Poaching Talent

The night was cold and desolate. Kang De stood atop the mountain, gazing at the sea. In the Phoenix Vision, the distant torrent of Magic Power shone like a lighthouse, gathering like clouds—that was where the Azure Fleet was located.

"If I were you, after sending her away, I'd immediately unleash a series of divisive tactics, driving her to the brink of alienation. Then you'd descend from the sky to rescue her, and she'd be completely captivated, throwing herself into your arms with boundless love. From then on, she'd only have eyes for you, fighting for you, racking her brains for new moves for you..."

A slow, deliberate voice sounded from behind him. The Parrot, with its hands behind its back, strolled out and turned its head to look at him.

"--Then, when she betrayed the Council, took care of the Azure Fleet for you, and nestled tenderly in your arms, you told her the whole truth in a mocking tone, watching the love in her eyes gradually fade, her bright eyes lose focus, her fiery body gradually cool, all her love and attachment turning into bottomless despair, and she completely collapsed..."

Malegith nudged Kang De with her shoulder. "If someone this cute turns evil, I'll cry for a long time."

Kang De remarked casually, "That old woman really knows how to play games..."

His lower abdomen gripped the Parrot's fist tightly.

Malegith smiled and said, "Why are you so brave? Don't you know I can box?"

Kang De, trembling, raised his middle finger.

"Seriously," the Parrot casually put its arm around Kang De's shoulder, "Aren't you really going to do something?"

"No," Kang De replied. "This Distant Harbor isn't Mount Liang; I need comrades."

Malegith laughed, "You clearly still want a dog."

"We want comrades, and we want dogs too. Those who want to be comrades can be comrades, and those who want to be dogs can be dogs. Distant Harbor has prepared a bright future for everyone who joins, and everyone can get what they want."

Kang De gazed at the distant night sky, then quickly withdrew his gaze, his expression becoming solemn.

"Now, let's entertain those guys who don't want to be comrades or dogs, the ones who've put us in a difficult position," he said. "A Fu, report to me."

Admiral Astolfo stepped out from the side.

She had gone to resolve technical issues with the "broadcast media system" before flying to the Broken Isles with the Parrot. At this moment, A Fu looked solemn, because she was speaking to Kang De as a soldier, not as his daughter—but for some reason, Kang De felt that A Fu seemed to be in a good mood.

Well, although he was wearing armor and looked serious and dignified.

But I always felt like there was an invisible tail swishing behind her.

She stated succinctly, "After several days of standoff, our forces thwarted a total of fifty-three large and small theft attempts by the Azure Fleet. As you instructed, we also secretly allowed the enemy to succeed a few times. It is estimated that they seized approximately 1.4 kilograms of three types of Yilan-Tai'er substances."

Kang De nodded.

To put it bluntly, what can you do with this little bit?

It was only enough for the relevant institutions of the Arcane Council to confirm the authenticity of the Yilan-Tai'er Civilization's legacy and to conduct a basic research process to discover and determine the amazing, fascinating, and even insane magical properties of these three legendary substances, thus making them even more greedy and eager.

After their plans to openly rob and steal fail, they will still sheepishly seek cooperation.

With the arrival of elven and dragon researchers, Malegith has gradually integrated the research resources absorbed from the Broken Isles. With the help of various nations, the Truth Office will build a mature framework and system for a series of large-scale studies in the future. Because of the elves' involvement, the Council and the Empire will rack their brains to get involved. They can't beat Kang De, so they can only obediently accept the blackmail.

A single entry permit is enough to secure compromises and concessions from these two powerful nations.

Kang De would win twice.

In addition to the numerous conditions and benefits that both countries have provided to facilitate the dispatch of researchers to study the Yilan-Tai'er heritage, the top scholars and researchers from both countries will also arrive at the Distant Harbor to conduct research.

