Metal Face

"The legend of the Yilan-Tai'er Civilization is actually true."

After a tug-of-war of bargaining, the five hundred crystals were reduced to fifty. The Parrot patiently and meticulously collected them, and then eagerly began to study the legendary substances from the extinct Civilization.

Her long green hair floated gently as the former empress spread her hands slightly. Her surging spiritual power lifted the green Primal Gel, red Levitation Stone, and golden Radiant Crystal into the air. The elemental radiance illuminated her incomparably beautiful face. Before her, the magical substances of the previous era were undergoing various transformations.

The Levitation Stone floated up and down, sometimes arranged stably, sometimes scattered.

The Radiant Crystal gathers and disperses, sometimes stretching into a golden thread that carries the light of elements such as water, fire, air, and earth, or condensing into a sphere that accumulates surging Magic Power seeping in from the outside world.

The Primal Gel dispersed into a mist, then, forged by elemental forces, became as hard as steel. It then exploded from within, burning fiercely like a torch. A vibrant green vine sprouted from the air, the Primal Gel clinging to it, and the buds unfurled, becoming lush and verdant, and different from before...

Kang De was mesmerized.

During the Paradox Element incident, he observed how researchers in this world studied samples, fully armed and extremely cautious, as if they wanted to wear ten layers of shields.

Phoenix King Malegith moved with effortless ease, her spiritual power radiating outwards as she multitasked. Intricate magic arrays unfolded from her palms, suspending experimental materials in mid-air. With her vast Magic Power, she created various experimental environments, their physical properties shifting and their spiritual essence flowing, creating endless variations. All of this was controlled by her shimmering golden light and slender hands. The beauty before her had a deep gaze and slightly pursed lips; her captivating face was porcelain white and radiant, as beautiful as a painting.

This is also what the previous Phoenix King looked like.

The great queen who ushered in the Golden Age, the greatest magic scholar and alchemist, left the elves with many precious legacies, not only powerful alchemical weapons and magical facilities, not only a solid foundation and wealth of knowledge, but also the temperament and responsibility that a powerful nation should have.

Kang De stared at Malegith, momentarily stunned.

And just then...

What are you standing there for?

The greatest elf king shouted, "Quickly stop the CG! Capture my stunning beauty in a picture!"

"..."

About five minutes later.

Various experimental materials were placed on the table, surrounded by twelve light gratings, while Kang De and Malegith sat on the sofa. The Parrot snuggled up to Kang De, its head close to Kang De phone.

"This one's good... this one's a bit ugly, delete it... this one's great, print it as a poster!"

She nodded repeatedly, praising, "You Earthlings certainly have a way with things. Although it can only barely preserve one-tenth of my beauty, it's better than nothing. Sigh, if only I had this when I was in power, otherwise why would I have to admire my beauty all by myself?"

Kang De glanced at him sideways and said, "Vanity."

The Parrot turned to look at him, winked mischievously with its left eye, and tilted its head, saying, "Isn't it pretty?"

"..."

Kang De tried his best to suppress the turmoil in his heart. "If she keeps her mouth shut, she is indeed a beauty."

The elfin beauty parted her cherry lips slightly, a delicate pink tongue swirling around her lips before she gave a seductive wink. "Don't you like it when you open your mouth?"

Kang De made a move to grab it, but the Parrot twisted his arm with lightning speed and pressed him onto the sofa.

"Fuck you!"

Kang De struggled desperately, Malegith's emerald hair swayed gently as she chuckled.

After a brief commotion, they returned to their business.

"The historians didn't exaggerate."

The Parrot returned to the experimental table, its tone tinged with a sigh, "Levitation Stone, Radiant Crystal, Primal Gel —these legendary substances that enabled the Yilan-Tai'er Civilization to create a prosperous era, they actually exist..."

Kang De dragged himself onto the sofa and sat down. "What do you mean?"

"You should have already guessed the uses of Levitation Stone," the Parrot said calmly. "Magnetic levitation, anti-gravity devices, hovercraft, floating fortresses, ground-effect vehicles, large aerial fortresses..."

The Earthling nodded; this wasn't difficult to understand.

"As for the Radiant Crystal, it is said to be the vessel used by the Yilan-Tai'er Civilization to master and manipulate extraordinary power... As you have seen, it exhibits an extremely astonishing elemental affinity and supermagic ability. In other words, if used properly, a mage apprentice can also use the vast Magic Power in the magic core through the Radiant Crystal implantation bundle—and it is more efficient than existing arcane circuits and elemental imprints."

