Chapter 426

But it was a coincidence; opportunity is only given to those who are prepared.

A warrior daring enough to defy everyone's objections does exist here!

Accompanied by the clang of a heavy iron‑handled hammer striking the ground, a figure clad in armor and wielding a sharp weapon squeezed in from the periphery into the center of the great tent.

Strangely enough, when Ji Ming saw this fierce deity, the first word that rose in his mind was "warrior".

Because she was a woman covered with numerous fiery red patterns, her brown skin and towering stature practically pushed the label "wild" to its extreme.

She looked around; her massive breastplate nearly knocked the old man beside her off his feet, and after confirming no one dared speak, she struck the hammer handle again.

"I'll be the logistics chief; who supports? Who opposes?"

"Sir…"

Presumably grateful for Ji Ming's recognition, the Bishop of the Mud Family, though his good deed fell through, immediately began lecturing him into his ear.

It turned out that this warrior, whose eyes bore giant bloodlines, was the "War God" of the Angry Heart Church, a bizarre sect that loves hot‑blooded idiots whose very brains seem to be ablaze with flame.

Of course, that's a flattering description; judging by their actions, they'd more accurately be barbarians from the true Wild Lands.

Just like now, she doesn't care at all whether a capability is feasible or not, or whether it's relevant, nor whether a lone soldier threatening everyone will later be set a trap.

The sole rule for Angry Heart believers is—since I want it, I should immediately clench my fist and snatch it!

"Ah, this…"

The representatives of the major churches fell silent a second time; after all, in a one‑on‑one duel… they'd truly be outmatched.

And in a group fight… who knows who would get unlucky; if someone became the primary target of hatred and got torn apart on the spot, what then?

A moment later, the female warrior finally ended her malicious sweep of glances.

"Very well, since no one objects, I'll take the post of logistics minister!"

Having said that, she hammered her fist onto the table, the painful creak of the wood announcing her assumption of office.

But to be a representative of a church, she couldn't be a complete fool, so her second sentence was a self‑introduction to Ji Ming.

"Divine selection, hello; my name is Ande Lei, and from now on, all our logistics affairs are entirely in my hands!"

Ji Ming was just messing around; he really didn't care who did it—any dog would do.

But just as he was about to nod, her next sentence completely shocked him.

"So who among you will tell me exactly what logistics affairs are?"

…

Very well, this marks the third silence among them.

The Expeditionary Allied Forces officially launched in this uneasy atmosphere, commencing a war that had been prepared for almost two months—both earnest and rushed.

But just as they moved from the plains onto the high mountains, delving into an apparently boundless great forest, on the other side of the Wild Plains, some events quietly began to change.

As a nation with vast territory yet, due to its geographic position, its land faces little threat, it has heavily developed its navy and, on that basis, ascended to the pinnacle as a traditional sea‑power state.

From the first day the White Eagle People entered Yangyue World, they placed the new‑era Great White Fleet development plan—covering ports, navy, and sea routes—on the agenda.

Thus, as part of Phase One, a bay in the eastern Wild Plains has been developed into a barely usable port.

Moreover, it's unclear where they sourced the schematics, but in a dry dock near the port there is a third‑class battleship, two ironclads, and, most crucially, a dreadnought under construction.

Officially, this bizarre arrangement is said to be the benevolent White Eagle People aiming to fully replicate technology in another world to benefit all humanity.

But only insiders know that, in truth, it is simply…

"What a sin!"

Staring at this bizarre scene—clearly spanning three generations yet all construction happening in the same spot—Howard couldn't help but tap the railing again.

"What a sin!"

The man beside him, bearing the rank of Navy Captain, wore a helpless expression; he stroked his stubbly chin and whispered a reminder.

"There's no way around it, Mr. Thomas; Vice Admiral Henry says his greatest admiration is for Admiral Nelson, so he must personally pilot the Victory…"

"Whoa, you mean Admiral Nelson told him to do that?"

