Liu Zhongwu sat at the triangular table, and not surprisingly found that he was the first one to arrive.
This is the 77th floor of the Cangshou District integrated office building. When the Sky City was built ten years ago, the United States provided a large amount of material and technological support, and sent modern talents of which they were proud to participate in the entire project, including world-renowned biochemical scientists, parapsychologists, ordnance experts. Artistic engineer, and neo-ancient architect: a kind of advanced talent who integrates and applies modern architecture and ancient mystical thoughts.
The neo-ancient architects of Usters worked closely with the soothsayers of Yongguang and the royal mages of Morton to plan a modern urban blueprint unprecedented in previous games while ensuring the smooth operation of the major formations in the city. Publicly and privately, Liu Zhongwu felt that they had done a good job. After all, there had never been a precedent for building a city in the sky in human history, and their flying city had been in operation for nearly ten years. There was just one thing he wanted to complain about anyway... that was that the old gentlemen in Usters also brought their unique superstitions into the building planning. For example, room No. 1 on every tenth floor had to be invited A dedicated person is required to consecrate the light, each floor must have spare handwritten notes and pencils, and there must be no floor buttons with "7" in the elevators of important buildings.
He still remembers the content of his quarrel with the old architect from a foreign country.
"You should believe me. I am the most authoritative official official of the empire. I assure you that the number '7' will not bring any unlucky omen. It will not make you lose your hair or increase your blood pressure." , let alone opening the door to meet a dragon that has just arrived on the 7th or 77th floor."
The old experts of Hezhong claimed that they did not understand him, and either they respected the mysterious concepts summed up by the ancestors of Hezhong, or he gave up and the cooperation collapsed. The good-tempered Liu Zhongwu chose the former, which is why every time he went to the 77th floor, he had to take a secret elevator down from the office - the public elevator did not have such a button, making it difficult for ordinary employees to pass.
Now he was alone on the most unlucky floor of the building, sitting at the triangular conference table in a secret room, waiting for representatives from the other two countries to come to the meeting. The location of today's meeting was personally designated by Liu Zhongwu. He wanted to use this number that Usters hated to express his determination: the empire was not going to make any detours. If we can't negotiate this time, there's no need to talk again.
The imperial minister waited patiently. Half a minute before the appointed time, one of the hypotenuses of the triangular table lit up, reflecting the shadow of a middle-aged man. He was wearing a standard suit, his hair was neatly combed, he had two beautiful mustaches, and his face had smooth skin. It was hard to imagine that he was a man in his early 50s.
A warm diplomatic smile appeared on the face of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Usters: "Good morning, Director Liu Zhongwu."
Liu Zhongwu smiled and replied: "Hello, Minister Slentero Anoa."
After exchanging pleasantries, the two of them waited for the arrival of Representative Morton. One second before the hour hand pointed to 9, the projection of the last person appeared. Her greeting was accompanied by the chime that marked the beginning of the meeting: "Good morning, Director Liu Zhongwu. Good morning, Minister Slentero Anoia."
Compared with the other two, Morton's representative looks particularly special: this person is no more than 20 years old, and is a beautiful girl with short blond hair. Wearing silver armor and carrying a heavy sword on her back, she looked like a noble knight who had walked off the battlefield in the Middle Ages, rather than a diplomat discussing the ownership of interests at the negotiation table in the 21st century.
But the two middle-aged men would not look down upon her at all.
No one has the right to underestimate a knight who has fought against a monarch, and no one has the guts to underestimate a creation-level impermanent wizard.
"The seventh knight of the Royal Knights of Morton, Orianna Cavan. On behalf of Her Majesty the Queen, I am here to participate in today's tripartite talks."
The girl knight with short blond hair finished her opening remarks and then fell silent.
Slentero's heart tightened, knowing that today's meeting would not go well. The kingdom usually sends Knight Gaffrey to participate in meetings. He is a simple and serious middle-aged man. His skills at the negotiation table are as good as his martial arts skills on the duel field. He is a very sharp opponent. But Knight Orianna is different... She sits at the table with an expert attitude, never saying a word of diplomacy except for her purpose and conditions, which is vaguely reminiscent of the Dawn Knight in the past.
The kingdom sent her not to discuss matters, but to express its attitude.