Malegith explained, "As for the Primal Gel, which scholars call the Living Substance, it can even be said to be the cornerstone of the Yilan-Tai'er Civilization. They first used it as food, then as fuel, then as a building material... Most importantly, they used it to tame, induce, and spawn ancient marine creatures for their own use."

"Dio," Kang De's eyes lit up, "So, these are all ours now?"

The Parrot timely poured cold water on the situation. "Don't be too happy yet."

Kang De frowned and asked, "What? Will someone come to steal it?"

"That's not the point. The point is..." Malegith spread her hands, "How do I use it?"

Seeing Kang De's questioning gaze, Malegith rolled her eyes. "When Earthlings first dug oil out of the ground, they used it to build walls. More than a thousand years later, they used it for fire and burning people. More than a thousand years later, they invented kerosene lamps—when the Trojans used oil as fireballs, did they know that this stuff could be made into chewing gum, lipstick, and stockings?"

Kang De thought for a moment before understanding what the Parrot meant, and couldn't help but feel somewhat discouraged.

"We have to start from scratch and advance technology."

"Or what? Find Feng Lingyueying?"

Malegith scoffed, "Even after Yilan-Tai'er discovered these three substances, they didn't instantly leap into a powerful Civilization. Heaven knows how long it took them to build a prosperous era with these things..."

They looked at each other and saw the helplessness in each other's eyes.

Time.

Only time can build a powerful Civilization, but what is often lacking most is time.

Kang De sighed, "If only they were still alive."

The Parrot rolled its eyes and said, "Dream on! Do you think they get the same treatment as us?"

As she said this, Malegith felt a pang of sadness.

Through countless eras and countless ages, perhaps there is only one Li Manyue.

"Then we can only rely on you," Kang De said. "Prioritize research directions that can be applied to military purposes and rapidly increase combat effectiveness... Hopefully, the research team at Twilight Moon can be of assistance."

The Parrot, recalling the past, nodded gently.

Kang De stroked his chin, pondered for a moment, and then took out paper and pen.

"Then, the next step is clear."

He picked up his pen and wrote.

First.

"The fortification of the Broken Isles should be accelerated, permanent listening posts and observation posts should be established, the original integrated island defense system of the Broken Isles should be repaired and restarted, airports and other facilities should be built, troops and workers should be transported and deployed, and preparations should be made to excavate the debris and minerals on the islands."

Second.

"A strong, modern navy should be armed and established as soon as possible to defend maritime rights, deter hostile forces from coveting the mineral resources and Distant Harbor of the Broken Isles, and strengthen conventional forces."

"Earth warships are scarce, so the focus should be on large merchant ships and other civilian vessels. These should be enhanced with Paradox Element and enchantments, equipped with weapons and equipment such as container rocket pods, and undergo magical transformation. Unique features should be incorporated, including a life detection system, an elemental observation system, a magical core, and large magical devices, along with platforms for the take-off and landing of interdimensional air forces."

Third.

"We should immediately integrate and gather the magic scholars and alchemists from the Broken Isles to conduct research on materials such as Levitation Stone, Radiant Crystal, Primal Gel, and Star Palace remnants to explore their feasibility for military applications. We should actively engage with Dragon Island and the Dusk Moon Dynasty, inviting them to conduct joint research, and even extend invitations to research talents and major powers worldwide. If necessary, we can even leverage the research capabilities of the Empire and the Council, but we must not ask for them proactively; we must offer them a good price."

Kang De paused here.

"All of this is predicated on ensuring absolute blockade and control over the Broken Isles, treating all extraterrestrial materials as strategic commodities, and prohibiting all illegal mining, smuggling, and theft."

The Parrot standing nearby, upon seeing this, looked at Kang De with a half-smile.

Kang De stared wide-eyed and said, "The matter of the Fire Thief cannot be called a stranglehold! It's about maintaining national defense!"

The Parrot gave him the middle finger. "Whatever, it's Dairila who's after you anyway."

As she said this, she suddenly leaned on Kang De's shoulder and whispered, "Then you can tell her, 'I'll sell her 100 grams for every time I give you oral sex...'"

"Shut up! Do you think I'm that kind of person?!"

The Parrot looked at Kang De and smiled meaningfully.

Kang De composed himself, dispelling the unpleasant images in his mind, and continued writing.

Fourth.

"The possibility of acquiring advanced submersibles or even submarines from Earth is being pursued, but the fact that a large portion of the wreckage and debris has sunk into the ocean and fallen into the deep sea is a tremendous waste. Efforts should be made to excavate and acquire them."

He looked up and asked, "Is there anything else to add?"

The Parrot thought for a moment and said, "The White Mist World, establish a research institute in the White Mist World."

