Science and Magic Intertwined

"Middle... door... against... sniper..."

These four inexplicable Cathay characters left the officers of the Council completely baffled.

These military elites, who were originally spellcasters, were actually highly educated intellectuals from another world. Because of Kang De, they had also brushed up on Eastern culture and were at least at the fourth level of the Zhendan Language... They could recognize the four characters on the flag, but when they were put together, they were very incomprehensible.

Even the term "middle gate" can probably be understood.

What does "can be used for sniping" mean?

Just then, Griffin, who had been deep in thought, changed his expression slightly and asked, "Sir Holiwich, how are the preparations for battle going? Are our soldiers under the best possible protection? Are our spellcasters ready to protect our allies and strike our enemies hard?"

The general whose name was called stood at attention, "Yes, Speaker!"

He roared spiritedly, "Your most loyal army is ready to meet the enemy!"

Griffin's eyes flashed, and he decisively declared, "I command all Star Orbit Instrument detectors, mental energy guiding point defense magic devices, short-range elemental ray irradiation crystals, long-range heavy disintegration devices, battlefield defense mage units, and elemental energy jamming devices to enter combat readiness and prepare to intercept long-range attacks from the enemy!"

The commander in charge of battlefield defense stood up and said, "Yes, sir!"

"I command all Wyvern air force units, sky mage combat squadrons, hot air balloon observation and guidance teams, tactical magic weapon attack units, heavy magic weapon suppression units, strategic joint spellcasting Arcane groups, and all other ranged attack forces to prepare to unleash our fury upon the enemy ranks!"

The relevant unit commander solemnly replied, "Yes, sir!"

The underground command post was completely silent. Everyone's breathing was clear. The battle-hardened officers couldn't help but feel their hearts race as they recalled the tension and fear of their recruit days.

Because they were about to face an enemy they had never seen before.

--It is easy to wage war against the native kingdoms of the southern islands and even the eastern mountains.

Victory can be achieved simply by following the military academy's curriculum, commanding the spellcaster troops to advance in a grand manner, suppressing the enemy's disorganized and unsystematic spellcasters, intercepting their laughable supernatural attacks, using magical advantages to intimidate and strike the enemy's conventional troops, creating a battlefield terrain advantage favorable to our conventional troops, and finally granting our conventional troops magical buffs.

It was as simple as an armed picnic.

--Wars with powerful nations like the Empire and Twilight Moon would not frighten them.

After the tripartite balance of power on the continent was established, the Arcane Council's military strategy shifted—the army would deal with the threats and pressure from the Empire, while the navy would compete with the elves for sea power. Only the Holy Empire and the Dusk Moon Dynasty were qualified to Arcane Council.

The greatest hypothetical enemy has always been crystal clear. From military academies to Alchemical Ordnance Center, and even the headquarters of the army and navy, the staff offices of various units, all military training, equipment development, and strategic discussions revolve around the war against these two powerful adversaries. From the very beginning of their service, officers have been well aware that one question will accompany them throughout their entire service.

That is, how should we fight if war breaks out with the Empire or even the Elves?

Therefore, they were intimately familiar with the military systems of both countries, never letting go of any military intelligence or secrets related to them, and constantly keeping abreast of each other's new achievements in magical weaponry. Even in their casual military chess games, they regarded these two countries as their eternal rivals. When war with the Empire and Twilight Moon came, these soldiers would not be afraid, because they had been preparing for it all along, even murmuring about it in their dreams.

But the enemy is Kang De.

The Dragon of Cathay, Lord of the Distant Harbor, a Great Forbidden Spell Spellcaster from the East, and the Alchemist God of the Present World.

The conflict between the Council and Kang De dates back to a long time ago, even before he took control of Distant Harbor. After the Battle of Valentan, the Council's military began to assess the threat posed by the Cathayan — their Forbidden Spell were unsolvable, their spatial teleportation abilities were inconceivable, and their alchemical military science was ahead of the Council in some areas.

As the conflict between Kang De and the Council intensified, even the soldiers sensed the approach of war. They began to seriously consider their battle plan against the Distant Harbor, but the results were all discouraging.

