with inexplicable fear. He had thrown countless dead people, living people, and even livestock into it, and the screams that came from it could echo for a very long time, until the terrifying, low chewing and roaring sounds reverberated.

Each time, that terrifying roar would give him nightmares all night long.

The well led nowhere, and he didn't even dare send anyone to investigate, whether by going down into the well or diving into the surrounding sea—an inexplicable fear stopped him from doing so.

He knew what the Star Palace had given to his ancestors.

Besides serving as a thumbtack to pin down communication between the East and West continents, another task was feeding them.

Yes, it's not suppression, not protection, and not a seal.

Instead, it involves feeding and comforting at set times.

Let the monster below, whose appearance is unknown, remain there and continue doing its thing.

Now, the messengers of the Star Palace have come to the Mortal World.

It's coming out.

The countless tentacles that spewed from the well swirled around living beings. The suckers on the tentacles could even tear apart half of the face of a sacrifice and suck it up like mouthparts. No matter how noble or lowly they were, they were all food. Whether they fled or begged, whether they roared or cried, the outcome was the same.

"Eat, eat."

The ruler of the Star Palace murmured contentedly, "I can feel its satisfaction and longing. Indeed, it's much more efficient to eat personally—far faster than having its offspring hunt and then bring the prey back, isn't it?"

The island owner naturally replied, "... Hmm."

"Let it eat its fill, let it slowly recover, let its angry and violent will return to its body, surpassing its instinctive appetite, and this terrifying Predator will once again make the world tremble..."

The other party revealed a cruel smile.

"Having hunted a Civilization, hunting down a newly born Fire Thief should be a piece of cake for it."

He raised his head and stretched out his arms. "Eat as much as you can! Revive your long-dormant limbs, awaken your kin who have fallen asleep from hunger. This sea is just the prelude to destruction; the Star Palace's plan has already been laid."

Although the awakening occurred twenty years earlier than planned, and that infuriating and pathetic Civilization has not yet been completely destroyed, the situation has changed. Another Fire Thief has emerged in this era, and the world is undergoing various unsettling changes. In that case, the Star Palace's plan must be brought forward.

That is, to awaken this once-useful deep-sea behemoth at the right time.

"Prey, reproduce, multiply, spread, and let your descendants roam the seas of the world..." he sneered, "And utterly sever the vast commercial activities and maritime trade that have sustained this Mortal World until now!"

This could thus interrupt the... heartbeat of Civilization.

The ruler let out a pleased laugh.

As if sensing his feelings, the tentacles that emerged from the deep well and waved wildly responded.

"Having received ample nourishment and blood, more and larger adult members of the clan should be emerging from the deep sea by now..." He sneered, looking up at the sky. "The external pressure is mounting, and Kang De is about to lose his temper. He will speed up, come to this castle, and step into the trap we've prepared for him."

He turned to the devout servant. "Mudblood, can your castle surprise him enough?"

"That is absolutely so, Your Majesty."

"Very good."

Watching once again as the tentacles greedily and swiftly hunt their prey, witnessing this intoxicating scene, and seeing these lowly mud creatures scream, cry, and die in unbearable agony, is truly a wonderful pleasure.

He smiled and said, "Eat... After you finish eating the mudfish from this sea, it should be enough for you to fully wake up. But before that, you'll also come in handy—get ready to welcome the Fire Thief, he's coming."

Temporary campsite on the large platform.

"All the hot air balloons of the Survey Corps stationed in Distant Harbor are here."

Several chief mages stood before Kang De: "You now have a new mission: to persuade, recruit, and organize the spellcasters still remaining in the Broken Isles. Mei Xizhu and Ailike, as former employees, will assist you. You must quickly learn how to use the Eye of Lucius and pilot it to the various islands. The advance team will travel ahead in dragons and helicopters..."

Listen carefully, I need to know two things.

"First, we must quickly ascertain the situation of the survivors on the islands, confirm their numbers and composition, and develop a general outline and procedures for the subsequent rescue plan."

"Secondly, we should try to persuade the managers and high-ranking officials remaining on the islands to come back first. My requirement is to use every means possible to extract valuable information from them."

