Fire Thief

The warship Astolfo surged forward, sweeping across the battlefield like a raging torrent.

Phase Door opened continuously, pouring out pre-mixed mud to fill deep trenches, while the Frozen Legion sprayed frost jets in all directions, freezing the soil.

The vast Grewind Swarm devoured everything in its path.

Then came dozens of road rollers that had been modified by the green-skinned thugs. Their round, heavy rollers were riddled with countless sharp blades and grinding steel teeth. The overloaded engines roared like ferocious beasts, and black smoke billowed like demonic energy, reaching the sky and the earth. Their red rams were as red as blood, their armor was menacing, and their paintwork was terrifying.

This is the heavy cavalry vehicle promised to the Second Regiment of the Greenskin Musket Corps.

This is a major reward for the brigade's consecutive three-month stint as a model of hygiene and a model of Civilization.

The regiment was even commended by the entire army because, as a green-skinned unit, their toilet access rate this month had reached 71%. Even those who were still hard to change their ways had basically achieved the discipline of "burying one's excrement," "shoveling it up immediately after defecating," and "leaving no trace." Some exemplary soldiers in housekeeping had even learned to fold their clothes into neat squares.

Moreover, for three whole months, this unit has never engaged in a single brawl outside of the designated fighting area, "Beat-Up Field," making them exemplary soldiers and role models for Kang De orcs.

As a reward and recognition for them, Kang De awarded them hundreds of heavy road rollers and, together with Horus, personally provided the ecstatic orcs with guidance on modifications.

These terrifying heavy cavalry possessed even more ferocious and rapid propulsion systems, with twelve of the hero units even equipped with fighter jet jet engines. Anyone with a kind heart could hardly bear to imagine the horrific scenes these behemoths would wreak havoc after charging into enemy lines at full speed.

In short, the team's morale was at its peak, and they had developed an even greater respect for the Big Mek.

The only downside was that during the commissioning ceremony, the regiment's warlord showed these terrifying new toys to the Big Mek, then pitifully and almost humbly begged the Big Mek to bestow a stream of scalding hot urine on the crushing roller of his vehicle. If possible, poop would be even better, evenly smeared on the roller, which would surely elevate this already super-waaaagh-level vehicle to a tribal artifact, a legendary weapon.

Then, as expected, Kang De cruelly rejected him, berated him, and called him absurd.

Although the Greenskins' long-cherished wish, or rather their ambition, was not fulfilled, these steel behemoths weighing tens of tons finally appeared on the battlefield—they were not suitable for deployment in the previous positional warfare.

But now he serves as the king's vanguard.

Almost lined up in a row, they flattened the ground, clearing a path for the Astolfo. Thick black smoke billowed, Shadow clear shadow, above which stood the imposing, purple sun overhead, and the overwhelming force of the Kang De.

Led by the Extraordinary Destiny, three airships converged above the Astolfo, while a dragon battle group clad in dragon-shaped power armor spread its wings and flew around to escort it.

Beneath the celestial army, dust and smoke billowed across the land, warships sailed on dry land, and iron cavalry swept across the land unchallenged. Armored soldiers, knights, chariots, and mages formed a surging torrent that swept from north to south, shaking mountains as it arrived.

" --Kang De!"

Amidst the sweeping advance of the army, some marched against the tide, stepping onto the deck of the Astolfo under the guidance of the Valentan Guards, gazing up at the figure holding up the purple sun, their battle suit gleaming.

Witnessing that proud figure standing tall against the wind, Kaliusi, the acting Grand Speaker of the Southern Council, revealed a complex expression. Concealing his inner turmoil, he shouted with all his might, "This will only forge a blood feud between you and the Northern Council... Griffin and the Star Palace's schemes will certainly not be limited to this!"

He clenched his fist, his voice distorted in the wind. "You should withdraw your troops immediately. We need to find a more secure solution... at least to gain the mainland's knowledge, understanding, and shared hatred of the enemy!"

"Leading our troops into a direct confrontation here will only result in the slaughter of all these thousands of soldiers. They are valuable combatants, and their lives should not be wasted here!"

