Atlantis

"Gentlemen, have you made your decision?"

Several days have passed since the nuclear explosion, and the aurora borealis that lingered in the sky has dissipated, but the aftershocks of this major event in the western sea are far from over. The resulting shocks are constantly changing the political landscape of the entire world, influencing the decisions, considerations, and choices of a host of top elites.

The Tower of All-Seeing, the decision-making center of the Arcane Council, the elemental radiance of the Starry Sky Council illuminated the silent night. The councilors had been debating for days, and all pre-mobilization actions had been completed. Material mobilization, troop preparation, and plan development were underway. All that remained was the final order.

The Grand Speaker gazed at the assembled crowd and slowly said, "Yilan-Tai'er, a relic of the previous era, a land of prosperous and captivating legends, now, the descendants of this Civilization have made contact with us."

He paused, then emphasized, "This is fate's reward."

It really is a mysterious fate.

Because they didn't trust Kang De, they sent the experimental Sea Traveler to the target area for reconnaissance, but unexpectedly encountered the sea monster, the submarine sank, and all crew members perished.

However, the Ocean Traveler sank to the cold seabed was found by the descendants of Yilan-Tai'er, and through the communication equipment in the submarine, after countless years, they once again made contact with the Civilization on land.

After several days of deciphering, exchanging information, and communicating, the Council has completed initial communication with the legendary race in the deep sea and has gained some understanding of their situation.

The last refuge was occupied and devoured by the deep-sea behemoth. Day after day, year after year, in the midst of despair, they guarded the last Spark of Civilization. The area of protection shrank year by year, the birth rate declined year after year, and even strict resource control could not stop the approach of extinction. Little by little, slowly and terrifyingly.

The once incredibly prosperous Civilization of Yilan-Tai'er has become the richest beggar.

They kept losing until they had nothing left, but they also possessed the most precious treasure in the world—the concentrated essence of a powerful Civilization.

Technology, ideas, knowledge... They guard this endless treasure, yet they can do nothing about it.

To this day.

To this day.

"We must save them!" the Grand Speaker declared solemnly. "This is our mission, this is our responsibility. We are the Arcane Council, and it is our duty to extend a helping hand to the last descendants of a fallen Civilization, to help them thrive and rebuild their glory... This is what we should do!"

The lawmakers responded enthusiastically, "That's absolutely right!"

After countless years of struggle and support, the descendants of Yilan-Tai'er are extremely weak. They are like children carrying gold into a bandit's den, and any monarch or leader on the continent would not hesitate to devour them. The Council must play its role and assume its responsibility.

Protect them, help them, rescue them.

These kind and just politicians exchanged ideas.

"The Merlot Family can provide them with a large island, and the surrounding marine area will also belong to them!"

"To hell with your wretched island! The Kebuye Family can help them rebuild their maritime city, but that requires some technical exchange and cooperation..."

"My research institute focuses on supermagic, so I'm sure we'll have a lot in common..."

"I can't wait to see their plans and suggestions regarding specific examples of Levitation Stone's application in aerial vehicles, after all, the Council also needs its own high-altitude, high-speed vehicles!"

"I've heard that source matter can be used to tame wild beasts, perhaps we..."

The impeccably dressed councilors declared ownership of the cake to each other, their napkins already tied with restraint, waiting for the workers below to retrieve and cook the most delicious ingredients.

The Grand Speaker looked at them, a momentary shadow crossing his face.

He should have gotten used to it by now; it's always been this way.

But this respected, knowledgeable, and powerful spellcaster also longed for the golden age of the Council, a time when knowledge was valued over power, exploration over conservatism, and the shortsightedness and folly of noble lords were despised. He saw himself as the guardian and pioneer of Civilization, as he should have been, and as he always should have been.

But time flies, and the wisest and bravest explorers have wives, children, families, students, and friends. Their power and authority then become monetized, attracting more beneficiaries to their side, thus generating even more power and authority, a cycle that repeats itself...

