Fishing with explosives

The hot air balloon took off and landed.

Various sizes and colors float in the sky, using wind-gathering enchantments on auxiliary wings to control direction and increase speed, building bridges in the air to safe havens.

Due to factors such as magic, materials science, and alchemy, the other world's achievements in hot air balloons far surpassed those of Earth at that time, boasting greater carrying capacity, faster speeds, and even operability.

As more and more spellcasters were recruited and trained, more hot air balloons took to the skies, flying to various islands to carry out transportation and rescue operations, bringing laborers, scholars, experts, soldiers, spellcasters, and craftsmen back to the central island in a steady stream.

Some people, as few as ten or more, and others as many as thirty or forty, were constantly being rescued, escaping the jaws of the ferocious beasts.

A huge number of hot air balloons filled the sky.

This magnificent scene was captured by Horus's cameras.

In addition to the tourist, transportation, military, and scientific balloons already in use in the Broken Isles, a large number of hot air balloons are supplied by the Elf Expeditionary Force and Germany.

As for the necessary crystals and replacement parts, in addition to the support from the elves and Goth, the island lord, in order to avoid death, also revealed a lot of secrets, including the locations of many treasure troves and reserves—after all, he was the de facto ruler of the Broken Isles, and his money was everywhere in the sea.

Sufficient supplies mean that rescue operations can proceed with full force, regardless of losses.

If monarchs of various countries were aware of this, they would surely be filled with envy upon seeing Kang De.

The Broken Isles had accumulated wealth over thousands of years; all their knowledge, talent, riches, and achievements seemed like a gift specially prepared for Kang De.

Technological prosperity, population prosperity, wealth prosperity—the land of wealth built by generations of island lords at great expense—even the massive fortress magic device was completely looted by the greedy Cathayan. The fruits of the Broken Isles were peeled away layer by layer, allowing Kang De to enjoy them to his heart's content.

So Kang De instructed the Doom Warriors to promise the refugees that they wouldn't have to pay for the rescue operation, for a very simple reason.

"Scratching money from poor people, how pathetic."

The advanced experience of today's online games has clearly taught Kang De that basic services do not require payment, so what does require payment? It is, of course, additional services.

For example, if everyone is rescued by a hot air balloon to the central island and then transported back to the Distant Harbor by a transport plane, they naturally don't need to pay the transportation fee. After all, look at the waiters, maids, and shopkeepers on the island; even if you squeeze them dry, how much money can you really get out of them?

Instead of being overly attentive and caring, take him to Distant Harbor, provide him with good food and drink, and make him yearn for my Distant Harbor Wanghua, so that he will voluntarily live here, enjoy the pleasures of radio and instant noodles, work diligently every day, live happily, and accumulate wealth with sweat and effort to buy expensive radios and instant noodles. Wouldn't that be wonderful?

As for where to make money?

The money looted from the Broken Isles was earned through skill and doesn't count. If you want to generate revenue from this operation, you have to find ways to get rich.

For example, you, a noble nobleman or a wealthy merchant, are useless in Kang De's eyes. You still have to squeeze into hot air balloons and airplanes with the common people. Yes, you don't even have a seat on the plane. You have to squeeze on a cushion and make do. Want a seat? Forget it. Economy class is one price, but first class is something else entirely. It's noble, quiet, fragrant, and you can even drink Coke. As long as you have money, you can enjoy it.

You think that's it after you get off the plane? You can't just leave.

What, you have a house in Distant Harbor? Sigh, it's useless. Until this is over, you'll have to stay in the refugee camp. Just make sure you don't get infected with some sea monster eggs or anything. Releasing them would be irresponsible to the people of the mainland. You need to be thoroughly checked until it's confirmed that there are no problems.

As for the benefits? They're great! Three meals a day of black bread, pickled fish, and vegetable soup, with plenty of hot water—all free. You'll eat whatever ordinary people in the Distant Harbor eat.

Eight people share one tent, and there is no accommodation fee.

Dissatisfied? Want a private room? Want delicious food? Want someone to wait on you? No problem! We have private rooms specially prepared for the elite. Just pay the bill!