The Council's military elites had to admit with dismay that without finding a way to limit Kang De's spatial teleportation ability, the war was simply unwinnable given the enemy's incredible mobility. The Council's best-case scenario was to completely destroy all of Kang De's influence and foundations on the continent, but at the cost of facing Kang De's relentless harassment from now on... and even Forbidden Spell attacks.

Under such circumstances, the only purpose of the war was to force Kang De to the negotiating table.

But at that moment, the Grand Speaker miraculously produced a secret weapon.

A strategic magical artifact capable of countering Kang De's Forbidden Spell and even greatly reducing the power of his alchemical weapons.

The soldiers' mood changed from frustration to elation, from fear to exhilaration.

They became optimistic, even to the point of despising Kang De, claiming that Kang De was no longer a threat, that there were no Forbidden Spell, and that the power of alchemical weapons had declined, meaning that Kang De's disadvantages would be fully exposed—a small territory, poor endurance, insufficient manpower, and a shallow foundation, making it impossible to sustain a protracted war of attrition.

Even today.

I witnessed firsthand that breathtaking, massive teleportation.

They could directly teleport across vast, expansive terrain, deploying well-trained troops and fortifications in real time—all in an instant. They watched as the meticulously constructed fortifications unfolded across the land like a scroll, like a god high in the clouds painting a masterpiece in a single, fluid motion.

Their initial optimism was dealt a heavy blow, and the Council officers finally realized the profound significance, intimidation, and power represented by the term "Dragon of Cathay"—that what made the continent's monarchs so wary and attentive was indeed more than just Forbidden Spell and alchemy.

Only now have these military elites realized that while they were intimately familiar with the military systems of the elves and the empire, they knew nothing about Kang De's military system.

Under what system would Kang De's army fight? How would it attack, defend, maneuver, employ what tactics, and have what methods and equipment to support it?

I know nothing about it.

The smartest among them had even begun to feel fear.

Because they saw the fortifications that Kang De had moved to.

They were extremely impressed by the "trench" defensive tactic invented by His Excellency the Grand Speaker, and privately admired and praised it. Using the earth as a shield was undoubtedly the most cost-effective and ingenious idea to counter Kang De's alchemical weapon. They excitedly believed that this tactic would become Kang De's eternal nightmare and nemesis. The defensive positions centered on the Deceleration Field would construct an impregnable wall that would make even the Dragon of Cathay sigh.

But...

The fortifications that Kang De moved over from were also positions.

Even a cursory glance was enough to send shivers down their spines and fill them with apprehension.

The terrain is crisscrossed with ravines and a network of interconnected defensive points. Various underground entrances, defensive walls, and support points gradually unfold, displaying a meticulous, comprehensive, sturdy, and composed presence that exudes an aura of being forged through countless trials.

... It was undoubtedly forged by blood and fire.

They had previously been full of praise and admiration for the trench warfare tactics designed by Grand Speaker Griffin, believing that there was almost nothing that could be improved. However, after a fleeting glimpse through the Atmospheric Perspective crystal disk, they realized what true professionalism was. If the enemy's defensive formation was a masterpiece, then their own was at best a crude and clumsy sketch by an apprentice.

... Undoubtedly, it is the art of war born from blood and fire.

A terrifying thought arose in the minds of some of the smartest officers present.

Kang De knew long ago what the weakness of his alchemical weapons was.

He had even already devised the perfect defensive strategy to counter his alchemical weapons.

So here's the question.

Kang De's alchemical weaponry was unparalleled, and even the great powers could not replicate it. Given this, why did he design a defensive line that countered his own?

This answer is more terrifying than anything we've seen today.

Kang De...

In the quiet of the underground command post, several wise men lowered their heads slightly, concealing their pale expressions.

Kang De devised this tactic of positional warfare to restrain his alchemical weapons; he was thinking about and experimenting with how...

Break it.

--And now, we've deployed a far inferior defensive line...

A silent fear crept into my chest.

"What, gentlemen, did Kang De's performance frighten you?"

