Sea Mines
What does it mean to say that public support is effective?
The broadcast mobilization of volunteers was so effective it made people want to lean back in tactical retreat.
Kang De had already delivered the first batch of engineering magic devices and hot air balloons to Distant Harbor Airport and the central observation deck of the Broken Isles, respectively. He returned to Distant Harbor to inspect the progress of the mobilization.
The results were outstanding.
The registration points were packed with people waving their metal ID cards, eager to contribute to this great humanitarian relief effort.
The civic virtue of the residents of Distant Harbor instantly increased several times over.
Each one of them seemed to be possessed by an ancient holy knight, filled with noble qualities of compassion and justice, and eager to contribute their strength to saving the innocent from dire straits.
It wasn't for instant noodles, nor for a radio.
She's simply kind-hearted and can't bear to see innocent people get hurt.
City hall officials come and go, submitting various reports, receiving orders and carrying them out. Looking out over the entire city from the huge floor-to-ceiling windows, the crowds stretch like long dragons. The whole city is like an orderly anthill, with an invisible force controlling the masses to carry out a certain unified will, operating in an orderly manner.
Every official here was shocked.
Hong San turned to his monarch. "We, including myself, never imagined that the people could carry out our will so enthusiastically and orderly, without relying on any coercive decrees."
He exclaimed with heartfelt praise, "Your Highness, this is truly a remarkable feat."
He pointed to the crowd outside the floor-to-ceiling window. "Look at them. Even with such enthusiasm and spontaneous action, they still maintain order. They've lined up—you know, lining up no matter what is a quality only elite troops possess, and they're just ordinary people."
Kang De laughed and said, "Then your requirements are quite low."
Hong San laughed too, "I'm quite curious, what kind of place do they live in that they take things that seem like miracles to heart so seriously..."
Kang De patted him on the shoulder. "If there's a chance, I'll take you to see it."
Even with Hong San's current composure, a flicker of emotion crossed his eyes upon hearing this. He quickly regained his composure and smiled, "That's excellent. I'll await your good news."
Mr. Hong San picked up the report in his hand, "The artisan legion soldiers of the three-nation fleet, as well as the members of the architects' association of Distant Harbor, and even the engineering troops under the Distant Harbor Municipal Council, have assembled forty minutes ago and are heading towards the designated temporary airport area in the vehicles of the Valentan Guards Army."
"They will join forces with the Survey Corps' supply corps to expedite the construction of an airfield—leveling the grasslands, compacting the soil, reinforcing the ground, and then laying the prefabricated road surface materials brought by His Highness."
Kang De nodded.
On Earth, there are prefabricated metal pavements for military field airfields, but those are difficult to mobilize, there aren't many in stock, and it's probably too late. Moreover, they are extremely troublesome to install, so we can only rely on the wisdom of another world.
Fortunately, he managed to obtain spare materials from the Elf Expeditionary Force.
The coarse linen road surface is a type of logistical material produced by the Dusk Moon Dynasty with its unparalleled wealth and productivity. It is used to enable friendly heavy cavalry, chariot units, and mobile magic positions to safely and conveniently pass through muddy, damaged, and other obstacle areas and quickly enter the battlefield in emergency situations.
This type of road surface is made of coarse linen cloth coated with thick white mud paste on both sides. When used, the accompanying engineering troops use earth magic devices and spells to compact the ground, making it hard and dense. Then, they lay it in two overlapping layers, and then fill it with earth and water elements to make it full of clay and tough, with moderate friction, enough to support heavy tanks and war beasts.
This material, when reinforced with magic, is sufficient to meet the runway requirements of a temporary airport.
Moreover, the installation speed is extremely fast.
Hong San continued, "We are selecting and organizing workers, dispatching convoys, transporting supplies, maintaining order, and tents, fuel, medicine, and food are being sent to temporary settlements near the airport."
"As Your Highness requested, men and women will be recruited separately. The former will take care of the men, and the latter will take care of the women and children. Oh, and the wounded as well."
Kang De thought for a moment, then sneered, "Among the refugees we rescued, there are quite a few high-ranking mages, noblemen, and wealthy people. Those people aren't easy to deal with. Have you considered that?"
Hong San nodded and said, "Yes, we've also made special recruitment efforts in this area."
"Considering practical factors, having these privileged individuals, accustomed to their privileged status, crammed together with ordinary people poses numerous hidden dangers and increases management costs. There are considerable unforeseen problems. Therefore, it has been decided to separate them. Those responsible for guiding and settling them will be recruited from among servants with experience in attending to others or those who have worked in large families... As for the issue of them being difficult to serve..."
