For My Use

The city where the headquarters of the Arcane Council is located is called Tuyexiala.

Exquisite and magnificent.

In this other world where development is generally lagging behind, this city already symbolizes the pinnacle of Civilization. The Arcane Council, located here, is the world's largest technological organization. Countless wisdom, achievements, ideas, and discoveries converge here, accumulate and ferment, and then manifest themselves as matter.

This is how Tula Xiaye came to be.

This city is a pinnacle of architecture, a fusion and development of engineering and artistic styles from various ethnic groups, imbued with the unique character of the Arcane Council —pioneering, exploratory, truth-seeking, and future-oriented.

The Tower of All-Seeing in the city center is the headquarters of the Arcane Council. It is a breathtaking megastructure, a magnificent creation that combines palace and tower, with a total height of over 400 meters. The 75-meter-high Titan statue at the top of the tower looks down on the world and makes all other sculptures pale in comparison.

The Six Elemental Sisters Temple, built around the Tower of All-Seeing, are the guardians and followers of the Tower of All-Seeing. Vast blocks of buildings stretch in all directions, with glass bridges and marble walkways connecting the city areas. Wide, tree-lined boulevards provide shade for the residents. At night, countless magic crystal lamps bloom with dazzling light. The shimmering light, the steel structure, and the bustling crowds together make up this city.

Tonight, the bustling city still glitters with its eternal lights and revelry, but the true rulers of this city remain awake, for in the distant north, Vast Ocean, war has reignited.

Every hour, new intelligence would be delivered to the Starry Sky Council of the Tower of All-Seeing. All the core members of the Council were present, and they read the intelligence on the Resonance Star Chart with mixed feelings. The Dragon of Cathay, which was lurking in the Distant Harbor, had made a new move, this time targeting the Broken Isles.

"A gigantic flying machine, capable of carrying at least eight hundred people, shaped like a bird, according to the description of the mage accompanying us, can travel in the stratosphere and reach the Distant Harbor from the Broken Isles in just one hour..."

"At its fastest, an aircraft would land at the Distant Harbor every ten minutes."

"This means he can deploy a heavily armed legion anywhere on this continent within 24 hours—I mean, anywhere."

"My question is, why doesn't the Council have such a huge, fast, and powerful aircraft?"

"Our intelligence personnel are trying to analyze its principles, and the Distant Harbor authorities are not preventing our observations. We have already made preliminary discoveries about what force lifts that aircraft, which weighs at least tens of tons, off the ground."

"... Hmph, how arrogant."

Whispers and whispers broke out as the Council members sensed a crisis. They prided themselves on their unparalleled magical and alchemical skills, believing themselves to represent the future of advanced technology worldwide. But today, they suddenly discovered that the Cathayan had surged ahead and left them far behind.

What these proud scholars found most unacceptable was that the Cathayan didn't forbid them from observing and studying their alchemical creations! They even acted as if it was perfectly acceptable for them to look around freely!

That's underestimating me!

For example, the Council's latest magical core is protected by the highest level of secrecy to ensure that this advanced energy engine never falls into the hands of the elves or the Empire.

Judging others by one's own standards, what could possibly explain why the Cathayan Kang De was so unconcerned about others casually observing his masterpiece of alchemy?

There are only two reasons: first, he didn't consider the risk of leaking secrets.

This is practically impossible, because everyone knows that Kang De was meticulous and extremely guarded.

That leaves only the second possibility.

He felt that the people of this continent, whether ignorant farmers or learned scholars, were all idiots who couldn't understand the secrets of his alchemical achievements even after a hundred years.

"I don't believe he's from Cathay!"

One councilor shouted, "Although the sea route has been cut off, our intelligence gathering over there continues. If the Cathayan had such a thing, they would have driven those chaotic demons back into the sea long ago! No, they should have launched an expedition against us long ago!"

He pounded the table, looked around at his colleagues, and raised his arm, shouting, "It's time to take all this seriously—I mean, this sudden emergence of a new creation, so different from advanced technological systems, signifies extreme rebellion and abnormality. This is a lesson history has taught us!"

"This unusual phenomenon must be hiding signs of danger. We have reason to suspect that the sudden appearance of Kang De, the Cathayan, may be concealing an extremely dangerous plot. We bear a heavy responsibility, gentlemen, because the duty of the Arcane Council is to protect the countless lives living in this fragile world. Now that Kang De has demonstrated his power and creation, we need to supervise and even take over!"

He declared passionately, "Because the countless events and disasters we have recorded in the Doomsday Archives all demonstrate the same lesson: extraordinary power must be held by extraordinary organizations! Whether it is Forbidden Spell or powerful alchemical weapons, if they are in the hands of mortals who lack the capacity, they will only bring endless trouble—just think about it, how many disputes and deaths has Kang De caused in the past few months?"

"He's the one who caused the Broken Isles mess!"

"Current intelligence indicates that the area has been reduced to ruins. All of the Arcane Council's investments, assets, and agent businesses in the Broken Isles have been completely destroyed. Who should be held responsible for such a significant loss? Of course, it's Kang De! If he hadn't insisted on being an enemy of the Broken Isles, and even openly launched a military provocation, would things have escalated to this point?"

