So Tired

Just as Kang De guessed.

The ability to Extraction Element can also be used in magic.

Or rather, the Element Extraction from fully formed magic are purer and more refined.

Perhaps it's because the process of magical shaping is itself a form of refinement...

However, for Kang De, the greater use of this ability, rather than for extracting purer, higher-quality Element, was the result of "eliminating magic."

This means he can punch spellcasters' heads like some spiky-haired teenager.

However, there are still significant differences.

All the spiky-haired guy needs to do is extend his right hand to block; it's an epic buff that's permanently and passively applied to his hand, requiring no special activation method or skill.

Kang De, on the other hand, needed extensive practice, faster reaction speed, and even a certain understanding and insight into the corresponding school of magic in order to reach out and wipe away the fireball shot by the opponent—otherwise, he would be burned to a crisp by the oncoming fireball.

Ugh, what a hassle.

Plenty of practice is the easiest way to solve the problem—so just practice a lot.

His reaction speed and physical fitness were also easy to improve. He consumed a large amount of crystals on the island, and his physical fitness had become strong enough to compete with a knight like Cleveland who had enhanced his Dou Qi. In terms of online novel terminology, he was a body-refining type.

Furthermore, this other world has things like Dou Qi and martial arts. If all else fails, you can go back to the Holy Seal Archipelago to fight Black Beast. Also, this other world has alchemical potions like power potions, so there are many ways to go.

Having knowledge of the relevant schools of magic is a problem that cannot be solved for the time being. Tina claims that she is not a good teacher, but she promises to use the connections of the Taidariel Family to help Kang De find a master alchemist to teach him. He needs to systematically learn the art of enchanting, and of course, he also needs to learn about elemental forces.

Practice and grow step by step; these things cannot be rushed.

There's no use in panicking.

But this does not mean that Kang De could not find another way.

"For example, you have the Flame Chaser Round Shield," Tina said. "The elemental shaping spells can be categorized by their attack mechanism into missile-type, orb-type, ray-type, coverage-type, breath-type, and so on. If the opponent fires Flame missile, you can simply block it with your round shield."

"If it's a breath spell like Flame Leap, you can first use the Flame Chaser Round Shield to block it, and then carefully break it down... that's roughly the idea."

Kang De nodded.

"This power is actually very strong... because it is unknown."

The princess continued, "Keeping a secret as a trump card means that the mage who is your enemy will not know your true strength or your abilities, while you can shatter his magic at the crucial moment, seize the fleeting opportunity to win, and end the battle in the blink of an eye."

She gave another example. "Take the mage's last line of defense, Arcane Shield. Before the shield is broken, the mage can cast spells without worry, but you might be able to make their tough shield fail for a moment and seize this excellent opportunity to defeat a powerful spellcaster."

Kang De listened attentively, nodding repeatedly.

Although he has a relatively good understanding of "fantasy worlds," the experience he gained from online novels and fantasy games was all made up by authors and developers. In comparison, the views of the people from other worlds themselves are more reliable.

Tina sighed, "Unfortunately, I am neither a good spellcaster nor a good magic teacher. Kang De, you not only need a powerful alchemist as your mentor, but also an upright and reliable powerful spellcaster as your magic advisor."

"The former can be found in the capital, but the latter is a problem because you have to keep this a secret and can't let too many people know..."

She pondered for a moment, a troubled look on her face, and then said, "Powerful spellcasters are easy to find, but reliable people of our own are hard to find. If I were to look, I could only search within Goth Ministry of Justice..."

"But you can only come to Goth after the war is over; there's a war going on right now..."

Upon hearing this, Kang De was struck by a thought.

He looked at the girl in front of him and asked, "Do you want me to help you fight this war?"

Similar to Tina, Kang De sometimes also likes to be straightforward.

Her Highness was clearly taken aback by Kang De's direct question about this most delicate matter, and her heart skipped a beat.

She thought of the images she had seen on the tablet that day.

Cities forged of steel, weapons of war forged of steel, spewing Flame, pouring out death, the sky collapsing and the earth splitting, explosions, explosions and more explosions, pure and brutal destruction and slaughter.

If Goth had possessed such power, would he still have feared the spirits?

No, then it will be the world's turn to fear Goth.

Deep in her heart, she longed for Kang De to help her, not only because of the powerful strength of that Civilization, but also because of the Fire Thief legacy that Kang De had obtained... which had now revealed countless possibilities.