Until everyone is no longer in control of their own destiny.

Aside from wearing robes and possessing power, they are no different from the rulers in castles and mansions.

The Grand Speaker felt an instinctive unease.

Yes, the Council remains powerful. The rules, systems, and foundations established during the Golden Age continue to play a vital role, attracting the world's most talented magical individuals to study and further their education. They draw knowledge from the Council and give back to Council. The vast nation operates smoothly, research results are constantly transformed into real benefits, expanding territory, earning wealth, strengthening national defense, and increasing the army—a virtuous cycle... But amidst this prosperity, more and more discordant notes are emerging.

Kang De's presence is at best an unpleasant noise in this piece of music.

But what the Grand Speaker heard was a faint, decaying sound emanating from within the Council.

"... Gentlemen," he said calmly, "Yilan-Tai'er won't come out on his own."

The politicians, numbed by the overwhelming knowledge of their lost Civilization, fell silent in the face of the nuclear explosion.

The Grand Speaker waved his hand, and the situation in the deep sea was outlined on the elemental disk.

"At least 1,600 meters underwater... and even deeper, it's pitch black, with only churning sea foam and tiny plankton, but there's no guarantee that even more deadly dangers might be lurking there."

The leader of the Arcane Council stated, "At this depth, with the immense water pressure and the dangers lurking in the endless darkness... only submarines can reach and operate in this area. We have already dispatched two submarines to the target waters, but this will take time, and we also need to prepare."

"And most importantly..."

He paused for a moment, then slowly said, "We must keep this from Kang De."

The name seemed to possess Magic Power, causing the core members Council to pause in shock. They were among the most powerful people in the world, yet they were intimidated by a single name.

Kang De, the Dragon of Cathay, the Forbidden Spell Spellcaster.

Since this Cathayan appeared in this world, he has been constantly making headlines.

And they are increasing in number and size.

At first, they only slaughtered a small town, then annihilated five legions, forced the world's hegemon to negotiate peace, and then contributed the number of dragon-slaying quotas that the world had not been able to gather in twenty years within a dozen minutes. They seized the fleets of the world's three major powers, created the most horrifying large-scale executions against the aristocratic class in nearly a century, and launched a massive air rescue and delivery operation that occupied the skies.

A sun was planted in the Mortal World.

The sky was painted with aurora borealis.

He arrogantly opposed the Council, refusing their offers of assistance, thus creating a hostile relationship between the two sides. Now, he has surpassed the elves and become the Council's primary adversary.

In short, this Cathayan has been Council as an enemy by the council.

The reason they didn't take action was because the radiance of the Vulcan's Light that day was too terrifying.

They discovered with sorrow, anger, and helplessness that their own defense system for intercepting and countering Forbidden Spell was far from being completed, while Kang De's Forbidden Spell were becoming increasingly diverse.

Now, the best opportunity is presented to the Council.

When worldly wisdom cannot stem the wrath of Forbidden Spell, why not turn to the lost Civilization?

"We must keep it from Kang De."

The Grand Speaker's voice was calm and composed as he repeated himself.

"Right!"

There were no disagreements, no arguments, no opposition for the sake of opposition, and no undermining each other.

The opinions of the members of parliament, who were usually keen on arguing and tripping each other up, were surprisingly unanimous. Even those members of parliament who had business dealings or potential ties with Kang De and advocated for moderate dialogue did not object.

Even the most moderate businessperson cannot tolerate a situation where the Sword of Deterrence is becoming increasingly sharp.

We must keep this from Kang De.

Not only must it be kept secret from Kang De, but from everyone else as well.

The principles of openness, inclusiveness, sharing, and cooperation advocated by the Council have all been thrown to the back of their minds.

In the past few days, only one thought has been on the minds of the lawmakers.

--Kang De's Forbidden Spell is already so powerful; if he were to acquire the legacy of the Civilization of Yilan-Tai'er, what would become of him!? This situation must not be allowed to occur!