"For example, valuable talents; treasuries storing high-value resources, military supplies, enchanted equipment, and even currency; and strategic magical fortresses and ordinary defensive works."

"Especially this last one, focus on persuading the personnel who stay behind and operate the various magical artifacts in combat. Promise them that they have great autonomy; they can stay and continue fighting, using magical artifacts to resist and kill these monsters, or they can leave immediately, and I guarantee their safety."

Upon hearing this, the chief monks understood Kang De's implied meaning.

They secretly rolled their eyes—it was probably to ensure the safety of various magical devices.

After occupying the large platform, Prince Kang De poured out a considerable number of magical artifacts from the spatial gate like beans spilling out. Guess what? They were all equipment of the Elven Royal Army. It goes without saying where they found these things. In short, the two Elven chiefs felt as if they had eaten shit, while the mages of the Empire and the Arcane Council secretly rejoiced several times.

Now they probably want to use the same old tricks again and plunder.

After all, might makes right. Now that the Broken Isles attacked us first, we are at war. How to deal with the property of the defeated is the sacred privilege of the victors. In particular, Master Kang's unparalleled spatial skills are practically made for robbery.

He could even plant a mage tower at a designated attack location, and it wouldn't be difficult for him to uproot a fortress-level magical artifact.

It seems that the wealth, resources, and even talent that the Broken Isles have cultivated for hundreds of years are all about to change hands.

The chief mages exchanged glances, then nodded in unison.

What else can we do but agree? Are we supposed to sabotage it behind the scenes? Are you kidding me?

Unbeknownst to them, Kang De's performance today had gradually won over the unruly navies of various nations. In such a critical situation, he did not abandon any of the crew members on any ship, leading them across most of the sea to land here, fighting all the way to this point, establishing a solid defense. Every soldier longed to fight under such a leader—one who was invincible and would do his utmost to protect everyone's life.

In any case, sea monsters are rampant outside, and there are countless tragic scenes, while our side is safely waiting for orders within the heavily fortified walls and the long river of Flame, eating instant noodles and singing songs. The rumbling of cannons is the most reassuring accompaniment. After this battle, almost all the soldiers are planning to retire after returning and Kang De Prince Kant's command.

Even spellcasters are no exception.

Several chief mages had considered this idea, but the elves had some psychological barriers; they even had a thought that terrified them.

--If His Highness Kang De and Her Majesty the Empress were to get married, that would be the best of both worlds.

In short, since His Highness has given the order, then let us do it.

"Alright, be careful, set off as soon as possible, and come back as soon as possible."

The spellcasters bowed in unison, then turned and summoned their subordinates, preparing to board the hot air balloon.

The advance team had already set off. Kang De looked to the other side, where rows of gleaming power armors were parked in a designated area. The Doom Warriors were resting, removing their armor and having Kang De manually extract the Paradox Element remaining in their bodies to purify them.

This is too troublesome; we need to find a better way to clean and purify it.

After all, the number of members in the battle group will definitely increase in the future.

Quilion stood aside, watching longingly, for Kang De had strictly forbidden unauthorized persons from approaching the Doom Warriors; the elven hunk simply gazed on with yearning.

Looking at his imposing armor, and at the small stature of the Doom Warriors compared to his small frame, the elf's large, bell-like eyes revealed deep envy, jealousy, and hatred—that's it? That's it? That's it?

"Alright, guys! Time to get going!"

Kang De clapped his hands. "Know your enemy and know yourself, and you will never be defeated. Right now, we still know nothing about that deep-sea monster, and the only one who might know is the island lord here, the guy who lives in that super awesome castle at the highest point. To be honest, his house is really cool. Look at this model, tsk tsk."

He shook his head. "Let's go, let's go see for ourselves."

The Doom Warriors responded with a roar, then opened their armor, re-logged in, and, under Quilion's almost bulging eyes, completed their armor-wearing in a cool manner.

"Action!"

In addition to the Doom Warriors, Kang De was accompanied by Quilion's handpicked attack team, which included not only the essential marines but also experienced spellcasters, rangers, and naturalists, providing what Kang De and his men lacked.

That is, knowledge and experience.

Identify traps, disarm magical mechanisms, confirm building structures, investigate secret passages, and so on.