This is the price. Take it or leave it.

Either you squeeze in with the lowly people and eat black bread, and you're not allowed to look down on them or bully them. If you cause trouble and get complaints, you'll be invited to a VIP room in prison. Or you can pay to enjoy the most prestigious service, drinking Xiangpiaopiao milk tea in a warm room, far away from the lowly people.

So why don't the civilians in the Broken Isles have to pay for rescue and transportation?

It's very simple. Everyone knows that His Highness Kang De values fairness above all else. These people have already paid in advance in another way—yes, they've become part of the game experience for the wealthy and powerful who spend money on in-game purchases.

Hot air balloons came and went in an endless stream. In this scourge of sea monsters, the vast ocean had become the monsters' lair and hunting ground, and the land was constantly being attacked by ferocious sea monsters. The sky had become the safest place. Batch after batch of people eager for rescue flew to the central island in hot air balloons. The firestorm defense line built by Kang De's powerful alchemical weapons blocked the monsters that tried to land, becoming the last sanctuary in the entire sea area.

The long queues on Luoshan Island gradually shortened as people lined up to register, have their weight measured, and confirm their boarding slots, heading in batches to the large platform base on the central island in an orderly manner.

Two young female professors were about to line up at the registration desk.

Strange magical devices hummed on the table, and a huge eye with polished lenses stared at everyone who approached. A Doom Warriors was instructing people on the registration process.

His gaze fell on the large trunk that Professor Xuelier was holding.

"Throw it away! Throw it away! Throw it away!"

Laisalin muttered to herself behind her.

"No!" Xuelier whispered, "I will use my exceptional eloquence, top-notch charisma, and irresistible charm to persuade these Doom Warriors to allow a great professor of theoretical magic to retain her unparalleled research..."

Laisalin was practically screaming, "Please, please don't do this..."

At this moment, a young maid in front of her thanked her excitedly and then ran to the astrology platform in front.

"Next."

--Here it comes.

Xuelier took a deep breath, suppressing her unease, and stepped forward, forcing what she thought was an elegant and beautiful smile. She said stiffly, "Hello, Your Excellency, my name is Xueli'er Cooper, and I am employed by the Chimera Sky Academy a professor of Theoretical Magic..."

The man in the tin can opposite him said in a muffled voice, "Nice to meet you."

"..."

Xuelier took another deep breath and said seriously, "You might be confused and doubtful as to why a beautiful young woman who has just turned twenty-one, at an age when her peers are bored, wasting their time, squandering their lives, and indulging in lustful desires, can achieve such great success in the field of theoretical magic theory with her genius intellect and outstanding talent..."

--Laisalin covered her forehead.

"But please put your mind at ease, and suppress any doubts, disbelief, or jealousy that may arise in your heart. Please believe that the innate differences in intelligence between people are not your fault, and my identity is completely accurate, without the slightest exaggeration or lie."

She reached out to open the box she was carrying. "Oh, by the way, would you like to see my appointment letter, medals, and the faculty dormitory hygiene star award I just received a week ago...?"

"No need, Professor."

The Doom Warriors said in a muffled voice, "In fact, I am not confused or doubtful, because my lord, His Highness Kang De, the Dragon of Cathay, is exactly the same age as you. While he achieved considerable success in the field of theoretical magic theory with his outstanding talent and genius intellect at your age, he also created godlike feats in the fields of Forbidden Spell, alchemy, space, dragon slaying, and war."

After a moment's thought, the rather mischievous Doom Warriors added insult to injury, "Though no one will present him with an award, madam, listen to this: the story carried on the wind is His Highness's eternal medal and certificate."

Xuelier's expression froze on her face.

A muffled chuckle came from behind her, and Laisalin muttered softly, "Oh, gods, I suddenly have developed a great fondness for the regime led by His Highness Kang De."

The gray-haired girl looked angry.

The Doom Warriors casually pointed to the paper and pen on the table. "Please fill out this personal information form truthfully, including your name, age, nationality, background, and skills. If you can't read... well, excuse me..."

He glanced at the large suitcase the girl was carrying. "Also, personal belongings are prohibited. All necessary clothing, toiletries, and necessities will be provided free of charge upon arrival at the Distant Harbor..."