Hong San smiled and said, "The city hall will pay close attention. A squad of the Valentan Guards Army will be specifically monitoring all issues there. If the volunteers are treated unfairly, the Valentan Guards will intervene immediately. They have absolutely no respect for those gentlemen."
"I have instructed the volunteers to treat those they help with neither servility nor arrogance. I will make them always remember that they are working for you and for the great cause, so there is no need to grovel before anyone; they must hold their heads high and maintain their dignity."
Kang De snorted, "What a nuisance."
"Yes, but that's how it is with everything; it's difficult at first, then easy later." Hong San blinked. "And considering how tedious and troublesome the work of specially resettling those special individuals is, we will charge them a price."
Kang De laughed upon hearing this, "I like this."
Hong San smiled and said, "I know."
He leaned against the table, smiling easily. Kang De's visit to inspect the progress was a time for him to rest, regardless of physical exhaustion or mental weariness—but this fatigue contained anticipation and satisfaction.
Kang De noticed the change in his mood. "What's wrong?"
"I've been thinking..." Hong San squinted and smiled, "Since I met Your Highness, every major event we've experienced seems to have been battles and killings. Only this time, we're fighting side by side to save innocent people who are thousands of miles away and have no connection to us."
Kang De paused for a moment, then nodded. "That does seem to be the case."
Although the major events he had experienced in the past involved protecting those he wanted to protect from war, those he was protecting were people he was connected to and cared about.
This time, however, they not only had to rescue their own trapped soldiers, but also evacuate the enemy's civilians.
Hong San said softly, "I've invited reporters. Many journalists from major newspapers around the world have arrived in Distant Harbor. After all, one major event after another has happened in Distant Harbor this past month, and the reporters are rushing around because people far away are eager to know the full story behind those exciting rumors..."
After all, news spreads slowly and is easily distorted. High-ranking officials in various countries can certainly obtain detailed reports, but nobles, wealthy people, scholars, and ordinary citizens, whose status and power are insufficient to access these secrets, are the backbone of gossip and public opinion. What happened in the Distant Harbor makes them extremely curious.
Whether it's the steel warships that cut through the waves and meet the dragons, or the valley gates that scatter countless grains across the land, or even the focus and center of everything, it is Kant, the Kang De of Dragon of Cathay.
What he did in Distant Harbor, the impact on the people there, the significance of those actions, and his scandalous affairs with the Elf Queen, the Dragon Lady, and many other noble figures—all of these are things that onlookers around the world want to know... That's the meaning of a journalist.
Especially in this era of limited information access, the value of journalists is even greater.
Wait a minute...
Upon thinking of this, Kang De suddenly realized something—dragons seem quite suitable to be journalists.
First, the ability to fly means being fast; second, living a long life means accumulating more experience and having a higher level of skill; third, having traveled to many places around the world means being mature and insightful; and fourth, having a means of transmitting information in real time like Dragon Ballad means possessing many qualities of a good journalist.
Even though they can sometimes be too arrogant, constantly referring to themselves as lowly ants, which might irritate interviewees, this is still a stereotype about dragons—if you pay them enough, they'll know how to lick your boots.
The Dragon Emperor hadn't even thought of this?
Hmph hmph hmph...
He chuckled inwardly, pondering how many shares this was worth, when Hong San continued, "I think this is an excellent opportunity to make our voice heard to the world, to reveal what's happening in Distant Harbor and the Broken Isles, and to promote our ideas and actions to Listener around the world."
"Therefore, I invited journalists in Distant Harbor to delve into this operation, to let them see how we used massive aircraft to transport hundreds of refugees from thousands of miles away to Distant Harbor, to let them witness the magnificent scene of unity and selfless help in Distant Harbor, and to let the journalists convey these legendary stories and our beliefs to their hometowns, so that more people can see and hear them, and be inspired and aspire to it..."
Hong San paused thoughtfully, then continued, "We can also organize our own team of reporters... Those reporters and newspapers only have written narratives, while we have radio, and even television. This is a crushing defeat, like cavalry charging infantry, like magic striking mortals..."
"Because of radio and video, even illiterate people can understand it."
He looked at Kang De and said earnestly, "Your Highness, I've been pondering this matter these past two days. I don't know if it's just my imagination, but I always feel that newspapers, radio, and videos—what you call 'media'—are weapons far more powerful than swords, guns, cannons, and magic. The enthusiasm of the people confirms my view..."
