Into the Sky!

"Notification! Notification! All personnel awaiting rescue, immediately follow the guide to Zhenhai Airport!"

The deafening sound echoed throughout the entire large platform base. The chaotic crowd marched towards the mountaintop, with soldiers from the Combined Fleet maintaining order and guides along the way loudly reminding people of the precautions.

Make sure you empty your bladder before boarding! There's nowhere for you to relieve yourself on the way!

"Men and women, form separate lines! Follow instructions and maintain order!"

"The bumps are normal! Don't panic!"

If you feel unwell, please seek assistance from the flight crew!

"No noise or gatherings allowed on board!"

"Follow the instructions and restrain your body with the straps!"

Due to low levels of education and worryingly low average quality, some things cannot be remembered after being said only once, so they can only be repeatedly emphasized in a brainwashing-like manner in the hope of avoiding some trouble when boarding the plane.

Two professors trudged along in the crowd, surrounded by a surging, chaotic throng of people. Looking out over the mountains and rivers, it felt like stepping into another world.

Soon, they would board a so-called transport plane, leave this monster-infested land, and head to Distant Harbor. The experiences of these past few days felt like a dream.

Who could have imagined that the prosperous, stable, wealthy, and peaceful Broken Isles would one day be embroiled in a conflict with the Dragon of Cathay, facing the threats of war and Forbidden Spell? And who could have imagined that ferocious sea monsters would land from the sea, instantly turning the beautiful islands into a bloody hunting ground?

At this critical moment, it was the Cathayan, who were their enemies, who extended a helping hand at all costs.

No one knows what the future holds or what fate holds.

Laisalin held her friend's hand tightly, and this time, Xuelier did not pull away.

What will happen next?

What exactly does an aircraft look like?

Can it really take us to Distant Harbor?

Step by step, people moved forward in silence. Following the crowd, the distant flames still shone brightly, the fierce battle continued, and powerful alchemical weapons shot out in all directions from the large platform base. Danger still lingered in the waters of the Broken Isles, Shadow of death never went away.

Laisalin sighed silently, "Xue Lily, what will you do when you arrive at Distant Harbor?"

The gray-haired girl said calmly, "Of course, I'll get my suitcase back first."

What happens after you get the box?

"With my exceptional talent and brilliant academic achievements, I await Kang De's personal invitation."

So you also want to work for him?

Xuelier glared at her friend until the friend chuckled and looked away.

Then she said, "Yes, I'm somewhat interested."

Faced with Laisalin's astonished gaze, she said, "His alchemical skills are superb, his spatial abilities are superb, he possesses long-lost Forbidden Spell, he's as young as me, as pure as me, and his alchemical bombs greatly intrigue me. Aren't these reasons enough for me to change employers?"

She glanced at the Sky Academy, her gaze lingering, but reality was reality.

"After today, the Broken Isles will cease to exist," she said. "Even if these monsters retreat, or are completely wiped out, this place will never be the same again."

She wasn't a fool. Kang De and the Broken Isles were originally hostile factions. Even without the arrival of the sea monsters, a great war would have broken out here. Although the Dragon of Cathay has extended a helping hand to the Broken Isles, his purpose is not as simple as he claims. Even if he doesn't really seek anything in return from the survivors, he will take the opportunity to dismember and eliminate the Broken Isles' fighting force, making it impossible for the islands to rise again.

This is a perfectly normal and reasonable behavior.

Laisalin suddenly felt a solemn sadness, and she nodded gently.

After all, it's a place to study, change your life, and make friends.

She whispered, "Thank goodness we're all here, thank goodness we're all alright."

Xuelier glanced at her best friend with a straight face, but didn't refute her. After a moment of silence, she nodded and said, "I'm happy for you too, Laisa."

"Hey-hey!"

"Don't hug me! Let go!!"

Even when they were about to leave their hometown and faced a bleak future, they still tried their best to remain lively and optimistic, and their joy even infected the people around them.

After a short trek, we reached the summit.

They noticed that many people were silently gazing in one direction.

Immediately afterwards, even the two well-informed female professors were stunned.

"This..."

They saw a colossal creature lying quietly on the flat road in the distance, like a bird, but larger than any bird, like a mythical beast that had stepped out of ancient legends.

"This..."

Laisalin murmured, "It must be at least sixty meters long, right?"

Xuelier extended her slender finger, gestured, and said, "Fifty-eight point eight meters."