Xuelier's expression turned wary, and she hugged her box even tighter. "This is exactly what I wanted to tell you. The box doesn't contain personal belongings or valuables, but rather the results of my research and records over the years. These results are priceless; discarding them here would be an outright crime. Perhaps you can't understand the significance of these papers, but I demand that you respect knowledge..."

"Friendly! Friendly!" Laisalin pulled her troublesome companion back, forcing a smile. "Sorry, this person has some issues with her head and doesn't know how to communicate, but what she said..."

"Shut up, Laisalin. I'm fighting for my research and my thirst for knowledge."

Xuelier straightened her face and said seriously, "Listen, you may not understand the value of my research results, so let me give you an example: the Flame-Particle Light Lance Heavy Fire Element Concentrator, a fortress magic device that the Central Island imported from the Arcane Council's Flashfire Alchemical Ordnance Division Department. After my calculations, adjustments, and optimizations, the charging time has been reduced by five seconds, and the maximum power has been increased by twenty percent. I believe you must remember it vividly, because just a few hours ago, it chased you like dogs at sea..."

"Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!"

Laisalin screamed and covered her companion's mouth, "I'm so sorry! This person is an idiot! She doesn't know how to talk at all! Please don't take it to heart!"

The Doom Warriors glanced at Captain Titus beside him; the professor's robes worn by the two beautiful young women had bought them extra time and patience.

The soldier then turned off the speaker, gave a brief report via walkie-talkie, and nodded.

His voice held no displeasure or anger as he replied, "Madam, His Highness Kang De deeply respects scholars and is willing to provide convenience and respect to researchers who explore the mysteries of the world and delve into the unknown. However, rules are rules. Your suitcase cannot be carried with you, as accidents can happen at any time, and carrying such a suitcase would hinder emergency operations and cause trouble for others..."

He offered a solution. "Your research materials can be shipped. Please leave them here. When His Highness Kang De delivers weapon supplies, he will use his phase ability to teleport your items back to Distant Harbor. Please ensure there are no living creatures in the box and leave your name and personal seal."

Xuelier immediately showed resistance. "I will make sure I don't cause trouble for anyone, and I'm willing to bear all the consequences..."

"I'm afraid that won't work, ma'am. Rules are rules."

"..." The gray-haired girl looked troubled and asked again, "How can you guarantee that I will get my suitcase after arriving at the Distant Harbor? Is there a contract? What are the penalties for breach of contract?"

"Madam, before you, more than a dozen scholars have requested Kang De Highness Kant to transport their valuable research materials and equipment. Once you arrive at the Distant Harbor, you can request to retrieve your personal belongings from any official. Rest assured, His Highness Kang De would not break his promise in such a matter..."

Xuelier thought for a moment, then suddenly remembered something and her expression softened. "Could I go get it myself?"

"... if you'd like."

So, does that mean I'll be meeting Kang De?

"... Maybe."

After a brief internal struggle, out of expectation and admiration for "the one with whom I share the same faith," Professor Xueli'er Cooper reluctantly gave up her trust and left her name on the box with great reluctance.

"That's unbelievable."

She glanced at her companion behind her and muttered a complaint under her breath, "A woman who consumes too much sugar and has excess fat on her thighs and chest can shamelessly use her extra weight to carry extra luggage without any punishment, while a virtuous young woman who maintains good lifestyle habits and controls her weight isn't even allowed to carry a suitcase that weighs negligible amounts. This is extremely unfair."

"I heard everything."

"That's normal, because that's what I'm saying to you."

"... well."

"What does that sigh mean? Is it expressing dissatisfaction or shame? You..."

"Xue Lily, if you say anything more, I'll report you to them. The box contains not only your thesis and research materials, but also your favorite plush toys and five autographed novels by Professor Dragon."

"... despicable blackmail."

"Hmph."

They completed the registration, made eye contact with the magical device for a moment, and were then guided to the open space of the astrologer's platform, where a group of people were waiting, men in one group and women in another.

There were three women with their children.

Everyone's face bore a look of shock and confusion.