Howard, unable to bear it any longer, shouted.

"If he idolizes Captain Nemo, should we just build a submarine and let him go twenty thousand leagues beneath the sea?"

"What if he worships Darth Vader? Or Atanis? Or James T. Kirk? Should we start from scratch and build a space elevator?"

The captain was certainly displeased with Henry's outlandish decision, but dared not speak further, merely bowing his head in silent acquiescence.

Howard realized it was improper to lose his temper at a dutiful officer and immediately restrained his expression.

"Apologies, Captain, it was I who failed to control my emotions."

"Um… it's fine, Mr. Thomas, I… can understand."

In this situation, words are exhausted; all that remains is a shake of the head and a sigh.

One can only say it's fortunate that Major General Chester serves as a check, pushing forward many projects that needed advancing.

Otherwise, they would have recreated the 18th‑century Royal Navy's glory in the 21st century.

The two men stood side by side, feeling the sea breeze, and Howard broke the silence again.

"How's the Enterprise coming along? They're pressuring us again… the palace is about to change personnel and needs a big push to help rally votes."

"Heh… then they shouldn't count on this."

The captain let out a low chuckle twice, his blue eyes tinged with bewilderment.

"Even with schematics and tools, we lack skilled workers, and this is a ship—a large ship! It's not something you can just launch as soon as you say so."

"Hmm…"

Howard naturally understood this, but merely expressed concern for the leadership as per protocol.

But after a moment of contemplation, he suddenly squinted.

"Large ship?"

"Yes, there are still many technical hurdles…"

No no no, look quick, there's a big ship over there!

Huh?

The colonel, who was lowering his head and emo, lifted his head and, astonished, discovered that on the distant horizon there really appeared… one ship… two ships… holy shit, it's an entire fleet!

Can't blame them for low vigilance; after all, it's just this small chaotic construction site and a shortage of manpower—who could spare the energy to put a picket that far out?

But appearing doesn't mean they've arrived; that fleet is far away and obviously hasn't noticed them.

Maybe they just thought this terrain looked suitable for anchorage and wanted to send someone over to scout and check.

Indeed, after organizing the workers to withdraw from the site and moving the guards into position, Howard's telescope indeed showed a small boat rowing toward them.

The small boat proceeded with its head down for a while before finally noticing the large-scale artificial traces on the shore; it hastily stopped its work and began loudly arguing about something unknown.

The colonel pondered for a moment, then sent out a team of hired bat people.

This flying squad was obviously professionally trained; as soon as they took off, they used each other's hands to unfurl a banner reading 【Hello】.

The effect was indeed good, because the sailors were only startled for a moment, and after seeing the banner written in the common ancient land language, their emotions calmed down.

Then a scene that left the players dumbfounded appeared: among the sailors, one person stood up, merely waved his staff, and rose into the air lifted by an air mass.

... No wonder he had seemed to be advocating continuing to approach shore; he turned out to be a great mage versed in magic. Such a capable person really is different.

However, the bat people's fearsome appearance still detracted too much; if their professional training hadn't likewise included diplomatic language, they probably would have been scared off as soon as they flew over.

But there was none; after a brief exchange, the great mage floating in the air seemed to believe the bat people's words.

After he turned and flew back to the small boat, and after further discussion with everyone, the result was that the small boat continued forward, rowing toward the shore.

After that, things went smoothly.

With a beach‑landing momentum, they let the small boat run aground on the sand; the crew looked around and, staggering, stepped back onto land.

It wasn't because they were afraid or seasick, but because they had been at sea too long; suddenly standing on solid ground, their bodies were still a bit unaccustomed.

Among the crowd, only one person remained calm, hands behind his back observing the surroundings—that was the great mage who had bravely negotiated with a group of flying big rats earlier.

The colonel also then realized with surprise that the fellow he had thought would be an adventurous youngster was actually an old man with a white beard and many wrinkles on his face.

