Priority

Distant Harbor Time, 4:20 PM.

The sky was already showing signs of dawn.

After more than ten hours of fierce fighting, more than 38,000 people have been evacuated from the Broken Isles to Distant Harbor. All departments in Distant Harbor are operating at full capacity, working with enthusiastic volunteers to accommodate the tens of thousands of refugees who have poured in in a short period of time. This is an unprecedented feat and a great achievement.

The number of super-long runways has increased to four, the camps and residences were set up and prepared overnight, and steel wings descended from the sky. The temporary resettlement sites have transformed from desolate to bustling overnight. So many people have been saved overnight, and people have witnessed all of this.

People from Distant Harbor, people from the Broken Isles, people from all over the world.

Whether commoners or nobles, locals or outsiders, even elves who were enemies not long ago, spellcasters from various countries who came to support them, journalists invited here, or uninvited intelligence agents, they all witnessed the birth of a legend on this sleepless night.

Amidst the smoke from bonfires and the bustling crowds, truckloads of supplies were transported from the Distant Harbor to the new city. Ordinary people gathered together, working together to accomplish the same task. They experienced and witnessed firsthand the hardships and achievements, the fatigue and satisfaction. Last night was unforgettable for them and will become a part of their future lives.

Like the rising sun, a seemingly impossible task has already seen the dawn of success.

Every participant felt honored.

As dawn approached, a new shift was about to begin, and the volunteers who had worked all night were urged to go home and rest. At the temporary station, horse-drawn carriages, oxcarts, and donkey carts were waiting.

The drivers warmly invited people to get on their vehicles.

"It's free! Why not take a ride?" they shouted. "His Highness Kang De, it's on the bill!"

That one sentence alone dispelled the concerns of the thrifty poor people. If they were charged, they would rather walk back to the Distant Harbor; their time and energy were not worth much.

People boarded the car with laughter and chatter, traveling with friends. If they encountered a familiar driver, it was even better, making the journey home less lonely.

Amidst the neighing of their steeds and the approaching morning breeze, they set off.

The volunteers held warm water bottles filled with rich and sweet milk tea, which was hot and comforting. Inside were also transparent, bouncy, and smooth translucent fruit pieces, somewhat like coconut.

This was a parting gift, given to everyone. The sweet taste still lingers in everyone's mind, as unforgettable as instant noodles, sausages, and candy. Those with a sweet tooth have already drunk it all, while many others only dared to take a few sips, wanting to bring it back for their families to try.

After a night of hard work and countless eye-opening experiences, the volunteers didn't feel tired. They discussed what they had seen and heard the night before and dreamed about the future, with the main topics always revolving around the same few things.

Work points, the idea of exchanging them, and "Can I exchange this milk tea for them?"

Newly recruited laborer and Mad Shark hunter Tex sat leaning against the carriage, calculating his haul from the previous night, while the guys around him dreamed about what they could exchange for.

Those honest, simple-minded cowards, like stingy misers, naively listed their possible gains: buy a little of this for the children to try, buy a little of that to save, the daily sign-in rewards could be exchanged for money, and money could be exchanged for food... These unambitious remarks made Tex very impatient. All he wanted was a radio, and besides, a man should do what a man should do.

The Europa Great Roulette.

He wanted to gamble big with a small investment, to win the radio with minimal cost.

May I interview you?

A loud shout rang out from the side. He glanced over and saw a well-dressed man with a monocle chasing after two elven scouts, yelling at them. Where did this guy come from? Judging from his accent, he sounded like an Imperial.

Where can we check our work points?

"His Highness Kang De's alchemy equipment has already been set up in each street. Just go there, wave your ID card, and you'll know what work you did and how much you were paid."

The driver, while driving, replied with a smile, adding, "I heard it on the radio."

"I haven't heard of it."

The man who had asked the question smiled sheepishly and then asked, "So, where do we exchange things?"

The passengers perked up, and Tex secretly perked up his ears as well. The driver was not impatient; on the contrary, he answered their questions enthusiastically. This was because these carriage owners had also been recruited by the benevolent Prince Kang De. In addition to earning work points for driving and ferrying passengers, they also received extra income for explaining policies and regulations to the passengers.

This point was reportedly made in special order by His Highness Kang De.

