Necromancer, summoning 055? What the heck?

Chapter 440 Building Roads, Moonlit Creek, Sailing to the Sky
P.S.: I thought I could post a second update yesterday, but I was in such a bad state, I was constantly sleepy, and even I couldn't stand reading what I wrote...

The quality is so bad I'm embarrassed to post it. I'll just guarantee one update a day for now, and try to update two at a time to make some adjustments.

Thank you all for your support, I will continue to work hard!

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Chen Mo stayed in Xiyue for a full thirty days.

During Chairman Chen Mo's stay, the land of Xiyue was bustling with activity and resounding with activity.

Everyone has extremely beautiful aspirations for the future.

There are many different opinions about what kind of person the alliance's chairman is, and there is no definitive conclusion. However, one thing is certain: the lord is a man of his word.

So, even though no one understood why such a huge expense was needed to build the three vertical and three horizontal national highways, nor did they know anything about railways, it did not stop them from being excited in the face of the blueprint drawn up by the lord.

In Chen Mo's view, the road system is the foundation for the future development of the entire Xiyue area. If you want to get rich, build roads first!

With roads, the entire region's economy can be revitalized, and the resources hidden deep within this land can be continuously transported out, entering factories and workshops, becoming weapons and armor in the hands of workers, and providing food, clothing, shelter, and transportation for families.

In the eyes of the tribal leaders, road construction meant astronomical costs, including project funds, material procurement, and manpower hiring. For any tribe, this was a huge sum of money that sounded incredibly exciting.

For the tribal chiefs, it was also a matter of "to get rich, build roads first"!
They all ended up at the same destination, despite their different paths.

With the concerted efforts of both parties, the preliminary exploration and planning work progressed rapidly.

Chen Mo had carefully considered why the first railway of the Summer Moon Alliance, such a landmark project, was to be built in Xiyue.

The technology related to trains is not complicated. Dongxia had already completed the complete localization design according to the local manufacturing process and material level of Hanhai. Considering that the Starry World already has relatively mature steam technology, at least two years ago, around the time when Hanhai's [Starry 59 Modified] was launched, Hanhai already had the ability to build trains and lay railways.

In the process of industrialization and modernization, trains are definitely an important part. So why hasn't Chen Mo taken the initiative to repair them?
It's frustrating, really, because I'm afraid someone will steal it...

In the starry world, entire sections of high-quality railway tracks are definitely a strategically scarce resource.

These forged, uniformly high-quality steels, if pried off any piece, would be excellent material for forging fine weapons and smelting sturdy armor in any neighboring country or power. There would be no shortage of buyers, and the price would definitely not be low.

Why does this situation rarely occur on railways on Earth?
Because the price-performance ratio is too low.

This thing is incredibly heavy. The rails are tens of meters long. Not only do we need to use special tools to pull out the spikes and release the fasteners, but we also need cranes, trucks and other equipment to dismantle and move the rails in a relatively short time.

It is time-consuming and laborious, involves a lot of noise, has a very high probability of being discovered, and the punishment is particularly severe.

The stolen rails, sold as scrap metal, have very limited value. Large-scale theft and dismantling of rails typically only occurs during periods of national collapse and utter anarchy, such as when the Red Double-Headed Eagle regime disintegrated in history…

In the world of cold weapons like Starry Sky, the value of steel is much higher. You should know that in the history of Dongxia, there was a term called the salt and iron monopoly.

In short: On Earth, stealing railway tracks is high-risk, low-reward, and not worthwhile; on other planets, the rewards are very high, as for the difficulty...

Because of the annoying presence of professionals here, stealing rails isn't too difficult.

When Chen Mo was planning the railway in Hanhai, almost all the local officials issued similar warnings: any random entry-level warrior could easily dismantle the rails with his bare hands, hoist them onto his shoulder, and disappear in a flash.

To some guys, laying down sections of railway tracks is no different from scattering piles of silver coins on the road.

For hostile forces, sabotaging the railway is an extremely profitable business.

Compared to the highway system, the consequences of a damaged railway system are catastrophic; a train derailment would be a major disaster.