Its long wings, even longer than its body, reflected a stunningly cold light in the setting sun. Its size was comparable to a medium-sized warship, but it was definitely not a ship, because those two long wings revealed its identity—this was the transport plane that Kang De mentioned, capable of taking everyone to Distant Harbor! A behemoth that could fly in the sky!

"How will it fly? By flapping its wings?" Laisalin was filled with excitement and curiosity about discovering new things. "Look, Xue Lily, those are windows! Windows! Can we still see outside?"

Xuelier ignored her friend's erratic behavior. She stood there, lost in thought. Her academic experience told her that flapping the wings was not enough to make this enormous aircraft fly, while her intuition told her that what could make this huge bird take off was the strange object hanging under its wings.

"It's great, isn't it?"

On the other side of the plane, Kang De stood with several commanders of the Combined Fleet, watching the magnificent bird in flight. The well-informed officers from various countries also gaped in astonishment.

The aircraft is Airbus A330-200, with a two-class cabin layout and 293 seats. It comes from Zhuerban International Airport —an airport that is one of the few presentable landmarks of the underdeveloped country of Gambia, and even a source of embarrassment for United States Aeronautics and Space Administration.

--This is where NASA's space shuttles will land in case of an emergency.

"We removed the economy class seats, but left some seats and business class seats to accommodate the wounded and some special personnel. In addition, the cargo hold has a huge space of more than 160 cubic meters, which can also accommodate a considerable number of people. The estimated passenger capacity is around 800."

Kang De looked at one of the elven mages. "The cargo hold and passenger cabin, two levels, will each have fifteen soldiers stationed on each level as crew. Although every passenger slot is precious, safety is equally important. Your task is to maintain order and, if necessary, cooperate with Horus to carry out all his orders."

The other person straightened his back, bowed, and said, "Yes! But Your Highness, I have another request!"

"Explain."

The monk cried out, "I request permission to escort them to the Distant Harbor and then return here!"

Kang De frowned and said, "Why? According to the published reward measures, your bravery and composure in the face of danger have earned you a priority evacuation spot."

The elf's eyes were firm and unwavering. "Because my soldiers are still fighting here!"

The plan was Kang De the plane to return immediately after landing. To this end, the engineering corps had begun laying a second landing runway. The high-intensity work needed to be replaced, and more air power was needed to participate in the rescue. Therefore, support from the Distant Harbor was indispensable.

Kang De thought for a moment and said, "I agree to your request, Elf, but I also have one request."

"Speaking!"

Kang De said, "I require you to keep this a secret at all times and not reveal that you will be returning. After disembarking, you can return to the plane with the volunteer elven force that came to support you."

"In other words, I don't want the soldiers who followed you back to the Distant Harbor to know that they earned their return tickets because of their indomitable fighting and meritorious service. This is the reward I promised them, the compensation they deserve. If they knew about your choice, it would put unnecessary moral pressure and a dilemma on them."

The elf paused for a moment, then her gaze softened.

He answered succinctly, "Yes."

Kang De continued, "Now I will tell you the points to note. The flight will be generally smooth and successful. Your soldiers will be primarily responsible for the condition and safety of the survivors. One thing to be aware of is that since none of them have ever ridden in this new type of aircraft before, they may experience something similar to seasickness."

That situation must have been like hell, especially with so many people cutting in line, making the space crowded, the air quality relatively poor, and the enclosed environment. If someone were to spray, the consequences would be unimaginable.

Seasickness can simply be relieved by leaning against the edge of the boat and groaning, but on an airplane...

The commanders were taken aback for a moment, then quickly realized what was happening and burst into laughter.

They run on the sea, and seasickness is something you hear about during basic training.

"That's not a problem, Your Highness. The mage can cast a large-scale calming spell to ensure everyone arrives at their destination safely."

The elven mage chuckled, "By the way, this spell is called, 'Destroy the Nightmare—May the evil scene of the Antiliedelin never be repeated.'"

Because the field of otherworldly magic research is extremely prosperous, and the spell patent system of the Arcane Council has become deeply ingrained, generations of spellcasters have contributed their wisdom for hundreds and thousands of years. As a result, the phenomenon of "good names being taken by dogs" has emerged one after another. In order to successfully apply for a patent, all kinds of strange spell names have been produced in countless ways, and even many different schools of naming methods have been formed.

For example, this spell name, which sounds like it has a story behind it, is definitely from the event-driven genre.

Kang De laughed, "It seems something terrible must have happened on the Antiliedelin."

"Yes, Your Highness, the inventor of this spell wrote an entire book describing the horrific scene that took place on that ship; everyone who reads it bursts out laughing."