"Providing newcomers with accurate information about earning and redeeming work points will earn you five reward points."

Although the term "newcomer" is a bit strange, it doesn't stop the drivers from memorizing the promotional information in the manual. After all, these are work points that fell from the sky, so why not earn them?

"To make it easier for everyone to redeem rewards, His Highness Kang De has already begun renovating several properties in the city. These properties were confiscated from nobles who committed heinous crimes against humanity. Those luxurious shops will be transformed into stores selling goods for work points, and they're called... what was it again?"

The driver frowned and pondered for a moment, then patted his head.

"Friendship Store! Yes! Friendship Store!"

Based on the information disseminated and speculation gathered during conversations, the driver described the scene at the Friendship Store to the passengers.

A dazzling array of unheard-of goods are available. No gold or silver coins are accepted; only work points are required. Work points can only be earned through honorable labor and virtuous deeds. They are a reward for the diligent. Men can earn them, women can earn them, commoners can earn them, and nobles can earn them. As long as you work and do good, you can get them and buy many wonderful things. Everyone can participate.

They listened to the driver's description and imagined such a shop. Their meager imaginations could not capture its image, so they could only draw upon the most magnificent buildings they had ever seen, such as the white manor on the mountain overlooking from the slums, or the neat and tall gatehouse they saw when delivering goods to the city.

But Friendship Store was no longer a forbidden zone for ordinary people. Even men of humble status and in tattered clothes could enter with their heads held high. Wealthy people with plenty of money would not receive preferential treatment there. The latter were not necessarily richer than the former, because the store only accepted work points, and money could not buy work points. Only hard work, conscientious work and goodwill contributions could earn them. Everyone who could do this could earn them.

Suddenly, a sob came from the left seat.

People looked on in surprise and saw a tall, rough-skinned man wiping away tears haphazardly. His hands were covered in calluses and his arms were scarred; he was clearly a dockworker.

"I..." he cried, "I used to work fourteen hours a day at the docks. My foreman beat and verbally abused me, humiliated me, ordered me around, and even made me work for free in his private workshop. I worked every day, but my family was always hungry..."

"Kang De Highness Kant only asked me to work eight hours a day, provide meals and milk tea, and earn work points. He said that as long as I work hard and diligently, I can earn work points. And I have been working hard and diligently every day since I was twelve years old, for twenty years now. My father worked hard until he died, and my eldest son is going to work at the docks like me. I... I..."

He choked up as he spoke, barely able to utter a word.

"Until today, I had no idea that the daily lives of three generations of our family were actually so valuable..."

The burly man buried his head between his legs, gripping his hair tightly.

He sobbed, "Why is it so good? How can it be so good? Why...?"

A moment of silence fell over the car.

The people around him gently patted his shoulder, but even Tex remained silent. Everyone crammed into the car was quiet, a feeling that was hard to describe welling up inside them.

They seemed to understand something.

Throughout their lives, from childhood to adulthood and generation after generation, ordinary people remained ordinary people, suffering from hunger, exhaustion, and a lack of dignity. They lived this life day after day, taking it for granted and accepting it as their fate. Then, in the present, after a very long time, someone appeared.

That person didn't use inflammatory speeches to deceive or put on a grand show; instead, he recognized their value as human beings through work, compensation, and respect.

For the first time, these bewildered people had a definite idea.

Things will get better from now on... I hope.

They couldn't help but pray to the gods, asking for everything to go smoothly, for them to receive enough to support their families, for the survivors of the Broken Isles to be safely rescued, and for His Highness Kang De to have his wish fulfilled and his mission accomplished, so that he could guide, govern, and protect Distant Harbor for a long, long time to come.

Temporary biological research institute.

"How big?" Kang De looked at the report, a look of astonishment on his face. "Are you sure?"

Hong San nodded solemnly. "It's unbelievable! According to the experts' analysis, Your Highness, what you cut off wasn't actually a limb of that thing!"

"No..." Kang De pointed in the direction of the laboratory, "This is fucking called a burr?"

Hong San shook his head and said, "No, but..."

Before he could finish speaking, the door to the lounge opened, and Master O'Malley rushed in anxiously, his initial arrogance gone. He exclaimed repeatedly, "Your Highness Kang De! Your Highness Kang De!"