Could you send someone to guard it?

Theoretically possible, but practically impossible.

A railway can stretch for hundreds or even thousands of miles, especially sections that need to cross large uninhabited areas such as forests, hills, and wastelands. If you want to keep it under constant, uninterrupted, and comprehensive surveillance 24 hours a day, the number of troops required would be astronomical, and the logistical pressure would be unimaginable.

Moreover, ordinary guards are no match for these professionals...

Chen Mo had considered using surveillance, but the idea was quickly abandoned by the harsh reality.

Surveillance cameras set up in the wild will inevitably be lost if no one is watching them.

Even if some hidden cameras are set up in the dark, they are not very useful. A thief can turn around and disappear into the deep mountains and forests, and then turn around again and may cross the border. Where are you going to catch him?

Thus, Lord Chen Mo's dream of building a railway was cruelly choked by reality.

In contrast, the highway system is much more "robust and reliable". If the road surface is damaged, you can keep going despite the bumps, find a detour, and repair it quickly. Therefore, the national highway in Hanhai extends forward section by section, while the railway only has a small experimental section in Hanhai.

Thus, from the vast sea to the white deer, the area controlled by the lord grew larger and larger, and the population under his command increased, but the conditions for building railways could never be fully met in the northern territory.

However, the situation is different in Xiyue.

First of all, the various tribes of Xiyue have been rooted in this land for hundreds of years. Regardless of whether their internal management model is advanced or backward, or whether they treat the lower classes with kindness or harshness, the control these tribes have over their territory and surrounding areas is deeply entrenched.

This kind of grassroots control based on blood ties, tradition, and force is, at this stage, and in the relatively primitive context of Fanxing, more direct and effective than the administrative management system that Hanhai is still under construction.

Secondly, regarding the railway in Xiyue, the cooperation method was that Chen Mo would provide the technology, key equipment, and engineers; while each tribe would provide land, labor, and some local materials.

The construction funds were jointly raised by the Alliance and the Horde, and the future operation and revenue of the railway will also be shared by both parties in proportion to their participation.

The responsibility for security along the railway line naturally and reasonably fell on the shoulders of these local "gangster" tribes.

The agreement clearly stipulates that whichever tribe the railway passes through, that tribe bears primary and inescapable responsibility for the safety of that section of the railway.

In the event of theft of rails or damage to facilities along this section of the railway, the tribe shall bear all losses first, and these losses shall be deducted from its future revenue share. In cases of serious offenses or repeated incidents, the alliance may even have the right to revoke the operating rights of the section of the railway and pursue other liabilities.

This completely changed the nature of the matter.

Previously, it was "the lord's railroad might be stolen," but now it's "the railroad on the tribe's own territory, which is also their own property and stable source of income, might be stolen." This time, it's their turn to worry.

The main tribes were mobilized, and within their territories, they devised various methods to protect their property and interests.

Well, let's just steal it then, someone will take responsibility anyway.

Driven by this model of "shared benefits and shared responsibilities," the response from various tribes was unprecedentedly enthusiastic. Soon, a major railway artery, starting from Silvermoon Forest, passing through Whitestone City, crossing the northern foothills into Clear Lake, then turning towards Snowdrift City, and finally leading to the under-expansion Lower Sand Port, connecting the main settlements and resource-producing areas of Stream Moon, was clearly outlined on the map.

In the middle of spring of the third year of Xia Yue, the esteemed Chairman Chen Mo shoveled the first spadeful of earth at the foundation-laying ceremony, and cheers and drumbeats instantly resounded across the fields.

Amidst the jubilation and reluctance of the crowd, the chairman's carriage slowly departed from Xiyue, crossed the land border to the south, and entered the Duchy of Silver.

There was no official invitation from the Silver Duchy; Chen Mo was simply there to see an old friend.

In the City of Molten Fire, he met his "good older brother," Lord Baroque.

At the headquarters of the Magic Academy, he visited several renowned scholars, carrying a letter from Master Anthony.

Finally, despite his busy schedule, he took the time to visit the Valley of Exile once again.

This place of exile is now desolate.