Upon arriving at Distant Harbor, whether attracted by its new atmosphere and ideals, overwhelmed by its dazzling array of material pleasures, or captivated by the magnificent alchemical weaponry and mysterious Paradox Element of the Dragon of Cathay, these scholars decided to remain in Distant Harbor and pledge their loyalty...

--This is none of the two countries' business, is it?

A Fu continued, "Aside from those who fled or escaped using magic after falling into the water, we captured a total of 928 enemy military personnel, including 174 spellcasters. Of course, the vast majority were low-level mages, with only 14 mid-level mages and no high-level spellcasters."

This is perfectly reasonable.

The Arcane Council's army has an extremely high proportion of spellcasters, and the Azure Fleet is the elite of the elite. Moreover, it is only natural that it would be tasked with such underhanded missions, so it is reasonable that it is equipped with a large number of spellcasters.

Kang De asked, "How is the ideological education going?"

"After ensuring sufficient food and providing a series of rewards and punishments, the prisoners' morale was extremely stable, and the POW camp was in excellent order. However, due to the inherent characteristics of the naval branch, the prisoners still adhered to the strict hierarchical relationships within the fleet. Even if they were separated, the soldiers would still obey the orders of officers of higher rank and position without hesitation, forming a new hierarchy. The work of differentiating and educating them progressed slowly."

Kang De thought for a moment and said, "Let's continue. Good things come to those who wait. Select the most active members, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds and those who have not achieved success, such as Alset."

Alset Scourger now a role model and exemplar in the military.

He was a former officer in the Azure Fleet. Due to the death of his mentor and a series of other reasons, he lost his backing, connections, and future prospects, and could only struggle to gain seniority in the fleet.

Desperate times call for change, so he pledged allegiance to Kang De during his captivity and distinguished himself during the chaotic period of the Distant Harbor's political situation, becoming the chief interrogation expert and a formidable member of the Traitor Suppression Society.

The spellcasters and officers who defected from the Azure Fleet revealed a wealth of intelligence.

Although these intelligence reports had nothing to do with state secrets, allowing these former soldiers to speak freely without any qualms, these supposedly clever mages were clearly not so clever after all.

They have no concept of modern information science.

They were, of course, unaware that the highly sophisticated intelligence system on another planet did not operate like in the movies, sending elegant and handsome agents to break through numerous obstacles and steal classified information concerning world security. Instead, it employed hundreds or even thousands of intelligence personnel to analyze and summarize large amounts of publicly available and easily obtained junk information, identifying valuable entries.

In another world, the efficiency of Superman far surpasses the thinking of a thousand intelligence agents.

From the casual conversations and confessions of these defectors, Horus had already outlined the administrative and military operating system of the Arcane Council, as well as the entrenched flaws and oversights within it.

The legislators wield immense power, and powerful families and Arcane clans are monopolizing more and more resources and influence. The problem of a hierarchy of discrimination is severe. This great nation, which claims to embrace all those who walk the path of arcane magic with open arms, is not as beautiful, selfless, and just as one might imagine.

Because playing the role of a mage requires spending a lot of money.

Money, however, is not inexhaustible.

How to divide the money, and who should divide it, is a classic question.

Therefore, Arcane stars can speak eloquently on university lecture stages, expounding their new discoveries and theories, while magic workers have to toil away in the army, caravans, explorers, and magic workshops to gain seniority. Their qualifications may be similar, but the latter are only fit to be cogs in a machine, while the former can sit high in the clouds.

Only the most talented and exceptionally gifted spellcasters from ordinary backgrounds have the chance to change their fate, but this so-called change of fate is nothing more than being given an opportunity after being valued.

Moreover, such people have become increasingly rare over the years.

As for Alset, before joining Kang De, his magical skills had already stagnated. It wasn't that he was only talented in that area, but rather that his mentor had passed away, leaving him without support, funding, or guidance. His salary was also insufficient to support further breakthroughs and advancements.

There are probably many such people in the vast territory of the Arcane Council.

