There Will Be a Charge

"Earth side, all set."

When Kang De returned to the White Mist World, the Scales of Time still maintained a 1:7 ratio between the other world and Earth. In other words, for every hour that passed in the other world, seven hours passed on Earth.

Using this mechanism, he can quickly complete the deployment of military equipment on Earth.

Orders placed by Kirov with his suppliers take at least 24 hours to process, from response to preparation to transportation to arrival, even for urgent orders.

In theory, the ideal scenario is that the first transport plane from the otherworldly side can arrive at the Broken Isles three to four hours later, receive the first batch of refugees, and fly to the Distant Harbor.

Domestic requests and negotiations also proceeded smoothly.

Because Kang De made enormous sacrifices and concessions, the state agreed to his proposal to establish or renovate a large-scale testing ground within the country, nominally belonging to Kang De, as a place for him to test his abilities, develop tactics, guide research, and share valuable data.

Now that the deal has been agreed upon, there shouldn't be any major problems with purchasing military equipment.

Relevant departments are coordinating the preparation of goods.

As for Uncle Wang's vague statements, Kang De ultimately couldn't get any information out of him. However, he deduced from the clues that something extraordinary had likely appeared in a certain sea area. This led to Kang De's tentative suggestion to buy sea mines, which caused the relevant departments to overreact and suspect that he was involved in the matter.

--All I want to do is fry some fish in another world.

They're not criminals.

The Fire Thief opened the Phase Gate and returned to the other world.

Let's talk about the mysterious things on Earth after we've resolved things here in the other world.

The second stop: Danfeng Lucerne.

"I'm here again to curry favor with your father."

Maple Leaf Palace, Kang De and Tina embraced gently. The atmosphere was neither romantic nor the time for a young girl to pour out her heart, but the prospective son-in-law still cracked a joke.

Tina understood the saying "to offer a warm face to a cold backside," and Kang De had translated this Chinese proverb for her and explained its actual meaning.

"What nonsense are you talking about?"

She gave Kang De a small, disdainful look, then chuckled, as if imagining some terrible scene. Her face flushed, and she whispered in Kang De's ear, "Stick to mine, mine's hot."

Kang De made a gesture as if to touch her, but Tina giggled and dodged away.

"Stop fooling around, what's the situation now?"

When Kang De went to Sea Suppression Castle before, he made a detour and took A Xing with him. After the Paradox War, A Xing's body resonated with the obsession left by Yasha, and she regained the ability to use the Paradox Element. By guiding the Paradox Element into her body, she can follow Kang De through the White Mist World.

The situation was urgent at the time, and when Kang De took A Xing away, he only briefly explained the situation to Tina. But now, the situation has changed again... a very bad change.

"Star Palace..." Tina exclaimed, "Is that the person who injured Auntie?"

Kang De nodded.

Battle of Danfeng Lucerne, an enemy from outer space descended upon the Mortal World, only to be killed by Hilmeria in a desperate attempt to save his own life—a truly humiliating defeat. Yet, the Sword Saint Cascading Snow still harbored resentment over it.

She has never suffered such a great loss since her debut.

Tina took Kang De's hand and walked towards the door. "Let's go find Father."

Kang De, though being pulled along by her, said, "I'll go by myself."

Tina opened the door, turned around and glared at him. "If you only let the two of you meet, you'll probably start arguing again. If Father doesn't agree, how are you going to get back at him?"

Kang De put on an innocent look. "What are you talking about? I'm someone who respects elders so much. Even if he rejects me, I will still be polite and won't become hostile towards him because of it. I certainly won't let our family ties fade. I'll still maintain a good personal relationship with him, and I'll even invite him to go hiking another day."

The princess rolled her eyes at Kang De, then gently hugged his arm. "Thank you."

The two of them stepped out of the room and walked down the corridor on the third floor of the Maple Leaf Palace like an intimate couple. Kang De looked around and casually asked, "What are you thanking me for?"

