Technology R&D Through Archaeology

Another world.

It was the dead of night in the Broken Isles, and the flagship of the Vanguard Fleet, the "Sea Vine Flower," was there.

The magic crystal lamps illuminated the conference room with crystal detail. The officers surrounded a small elemental sand table, secretly glancing at the leader. After the report was sent, the Dragon of Cathay leaped in.

Kang De took a deep breath.

The discovery of the so-called Vanguard Fleet was initially thought to be a pretext by Iron Son to betray him, but it turned out to be true—and indeed, a very significant event.

When Quilion and other fleet officers discovered this shocking phenomenon, they immediately reported it to Marshal Astolfo, the head of the Ministry of Peace's naval order. After A Fu confirmed it, he immediately notified Horus —they communicated in Morse code through the cross-border signaling device made by Kang De.

Kang De then returned to the other world and arrived at the Broken Isles.

He was invited aboard the Sea Vine Flower, where the officers showed him the sand table in front of him.

Water and earth elements simulate the terrain of the Broken Isles, while hundreds of points of light float in the sea of the sand table, each point of light connected by an arc, like a trajectory of movement.

Kang De looked up at Quilion: "Explain, Commander."

"Yes."

The elven commander said in a deep voice, "This matter begins this afternoon. We completed the initial reconnaissance of the entire island, gathered rain clouds to spread rain, and successfully brought most of the fire under control. However, the elemental phenomena caused by the rain spell altered the weather conditions in the area. In addition to the rain and strong winds, it also triggered a small-scale surge of ocean waves... Then we discovered a worrying phenomenon."

He glanced down at the sand table. "We are ordered to guard this island for Your Highness, drive away spyers, and protect the strange substances on the island. But as you know, most of the materials that fell from the sky have fallen into the sea. A large portion has sunk to the bottom of the sea, while much of it is floating on the surface and in the water. If we let them drift away, it would not only be a waste but also aid the enemy. Therefore, after obtaining Marshal A Fu's consent, we have begun some salvage work."

"For example, manipulating ocean waves to push materials floating on the surface and in shallow waters onto the shore."

"For some areas with large concentrations and obvious accumulation, we will personally lead the boats to salvage them."

Kang De nodded. "And then?"

"Then, while my magical advisor was manipulating the magic core and driving away the falling matter, he discovered a kind of barrier..." Quilion glanced at his fleet advisor.

The valiant elven mage bowed to Kang De, then took over the conversation, saying in a deep voice, "There is a force that attracts and binds these unknown substances, constantly correcting their trajectories. The undercurrents in the sea cannot carry them away, and even our manipulation of interference forces can hardly blow them ashore."

Kang De's expression changed slightly. "Are you sure?"

Quilion pointed to the sand table. "At the time, we weren't sure, so we conducted thorough tests and experiments. I contacted the ships scattered throughout the sea, ordering each ship to release the Nature Spirit towards the three special substances floating on the sea. Then, we activated Pulse Nova every fifteen seconds to converge the movement trajectory of the Nature Spirit onto the sand table on our ship—which is what you see now."

The elven commander paused, then slowly said, "Clearly, they are like celestial bodies orbiting a star... rising and falling, moving in arcs. Their trajectories are irregular, but can be seen as interference from underwater currents. Overall, however, it's enough for us to make a bold deduction..."

As he said this, he glanced at the magic advisor, who nodded.

Quilion turned to Kang De and said seriously, "Something is drawing them in... and exerting a kind of binding force, causing them to slowly and stubbornly move closer to a central point."

Kang De asked in a deep voice, "Where is the center of the ball?"

With a wave of his hand, Quilion commanded the mages waiting around the sand table to channel their spiritual energy, cutting out arcs that intersected to mark a general area on the sand table.

Kang De asked in a deep voice, "Horus, where did that sea monster emerge from the sea?"

Horus replied, "It's quite far from this area, about twenty-five kilometers."

Kang De paused for a moment, then spoke up, "What do you think it would be?"

The officers exchanged glances, and Quilion replied, "Its lair."

Kang De remained noncommittal, his gaze fixed on the sand table, his eyes darting around.

A moment later, the Dragon of Cathay raised its head and clapped its hands. "Well done, dutiful marines, you did a great job— Quilion!"

The elven commander straightened up. "Present!"

"I appreciate your vigilance, attentiveness, and proactive approach in fulfilling your duties. This was an unexpected discovery, and it is certainly significant."

"Therefore, I hereby commend the entire Vanguard Fleet for its contributions in this operation and award it collective honors. In addition, individual honors will be awarded based on the contributions and roles played by fleet members in specific operations. The specific details of the awards will be determined by the relevant departments of the Ministry of Peace. Therefore, Commander Quilion, please submit an operation report to Marshal Astolfo as soon as possible."

