Do You Want to Work in Distant Harbor?

From the Distant Harbor to the airport.

Fly from the airport to the Broken Isles.

Return to the Azure Fleet from the Broken Isles.

A familiar sea breeze caressed her face as Nixiyasi walked down the escalator from the plane. Even though she had taken the same flight once before on her way to Distant Harbor, she was still amazed and awestruck by this groundbreaking alchemical magical device.

This is the Broken Isles, and she can hear the roar of the ocean waves.

The journey from Distant Harbor to here, a distance of over a thousand kilometers, takes only an hour.

This speed is many times faster than that of ships and flying beasts. Although it is still too slow compared to the instantaneous teleportation array, large flying vehicles can carry thousands of people and a huge amount of supplies. Although the consumption is unknown, it is certainly much more convenient than expensive, sophisticated, and energy-intensive teleportation arrays.

It was like the Broken Isles Great Evacuation Operation.

Even with the combined strength of the Council, they could not have done better Kang De. Although Nixiyasi did not witness it firsthand, she still heard about the grand spectacle on the radio from the Distant Harbor that night—steel wings streaking across the sky, building Bridge of the Starry Sky, and rescuing the fearful and anxious people to a safe haven.

What a magnificent scene!

She stepped off the escalator and gazed into the distance from the airport. The shimmering sea reflected the moonlight, its iridescent reflections sparkling and shimmering, as if countless treasures were floating on the water.

That was indeed a treasure, a wondrous object that had fallen from the heavens, and it was also the purpose of the Azure Fleet's visit.

Nixiyasi withdrew her gaze and sighed silently.

She had witnessed the terrifying scene of the Forbidden Spell flashing across the sky and the aurora shining brightly that day. The strange object falling from the sky must have been the remains of Kang De's Forbidden Spell attack on his powerful enemy.

In other words, this is his spoils of war.

Regardless of the rules and logic of any country, race, or organization, he has unquestionable ownership of these spoils of war, because they are his victory.

But the Council said no.

The reason given was that "according to the conventions and rules concerning extraterrestrial matter, the Council the right and obligation to dispatch special departments to confirm its origin and harmlessness," so the Azure Fleet set sail and formed a standoff.

To be fair, this argument makes a lot of sense, and Nixiyasi wholeheartedly agrees with this principle, because throughout history, there have been countless coups, massacres, disasters and catastrophes caused by extraterrestrial matter—most of those substances that descended to the Mortal World from the universe were full of malice and hostility.

But this time is different.

Although the Council's order was "to fight steadfastly for the stability and peace of the world," Nixiyasi still sensed greed in those urgent official documents.

Just as she had been ordered to suppress pirates on several occasions before, and had also led her troops to suppress several unrests in the Southern Islands, it was not difficult to discern whether the suppression of pirates was to protect innocent ships and sailors, or to ensure that the trade routes under the name of a certain senator could be unimpeded, or whether the suppression of unrest was to protect the local civilians who were being massacred, or to prevent the plantations of a certain family from being burned down.

Although the Starry Sky Council never revealed it, Nixiyasi knew that things were not that simple.

They want those unknown extraterrestrial substances... they desperately want them.

It's not for safety, it's for profit.

Thus, she and the Azure Fleet were thrust into the front lines, confronting the most dangerous man in the world under the Shadow Forbidden Spell that could destroy everything.

Thus began the most agonizing, painful, and confusing period of her life.

How wonderful!

The Azure Fleet she commanded, the place she called home, the army that brought her countless honors, satisfaction, and pride, now felt utterly alien to her. The officers and soldiers, who were usually loyal, brave, and obedient, were gradually becoming disloyal and began to outwardly comply with her but inwardly defy her.

The country she served also repeatedly revealed its inhuman greed and cold-bloodedness, weaving lies and making false promises, and for the sake of so-called interests, it made its officers and soldiers fight blindly under the threat of Forbidden Spell.

Even the man she called her father, for the sake of so-called family honor, constantly forced her daughter to abandon the dignity and glory of a soldier...

In contrast, her enemies, whom her fleet and the country she served deemed "potential adversaries," treated her with respect, courtesy, and happiness.

It's been like this from the very beginning.