"So I plan to focus on this. This is a fantastic opportunity. We will broadcast every detail of this to the world, from the united participation to the powerful and magical alchemical flying machines, and even the fierce battles on the Broken Isles. Reporters will interview you, as well as the ordinary people who participated in the volunteer work, soldiers, architects, doctors, and soldiers returning from the Broken Isles."
"And the survivors there."
"This will be a grand spectacle and a celebration. We will delve deeply into this momentous event, writing about the deeds of many people in newspapers, broadcasting them on the radio, adapting them into plays, and informing the whole world..."
"Then!"
"Internally, we can use this united act of justice to create a sense of collective identity, accomplishment, and honor. Externally, we can spread our selfless deeds and spirit throughout the world, calling on people from all over the world to recognize us, or allowing those who do not recognize us to gradually understand and accept us..."
He smiled with excitement, "You know, Your Highness, there are many people in this dark world who seek and yearn for justice and heroism."
Kang De looked at him and slowly exhaled.
"Your Highness?" Hong San asked in confusion, "Did I say something wrong?"
Kang De shook his head. "No, not entirely accurate, rather, too accurate... Indeed, so-called backwardness is nothing more than a narrow perspective and a lack of experience. Some things are immediately clear."
"I'll take that as a compliment," Hong San replied. "Indeed, since following Your Highness, my ingenious ideas have flowed endlessly, because you have brought me unprecedented new things and new concepts."
He couldn't help but laugh as he said this, "It's like I never imagined your method would be so effective..."
Kang De proudly declared, "This is also based on my experience—no one can resist limited-time events and the event shop, no one! I'm even going to give the best performer a limited-edition commemorative watch!"
Hong San chuckled, then sighed again, "Truly, this is perhaps the first time we've seen such a humanitarian act, driven by justice and light, without whips, swords, or forced labor..."
He said softly, "Every participant will remember this day, and history will not forget your pioneering and righteous deeds today... I admire this way of changing the world and feel extremely honored to have been a part of it."
"This is not an innovation..."
Kang De slowly shook his head. He was also taking this opportunity to rest. After obtaining supplies from the elven camp, he immediately poured a large amount of supplies into Distant Harbor Airport and the Broken Isles to help Horus strengthen the defenses of the Great Platform. Afterwards, he also urgently salvaged a wave of supplies from the Broken Isles. He was busy with all sorts of things.
He calmed himself down and replied, "My predecessors have already given me hints."
Hong San asked in confusion, "What?"
Kang De thought for a moment and replied, "In my homeland, our Civilization experienced a dark period. The country was poor and weak, devastated, and backward in every way, almost beyond saving. Amidst foreign invasion and internal decay, a once insignificant force gradually grew stronger amidst the turmoil and internal and external difficulties, ultimately achieving victory, rebuilding our country and Civilization, and regaining confidence and courage..."
Hong San's eyes flickered. "That must be very difficult."
"Yes, it was very difficult," Kang De replied. "It has been decades, a long time, so long that many people have forgotten what it used to be like, and even history has become blurred."
"Our generation's history books, films, and literature subtly overemphasize beliefs and ideals, glossing over many things. This gives us the illusion that the martyrs of that time were ascetic saints who could use so-called ideologies and ideals to turn everyone they came into contact with into glorious, righteous, and perfect devotees and sacrificers, fearless and selfless."
"It wasn't until I read the Party history, the official history recorded by our government, that I saw what things were really like back then."
"Many people in our country, when they mention the predecessor of the People's Army that founded this country, think of them as a group of incredibly resilient ascetics. But history and TV dramas don't tell us that the Red Army at that time was one of the armies with the highest-quality officers, the most educated soldiers, and the richest spiritual life."
"They didn't see the photos of aircraft carriers and battleships posted in the cave dwellings, they didn't see the photos of a group of the Red Army fiercely competing on a basketball court, they didn't see the BBQ served in oil drums to the foreign observer group, they didn't know that officers and soldiers received the same salary, and they didn't know that every soldier had to attend cultural classes every day in peacetime..."
"Our history books tell us that a decisive battle to unify the country was fought by handcarts. They make it sound like every ordinary citizen enthusiastically joined the army at the call to arms, selflessly dedicating themselves to a happy tomorrow, and that a single order sent them to the battlefield without hesitation."
