Chapter 481: 481
Chapter 481: 481
Chapter 481: 481
The Power of Civilization
Searching was a long process.
Even though the Dragon Emperor had provided the general location in private, it was still very difficult to find the traces of the dragon diplomatic corps in the complex terrain of at least thousands of square kilometers.
After all, the dragon race flew. If they did not take the main road, there was no way to trace them.
He could only determine their landing point, combine the information of the Dragon Emperor, and calculate the speed of the dragons to draw out a general search range, and then search and investigate.
This was where the difficulty lay.
This was because the area was sparsely populated and had not been developed by civilization. A portion of the area was filled with dense forests, swamps, canyons, and mountains. There was a lack of roads, and transportation was inconvenient. It was also filled with many ferocious beasts and poisonous insects.
This made the search and rescue extremely troublesome.
In fact, even on Earth, it was a tricky job.
But Kant saw the wisdom of the other world.
“We call it the Eye of Lucius…” A clear voice was heard. It was Stella, the second princess of Goethe.” His Excellency Lucius is the founder of the school of energetics.”
Kant, Stella, and the Gorilla were high in the sky.
Mountains, forests, rivers, plains, coasts, everything could be seen.
In the distant sky above the dense forest, above the mountains, above the surging rivers, there were spheres of various sizes floating, like eyes overlooking the earth.
Hanging baskets hung from the bulged sacs, and one could vaguely see human figures moving within them. Magical light flashed across a distance of more than ten kilometers, as if it was transmitting some kind of signal.
The Goethe called it the Eye of Lucius.
However, Kant had seen something similar on Earth. It was called a hot air balloon.
By heating the air, it creates buoyancy.
It was the first aircraft used by humans.
It was the pre-technology of the Kirov airship.
Kant turned to look at the center of the basket. The hot air balloon he was riding was especially huge. It was in the center of the search area and was responsible for coordinating the overall situation. There were three Spell Casters in charge of maintaining it. The division of labor was clear.
A pilot from the School of Thermodics was responsible for controlling the output power of the flaming crystal to control the height of the hot air balloon so that it could sail with the help of the airflow in different directions at high altitudes. The other navigator, who specialized in wind magic, was responsible for maintaining the wind control array on the surface of the hot air balloon to assist in the pilot.
The last spellcaster from the Atmospheric School of Thought had to maintain the air pressure inside the cabin to ensure the temperature, pressure, and air environment, ensuring that the passengers could breathe comfortably and freely.
They smiled politely and reservedly when Kant looked over.
“It really surprised me and broadened my horizons.”
He nodded at the pilot.
The other party bowed slightly and said,” Thank you for your praise, Your Highness Kant. We are only your apprentices when it comes to exploring the sky. The Eye of Lucius is useless in the war against the elves. It is just a live target for their air force. Your alchemical weapon is a sharp blade to slaughter them.”
Kant shook his head.” It’s just like how the heavy cavalry is invincible on the plains, but useless in the mountains. My alchemical weapons pursue extreme speed, be it in terms of mobility or killing speed. Therefore, I have to sacrifice another aspect, such as weight, endurance, and defense…I can’t say for sure that this path is correct. Just like the surprise you gave me, perhaps this magical creation represents another path.”
He organized his words and spoke politely and humbly.
However, his heart was in turmoil.
What to do, what to do.
He really wanted them to build an airship!
Airships had briefly appeared on the military stage of mankind, and even shone during the First World War. However, mankind’s technological tree had reached another branch. High-speed, flexible, and ferocious piston-type aircraft had turned airships into dog poop, and civil aircraft, which were safer, more stable, and faster, gradually occupied the aviation market. Soon, airships withdrew from the main stage and became a dispensable minor supporting role.
The reason was simple.
One of the characteristics of the human technology tree… Spears were always stronger than shields.
Stacked Armor was destined to be beaten up.
That’s why he had to f * cking dodge, speed, and critical hit!
But the other world was different.
There was magic in the other world.
Materials science was even more impressive than Earth.
This meant that they might be able to do things that Earth couldn’t.
For example, airships! Airships! Airships!
Handsome, of course!
The stratosphere fortress that was flying in the sky and hiding in the clouds was a colossal object that covered the sky and the sun. There were cannons everywhere. If they asked, they would shoot and explode. If they asked, they would open the bomb bay. What? Throwing bombs? Don’t you throw your mother’s bombs?
Not only did he want to shoot it, but he also wanted to throw the plane out! He threw them out one stack after another.
Translate for me, what the hell is an aircraft carrier?
Why is a ship that can’t fly called a motherf * cking aircraft carrier?
The moment this thought appeared, it burned fiercely. It could not be stopped or cut off.
He finally could not resist the temptation and tentatively asked,”I wonder if you are interested in changing this balloon to a bigger, spindle-shaped one with higher buoyancy, and then…”
Kant pointed at the large basket under his feet.” Change this thing into a fully armed warship?”