And among the prisoners captured by the Azure Fleet, there are probably quite a few like that.

--It must be said that when Kang De heard Horus's analytical conclusion, his first thought was that it was outrageous, and he even doubted the authenticity of the conclusion.

In his view, why Council allow so many promising mages to be stuck at a bottleneck? Why not invest resources to help these unsuccessful spellcasters and cultivate a large number of more outstanding talents?

Horus then said to him, "Father, this is not a game, nor is it a process that can be completed with a click of the mouse. The Council not a unified whole. If you still do not understand, please think of the Earth."

After Kang De figured it out, he could only shake his head and smile wryly.

"According to their confessions, the Council promised generous rewards... to all the soldiers who managed to seize the relics during this operation," A Fu continued. "Therefore, many of the participants were frustrated mages whose careers and prospects had hit a bottleneck, unwilling to accept their fate and determined to fight for a change."

Kang De nodded. "This is one of our key targets for winning over."

That was a pleasant surprise.

The Council rigidly hierarchical, with numerous factions and deeply entrenched power. The interest groups represented by the councilors are mutually restraining. If they want to provide financial assistance to the struggling groups of mages through national policy, it would mean a huge expenditure, and there is no guarantee that they will see results for several years.

If it proves effective, it would mean the emergence of a force too large to be ignored, which could greatly enhance the Council's national strength and might even change things forever.

So the lawmakers will be happy and looking forward to this?

Wrong!

Their only concern is that this massive new force will be devoured by their family's rivals, causing a complete imbalance in the stable situation. They are also well aware of their own family's mess and feel that they can't take much of the pie. Since that's the case, they can't let others have a piece of the pie—so they will restrain and trip each other up.

Moreover, they were even more afraid that the administrative power represented by the Grand Speaker would take over this piece of the pie, which would be a fatal blow. Therefore, while fighting among themselves, they also had to tacitly join forces to limit the supreme power of the Starry Sky Council, so that the Grand Speakers of all generations had reform ambitions but ultimately it was all just empty talk.

As for whether the councilors might think that by providing substantial financial assistance to unsuccessful monks, the Council's national strength would be greatly enhanced, allowing everyone to benefit and improving the overall national power and everyone's interests?

Of course not.

The current situation is quite good, so why create turmoil?

Even if members of parliament suddenly had a brain fart and said, "Ah, let me do something for the country, let's help those promising spellcasters," and the issue passed unanimously in the Council's highest executive body—would the bill actually be implemented?

No, that won't work.

Because those in the lower and middle classes of their respective interest groups will jump out and shout, "No way! Why should those country bumpkins and peasants receive favors that don't belong to them?"

It's a very simple principle. Everyone is living well, making money, and having a future. How great is that? Then a policy comes down, and a group of country bumpkins break through the bottleneck and step onto the big stage under the policy's preferential treatment. Then, a violent involution and competition suddenly arrives... This won't do. The ancestral laws cannot be changed.

Kang De listened to A Fu's analysis and conclusions, nodding repeatedly.

The "complaint session" is actually quite effective.

The prisoners listened to songs, were treated to good food and wine, and were gently comforted by A Fu, a kind and caring young lady. One by one, they opened their hearts and recounted their experiences, crying and wailing.

--Then, Superman thoroughly investigated and uncovered the deep-seated problems of the entire country.

"Send more officers and soldiers from the Azure Fleet from Distant Harbor to share their experiences, then select activists from the prisoners, promise them benefits, and educate them; they will be of great use."

Kang De said to A Fu, "Also, make a copy of this report and present it as a policy guideline at the next Distant Harbor Conference... The poaching campaign against the Arcane Council will be implemented as a long-term policy, and you must work closely with the Ministry of Unity."

Lao Tzu's stage is vast; he'll take in as many as come.

A Fu saluted and replied, "Yes!"

