In early July of the year 1095, Felix returned to Lungmen with his family… Mostima and Lemuen. He did not enter the city right away. Instead, he headed toward the factory district outside the city. Not being part of the mobile city's main structure meant that these factories would remain in their original locations whenever Lungmen moved.
But building new factories was never overly time-consuming. Besides, every place Lungmen stopped at already had long-standing factory zones. They only needed to be leased out again when the time came.
The entire construction process of the landship took place under Felix's oversight. The main frame was built inside Lungmen, and the armor plating was installed there as well. The frame was then moved out to be joined together in the outer district, where the internal sections of the ship were constructed simultaneously.
The ship's total length measured 700 meters, her width 350 meters, height 250 meters. Her total area was equivalent to thirty-five football fields, and she stood three-fourths the height of the Eiffel Tower.
Felix halted and looked up at the colossal structure in the distance. A creation this massive could only have succeeded thanks to Wei Yenwu's support.
Anyone would be surprised after seeing this and wondering what was he thinking, building a landship inside Yan territory, right next to Lungmen? Was he not worried about being "invited for tea," or that his entire family line might be eliminated?
The armor plating was Victoria's military-grade composite, capable of withstanding several rounds of city-defense artillery. As for her treads and propulsion system, the engineers accounted for the ship's massive weight and the cargo she would carry, adopting the construction methods used in Rim Billiton's mining landships.
The Simons stood not far away, accompanied by more than a dozen researchers. Behind them were their students, and farther up above, workers swarmed the frame like raindrops, busily assembling the giant machine.
"Mr. Pioneer, you've finally returned."
Mr. Simon stepped forward with pride, gesturing politely. "The ship's interior is fully installed, and the power systems are ready. The outer armor still requires a few months of fitting and testing. By the end of the year, this landship will be fully operational."
A Victoria scientist added, "Since we cannot install weaponry within Lungmen territory, we plan to apply for authorization to drive it to the uninhabited zone in Kazdel once construction is complete. Weapons will be tested and mounted there."
A tower casters from Leithanien spoke next. "The power system is key. Using the energy of crystallized Originium memories as reactor to fuel the ship is a promising concept…"
The group continued discussing technical details, mostly terms that Felix could actually understand.
"She will be a very beautiful ship sir."
He glanced around. "Beautiful indeed... Let's board the landship."
"Naturally, naturally."
"Please, Mr. Pioneer."
Courtesy went both ways. Felix treated the researchers with respect because many of them would likely serve aboard the ship in the future. After all, he had no Terra natives with prior experience navigating a landship. He walked between Mostima and Lemuen, and together they boarded a large truck heading toward the massive treads at the vessel's base.
The entrance was twice the size of Rhodes Island's. Cranes carried shipping containers overhead, and the group took the pedestrian path, climbing step by step to reach the -2 level described by the researchers. The space was vast, capable of holding multiple legions. According to the engineering team, this level served as a temporary warehouse for container storage and as a potential trading hub.
The rear half of -2 held enormous storage rooms for food, water, and supplies. The front half served as a vehicle hangar and armor depot for ground units and weaponry. There were equipment bays and emergency repair stations as well.
The -1 level and upward housed the dormitories. Given the number of adventurers, the largest rooms accommodated six people. A renowned hotel designer had drafted the plans, ensuring both scenery and functionality. This level also contained a huge dining hall, exercise areas, and recreation facilities. He can't help but wonder, if she had a soul, would she be angry when he called her a hotel? Like certain japanese battleship.
Level 0 held the training rooms, armory, command operations center, and additional sleeping quarters.
Level 1 served as the central workspace for all departments of the landship and included a secondary dormitory area.
Level 2 housed the medical and recovery wings, along with more dormitories.
Level 3 was the technology and research floor. Laboratories, research facilities, the communication center, and the intelligence analysis room were all located here. The dorms on this floor were primarily intended for scientists and production-specialist players.
Level 4 was the most important level. The command room was located here, offering the widest view in the entire ship. Only senior staff could access this floor. It housed the commander's office, meeting rooms, main operations center, power reactor, and data-processing hub. High-level personnel lived on this level as well.
Level 5 was a rest and recreation zone with lounges, gyms, salons, a library, a restaurant, and multiple leisure spaces. The restaurant was enormous. Felix planned to follow Rhodes Island's example and recruit chefs from all across Terra so adventurers and citizens could enjoy any cuisine they wished.
Level 6 was the deck—an open space that would soon be fitted with the newest radar stations and observation towers.
A total of nine levels — a compact mobile city of its own. By conservative estimate, she could house hundreds of thousands of adventurers and Terra natives.
Felix was deeply satisfied with the result. Standing inside the command room on Level 4, he observed the brand-new instruments he could barely understand. Tilting his gaze slightly, he saw Lungmen through the wide window.
"I really hope the day comes when I can helms her myself."
That was his honest thought. Right now, he wished he could skip ahead in life straight to the end of the year, just so he could drive this landship to Kazdel and mount weapons onto her.
And before the 3.0 storyline even began, he would already have a Tomorrow's Development ship of his own—something akin to his version of the Rhodes Island.
"Pioneer, have you decided on a name for the landship?"
Mr. Simon suddenly remembered the important matter and quickly asked.
Instead of sighing about how difficult the road ahead might be, it was better to simply begin walking. For some reason, that thought appeared in Felix's mind. He smiled.
"How about Venus the Morningstar? We can also call her Morningstar as she will carry all our dreams and sail towards her destination."
"Venus... That's a beautiful name, sir."
And so, the name "Venus the Morningstar" was settled.
