Night hung low, and the boundless ocean undulated in the darkness.
Morasai, wearing a headset, sat in a replica train carriage, carrying out what might be the world’s first cross-band signal synchronization tuning.
On the small screen of the signal transmitter operating at a designated frequency channel were displayed the dark night of Kros city and, in a room, the assembled faces of the empire’s upper echelons.
“This is incredible. ” Morasai murmured quietly.
The technology of science presented itself like mystical sorcery; mere radio waves could carry such a sea of information.
He stared at the undulating waveform on the screen, a sense of awe surging within him. It planted in Morasai a mysterious reverence for the ultimate frontiers of science.
“How is the talk going on their end? ” asked Ning Jiajia, who had been staring at the ancient machine’s screen for a long time.
“Very smoothly, ” said Morasai, taking off the headset with its dark wood finish. After a moment’s thought, he added:
“The Imperial Chancellor’s most urgent goal right now is to proclaim his existence across Steden and reclaim control over those wavering military regions and local powers. Hence, he places great importance on us, this unexpected special task force. As long as the terms aren’t too outrageous, he basically agreed to most of them.“
“Outrageous?” Ning Jiajia, whose skin was noticeably fairer, stared curiously at this pointy-eared man from Mota. “Would President Buchen and the others propose anything unreasonable?“
“Ah, indeed they did.” Moraith’s expression turned grim as he nodded solemnly. “They said they wanted the Imperial ministers to put together a small performance and put it on for cameras facing the whole world.“
In that instant, the air seemed to freeze for a moment.
“And then?“
“They were collectively rejected on the spot.” Moraith shrugged. “That was simply an impossible task to carry out.“
……
Meanwhile, the connection to the conference room had long been severed. The ministers were in an uproar, angrily discussing the absurd proposal they had just heard.
“These Fogfolk have gone too far!” a high-ranking official beside Chancellor Friedrich exclaimed indignantly.
Yet the Chancellor remained seated, head bowed in contemplation of the strange meeting that had just taken place.
“This is just how Fogfolk are. They always like coming up with things that are clearly going to be rejected, just to satisfy their weird eccentricities,” said another.
“Enough.” The Chancellor looked up. “Gentlemen, have the loyal warriors of Kölnville stand by to help with the all-night refit of the airships.“
“Yes! ” Major General Croesus, the chief communications technician, immediately responded to the order, swiftly relaying the directive through backup circuits—a task proactively proposed by the Empire during the meeting.
Kolinliar City was not far from Kruen, and with everyone’s assistance in acceleration, the fleet of airships arrived before midnight.
Over fifty airships scattered like phantoms at the city’s edge. Under the guidance of technicians Dereiano and Zorro, who had prior modification experience, the warriors, together with the few maintenance staff from the projection system and theater, quickly installed the emergency-projection system on the airships.
However, televisions were already insufficient.
……
-｛Distributor May Valkyrie increases the price of my nascent brilliance prelude by 200%.｝
Yang Zicang sped the ships along, racing through the pitch-black heights.
After concluding the conversation with the Imperial Prime Minister, he brought two individuals from Zhao Anlong’s team, along with the two survivors from Motav and his group. They returned to the inn via the giant carpet, and then appeared over the ocean.
“Ai Li still has an old-fashioned TV at home; it should be usable. “
“And Rong Fei Er’s place too. Although he left our Taufuco Electric last year, as a veteran employee, he should still have at least two such prototype Visualizers at home. “
According to the recollections of researchers from Taufuco Electric, over a dozen old-style TVs had been identified as currently available for mobilization.
Counting the final eleven units stored in the factory, there was still a shortage of at least twenty-two to twenty-six or twenty-seven units to reach the goal of fifty.
“Mr. Buchen, allow me to handle tonight; station finding TVs to wherever unions? OK spare workforce search. Adjust scenario to: “So leave TeV search again… Okay reserve accordingly._”
A woman from the ship who was following on the flying carpet said this. She had slightly plump cheeks, but it didn’t look fat; rather, it seemed a bit cute, “My ability can also come in handy. “
As she spoke, a faint halo lit up on her chest. Subsequently, Yang Zicang felt the flying carpet’s speed increase by nearly one-third.
