Civilization: Beyond Two Worlds

Chapter 538: 538

Returning to the Court, Killing Notice

It was not until the Battle of Distant Harbor was settled, and the international turmoil surrounding the element of the Paragon was completely over, that the core politicians of the Arcane Council, the Imperial Cabinet, the Sunset Moon Parliament, and other countries finally heard the secret report from their naval generals.

Through the testimony of these direct witnesses, they learned the full picture of that day.

” I tried my best to penetrate the hull made of steel and understand the secrets of the Ocean Stronghold, but I got nothing. I was like an apprentice who witnessed the mysteries of magic for the first time.”

” With my shallow wisdom, I can’t understand the operation of this unprecedented alchemical warship.”

” Just like how I don’t understand what kind of delicate and powerful power device it relies on to make the heavy hull of the Antonyers, which has a displacement three times that of the Antonyers, break the waves at twice the speed of the Antonyers.”

Master Neola, the fleet commander of the Azure Fleet and the winner of the Glorious Rank and the Azure Honor Badge, was still shocked at the secret hearing in the council.

” I think what this means is that all of you, core members of parliament, have higher wisdom and magic attainments than I do. You should know this very well. Kant’s path of alchemy is completely different from ours. The difference is far greater than the difference between the human continental law system and the elven marine law system.”

” I even have to painfully admit that this difference even includes the distance between the advanced and the backward.”

” The perfect unity of speed, power, and precision demonstrated by that warship, the high-speed propulsion system, the precise and fierce firepower, the steel defense body, and even the results of automaton and magicization are no different from our new naval construction ideas, but they are far ahead of us.”

” Masters, I’ve already told you all about the Battle of Distant Harbor. If you ask for my opinion on anything other than the war, my opinion might be a little harsh.”

” The Council should carefully consider how to ease their relationship with His Highness Kant and increase their strategic importance to him.”

“Moreover, speed up…That’s because we’ve already fallen behind Kant.”

” But the good news is that at least we know the way forward.”

In Silvermoon City, the capital of Sunset Moon, Brigadier General Cavilonza, the fleet commander who had done his best to protect most of the warships and soldiers during the Battle of Distant Harbor and maintained the dignity of the dynasty in front of the strategic enemy, was also giving a secret report after receiving his commendation.

” I saw huge flaming arrows with tails of light rising from the front of the ship amidst the continuous eruptions of flames and smoke. In a short period of time, they soared to the extreme speed of lightning and caught up with the mutated monsters that were fleeing in all directions, no matter where they fled to or what height they were at.”

” I saw that at the end of their lives, those huge and agile ugly monsters flapped their wings and changed directions at an agile speed in an attempt to dodge.

” This isn’t rare. In hunting, cunning prey will use this method to avoid our arrows.”

” However, to my horror, these flaming arrows, which were clearly faster than four times the speed of sound, adjusted their direction of pursuit when their target suddenly changed direction. They were like the guiding arrows shot by the Moon God, always chasing after the enemy’s heart without a moment of deviation.”

” Everyone knows what it takes to do this at four times the speed of sound.”

” There’s no need to elaborate on what happened next. The battle report in front of you all mentioned that these high-speed monsters with powerful strength and instincts were killed one by one by the alchemical weapons fired by the warship.”

” It’s powerful, fast, and has the ability to self-adjust. It can easily kill targets dozens of miles away. This weapon can kill corrupted monsters, but of course, it can also kill normal dragons.”

” Let’s think about it. Are our Aerial Mages and Horned Eagle Knights among the targets?”

” Also, can this alchemical weapon that can kill high-speed flying targets hit warships that are far slower than the former, or even coastal fortresses, cities, or even armies that have no mobility at all?”

” Gentlemen, there is no doubt that another Sword of Intimidation is slowly rising, alongside the Forbidden Spell. The invincible fleet of the Twilight Moon Dynasty that has maintained its hegemony and dominated the world for hundreds of years is now facing a powerful challenge.”

” This challenge does not come from a powerful alchemical warship, but a brand-new combat system!”

” I still maintain my opinion on the Battle of Lucerne. The Commander-in-Chief of the Expeditionary Force, Sir Sylvan Keller, used an epoch-making air force tactic in the siege. Before Kant arrived, the newly formed air force had already dealt a devastating blow to the defense of Lucerne. Their final defeat was not a failure of this tactic, but because Kant used the same tactic, but it was stronger than ours!”

” This combat technique can also be applied to the ocean.”

” In my judgment, naval aviation will play a greater role in future ocean operations.”

” That day, the Aberrant Dragon’s high-speed attack on the fleets of the three countries is enough to prove this point. High-speed diving will bring about a speed advantage that is difficult to intercept. The integrity of the Kant’s long-range, mid-range, and near-range composite air defense network proves that this statement is correct. This is because the elven shield’s defense against arrows is unparalleled in the world. Only those who are good at a certain type of attack will know how to defend!”