"Their deaths will have far-reaching consequences, for they are fathers, sons, husbands, and the bloodline of their families... If all the most promising and brightest young men of the Northshires were to die here, even if you claimed it was due to Griffin's evil magic, you would not gain understanding or acceptance. Besides, Griffin has been running the North County for far too long; he must have further plans and conspiracies—"

Kaliusi was frantic and almost trembling. After noticing the strange behavior of the Council soldiers, words could not describe the pain, anger, despair, and resentment in his heart.

His former teacher, his closest comrade-in-arms, and his fellow traveler with the same ideals and beliefs —Griffin Williams —has undoubtedly corrupted his soul completely. He not only deceived his loyal followers with lies but also manipulated them with evil magic!

Why did it turn out like this?

His country was torn in two, his former compatriots were manipulated by conspirators to sacrifice themselves in an evil war, his former mentor and friend was completely transformed into a non-human demon, and the brave who were willing to sacrifice everything for the country were arbitrarily manipulated and desecrated for their honor...

Why did it turn out like this?

Doesn't Griffin know what he's doing?! How dare he do this!

Is he really that confident he can win?

Even if he can win, what about before that? Observers from various countries, and even the two monarchs of Dragon Island and Twilight Moon, have witnessed his actions being exposed to the world. All legitimacy and justice will be lost. His evil deeds and cruel acts will become ironclad evidence of the Star Palace's hostility. All his reputation and glory will vanish with the wind, and even his relatives, disciples, subordinates, and students will find it difficult to recover!

Kaliusi's mind was racing, and as this thought crossed his mind, a completely unrelated and jumbled idea surfaced.

--Oh, Griffin's relatives, disciples, students, and subordinates who were implicated have all been exchanged by Kang De with military aid, thanks to Aokexindun's efforts; even he signed the agreement in the end.

These people are troublesome; they are not fully aware of Griffin's conspiracy, some are practically innocent, and they are also involved with other powerful families. Killing them all would be wasteful and cruel, and could easily cause some people to harbor resentment. Releasing them all would be even more inappropriate; the families of the "victims," driven by the righteousness of revenge, would never agree to such lenient treatment.

So in the end, they went with the flow and simply gave them all to Kang De. Cathayan used them to mine and do hard labor, or used cruel and evil schemes to coerce and blackmail Griffin, it had nothing to do with the Council.

The thought only flashed through his mind for a moment before dissipating like flowing water. Kaliusi's mind cleared, and because of his powerful mental strength, he keenly sensed the mountain-like pressure descending upon him.

He was looking up, so he saw it.

The figure standing atop the throne atop the warship looked down.

A sky full of dazzling lights unfolded as the Phase Gate opened one after another. Spatial abilities were the best defensive skills, and the elemental brilliance and flashing lightning that crashed down from the sky were swallowed up by the blooming star gates.

The person standing at the highest point is like a lighthouse, a torch, a strong shield, or a castle.

Tell the soldiers to stand shoulder to shoulder with me; tell the enemy that the blade is like this, becoming the brightest star on the battlefield, drawing maximum firepower and attacks for the soldiers, protecting them, and watching over them.

"Whether to fight or retreat, Kaliusi, both choices have their advantages and disadvantages. You Council the lives of the innocent soldiers of the Council, and I value the lives of the soldiers who fought for me and followed me here. Retreat seems to be the wise choice."

Kang De remained calm, letting the Magic Power of the sky surge and the elemental light flicker erratically.

"But people like you and me, deeply trusted by the people and soldiers, holding high positions and wielding great power, even if we claim that there is a difference in responsibilities and positions but equality in personality, in reality, even if we do not intentionally pursue luxury and pleasure, what we enjoy and possess in our daily lives and even in the future is something they can never achieve in their lifetime."

"Even if I shout ten thousand slogans of equality and live and eat with the soldiers, ordinary soldiers can only charge into battle. They won't have the authority and power to command large armies and change the political landscape of the continent like I do. They won't be protected with the strictest measures like I do, and they won't enjoy the top-level security, medical care, food, secrecy, and advisory services that they can hardly imagine in their lives..."