For most people in the Broken Isles, each day is simply about trying to survive. They work, earn money, and support themselves and their families. Life is nothing more than that. The conflict between the Broken Isles and Kang De, the threat of war from the Dragon of Cathay —everything is both far away and very near.

The deep-sea disaster that happened today is even more incomprehensible to them. They don't know where those monsters came from, nor do they know why Kang De saved them... It all seems too unreal.

What's even more illusory and confusing is the future and the road ahead.

Once you arrive at the Distant Harbor, what awaits you?

The two professors silently observed their surroundings. Suddenly, the young maid who had been standing in front of them turned around timidly and curtsied to the two distinguished individuals.

She looked slightly older than the two young professors, but she was still a young woman. The calluses on her hands signified the weight of life she had endured, making her fundamentally different from the latter two.

The maid lowered her head nervously. Her coarse cloth skirt contrasted sharply with the other person's white robe with gold and silver trim. Just by looking at their attire, one could tell that the other person was a very important person whom she had to look up to. She stammered, "G-Gentlemen, do you... do you need a maid?"

Xuelier and Laisalin exchanged bewildered glances.

"I don't need it." Xuelier decisively refused, then pointed to her companion beside her, "This country girl often has foolish dreams of marrying important people, and has imagined the life of a noblewoman since she was a child. She's probably more interested in it. You should ask her."

"No way! That was just when we were little!" Laisalin retorted, then looked embarrassed. She glanced at her hopeful maid and said with a wry smile, "We don't know what the future holds. Sorry, we didn't bring much money."

"Ah..." the maid said blankly, "Then..."

From her panicked and confused expression, it was clear that she didn't know what else she could do.

Laisalin couldn't bear it and said softly, "There will be things to do."

The maid looked at her, her gaze filled with a mixture of doubt and anticipation.

"I believe His Highness Kang De must have made arrangements and plans in this regard."

Laisalin pointed around and at the sky. "Throughout the entire Broken Sea, we're rescuing everyone, nobles and commoners alike. With so much manpower and resources mobilized to bring us all to the Distant Harbor, he's such a thoughtful person, even separating men and women. I don't think he'd just abandon us after rescuing Distant Harbor and leaving us to starve to death because we have no work, no money, and no food... right?"

She smiled slightly at the other person, "Did you hear Mr. Titus's praise and trust in his lord? You also heard his words, didn't you? When considering livelihood, he chose Distant Harbor as his first choice. This shows that His Highness Kang De had already made arrangements. So, don't panic, just wait patiently."

Although her expression remained blank and uneasy, the maid's demeanor did soften.

She said sincerely, "Thank you, kind lady."

"Huh? I... I'm not married yet."

"Ah, sorry, I..."

"Let's admit that because I eat too much, don't exercise enough, and like to nag, I've become like a mother hen."

" --Xue Lily!"

Amidst this perpetually optimistic bickering and hurt, a hot air balloon draws ever closer.

"They're here! They're here!"

The crowd cheered, and the ground personnel responsible for the evacuation activated the restraint magnets on the landing platform. The landing module at the bottom of the magic-guided hot air balloon was activated, the temperature control array on the skin cooled it down, and the gas element pool absorbed it in reverse. The huge hot air balloon continued to descend in altitude until it landed steadily.

The hatch opened.

"Boarding! Hurry, hurry, hurry!"

The ladies hurried aboard, the helmsman quickly checked the operation of all the equipment and replaced the air element crystals, while another navigator announced the precautions to the passengers.

"We will escort you safely to the landing site on the central island. A dedicated team will be there to guide and direct the evacuation. Please obey orders and do not cause any trouble for the evacuation. Remember, obedience, speed, and order are key. If you do these three things, everyone will be rescued!"

Women's average weight is much lower than men's, so the carrying capacity is much larger, making the gondola quite crowded. Xuelier rolled her eyes and stood on the edge of the gondola with a look of disgust, because the physical contact around her made her extremely uncomfortable, and Laisalin's close-fitting flesh made her instinctively annoyed.

"You know what? My admiration for Kang De has only grown stronger."