When she set foot on the Broken Isles, filled with shame, wanting to exchange her dignity, honor, and even more for the captured soldiers, the ridicule and humiliation she had imagined did not occur.

She didn't even see Kang De that time; she only saw his daughter.

The reason given for avoiding the meeting was that "meeting Miss Nixiyasi under these circumstances would only embarrass and embarrass you."

She admitted that at that moment, her heart felt like it had been struck by a sledgehammer. She could even imagine Kang De's smile when he said those words, as if he were meeting him for the first time... a smile that was gentle yet powerful, a calm and humble exterior concealing a restrained yet intense Flame.

He even treated the prisoners from the Azure Fleet well, even though, in theory, they were all rude and unruly guests or even robbers who wanted to steal his spoils.

What happened next was like a game. Every day, the Azure Fleet would rack its brains and launch surprise attacks, only to be captured and thrown into the water one by one by the Broken Isles. The two sides even developed a tacit understanding—after each major defeat, Nixiyasi would go there.

Even if she couldn't bring back a single prisoner, even if she knew Kang De would treat every captured soldier well, she still had to go. She didn't know if this action was based on the integrity and responsibility of a commander, or if she wanted to escape the increasingly suffocating and unbearable fleet, even for a moment.

Perhaps it's a combination of both.

The conflict between the Azure Fleet and the Island Defense Fleet intensified, but this was no longer relevant to Nixiyasi. The Council's order to dismiss her was delayed, and her command authority was already nominal. This childish battle was irrelevant to her; her most anticipated activity each day was to visit the Broken Isles.

Her new friend, A Fu, would warmly entertain her every day with delicious food she had never heard of or seen before, and the lovely girl's every smile and glance made her feel happy.

The once glorious, now shattered Broken Isles left a deep impression on her.

If I had to describe the new Broken Isles in two words, it would be...

Order.

And happiness.

The island's garrison, patrolling fleet, miners, search teams, and exploration teams were all organized, commanded, and governed efficiently and methodically, like a sophisticated instrument. Everything was imbued with a sense of orderly beauty, and command here became an art.

And happiness.

Everywhere she went, there was laughter. Even the miners who came to mine were happy. Those orcs were clearly not slaves they had bought, because no slave owner in this world would allow his slaves to be covered in iron weapons... She had never seen greenskins so happy while mining.

Everything was new and exciting, making her forget the dullness of the Azure Fleet.

She even visited the POW camps a few times, where the food was actually better than on the ship. The prisoners showed no shame or resentment at being captured; instead, they were all grinning foolishly.

They organized several ball games, and under the guidance of the administrators, they would gather to sing. Sometimes they would listen to the radio, and they would also hold some kind of bizarre event similar to a tea party—a group of people would sit in an open space, and a few people would be randomly selected to tell their stories and experiences...

What I saw and heard was truly bizarre; I could talk about it for days and nights without finishing.

Led by A Fu, Nixiyasi toured the island that was being rebuilt. She saw so many new and interesting things, and in addition to being amazed, she also felt puzzled.

Because she had a vague feeling that these observations, details, and clues could piece together something.

Just as an elven watchtower is a typical example of the Twilight Moon's military structure, and an administrative fortress on the empire's borders is a microcosm of the empire's cumbersome and inefficient administrative system, what then is the essence of the order and ideals revealed in the reconstruction of the Broken Isles?

--This unsettling question was resolved in Distant Harbor.

Faced with the invitation tonight, she inexplicably agreed to A Fu, but then she ran into Kang De in the Distant Harbor. At first, she suspected it was a planned coincidence, but later she found out that it really was a coincidence.

And that's not important.

What's important is what she saw in the Distant Harbor.

Kang De's thoughts, beliefs, and compassion.

And the hope and love he gave to everyone in Distant Harbor.

Even the most insignificant and lowly laborers, who make a living by selling their labor, can earn dignity and a living through hard work in his city. In less than a month, the most humble and ignorant people can reshape their personality, establish dignity, and have hope. How beautiful it is to see that family of five strolling under the bright lights.

That was a scene she would never forget.

It was a life she had never experienced.

What exactly is that feeling of walking carefree with family like this?

Are you... alright?