"Admittedly, we lied. We lied to Yilan-Tai'er, saying that we killed the sea monster, but it was a white lie. The Council was capable of dealing with that behemoth; it's just that Kang De acted first." The Grand Speaker said this calmly, without the slightest embarrassment.

Everyone nodded in unison, looking as if it were the obvious and true fact.

"We deceived them because they have been isolated from the world for so long that they do not know how terrible Kang De is. The Cathayan did not kill the sea monster to save them; he stole the power of the sun and spread endless intimidation and fear to the mortal Mortal World. He tried to use this to blackmail and humiliate nations. Not only us, but the Empire and even Goth suffered such humiliation, and even the elves were forced to lower their noble heads."

The Grand Speaker said in a deep voice, "Kang De is a brutal, cruel, rude, and cold-blooded dictator. We cannot stand by and watch Yilan-Tai'er fall into the clutches of such a man. Although we have deceived them, our actions and motives are sincere, and we will liberate them from their painful imprisonment."

"Then we will invite them to join us, to become one of us, to help them Jianguo, to integrate them into this era, to face together the evil threat from the Cathayan, so that the power of the previous era may become the power to maintain and protect the order and peace of this era..."

The Grand Speaker stood up and said in a deep voice, "The entire operation should be swift, secretive, and decisive. It's best not to alert anyone. Even if the news leaks out, we must take away the descendants of Yilan-Tai'er as soon as possible, so that they Council, and make them realize the evil nature of Kang De."

"If necessary..." he said slowly, "Sacrifices are acceptable."

The lawmakers stirred slightly. "What exactly is it, Speaker?"

"We must distract Kang De and divert his attention," the Grand Chancellor said after a moment of silence. "Azure Fleet... order the Azure Fleet, which has completed its resupply, to proceed to the Broken Isles and confront Kang De's fleet stationed there. In addition, send a formal protest to Distant Harbor through diplomatic channels."

"Kang De is required to explain to the continental nations, in the spirit of sharing, openness, and cooperation, what happened that night, the details of the celestial anomaly, and provide samples for their security agencies to examine in order to eliminate danger and threat... This is a continental treaty, and he must abide by it."

"Find a few incompetent but high-ranking individuals among the Broken Isles' residents within the Council's sphere of influence, form a Broken Isles exile organization, and have them issue a proclamation claiming that the sea monsters were released by Kang De, and asserting all rights over the Broken Isles, including ownership of the islands, as well as all businesses and interests there."

"And let them incite and lobby the Valentan refugees—don't look at me like that, I know it's difficult, but it's to distract Kang De, so do it."

"An invitation has been extended to the Empire; I wish to speak with His Majesty the Emperor tomorrow."

"Also, contact our elven companions... I've heard some unpleasant rumors; the relationship between Kang De and the Elf Queen is becoming increasingly confirmed, and I'm sure some elves are extremely dissatisfied and furious."

The Speaker issued a series of orders, and the heads of various departments and members of parliament nodded in agreement. The decisions made in the meeting would be compiled into practical action clauses. If the members of parliament had no objections, they would mobilize and dispatch their respective forces to cooperate and implement the decisions.

"In short, make as much noise as possible to distract Kang De, so that while Kang De's overwhelmed and exhausted, we can seize the opportunity to find the sunken site of Yilan-Tai'er, help them break the seal on the Shelter, and return to the Mortal World... This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and we must seize it."

The Council's ruler said grimly, "We cannot allow Kang De to grow any stronger— Kang De has an ambiguous relationship with the Elf Queen, has swallowed up the naval interests of the Broken Isles, and has surpassed us in certain areas of alchemy and magic. He has clashed with us and is hostile towards us. It is almost certain that he will clash with our interests in the future."

He looked around at each member of parliament. "You all know what this means."

The lawmakers nodded in agreement.