He had already stood up, his hands resting on the table, speaking slowly and deliberately.

"We must intervene and stop this willful and reckless behavior. These Cathayan can't just attack wherever they want—we must restrict them!"

The core members of the legislature remained silent.

They displayed the refinement of politicians, never letting others see their true thoughts. They came from various powerful interest groups and were themselves incredibly capable spellcasters. But once they acquired the title of politician, even the purest spellcaster would be tainted by darkness. They would be subtly changed in their endless mundane affairs, turning into pure animals—greedy, cold-blooded, and calculating.

And Kang De, the Cathayan, has already demonstrated immense value in just a few months.

The Forbidden Spell, long since vanished, possessed a power that could intimidate the world and destroy everything; it was the divine blade that every monarch, ruler, and politician dreamed of.

Powerful weapons, super warships forged from steel, and now, enormous flying machines that soar through the sky at incredible speeds, along with the various wondrous objects that are gradually becoming popular in Distant Harbor, all signify enormous potential advantages in the political, military, economic, and cultural spheres.

The potential benefits and power it represents are almost unimaginable.

Every competent politician, upon recognizing these emerging trends, will instinctively try to seize them.

Purchase, cheat, steal, extort, blackmail, robbery.

You must get your hands on it.

The reason they haven't taken action yet is because Kang De really dared to unleash Forbidden Spell.

As expected, in response to this hawkish congressman's remarks, another congressman coldly retorted, "You've brought this up many times before. Kang De is not a small country you can easily blackmail or bully."

In the eyes of these members of parliament and even various powers in various countries, Kang De had no foundation, his army was insignificant, and Goth, whom he relied on and cooperated with, was a tiny country, like an ant. The only thing to worry about was the Forbidden Spell.

As long as Kang De could still drop incredibly powerful stones from the sky, force would always be the worst option.

A smug glint flashed in the eyes of the hawkish congressman.

He said in a deep voice, "Gentlemen, if—and I mean if—our anti -Forbidden Spell magic devices make significant progress, if we restore the ultimate knowledge of ancient defenses against Forbidden Spell, or even if we directly master the destructive power of Forbidden Spell —would you still be so timid and fearful?"

The crowd was deeply moved, and someone said, "Please elaborate, Congressman Aokexindun."

Congressman Aokexindun's smile grew even brighter, but he felt a pang of regret. If possible, he would have liked to monopolize it, but the Council its own rules. If he insisted on swallowing all of Kang De's value and achievements, even if he succeeded, the other factions in the Council would tacitly join forces to divide it up.

This is not without precedent.

Therefore, he can only be generous and honest, letting the Council as a whole, rather than his own interest group, take the huge slice of the pie, and in return, he will get the largest share.

This is a tradition, a rule that everyone tacitly follows.

"In fact..." he said with a smile, "The head and chief alchemist of the anti- Forbidden Spell device development team at the Aokexindun Family Blazing Sun Alchemical Ordnance Center, which I ordered to be established a month ago, received a divine revelation while examining ancient fragments."

He announced the good news to the councilors, "The chief alchemist has thus been greatly inspired, drawing upon the wisdom of ancient Forbidden Spell interception systems. I have read his new report, and it has been proven feasible to intercept Forbidden Spell using anodic jet bombardment."

Congressman Aokexindun could hardly hide his delight.

If the anti- Forbidden Spell magic device can be successfully developed, it will mean huge orders. In today's Mortal World, which country or organization is not wary of Kang De's Forbidden Spell? After all, at the national level, even if you don't use it, just possessing it is a sin and a threat.

Not to mention that Kang De would lose his biggest trump card as a result...

Upon hearing this good news, the councilors beamed with joy, seeing it as a promising future. Their greed was already stirring, but then a few cautious councilors frowned. One asked, "Divine revelation? Forgive my bluntness, but councilors, perhaps..."

"Rest assured, Overseer Dumuruosi, after the report of divine revelation was submitted, I immediately notified the Life Safety Department to conduct a comprehensive mental and physical evaluation of this chief alchemist to ensure that he has not been corrupted or eroded by the dangerous forces from the outer world."

"He is currently continuing his research. The astrologers in the security department have placed him under first-level surveillance, and his research results will be carefully evaluated and verified. I do not recommend stopping his work, as his bursts of inspiration are extremely significant for the advancement of the research. Your Excellencies, the anti- Forbidden Spell mechanism is so important that we urgently need such a magical device to break Kang De's blackmail of Forbidden Spells."

He bowed politely. "Right?"

Everyone remained silent.

They were all experienced spellcasters, well-educated and politically astute politicians, and intimately familiar with the rules and regulations of the Council.

In normal circumstances, if a scholar or researcher is discovered or claims to have received divine revelation, awakened some kind of magical ability, or obtained ancient knowledge, the Life Safety Department will not hesitate to mobilize, lock the target in a heavily guarded secret prison, and use all the detection methods and purification mechanisms repeatedly, observing for at least two years before initially lowering the defense level.