The call roused Nixiyasi from her reverie. The admiral turned to look and saw the Dragon of Cathay China, wielding Sword of Deterrence that silenced all nations, standing beside her.

His expression was somewhat uneasy.

Nixiyasi knew what he was worried about.

--I was just worried she'd start crying again.

"Really..." she murmured, "Why are you so late?"

Kang De asked in confusion, "What?"

The admiral smiled and looked to the other side. A thousand miles away lay a Distant Harbor, a city already famous throughout the world, but its fame was solely due to the man before her.

But one day, this city will achieve its own glory.

"Distant Harbor..." she whispered, "Is that how you think the world should be?"

"No."

Kang De walked up to her and stood beside her.

His tone was calm but firm. "Better than this."

Nixiyasi turned her head in surprise. "What is that?"

"I'm not entirely sure... No one has ever truly seen what it looks like; only the wisest, most ardent, and most selfless describe its image with hope, even if they will never have the chance to see it in their lifetime."

Kang De smiled. "But it's there; we just have to find a way to get there."

Nixiyasi was speechless for a moment.

She gazed at Kang De, who was smiling in the night breeze, her heart surging with emotion. His tone was soft and calm, as if he were talking about something trivial.

"That day will come, the day you imagine the world to be like."

The admiral's tone was surprisingly firm, revealing a profound confidence that she herself was unaware of.

Because she saw what the Distant Harbor looked like.

The excitement and pride brought by the magnificent Broken Isles Great Evacuation Operation have gradually faded. Now, Distant Harbor has entered the post-rescue era. This once glorious but gradually declining port city is striving to regain its former glory, and she is certain that it will.

With the war with the elves over, the Dusk Moon Dynasty's blockade of the Distant Harbor and even the western coast of Goth will gradually loosen—just like the Phoenix King's sash she witnessed tonight in front of Kang De.

The Broken Isles were destroyed by the claws of a ferocious beast, and the Western Sea needs a new trading hub. Distant Harbor, once a pearl of the West Coast, has a natural advantage. This historic city is even more suitable for this position as the commercial hub of the Western Sea than it was in its heyday.

Because now, the whole world knows that this Goth city has welcomed a powerful guardian.

Kang De Dragon of Cathay.

With each miraculous victory, his fame spread from Twilight Moon Island to the eastern mountains, and even across the ocean, reaching back to his hometown.

With the power of Forbidden Spell, the alliance between Twilight Moon and the Dragon Clan, the unparalleled alchemical military technology, and the steel warships cutting through the waves of the blue sea, it is clear to all that Distant Harbor's resurgence is unstoppable.

But Nixiyasi knew that Kang De's significance to Distant Harbor went far beyond the military protection provided by Forbidden Spell and power, and that Distant Harbor's advantages were not merely replacing the Broken Isles' commercial hub position.

Rather, it was Kang De's beliefs, ideals, and compassion.

There are also people from Distant Harbor, the Azure Waves Province, the Duchy of Goethe, and even the whole world.

An ordinary family of five in Distant Harbor would be devoted to Kant with unimaginable enthusiasm and loyalty because of Kang De courtesy and kindness. This advantage and model can be replicated. No slave, peasant, laborer or even commoner in the world could resist such respect and preferential treatment.

So, what will happen when Kang De extends the Distant Harbor model to the entire continent?

He will become the undisputed, eternal, and unique monarch of this world. His army will be invincible, and his nation will be incredibly powerful, far surpassing even the golden ages of the Cathay Empire and the Dusk Moon Dynasty.

That leaves only one question.

"The civilians in Distant Harbor enjoy even higher pay, benefits, and security than the ordinary soldiers of the Council, which means enormous consumption and expenditure..."

She hesitated for a moment, then asked softly, "Where did these come from?"

Kang De turned to her and gave her a calm smile.

Upon seeing that smile, Nixiyasi suddenly felt relieved.

"You'll see the answer to that question next time you go to Distant Harbor."

Next time...?

Nixiyasi was momentarily stunned, her heart filled with indescribable emotions, unsure whether to feel joy or sorrow.

She whispered, "Mmm."

"Besides..."

The admiral's daughter looked up upon hearing this.