"This is the best opportunity yet. Kang De is unaware that the Yilan-Tai'er Civilization still exists... He may be delighted with the seashells that have fallen on the island, while we will harvest the most beautiful pearls."

Just then, a member of parliament said, "But what if Kang De was curious about the origins of the sea monsters...?"

"Then he wouldn't be able to reach a depth of nearly two thousand meters, much less pinpoint the entrance to the Yilan-Tai'er sanctuary in such a vast and dark ocean. They drew you a map; you should know how difficult that is," the Grand Speaker said calmly. "Kang De doesn't have a submarine."

--That's hard to say.

That suspicion did indeed appear on the congressman's face.

He could effortlessly produce so many high-speed, large aircraft that even the Council didn't have... and submarines...

"Submarines and aircraft are two different things. We have already copied the shape of Kang De's aircraft, and after theoretical verification, it can indeed fly. Soon we will be able to replicate our own aircraft, and even develop and improve upon those uniquely our own..."

"But submarines present too many problems to solve, including materials, communications, experience, and coordination."

The Grand Speaker waved his hand and said, "Besides, if Kang De had an underwater device, how could he have been caught off guard by that giant sea monster? Obviously, he didn't know what it was, nor did he attempt to dive into the sea. Most importantly... the only ones who can contact Yilan-Tai'er are us."

"Alright, let's not bring this up again. If we're afraid of being overtaken by Kang De, let's get started."

The Starry Sky Council reached an agreement, and the vast and sophisticated national machine of the Arcane Council began to operate, deceiving Yilan-Tai'er, stealing Kang De's credit, keeping it from the world, and enjoying the glory of the lost Civilization alone.

They lie, they steal, they conceal—this is the glory of exploration and progress.

The Grand Speaker's gaze swept past the city's dazzling lights and landed in the direction of the Distant Harbor.

--People of Cathayan, we have a long way to go.

Earth.

Kang De returned home after spending more than ten hours pondering with his Parrot.

Finding traces of the Civilization of Yilan-Tai'er in the vast ocean depths is impossible with these inexperienced individuals lacking equipment.

We need to find a good solution that satisfies both sides.

It's only been a little over an hour here, not even 11 p. m.

He hesitated for a moment, then went straight back to Diaoyutai and dialed Qin Mengjin's number.

Only one sound rang out before Miss Qin's voice came through, her surprise tinged with a hint of inexplicable unease. "Comrade... Comrade Kang De? So late..."

Kang De chuckled, "Asleep? Interested in chatting?"

There was a moment of silence on the other end, then Miss Qin seemed to take a deep breath, and her tone became firm. "I... I understand, I... I'll be right there, please wait a moment..."

"There's no need for you to come over; let's just talk on the phone."

"Ah... ah? This... I..."

"To put it simply," Kang De continued, "I'd like to borrow the nation's submersible for a while. By the way, does our country possess any relevant technologies for deep-sea exploration, positioning, and salvage?"

"Ah?"

Qin Mengjin let out an even louder gasp of astonishment, even with a hint of subconscious embarrassment and annoyance. "This is it?"

Kang De was also taken aback. "What?"

"... nothing."

The well-trained Miss Qin quickly adjusted her mindset. "I will report your request. Would you like it expedited? It's getting late; should we wake up the relevant supervisor? Could you please elaborate on the matter?"

"I think the sooner the better, as for what it is..."

Kang De chuckled, "According to my rather secretive, undisclosed sources, there seems to be something strange buried on the seabed of the Atlantic Ocean, perhaps the legendary Atlantis..."

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PS1: Sigh, I still need to rewatch documentaries about professional treasure shipwreck salvage. I don't know how much useless knowledge I'll need to learn to write this book... However, the main part of the archaeological plot will take place after London, and these two storylines will have some overlap and entanglement... Ah, this seems like a spoiler, but oh well, the hints have been quite obvious. Anyway, I've rewatched The Britain and The Fall of London. Do you guys have any other exciting movies with similar themes to recommend?