She said with difficulty, "If I have to share a hanging basket with men, I'd rather loudly proclaim that I'm Kang De's secret mistress in exchange for certain privileges."

"You're here again..."

"Attention, we are about to take off! Inject air element, turn on the lights, release the cables, release the magnetic restraints, determine the wind direction... Takeoff!"

The ground commander signaled that everything was ready, and the hot air balloon rapidly inflated. Amidst hushed gasps, the gondola swayed and rose into the sky. Xuelier looked down at the earth from the gondola; the astrological platform receded into the distance, the crowd slowly dwindled to tiny dots, and the magnificent Sky Academy gradually came into view.

Then comes an aerial view of the entire island, with white waves surging towards the beach, flames churning, streaks of lightning shooting in all directions, flashes of light like thunder, billowing smoke and Flame, and violent shockwaves spreading outwards. This is the combined defense of Kang De's alchemical weapons and the island's defensive magic devices. In this perilous and desperate situation, the Sky Academy's evacuation point still maintains precious order and hope.

She's leaving.

Many more people were still waiting for the life-saving hot air balloons, and brave warriors from the Distant Harbor remained there to maintain order. Meanwhile, in this sea area, the Cathayan, who were originally supposed to attack this place as enemies, were now leading their brave soldiers to fight for people who were completely unrelated to them.

A complex and strange emotion welled up in her heart, and then she closed her eyes and began to do something she wasn't used to doing but felt she should do at that moment.

"What are you doing?"

A friend called out from behind.

Xuelier whispered in reply, "Pray... I hope everyone is alright."

After a brief moment of surprise, a knowing laugh came from behind.

The hot air balloon, guided by two auxiliary propellers, drifted towards the central island, taking advantage of the turbulent sea breeze.

The cabin was silent except for the low murmur of prayers. People prayed to the gods for everything to go smoothly. The vast outline of the Central Islands became clearer and clearer. Xuelier stared intently, a look of astonishment on her face.

"Where is Sea Suppression Castle?"

The mountains on this core island look as if they've been shaved bald.

More intense flames and smoke than those over Luoshan continued to explode everywhere. The two heavy magical artifacts, the Flame-Particle Light Lance and the Stone Thrower, kept firing, bombarding the monsters sweeping in from all directions. Bands of fire formed blazing walls, burning the sea creatures that tried to approach. Meanwhile, the viewing platform had transformed into a gigantic steel monster, with artillery arrays firing everywhere, the whistling and sharp crackling of cannonballs piercing the air.

People watched silently and in awe. Looking down at the earth from high above was already a rare experience, let alone witnessing the intense attack of a modern weapon system from another world.

Xuelier sighed, "No wonder the elves lost, and the Broken Isles can't win either."

Many combined spells and large magical artifacts can actually achieve this level of attack.

But such a dense, continuous, and extravagant barrage of blows is a detail as terrifying as a demon's.

In the quiet pod, the pilot's voice suddenly rang out. "Understood!"

The women looked on in surprise, only to see the pilot address them. "We have received orders and instructions from His Highness Kang De. A massive attack is imminent in the nearby sea. The hot air balloon will continue its ascent. There will be a huge explosion, water mist, and air currents. Please do not panic. This magical flight device has a triple protection system: an air shield, a sound field, and a warm sun. Everyone will be well protected."

--Who would understand this?!

Few people in this cabin understood the terminology related to magical artifacts, and upon hearing this, a small sliver of panic arose. Then someone shouted, "Over there!"

Turning my head, I saw a streak of fire hurtling towards me from below, as sharp as lightning.

The driver, holding the walkie-talkie, smiled and said, "Greetings, Your Highness Kang De."

The fire line curved and turned, rising straight up until it reached the right side of the hot air balloon, where it remained level.

The panicked ladies saw a humanoid figure outside the cabin. He was clad in gleaming yet uncluttered metal armor, quite different from the heavy armor of the Doom Warriors. Torrents of flame shot from his back, seemingly maintaining his suspended state in mid-air. Sunlight shone on his gleaming armor, making it appear divine. His face was hidden behind a full-face mask, a mysterious feature that only added to his divine aura.

They are like gods on earth.