Tina said softly, "Thank you for still being willing to try to mend things with my father after all the conflicts we've had, even after we nearly broke off relations, even if it means having to... even if it means being cold to him..."

She paused, her lips pursed, her face flushed, but she still couldn't bring herself to say it.

But the gleam and tenderness in his eyes could not be concealed.

In the Paradox Element incident, the war-weary Grand Duke made a less-than-ideal choice, standing against Kang De and Tina. After Kang De's resounding victory, an extremely fierce argument erupted in the audience hall. Kang De's harsh words were almost a declaration of war, symbolizing the end of his honeymoon period with the Goth aristocratic class. The subsequent retaliatory actions in the Distant Harbor further damaged Kang De's reputation to the extreme.

In this situation, during the grain price war in the Distant Harbor, the entire Danfeng Lucerne and even the Goth aristocracy stood by and watched, or even took advantage of the situation. No one was willing to lend Kang De grain, and they even took the opportunity to transport high-priced grain to the Distant Harbor to make a fortune—clearly, they had once again made the wrong bet.

At the time, due to the obstruction of many nobles and bureaucrats, the Grand Duke was unable to provide any assistance. The grain price war ended in a complete victory for Kang De. When the news reached back, Danfeng Lucerne fell silent. Countless people regretted their actions at the time, which had clearly exacerbated the hostile situation between themselves and Kang De.

See? Not only did they not make any money, they actually lost a lot. Not only that, but they also incurred the increasing hostility and hatred of these evil Cathayan. Who wouldn't regret it?

These days, countless nobles are sighing and lamenting—if only they had known that the Cathayan were so confident of victory, they should have opened their granaries and sent them grain at any cost.

Wouldn't it be wonderful to use this opportunity to ease tensions and resolve past grievances?

Now Kang De has returned.

To carry out this unprecedented rescue and evacuation operation in the history of this other world, we need not only a huge number of transport planes, fuel and weapons from Earth, but also the manpower, material resources and advanced productivity of the other world— the Distant Harbor alone cannot provide such a strong force.

Rapidly constructing an airport requires large-scale engineering magic devices and experienced Earth School mages. In addition, hot air balloons, healing priests, and a supply of magic crystals... all of these need to be addressed.

Where should we look for a solution?

Arcane Council, Empire, Dusk Moon Dynasty, Dragon Island... the list goes on and on.

News of the falling out between Kang De and Goth has spread throughout the nations and major powers. Given Kang De's current military strength, potential, and the value of his Paradox Element, he could easily command a line of people from Distant Harbor to Valentan with large quantities of supplies if he said just one word.

In this situation, Kang De still thought of Goth first.

Although he didn't say why, Tina knew everything—he was afraid of putting her in a difficult position, so he was trying his best to repair his relationship with her father, and this was an opportunity.

As long as you lend a helping hand, people will appreciate it, and with this exchange, the relationship can be eased.

When Tina saw through his intentions, Kang De didn't admit it, arrogantly saying, "Wrong. 'Flattering' and such are just polite ways of addressing juniors. In reality, it's this benevolent lord who allows the corrupt feudal aristocracy to contribute to our magnificent cause. Their righteous actions will earn them a reform certificate..."

Tina seemed lost in thought, then suddenly said, "Second sister will be very happy too, won't she?"

Kang De choked for a moment, then asked blankly, "Huh? What does this have to do with your second sister?"

The princess did not answer, her gaze fixed on the distance, conveying a profound meaning.

In the Grand Duke's study, a tablet computer was playing videos of the Broken Isles.

Reknos watched the ten-minute edited video without moving before looking away.

He looked even more haggard than when they first met. The elves' defeat did not ease the anxieties of this ruler, who was deeply worried about his country, as more challenges were on the horizon.

The Grand Duke looked calmly at Kang De: "So, what is your purpose?"

Kang De replied, "There are over a thousand naval soldiers from the three nations stranded on the Broken Isles, along with at least fifty thousand local residents. My short-term goal is to rescue them all and transport them to Distant Harbor."