The pilot was stunned at first, then his eyes flickered violently. Even the other two Spell Casters shuddered, revealing expressions of shock and ecstasy. The way they looked at Kant instantly became intimate!
The unfamiliar politeness from before had completely turned into intimacy.
– –It was one of them!
“Your Highness!”
The pilot temporarily handed over his work to his assistant. He quickly walked up to Kant and bowed.” I’m from the Clausius Institute in Lucerne, Danfeng, the headquarters of Goethe’s School of Thermodics. We worked with alchemists to create a magic-powered aircraft that operated with atmospheric and fire spells. We also trained pilots for Goethe. It has always been our long-cherished wish to use this concept to create a warship that can soar in the air…”
At this point, Spell Caster glanced at the second princess who was standing beside him.
Tina couldn’t come along this time, but Stella did.
The princess, who was working at the University of San Covelo, had extraordinary personal strength. She was also very prestigious in the Goethe Law School. She was also the daughter of the archduke. She was in charge of mediating this trip and acting as a link to assist Kant in commanding the military and political forces of the Blue Wave Province and the Spell Caster troops from Danfeng Lucerne.
” It’s a pity that our funds are limited,” the hot-air balloon pilot said resentfully.” We’ve lobbied for investments several times and wrote letters to the Goethe office to ask for funding, but nothing happened…”
Stella frowned slightly and said to Kant,”” I have an impression of it. My father has also given his approval. The price is too high. The initial investment is enough to improve the lives of at least hundreds of thousands of farmers. We have also evaluated this project. With Goethe’s national strength, even if we manage to complete this plan and succeed, it will only be a pathfinder for the Empire and Sunset Moon. The subsequent maintenance and supporting security forces are simply astronomical. In short, with Goethe’s national defense needs and financial resources, it is unrealistic to do such a thing.”
The princess’s thoughts were not wrong.
The specific situation needed to be analyzed in detail.
But…
“Perhaps now is the time to need it…My participation has changed Goethe’s national defense situation.”
With Earth’s complete air defense system and even the assistance of the fifth-generation advanced fighter jets, the situation would be similar to the Battle of Danfeng and Lucerne. Kant would obtain absolute air superiority. Under such circumstances, the effect of a Sky Fortress with fierce firepower was simply too great.
Putting everything else aside, wouldn’t it be nice to put howitzers and rocket launchers on it?
” I don’t object,” Stella said.” But you have to convince my father.”
” What’s your difficulty now?” Kant turned to the excited mage.
” Trial and error. Data, Your Excellency.” Although the mage was excited, he still answered rationally and cautiously,” This is the source of our huge financial gap… The elves are the world’s best in shipbuilding because they have gone through countless trials, failures, and wastage in the process of shipbuilding to determine the best specifications.”
“We are the same. You mentioned that the shape of the balloon should be spindle-shaped. This is completely consistent with the results of our countless previous experiments and deductions. We…”
” Alright, don’t be agitated. I think I can help with this.”
Although airships had retired from the military and commercial stage, they had not completely disappeared. It was the same for hot air balloons. In some special occasions, there were still many enthusiasts who promoted their progress and development. With the support of modern scientific concepts and technology, with the conclusion of electronic computers and various simulation experiments, the airship data that the Spell Casters in the other world dreamed of should be complete.
Even if it wasn’t complete…
100 million USD.
” I want to build an awesome steampunk warship with cannons hanging from an airship. I want you to draw me the blueprint. If you can’t build it with 100 million, then 1 billion. Hurry up and get it.”
It was like this.
There were stupid Chinese tycoons who threw money all over the sky to give teachers and students from famous schools all over the world a chance to complete their studies and realize their dreams of steampunk… He would definitely succeed!
” Your mentor,” Kant said,” or rather, the wise man who is in charge of this grand plan. Can I meet him after I return to Lucerne?”
” My teacher is the dean of Clausius Academy, His Highness Kant. He did not come with us, but that was before today. I will write to him immediately. Trust me, he will come immediately.”
“-but before that,” Stella interrupted him.” Mage Gopher, please focus on your current task. You know what we need most right now.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
The exciting conversation came to an end. Kant gazed at the mountains in the distance, his heart pounding.
He was still exploring and thinking about how to make use of the advantages of the two worlds to complement and integrate between the other world and Earth. However, one thing was certain. The fog of doomsday was approaching. Perhaps in the near future, a terrifying disaster would happen anywhere…He needed more power.
“Impressive.”
Stella went back to him.” If you can really pull off that whimsical plan, then Clausius House will have to take a clear stand from now on. I’m on your side.”
Kant smiled.” That’s not what you should be paying attention to. If this whimsical plan succeeds, the history of war in this world will be rewritten. Goethe will have the ultimate, terrifying air power.”
” Of course not.” The Second Princess sighed and said softly,” But you’re here.”
Kant was stunned for a moment before he understood what Stella meant.
He also understood why she had always been uninterested in this.
With Kant around, there would be Forbidden Spells, absolute air supremacy, and destructive power. It made no difference whether or not they had aerial warships. If Kant was no longer on Goethe’s side, so what if they had ten aerial warships? It was just a piece of fat meat in the mouths of the elves and empires.