Dairila, who had been sitting next to Kang De, had stood up, her back to the door. Her cloak concealed her signature pointed ears and slender, alluring figure, hiding her identity as the Phoenix King. Kang De frowned slightly, then said, "It's Master O'Malley, isn't it? Thank you for your expert judgment..."

The other party didn't even bother with greetings and pleasantries, rushing forward in three strides. "Your Highness! The Grand Speaker's private letter to you is extremely important; it's a solemn request from the Arcane Council!"

His face was filled with panic and unease.

Upon seeing this, Kang De's heart sank, and he exchanged a glance with Hong San.

Hong San stepped forward to take the letter, but Master O'Malley hesitated for a moment. "This is His Excellency the Grand Speaker's private letter..."

"But it's still official business." Hong San's tone was humble, but his attitude was unwavering. "I am His Highness Kang De's chief advisor, and he never hides official matters from me."

--I always felt there was something hidden in what this guy was saying.

Kang De inwardly grumbled, but outwardly he appeared nonchalant, nodding slightly to Master O'Malley. The reason he insisted that Hong San be the one to examine the object was mainly because Hong San was illiterate.

Master O'Malley hesitated only slightly before giving in, which shows how urgent the situation was. He deciphered the encrypted element and handed it to Hong San. Hong San opened it and his expression changed instantly at a glance.

He looked at Master O'Malley with a gaze as cold as a knife, but the other man was no longer as arrogant as before. He turned his gaze away in a disheveled manner, and there was even a hint of pleading in his eyes.

Your Highness.

Hong San solemnly stated, "Seventeen minutes ago, the Arcane Council 'Arcane Council Azure Fleet, which had sailed to the southwest of the Broken Sea, was attacked by a large number of sea monsters. The attackers were the same deep-sea beasts that caused the bloodshed in the Broken Isles. The Azure Fleet is relying on its shipborne magic devices and fleet formations to hold them off, but the situation is extremely perilous. Therefore, the Arcane Council's Starry Sky Council has issued a formal request to us for assistance."

Even though he was prepared, Kang De was still filled with rage.

He glared at Master O'Malley and said coldly, "Fools, you've messed things up!"

"I feel deeply ashamed." Poor Master O'Malley knew he was about to become a scapegoat, but remembering the Grand Speaker's instructions and entrustment, he was willing to endure any humiliation or ridicule. Compared to the rise and fall of a fleet, personal honor and disgrace were insignificant. He bowed his head and said, "The Council's actions were reckless and irrational. The Starry Sky Council will reflect on its mistakes and begs for your understanding and forgiveness."

The master's voice held a weak, pleading tone. "The brave warriors of the Azure Fleet are innocent. They came to resolve the calamities of the Broken Isles. They should not pay the price with their lives for the Council's wrong decisions. Kang De Highness, please have mercy on them, I beg you!"

Kang De remained expressionless and noncommittal.

O'Malley bowed deeply. "The Grand Speaker's plea and negotiations have been written into the letter, but he instructed me to reiterate that the Arcane Council willing to offer the utmost sincerity and resources for this rescue operation."

"Money as a reward, knowledge sharing, intelligence exchange, talent transfer, trade expansion—anything is negotiable. The Arcane Council be grateful for your tolerance and assistance. Your righteous act will erase all previous unpleasantness and disagreements. From now on, you will have your most loyal friend..."

It's clear that the Council really anxious.

The Azure Fleet far surpasses the Azure Fleet in size and strength, serving as the main fleet in the western seas. This time, the Council clearly acting clandestinely, perhaps even redeploying elite combat units to reinforce the Azure Fleet. If this fleet is completely annihilated in the Broken Sea...

That would be a revolutionary shock to the military balance of power in the western sea area.

The sinking of various warships built at great expense was already a painful loss, but the deaths of a large number of elite officers, battle-hardened sailors, and maritime talents were an even more irreparable wound. As a result, the loss of control of the western seas, strategic initiative, and power projection caused instability at the national strategic level.

That's why the Council backed down so quickly.

The Azure Fleet's distress report clearly stated that the enemy came from underwater, and their numbers were endless. They surrounded and swarmed the fleet, making them impossible to kill. Even if they could barely hold out for a while, the magic cores would extinguish, the magic devices would overheat, and the spellcasters would run out of mana. Ultimately, they could not hold out for long.