Yang Zicang looked down at the increasingly closer capital of Heiwen Zike, nodded, and said, “Alright, Ao Zang, if there’s any danger, I’ll leave it to you. “
At one corner of the flying carpet, a man in his thirties with a samurai topknot, who was idly playing with a dark red long knife in his hand, curled his lips slightly, and said with a tone of unshakable certainty,
“Of course, leave the safety of Miss Min Feng and everyone else to me from now on. “
-｛The Subdistributor, February Dean, has marked a new node for the brilliant prelude prompted by me.｝
The flying carpet suddenly began to descend.
Motaf’s hair streamed straight back in the wind, forming a sharp shape, as he squinted and asked, “What about those remaining cables? “
“What else can be done? Just start processing and assembling as many as you can with whatever materials you’ve got. “
“Huh? ” Motaf was quite surprised, “How many units can we possibly churn out in one night? I estimate that even two or three would already be an remarkable accomplishment. “
“Just need some signal receivers and screens. “
“Huh? ” Motaf and the others exchanged glances.
-｛Distributor Loki·Tata Mingqi gives a “thumbs up “.｝
Indeed, that was the case. Thus, Yang Zicang, following the two Motaafs to the sealed-off Tafke Electric warehouse, immediately pried open two large wooden crates of materials with a crowbar—the ones that had been packed up and shipped away earlier, only to be returned later—and began selecting usable parts from them.
……
“Good heavens, I’ve already switched careers to running a night stall, and now I have to go back to assembling visualizers? “
By a roadside outside a community, guarded exclusively by Fogfolk, beside the row of stalls, a man with an apron tied to his chest and grease wiped on his hands stared in astonishment at the two visitors before him.
“Of course you do. Come on, both Mr. Motaaf and our World Ark need you to rejoin us. “
The man hesitated, turning to look at his wife. She nodded gently.
In less than an hour and a half, the Tafke Electric employees left behind in Heiwencke, along with researchers who had previously worked there, were all brought over by Min Feng and Ao Zang.
Nearly everyone asked in shock about Motaaf’s severed arm.
When they heard how the old man had personally experienced the “Complete Grand Kruun ” airship disaster in the Empire’s capital, they felt both heartache and amazement, exclaiming with astonishment.
Motaaf waved his hand and called out to the crowd growing lively in the workshop.
“Old brothers, over the next few days, I’ll have to rely on all of you to complete this tough task. Especially tonight! We’ve got a heavy workload ahead—we need to assemble over twenty sets of receiving and displaying devices. “
“As long as you’ve got the materials, that’s no sweat. “
“Just grabbing whatever can be used by pulling parts from some radios. As long as the signal can be received, that’s enough. We can even ignore the frequency; there are people responsible for that.“
A large pile of electronic machines, collected from shops and tavern corners where they were sold cheaply due to the public’s fear of scientific creations, was scrounged up and brought back by Yang Zicang.
Now even merchants are increasingly gripped by the fear of the Science Demon, worrying over these items that could have earned them two or three times their value, and are eager to get rid of them.
These electron tubes and capacitors, once tasked with tuning radios and coupling signals, along with carbon and wire-wound resistors, were now bundled together haphazardly with record players that combined electronic amplification technology with mechanical phonographs, all piled up in a corner at the door of the workshop.
A man crouched down by the pile, gave it a quick once-over, and said:
“Brother Mortafu, you said as long as the signal in the acoustic wave reception is okay, it’s fine. Then I’m not going to bother with the rest.“
He picked out two old, outdated crystal radios.
These devices were the most primitive and simplest radio receivers—they required no power source; using natural crystals like galena as detectors, and with an antenna, ground wire, and tuning circuit, they could pick up local strong stations.
Before dawn broke, the flying carpet carrying the ship continued to rise urgently into the sky.
This time, Yang Zicang led most of those who came tonight, along with some of their family members who chose to join, towards Colinlier City in Steffan.
Meanwhile, according to last night’s discussion by the action group, the twelve airships originally deployed around the empire continued heading abroad. Under the uninterrupted use of acceleration Ability Spheres like “Dispatching, ” they proceeded to the skies above the southern countries fragmented by backflowing tributaries of seawater.
……
A day had passed, and the Greater Craig Kingdom had already seen close to one-third of its territory fall to the advancing Soldier Army of Oderlev.