Griffin's voice rang out, conveying composure, ease, and a hint of amusement.

His tone became invigorated, and he shouted, "You're already scared before the battle even begins? Are these the soldiers of the Council? Kang De's Forbidden Spell and alchemical weapons have been weakened and restrained. He only demonstrated a teleportation ability that was slightly beyond our expectations, and you're already discouraged?"

"In my view, Kang De has four defeats, while we have four victories!"

This outrageous statement attracted the attention of the officers.

The Grand Speaker declared eloquently, "Forbidden Spell and alchemical weapons— Kang De's greatest reliance—have been countered by us; this is the first defeat! The Mortal World has suffered under Kang De for too long. As long as the upcoming battles prove that Kang De's most vicious henchmen are no longer a threat, all the nations that have been humiliated and oppressed by Kang De will unite to resist him; this is the second defeat!"

"We have brought the war to Goth's territory, which will inevitably cause great dissatisfaction among the Goth People towards Kang De. This puts the Cathayan in a precarious position, which is the third defeat! And Kang De's foundation is shallow. He has only occupied one city. If he loses just once and shows signs of fatigue, he will lose everything, which is the fourth defeat!"

"And we!"

Most officers were encouraged by the Grand Speaker's words. "We possess strategic magical artifacts capable of restraining and weakening Kang De —that's a victory! We've prepared for this war for a long time, enough to fight three large-scale wars, and the supplies have been deployed to the army well in advance—that's a victory! In the battles to come, we will receive a steady stream of support from various countries and factions, not just slowing magical artifacts...that's a victory!"

"And the fourth win--"

He paused, then said sternly, "No matter how much Kang De tries to deceive or intimidate us, there's one disadvantage he absolutely cannot avoid or resolve: his cobbled-together third-rate force's arcane magic skills and magical manipulation abilities are far inferior to ours!"

"Our army boasts the highest proportion of spellcasters among all nations; our mages have undergone the most rigorous and professional training; we possess the best magical artifact technology in the Mortal World —we spearheaded and spearheaded the arcane magic revolution and elemental revolution in the Mortal World! We have the most advanced arcane combat system!"

"And what about Kang De? What does Kang De have? Fourth-rate mages from Distant Harbor, stray dogs from the Broken Isles, and a bunch of shameful surrendered soldiers. With this crappy mage force, how could they possibly be a match for us! Our Deceleration Field and defensive magic devices can intercept Kang De's alchemical weapons. I'd like to see what Kang De can use to stop the combined arcane offensive of the strongest magically powered force in the Mortal World!"

That's absolutely right!

The officers' slightly dampened morale was reignited! They showed signs of excitement.

What are you waiting for?!

Griffin shouted, "Mid-door sniping! If I'm not mistaken, this is Kang De's challenge! Let's see who has the last laugh! Awaken the elemental wrath—"

The officers shouted in unison, "Praise be to the arrival of the Triple Prime Minister!"

Northern part, Distant Harbor defense positions.

Kang De held up the communicator, and his voice reached the ears of every soldier.

"This war will not end anytime soon--"

He repeated, "I mean, it won't end anytime soon! It's not that the enemy is so strong that we can only stalemate; rather, I want to use the flames of war in this Northern Council to temper you, who have just drawn your swords!"

The Fire Thief's eyes were icy cold as he shouted sharply, "I can even tell you honestly that I alone could destroy the Council's army! Even without Forbidden Spell, Horus and I could easily repel or even defeat them! But I still brought you here, exposing you to the most powerful regular army in the Mortal World realm—you might be injured, you might even die!"

"The reason is simple: I can't guarantee I can solve every problem alone, and you, having joined my ranks, will be facing enemies far stronger than the opposing army!"

"In the future, we will face even more terrifying enemies, possessing far more dreadful methods—even more sinister, powerful, and terrifying than the current Deceleration Field that can counter alchemical weapons! Our endurance, perseverance, and struggle today are for victory in future wars and for returning home alive!"

