A Genius Plan

Luoshan, located on the east side of the central island, is the seventh largest island in the Broken Sea.

If Central Island represents power, desire, and the core, and Ajinsi Island represents prosperity and pleasure, then Luoshan Island embodies the brilliance of humanities and scholarship.

This area is home to five top universities, including the renowned Ark Architecture College, Gesta University of Mechanical Engineering, Chimera Sky Academy, Norton Maritime College, and Xier Business School.

Due to the Broken Isles' geographical location, founding strategy, and secret mission, the islanders placed extreme importance on coastal defense, architecture, maritime affairs, and commerce, continuously investing heavily in resources, accumulating wealth, and recruiting talent. This eventually led to the creation of five world-class universities, with Luoshan becoming one of the world's most renowned academic centers. The island also boasts numerous related research facilities and R&D companies.

However, the island's abundant research resources, students, and mentors had already been largely swept away by Kang De's threat of war and a round of evacuations.

After all, there are many foreign companies here, as well as many international students from all over the world. The tutors are also hired from all over the world. When they heard that Kang De's Forbidden Spell was coming and that their own warships were stopping here to evacuate their citizens, they knew that this was a matter of great importance and there was no reason for them not to run away.

Those who remained here for various reasons then encountered this terrible and bizarre deep-sea disaster. Terrifying monsters swept in and attacked, advancing unimpeded, causing an academic catastrophe.

Fortunately, due to its scientific research nature, the island has a high level of magical technology, with countless prototype concept machines. Security is also of paramount importance. Furthermore, because it is relatively close to the central island, the long-range firepower of the large platform can barely extend there, which is why it has managed to hold off the sea monster until now.

This is also a key area for the rescue operation.

The Sky Academy, perched atop Luoshan, serves as an evacuation point to the central island. As the defenses tighten, the island's survivors frantically rush towards the Sky Academy, their only hope for survival.

Hot air balloons shuttled between the two islands, transporting the survivors in batches.

Many hot air balloons and their operators are students and faculty members of the Sky Academy, which is their area of study and a popular major, because the islanders place great importance on aerial power—in the Broken Isles, a wealthy land isolated overseas with no strategic depth, naval power is insufficient to provide complete protection.

In fact, when the situation became extremely serious, some teachers and students from the Sky Academy had already fled towards the central island using small flying devices such as alchemical gliders and magical hot air balloons.

Because through the Eagle Eye array and Atmospheric Perspective mirror, they saw that the entire sea area was being invaded and swept away by terrifying monsters. Only in the direction of the central island, the army led by Kang De miraculously built a stunning steel fortress in a short period of time and launched a devastating bombardment on the monsters that tried to land.

After rescuing the first group of escapees, the large platform base launched a rescue operation towards Luoshan Island.

On the astrologer's rooftop of the Sky Academy, five Doom Warriors and fifty Combined Fleet soldiers maintained order at the evacuation point. A long, chaotic line of people craned their necks, gazing at the magical artifacts arriving from across the sea. A loudspeaker placed to the side repeated pre-recorded messages.

"Keep order!"

"Separate men and women!"

"The operators of the magical devices at the two coastal defense fortresses on Luoshan Island will have priority to board the hot air balloon! This is compensation for your previous cessation of the attack! It was promised by His Highness Kang De!"

"Those with spellcasting qualifications and experience in operating magical devices will be given priority for rescue, provided they commit to piloting the hot air balloon in the subsequent rescue operation!"

"Everyone else, line up to register! Get weighed! Create a file!"

No luggage or valuables allowed!

"Someone with combat experience..."

In the two long lines, there were children crying, women sobbing, and whispers. In the women's line, there was a murmur of hushed conversation.

"You heard me? No luggage allowed! I already said, packing is a waste of time!"

Among the group of women, two elegant and beautiful ladies stood out. Even amidst the sea monster invasion and perilous situation, their figures still attracted the attention of many. One in front of the other, they wore white professor's robes trimmed with gold and silver and looked very young.

The girl with chestnut hair behind them nudged her companion in front and whispered, "Look at those tin cans. I think you'd better throw that box away now, or they'll get angry."