But if I answer "yes," wouldn't it seem like our interactions these past few days have been... somewhat ulterior motives?

The goodwill shown was even a deliberate display of respect and courtesy, bordering on ingratiating.

Even she herself didn't know why she was so enthusiastic about Kang De's affairs. Was it because of the power he wielded, or because of him himself, or...? She didn't know which feeling was more prominent.

Tina didn't know how to answer.

She raised her head and looked into Kang De's eyes.

His expression was composed, his eyes were calm, and his questions were straightforward.

Then she should do the same.

The girl slowly exhaled and whispered, "My country is at war and at a disadvantage. While we are speaking, brave citizens may lose their lives. Under these circumstances, as a member of the Taidariel Family, I must unite and win over all forces that can help us."

"If you ask me whether I want your help, my answer is, of course, I need everything that can help Goth, let alone a force as significant and with boundless potential as Kang De."

Kang De awaited her response.

"But if you ask me whether I would invite you to join the war between the elves and Goth right now, my answer is no. If you ask me whether my previous actions were to curry favor with you in order to get you to join the war between the elves and Goth, I would say no, that's not it."

"I'm simply repaying you. Including introducing you to a master alchemist, it's all to repay you for your efforts in helping us defeat the elves, nothing more."

"So please don't worry or hesitate, these are all things you deserve, they are our gifts of gratitude."

Tina chuckled, "Of course, if you want to see it as a gesture of goodwill and an investment, we'd be very happy to accept it. I'm helping Goth recruit a promising alchemy master. When you've mastered your skills and become world-renowned, we'll make a fortune if we just show a little favoritism."

That's what the girl said.

His gaze was open and unwavering.

As an Earthling who frequently practiced lying and lie detection with his mother, Kang De was probably able to discern Tina's thoughts and intentions; she was not lying.

Or rather, it's just another way of saying it.

The art of language... winning favor in this way and achieving one's goals subtly and effectively.

This approach is not offensive.

"I just hope that Kang De could make choices based on his own judgment, rather than being hindered by personal feelings, and truly use his own eyes to confirm who deserves help and who is on the side of justice... Perhaps my thinking is a bit naive. I always feel that this world is about right and wrong. I know this idea is naive, but... I still couldn't change my mind."

Tina smiled and said, "Perhaps it's because I haven't experienced anything yet that would make me realize and grow."

Kang De opened his mouth.

I want to say something, but I don't know how.

Actually, his thoughts were similar to Tina's... He always hoped that there was such a thing as justice and morality in the world, but everything he knew and saw showed that this idea was naive and ridiculous, but he still held on to it and was willing to believe.

"Okay, okay, the topic has become heavy again, really."

Tina made a face. "Actually, things got a lot better after we found the Crimson Scroll on the Holy Seal Archipelago. Discovering something like that will probably give the continent a shock, and maybe we can even stop the war, sit down together, and discuss the crisis surrounding the Veil... So it's okay."

She said with a smile, "Perhaps it won't be long before I can invite Kang De to my home."

"But before that, let's go to the capital together. You go to learn skills, I'll give speeches, I'll fight for my country, and Kang De, you should first make yourself strong, gain a foothold in the capital, and even achieve your own fame and status. Let everything proceed step by step, and everything will be alright, won't it?"

Infected by her smile, Kang De also smiled.

Yes, that's definitely true.

First, become strong and do your own thing well.

Figure out what the Veil is, break through the White Mist, leave the neighborhood, and see what's happening outside.

Even if you want to help Tina, you should first become stronger yourself, right?

He's all alone now. The supplies in his neighborhood are enough to keep him fed and clothed, but he's still far from being able to participate in a major war between two countries. He has a long way to go.

Kang De nodded and said, "You're right. We can't aim too high; we have to take it one step at a time."

Tina smiled and encouraged him, "Yeah, keep it up!"

So Kang De stood up. "Now we need to train our reaction speed, and, magic can be Extraction, so what about Dou Qi? Ah, you eat first, I'll go find Cleveland."

Tina: "!!!!"

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PS1: First update... another 3,000 words.

PS2: There was an earthquake in Taiwan, and it even shook Hangzhou. At noon today, I saw the chandelier on the ceiling shaking violently. I thought someone upstairs was swinging a sledgehammer, which gave me quite a fright.