He glanced around the cabin and his calm voice carried through the gale. "Everything is going well, no need to worry. My men and I will get you all safely to the west coast. See you at Distant Harbor, everyone."

Then he turned and swooped down, soaring towards the sea, his figure like a swimming dragon.

After a brief silence, the gondola cabin suddenly erupted in screams of surprise, even accompanied by joyful cries. These sentimental ladies were unable to express their feelings in words; they all harbored a dream of being knights, and now, in the dead of night, their spellcasting materials had clearly been updated.

In a moment of crisis, with the future uncertain, a godlike figure appeared before him with unparalleled power. The newcomer was the Dragon of Cathay, a Grand Forbidden Spell Master, one of the most powerful people in the world.

Professor Laisalin screamed like a little girl, pushing her way through her companions. "Xue Lily, did you see that? Isn't that Prince Kang De? It's Prince Kang De!"

Xuelier frowned slightly, looking at Kang De's downward-swooping figure with a look of confusion in her eyes.

She wasn't sure if it was just her imagination... but even someone as confident and honest as her was too embarrassed to say it aloud, she always felt that Prince Kang De had flown up here specifically to see the two of them.

"You're right, they are indeed beautiful," Kang De said from inside his armor as he swooped down. "Both of them."

Horus asked, "Father, does Princess Tina know that you are doing this?"

Kang De said arrogantly, "It's just looking, so what? Walking down the street with my silly college roommates, seeing a girl with a nice back view, then like four idiots [beep--] taking turns casually walking up to her, turning around to take a look, and then quickly retreating, laughing and excited like crazy, isn't that youth? Hearing that a pretty girl has appeared, coming over to take a look, isn't that normal for a man!?"

"Tsk," Horus said, "I filmed it with the camera in the pod—and, Father, you should remove your visor so the beautiful ladies can see your handsome face."

Kang De snorted, "And then be forced to squint and even have your gums turned outwards by the strong winds high in the sky?"

"I must say, my father has become much more astute."

"That's all thanks to your skillful backstabbing."

"Thanks."

"Thanks my ass."

The armor swept across the sea, and the monsters patrolling the sea seemed to sense it. Many of the menacing monsters flew out of the sea and leaped into the sky, baring their fangs and claws, tearing and biting in vain.

"Start?"

Always ready.

The portal opened.

What is that?

The two professors strained to look at the sea and vaguely saw clumps of things flying out of the Phase Gate.

"Judging by the color, it looks like... meat?"

Fresh flesh and blood crashed into the sea, and the sea monsters gathered like piranhas, frantically surrounding and tearing at it. Slaughtered livestock and even prepared steaks tumbled into the water, and the pervasive blood attracted the monsters' frenzy. There was fresh food here, and they instinctively continued to gather.

The local ecosystem has suffered catastrophic destruction. Intelligent creatures with spirituality are the first choice for the sea monsters' diet, but the livestock and birds on the island are also doomed. The fish in the nearby waters have long been eaten up, and these hungry predators tirelessly plunder for food.

Large quantities of meat rained down from the sky.

Some of it came from Earth, and the rest was scavenged from the Broken Isles. This area lacks grasslands and has no low- to mid-level livestock farming, but meat consumption is enormous. Therefore, the Broken Isles have the best cold storage technology in the world, and one of the world's largest cold storage facilities is located here, storing a large amount of meat.

Kang De also looted the place, turning everything into bait for frying fish.

The sea monsters from the vicinity swarmed in frantically, scrambling for the scattered scraps and chunks of flesh, their numbers growing ever larger.

Among the scattered pieces of meat, one after another heavy, enormous creatures seemed to have fallen from the sky.

It crashed into the water with a loud thud, creating a violent splash.

Named the Type Chen-1 Naval Mine, it was made in China, modeled after Soviet designs, and was an early product. It was a non-contact, bottom-sinking acoustic mine, codenamed C-1, with a diameter of 533 mm. It had a powerful, brick-like, green-skinned appearance and weighed 1080 kg.

It was loaded with 770 kilograms of high explosives.

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PS1: Update! 8,000 words! Unbelievable, right?