"That extraterrestrial enemy fed himself to the deep-sea behemoth beneath the Broken Isles. I don't know what it is, but according to the old man's confession, if it awakens, it will likely cause immense trouble. I need to find a way to eliminate it; this is my mid-term objective."

"The Star Palace's hostility towards the Mortal World has become clear from that old man's testimony. I've heard about them and roughly know what they've done. In the future, similar calamities will surely increase. I want to unite all Civilization on earth to fight against this enemy in the heavens."

After listening, the Grand Duke remained calm and composed, saying slowly, "Three objectives... I have a few questions."

"You said."

"You said there are countless sea monsters in the ocean, which even the most powerful warships cannot withstand, and ships can no longer pass through. How do you plan to bring these tens of thousands of people back to the Distant Harbor?"

Kang De explained, "In the air... there are large transport planes that can carry at least a thousand passengers at a time. If ten of them are prepared, they can be transported in five trips, and only one-way trips are required."

"Heh..." Reknos murmured, "That's impressive."

He looked up at Kang De: "However, I guess that won't be easy, otherwise you wouldn't have come."

Kang De nodded and said, "Transporting the survivors scattered across the islands to the large airport on the central island can only be done by air. I need a large number of hot air balloons, which will serve as your reconnaissance flight platforms. In addition, large transport aircraft have extremely high requirements for runways for takeoff and landing, and I am overwhelmed with the task. I will have to rely on the Civil Engineering Corps."

"Then, why?"

"Why what?"

"Why save these people?" the Grand Duke asked. "A few days ago, you evacuated many people from the Broken Isles. Those remaining on the islands are mostly loyalists of the island lords, those who are hostile to you, and those who are unable to leave. Given your style, you probably wouldn't care about their lives."

"If I remember correctly, you treat your enemies with brutality and cruelty, leaving no loose ends. In the past month, fifty-four letters have been delivered to my desk, from all over the world, some jointly, some individually. Nobles and scholars from various countries have expressed great concern and indignation at your killing spree, for you have destroyed the honors of many families that have been passed down for generations in just one month..."

Kang De held out his hand. "Is that so? Let me see their names."

The Grand Duke looked at him, his expression remaining neither pleased nor angry. "You are illiterate."

Kang De retorted angrily, "Don't make me sound like I'm illiterate—how long have I been here? Is it strange that I don't understand your language? I can have Tina read it to me!"

Answer my question.

Kang De pondered for a moment, "If I had to find a reason—in my view, human resources are an extremely valuable resource. Fifty thousand survivors are equivalent to fifty thousand laborers. Besides, the talent recruited by the Broken Isles is also of great value. Accepting them would greatly benefit my future plans. Moreover, this massive evacuation operation serves as a good deterrent and demonstrates my benevolence to the world..."

He shrugged. "But to put it simply, I just feel that nobody should die like that."

The Grand Duke narrowed his eyes. "But a person can have their limbs severed by a spinning wheel, their abdomen burrowed into by a hungry rat, their flesh cut away by a sharp blade, or be slowly strangled to death by a strong rope?"

Kang De said coldly, "No, but those aren't human."

The Grand Duke, leaning on the table, slowly rose to his feet. "They are nobles, they have noble status and blood, their ancestors dedicated everything to this country, they..."

"Oh, what else do they have besides that?" Kang De said coldly. "I don't know your history, nor do I care how great their ancestors were. This may be your rule: ancestors establish achievements, and descendants enjoy the benefits. I have no intention of judging whether this rule is right or wrong, but that's not the point."

"The crux of the problem isn't that they rely on their ancestors' honor and legacy to enjoy a life far superior to ordinary people, but that they use their ancestors' legacy to do evil. Watch my lips move: do evil!"