The stone pillar at the valley entrance, engraved with faded runes, was even more dilapidated, and the negative energy emanating from it had thinned considerably, still faintly exuding an aura of sluggishness, dejection, and unease.

When Lord Chen Mo last came, he took away more than half of the necromancers and undead creatures here, as well as several magic arrays and absorbed a large number of vassals.

After Chen Mo left, the officials of the Silver Duchy and surrounding forces, having been offended, clearly intensified their monitoring and restrictions on this "lawless land." Accepting missions became more difficult, rewards were repeatedly reduced, and outings were subject to greater constraints, making life increasingly difficult for the mages who remained. Now, returning to their old haunts, the remaining members of the "Valley of Exile" were much more compliant than before.

As their guide, "Broken Bone" eagerly led Chen Mo and Lin Xiangming, who had come all this way, on a tour of the valley, his words full of flattery.

The bones remain, but the things and people have changed!
On behalf of the lord, Lin Xiangming left an invitation: "In the future, if any of you encounter any difficulties, the gate of the 'Return Cemetery' of Hanhai will still be left a crack open for you. Ye Yu and I will definitely take care of you out of consideration for our former colleagues!"

"Bonebreaker" forced out the brightest possible smile, his deep-set eyes revealing a hint of resentment and struggle, as well as a deeply hidden sense of humiliation.

After struggling internally for a long time, "Broken Bones" finally bowed his hands.

"Certainly...certainly. Thank you, thank you for your kindness, Lord, and thank you...thank you for your remembrance and guidance, seniors."

What was supposed to be a long-awaited "show of prowess" turned into a rather dull experience for Chen Mo, who quickly ended the somewhat depressing interview.

The carriage headed straight south to the port of fusion, where they boarded the warship "Dawn," which had been waiting for them. They then turned west by sea and headed straight for the Sky Empire.

A nation hailed as the birthplace of the Starry Sky Human Civilization, a place renowned as the origin of the professional system.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

【Dawn】The massive six mainsails were fully unfurled, the silver-gray sails billowing like the wings of a bird, reflecting the boundless blue sea below.

The fleet broke through the shimmering waves, leaving long trails as it sailed westward. In the distance, the outline of the Sky Empire's territory gradually emerged on the horizon.

The first thing that catches the eye is an island suspended in the air.

Its height is estimated to be around 300 meters, supported by an invisible force, appearing and disappearing in the thin mist above the ocean. Huge magical runes shimmering on the island slowly rotate in the air, emitting a soft blue-white light, dyeing the sea surface below the island with a strange iridescence.

When you see it, you see the sky!

Chen Mo stood on the deck, dressed in a formal suit with a cape that fluttered in the sea breeze. Beside him, Chen Ye introduced in a low voice: "This floating island is called 'Snowflake'."

"There was a great era in the history of the empire known as the 'Era of Expansion'. It not only conquered the east and west on the continent and fought against many land races, but also ambitiously explored the ocean, trying to expand the sea frontier and search for possible continents in the distance."

"During this process, some conflicts occurred between the Empire and the Sea Clan. In the southern coastal region of the Empire, the main enemy was the 'Armored Alliance' among the Sea Clan."

“These creatures are individually very strong and are adept at manipulating tides and summoning sea beasts, often creating huge waves that crash against the coast. For a long time, the southern coastal towns and ports of the empire suffered heavy losses, and the empire had to station heavy troops and build city walls along the coast. But they were always exhausted and unable to defend against these annoying reptiles.”

"Later, the empire gathered the most outstanding archmages and legendary craftsmen of the time to build twenty-two 'floating islands.' Seventeen of them were placed in the southern sea frontier. They floated on the sea surface and became unsinkable fortresses and defensive strongholds."

"Now, only the largest of all the floating islands remains—the Empire's Unfallen 'Snowflake'."

Chen Mo took the binoculars Xia Yuan handed him and examined them carefully.

Viewed from the side and below, the island high above resembles an irregularly shaped, round spinning top, thin at the top and bottom and thick in the middle.

The lower half of the island is covered with all sorts of thick runes, like giant chains or dense tattoos, twisting and spiraling on the exposed rock and sand.