Kang De smiled at the officers and said, "Celebrate! You will all receive a considerable amount of military merit points. If this discovery proves to have even greater value, further merit points may be awarded."

The officers looked at each other, then cheered loudly.

Amid cheers, Kang De shook hands with Quilion.

"Please convey my gratitude to all the fleet members for their dedication to their duties. This is my rule, Kang De's rule—do good work, and you'll get rewarded; the more work you do, the more reward you'll receive."

The elven commander nodded and said, "You are undoubtedly a great leader, Kang De Highness Kant."

They all knew what military merit was.

In the past few days, the four departments of the Shogunate have been established. The first thing to do is to set rules and improve the reward and punishment system. As the military force that Kang De valued the most, the reward and punishment system has also been rapidly established.

The reward policy is based on precise quantification, rewarding the capable more, clearly distinguishing between rewards and punishments, and ensuring that merits and demerits do not offset each other.

The currency for quantifying merit is called military merit. There are many ways to obtain military merit: passing training, meeting course standards, obeying orders well, and completing exercises can all earn military merit. Defeating the enemy, capturing enemy generals and flags, and being the first to charge into battle can also earn military merit. And obviously, the latter earns far more than the former.

The army and navy, led by Horus and A Fu, will be officially integrated into the post-information warfare model. In a specific battle, the combat missions accepted by each combat unit will be evaluated and corresponding military merit points will be awarded. The advanced experience of many online games on Earth will naturally be applied to this system.

Military merit points can be broadly categorized into two uses: promotion and redemption.

Promotion through military merit is a constant accumulation and does not conflict with how much you spend on exchanging for it. For example, if a senior Nord soldier accumulates 3,000 military merits, he will be promoted to Nord Royal Guard. Even if he exchanges all 3,000 military merits for a large bag of cone-shaped arrows, it will not prevent him from being promoted.

However, it doesn't mean that a new recruit who accidentally accumulates a large number of military merits can directly become an officer or even a general. In the promotion mechanism, military merits are only one of the criteria.

In order to be promoted, in addition to accumulating enough military merits, one must also meet several strict requirements.

A recruit who wants to become a rifleman only needs to complete three months of basic training and meet the standards in shooting, physical fitness, discipline and other courses and assessments. After completing these tasks, he will get enough merit points to be promoted to private. However, if he wants to become an elite hunter, he has to participate in more training and assessments to accumulate more merit points.

Training, assessments, and daily performance are the only ways for new recruits to earn military merit.

As for becoming a general, in addition to accumulating a huge amount of military merit points, one must also meet many hard requirements—such as having participated in several battles as a battlefield commander, having experience commanding various branches of the armed forces, actual win rate, passing assessments, and so on.

There are many more ways to redeem them.

Military merits are similar to work points in the Distant Harbor, but under Kang De's requirements and instructions, military merits have a stronger purchasing power than work points. This is a form of guidance and honor. As for the redemption section, work points are a subset of military merits. Anything that can be redeemed with work points can also be redeemed with military merits, and there is even a certain discount.

What can't be redeemed with work points can be redeemed with military merits.

A wide variety of military supplies, vehicles, enhancement potions, auxiliary scrolls, and even custom-made and modified personal weapons and equipment beyond standard weapons, as well as special ammunition with greater power.

There are so many intricacies involved here—to solve the problem of stockpiling military merits and not being able to use them, Kang De and Horus drew on many experiences from Earth. You see, even if the game is free, if you want to play it well, skillfully, and enjoyably, you still have to give up something, right?

For example, Quilion, an elven commander, is powerful and experienced. It's too easy for elite officers with such service experience to gain military merits. They only need to command a few battles and win them brilliantly to gain considerable military merits. If there aren't enough items to exchange for these merits, then the design of this military merit system is flawed and needs improvement.

But since he's so obsessed with power armor, that makes things easier.

It is only natural that fleet commanders and senior officers are issued personal powered armor.

In addition to the standard-issue power armor, there are also personalized paint jobs, impact calibration accessories, magneto-electric coil modifications, custom shoulder cannon modules, and energy-focused gauntlet modifications.

Once the existing ones are sold out, more can be released. Once this set of power armor is fully upgraded, another set can be released. Once the ground-based armor is sold out, there are flying armors. Once the flying armors are sold out, there are swimming armors... Let's see if you can grind faster or if the company can release more.

I heard you're an elf? You must be very resilient!

Such examples embody the principle of "catering to their preferences."

In addition, there is the ultimate temptation for the warriors—the ultimate exchange item.

After accumulating a large number of military merits and meeting stringent requirements, even soldiers from ordinary companies can apply to join ultimate combat groups such as the Destruction Squadron, which are inevitably at the top of the hierarchy of contempt.

This is the highest honor reserved for those born war fanatics.