He was about to say something when Stella turned to look at him.
“Kant…” She bit her lip, and there was a hint of weakness and pleading in her tone that she might not have realized.” You won’t be…” Right?”
So that was the case.
Although she was unwilling to accept that the stability of the country was maintained by one person, and that Goethe’s survival and the safety of her family stemmed from her sister’s feelings, compared to her so-called self-esteem and unwillingness, for Stella, it was more important for her family to live safely and the people not to be involved in war.
That was why he was afraid.
When the Phoenix King showed an unexpected interest and kindness towards Kant, he was shocked.
After hearing so many rumors.
As expected, she was still worried.
Kant was silent for a moment. He placed his hand on the edge of the basket and looked outside. He said calmly,” There are two things. The first is something that I’ve thought about for a long time. How to give dignity and strength to the people of this land and this country. Hong San and I plan to try it in Valentan first. Just like my speech, I hope that the people of this country can regain their former dignity and honor through their own hard work and sweat.”
“The second thing…” He turned around and looked at the Second Princess.” Tina and I are in a stable relationship. I like my current life very much. I like the feeling now. By the way, I’m friends with Derila. Nothing has happened between us in the past two days. You can rest assured about this.”
Stella looked into Kant’s eyes and suddenly smiled. She seemed relieved.
“Then I can rest assured.” She patted her chest and looked outside with Kant.” You gave me a fright. I thought I had to go too.”
.. Hmm?
What did he mean?
Kant felt that Stella’s words were meaningful, especially when she glanced at him quickly. It seemed a little abnormal. He was about to think about it when he heard the second princess shout,” Everyone is in position!”
While they were talking, the hot air balloons that covered the search area had already taken off.
The magic radiance used for long-distance communication kept flashing, conveying information.
Stella immediately turned around and went to the observation deck. She said to the communication mage who was on standby,” Send out the signal. The observation team is activated. The scouting team can set off now!”
The observation team on the high ground used Eagle Eye to pay attention to the balloons in their respective areas.
At the top of the mountain and in the hot air balloons, figures were stretching their bodies.
Kant observed through the binoculars and suddenly said,”This is…”
“It’s our aerial reconnaissance team.”
Stella explained,” The terrain here is complicated. Land search is slow and inefficient, so we have to carry out a preliminary aerial search. After all, there are multiple dragons under attack. Whether it’s a battle or a fall, it’s impossible to leave no traces…” It’s easiest to find clues from the sky.”
” That’s why we sent out a scouting team.”
As she explained, Kant saw spellcasters stepping out of the pods one by one.
The alchemical mechanical structure behind them slowly unfolded like the wings of a bird.
“..”He said,” Hang gliding…”
“Yes.” The princess said,” The sky is not the territory of humans. We don’t have wings. Even if we rely on the magical power of magic to travel in the sky, maintaining the state of flight requires a huge amount of magic power. Even Advanced Mages can’t fly long distances…However, the reason why intelligent creatures are intelligent creatures is that we can use artifacts to make up for our shortcomings and magnify our advantages.”
The glider slowly opened with a beautiful mechanical structure, and the magic runes on the skin lit up one after another.
Then, the spellcasters jumped down, and the tips of the gliders swept up a white airflow that was visible to the naked eye. It danced with the wind, bringing them through the air in a beautiful posture.
It streaked across the sky.
They used Eagle Eyes to observe the earth.
” After enchantment and alchemy, the glider can make use of the ubiquitous wind and airflow to provide a longer time in the air. The user’s magic power only needs to be used to adjust the direction and emergency landing. With the glider, the mages no longer need to maintain long-term flight with their magic power…It only needs to be used for vertical ascension.”
Stella smiled proudly at Kant’s surprised expression.
” Don’t think of us as weak, Kant. This is the meaning of a country. We are used to using more people, wisdom, and strength to solve problems.”
Kant smiled.
Indeed.
He had thought that Horus would have to fly him around in a helicopter or something to search manually.
He did not expect Goethe to handle the initial investigation with a high degree of organization and action.
He was faster, more efficient, and more resourceful than him.
Hot air balloons could be used for high-altitude reconnaissance, and so could glider mages. These two powers did not appear in the Song Moon War because the elves had an overwhelming advantage in all aspects. Be it gliders or hot air balloons, they could only be passively beaten…There was no use for it at all.
However, these things were still valuable.
Just like now, it could play its role.
Perhaps Goethe had more things that he had yet to show him.
As for the human empires, the Twilight Moon Dynasty, and even more countries, they must have nurtured the crystallization of wisdom that had been condensed over countless years. Some might have disappeared in the long river of history, just like the regrets of Earth’s civilization that had long passed away. Some were still preserved to this day and could not be underestimated or despised.
These were probably…The power of civilization.
” Now, we just need to wait for the results.”
P.S. 1: It feels weird to write the word glide now…It’s all your fault.