Chapter Fifty-Three: Escape from Purgatory Island (Part One)

Internet Publishing License Number: Xinchu Wangzheng (Xiang) No. 11
Internet Culture Business License: Wen Wang Wen [2010] No. 128

When he opened his eyes again, Gong Hao found himself once more before Lancelot’s wooden cabin by the small lake.

“Hugh, you did it!” Lancelot greeted him with a hearty laugh, walking up to him.

Gong Hao forced a wry smile. Indeed, he had endured far too much for this day to come.

After Lancelot informed Hines of the teleportation array’s success, Hines and Andrew soon arrived at the lakeside, one after the other, through the array. The apprentices on either side then shut down the array.

Gong Hao looked at the pile of crystals reduced to dust and sighed. “The energy consumption remains too high. At present, the energy recycling efficiency is only thirty percent, so the array’s sustainable operation is still limited.”

Hines waved his hand and laughed. “Oh, that’s just a matter of time. Time will help you perfect the technology. In any case, we can now maintain the teleportation array for about half an hour—which is nothing short of revolutionary.”

“Indeed,” Lancelot agreed, “I think before long, the Liberty will be out of work. They’ll realize we no longer need them to travel leagues to deliver goods; all transportation can be handled by simply activating the teleportation array.”

Andrew immediately countered, “That’s impossible in the near term. One activation of the array consumes an enormous amount of energy, far outweighing the cost of a round trip by the Liberty. Until we raise energy efficiency to ninety percent, His Majesty won’t discontinue the Liberty’s delivery service. However, the teleportation array can become a channel for transmitting urgent items and information. After all, some things are beyond price.”

“So, I still can’t use it as a shortcut for my daily commute?” Lancelot complained, a touch dissatisfied.

Hines comforted him, “Lancelot, I know you long to leave this island. For a Star Knight, that’s the most natural desire. But you know your situation is unique. Staying here is best for you—and for the Empire.”

Lancelot fell silent.

After they chatted for a while, Hines left the lake and returned—on foot—to his alchemy tower. Convenient as the teleportation array was, it was still too costly and extravagant to use for daily affairs. Man was never meant to board a plane just to use the lavatory.

Once more, only Gong Hao and Lancelot remained by the lake.

Gong Hao saw the disappointment on Lancelot’s face. He tugged at Lancelot’s hand, inviting him to sit beside him.

He said softly, “Lord Lancelot, you know I have never forgotten my promise.”

Lancelot sighed, sitting on a large stone and covering his face with his hands. “It’s been twenty-three years. Twenty-three years have passed. I’ve lived on this island for twenty-three years, Hugh—longer than you’ve been alive.”

“Yes, I understand.”

“I just want to see her… only to see her, nothing more…”

“Can you tell me who she is?” Gong Hao asked quietly, sitting beside Lancelot. He now had every right to sit at Lancelot’s side as an equal.

A haze of confusion flitted through Lancelot’s eyes as he sank into deep memory. “I’m sorry, Hugh. I cannot tell you her name—it involves some important figures. But I can tell you this: she is a beautiful woman, a woman whose face is always adorned with a charming smile.”

“Did she love you?”

“Yes, Hugh. At least, she once did. Much like the little princess feels about you. But you are more clear-headed; you know not to fall for someone you shouldn’t. I didn’t. Back then, I was young and arrogant, thinking only of my own desires. I pursued her madly, not caring who my rivals were…”

“And then you failed?”

“Yes, Hugh, I failed. Back then, people called me a prodigy among warriors. At just seventeen, I was already a sixth-rank warrior, on the verge of breaking through to the seventh. That was a rare accomplishment at that age.”

“You were incredible.”

“But I still failed. And so I learned that force couldn’t solve everything. I was banished to this desolate island, made a hunter for the alchemists, capturing magical beasts for them. No matter how I longed to return, I could never do it. Until you appeared… Hugh, you gave me hope. From the moment you followed me into the forest to hunt magical beasts, I knew you were the one who could change things. That day, you told me you could help me return to my homeland, to see the person I most wanted to see… Hugh, you have no idea how I’ve longed for this day. But now, just as it arrives, they tell me the cost of a single teleportation is too high to use freely… Can you understand the heartbreak when hope shatters?”

“Yes, I understand. I’m sorry, Lord Lancelot. I failed to perfect the teleportation array.”

“No, no, Hugh, you’ve done more than enough. In time, you might become a great alchemist like Electra. You only lack time.” Lancelot waved his hand. “I’m too impatient. I’ve waited twenty-three years—what’s a few more?”

Gong Hao managed a small smile.

He glanced about, then whispered, “If you truly want to go back, my lord, you may not have to wait much longer.”

Lancelot’s heart skipped a beat. “What do you mean?”

Gong Hao replied in a low voice, “Do you know why I’ve devoted so much energy to researching spatial magic?”

Lancelot thought for a moment and blurted out, “For the little princess?”

Gong Hao smiled with satisfaction. Lancelot was a true romantic; in his eyes, love was noble and beautiful. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have offended a powerful person over a woman and ended up exiled, hunting magical beasts on this island. For Lancelot, love might be the greatest driving force.

So Gong Hao nodded. “Unlike you, my lord, I once promised the princess I would develop a teleportation array as soon as possible, so she could come visit me from Wellington whenever she wished. You know, the energy consumed when the array is activated is immense, so the Empire won’t use it unless absolutely necessary.”

Lancelot listened intently.

Gong Hao continued, “But if the princess wishes to visit me, she won’t care about the cost. In other words, even if the array’s operation remains expensive, it won’t stop its use. In fact, it will be used more often before long. In that case, if you’d like to catch a ride, my lord, a word from me to the princess, and I doubt anyone would object.”