As Kang De's thoughts raced, he turned to gaze at the sea. In the direction of the Azure Fleet, a faint light shone. That must be the Dawn of Light, the powerful magic warship of this formidable naval force, a massive and formidable force in the world.

But Kang De was not interested in the fleet itself.

The admiral could never have imagined that Kang De, the Cathayan, not only wanted to acquire her SR card, but also wanted to swindle a large number of people from the entire Azure Fleet.

"And so it begins..." Kang De said, "This time, the Council get absolutely nothing."

The Parrot smiled and asked, "Where do you plan to begin?"

Kang De's eyes flickered. "Of course, it starts with returning the prisoners—releasing those who are willing to surrender to us and fight for our cause back to the Azure Fleet, letting them connect with each ship, spread our good policies, and prepare for the next step of the plan."

He chuckled, "Of course, we also need to provide them with identification and recruitment documents so that they can formally declare their identities to protect themselves if they are exposed or arrested—I think even if the officers on that fleet had eight lives, they wouldn't dare harm or execute my employees."

"That's really disgusting... and you forgot to mention something."

The Parrot squinted and said, "The commander of that fleet has been completely bewitched by your manipulative tactics. You cunning scoundrel, you're shameless."

Kang De, upon hearing this, exclaimed with delight, "Say a few more words, say a few more words!"

"... Grass."

Faced with the Parrot's middle finger, Kang De turned away with a smile; he had finally won a verbal sparring match with the Parrot.

"That concludes the surrender negotiations for the Azure Fleet. Next, we'll address the issue of Yilan-Tai'er."

This is the key task at this stage.

After all, the Azure Fleet's various actions in the Broken Sea were merely a smokescreen for the Council to attract Kang De's attention; the real key lay beneath the surface.

There is sufficient evidence to suggest that the Council knew some of the inner workings and secrets of the Yilan-Tai'er Civilization, and most likely knew the entrance to the lost Civilization's ruins, where the last essence of the Civilization was probably preserved.

In order to seize this essence of Civilization in a preemptive and covert manner, the Council not hesitate to use the Azure Fleet as bait to cover their secret operations at sea, and dispatched a magic submarine, which was a pioneering project of high precision on a global scale, to carry out secret operations at a depth of one or two thousand meters.

So well-hidden, and with tactical maneuvers to divert attention, this plan was flawless.

But...

"This afternoon, the anti-submarine helicopter detected an enemy submarine entering the area for the first time and has deployed sonar coordinates to the relevant sea area. The ship's active sonar system has been activated."

A Fu pressed a button on his radar headgear, and a light projection appeared on the ground. "Based on their real-time tracking of movement and dwell time, they are clearly searching for something on the seabed... progress is slow."

Kang De thought for a moment and said to the Parrot, "It seems we need to hurry—should we go take a look now? The Jiaolong is already docked at Zhu'erban Port. Although we don't yet know how to operate this behemoth to complete deep-sea exploration operations, it's still possible to take it underwater for a look."

"Speaking of which..." The Parrot took out the stack of documents, the industrial transfer agreements that Kang De had brought earlier, "I have an even better suggestion... quite good."

"What?"

"You can go back to Earth and push for the takeover of this portion of the assets."

"Which part of the assets?" Kang De leaned forward, reading the line of text in the moonlight, "Nautilus Mining Company... the one that operates the mines, is it related to the present?"

"Look closely, this isn't a mining site, it's an underwater mining company," the Parrot said. "It's bankrupt, its assets were auctioned off, and some United Kingdom picked them up. I suggest you go back to Earth now to take over, and then bring back the company's heavy-duty deep-sea mining machines."

"... Bankruptcy?" Kang De asked, puzzled. "If you've gone bankrupt, are your tools still any good?"

"They didn't go bankrupt due to mismanagement; at least from the description, they've always done quite well," the Parrot replied after a few glances. "They were bankrupted by the relentless attacks of environmentalists."

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PS1: Damn, writer's block... I'm sitting in front of the computer and I don't know what to write.