Isn't it ironic? Soldiers who fight and risk their lives on this battlefield are destined for one thing from the day they are born—perhaps they can change their fate through their own efforts and live a rich and beautiful life, but it is almost impossible for them to live the life I have now!

"How hard must he strive to reach such a high position and become a household name like me, the brightest star in the Mortal World? How far must he go to earn the following of a renowned statesman like Dong Tianming, and the respect and even awe of emperors and generals of various states?"

"The team that serves me—medical, security, advisors, consultants... the most outstanding talents in the Mortal World —assist me, ensuring my safety and well-being, and ensuring that I make the right decisions based on the most comprehensive and wise advice. Is this something a normal person can have?"

"For example, when an ordinary person falls ill, they simply see a doctor and take medicine. There are only two or three ways to solve the problem, but I have two or three hundred! They have to queue up to get medicine, and the doctor's skill level is unpredictable; as long as it's barely effective, that's fine. But I have a top-notch medical team on call 24 hours a day, and resources invested without regard to cost. Is this something that others can obtain simply through hard work and struggle?"

Kaliusi asked, bewildered, "--What are you talking about?"

"I don't understand... but that's not the main contradiction, and I can put it aside for now. But Kaliusi, in fact, we are different and have more, so we have the right, responsibility, and obligation to choose an option that no one will like, but is absolutely necessary."

"--Possessing resources that ordinary people can never access in their lifetime is precisely so that, when necessary, human lives can be converted into numbers, accounts can be made, comparisons can be made, unwanted conclusions can be reached, and then the actions can be taken."

The sound blowing down from above was calm, indifferent, rational, ruthless, and decisive.

"The lives of innocent soldiers Council, but the lives of my soldiers are even more important."

"The lives of my soldiers are important, but capturing Griffin and preventing his escape is even more important."

"Because the most important thing is to obtain the details and essence of this power, and to study countermeasures, so as to prevent the Star Palace from using the same method in various countries and cities. The most important thing is to confront the Star Palace, prevent its destruction, allow Civilization to continue, and allow as many people as possible to survive."

"I've figured out the math for you. What about yours?"

Kang De lowered his gaze, his eyes sharp as knives. "Are you going to argue with me here, or quickly find a way to Council more senior council officers and persuade them to reveal the details of the positions and deduce Griffin's location?"

Kaliusi remained silent for a moment, then turned and flew away from the warship without looking back.

Kang De stood firm, the frosty wind blowing coldly through his bones.

Just then, Dairila, who had been on guard behind, said softly, "Those who truly know how to calculate will consider their lives extremely important as Fire Thief. They would never set foot on the battlefield or place themselves in dangerous situations, much less use themselves as bait to draw fire for soldiers already engaged in fierce fighting."

Kang De did not turn back.

"I want to make myself feel more at ease, so I don't dream about some guy in a hat saying to me, 'Fuck you, you've betrayed the XX class.'"

He smiled and then turned on the intercom.

Horus!

The Fire Thief roared, "Announce my location to the entire army!"

"Yes, sir!"

Battlefield communications are activated, and data flows are surging endlessly.

Hundreds of simple calculations were completed in an instant, and hundreds of simple communications occurred simultaneously. Combat units stationed in various locations across the battlefield received similar but slightly different communication messages at the same time.

"Kang De has entered the battlefield! He's 6.8 kilometers from your unit!"

"Kang De's administration has entered the battlefield, and your troops are..."

"The direction of travel is due south..."

"Live report on marching speed..."

"Entering the Star Horse District..."

Horus's cold, mechanical, and rational voice was clearly audible, and turning one's head would reveal the blazing purple sun rising over the Astolfo, but the former was more inspiring and uplifting than the latter.

Even if they saw Kang De's car, it would only mean that the leader had entered the battlefield, but the real-time location broadcast told them a subtext— Kang De's administration was clearing obstacles and heading to the front lines!