The girl in front was slender yet upright, her lips slightly pursed, her expression serious, surveying her surroundings like a wary deer. She struggled to carry a large suitcase to her chest, tilted her head slightly, her long gray hair swaying gently, and declared resolutely, "No!"

Her companion sighed, wanting to offer further advice, when they heard a heated argument erupt.

"I am Ron Werner Giggens, a nobleman from the Duchy of Gerna in the eastern border of the Empire. This is my Tibuli and coat of arms. Many people here can attest to my identity. I am the son of Marquis Woer, and the Viscount of Tibli and Naan. Your Excellency, I request the treatment befitting my status. Please allow me and my six attendants priority to board the hot air balloon."

They peered over and saw several people walk straight to the registration point. A richly dressed nobleman put down the handkerchief covering his mouth and nose and spoke to a Doom Warriors in a friendly manner.

"Ah, it's him."

The chestnut-haired girl whispered, "That arrogant guy didn't even send his lackey to deliver the message."

The arrogant rooster always looks at people with disdain and contempt. It is said that he never speaks to non-nobles. When he has to communicate with "commoners", his lackeys will do it for him, while the noble Lord Ron stands aside, covering his mouth and nose with a handkerchief, his expression reserved and his eyes haughty.

The Broken Isles are garbage because these kinds of people, through power and wealth, can thrive and be invincible here, even if in the eyes of the island lords they are nothing more than a thriving, regenerative leek. But the island lords are willing to provide some convenience for the growth of a high-level leek, right?

The girl holding the box didn't speak, her eyes flickering, lost in thought.

Viscount Ron continued, "Of course, I am not an inflexible stubborn person. I will not demand individual treatment; I will allow other well-educated ladies to board the hot air balloon with me."

He turned his head, his standard aristocratic, elegant smile revealing a scrutinizing selection.

Some of the women who heard this showed signs of interest.

"In my father's name, His Highness Kang De's respect and courtesy will earn Gigans's friendship, and in addition, I myself will offer him ample reward in gratitude for his assistance..."

The Doom Warriors standing before him glanced at his companion, seemingly unsure of what to do. After a moment's thought, he said to Viscount Ron, "I need to consult with someone."

The viscount smiled and gestured for him to proceed, then gracefully took two steps back, finally letting out a great sigh of relief and covering his nose with his handkerchief again.

Normally, the negotiation work was handled by his clever and resourceful attendants, but now, in this critical moment, the armor of these "Doom Warriors" was clearly incredibly expensive magical armor, something even the Imperial Guard might not possess. He felt that the warriors' identities were questionable, and to be on the safe side, he had to suppress his germaphobia and disgust and personally take charge—gods, the sulfur smell on them is truly awful.

Fortunately, everything went smoothly.

Feeling confident that the situation was settled, he couldn't contain his excitement and immediately began walking along the line of women, like a concubine being chosen, to see if there were any beauties he hadn't yet discovered.

Finally, he stopped in front of the two beauties. They were old acquaintances; although they were eccentric and sharp-tongued, they were undeniably beautiful.

"Ah, what a delightful reunion, Professor Xuelier, Professor Laisalin." He bowed gracefully. "May I ask if I have the honor of having escaped a terrible crisis with two such esteemed scholars?"

He smiled subtly, his gaze sweeping over the gray-haired girl and landing on the trunk Professor Xuelier was clutching tightly. From the rumors surrounding her and her work, he astutely discerned the trunk's hidden meaning. "Ah, Professor, didn't you hear? Luggage isn't allowed, but a noble like myself can receive special treatment and be spared. An exception can be made so that this beautiful lady can bring her precious personal belongings..."

The gray-haired girl stood frozen in place, silent for a few seconds, a resolute glint in her eyes.

She immediately turned to her companion behind her and said earnestly, "Laisalin, would you mind helping me carry my suitcase?"

The girl behind him was dumbfounded. "Huh?"

Xuelier said calmly, "Don't worry about me. I can travel alone in public class. We'll meet on the main island—oh, if you have trouble walking or are too embarrassed to see me right now, you can take this suitcase with you..."

Laisalin quickly snapped out of her daze, "--Wait! Who wants to walk with him! And what's with all this talk about walking difficulties and shame!"