The Kang De before her seemed somewhat restrained and conflicted, as if he had something to say but didn't know how to begin—and his appearance was also very familiar, just like that innocent and naive junior who confessed his feelings to her back in school.

Back then, she carried the hopes of her family and clan, kept her father's instructions firmly in mind, and paid no attention to matters of the heart. Therefore, she coldly and inhumanely rejected the junior's confession.

The current situation reminded her of that time, and the past and present circumstances strangely overlapped, causing a strange thought to suddenly pop into her mind.

If it were Kang De who confessed his feelings, then I...

--Pah, pah, pah.

What are you thinking about?

"Miss Nixiyasi, if, I mean if..."

The fleeting reverie in her heart was shattered by Kang De's voice. The Cathayan before her turned his gaze away. "If I were to invite you now, if you 'Council, would you like to come and work in Distant Harbor?"

"The benefits for soldiers here are quite good. Of course, you can also become a researcher or something similar. Housing is provided, and in addition to the basic salary, extra rewards are given based on contributions. The currency system, represented by military merit points, work points, and research contribution values, can be exchanged for all sorts of good things, including food, cosmetics, electronic products, magical items, enchanted weapons, entertainment products, and more..."

He rambled on for a while, looking somewhat embarrassed. "Anyway, does extending this invitation to you now make me seem a bit... how should I put it, like I planned this all along?"

Nixiyasi stood frozen in place, speechless and expressionless.

After a long pause, he slowly smiled and said, "No, I believe you didn't do it on purpose. I'm also very happy that you invited me. I'm honored to be valued by you..."

Kang De sighed, "But..."

At the same time, Nixiyasi also said, "But..."

She was stunned, and met Kang De's helpless gaze.

"I've always thought that if I don't confess, I won't get rejected..." Kang De shrugged. "Well, even Deng Yong can't escape this... I get it, loyalty, concerns, family, there are always reasons like this."

Nixiyasi wanted to say something, but only managed a slightly bitter smile.

She said softly, "Then, I should take my leave."

Kang De nodded. "I'll escort you down the mountain, but I can't go any further. I can't let the people waiting for you see me."

Nixiyasi was taken aback at first, then realized what was happening and sighed.

The two left the airport in silence, until they reached Nixiyasi's ship. The admiral stood on the side of the ship, the small sailboat's magical auxiliary power unit calling upon the night wind to propel her away from this sea area.

She stood on the ship's railing, gazing into the distance, as if someone on the other side was watching her.

Having returned to the fleet and been identified by the patrolling ships, Nixiyasi was suddenly startled. She rose into the air, rode the wind, and silently landed back on the flagship's deck.

The sailors tried to salute, but she stopped them with a gesture. Although she had been stripped of her command, the admiral's authority remained. She made her way into the cabin and arrived at the command room.

The guards at the door were stopped in their tracks by her stern gaze. Laughter and chatter came from inside. Nixiyasi listened intently; her officers were meeting with the special envoy.

"This time he went for a long time, much later than usual. Could it be... hey, Kang De is in a good mood?"

"Tsk."

"Hey, what's with that sour face? Those Cathayan could even take down the Phoenix King, the Commander definitely won't escape either... What are you looking at? Even if Kang De doesn't go, do you think it'll be your turn?"

"You! You bastard! Say that again!"

"Ha, don't think I don't know what you're thinking... Stop dreaming. We've intruded into Kang De's territory, and our soldiers have been captured. If the commander goes to beg him to release them or show mercy, given Kang De's reputation, what will happen? He'll definitely take care of it! Damn, how come he gets all the good things?"

"--Alright! Stop arguing! There's no point in discussing this here, but this could be our opportunity. Listen carefully, since she's captivated Kang De, we can take even bolder actions. Even if we get caught, we'll be treated well on the island. And if we successfully obtain enough samples and extraterrestrial matter, the Council definitely give us a hefty reward, and Kang De won't do anything to us... because the commander will find a way to appease his anger, haha!"

How to quell this?

"How should I know? Maybe it was with her mouth? Why are you making that face? I clearly said I would use sincere words and apologize. What are you thinking?"

Hahahahaha...

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PS1: Update... Went out for a banquet...