Given the current situation, the Council dared not send a fleet to reinforce the troops, lest they send more supplies. Instead, they could only urgently dispatch air force units and top combat forces to provide assistance.

But that wasn't enough to save the fleet from danger, so they thought of Kang De.

In less than a day, Kang De launched a terrifying yet admirable air rescue operation, evacuating 40,000 people in just over ten hours—this highly persuasive precedent is happening right now, Council can only rely on his help and assistance; if all else fails, they can at least rescue the people.

As long as the experienced sailors return safely, the warships will simply be another order.

Therefore, they were prepared to be extorted for a large sum of money by Kang De.

It's nothing more than compromise, trade, and stop-loss. As long as the officers and soldiers of the Azure Fleet can be rescued safely, any price is worth it—after all, Kang De's offer will never be less than the far-reaching impact and devastating losses caused by the complete annihilation of the Azure Fleet.

Kang De stared at Master O'Malley.

The other person's forehead was covered in sweat.

"... map."

Hong San immediately took out the map he carried with him, unfolded it, and marked the current location of the Azure Fleet on the map according to the coordinates on the letter.

Master O'Malley breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing this and repeatedly said, "Thank you for your kindness..."

Kang De raised his hand to stop him. He stared at the map for a moment, then looked up, his eyes flashing like lightning. "How did that guy discover the Azure Fleet? He didn't even see my reconnaissance planes. Can his mental perception reach such a distant area? Is there anything else you're hiding from me?"

Master O'Malley stammered, "That doesn't seem to matter..."

Kang De's expression was frosty. "Speak, or get out now."

After a brief but intense struggle, Master O'Malley finally stammered out the story of the Sea Traveler. The Grand Chancellor had told him about it, but had not mentioned the ancient ruins shown in Dakur's spirit, only that his spiritual power had touched a terrifying entity.

Kang De, enraged, laughed coldly, "Very well, you even have submarines. I underestimated you."

His gaze was dark and cold as he stared at the map. After a moment's thought, he said, "It craves flesh and blood. Taking food from its mouth will only slow down its awakening. In my opinion, the most rational approach is to use a Forbidden Spell to shatter the sea area where the Azure Fleet is located, so it won't even be able to eat shit..."

He looked at O'Malley, whose face had suddenly changed. "But if I do this, you certainly won't let it go. I originally wanted those idiots to fend for themselves and for you to reap what you sow, but since you've given me the opportunity to blackmail you, I'll give them the opportunity to live too."

Kang De looked down at the map. "The area where the Azure Fleet is located has no islands around it, so it's impossible to establish a fire base and an airfield evacuation point like in the Broken Isles. My attack methods for dealing with those sea monsters are also not applicable there, because the jets from the depth charges would damage the fleet. In such a sea area, I don't have many rescue options, so I can only do my best."

He pressed his ear to listen to the voice in the headset and said, "Three... I will dispatch three transport planes to the area where the Azure Fleet is located."

"Upon arrival, the transport planes will descend and slow down, passing overhead. They will open their rear hatches to provide an escape route. Let the Azure Fleet's airborne members seize the opportunity; as many as possible survive. This is the most reasonable and feasible plan. This is all I can do to help you."

"As for how much we'll pay for saving one, I'll talk to the dragon advisor about it with you later."

Ambassador O'Malley's expression shifted, a strange look appearing on his face. After a moment's hesitation, he whispered, "Three... Your Highness, actually, a little more would be better."

Kang De said calmly, "Our transport capacity is limited. After all this incident, the evacuation of the Broken Isles needs to be accelerated. Being able to squeeze out three planes is already quite good. You..."

At this point, he suddenly realized that Hong San was winking at him.

He paused, as if he understood something, but wasn't quite sure. He looked at Master O'Malley, whose expression was strange, and asked, "What are you trying to say?"

The other party gritted their teeth and whispered, "We are willing to pay any price to beg you for help... Just as you saved the refugees of the Broken Isles, you saved the soldiers of the Azure Fleet. The Starry Sky Council begs you, between the doomed Broken Isles and the glorious and great Arcane Council..."

"--Choose us first."

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PS1: Ah, at this rate, I feel like I'll go from updating late to updating early...