Amidst the gentle undulation of the waves, a completely soaked Huang Xu pinched the Silver Coin with one hand.
By the moonlight, he could see the patterns on it clearly at a single glance. Immediately after, he felt the nerves and thoughts in his brain twist together like a tangled mess.
“What… is this? “
Little Bird tilted its head, glancing a few times at Huang Xu, who was in pain with his eyes lowered, then looked again at the magic patterns on the Silver Coin.
“Never mind what it is. If you want to eat, just memorize it. “
“It’s so painful. “
“That’s because your mental strength is too weak. ” Cuckoo spoke as if it had already anticipated this. “Get a good rest tonight. I’ve patrolled the area—no one will disturb you during this seven-hour boat ride. “
With that, it sank with the hat beneath the water surface and disappeared.
……
Above the Sea of Fog, Li Aimin and Ruan Wenxiong piloted this half of the ancient ship, heading toward the other half hidden near a solitary reef in the vast sea.
…
At the edge of the Muratai Sea, in the realm of Embroiled Tides, Zhao Anlong and his group had already discovered a fifth person attempting to lurk and escape from the deep water. A group of people was entangled with him in a fierce pursuit, and it was basically impossible for this person to escape tonight’s calamity.
…
At the other end bathed by the moonlight.
Within the office of the Special Command, Farmer was listening dumbfoundedly as members of the Hellfire Sect narrated some information about their sect from two centuries ago.
They were indeed some unconventional secrets. It turned out that this group had a strange mutual understanding with the various nations of the time, likely because**notorious demon incidents occurred so frequently back then, giving the rulers of those nations headaches, thus giving birth to that strange historical period.
However, amid the discussion, Kim Christors kept frowning, mulling over the question lurking in his mind regarding the migration of living beings.
The Hellfire Sect drove away demons using flames, animals migrated collectively to the temperate and cold regions of the central and northern lands at inopportune times, and certain plants exhibited alpine characteristics.
He glanced from time to time at the three elders of the sect before him, then his gaze fell upon the memo pad placed aside as evidence of honor.
Listening to the old woman speak incessantly of the resplendent deeds of the sect’s deceased elders, Kim Christors subconsciously touched his pointed ear, interrupted her story, and asked:
“Excuse me, do you have any records in the Hellfire Sect regarding the abnormal migration of living things back then? “
“Abnormal migration? What does that mean? ” A few confused looks turned her way.
…
On Crue’s airship, Fulrry Zhao packed a delicate gift box, pondering as she gazed toward another airship in the distance.
“I still don’t have that feeling of being rejected. Clearly… I haven’t made any particularly significant contributions either. “
…
Meanwhile, in the Prime Minister’s residence, not many kilometers away from this airship…
Prime Minister Fäderich, seated behind his office desk, looked at the big-bearded mayor of Crue, dressed in a blue uniform, who had arrived late at night, along with a man with a high nose bridge and curly hair wearing an ancient noble’s attire standing beside him.
The big-bearded mayor placed the exquisite wooden box he held in both hands before Prime Minister Fäderich.
“Prime Minister, this is the gift you were concerned about. “
The Prime Minister’s gaze shifted from the wooden box to the man standing beside the mayor. His voice calm as he said:
“This gift is quite extraordinary indeed. I didn’t expect that merely preparing some thanks for my friends in Mist State would disturb you and the foundation you represent. “
“If it were just one or two watches of this kind, our craftsmen would, of course, be very willing to produce them immediately. “
This person’s tone was gentle and refined, seemingly quite elegant.
“But ordering over a hundred at once… even for our ‘Old Angel Foundation,’ this is an unprecedented matter. “
The mayor beside him looked slightly flustered. He had been full of confidence when ordering just a few watches, yet unexpectedly ended up summoned before the Prime Minister due to some so-called director from the other party requesting a meeting.
This infuriated the mayor, yet even when he personally mediated and found a senior official of the Old Angel Foundation who was connected to the yet-unevacued old world faction, he still couldn’t get the matter settled.
The director of this Old Angel Foundation politely raised an arm and gave a traditional old-world bow.
“Prime Minister, we understand that you intend to use these beacon watches as gifts of gratitude to the heroes who saved Krun. “
“I assumed your noble association would be eager to participate in the National Congress’s ceremony honoring the heroes. “
“Naturally, we would be honored, Prime Minister. However, a watch capable of real-time connection with nine Distribution Beacons is a matter worthy of careful consideration, both for the specialized accessory industry maintained by those merchants and for our Foundation’s control over watch design blueprints. “
The Prime Minister’s expression soured considerably.
The director continued in that same gentle, courteous tone:
_”Among merchants known as Distributors, an accessory that can simultaneously link to nineothermerchants is an item of immense value. Hardly a dozen are sold in an entire year. Moreover, the prerequisites for acquiring such goods are extremely strict; they are only available to their most esteemed long-term clients.