The upper part of the island is dominated by a towering spire and several buildings of varying heights, all inlaid with enormous magic crystals that shimmer like stars even in the daytime.

Chen Mo turned on the telephoto lens, recording the video while asking curious questions.

"What about the other floating islands? Is this the only one left?"

"Yes, Uncle, some of the others sank to the bottom of the sea, and some were sent back to the mainland. The maintenance costs were too high!"

"Do these floating islands offer good defense against sea creatures?"

"Yes, Uncle, it's useful!"

"No matter how high the waves the sea creatures create, they cannot affect the floating islands, which means their most powerful tidal weapons are useless."

“It is difficult for sea creature warriors to climb to such a high position as the floating island. Moreover, most sea creatures suffer from acrophobia. Even if a few high-ranking sea creature warriors manage to get up there with the help of various spells or items, their combat ability will be greatly reduced.”

Chen Mo nodded.

Marine life fears the sky—this is unheard of, but it sounds quite reasonable.

"Don't the sea creatures have ranged attack methods?"

"Yes, that's true. Uncle, you see, there are many places on the bottom of the floating island that have been repaired."

"However, this is an island after all, with a sufficiently thick bottom. Most of the sea creatures' ranged weapons can only loosen the soil beneath the island."

"The warriors and mages on the island can launch attacks from a high vantage point, making it virtually impossible for the sea creatures to take down the floating island!"

"Are the sea creatures still coming?"

"Yes, after the Five Races Agreement, the Empire and the Sea Races ceased their war. In order to reduce losses, the floating islands were gradually abandoned. The remaining 'Snowflake' was preserved because it was a place where the late Emperor of the Empire had personally landed and fought..."

What was once a fortress is now a monument...

Chen Ye recounted the illustrious history, glorious achievements, moments of honor, and lamentations that followed its decline with great familiarity, but when asked about the principles, technology, consumption, and characteristics, his nephew was completely clueless.

As they talked, the fleet had already passed the last stretch of sea, and the giant, suspended shadow gradually fell behind, becoming a unique backdrop between the sea and the sky.

Ahead, on the horizon that stretches as far as the eye can see, the land and mountains undulate, dotted with ancient castles and magic towers. But the most striking feature is the breakwater extending from the huge port ahead. Under the daytime sunlight, it shines with a strange and warm glow, as if the entire breakwater is covered with a strip of lights.

What's that so bright?

“That is the ‘Shore of Glory,’ a layer that the former emperors of the empire polished smooth with the spoils they stripped from the armored sea creatures and laid on the embankment…”

"..."

The Dawn slowly entered its berth.

From the coast to the port, from the docks to the seawall, Chen Mo's first impression of the Sky Empire was like a meticulously crafted oil painting: magnificent, solemn, profound, and elegant, but lifeless.

The fleet slowly entered the "Zhenhai Port". The bright yellow carpet on the dock stretched from the land all the way into the sea, making the entire nearshore area bright and shiny, giving the "Dawn" the illusion of landing directly on land.

A grand spectacle, solemn music, magical fireworks, a welcoming procession...

The chief receptionist stepped forward, followed by more than ten officials and nobles, who formed a neat welcoming line.

The man at the head of the group looked very young, at most twenty-three or twenty-four years old, perhaps even younger. He had a handsome face, fair skin, and an air of nobility about him.

What was even more eye-catching was his attire: a classic, well-tailored pale gold robe embroidered with intricate star patterns in gold thread; and a tall crown adorned with dozens of evenly sized pale blue gemstones.

This outfit can be summed up in one word—expensive!

The young man wore an impeccable smile, and his voice was warm and clear.

"Respected Chairman Chen Mo, lord of the lands of Han Hai, Bai Lu, and Xi Yue, distinguished guest who has come from afar."

"Entrusted by His Majesty the Emperor and arranged by the Imperial Cabinet, I hereby represent the Sky Empire and its countless mages and warriors to welcome you to the Sky Empire!"

May your journey be as brilliant as the guidance of the stars.

(End of this chapter)