"But they didn't tell us that initially, due to various shortcomings in our work, the people suffered losses, and the public's resistance was extremely strong."
"They also didn't tell us that when they realized the problem, our predecessors immediately analyzed and solved it. For every wounded soldier transported, they were rewarded with dozens of kilograms of grain; for every leg of the supply transport, they were rewarded with dozens of kilograms of grain... Only through the comprehensive implementation of these measures could the enthusiasm of the masses be mobilized, a powerful logistics system be established, and then this crucial battle of great significance be won."
"History textbooks also fail to tell us that the reason our army was able to mobilize its troops with such a massive amount of food was because we were the only government in the world at the time that allocated 90% of its fiscal revenue to military spending—the most incorruptible and efficient government. The absence of corruption and the streamlined tax system gave us enormous economic power when facing a corrupt and incompetent enemy. That battle was actually won by sheer force of economic power based on food!"
"I think that's what's even more remarkable."
Kang De smiled at the somewhat stunned Hong San: "The martyrs were not brainwashing machines with flowery words, nor were they idealists who incited people with empty slogans; they were pure doers and pragmatists."
"The problems I face now were encountered by them decades ago. They meticulously recorded everything from that time—the mistakes, the realities, the difficulties, and human nature—along with the solutions and approaches, in the Party's history. Every citizen can freely peruse it, but unfortunately, not many people actually do."
He shrugged with a smile, "But I'm fine with just watching."
The Phase Gate opened, Kang De patted Hong San on the shoulder. "So, although the road is long, we can see ahead. There's no need to worry; someone is ahead of us."
The Fire Thief's figure vanished on the other side.
Hong San, sitting in the office, was stunned for a moment, then chuckled to himself, muttering, "I'm really curious... Your Highness, what exactly is your ideal world like?"
"But... I'll manage to do it eventually."
He sat back down in his chair and began to devise his next plan.
On the central island, the roar of artillery fire was incessant.
The rocket launch sites at the large platform base continuously spewed smoke and dust, with rockets carrying thick smoke soaring into the sky and spraying deadly light in all directions. Kang De walked out of the barracks.
Horus?
The conversation with Hong San came to an abrupt end because Iron Son had issued a warning.
This means something is happening on the Broken Isles.
"You've come at the right time, Father."
A modified alchemical golem dog hopped and skipped over, while a rugged military laptop reinforced on its back displayed live video feed. "Twenty minutes ago, the sea felt a tremor. Just now, we encountered a new enemy... an enemy from the deep sea."
Kang De looked at the screen. "New seafood?"
I don't think anyone would want to eat these things.
The laptop displayed live footage: a beach doused with gasoline and engulfed in flames; sea monsters the size of adults leaping from the shallows, roaring and howling, only to be blasted to pieces by a drone firing a rotating machine gun—but more and more large monsters began to emerge.
Kang De narrowed his eyes. "This is... an adult?"
"Theoretically, that's correct. Through comparative analysis, the small sea monsters we encountered earlier, which occupied the entire sea area, bear a striking resemblance to the newly encountered individuals. The latter is very likely a mature form of the former, further increasing its threat level..."
Horus continued, "Dragon scouts patrolling the seas have discovered that more large creatures are emerging from the deep sea. We can conclude that the monsters that were fed as sacrifices are slowly awakening. One piece of evidence is the gradual release of more large creatures..."
Kang De asked, "How is their fighting strength?"
"Their physical functions have evolved significantly, making them more ferocious, hungry, and cunning. However, the power of modern weapons lies in the fact that the enemy simply cannot escape their strike range. Our heavy weapons can still easily eliminate them, but this means that the evacuation operation from the other islands will become even more difficult..."
Kang De snorted, "Damn."
Because the main platform only has one firepower base, Horus's computing power is limited and it cannot bear the burden of opening branch bases in four places. After all, it still has many things to do.
When these large monsters arrive at the central island, they can only choose to be killed by explosion, burning, shock, or beating. But if they land elsewhere, the already difficult situation of the other islands will only worsen.
"Father, this is beyond our control. If we let this continue, it's only a matter of time before all the survivors on the island die..."
Horus said, "If there is a way, please act immediately."
"Oh, of course."
Kang De gave a cold smile, "Let's introduce them to our country's early green-skinned sea mines."
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PS1: 6,000 words! Update! Damn it! Got a censorship issue! Fuck! Bastard, I could have finished it before, but after clicking publish, this censorship issue popped up. Damn it!