An Aerial Bridge!

Sound of the Tide Manor.

The new government of Distant Harbor and the naval commanders of the three countries stationed there have all arrived.

There were even a few new faces in the meeting room.

They came from the Survey Corps, the survey force formed by Goth to solve the case of the disappearance of the Dragon Clan delegation. Due to various historical issues, they are still stationed near Qilin Cape and have not been disbanded.

Several screens in the conference room were displaying various clips.

The beautiful island was being relentlessly attacked by hordes of monsters.

The island's inhabitants were hunted and devoured.

The survivors are being airlifted by hot air balloon to the main island's large platform base.

"Each of you will receive two copies of a player containing all the videos. You can review the details later. The focus of this meeting is not to solicit your opinions, but to announce my decision."

Kang De tapped the table.

Everyone stood up at the same time.

The Fire Thief said in a deep voice, "An unknown enemy from outer space, an ancient bloody sacrifice, a deep-sea beast about to awaken, Broken Isles on the verge of collapse, and survivors struggling to survive."

"This is the current state of the Broken Isles."

"The enemy's strength is unknown, and the sea monsters have not yet dispersed. The situation is extremely serious. Both our soldiers and the survivors of the Broken Isles are trapped there. Sea routes are cut off, and the deep sea is fraught with danger. We cannot stand by and watch them die. We must bring them back from this peril."

"Take them home, but make sure they're in a safe place."

"Therefore, I declare."

He looked at everyone present, gathered together, representing the highest administrative, military, and economic power of the Distant Harbor. Orders issued from this room would affect the entire city, even Fallout to surrounding villages and towns, and the aftershocks and repercussions could even affect the whole world.

Kang De looked at Hong San, and his chief advisor nodded slightly.

"Distant Harbor will launch its first and largest-ever aerial evacuation operation!"

The projector slowly descended, projecting a topographical map of the western sea area. A red arrow connected the Distant Harbor and the Broken Isles.

"We will do our utmost to save all those who deserve to be saved, including the more than 1,000 naval officers and soldiers trapped in the Broken Isles, and the tens of thousands of civilians and military personnel remaining Broken Isles!"

"To this end, large military transport aircraft and subsonic passenger planes will bridge the gap in the air, traveling between the two locations at top speed to provide emergency rescue and evacuation for those still trapped in the Broken Isles!"

Several photos appeared on the projector: giant steel birds soaring in the blue sky. Even without any reference points, their enormous size made the intelligent life forms from the other world hold their breath.

"I know you don't understand what a transport plane is, but as you'll see, I'll handle the rescue and evacuation, but this operation requires the combined support of all resources at Distant Harbor!"

"And that is your mission!"

Everyone answered in unison, "Yes!"

Kang De snapped his fingers, and the graphics on the projection screen changed again, displaying a topographical map of the area surrounding the Distant Harbor.

"Large transport planes need an airport runway for takeoff and landing. It's urgent, and I don't have time to clear the ground. This matter must be entrusted to the professionals— Geoffrey!"

The spellcaster from the Survey Corps rose to his feet; he was from the Goth National Civil Engineering Corps.

"I appoint you as the commander of the wartime civil engineering force in Distant Harbor. You may select and deploy all spellcasters in Distant Harbor. Just name your needs for magical artifacts, crystals, and supplies. My request is clear: construct a flat and wide circular runway on this plain."

"The length must be at least 3,800 meters, and the width at least 60 meters. It must be reinforced with Earth Shaping magic. The specific requirements are here. The audio, graphics, and text versions can only be transcribed by you."

Kang De pushed a document and a small media player to the opposite side.

The other person asked, "Your Highness, how much time do I have?"

Kang De said in a deep voice, "The faster the better... My requirement is to build a temporary airport as quickly as possible, regardless of the consumption of resources and manpower. The higher the efficiency, the safer those in urgent need of rescue will be!"