But now...

With the prospect of a cure for Forbidden Spell emerging, who would be willing to halt this project for two years?

The politicians looked at each other, none of them having the courage to defy public opinion and insist on adhering to the so-called rules in the face of enormous interests and imminent security needs.

In this eerie silence, the Sun Throne at the center of the Starry Sky Council shone brilliantly. The supreme ruler of the Arcane Council, with unparalleled magical power, transformed into an elemental form and descended upon this place along the magical network that permeated the Tower of All-Seeing. Streams of lightning condensed into a physical form, and flashes of electricity danced in his eyes.

The councilors bowed in unison.

"I have heard your argument, Dumuruosi. Grant the divinely inspired alchemist the highest level of oversight and convey the Council's apologies to him. Once his work has been successfully verified, I will personally award him the Titan Medal and guide him to the position of creator of the Council's First Alchemy Department. Until then, the Arcane Council awaits his achievements and contributions."

"As you command, Your Excellency Grand Speaker."

The old man, whose eyes shone like lightning, left the Sun Throne. His magic materialized, and he used lightning to create a letter, which he then displayed before each councilor.

"Five minutes ago, the Dragon of Cathay, which you all were discussing, sent me a letter."

The politicians, steeped in family tradition and profound knowledge, frowned as they read through the brief and impolite letter.

We've already encountered a giant sea monster beneath the Broken Isles, attempting to sever world maritime trade. There are severed limbs here; they taste a lot like squid jerky—what the hell is all this rubbish?

After reading it, someone pondered for a moment, then sneered, "This is a plea for help? How grand and naive... I've heard that the Dragon of Cathay possesses incomprehensible moral concepts and childish ideas. Seeing it today, it's indeed true. Ha, to think that such a person wields the destructive power to destroy everything is truly a joke of the gods."

The Speaker remained noncommittal, saying gently, "That's not the point, Congressman. The point is, he would never write this letter of appeal to just me."

Everyone nodded.

Of the world's great powers, Cathay is now a withered corpse and a flickering candle in the wind. But on this continent, three powers stand side by side, each vying for supremacy. The Dusk Moon Dynasty is at its zenith, reigning supreme in the world. The Holy Empire is uniting the human world and gradually gaining strength. Meanwhile, the Arcane Council taking a different approach, attempting to lead the nation forward through technological revolution. Most of the events happening on the continent today are the result of these three nations' open and covert rivalry.

Kang De's appeal for help was certainly not limited to the Council alone.

Congressman Aokexindun, who had spoken earlier, pondered the contents of the letter and suddenly asked, "Has its authenticity been verified? Are what he said true or false?"

"The threats and attacks are real, but the disruption of world maritime trade... this is unverifiable, and we cannot rule out the possibility that Kang De exaggerated to entice us to intervene quickly."

The Grand Speaker said, "But whether Kang De was telling the truth or not, we must respond and make a decision. We must also respond when the Empire and the Elves are highly likely to take action."

He waved his hand to dispel the lightning-infused text, surveyed his surroundings, and his voice boomed like thunder. "If none of you have objections, then I, in the name of the Starry Sky Council, shall issue an order in response to Kang De's request to assemble Biological Crisis Response Team composed of paleontologists, ancient historians, druids, and investigators from the Life Department. This team will travel to Distant Harbor aboard the Spark Flying Wheel to assist in the study of the so-called deep-sea monster's limbs."

The members of parliament stood and agreed.

"Besides..."

The Grand Speaker's voice was as majestic as thunder, wielding the supreme power of the Council.

"I order the Azure Fleet to assemble, and the Sky Azure Sky Rangers, Starry Firmament First Division, Ocean Safety Administration, and the Invasive Alien Species Response Committee to deploy combat troops to form a mixed battle group and advance towards the Broken Sea. The Life Services Department's agent teams will be deployed as the vanguard to retrieve live specimens from the Broken Isles as quickly as possible. In addition, I need several assessment plans and operational procedures."

The highest ruler of the Arcane Council said, "I am very interested in that so-called deep-sea monster."

"--yes!"

The machinery of the Arcane Council, one of the three great powers of the Western Continent, began to rumble.

Kang De's view of the problem was ultimately a bit idealistic.

Unless the threat of extinction is blatantly obvious, the so-called threat of cutting off maritime trade is unlikely to make nations fight side by side without hesitation, because might represents arrogance and greed.

When politicians hear about a powerful, unsolvable deep-sea monster that could, and will, sever global maritime trade, their first reaction is definitely not "quickly unite and find a way to take it down."

Instead...

Is there any way to control this monster you mentioned and use it for my own purposes?

Cutting off global maritime trade... what an intoxicating and wonderful power.

In accordance with this policy and objective, the three kingdoms were in turmoil, each making their own preparations.

The Broken Isles are in turmoil, with deep-sea beasts roaring and howling; a storm is brewing.

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PS1: Ah... I suddenly discovered a new Japan teacher these past couple of days, her teaching is fantastic. (Nods)