” Honorable lords, I will abide by my duty and offer advice to the honorable parliament as a soldier. We are already at the crossroads of the next military era. Kant’s figure is still visible in the future. We must admit that we are lagging behind, but at least we can use the unparalleled financial resources, magical knowledge, and wisdom of the Twilight Moon Dynasty to catch up and surpass them!”

At the cabinet meeting of the Holy Empire, trembling screams rang out.

“Charge…It’s charging over! Twenty-nine-section steel battleships are charging over!”

As the fleet that suffered the most losses among the three countries, the Fourth Division lost all the decision-making officers led by the commander. The captains of the five battleships who took over the command died one after another.

The surviving highest-ranking officer was the captain of a fourth-class battleship. He was a rich second-generation heir who barely graduated from the Royal Navy Academy. He was a man who had been living a life of gold-plated connections. After experiencing Resident Evil and the super battleship, he had already suffered from severe PDSD. Afu’s cannon kept flashing in his mind, and the nightmare lingered.

Therefore, the ministers of the Empire could only obtain information from officers of lower ranks.

Although all the puzzles had been pieced together in the end, the officers might have been loyal, but they were obviously not well-educated. At least, among the officers of noble birth whom the honorable lords had inquired about, none of them could see the hazy illusion of the next military era from the super warship.

The ministers discussed for a while and finally came to a self-comforting conclusion.

At least Kant’s warship could not reach the shore. The Empire and Goethe still shared a long and narrow border. They had huge military, political, cultural, and economic advantages. They were the suzerain. All these advantages were magnified infinitely under the premise of having a direct border. The Empire still had the upper hand.

Just like how Kant’s deeds and power in the Battle of Valentan and the Battle of Lucerne were gradually having a profound impact on the continent, the Battle of Distant Harbor had also deepened and expanded the significance of the battle. However, the impact was layered on top of each other, and this time, it was even more profound.

And it was not limited to military innovation and the challenge of maritime hegemony.

There was also the far-reaching impact and serious consequences caused by the element of the Paragon.

And even more.

However, that was something that would only gradually ferment and come one by one.

It was the same for politics and war. Slow and boring long-term preparations, lightning fast progress when the war was launched, speed and slowness, movement and stillness, everything was a combination of the two.

Including the final reports of the officers to the highest authorities of their respective countries, it was more than ten days after the Battle of Distant Harbor had completely calmed down.

Before that, at least for that moment on that day, victory was sweet.

While Brigadier General Cavilonza, Master Niola, and the other officers obeyed Kant’s arrangements, they widened their eyes and used every method they could to try to pry out more clues and information from the divine warship. After all the mutated dragons that tried to escape were blown up by the ship-borne anti-aircraft missiles, everything returned to peace.

The Knight Astolford sailed back to the distant harbor, but it did not enter the harbor.

With a silver flash, Lily transformed into a human and landed on the deck of the Knight’s Afu.

The breeze blew her long black dress and light golden hair. The silver-white reflection of the battleship reflected on Long Niang’s pale face. This was an unquestionable victory. She had fought together with the new Fire Stealer. Lily looked at Ah Xing, who had jumped out and waved at her with a silly smile, and a huge stone was lifted from her heart.

She smiled as she watched Kant walk out.

Kant smiled at her.

The two of them were silent for about five seconds. A portion of Horus ‘armor quietly drilled into Kant’s coat and pinned Kant’s shoulders and forearms, forcing his father to open his arms.

Lily smiled brightly and jumped into Kant’s arms.

This was the joy of hugging after victory, the pure kind.

The other part of Horus was still on the bridge, controlling the fire control system. Only a small part of Horus had been separated, transforming the optical sensor into a reflective camera.

Great moments needed to be recorded.

After hugging for a while, Lily finally calmed herself down. She hid the heat on her face and quietly left Kant’s embrace. She looked at the calm sky with a sad expression.

“Dragon clan…”

More than half of the dynasty’s fleet suffered heavy losses, but this time, the dragons were the biggest losers. Including the seven dragons of the diplomatic mission and the infected dragons, there were nearly 30 casualties. In addition to the casualties in the Battle of Lucerne, it was enough to go down in history.

The kind that could make the elders impeach the Dragon Emperor.

“All dead?” he asked.

Lily shook her head.” No, there were eight survivors. They were originally doomed, but then the aberrant dragons suddenly gave up on their target and started hunting down the fleets of various countries. When you turned the tide, I found them. They… They were terrified, so I advised them to stay for the time being.”

“They’re all injured…” Long Niang hesitated for a moment.

The so-called injuries were naturally left behind by the mutated dragon. There was a risk of infection and decay.

She was a little embarrassed to say it, but she still said,”So…” Help? Of course, the medical fees will not be small. I will cooperate with you to extort a sum of money from the Dragon Emperor and Dragon Island…”

” Don’t worry,” Kant said.” I’ll treat them for free.”

Lily looked surprised.

Kant merely smiled.” Just like you said, the Fire Stealer is not Goethe’s Fire Stealer. It’s the Fire Stealer of this world.” Isn’t it?”

He didn’t wait for Long Niang’s reply. He waved his hand and the phone fell into his hand.

The Fire Stealer’s voice swept across the sea.