However, with air support from other nations arriving in the afternoon, this war entered a second period of stalemate.
At that moment, the residents of the kingdom, who had stayed awake all night, spotted several airships appearing in the dimly lit dawn sky.
The sound diffused by the massive exhaust propulsion turbines at their tails had already startled the birds roosting in the trees. Soon after, the noise from one of the airships diminished.
It hovered above the city, where patches of pale sunlight filtered through.
“It’s an imperial airship!” exclaimed one resident, lowering his telescope before noticing the lettering on it. “But… there seem to be other markings. Wait—World Ark?!“
“What’s going on?“
People buzzed with discussion. Several bombers flew overhead toward the airship, arcing around it in an intimidating display.
But then, a somewhat distorted square light panel lit up on the airship’s side.
—— “Hey hey, let me say something. We are the World Ark, uh, that is, a civilian relief organization. “
“What the hell is this? “
Even the pilots found the screen’s appearance unbelievable.
—— “First of all, we salute the fearless air force of the Great Creig Free Kingdom. “
The curtain screen showed a photo of Crown Prince Roman and the Night Owl warriors battling the imperial invading army in the vast skies. In an instant, the ground erupted in deafening cheers.
“It’s a friend from the World Ark! “
“They captured the empire’s fleeing airship! “
This news spread rapidly through the city. It even alarmed the remaining royal family members.
Before long, a small kingdom airship flew up alongside, hovering next to the “Kruen 107. “
……
Around ten o’clock, news spread like wildfire within Hafengk’s borders that an airship manufactured by Steffin had arrived.
Several two-propeller biplane aircraft flanked it on both sides, occasionally circling around, making a show of force.
“It’s the World Ark’s airship. “
Down below, the citizens, who had already prepared wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses, looked up at the sky.
Thinking that the thing was originally meant to be a cradle of life for saving ordinary empire civilians, yet had been attacked by their own general, the people on the ground gasped. Some lamented, while others cheered and cursed, hoping for a few more explosions like that.
Meanwhile, some insiders who spotted the words “World Ark ” immediately had a revelation.
Was the international aid organization, which had been temporarily declared under review by the Black Unic government, actually planning to use this thing for worldwide relief operations?
They knew that the World Ark was only selectively rescuing people from each location. If that was the case, these airships could meet the greater need for rescue, going beyond the trains.
“I see… ” a person who had been holding a telescope murmured softly as they lowered their hand, gazing up at the airship in the sky.
“Truly great. Even at a time like this, being able to save ten, or even a hundred more people, is an exceptionally good thing. “
“These Fogfolk, honestly. If it weren’t for the times they genuinely do something inhumane, I’d be willing to invite them to stay at my house for good. “
As several scholars and people working in government departments discussed this, the airship descended a bit, then displayed a startling image. Immediately afterwards, music that perfectly matched the scene began to play.
The crowds below, who had simply come to watch the excitement, were completely stunned, their jaws dropping to the ground.
“My god, they, they even… made an MV! ” exclaimed a man with rounded ears, turning to the woman beside him in shock.
The woman swept her eyes around the noisy crowd.
The people running along with the airship, experiencing this synchronization of image and sound for the first time, felt it was like a sensory bomb dropping on them.
Meanwhile, the scholars and government personnel discussing the World Ark’s eagerness to save people gazed on in confusion, watching the choral scene that looked like it was taking place in a factory workshop.
“What exactly does the World Ark intend to do? ” they asked, hesitating.
……
The anomaly of the airships gradually made its way onto the desks of the leaders of various nations.
“What is Yang Buchen up to now? “
This was the question on the minds of the leaders of these countries.
“Today, Oderlev’s army has advanced another ten kilometers but has been stationed for the past hour. “
At noon, in the office of the Heivenzike Kingdom’s Cabinet, the eldest prince and his staff were listening to a report.
“Is their offensive insufficient today? “
“Capturing Victory Triumph City caused their ammunition reserves to be dispersed; they were supposed to be resupplied today. However, according to the latest information, problems seem to have arisen within their country. “
“What kind of problems? “
The surrounding officials, including the second prince and the fourth, looked on.