Clearly, Quilion was unaware of the gravity of the situation at that moment.

Not long ago, he broke his oath to the Dusk Moon Dynasty and reaffirmed his loyalty to Kang De. He joined a newly formed force and was pleasantly surprised to find a new atmosphere different from the Royal Navy —it was unlike the Twilight Moon's military order in every way. This new army, though newly established, surprised and even unsettled him.

It should be noted that although he had withdrawn from his oath, he still held an extreme sense of pride and recognition for the Royal Navy, but now, that recognition was quietly being shaken.

Because he had seen the notification from the Distant Harbor Headquarters regarding the trial implementation of the military merit system.

Everything is quantified, rewards and punishments are clearly defined, and military merit is paramount.

What would it mean if this system could be implemented perfectly?

This means that soldiers can live a wealthy and respectable life without having to commit arson, murder, looting, or other evil deeds.

This means that soldiers only need to uphold their honor and fight bravely to get everything they want.

This means that soldiers don't need any connections, background, or nepotism; even if it's difficult, even if they have to take great risks, fight, and face challenges, they still have the possibility of becoming generals and changing their destiny forever.

This sent a chill down Quilion's spine.

Although, from an elf's experience and perspective, many laws in the world were originally well-intentioned but have gradually been distorted by desires and corrupted by malice, Quilion has complete confidence in this merit-based military system, for a simple reason...

His Highness Kang De can deliver on everything promised in this system.

He has proven it to everyone time and time again.

Overwhelmed with emotion, the elven commander earnestly said, "May you be victorious in every battle, Your Highness. No matter who the enemy is, your brave warriors will stand with you and sweep away all obstacles."

Kang De felt the other man's firm handshake and said, "I hope that decades from now, we will still be the same as we are now, unchanged."

Quilion nodded and said, "Absolutely."

He thought Kang De was referring to remaining true to one's original aspirations and upholding the vows and honors of today.

Kang De meant...

--Elf, may your hair remain as thick as clouds decades from now.

He ordered the jubilant officers to spread the good news throughout the fleet, and Kang De went to inspect the island again before finally returning to the Distant Harbor. Amid Horus's low sneers, he tiptoed back to the Sound of the Tide Manor.

It was already past midnight when he was greeted by A Fu's radiant smile and the Dragon Girl's middle finger.

The ship girls don't need physical sleep or rest; they're currently working in the study on the third floor, also taking on security duties, while the dragons are used to sleeping for long periods.

Kang De first went to see A Xing, A Xing was grinding his teeth in his sleep. After watching for a while, he smiled and left the room. Then he quietly pushed open Tina's bedroom door. Under the dim light of the magic crystal lamp, the resonance of Eternal Tranquility's Protection and Chang'an's Watch awakened Tina. The princess, lying on the bed, opened her beautiful blue eyes and smiled at him.

Kang De raised his index finger and shushed her; Tina nodded with a smile.

--Because Leona was sleeping next to her.

On the day that things almost went wrong, Kang De's wishful thinking fell through. Tina's arrival did not bring many benefits, because after the banquet, the girls of the Sound of the Tide Manor each started to have their own schemes.

Leona squeezed into Tina's room, claiming she hadn't seen her in a long time and was afraid to sleep alone. Lily, on the other hand, went to stay with A Xing and warned Kang De that if he tried to deceive A Xing, she would tell Tina.

Kang De approached lightly and sat on the edge of the bed. Tina was wearing a white nightgown with a high neckline that revealed a deep cleavage, while Leona was fast asleep beside her.

The princess whispered, "What happened?"

Kang De nodded and said softly, "There have been some new discoveries over on the Broken Isles..."

Is there anything I can do?

"I can handle it myself."

"Shall we rest now?"

"Not yet."

Tina chuckled upon hearing this, "Then let's go."

As she spoke, she closed her eyes, slightly raised her head, and parted her cherry lips.

Kang De hesitated for a moment, then Tina opened her eyes and reached out to hug the back of Kang De's neck.

Their lips met, and her sweet breath filled his mouth. Kang De resisted for about half a second before losing control. His hands were drawn into Tina's nightgown, enveloping her soft, jade-like breasts and nurturing her growing nipples. He couldn't help but part her collar, lower his body, and brush his lips against Tina's delicate chin and slender neck. Just as his lips touched her breasts, Tina's hands pressed against them.

"No..." Tina whispered, "I can't help it, I'll wake her up..."

Kang De sighed helplessly, but released her as instructed. Tina smiled at this and whispered, "Hurry up and finish building the Ministry of Unity's office building..."

Upon hearing this, Kang De's breathing quickened even further.

Countless images flashed through his mind, and he said with difficulty, "I'm leaving."

Tina tilted her head back and kissed him again. "Go on, get some rest."

Kang De looked back every few steps, and finally departed.