Felix left with the two women. Light shimmered in Lemuen's eyes as she tugged the hem of his clothes.
"Can Lemuel and I live on board too?"
"Of course. You two will definitely be in the high-level dorms."
He chuckled. "Even if you're busy and away, your rooms will always be there."
"The Pontiff is going to be shocked. But I think they'll want to visit the Venus too. Even Laterano has never seen a landship this massive."
Mostima giggled.
The Venus was in her final armor-installation stage. Felix tested the startup sequence in the control chamber. As every command was executed, the colossal vessel stirred, moving almost imperceptibly. Workers building nearby noticed the motion and stepped back in excitement, some reaching out to touch the cold iron hull.
"Everything is functioning well."
He didn't drive her further. After shutting down the engines and halting the ship, he turned to the Simons and the scientists behind them.
"Once this landship is completed, each of you will receive a year's bonus and a month-long vacation."
Felix nodded kindly to the Simons, then shifted his gaze to the most valuable group present — the research personnel. His tone slowed.
"We may have opportunities to extend your contracts. When the Venus is complete, I'll need experienced specialists to maintain her."
The dozen researchers exchanged glances. Their treatment had indeed been excellent. Though officially employees of Simon's company, they knew who the true boss was. Some Pioneer's researchers had intentionally hinted that their benefits matched those of internal staff.
With such an open-minded boss, what was there to complain about? Besides, they shared a genuine passion for the landship. One among them had even navigating a Victoria landship before. Joining Tomorrow's Development and becoming crew members of the Venus didn't sound bad at all.
After a thorough inspection, Felix returned to Lungmen with Mostima and Lemuen. The two women went home to rest. They needed to meet with Fiammetta and return to Laterano to report their mission — after all, they had eliminated seven or eight Deep Sea Church branches in Iberia. If they failed to inform the Pontiff and the Tribunal acted without knowing, the situation could easily escalate into a diplomatic incident.
Felix went to his office branch. After a briefing with Anthony and the other operators, he sought Anthony out.
"Mr. Felix… Are you saying we're abandoning Lungmen?"
Anthony was huge, standing before Felix like a gentle giant. His manners were impeccable, and his reputation within the company was excellent. Though he often fought on the front lines, he spent most of his free time reading in the library.
"No, Anthony. You misunderstood."
Felix spoke calmly. "Our future won't be tied to just one city. We'll spread our branches across Terra. The Venus will become our headquarters, but Lungmen will remain just as important."
"I understand now."
Anthony nodded, pointing to himself with a faint smile. "Then… may I board the Venus too? I want to stay by your side and contribute even more."
Felix was surprised. Anthony had never been like this. Since when had he become so eager… so motivated?
"I spoke with Lady Degenbrecher and Lady Carnelian. They shared a few information with me."
Anthony scratched his head. "Boss will need helpers in the future. When that time comes, I want Mr. Pioneer to notice me."
Anthony: I really want to improve!
Felix chuckled and accepted his request. Since Anthony volunteered himself, he might as well bring him. As for the Lungmen branch, it could be temporarily entrusted to Nine. She might not have been born in Lungmen, but she was a true Lungmen local in every way. Once she grew accustomed to the work, the next generation of personnel would be ready.
He also made a visit to Emperor, informing him that the construction of the Venus was nearing completion. When Felix asked whether Emperor would reside on the ship in the future, the rapper shook his head at lightning speed.
"I'm a very busy man, alright? I have another concert in Columbia next month, you know that."
Emperor pouted. "Of course I'll drop by the Venus every now and then since it'll be the headquarters. But if you want me to stay there long term... hmph, don't think I don't know you just want me chained to a desk all day!"
Felix wiped his sweat. He honestly hadn't thought that far.
Showered by Emperor's spit, Felix wiped his face and left the End of the Earth. Just as he stepped outside, he spotted Texas and Exusiai carrying boxes, chatting and laughing. Texas had a Pocky in her mouth, humming a tune. The moment she saw Felix, the Pocky snapped clean in half.
"Long time no see, Brother Felix," Exusiai greeted with a grin—though someone else moved even faster.
Texas practically buried herself against Felix, breathing in his scent with unrestrained hunger, her Lupo tail swaying from side to side.
"Thank you," she whispered.
Felix understood. She was thanking him for what he had done regarding Lappland. He ruffled her hair. Texas bit down lightly on his neck, leaving a mark before stepping back. A faint blush colored her cold expression.
Exusiai let out a dramatic wailing noise, covering her eyes with her fingers but leaving wide gaps to peek through.
"Mission over?" Felix asked.
"Mm. It's done. The next one is in five days," Texas replied softly. "I want to board the landship too."
"How did you even hear about it?"
Felix rubbed her Lupo ears, and she leaned into his palm, savoring the warmth.
"Because… the landship looks nearly finished."
Texas nuzzled his hand. "In the future, can I move onto the landship to live?"
"Me! Me too!"
Exusiai shot her hand up, pointing at herself. "I want to live there too. Hehe, I really want to experience what it's like to stay on a landship."
"Of course."
Felix got into the car with both of them. "I'll be staying in Lungmen for a while to reorganize the local branch. After that, I'll return to Kazdel."
Returning to Kazdel… because Felix wanted to purge every last dissenter in Kazdel before the year 1096, before the beginning of the 3.0 storyline. Players were impatient; the quest had been sitting there forever, and they couldn't clear it. The quest rewards and title were driving them mad.
He wanted Kazdel reborn before 1096, the entire city firmly in his hands, so that when 3.0's flames of war arrived, Kazdel would stand as his military stronghold.
To proclaim Kazdel's return to all of Terra.