The reporting staff member bit his lip and said:
“Some of the legions that were originally supposed to follow Oderlev failed to provide the expected coordinated support yesterday. Moreover, this situation is escalating today. “
After thinking for a moment, an old general said:
“Could it be that the imperial high command, which lost contact with the country after the Krupp explosion, has made some new moves that have been learned by the military districts? “
“Now that Stedfen is leaderless across the country, and all radio stations are in Oderlev’s hands, the populace has been gradually seduced by declarations of war. Even if the military and local governments are waiting to see, I believe that if we hold out another two days, the situation for the Imperial Prime Minister will be all but lost. “
“At a time like this, Odrev must focus on advancing forward while simultaneously controlling the war situation to prevent it from immediately igniting the powder keg of our southern nations. At the same time, he must stabilize the various armies in the rear, ensuring that the wavering military districts choose to follow his footsteps. “
Seeing the Empire’s Admiral suffer a setback, all the generals and commanders laughed heartily.
“Heh, I actually suggest we give them a little time to see whether this war should be fought or not. “
“Mr. Admiral, I rather think that at this moment, we should join forces to wipe out Odrev’s vanguard at Greater Craig. “
“If we do that, what if—should the Prime Minister regain control of the situation—he uses this as a pretext to continue waging war against us? “
Amid the discussions fueled by differences of opinion, an airship had already appeared over Talko.
……
“It’s already twelve o’clock. The World Ark’s latest response is that preparations can begin around 2:15 PM at the earliest. “
“Should we start preparing now? ” the female adjutant asked, sounding slightly nervous.
For her and the ministers, this was no ordinary briefing session.
It was also a stage—a historic debut for the entire world!
The female adjutant thought that, as she accompanied the Prime Minister and the ministers, although they would be facing the open square of the disaster-stricken city of Krunen,
in reality, countless millions across the nation—and even people from all over the world—would see their images!
Involuntarily, she subconsciously wiped her already spotlessly white face, which she had cleaned many times that morning, to make sure there was not a single trace of dirt.
Ferdirich glanced at the visibly nervous ministers before him.
He smoothed his collar, indeed, he was a bit nervous too.
But at the first Tivi meeting yesterday evening, that young man from the World Ark spoke quite well.
In the future, he would likely be more than just the Empire’s Prime Minister.
He would be a totem deeply etched into the memories of people across the entire world.
“Ha, ” even though that young man had only said so to encourage him to show some mercy to the continent and avoid war, the words truly resonated with him.
He took a deep breath, his gaze calm yet sharp, and said:
“Return to the Krune Parliament. “
……
The fifty-two airships, hastily equipped with projection systems, scattered across various parts of Steffen.
Aboard them were the newly replenished personnel from the Krune rescue team.
Allured by the Glory Light and the rare “Rainbow ” radiance, these people were naturally eager to participate in such a safe yet highly rewarding mission.
Moreover, even if a few harbored ill intentions, facing Zhao Anlong’s earth-shattering kick and the villagers in the selection lineup—about twenty locals each revealing three or even four pupil rings—they were thoroughly dissuaded from trying anything else.
Inside the airship’s passenger compartment.
Mortaf, wide awake and full of energy despite having not slept all night, stared nervously at the “Tivi screen ” before him.
He was very pleased with the name( previously told to him by the Science Speaker.
For him, a Steffen at heart, this was an immense honor bestowed by the Empire’s high command.
The Motaft-branded Tiwei machine, with his own name even at the very front!
“It’s just about time, ” Yang Zicang said from the side.
“Alright, everyone take note, the broadcast is about to begin! “
At this moment, on the cleared square in front of the Congress, all the ministers, along with the Prime Minister, had already taken their places on the stone steps.
The surrounding streets were fortified like an impenetrable iron wall, with a few Fogfolk providing close security. Soldier No. 4, meanwhile, expanded his formidable mental energy, nearly enveloping the entire area within several kilometers.
Prime Minister Voldrich looked up at the airship hovering above his head.
The square screen on it was starting to activate.
“We can begin preparations now, ” said a person from Tavko Electronics, who was responsible for filming in the front.
As a buzzing electrical sound came from the microphone standing on the ground, a black-and-white image lit up on the side of the overhead airship. It was a view of the stone steps in front of the Congress hall, shot from a hovering camera by a team of expert photographers inside a gondola.
At the same time, throughout the continent, airships stopped playing their various pictures and music, all flickering with wavy lines before displaying the same scene.
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