They walked up the wide, flat slope, the surroundings were eerily quiet, and they encountered no resistance or ambush. Soon they reached the top of the mountain, where the viewing platform halfway up the mountain was ablaze with fire, and explosions were constantly erupting all over the island. Magic devices roared and shone brilliantly.

On more distant islands, dragons and helicopters fly overhead, while sightseeing hot air balloons take to the skies.

Unsettling undercurrents swirl within the ocean.

"You all saw it..."

Kang De said, "The outcome of the subsequent assault on the castle will determine whether we return triumphantly or flee in utter disarray—everyone, be alert!"

"Yes!"

They finally arrived at the gates of Sea Suppression Castle.

"The Fire Thief... they've arrived."

At the Star Worship Square, the extraterrestrial enemy revealed a look of disgust. "I sense an aura that makes us want to vomit. How unpleasant... Every Fire Thief is like this..."

He looked at the island owner. "Is your shabby lair ready to welcome guests?"

"Yes."

The island lord respectfully replied, "Sea Suppression Castle is a place of depravity and desire, a labyrinth of death and bloodshed. After retreating into the mountains, I have released all the strange, ferocious, and venomous beasts. Here, I can also manipulate and command all the alchemical golems and mechanical magical devices to launch attacks."

"The Sea Suppression Castle has now become one of the most dangerous areas in the world. If Kang De wants to enter, he will pay the heaviest price."

The ruler of the Star Palace nodded. "Very good, it is still hungry. Although its power cannot be fully restored at present, these hungry tentacles can still reach the surface through various secret passages to launch surprise attacks and slaughter against the Fire Thief and their pathetic followers. That place is unfamiliar territory to it, and setting foot here would undoubtedly be a mistake—so, servant, let me see your abilities."

"As you wish, my lord!"

The island lord said devoutly, "I will dedicate the victory to you!"

Outside Sea Suppression Castle, Kang De and his men gazed at the towering gates.

A weak voice suddenly echoed from within the statue, "You... you are Kang De? Cathayan... I... I am the master of this island, and now... it has awakened... Something extremely dangerous is happening, listen to me, I have something important to tell you, hurry... come quickly..."

With a rumbling sound, the door was flung open.

Kang De glanced at Ulysses beside him. "That old geezer's quite the actor."

"... I feel extremely uneasy and in danger, Your Highness Kang De."

The accompanying magical advisor whispered, "It's too quiet, there's no one there. That's extremely strange. Please be extremely careful; it must be fraught with danger inside..."

Kang De nodded. "That's what I think too."

This is clearly a scam; even a three-year-old could see something was wrong.

But it is also a perfectly legitimate and aboveboard scheme.

Just as Kang De was forced to come here, the enemy has also set a trap here, because the key intelligence to dealing with the current situation may be hidden here, and a battle is inevitable here.

This unfamiliar and majestic castle must be filled with all sorts of dangers and vicious traps. The unfamiliar environment means an absolute disadvantage, and an absolute disadvantage means that there will definitely be sacrifices.

This is the price of victory.

The mage advisor took a deep breath. "But as you said, the spoils of conquering this place will determine the lives of many. We are willing to follow you to the end, even if it means venturing deep into this dangerous land."

"Thanks."

Kang De remained silent for a moment.

Then he suddenly said, "But I've changed my mind."

The soldiers, who had mentally prepared themselves for a fight to the death, were all stunned—what?!

Before I could even react, I saw Kang De walking forward.

He waved as he walked.

"I'm going to rob a house. You guys step back and don't move."

The advisor exclaimed, "Your Highness Kang De, what did you say?"

Kang De did not reply. He slipped to the base of the city wall next to the castle gate and pressed his hand against the wall.

A moment later, a deafening roar was heard, and the Phase Gate opened horizontally.

Under the stunned gaze of the crowd, the outer city wall, along with the city gate and the two towers, and even the foundation, vanished into thin air along with Kang De!

The next moment, the Fire Thief reappeared—oh, he's the Wall Thief now.

"Good."

Kang De nodded. "That old man's house is quite nice; it's mine now."

￥￥￥￥￥￥￥￥￥

PS1: Why can't I fix it...?