"Oh, I really didn't expect Miss Orianna to be here today." Slentero spoke with a smile, trying to take the upper hand in the negotiation, "According to the agenda, the first thing we will discuss is... about Zero Island. Follow-up investigation of Shigure Research Institute 1."
Liu Zhongwu tapped the table and said without doubt.
"Minister Slentero, this is no longer the stage for discussion. There is a major mystery surrounding the accident at the Shigure Research Institute, and there are many things involved behind the scenes. I believe you know it better than I do. It has been more than a month since the Ruri Disaster struck. Everyone has read the report submitted by the Ceremony Hall. Do you need me to repeat how serious the accident involving the monarch-level dragon disaster is?"
"Of course not, Director Liu Zhongwu." Usters's diplomat replied seriously, "But I must also remind you that the Yongguang Empire deliberately condoned the arrival of the dragon in order to slay the dragon..."
"I hope your words will contain less of the bias of an uninformed person."
"As you wish, let's put it another way. The Yongguang Empire Ceremony Hall failed to do its job well and failed to stop the plans of the dragon worshipers. It exposed the whole city and even the world to unimaginable dangers, so that it had to rely on dragons. We are working with civilians to turn the tide." Slentero said in a slightly sarcastic tone, "With all due respect, it is difficult for the United States to trust the authenticity of the Ceremonial Hall report. And according to the investigation of the Mithril Pillar, Zero Island does not exist. The 'conspiracy' you claimed, the destruction of the Shigure Research Institute did stem from a research accident..."
"So, you think that the One Art Technique is indeed the result of the Shigure Research Institute's own development with the support of its sponsors." Liu Zhongwu said word by word, "Can I consider it as the United States' role in this matter?" Final opinion?”
"That's absolutely not the case." Slentero's expression remained unchanged. "I just put forward the opinions of experts. This does not represent, and has never been able to represent, the final opinion of the United States."
This kind of quarrel has been going on for more than a week. They talked about economy, politics, international situation, and local people's livelihood, but did not talk about the most critical follow-up treatment. Liu Zhongwu knew that if he stayed with this man for another three months, it would be difficult to get the answer he wanted...
Because it was the behemoth named Usters behind this man who initially provided financial and technical support to the Shigure Research Institute.
Now it's time to play your trump card.
He looked at the female knight of the kingdom. Orianna, who was silent, nodded slightly and raised her hand to signal.
"Gentlemen, could you stop arguing and listen to me for a moment?"
"My pleasure, Knight Orianna."
The blond female knight said: "I first need to emphasize that the opinions I will state next have no direct or indirect relationship with the Liuli Disaster on February 13th. What I will state is an issue that the kingdom has comprehensively considered after considering many issues. The proposal was made after factors.”
She confirmed the two people's verbal approval, and then said: "As we all know, the Morton Kingdom was severely damaged in the accident three years ago. According to the triennial manager rotation rules, the kingdom should have sent out the new manager of the Sky City this year. By."
"However, now is different from the past. The reconstruction and stability of the Kingdom require a large number of manpower. At this stage, we are no longer able to dispatch management specialists that fully meet the requirements. On behalf of Her Majesty the Queen, I would like to make the following proposal: There is still room for transfer of this round of management power. The country will implement it. The specific terms will be handed over to experts for discussion later. I just want to confirm one thing today."
She glanced at the two diplomats and said in a girlish voice.
"To whom can the kingdom be entrusted with its responsibilities?"
Liu Zhongwu smiled and said nothing, not in a hurry to express his position, but Slentero had no choice but to pay attention this time.
The Yongguang Empire has been in charge of the Sky City for three years.
Managing this city requires a huge amount of manpower and financial resources. It must bear the risk of 5.7 million time bombs. It must be extremely cautious to ensure the stability of the dragon species, even if it costs one's own life. But on the other hand, Sky City also offers rewards that are nowhere to be found. The dragons themselves are unique and precious talents, and the study of dragons has allowed science and technology to leap forward at an incredible pace. Every year, every month, even every week, there are new technologies and new achievements that were rarely seen in the past ten years.
The country with the power of management can be the first to pick these precious fruits, and can use policies and funds to conduct research in the direction it needs... This is a place that may destroy the world at any time, and it also makes the world human beings A city that benefits immensely. It must not remain in imperial hands.