"So, soon, you will be here, facing the highest-level conventional arcane magic combined attack in the Mortal World! The equipment I have provided you, the training you received in the White Mist World, the tactics, systems, weapons, and tools developed and practiced over countless days and nights, the Trauma Retrieval System that has been tested for months—all of this is for two supreme goals—victory, and returning home alive!"

"Get ready!"

At this point, Kang De met Dong Tianming's gaze.

A merciful general cannot command an army... but I still want more people to be able to return home alive.

At this command, soldiers gathered in their squads at various locations, including firing bunkers, underground fortifications, observation points, and heavy positions, to check each other's life support equipment.

They looked at the purple crystal grooves on the wristbands and reported in turn.

"Paradox Element are full, shield volume is normal."

"Activating bunker fortifications, connecting to the Paradox Container."

The squad leader planted the heavy totem pole in the ground, activating the core purple prism.

"Remember, if you encounter danger, stay here."

The Cathay recruit, slightly unfamiliar with various weapons and equipment, carefully activated the device. A blue arc of light unfolded on the helmet panel, and a voice sounded in his ear.

"Crystal connection established, plug-in activated, trauma team connected, determining target status, emergency call module loaded. Soldier, Sharna is watching over you, warp portal open. Always remember, courage is not recklessness, fearlessness is not the same as death. Always remember, your lives are like Kang De's gold coins, use them carefully, do not squander them, and if you must spend them, do so where they are most valuable."

The warrior from the East was unaware of the meaning of artificial intelligence voice. He paused for a moment, then said, "I've got it. Thank you for your guidance."

In the heavily fortified anti-aircraft gun emplacement, the spellcaster donned a helmet that enhanced his mental perception, and with the help of his puppet, his assistant opened the heavy ammunition box.

The shells, radiating a purple glow, were loaded.

Given the enemy's significant spellcasting advantage, intercepting the Council 'Council army's ranged spell attacks requires new ideas and methods.

The spellcaster muttered, "Hopefully this thing will work better than an interception spell."

It was like the calm before the storm.

The soldiers prepared in silence.

"Elemental enrichment detected in enemy positions!"

"Enemy position phase fluctuation detected!"

"A magical strike is imminent!"

"A ranged attack is imminent!"

"--Everyone, get ready!" Kang De took a deep breath, his divine power of spacetime surged, his mental power unfolded, drawing the torrent of Paradox Element into a rumbling motion, and his voice distorted, like the whisper of a god.

"You all know your mission! Marshal Horus and I have conducted long-range reconnaissance and coordinate mapping of the enemy positions; there's nothing special there! The offensive is imminent. Pay attention to your personal shield capacity and the stability of your defensive cover. Ensure the distress call system is functioning properly. Follow orders from your superiors. Everyone, do your job. Everyone, be careful!"

"Honor, rewards, resorts, and homes await us—prepare for battle!"

The golden dial spun and unfolded in its pupils, and the Dragon of Cathay roared, "Fire!"

A moment later, Griffin in the underground command post roared, "Release!"

On the vast plains south of Nar, the two opposing war fortresses seemed to fall silent for a moment.

Then, the earth and sky shook!

Thunder roared and howled across the heavens. Dark clouds swept in from the south, rumbling towards the Distant Harbor in the north. Elemental torrents tore at the heavens, obscuring the sunlight. Lightning bolts writhed within the clouds, and scorching red waves of heat enveloped the dark clouds. Unimaginable elemental power surged and roared!

A Council soldier peered out, watching the endless black clouds press down on the enemy's position.

Meanwhile, in the Distant Harbor position, a soldier looked through the firing port at the torrent of elementals rushing towards them. The sky and earth were as black as ink, and arcane magic distorted the heavens as a terrifying attack swept in.

But just then, the light of the Flame pierced the dark sky.

An indescribable cluster of light and flames roared up, sweeping across the sky from behind, followed by a series of thunderous roars that shook the earth. A meteor shower of lightning and fire shot into the sky, converging into a torrent of Flame that crossed the pressing dark clouds and poured down like rain on the enemy's location!

Science and magic intertwine, and the largest long-range firepower battle in the Mortal World begins.