Until we stand shoulder to shoulder with them!

"--Grip your weapon tighter!"

After a brief period of panic and fear, as their leader arrived and reinforcements were on their way, their fear was suppressed by their fighting spirit, and their blood boiled with fervor. The soldiers extinguished their cowardice and calmly and efficiently repelled the enemy. As the backbone of the future resistance against the apocalypse and the protection of Civilization, they participated in the first battle against the Star Palace.

Shoot, shoot, shoot.

Cover, provide mutual support, detect danger, mark targets, and fire.

Relying on tank defense and firepower, the tanks are protected.

In such fierce fighting, when air support or even long-range fire support could not arrive immediately, the armored and infantry soldiers fighting on the front lines gained an even deeper understanding of the importance of cooperation and coordination.

"Deployment of the teleportation PRISM-- "

Sweeping across the battlefield, filling in trenches, and blocking and leveling the Council's fortifications and secret passages, the battle line advanced, and one after another, the floating Paradox Sacred Pillar refracted out, casting large areas of teleportation domains.

In the White Mist World, the constantly reorganized army followed the phantom of the warships, leaping out of the void and splitting apart like flowing water, dispersing to various battle zones to strengthen local combat capabilities.

As for the crazed suicide soldiers?

A large number of drones were released, and identification cameras monitored the battlefield. Enemy troops emerged from secret tunnels, attempting to approach the nearest armored forces. However, the Paradox Sacred Pillar, located 500 meters to the east, immediately activated. Assault vehicles, which had already accelerated in the White Mist World, roared forward at breakneck speed. The Gatling guns unleashed dense lightning bolts, knocking the unsuspecting enemies to the ground.

Two tiny, Paradox bullets were fired from a Fulton rifle and embedded themselves in the prisoner's body.

Teleport.

As the battlefield expands and the suppressed areas extend, the projected Paradox Sacred Pillar act as sentry towers. The rapid reaction forces of the White Mist World are on high alert. Whenever an enemy infiltrates or makes any unusual movements, the nearby Paradox Sacred Pillar immediately deploy area denial squads to launch counterattacks against these fearless attackers.

Like a comb, the army swept straight through, cleansing and sweeping away obstacles, as the Astolfo moved forward slowly and steadily.

Horus broadcast the warships' positions in real time, orders were issued continuously, the forward troops began to connect the defensive lines, and reinforcements kept arriving. The army under Kang De's rule was majestic and imposing, instilling courage in the new recruits.

With tactical adjustments, equipment upgrades, and boosted morale, Kang De quickly regained control of the battlefield.

Even though the enemy enhanced its combat power in a bizarre way, and even though the battlefield was chaotic and the soldiers were caught off guard, the battle situation quickly returned to stability, as if the recent changes were just a tremor before the final outcome.

On the battlefield, powerful warriors from various nations traversed the area, capturing high-ranking officers who had lost their minds. As they rested and waited, they would also turn to gaze at the imposing figures aboard the warships, their hearts filled with excitement.

To personally go to the battlefield and turn the tide—what a legendary heroic act!

A thought suddenly occurred to them.

--If the threat from the Star Palace is indeed real, and if the Reapers who have destroyed countless eras do indeed intimidate the Mortal World with terror and annihilation, then the only ones capable of confronting and fighting against this unprecedented enemy are indeed these so-called Fire Thief travel by boat across dry land!

"The Fire Thief..."

Griffin Williams and Phaethon were also watching this scene.

After Kang De proclaimed "The Fire Thief have come," which was almost a declaration of war, Phaethon trembled and was almost out of control, ready to charge into battle and confront this fated enemy head-on.

But he still endured it.

Griffin Griffin at the figure on the warship, his gaze unfocused and his expression complex.

He murmured, "Is this the kind of person who can stand against you...?"

"In every era, there are such radiant lower beings, embodying the glory of the entire world."

Phaethon gazed at that magnificent and sacred figure, which seemed to embody the brilliance of the entire Mortal World.

State a fact calmly.

"--They all died in the end."