Kang De tapped the table and said coldly, "The commoners eat black bread mixed with sawdust, the nobles eat white bread baked with butter and honey, yet the nobles are still not satisfied, they want to dip it in the blood of the commoners—bastards, I think they died too quickly! Do you understand, Your Grace? Look at my lips, people, nobles and commoners are all people, rather, the words 'commoner' and 'noble' are inherently base!"

"Do all the nobles on the continent think I'm cruel? That I've killed too many nobles? That's perfect, that's exactly the effect I wanted. I want those heartless bastards to be wiped out, and for the other gentlemen standing on the sidelines to feel a sense of shared fate. I want them to know that there are madmen in this world who don't care about their rules and can kill their entire families anytime, anywhere, and they're watching them—if one day they ever want to taste what bread dipped in the blood of a lowly commoner tastes like, I'll appear before them!"

Once again, tensions rose and they clashed head-on.

Grand Duke Reknos instinctively avoided Kang De's gaze.

Because what he saw in that gaze was not the pleasure of killing or the delusion of bloodlust, but a sharp, unwavering determination, honesty, and steadfastness that swept away all evil, like a sword.

A conflicting emotion swirled within the heart of this benevolent king.

He instinctively agreed with Kang De's argument that the common people were also human beings, and that evil deeds should be punished. He also believed that nobles should not mistreat commoners or commit crimes. However, as a member of the nobility, the education and cultural atmosphere he had received since childhood still made him feel that Kang De's killings were excessive.

He sighed, "You could just execute them..."

"Let the professionals draft a comprehensive criminal law. I'm a mob; I'll only kill your whole family."

Kang De said calmly, "In my view, the greater the evil one commits, the greater the punishment one should receive. If one kills an innocent person with a single blow, then one should at least take a blow to the neck. But those nobles, who nearly starved hundreds or thousands of innocent and powerless commoners to death, tell me, how should they die?"

The Grand Duke glanced at Kang De, as if he wanted to say something.

"You'll dare to do it again next time." Kang De cut him off. "If you want to reconcile the conflict between me and the Goth nobility, then please save your breath. I can only promise you one thing—I will not be the first to use force, but if they cross the line, the corpses still hanging from the streetlights in the Distant Harbor will serve as an example."

A flash of anger suddenly appeared in Grand Duke Reknos's eyes. "You... can't you think about the consequences? Think about those who follow you, think about Tina... what will happen to them if you lose?"

Then, almost simultaneously, Kang De and Tina said, "We can't lose."

They paused for a moment, then looked at each other and smiled.

Then they all turned to look at his old father.

Although Tina hadn't spoken or intervened during the previous argument, she now stood beside Kang De, leaning gently against the young man, a bright smile on her face. When she looked at her father, her eyes were filled with joy, pride, and trust—this was the man she had chosen herself.

That expression—so proud!

For a moment, a bittersweet joy welled up in the Grand Duke's heart.

Or perhaps it's a bittersweet joy.

What exactly is this emotion...?

His gaze momentarily became unfocused.

Tina paused for a moment, then asked worriedly, "Father?"

The Grand Duke waved his hand.

Then he said, "Kang De, I am Archduke Reknos-Teldrassil of Goth."

Kang De nodded solemnly.

"Although you have divided Goth, seized the Distant Harbor, challenged my authority, provoked the entire noble class, made a mess of the Azure Waves Province, and even abducted my daughter..."

The Grand Duke coldly replied, "But in accordance with the teachings of our ancestors, and in the name of Teldrassil, I must still demonstrate to you, dissident, the glory of the Goth nobility—we remember the teachings of our ancestors and the virtues of chivalry, extending a helping hand to those in need— Goth will provide you with magical artifacts, mages, and supplies."

He extended his hand to Kang De: "Although you are extreme, stubborn, and troublesome, your reasons for saving people have moved me, Kang De. Goth is willing to help you, Teldrassil is willing to help you, and I am willing to help you too, but only this time, do you understand?"

Kang De and Tina both smiled.

He extended his hand and shook hands with the Grand Duke.

But the other person's hand suddenly tightened.

"--But there's a fee."

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PS1: Updated!