Geoffrey pondered for a moment, then said, "I need to mobilize large-scale engineering magic devices, and I also need enough mages at my command—I will try my best to shorten the construction period."

Kang De nodded and said, "Give me the list... Please give it your all; we don't know how much time we have left."

"Yes!"

Kang De nodded in greeting to the other party, then looked at the officials of the Distant Harbor Government.

"In addition, it is expected that Distant Harbor will see a huge influx of people in the coming period, with many refugees evacuated from the Broken Isles flocking in. The Distant Harbor government must be prepared to receive them."

"Food supply, medical care, registration, housing, and maintaining public order."

The new officials all looked bewildered upon hearing this.

Those refugees who fled from the Broken Isles are nothing but stray dogs, and besides, they refused to leave. It's already strange that His Highness Kang De went to such lengths to rescue them, let alone treat them so meticulously.

Has the serial killer changed his ways?

Kang De looked at their expressions and sighed inwardly.

Given the level of productivity and development in this other world, these things that seem commonplace on Earth are indeed as absurd as a fairy tale to them.

But that's exactly what I want to change.

"Times are about to change, and we must look at the future with new thinking. If you feel confused or don't understand, I will teach you how to do things. One day, you and the Distant Harbor will understand the reason and significance of what we are doing today. If you don't understand now, that's okay too. I require you to obey orders."

Kang De looked at each official in turn, and they all instinctively straightened up.

"From this moment forward, all drone broadcasts, public screens, and newspapers will broadcast to Distant Harbor news of what is happening in the Broken Isles, the tragedies there, and the people who need help."

"In my name, the Distant Harbor government issued a mobilization order to the entire city, recruiting manpower to carry out emergency material transportation, tent and housing construction, and personnel evacuation."

"My propaganda machine will be in full swing. If you don't understand, Hong San will teach you step by step. I order you to mobilize the workers both materially and spiritually. You must give them generous compensation and make them understand that they are doing something glorious—rescuing those who deserve rescue, helping the weak, and gaining honor and praise, as well as substantial material rewards. You must make them understand this."

"Understanding morality and nobility has a positive feedback effect."

"My Valentan Guards will serve as the police force, responsible for maintaining security and order. Tell everyone that our enthusiastic help stems from noble selflessness, but it is not about flattery or fawning. We are helping those who deserve it; we must not have a condescending attitude, nor will we tolerate or indulge them. If the other party is an arrogant piece of trash or a heartless wolf, then let them know what righteous anger is!"

He placed his hands on the table and emphasized it again.

"After this battle, the Broken Isles have been destroyed without a fight. As for the expatriates who were previously evacuated from the Broken Isles and the refugees who will be evacuated here, we must leave behind those of value and conscience in Distant Harbor. This will become their second home. I want them to remember this place forever and to yearn to integrate into it, to willingly contribute their strength to this city and my cause, understand?"

--Is it really necessary to go through all that trouble, going through all that trouble?

The new officials in the Distant Harbor couldn't help but grumble inwardly. This kind of plundering of people from other countries and places was countless throughout history, and it was still happening among various lords now. When it came to kidnapping people, you could just drag them away with a knife, kill them if they tried to run away, and once they were scared, they would accept their fate and stay obediently. Why go through all this trouble?

Although that's what they thought, they still responded enthusiastically.

In such situations, authoritarian dictatorships can use coercive means to determine the correct direction forward.

As Kang De just said, they may not understand now.

But it's okay, as long as someone understands.

Kang De looked at Hong San, whose prime ministerial talent was evident in his nod and smile, his eyes shining, just like Battle of Valentan, when the reborn Cathayan had a long talk with the monarch they had chosen. At that time, they made a pact to change the world and change all that was wrong.

Now, Kang De is establishing his authority in the Distant Harbor with force and bloodshed, and is forcibly pushing forward this evacuation and acceptance operation with coercive power and abundant financial resources.

Distant Harbor will not understand the significance of this move.