If one had to point out a difference, it would be that his complexion looked very ruddy and his vitality seemed even better than that of a youngster.

... It rather gives the feeling of the Huaxia phrase 'white-haired, youthful face'.

And while the colonel observed the old man, the old man's gaze swept past him.

Because as the representative of all Pioneers, the colonel had behind him a guard of honor specially used to welcome guests, emphasizing vigor.

So in this second conversation, the little old man was the first to speak, gesturing to the neatly ranked White Eagle soldiers before him and whistling.

"Wow, what a fine bunch of lads! Seeing you makes this old guy feel much younger!"

The deadlock broken, the colonel followed his lead and laughed.

"Is that so? Seeing an energetic old gentleman like you also makes us happy, so I believe we are meeting with friendship and sincerity."

"Of course!"

The old man first adjusted his robe, then straightened his back and performed a noble's etiquette properly.

"I am James Saint Crystal, Viscount of the Lingxi Kingdom; here I offer my most sincere respect to you, to these kind-hearted companions."

Howard beside him was greatly shaken—Lingxi?

The last of the three great kingdoms of Yangyue World, in this unexpectedly manner, made contact with the fourth heavenly disaster from the high‑dimensional universe.

And while the colonel and the viscount repeatedly emphasized friendship as they walked toward a building on the shore, preparing to open the first detailed talk between players and Lingxi.

On the other side of the wilderness, the expeditionary force that had quietly advanced two days through the dense forest finally found a suitable target in a valley.

To be frank, although Ji Ming brought them here mainly to give the players kills and pave the last tile for their later version domination of the kingdom's south.

But considering the recent movements of the Wolf King Court, their northward advance—namely, sometime this year, at the latest by winter—is likely.

Rather than wait until then to have the players scramble to greet the big update, it's better to give them a heads‑up now.

Let them know their base isn't absolutely safe; if they focus solely on causing trouble inside the kingdom, their war drum might get stolen.

Therefore, when he pointed out the expedition's direction, he didn't even consult the forum's rough map of each player faction's sphere of influence.

Instead, he closed his eyes and pointed at random; whatever fate the expedition met on the route—misfortune or luck—was what they were destined to.

But in this valley ahead, there actually lives a large group of goblins and such… isn't that too abstract?

Ji Ming took his binoculars and looked at the nearby woods for a long while before confirming that this is indeed an ordinary goblin village.

Note: it's a village, not a tribe.

This village not only bears clear signs of civilization, but the surrounding neatly cultivated fields also contain crops that have been tended quite well.

Looking at these wheat stalks madly jointing in the fine weather, the goblin villagers are very likely to enjoy a splendid summer harvest.

In short, the houses are orderly, the villagers harmonious; it's definitely not a case of cuckooing.

So……

Comedy analysis: in other works it's always sneaky goblins raiding and looting human villages; here it's wicked humans raiding and looting goblin villages.

Moreover, Ji Ming, who always feels the situation is a bit odd, can't hold back this bunch—these long‑suppressed soldiers, hardly different from bandits, are truly pent‑up.

They have no hesitation; regardless of whether it's a divine selection or the knight captain's order, they don't bother, and without a word they shout and charge at the village.

However, the villagers had obviously enjoyed peace for a long time; although there were sentries, the little fool who was snoring loudly only panicked and sent out a signal after hearing the chaotic footsteps.

Amid the deafening bell chimes, the originally tranquil village was roused, and the disorderly goblins surged out like ants whose nest had been stabbed.

What effective resistance could a bunch of little green skins muster? Even if they had bravely taken up farm tools, they could not withstand the human allied forces with coordinated tactics.

Even if two goblin warriors like door gods still existed in the village, it was meaningless; the logistics chief Andre swung his hammer twice, and even his head was knocked off.

Seeing our big brother fall in battle just like that, the remaining goblins inevitably began to flee, forced to hand over the home they had painstakingly built to the humans.

(End of chapter)