"You can bring it to me later," Kang De said, extending his hand. "Then, soldier, have a safe journey."

The elf shook his hand. "Thank you, Your Highness. You are unlike any other human."

Boarding is about to begin.

The landing gear in both the cargo hold and passenger cabins was lowered, and a loudspeaker blared. "Line up! First come, first served! No pushing! No shoving! No running! Violators will be immediately disqualified from leaving. I can tell you clearly, anyone who dares to push or run will be thrown into the sea to feed the monsters on the spot!"

Iron railings were erected at the entrance, where elves wielding swords coldly patrolled.

It's wise to appoint these arrogant immortal beings as security guards, because they see everyone as trash, are extremely noble and aloof, and have a strong enough deterrent effect. Coupled with the gleaming machetes in their hands, they are enough to intimidate stupid humans who want to steal your excrement like stray dogs.

Kang De spoke into the walkie-talkie, "Separate doors for men and women, let fifty in at a time."

The wisdom from Earth was very useful. Kang De simply removed the winding, crowd-prevention railings and walkways from the airport, making it impossible for the unruly people to crowd and fight. Batch after batch of men and women were let in, and guided by the soldiers in the field, they walked towards the awe-inspiring giant bird.

There are security cameras at both entrances.

"Identification complete, Professor Xueli'er Cooper. Welcome aboard."

"Identification complete, Professor Laisalin Staat, welcome aboard."

A completely emotionless electronic sound crackled to life.

"Does it recognize us?"

The two girls climbed the long ladder and onto the neck of the enormous bird. As they walked, Laisalin exclaimed excitedly, "This is amazing! Is this alchemy too?"

Xuelier's expression was serious. "I feel somewhat uneasy."

"Ah?"

"If I were walking down the street in Distant Harbor, and there happened to be such a magical device somewhere, would it mean that I would be recognized for everything—where I went, whom I met, and what I did?"

"Huh?" Laisalin tilted her head. "But you don't usually go out."

Xuelier stopped and thought for a moment, "Hmm, that makes sense."

As Laisalin walked with her friend, she said, "What you're thinking is certainly possible, but if you don't do anything bad, why would anyone care what you do? If what you're saying is true, then Distant Harbor must be the safest place in the world, because no bad guy can hide there!"

"Hmph." Xuelier didn't even turn her head. "Naive."

They hurriedly boarded the plane. A tall, muscular, elfin-like man stood at the cabin door, his head almost touching the ceiling. He said sternly, "Welcome aboard. Please proceed to the rear seats on the right side of the cabin. We apologize for the inconvenience, but please use the lumbar support straps at the back of your seats to secure your lower back in case of turbulence..."

Xuelier glanced to her left, where there was ample space with rows of two-seater seats, but the elf's instructions clearly directed her to the right—she took a few steps to the right.

The first five rows were already full, and even more people had made it to the back, where there weren't even any seats. Green, seemingly stained mats were spread on the floor, and the women who were already seated were awkwardly wrapping their belts around their waists. They were huddled together, huddled together, huddled together...

Xuelier's face turned ashen, and she turned and walked toward the business class.

An iron-tower-like arm blocked her way. "Madam, this area is reserved for the wounded and special guests. We haven't given any such instructions. Please make do over there. We'll arrive at the Distant Harbor in two hours at most."

The gray-haired girl took a deep breath and said, "It's time to tell you my special identity. That's right, I am the secret lover of your Prince Kang De..."

Before she could finish speaking, Laisalin quickly covered her mouth. "Shut up, Xue Lily! The consequences of telling lies that can be exposed so easily are terrible! It's only two hours, just two hours!"

"If I stay there for two hours, my body will be unclean! I'll never be clean again in my entire life!"

"You're exaggerating! You're such a germaphobe!"

"Is it really that exaggerated? An unseen evil force is corrupting my body and making me..."

A minor argument broke out, and Kang De heard Horus's whisper in his ear, "Father, as expected, she's taken the bait. Judging from her words and actions, the girl named Xuelier is clearly a germaphobe and will find the floor sleeping conditions in economy class unbearable. I suggest you act immediately—after all, judging from many TV dramas and novels, upgrading a distressed girl to a cabin class is basically a sure way to win the favor of a beauty."

"I don't want to."

Kang De, already thoroughly humiliated, retorted, "What are you going there for? To blackmail me after you take pictures of me? Besides, the reason I'm paying attention to them is because that old coffin-stuff specifically named them. The fact that the old man notices them means they are indeed promising research talents—go, find someone, and give her a ten-year labor contract."