They didn't know why they had to be so attentive to a group of refugees, nor did they understand why they had to use high compensation to mobilize the entire city to work hard for people from so far away, but Hong San knew.

Kang De aims to use this action to reshape the character of the Distant Harbor city from the bottom up.

The legendary ideal of justice, righteousness, generosity, and greatness can appear in the Mortal World.

Because the world is numb, dark, cruel, and chaotic, heroic epics are sung. When true light shines on the earth, there will surely be people who follow from the bottom of their hearts.

As Kang De's chief advisor, he even considered things from a more distant perspective.

Poetry, drama, news, legends, public opinion.

His Highness Kang De's reputation will be turned around and rewritten by this earth-shattering and unprecedented evacuation. People's attention will shift from the world-destroying Forbidden Spell to the compassion and benevolence in the heart of the Dragon of Cathay. The power of public opinion, which has been held by the nobles of various countries, will be partially regained.

"Now, let's talk about something more important."

Kang De did not consider the things that Hong San was thinking.

As a new generation of China with ideals, morality, culture, and discipline in the new century, he witnessed the vile international public opinion filled with lies, smears, slander, and fabrications, and gradually became indifferent to the so-called reputation.

His thinking was quite robust and straightforward—once my tanks arrive at your doorstep, you'll come and kowtow to me, and try every trick in the book to lick my boots.

But even more dangerous than that is the resurfacing extraterrestrial enemy.

All bystanders dispersed, leaving only Kang De, Hong San, Lily, and the commanders of the three kingdoms. The island lord's confession was projected onto the screen, a vehement accusation.

Star Palace, Sacrifice, Monster, Severing Maritime Trade.

The brief words conveyed a terrifying amount of information, even surprising Lily.

Not to mention the commanders of the three countries, who were all naval elites of their respective nations. They knew the significance of maritime trade to the world, the economic activities of various countries, the national economy and people's livelihood of the entire continent, and that a large part of the prosperity of the present world was supported by maritime trade—the enormous carrying capacity, the savings in manpower and material resources, and the exchange of goods and services. They could not imagine how terrible it would be if maritime trade were to be cut off.

Not to mention the Star Palace.

A mysterious force that looks down upon the human world from the heavens, its tentacles even reaching the core of Mortal World kingdoms.

Kang De coldly looked at the officers. "... You wouldn't happen to be lackeys of the Star Palace, would you?"

Everyone was stunned for a moment, then startled, and shook their heads in unison.

Hong San and Lily were also watching from the side. Horus's several cameras were observing them meticulously from many angles. With the addition of Kang De, the most suspicious, inquisitive, and observant person in the world, and the joint scrutiny of dragons and Transformers, these guys had temporarily passed the test.

"Well, it's really not a big deal. Someone as outstanding and exceptional as me is bound to attract the attention of the Star Palace."

Kang De said, "You've all seen it. Anyway, cutting off maritime trade doesn't cause me any loss. The ones who suffer the most are your countries. Not to mention, the Star Palace overlooks the Mortal World, stirring up conflict; they must have something big up their sleeve."

"That old coffin-stuff is right. There's no reason I should have to shoulder such a huge responsibility alone."

"Therefore, I need you to briefly inform your monarch of this matter in the fastest, most urgent, and most discreet way possible. This is no longer a personal grudge of mine."

He rolled his eyes and glared at these traitors in their superimposed state. "Even if you couldn't reach the highest levels of government before, you must have that channel now, right?"

The three men looked embarrassed.

"Especially you, Kavisalong," Kang De pointed to the elven brigadier, "I don't know if we can count on the old emperor of the empire or the chairman of the Council, but you must inform the Phoenix King directly about this."

--You mean Her Majesty the Queen can definitely be relied upon?

Why are you so sure?

Even though the gossip about Kang De and the Phoenix King has spread throughout the world, and even though the Elf Brigadier General has resigned himself to his fate with a sour taste in his mouth—it's still too arrogant to say it out loud!

He bowed slightly with a strange expression, as if to agree.