The capital of the sky is still a zero island with a gloomy situation. This was a multiple-choice question before the United States, and it was Slentero who answered with a pen.
He has only one choice.
Slentero sat up straight and said in an unprecedentedly serious tone:
"The public security management of Sky City is related to the safety and happiness of all mankind, and the United States is willing to contribute people to shoulder this important responsibility."
"The Empire highly commends the United States for its spirit of self-sacrifice and courage to contribute to all mankind." Liu Zhongwu replied indifferently.
Slentero said calmly: "Let us return to the previous topic. The United States attaches great importance to the report produced by the Etiquette Hall of the Yongguang Empire's Ministry of Etiquette, fully recognizes the crisis hypothesis put forward by the imperial experts on the Zero Island issue, and proposes that the Yongguang Empire Taking the lead, the United States of Usters and the Kingdom of Morton cooperated sincerely to organize a professional and targeted investigation team to secretly go to Zero Island to investigate matters related to the Liuli Disaster and the Shigure Research Institute."
The two representatives expressed their agreement. Usters's diplomat smiled and said: "We will continue to discuss the detailed terms of the transfer of power at the next meeting. Now please allow me to step aside temporarily and let experts from this country attend to discuss professional issues."
One side of the triangular table flashed, and Slentero's projection disappeared. Knight Orianna exhaled quietly, and quickly straightened her face to hide her nervousness.
Liu Zhongwu saw it and smiled in his heart. He also felt a lot more relaxed...because the pestering diplomats were finally gone, and now they could do things the way the envoys did without the official talk.
A new light lit up, and Liu Zhongwu lifted his spirits. In place of the old diplomat, an energetic man appeared. He looks to be in his early thirties, with blond hair, a slicked back hair, a pair of charming blue eyes, wearing a top hat and an elegant burgundy suit, and is adjusting his tie meticulously.
"Mithril Pillar, unknown agent, you two can call me Will."
"Ah... the 'Guilty Spear' of the Mithril Pillar." Liu Zhongwu said with a smile, "I have admired it for a long time, and it has been famous for a long time."
"I would also like to express my respect to both of you, 'Xuanzhi-kun' of the Ceremony Hall, and the seventh knight of the Knights." James said concisely and concisely, "Both of them are the masters of disaster, and they are better at Zero Island than me. Excuse me Any comments?"
Orianna was the first to express her position: "I do not recommend sending the Creation Mage directly. Due to the influence of the Void Light Disaster, the landform of Zero Island is too special, and the divination of good and bad luck performed locally has an astonishing accuracy. The Creation Mage Action The information at that time was too disruptive, and any action aimed at investigating Zero Island would inevitably be discovered by their evil agents."
"I need to confirm a premise, what if the two of you work together?"
Liu Zhongwu sighed: "It's difficult. Not to mention that Knight Orianna is not a misfortune magician who is good at divination. The City of Sky and Superbia are too far away from Zero Island. If you want to cover up the traces of Chuangjie for a long time, I'm afraid you won't be able to move. You can’t move the position.”
Both Liu Zhongwu and Orianna have heavy responsibilities, and it is impossible for the two senior executives to leave their posts.
"Then we have to give up on this idea for now."
Will took out a small notebook and made two notes: "Let us first confirm the main purpose of this mission. Find out the true source of the unity spell, find out their goal of seeking the unity spell, and find out what drives the Liuli Spell." The mastermind behind the disaster. The above three points are of great importance, in no particular order of importance."
After confirming that the two agreed, the agent continued his speech.
"The situation at the destination of this mission is complex, the enemy is not weak, and the overall risk is high. We need a targeted strategy. The instability within Zero Island has caused the forces to be highly divided. Due to political reasons at the moment, we must not Conducting an investigation openly, starting from the inside, and obtaining the support of one of the forces would be an idea that can be adopted..."
Will talked non-stop, and in just ten minutes he came up with five extremely feasible and detailed plans. He was obviously well prepared, and many of them involved matters involving the secret connection between Zero Island and the United States. Orianna couldn't help but be surprised when she heard what was going on. When the agent's suggestion came to an end, she couldn't help but ask: "Mr. Will. I don't mean anything else, but is this the right thing to say to us?"
"Now it's a task related to the dragon phenomenon, Miss Orianna." Will straightened his collar, "We don't talk about politics, we only talk about slaying dragons."