“Now, if the hundred most affluent individuals among the fog-folk of Woodtoa were all to simultaneously possess these high-value goods originally belonging to the merchants, it would inevitably provoke a collective protest from those merchants. Our Old Angel Foundation would certainly be held to account. “
“I know you have another parliament. Some watches, even if it’s just those hundred people, isn’t it only a hundred of them? And how many Mistfolk have there been over these years? Tens of thousands, or even hundreds of thousands? “
The council member apologized with a smile. “When the Mistfolk learn that they can obtain such rare treasures—which usually require a great price to exchange—by dedicating themselves to Siderfin, it would also be detrimental to the stability of this world. This is the main reason I came here, the esteemed Lord Fiadrich Siderfin. “
When the other party also addressed him as Lord, the Prime Minister realized that he was speaking to him on a family-to-family basis.
For this country, sometimes there are also such annoying and troublesome matters. Some rules are like tools that are useless to pick up yet cause cracks in mutual understanding if cast aside, truly frustrating him.
“In other words, these watches cannot be given on behalf of the Siderfin Parliament to our heroes? “
“If we were to change five commissioned badges of the Distribution Beacon instead, in terms of the prestige and status of our Siderfin family, this would be quite appropriate. “
The council member smiled. “This is because it just meets the threshold that ordinary Mistfolk find hard to directly purchase similar products from Distributors, and due to the finesse of their craftsmanship AND the preciousness of their origin, it demonstrates our country’s regard for its heroes among the Mistfolk. This holds more taste AND commemorative significance than merely giving high-value gifts. “
“Commemorative significance. ” Verdirich tapped his fingers with some frustration, then gave a slight nod. “I see; it’s getting late now, you two should head back first. Stay safe on the road. “
“Yes. ” After they had left, the Prime Minister gestured for his secretary, who was standing nearby, to place a phone call.
When the call connected, the person on the other end offered a somewhat surprised greeting.
“I hear you have some highly valuable items there that are difficult for the Fogfolk to obtain. “
— “That is correct, Prime Minister of Shriden. “
The man with crystal-rimmed glasses turned slightly. He had never imagined that he, the Prime Minister of the mighty Lion Empire, would be up in the middle of the night discussing matters usually delegated to his subordinates.
“I’m looking for gifts that match the dignity of the Shriden Congress yet are both valued by our Fogfolk friends and practical for them to use. Consider it our gratitude for the help they have provided this country, and indeed our world, in recent times. I don’t suppose your esteemed chamber has any recommendations? “
— “Of course, Mr. Prime Minister. ” There was a soft hum on the other end of the line. “If that’s the case, the first thing that comes to mind is a diary in which one can read about their own experiences at any time. “
“A diary? ” The Prime Minister could already picture the scene, a medal ceremony where each person would have a medal pinned to their chest, only to then take hold of a notebook and a pen with both hands.
— “Yes. That way, they will never forget the important events that occurred along the journey. However, certain special changes may prove to be beyond its influence. “
This was indeed more down-to-earth than directly giving away watches. He knew that the Fogfolk always had some strange and peculiar things. He wondered if they would find this interesting.
– “We can send someone tomorrow morning with more goods to choose from for your perusal. “
“No need. Now is the time for everyone to start evacuating, and it’s better not to take any risks over such matters. “
After hanging up the phone, the Prime Minister calmly leaned against the back of his chair. After a moment’s thought, he looked at his secretary, who exuded a faint scent of perfume, and asked, “In your opinion, which gift would the Fogfolk prefer? “
“Your Excellency, ” the woman said softly, flicking her long hair down from her shoulder, “if it’s a diary, the title page could be printed with your personal message. “
The Prime Minister’s gaze, once deep in thought, instantly sharpened.
……
The members of the guerrilla forces and the resistance had basically all gathered in the forests near Waldestadt.
Faced with this considerable force, the local city’s defense forces also huddled back in strength. You don’t provoke me, and I won’t provoke you either. They silently ignored each other’s existence.
“Is there any news from President Wager? Battalion Commander Yunshan? “
In the crowded camp, amidst a circle of dirty and ragged people, a soldier asked the only person nearby with fully rounded ears.
“Stop repeating the same things over and over. It’s really annoying, ” said another person anxiously.
This “Fog Man ” turned back to look at the few commoners he had managed to bring here today. It was now even harder to cross the branch regions of the Non-Sea, and they were basically unable to travel far to find others. They had to continue Vice President Wage’s rescue plan for the World Ark as best they could nearby.
“Rest assured, all of you, ” Zhu Yushan turned around. “Even if President Wage doesn’t reply, I will take you to Haven Zhengke. This is something I have promised. “
“Besides, the World Ark won’t abandon us, ” added a slightly thin young man with a dry voice in the squad to pump up their spirits.
Just then, a faint, startling clamor arose in the distance.
The round-eared man stood up to look.
“What’s going on over there? “
They held their breath and listened carefully, then their expressions grew uglier and uglier. Amidst the distant sounds of panic, they vaguely heard shouts of… “Vines, ” “Grew over the water, ” “Run! “
The resting figures in this grove began to stir restlessly.