Kang De shook his head and said, "Let's conduct further experiments and verification. Researchers are invaluable; we can't afford any mistakes. Otherwise, it would be too terrible if we were to be wiped out in the White Mist World."

That's about right.

"Alright." Kang De picked up the paper and said, "Let's have a meeting then. Everyone can brainstorm and assign tasks—and we should also introduce you to Tina and the others."

Malegith, then chuckled, "Have you figured out how to introduce me to your wings?"

"To be honest, I haven't thought of anything else besides telling the truth," Kang De said. "But I can't let you shiver in the cold wind, striking matches to keep warm; we'll have to meet sooner or later."

The Parrot blinked and said, "I don't mind being kept outside by you—of course, there must be snacks, drinks, a computer, a game console, and a generator."

"I mind," Kang De said, grabbing the Parrot's hand. "Return to society, old woman."

The Parrot was still laughing, but its speech quickened. "Forget it, that's too boring. Living under the same roof all day, scheming against a bunch of women, I think it's much more exciting to sneak over to see you..."

Kang De glanced at her a few times, then suddenly said, "You don't have social anxiety, do you?"

Malegith retorted arrogantly, "Bullshit! My eloquence skills are maxed out!"

Kang De grabbed her and pulled her outside. "Then show them your eloquence!"

The Parrot didn't struggle and obediently followed him for a few steps.

Kang De suddenly felt that something was wrong.

She turned her head and saw that the elf before her was stunningly beautiful, with a majestic expression, piercing eyes, and a heroic and aloof demeanor. She was none other than the current Elf Queen, Dairila.

Dairila looked at him, her demeanor cool and noble. "Come, my husband, introduce your sisters to me. I'll definitely get along well with them. I don't mind if you have several women, as long as you love me..."

Kang De shuddered, hastily letting go and shouting, "Change back! That's disgusting!"

Malegith sobbed, "Poor Dairila, Kang De actually finds you disgusting..."

"Don't use her face to do such inappropriate things!"

In the end, Kang De couldn't persuade the Parrot; if the parrot was determined to cheat, Kang De really couldn't do anything about it.

But one thing is certain.

The Parrot seemed... unsure how to navigate this new world.

Perhaps it was the bewilderment of people from the old era—having created a glorious era, participated in the most magnificent wars, suffered devastating defeats, been exiled and imprisoned as a prisoner, left the cage and saw the light of day again, but everything had changed. Even long-lived elves could not escape the erosion of time. Friends and relatives had all left the Mortal World. This world no longer belonged to Malegith, and her name had long since become history.

She could only laugh loudly in front of Kang De, find pleasure in teasing Dairila, watch from afar the A Xing knew nothing and remembered nothing, and nod to Dong Tianming, who was also a prodigy. Apart from that, she would only look at this world that had nothing to do with her anymore, or immerse herself in entertainment products from another world. She no longer knew how to get along with normal people.

Even when they're just fooling around, they have to wear the Dairila persona to dare to act recklessly and let loose.

Is it a stretch?

Kang De watched the Parrot's retreating figure. "If you can't do it, Chief of Truth, shall I find someone else?"

The Parrot, with its back to Kang De, stopped.

"Come on," she said. "Where else can you find a chief scientist like me who has maximum charm, maximum leadership, maximum research efficiency, maximum knowledge, maximum poise, and can still chat and laugh with you?"

Kang De said, "You can just focus on your work."

The Chief of Truth is not only responsible for research and development, but also for guiding everyone's work, assigning tasks, and controlling progress... all of which require communication, communication, and more communication.

The Parrot probably doesn't like this...

"I don't want to be forced to work 996! I want to experience what it's like to be an exploited and oppressed corporate slave!"

Malegith fiddled with her hands on her face for a while, then suddenly turned around. "That's it!"

"... Holy shit!"

Kang De was startled.

A golden mask was now covering Malegith's flawless, stunningly beautiful face, and her robes had changed, becoming looser and obscuring her very obvious feminine features.

Her voice became distorted, carrying a metallic resonance. "Kang De, give me a kiss."

"Get away from me, metal face!"

"Don't do that, isn't this kind of play also fun?"

"Don't come any closer!"

That's the basic situation.

In the rooftop conference room of the Sound of the Tide Manor, Kang De, Malegith -Metal Face, Tina-Taidariel, Leona Vidal, Dong Tianming, Hong San... all the core members of the Shogunate had arrived.

Kang De outlined the tasks. "Given the strategic value of the resources and debris left behind in the Broken Isles, the occupation, reactivation, exploitation, and protection of the Broken Isles will be a key focus for the foreseeable future."