The gray-haired girl widened her eyes slightly. "Could it be that you've already...?"

The other person became increasingly angry. "What are you talking about!"

Xuelier took a step back subtly, then said with a serious expression, "Don't worry, even if you've had that experience, I won't despise you for it, Laisa. After all, people as pure and noble as me, who have decided to abstain from sex for life, are indeed rare. Even if I think about how you were so thirsty that you spent the whole night with a strange man like a rabbit, I won't feel disgusted by you. I will still consider you a friend."

"Thank you so much!" the chestnut-haired girl roared, "And what about me?!"

Viscount Ron watched all this with a smile. Even though he was being ignored, it was still a pleasant sight to see these two beauties with such different personalities and looks talking and arguing. One of the young professors was cheerful and enthusiastic, while the other was eccentric and reserved; one was voluptuous, while the other was slender. Every true nobleman would want both of them.

"I apologize for interrupting your conversation, but I must remind you that His Kang De will soon agree to my request. Registration is urgent—you see, this place isn't actually safe. Terrible monsters could attack at any moment, and there are many people ahead of you waiting, so..."

Before the words were finished, the Doom Warriors's voice rang out.

"Viscount Ron," he said, "His Highness's reply has arrived."

The Viscount's face lit up with delight, and without even replying, he pressed on, "Listen, you two, it's time to register now. This is your chance to leave immediately..."

Viscount Ron?

Please don't hesitate any longer...

Viscount Ron?

As the sound drew nearer, the Viscount turned back with displeasure, then forced a smile. It would be unwise to clash with these armored warriors at this moment. He smiled and said, "I understand. Please wait a moment. I'm trying to persuade these two distinguished scholars to leave with me, after all..."

"His Highness Kang De told you to get out."

"Okay, okay, almost done. Let me try to persuade them again..."

--The sound stopped abruptly.

An uncontrollable snickering sound rang out, and Laisalin covered her mouth.

Low chuckles rippled through the crowd.

Viscount Ron was initially stunned, then finally understood what had happened. His face turned a deep shade of purple, and he whirled around, overwhelmed by an unprecedented sense of humiliation. He roared, "What did you say? Your Excellency! This is no time for jokes! How could His Highness Kang De treat a nobleman like this! If you are deliberately mocking me, then I'll give you a chance to apologize!"

"Alright, if you want to know His Highness's exact words..."

The Doom Warriors cleared his throat. "His Highness said, 'Make this cut-in-line dog go to the back of the line and eat shit. Don't bother me with this kind of crap again.'"

The red goggles on the power armor helmet flashed.

The Doom Warriors were clad in heavy armor, and their voices had to be amplified through built-in speakers. These speakers were so powerful that everyone around them could hear what they were saying. Amidst their astonishment, the laughter grew louder and louder. After all, seeing the arrogant privileged dog lose face and suffer such a humiliation was truly delightful.

Amid the laughter, Xuelier looked at her companion. "Should I now unleash my amazing sense of humor and genius for satire to deliver the most biting mockery to him?"

Laisalin rolled her eyes. "You should just keep laughing."

Xuelier thought for a moment and nodded, "Yes, after all, he's already feeling extremely ashamed. No amount of sarcasm can compare to Kang De's words from Cathayan. I have to admit, in this respect, he's better—I'm starting to feel more favorably towards the Cathayan."

After she finished speaking, she looked at Viscount Ron and exclaimed, "Hahahaha!"

The voice was completely flat and sounded very deliberate.

Laisalin whispered, "Hmm, indeed, this method is more ironic."

"--That's enough!"

A furious roar erupted. Viscount Ron, his face flushed, took a few steps back and roared, "I am a nobleman! A nobleman! Look at them! Even the lowest tavern waiter ranks before me! Am I not as good as these commoners?! I can offer Kang De a huge reward! And the friendship of my entire family! Are these not worth as much as the worthless lives of these commoners?"

He screamed hoarsely, his eyes bloodshot. The pride of a nobleman was exceptionally high; he often dueled over this or executed commoners over that. Now, to be humiliated in front of everyone was unthinkable.

He pointed at himself and said sternly, "Do you know who I am? Do you know who I am?"