The far-off cries of horror and fear grew stronger, shaking the air itself. “Run! ” Someone in the team suddenly shouted.
“Don’t panic! ” Zhu Yushan yelled, trying to calm the terrified crowd.
But in an instant, this call landed like a spark in a barrel of oil, igniting the group resting in the woods. The people, who had long survived under the immense pressure of doomsday terror, scrambled up in panic and fled southward, hastily grabbing and scattering the campfire gear and supplies as they ran.
“The Doomsday Demon is coming! “
“It’s already crossed the sea! ” a voice cried out in despair, tinged with sobs. “Everyone, run! “
Bang! The sound of a gunshot rang through the woods, but the man who fired it—his shouted words were swallowed up by the screams of panic.
Yet just then, a whirring hiss tore through the air, accompanied by the bright streak of a shell passing swiftly over the woodland. It exploded with a booming crash in the distant tributary waters, where frantic shouts had been heard.
“Artillery?! “
The people jolted, turning their heads in shock, momentarily forgetting even their fear—or perhaps they were simply stunned into silence.
Someone actually dared to fire artillery while the Endless Vine spread in full force.
But the next moment, they heard an even louder sound descending from the sky, accompanied by a dull, buzzing hum.
— “Keep firing! Full firepower coverage over the Endless Vine outbreak zone! Repeat, full firepower coverage over the Endless Vine outbreak zone! This is Chairman Yang’s order! “
Whoosh! An aircraft screamed past overhead, diving low.
Hot on its heels, several shells flew over the crowd’s heads.
Boom! Crash! Boom!
The earth trembled, and many of those who had been running dropped to the ground, clutching their heads.
The gasps and clamor gradually subsided after erupting, and people saw more planes flying at high speed in the distance, high in the sky.
— “Personnel in the Lagoon Water Bay area, evacuate immediately. “
— “Also, civilians taking shelter in the New Water Town area, evacuate immediately! “
“What’s going on?” Gradually, the people in the forest began to get up.
On board each of those aircraft, someone was using a loudspeaker to continuously shout as they whistled away into the distance.
Another aircraft circled around, then banked over the heads of the people running swiftly through the forest.
— “World Ark squad in Freshmoon River Woods! The last one to leave, set the nearby woods ablaze!“
“What?!“
Zhu Yushan’s group, utterly bewildered, listened to the booming voice from above.
— “This is Chairman Yang’s latest order!” the voice from the loudspeaker shouted vigorously. “Do as told, or I’ll come down and light the fire myself!“
“Why?“
Everyone stood in stunned silence, they heard in the distance intermittent sounds resembling cheers: ““
“It seems…“, “My god…“, “The vines have stopped…!“
……
When Karl and Kim Tae-cheol, who had returned from the lighthouse with supplies, suddenly heard that Chairman Yang had ordered people to take over the other half of the ancient ship, their hearts almost lost their rhythm in unison with excitement.
This was something they had never perhaps expected recently. For some time now, they had still been on guard against a sudden attack from Luca’s side. After all, the opposing force was two to three times their number. Yet now, all of a sudden, they were being asked to take over the other half of the ship.
At the ship’s highest point, the layered spectral outlines of the ancient vessel flickered into view and then vanished.
The thought force field of the ancient ship, stabilized by refined concentration, emanated an external aura. The figures within it used this to observe the people moving between the reefs and the ship below.
Tafkavec Electric’s people were packing up their belongings, intending to relocate to a small sheltered harbor carved within the reefs, preparing for the upcoming repairs of the entire vessel.
{My lord. } A faint shadow appeared beside the figure of refined concentration.
Adrian withdrew his ethereal head slightly, and the manifested phantom space of his refined concentration consequently dimmed.
The gray shadow said: {Did you hear that? They seem to be talking about welcoming the return of the other half of this ship. }
{Of course, I heard. }
Adrian’s tone carried a hint of excitement.
The gray shadow spoke with some anxiety: {I just wonder if that person will come along. }
Through the recent chatter of the newcomers, these thought force bodies, the ancient concentration remnants lingering on the ship, had learned more about the events surrounding that person from the last time.
Truly worthy of being the one who, upon first arrival with just a few people, uncovered the hidden secrets of the ancient ship. He had even stirred up considerable commotion back on land.
Consequently, their already reluctant feeling that that person might return again had grown more resistant and fearful.
{He probably won’t come. } Adrian said, {Don’t forget, to keep him from interfering with our control over this ship, I even invested the last Flash Investment in him and made him scram. }
{Is it really… that effective? } Gray Shadow asked, somewhat surprised.
Within the Phantom’s round window, the silhouette cast by the psionic entity suddenly appeared more imposing and lifelike, and it smugly stated:
{Since the precious Flash Investment has begun to show its effect, it won’t disappoint me until our goal is achieved. I believe he won’t come again. }
{Well… }
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