... Sigh, the Parrot has disappeared somewhere, and we still haven't heard from it.

Kang De shook his head, hoping she would get wind of it. The only one he could rely on now was the Phoenix King —it was Dairian who had told him about the enemy from beyond the heavens, Parrot, needless to say, was someone he had been vengeful against for so long. No matter which Phoenix King received the news, he could count on them.

"In short, that's the general direction."

Kang De looked at Hong San: "I need to oversee the evacuation operation and focus on the defense of the Broken Isles. As for Distant Harbor, I still need to entrust it to you. This is the first international operation we've undertaken as an independent force since we reorganized Distant Harbor and established our foundation. This is the first step in our cause."

Hong San remained calm and composed, as if nothing in the world could move him. "I understand completely, Your Distant Harbor is under my care."

Kang De slowly exhaled. "Then... let's begin."

Only Kang De could handle the massive mobilization of resources and the coordination of various departments. This first-ever, large-scale aerial evacuation operation in another world still required his leadership and planning.

But this time, he was not fighting alone.

Everyone left in a hurry, Lily closed her notebook, having completed her meeting minutes.

It was a wonderful experience... My father's diary recorded his story with the previous generation of Fire Thief, Li Manyue, who has now joined the cause of the current generation of Fire Thief. It also recorded his words, experiences and deeds, including this meeting and plan, his determination and the beliefs he reflected.

Kang De is really quite different from Li Manyue.

She asked softly, "Should I also inform the Dragon Emperor?"

Kang De slowly sat back in his chair, rested for a moment, and thought for a while, "With global maritime trade at risk of disruption, would he be happy or angry?"

Lily rolled her eyes. "If that were to happen, he'd probably open the Dragon Tomb, turn all the dragon skeletons inside into bone dragons, and lead a whole horde of Long Yi to slaughter the entire Star Palace family."

Kang De exclaimed in shock, "Such a good thing is possible?"

Lily laughed and playfully hit him, "A metaphor!"

Then, the hand that had been gently patted past slowly pressed onto Kang De's shoulder and gave it a light squeeze.

"Don't worry, we'll win."

Her voice softened.

This is the first time the current Fire Thief has clashed with the Star Palace.

"Go do what you need to do, and just let me know if you need my help," Lily said softly. "I will be your strength, as many others will..."

Kang De's expression shifted. "Then you give me..."

"--Meow."

The sound exploded in his ears, like a cute cat's paw scratching at his heart.

"That's all you've got," Lily scoffed. "If you heard me, then get back to work!"

Kang De turned his head and asked, "Is there a reward for winning?"

"--Pah, you want to lose even if you can't win?" The Dragon Girl rolled her eyes at him, then strode outside. "I'm going to inform the Dragon Emperor! If you want to act cute, go to Danfeng Lucerne and cry to your wife! You're pushing your luck! I should charge you! Humph!"

Kang De sat back in his chair, remained silent for a moment, and then smiled.

Yes, if we don't want to win, do we want to lose?

--Can we afford to lose?

The Phase Gate unfolds, White Mist World. The Scales of Time emerge, reversing their flow.

In Zhuerban, the capital of Gambia, Kang De gazed at the city gradually returning to life, took out his satellite phone, and dialed a number.

"Comrade Kang De! Oh no, boss!"

Kirov, a former arms dealer and now the chief security officer of AWSL Company, answered the phone, "Where are you now? Is there anything I can do for you?"

"Yes, tell the world's five largest arms dealers that I'm back to throwing money around again."

Kang De gazed at the clear blue sky over Africa: "I have a request for you, urgent. You place the order, and it needs to be fast. I want to see transport planes loaded with good goods parked at Zhuerban International Airport within a day."

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PS1: Seeing that guy setting off firecrackers at the US Consulate in Chengdu today made me think of a question: If a group of people gathered, carried parts to a designated location, quickly assembled a makeshift catapult, and dumped several bags of feces inside the US Consulate, would that be breaking the law?