Horus asked in astonishment, "Ten years of illegal work for a two-hour business class ticket?"

"If she thinks it's not worth it, she doesn't have to buy it. That's called free trade."

"Never heard of it."

"Then I'll teach you what free trade is—free trade is this: I want to sell you fighter jets for $100 million each, and you think it's unnecessary. So I'll sell those fighter jets to your arch-enemy for $50 million each. Your arch-enemy will then bombard you with new fighter jets every day, and you'll feel helpless and want to buy them. Then I'll raise the price to $180 million, and I'll continue to charge you for the external fuel tanks, missiles, weapons, stealth coatings, and maintenance. I'll make money off two fighter jets for every one I sell you."

"My child, this is the highest level of free trade: if there is no demand, create demand."

"... Pooh."

In the end, both young female professors settled into the comfortable seats in business class.

The plan to lure them went more smoothly than expected. When the serious-looking elf attendant said, "Only those who are loyal to His Highness Kang De and work for his cause are qualified to sit over there," the genius girl Xuelier immediately declared, "I, an academic genius, am willing to work."

Laisalin also unwittingly boarded the pirate ship.

"So, I just sold myself off like that," the chestnut-haired girl muttered. "No contract, no salary, no term limit, no benefits... The Broken Isles may be a bit domineering, but they pay a lot, plus bonuses, food stamps, and vacation time..."

A stern-faced elven soldier approached, pushing a cart. "Gentlemen, business class perks, would you like some food? Instant noodles, sausages, sunflower seeds..."

Laisalin blinked. "Do you take money?"

"No, it's a free benefit."

"Can I have a little of everything?"

"..."

Passengers gradually filled the entire cabin and cargo hold.

A total of 800 people.

The hatch slowly closed, and whispers came from behind.

Horus's voice echoed in the cabin, "I am Horus, passengers. The plane will be taking off in five minutes. Please remain calm. This is a journey to freedom and safety, one you will never forget. Please savor this rare trip. — I must remind you that you will not have the opportunity to fly again until commercial air service is fully operational."

The soft, rustling sounds of a hamster eating filled the business class cabin, along with mumbled praise, "Xuelier, how can these peanuts be so delicious! The sunflower seeds are roasted with spices! And this eight-treasure porridge, it's so sweet! Waaaaah, I swear to be loyal to Lord Kang De..."

"--Don't talk to me while I'm eating! They're spitting garbage at me!"

Inside the cockpit.

"How is it? Are you confident?"

"Trust me, Father."

Horus's octopus-like robotic arms deftly manipulated the complex buttons. "Although I lack actual piloting experience," Horus said, "I've simulated thousands of flights using Airbus's flight training software, and there haven't been any problems!"

"... I'll just believe it for now."

Kang De checked the time. "We'll try to send the second plane off within thirty minutes. How about that? That shouldn't be a problem for your computing power, right?"

"Absolutely no problem. Piloting is a simple task. After takeoff and reaching the designated altitude, it can fly automatically via inertial navigation. I've already reset the path and map. The only thing to be careful about is landing, but there shouldn't be any major issues."

Horus said, "There's no need to worry about safety. Each aircraft will be guarded by a dragon. If any problems arise during flight, the cabin door will open and enter combat mode, and it can call for your support at any time."

"Are you ready?"

"Ready, Father? There's a first time for everything. As long as the first flight goes smoothly from takeoff to landing, our plan can be implemented and carried out more quickly."

After all, it was about transporting tens of thousands of people to the Distant Harbor in batches without a control tower, professional personnel, logistical support, or even qualified pilots. The runway was even hastily constructed. So, it was necessary to try. However, time was of the essence, and there was no time to have a plane fly to the Distant Harbor and land to test it out. Furthermore, the weight could not be accurately simulated.

The only way to deal with the first landing was through Horus's powerful and precise control, the dragons stationed at the Distant Harbor, the long-range support from the deployed ground mage legions, and even Kang De's quick thinking.

Once you succeed on the first try, you can collect data and learn from the experience, and everything will go much more smoothly.

Horus's voice carried a reassuring strength. "A momentous occasion, Father. This should be the first time we have shocked the world without killing and death. They will remember what we have done."

"Yes." Kang De slowly smiled. "Then I give the order to prepare for takeoff."

"Yes, please give your instructions."

On the outside of the plane, Kang De picked up the walkie-talkie. "I now order all hot air balloons to slow down and leave the due north route. The dragon will use its might to clear the Dragon Might and disperse the birds. The passenger plane is about to take off. The runway is clear. Doom Warriors, be on alert and shoot down any life that trespasses onto the runway, whether human or animal!"