Liu Zhongwuquan pretended not to hear, only a fool would take the agent's words seriously. The other party put this information that everyone knew well in the open to show his attitude. What he couldn't say would still not be said. He was also happy to cooperate with this straightforward man.
"I prepared a simple little plan before."
He raised his hand and knocked, and a document appeared in the center of the triangular table.
Liu Zhongwu said with a smile: "I think what we need now is a commissioner who meets the following conditions. His combat effectiveness should not be too high, at least he will not alert the snake; he must have the ability to stabilize the situation in an emergency; he should have the ability to face the dragon head-on. To experience the phenomenon, it is best to have met the monarch; most importantly, he should be sufficiently attractive to the people of Zero Island that they would rather take the risk and let him enter the island... I chose this one An experienced combat specialist plans to be the core of this investigation, what do you two think?"
Orianna looked at someone's photo on her file, her face changed slightly, but she didn't say anything.
The unknown agent read the electronic file carefully. He had heard of this commissioner's name in the past and had seen his resume, but this detailed file surprised him. With 9 years of combat experience, he has faced enemies including modern armies, the highest-level dragon species, world-creating envoys, and two monarch-level dragons... and most importantly, he came back from these battles alive. .
The king's agent couldn't help but express his admiration: "Very suitable, Mr. Liu. He is a legend."
"I'm afraid I don't have as much combat experience as this commissioner." Liu Zhongwu said sincerely, "Miss Orianna worked with him during the disaster three years ago. You can listen to the Seventh Knight's evaluation of him. .”
He is a childish ghost who thinks he is a bully, a fool who is taught by Mo and Airandia every day... Orianna, who is familiar with the character of this "Legendary Commissioner", almost spoke out her heart when she listened to the serious compliments of the two.
"Ahem." She cleared her throat, "He is a trustworthy comrade and a friend of all Morton Knights."
"I don't have any reason to object." Will took out his small book and wrote down something, "Let's make a specific plan based on it and consider the candidates of other members..."
·
Three hours later.
Will in the projection put on his top hat, bowed and said: "A pleasant meeting. I suggest adjourning the meeting for half an hour so that we can all have some time to report on the progress and discuss the details."
"No problem, Mr. Will."
Agent Will resigned first. Knight Orianna covered her forehead and sighed silently.
"Mr. Liu, you should know how dangerous his condition is."
Liu Zhongwu said with a smile: "Don't worry, Miss Orianna. Tianji is serving as his private tutor. I believe Master Yan can help him solve some of his problems."
As a knight, Orianna is not worried, but as a friend, Orianna is extremely worried.
Zero Island is by no means a safe place. There are too many dangerous things hidden in that island country... Without Mo Yuankai's help, can he break out of it on his own?
"You didn't even ask him for his opinion."
"He will definitely agree, 10% of the time." The obese middle-aged man picked up the big tea cup and took a sip of tea. "Young people, who doesn't like to travel?"
Orianna frowned, not trying to hide her expression at all. She said sadly: "Oh my god... I think I have to contact them. Where is Gongsun Ce now?"
·
Where is Gongsun Ce now?
He didn't know that in just a few words, he had become a candidate for the strong man who would go to Longtan and Tiger's Den. He didn't even know that an old friend was planning to contact him today. In fact, he didn't even know what time it was.
Gongsun Ce couldn't help but swear.
"Fuck."
Boom! Boom! The biochemical kangaroo's powerful legs stepped on the sand pit, carrying him flying up to two meters high.
The blue sky is as clear as water, and thousands of miles are like clouds. A black sun hangs in the sky, baking everything on the earth with its vicious light. Occupying half of the sky is an incredibly large steel ship; covering the entire land is an endless stretch of yellow sand. Large and small sand dunes undulate like mountains, and in the air distorted by the heat wave, you can vaguely see buildings deep in the desert, which look like an old-fashioned apartment building from the 1990s.
Gongsun Ce was wearing a shirt and trousers, riding on the back of a 5-meter-tall biochemical kangaroo, jumping across the desert with this sturdy giant beast. His mouth was dry, his body was covered in sweat, and he was about to collapse from the desert heat.
In this incredible world, the gray-haired young man shouted frantically.
"——Where am I?!"