The Doom Warriors was negotiating with him waved his hand behind him, signaling for the registration process to continue. Hot air balloons were already approaching from the sea. Then he said to the nobleman before him, "Do you know who I am?"

Ron paused, then his mind cleared slightly—could this tin canned warrior also be a nobleman?

"You..."

"I am Valentan People, and as a volunteer soldier, I witnessed the entire Battle of Valentan... from beginning to end."

"I witnessed His Highness Kang De's heroic defense of a city wall from afar, and I saw His Highness Horus transform into a giant and leap into the city. I saw the entire city fall to the elves, I saw arrows raining down, death and screams everywhere, I saw the sword of heaven falling from the sky, and His Highness Kang De launching Forbidden Spell attack on the five Dragon Banner Legion. I also stood in the front row, listening to that speech at the Valentan National Cemetery."

"I was summoned by Mr. Hong to join His Highness Kang De's Royal Guard. I learned to use weapons and military vehicles I had never encountered before, and under Mr. Hong's tutelage, we followed him as he sped through the night into Danfeng Lucerne to protect Princess Tina's safety."

"Later, when His Highness returned victorious, we followed him to the Maple Leaf Palace. We dispersed the protesters gathered in front of the palace like sheep. They included scholars, nobles, merchants, hooligans, and ordinary citizens. I was standing on the vehicle, operating a grenade launcher. Looking down from above, they all looked like insects."

"Then we entered Maple Leaf Palace, into the audience hall. While His Highness Kang De was denouncing those foolish nobles and lowly opportunists, I stood with my light machine gun, staring at everyone in the hall."

"At that time, I knew that if His Highness gave the order, we would beat all the nobles in the arena, whether marquises, earls, viscounts, barons, or even knights, into a bloody pulp without the slightest hesitation."

"I knew then that once the firing began, even a noble marquis would be reduced to scattered pieces of flesh no different from the cattle and sheep on the firing range."

"Then we arrived at the Distant Harbor, we established order, we controlled food prices, we cracked down on the nobles who tried to harm living beings and challenge His Highness's authority, we executed them, we hung their corpses—I personally hung them on the lampposts of fourteen nobles in total, they were no different from you."

"In these past few months, I've seen the bravest nobles, who fought and died for Valentan, and the most despicable commoners, who were cowardly and treacherous. But there are also despicable nobles and noble commoners. If His Highness and Mr. Hong have taught us anything, it is... respect and contempt."

"Respect life, but also despise inferior life."

"Now I tell you who I am. I am a warrior who fought under the same sky as Prince Kang De, Mr. Hong San, Lord Horus Valentan. I am Prince Kang De's guard and follower. I am the Doom Warriors, we are the Doom Chapter, and my name is Titus."

The other person looked at the nobleman of high bloodline before him, speaking with pride and composure.

"The son of a farmer, an apprentice craftsman, and a few months of reserve training, we are now bestowed with the title and armor of the Doom Warriors. Together with my brothers, and with allies from the Combined Fleet, we maintain order here and ensure the smooth progress of the evacuation and rescue operations."

"I have been granted the authority to make impromptu decisions. I can do whatever I deem necessary, including turning you and your lackeys into a pile of mangled flesh right now, which would be no more difficult than crushing a few ants."

Viscount Ron's legs were trembling uncontrollably.

He sensed the soul of a madman in this calm narration.

This person has gone mad.

Led by an even bigger and more rampant madman, they dare to trample on all order in the world.

"The reason I didn't do that isn't because you have noble blood or a powerful family, but simply because I don't think you pose a threat enough to warrant physical elimination. This is also what His Highness Kang De taught us: we must be more ruthless and fierce than our enemies, but also more humane."

"Now, this is my last warning to you: take your men and get to the very back of the line immediately."

Viscount Ron trembled, his face ashen, and was finally dragged to the back by his entourage. From the look in his eyes as he turned to look at him, Titus saw venom.

It's okay, though.

He's being watched.

The towering Doom Warriors surveyed the complex expressions on the faces of the people and nodded, saying, "Please maintain order and line up properly. Everyone will be saved. His Highness Kang De has joined forces with Goth, the Empire, the Elves, and the Council to launch the largest aerial evacuation operation in history. Do not doubt it; in His Highness Kang De's eyes, your lives are as precious as that nobleman's."