The door closed silently, Tina lay back on the bed, savoring the feeling from just now. Her collar, which had been gently pulled open, was left open, exposing most of her rounded curves, with even a hint of pink showing. Tina didn't care about this; her gaze shifted to the other side, where Leona was fast asleep.

Tina gently reached out and stroked the veins of the silver hair, moving upwards until she lightly touched the back of the silver-haired girl's neck, stroking it back and forth.

In the quiet room, the princess's gentle murmur echoed, "How annoying..."

In her sleep, Leona involuntarily shivered.

Kang De, Kang De, returned to the White Mist World.

I used up a bottle of facial cleanser and half a tube of Yunnan Baiyao toothpaste.

"... Is it really necessary?" Iron Son exclaimed in surprise. "Weren't we going to see the Parrot? Why do we need to wash this too?"

"You know nothing," Kang De spat out the water in his mouth. "This is basic respect!"

"I think it's the self-cultivation of a scumbag."

"Hello!"

The Parrot was indeed cultivating immortality. The first laboratory of the temporary research center had been occupied by Malegith. Hearing the door open, the Parrot turned its head, and its metallic face looked extremely eerie.

"Oh!"

Parrot wearing a metal mask walked gracefully toward Kang De, its delicate, slightly raised finger pointing towards him. Its voice, though initially sweet and coquettish, sounded sinister under the distorted metal mask, "Why have you come at this hour, sir? Is the lady of the house asleep?"

"..."

Kang De waved his hand and said, "Take that thing off."

"No, no, no!" The Parrot covered her metal mask, saying shyly, "I swore that whoever takes off this mask and sees my true face, I will marry him!"

"True colors?"

Kang De said calmly, "You mean a foul-mouthed Kangaroo, someone who bites and shoots Pigeon, uses cheat codes when they can't beat someone in a game, loves junk food and carbonated drinks, swears constantly, spends their days cultivating immortality, and is a virgin old woman, oh my god!"

After saying this last sentence, the Parrot's fist sank into Kang De's abdominal muscles.

Humans always repeat the same mistakes.

"You motherfucker, you violent thug..."

Kang De helped the Parrot up by the shoulder and removed the metal mask.

Beneath the mask was Dairila's face, who said tenderly, "Kang De, marry me."

Kang De reached out blankly and roughly kneaded that exquisite face, turning the rest of his confession into a series of muffled sobs. "What are you doing, Eulerka..."

"Don't always act like Dairila, using her face to deceive and seduce me, she'll cry."

The Parrot blinked. "Isn't it great? I can enjoy two things at once, and Dairila won't cry. I can be her all day, flirting with you. Once you get used to it, you'll naturally flirt with her too. Once she gets used to it, she can blame everything on me and naturally adapt to your flirting. She can even become me and enjoy the feeling of being free—isn't that great?"

... What a load of nonsense.

Kang De grabbed the Parrot and kneaded it back to its true form, then looked at the experimental table, where various experimental materials floated about, and many books were piled up beside it.

"What are you doing? Why aren't you asleep yet?"

The Parrot said casually, "Read the books written by later generations to understand the technological progress and regression of this era. In your spare time, study the new things from Yilan-Tai'er, and the Paradox Element."

Kang De snapped his fingers, "Any discoveries?"

The Parrot became interested. "Yes, the Radiant Crystal has an excellent ability to guide Paradox Element. I'm considering pressing the Starry Firmament Bridge fragments into foil, wrapping them around Radiant Crystal strips, and making something like an electrical wire. Paradox Element can pass through perfectly and stably all the way to the end—do you have any ideas? Connect the crystal to this wire, extend it all the way to your hand, and then implant a wand core or other casting terminal, or even a semi-solidified spell model... Any ideas?"

Kang De's body trembled. "Damn, it's Magic Crest!"

"Correct answer!" the Parrot exclaimed excitedly. "Where the hell did you find this Dior thing?"

Kang De also became excited. "What is the success rate of implantation in a living organism?"

The Parrot shook its head and said, "We haven't tried it. We tried it on animals, but it didn't work very well. The main problem is human rejection. The Radiant Crystal needs to undergo some kind of harmless treatment—there's no shortcut to this; we can only keep experimenting."

Kang De smiled and said, "Then you might like the news I brought."

"What?"

Kang De told the Parrot about his discoveries regarding the Broken Isles.

The Parrot suddenly sat up straight and exclaimed, "I knew it! That monster slept in the sea for so long after devouring the Yilan-Tai'er Civilization, there must be something wrong with that! Let's go! Let's go tomb raiding! Let's go archaeology! Let's dig up graves!"

￥￥￥￥￥￥￥￥￥￥

PS1: By the way, did the ancient West have a military merit system as rigorous as that of the Qin Dynasty? I searched around but couldn't find it.