” This is Kant speaking to all intelligent creatures in the sea near Far Harbor. The threat has been removed.”

The Paragon Engine and Asha’s gift allowed the Fire Stealer’s eyes to see the activity of the Paragon Element in this sea area, and there was no longer any threatening accumulation.

” All illegally entering fleets, stay where you are, reorganize the situation, repair the ships, and rescue the drowning and seriously injured. Be careful. The infected are still aggressive. After the leaders of the fleets are done with their arrangements, go to the city hall of Distant Harbor and prepare to receive the surrender. All crew members of the fleets should disembark in turn, undergo inspection and treatment for the removal of the Paragon Element, and be placed in the prisoner of war camp.”

” All matters await your deployment. Before that, all ships should stay where they are.”

“Violators will be immediately killed.”

” Soldiers, your mission has ended. Before the negotiations and negotiations at the national level are over, you have become my prisoners. I hope your monarch and ruler are generous.”

His voice traveled far and wide, sweeping across the already calm sea.

“Aren’t we going to charge for this?” Madame Long rolled her eyes.

” I’m already doing a good deed by providing medical aid to humanity,” Kant said proudly.” Do you expect me to return these invaders in one piece?” Of course, they had to pay! And he had to pay double! He wanted a share to redeem the person, and a share to redeem the ship! Depreciation, food, accommodation, all of them!”

“I’m going to feed them mushroom stewed chicken noodles and spam luncheon meat every day for one gold coin per meal! If the countries don’t want to pay for the food, they can also give me the same instant noodles and canned meat!”

At this point, the Fire Stealer held the beeper and roared,”Answer your mother!” Didn’t you hear me?!”

The respected Lord Kant’s curses also swept across the sea.

After a short while, the commanders of the three fleets expressed their agreement in a strange tone.

After witnessing the overwhelming firepower of the Knight Afu, even the elven fleet, which had almost no damage, chose to surrender instead of fighting.

The proud elven commander didn’t lead the fleet to escape. Even though he knew that Kant wouldn’t sink the ship even if he did, he still chose to stay, even if he might incur the humiliation and ridicule of this detestable Skyracian. After all, he had rejected the alchemy puppet’s suggestion not long ago.

He wanted to find a way to get more information about this steel warship.

The Battle of Distant Harbor had been a complete victory.

Kant said,” I’m going to the Far Harbor to meet Stella and do some other things. Lily will stay here for the time being. Horus, if anything happens, whether it’s those fleets or some other stupid thing, I’ll kill them all.”

The Horizon frigate had forty-eight firing units, and there were still more than thirty aster missiles left. With the support of the Paragon Element and the fire control of Horus, these anti-aircraft missiles could even be used as anti-ship and cruise missiles. With the intensive firepower from the ship, it was enough to control any unexpected situation in the sea. With Lily to take care of the high-level battle, it was very appropriate.

“Father, don’t you need me to go with you?” Horus asked. They’re scared out of their wits.”

“No need.”

Kant met Stella outside the city hall of Faraway Harbor.

The second princess’s eyes were red. She had clearly cried, but they should have been tears of joy. Their eyes met. The conflict and disagreement from before seemed to have been replaced by more complicated emotions. Kant said slowly,” Thank you for your hard work.”

These words made Stella’s tears roll down again.

She barely controlled her emotions and said softly,”You’re the one…” It must have been very difficult.”

Kant nodded. I kept my promise.”

Stella was slightly shocked.

The Fire Stealer glanced at the nobles and high-ranking officials of the Blue Wave Province behind Stella. His cold gaze and the warships outside the port made the big shots shiver. Their smiles became forced. Kant did not exchange pleasantries.” I’ll explain it to you in detail.” But now is not the time. Stay here and control the situation. Be careful of your personal safety and appease the people. Find a place outside the city and prepare to take in the prisoners.”

After saying that, he repeated himself. Thank you for your trust and support. This is especially precious. Now, I…”

Stella suddenly stepped forward and grabbed Kant’s arm.

Her voice was very low, and there was even a hint of pleading in it.

“When you appeared…” She said,” I’ve already sent someone to report back to Lucerne with the fastest speed and the most urgent message. So, can you wait a little longer? Just a little longer…”

Kant gently placed his hand on the princess’s delicate hand.

The scorching heat made Stella’s heart tremble.

“You know, this is meaningless.” Kant gently removed her hand.” What’s done is done.”

With the Fire Stealer’s intelligence, it wasn’t difficult to figure out that the distant port was in chaos, and the fleets of various countries had brazenly entered the country. Since the various forces had done such a thing, it must be a conspiracy to attack with all their might. The distant port was in such chaos that it meant that the center of the greatest storm must still be Danfeng Lucerne.

One could imagine the pressure Tina was facing.

So…

“See you later.”

Kant received his first piece of news after returning to Lucerne.

Tina was under house arrest.

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[PS 1: 5,000 words. Sigh, this part is finally coming to an end. Force Majeure has interfered with the completion of the plot…] He was in a terrible state. Yes, he had decided to kill a supporting character in the next scene to get a feel for it.