Suddenly, someone in the crowd shouted, "Then what can we do to repay him?"

The Doom Warriors paused, pondered for a moment, and said, "This is not something I can promise or answer, but ladies and gentlemen, from what I have seen and heard in this time, His Highness Kang De fought against the Elves to save Goth from the flames of war, and against the nobles of Distant Harbor to save the starving and freezing commoners."

"From a purely economic standpoint, what Goth and the commoners of Distant Harbor could offer him was certainly less than what the elves and the nobles of Goth could offer him, not to mention the hostility of the latter two... So, can you all answer me, what did Goth and Distant Harbor do to repay His Highness Kang De?"

The man called out again, "Princess Tina!"

Everyone burst into laughter.

This much-talked-about love story is indeed a fairy tale that has spread far and wide.

Titus's hoarse laughter also came from within his armor, and he continued, "My answer is no. Perhaps you can't believe that there are truly people in the world who would act selflessly and without expectation of reward, driven by reasons beyond self-interest but of higher moral standing. But now, you can try to believe it."

"I believe there truly are such noble people in the world—because the cost of rescuing you all from this perilous situation to Distant Harbor is something you could never earn in a lifetime as slaves, I can assure you of that."

"His Highness Kang De does not need you to pay this money."

"However, in my own opinion, or rather, in my request to you all... the Broken Isles will inevitably be uninhabitable after this battle. If you wish to express your gratitude to His Highness Kang De, please prioritize Distant Harbor when considering your future livelihood and residence."

That's it.

After he finished speaking, he turned and left.

Suddenly someone started clapping—well, not suddenly someone, but an Imperial Navy soldier on patrol—and then everyone started clapping and cheering.

Titus returned to the registration desk, slightly relieved.

A familiar voice rang out from within the armor. "Well said."

Lord Horus?

"Don't be nervous, it's a special compliment. Hong San's eye for talent is indeed excellent; you have great potential... By the way, your entire speech was filmed, and we plan to make a documentary and radio program about it. Your impromptu speech is perfect material. I'm letting you know in advance. Congratulations, Titus, you're about to become famous."

"Huh? This..."

Don't be shy, you didn't even show your face anyway.

"My lord, this is precisely what troubles me."

"Hey."

The queue quieted down, and the anxious atmosphere gradually dissipated. The two professors whispered to each other, and Laisalin visibly breathed a sigh of relief, "Ah, I suddenly feel... much more at ease."

"Yes," Xuelier agreed. "At least we're certain we won't have to pay for this expensive rescue operation with our bodies. I was torn between defending my chastity with my life or defending my research with my body. Ah, just thinking about ugly, filthy people lying naked on top of me makes me want to vomit..."

Laisalin blushed and stammered, "You were actually thinking about that?"

The gray-haired girl revealed a smug look. "Just kidding. It should be that I used my research results to defend my body—considering His Highness Kang De's superb alchemical skills, outstanding oratory skills, and kind character, I believe he is a pure researcher and a noble person who, like me, maintains his chastity."

"I've already thought of a contingency plan. If I'm targeted by an ugly, disgusting male who covets my body, I'll claim to be His Highness Kang De's secret mistress and chief research officer to deter him..."

The chestnut-haired girl exclaimed in shock, "Wait a minute! This is going to be disastrous! If Prince Kang De finds out, we're doomed! He'll expose us so easily!"

"No, whether out of male curiosity or good character, His Kang De will certainly not expose me immediately, especially since he has heard that a beautiful young woman claims to be his secret mistress. In any case, he will keep it a secret for me for the time being, and then summon me."

Xuelier said, tossing her hair, "Once I'm summoned by His Kang De, I'll reveal the fact that we're both virgins. When like-minded companions recognize each other, they'll be deeply moved and consider each other confidants. He certainly won't hold my impersonation against me, and things will be much easier after that."

At this point, Xuelier nodded in satisfaction. "What a brilliant plan."

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PS1: Seven thousand words, back to square one... Hmph, I'll shock you all tomorrow.