He gestured to his commanders. "Back off."

The engine started, roared to life, the turbocharger whirled wildly, and a strong wind rose.

On the long runway, the Airbus began to accelerate.

The reason this aircraft was chosen as the first one is because it has good performance, is neither too big nor too small, and has suitable parameters. In the event of an accident during flight, the dragon guarding the passenger plane and the mage on board can use an air magic device to try to reduce the plane's descent speed to a minimum, allowing it to land with minimal damage and save the lives of most people.

"Stop eating." Xuelier looked out the window. "We're about to take off."

From here, she saw the other side of the track, where a few people stood sparsely, including majestic elves and spellcasters in serene robes, each with an extraordinary air about them. They stood behind a young man with black hair, who seemed to be waving in their direction.

He is...

The thought flashed through her mind, and she felt a jolt in her seat as an invisible force pushed her backward. The person she saw had already vanished in a flash, and then the entire cabin resounded with a rumbling sound. The iron bird let out a powerful roar, and the surrounding scenery rushed past quickly, faster and faster, from a galloping horse to a flying bird.

With a long, buzzing sound, the bird's speed was already unsettling. They looked out the window in surprise, then felt the entire machine shudder again. An indescribable feeling welled up in their hearts. Looking out the window, the ground seemed distant, and the sea rose from behind the cliffs in the distance.

--No, they took flight!

Surprised shouts also came from the economy class section behind them, and even the serious elven warriors couldn't help but look out the window. They soon saw the scenery of most of the Broken Isles, the red sun gradually setting in the distance, and many hot air balloons floating in the sky—they really were flying!

On the ground, people let out shouts of surprise mixed with joy.

Whether it was the passengers waiting at the airport, the soldiers at the large platform base, or the survivors waiting for rescue on the various islands, or even those already waiting on the hot air balloon, they all saw this enormous bird soar into the sky. Without flapping its iron wings, it flew through the heavens, carrying countless survivors away from the dangerous, Broken Isles and heading towards a safe Distant Harbor!

The technological marvels of modern industry gracefully glided through the air, circling once above the Broken Isles, as if bidding farewell to the people here, as if showing them where hope lies. That hopeful scene will surely remain in everyone's hearts for a long time, becoming an indelible impression for years or even decades to come—yes, His Highness Kang De truly did it.

Your Highness.

The voice came from the elven commander, Quilion, who looked at Kang De with a serious expression. "Although it may seem somewhat inappropriate, I am thinking right now—I am glad our ship was the last one standing, and it has been an honor to fight alongside you until now... I feel regret and sadness for the war that has taken place."

Kang De was surprised, then laughed and said, "Don't worry about it, you're just following orders."

"Yes, so I sincerely hope..." Quilion gave a military salute, "That you and Her Majesty the Queen will ensure that war never happens again."

He said softly, "It's not fear, but people like you... who have made selfless commitments and put them into action, giving hope to everyone in this way, should not be enemies of any person, power, or country."

He paused, somewhat embarrassed, and scratched his head, saying, "That sounds a bit strange, doesn't it?"

Kang De shook his head and said, "No, I'm glad to have your approval. Alright, let's continue. We've only transported eight hundred people; there are still many waiting for our rescue."

He snapped his fingers, and the second transport plane was about to begin its jump. "Alright, all units, speed up and continue releasing people. Quilion, you're in charge of the boarding procedures from now on. The real challenge is just beginning."

Kang De was actually busier than anyone else.

Using spatial abilities, they can travel between various points, drop mines to blast fish, replenish supplies to various evacuation points and firing positions, and even provide direct fire support. They can also monitor the deep-sea situation and return to Earth every now and then to collect a batch of supplies. Not only that, they also have to take time to plunder and loot the entire archipelago according to the island lord's confession to avoid waste.

Now his tasks have increased again.

Keep a close eye on the status and safety of flights bound for Distant Harbor.

They also coordinated with the Distant Harbor authorities to welcome the passenger plane and ensure the smooth progress of the resettlement work.

"Notify Distant Harbor to prepare."

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PS1: Third update! 7500 words! Who the hell expected this?!

PS2: In other words, I updated about 23,000 words today. Although it's only three updates, compared to other people's updates, that's basically ten. If we consider each chapter to be 3,000 words, that's about eight updates. Consider it a gift to celebrate the August 1st Army Day -- what are you standing there for? Vote!