"We must recruit and employ technical personnel from the Broken Isles as soon as possible, bring scholars and experts into our research team, incorporate military personnel and spellcasters into the war effort, and send some of them back to the Broken Isles as guides and advisors. Let them see for themselves the condition of the Broken Isles, to appease the small Broken Isles who want to return and make them give up completely."

He looked at Dong Tianming and Hong San: "The Ministry of Plenty will be responsible for mobilizing resources, recruiting talent, selecting and integrating them, and formulating plans— the West Goth Company will provide support in terms of material expenditures. At the same time, the Ministry of Unity will also carry out propaganda work to appease people, help the refugees of the Broken Isles integrate into the existing system as soon as possible, and fill the manpower gap."

"Everyone, hurry up. I'll start building a small airport in the Broken Isles later. We'll first send the construction team there in two small passenger planes, and then try to build a permanent large airport."

"Yes!"

The regime machinery in the Distant Harbor began to operate.

That afternoon, after discussing with Tina, A Fu's sweet voice announced the invitation to the entire Distant Harbor, including the refugees from the Broken Isles.

That was His Highness Kang De's recruitment notice.

Volunteers who performed well during the evacuation were also gathered together. Based on the Horus Records' assessment of their work ability and behavior, those who were outstanding and diligent were selected and recruited into the Ministry of Unity, regardless of their background, to work with the propagandists from the Distant Harbor to answer the refugees' questions.

In short, His Highness Kang De wants to give all those who come from the Broken Isles the opportunity to earn their own living, to earn dignity, food, and shelter through their hard work.

These survivors were invited to join an exciting "the more you do, the more you earn" work points program, with a dazzling array of redemption options and surprisingly cheap prices.

The broadcasters and speakers worked together to explain His Highness Kang De's policies, including priority housing allocation for those who worked hard and various welfare rewards for those who made outstanding contributions... Most of the lower-class people who sold their labor in the Broken Isles had never seen such incredible preferential treatment. Their gratitude to Kang De, their hopes for the future, and all their anxiety and trepidation disappeared. His Highness Kang De was willing to take them in and even provide them with jobs!

Enthusiasm and gratitude erupted, and people eagerly signed up.

In Kang De's plans, people were the most valuable resource. The first batch of workers selected immediately began to expand the docks, because the West Goth Company was already taking over all the shipping and transshipment business of the Broken Isles and preparing to establish new trade routes. The abandoned docks and ports in the Distant Harbor were to be put into use as soon as possible after repair and cleaning in order to earn a steady stream of gold coins.

Because the Ministry of Unity, led by Tina, is stepping up its efforts to contact envoys from various countries, forces, and chambers of commerce, Distant Harbor has announced to the world that, under His Highness Kang De's instructions, the city will take over all commercial interests and responsibilities of the Broken Isles. His Highness Kang De's powerful navy will defend free trade throughout the entire Western Sea. Distant Harbor is the safest place, and people from all over the world are welcome to do business here.

That evening, two small passenger planes carrying urgently recruited volunteers and engineering corps returned to Distant Harbor.

The following day, two large Airbuses with their cabin seats removed carried more volunteers and greens to the Broken Isles —the former mostly soldiers and spellcasters serving on the Broken Isles, ordered to reactivate the fallen island fortresses and defend against any intruders, and the latter miners.

The greenskins brought by Leona will search for and mine the extraterrestrial resources scattered across the island under the supervision of the foreign gunners. They are the best miners, simple-minded, single-minded, and stubborn. They will absolutely obey Kang De's orders and would never hoard fragments or harbor any disloyalty.

Because the Big Mek said that if you mine seriously, you will be paid by weight, and you must not fight, fight, urinate or defecate anywhere, or be lazy. The reward you get can earn you work points, which can be exchanged for various waaaagh materials, big bang bangs, and even cars. For these newly joined greenskins who are envious of the good equipment of the foreign gun team, it is simply a wonderful thing that fell from the sky.

Another day has flown by.

The three-day period was up. Kang De calculated the time, said goodbye to Tina and the others, took three baths inside and outside the White Mist World and used a bottle of shower gel before returning to Earth.

As dawn broke, he picked up his phone; Xiaoman had sent him a message.

A series of withdrawals, and...

"Patrick Star, let's go to London!"

￥￥￥￥￥￥￥￥￥￥￥

PS1: Damn, Baldur's Gate's Gate, just based on the few pre-made faces hidden among a bunch of "deliberately ugly to appease feminists" garbage faces during character creation that are absolutely stunning in Western RPGs, I'm unilaterally declaring this the best RPG of next year!