At last Lancelot understood.

Clearly, Gong Hao was telling him that, with the little princess around, the array would be activated frequently for her needs, even if the Empire was not in a state of emergency. Thus, Lancelot would naturally have his opportunity.

Of course, it also depended on Gong Hao’s influence over the princess, and her influence over Stryker VI.

He was certain neither would be a problem.

Lancelot felt an urge to shout for joy.

“Thank you, Hugh. You know I’ll never forget what you’ve done for me in this matter.” Lancelot grasped Gong Hao’s hand tightly.

“Don’t rush, my lord. Preparations must be made first, right? Before that, you’ll need to ensure Purgatory Island is well-stocked with magical beasts, so that your absence for a few days won’t cause any issues.”

“Of course! I’ll go catch beasts right away—every magical beast you need!” Lancelot laughed heartily.

Action followed word; he rose and strode off.

From the lakeside, Gong Hao returned to the servant quarters.

The head servant, Candon, had been waiting for some time.

“Master Grelle.”

“Candon, how go the magical plant seeds I asked you to gather?”

“There are still thirteen types we have yet to obtain. Shall we begin cultivation now?”

“Wait until all are collected. How long to gather the rest?”

“About ten days,” Candon answered. He glanced at Gong Hao, and seeing he was silent, continued, “A few days ago, Lord Andrew came by and asked why no new magical plants had been cultivated lately. As you instructed, I told him you’re working on new varieties.”

“Andrew is no longer in charge here. If he asks again, tell him to come to me directly.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Ten days left, Candon. Do your job well.”

“I understand, my lord.”

Leaving the servant quarters, Gong Hao returned to the alchemy tower to see Andrew.

Andrew smiled when he saw Gong Hao. “Hey, Hugh, the master just spoke with His Majesty. Your research has made a major breakthrough—His Majesty is very pleased. He hopes you’ll keep up the good work and develop spatial artifacts as well.”

With the energy circulation issue of spatial magic resolved, all related difficulties ceased to be obstacles. Communication devices had even been completed before the teleportation array, and making a spatial ring was no longer so hard.

Gong Hao replied, “As you know, it truly isn’t difficult anymore.”

Andrew’s eyes brightened with delight. “Are you sure you can do it?”

“Of course, and it won’t take long.”

“His Majesty will be thrilled to hear it. Hugh, without you, we might never have made any headway in spatial magic.”

Gong Hao smiled. “You flatter me, my lord. I believe I’ll soon give you a pleasant surprise.”

Ten days later, at dusk.

By the small lake where Lancelot resided.

The teleportation array was once again paved with crystals.

Lancelot regulated his breathing, trying to calm his immense excitement.

He tried to sound composed. “So, everything’s ready on the other side?”

“Yes. The little princess can’t wait to come. We agreed to meet at this time—secretly, of course…” Gong Hao smiled. He glanced at Lancelot and suddenly said, “Do you know, my lord, you look handsome today? I mean, truly dashing and elegant.”

Lancelot’s face reddened. “I just made a little effort with my appearance.”

Gong Hao chuckled, then took out a small box, placing it in Lancelot’s hand. “This is a little gift I prepared especially for you. I believe you’ll need it. But please promise me, don’t open it until you arrive.”

Lancelot accepted the box, puzzled. “I don’t know why, Hugh, but you seem a bit odd today.”

“Perhaps, my lord, you’re just nervous about returning home—so everything feels different.”

So it was homesickness. Lancelot was stunned, then shook his head with a wry smile.

Even a mighty Star Knight, when facing his long-lost homeland and the dreams he’d yearned for, could feel a flutter of nerves. How laughable.

He couldn’t help but shake his head.

Gong Hao said, “Lord Lancelot, I hope your homeland isn’t too far from Wellington. Remember, you have only six days. Six days from now, the array will open again. The little princess will return then, and you’ll come back to Purgatory Island. During this time, I’ll do my best to conceal your absence.”

“Don’t worry, I won’t miss the appointed time.”

“If you do, take the Liberty back,” Gong Hao said nonchalantly. “They always set sail from Deep Harbor.”

“I said I won’t miss it. Don’t you trust a Star Knight’s word?” Lancelot sounded a bit indignant.

Gong Hao said no more and activated the teleportation array.

A massive red wave surged from the core of the array, brimming with mysterious, unknown power.

“Lord Lancelot, the princess will clear the servants on the other side so you can depart unnoticed. So please, go first,” Gong Hao instructed.

Lancelot strode toward the teleportation array.

Just before stepping in, he suddenly turned around as if remembering something. “Hugh, why do I feel like I’ve forgotten something crucial?”

“You haven’t forgotten anything, my lord,” Gong Hao replied with a mysterious smile.

Lancelot was a bit muddled, but the overwhelming urge to return home drowned out any lingering doubts, and he set off on his journey.

Just as he stepped into the array, realization struck him. He turned and shouted, “Hugh, the Liberty hasn’t arrived yet! How could they have set up the corresponding array in Wellington in just ten days?”

He received no answer. Gong Hao had already activated the array. In a flash, Lancelot vanished.

“Farewell, my lord,” Gong Hao murmured.

Somewhere in a desolate wilderness of the Lance Empire, a Star Warrior’s furious roar shook the heavens:

“Hugh Grell, you scoundrel! Where on earth have you sent me?!”

As though he could hear that cry, the golden youth on Purgatory Island replied silently, “To be honest, I don’t know where you are, either. That’s the danger of one-way teleportation—accurate targeting is impossible. Not sending you eight hundred meters underground or three thousand meters up in the sky was already the best I could do. Lord Lancelot, I know you’re still alive. This time…I won’t kill you. No matter what you think, I consider you a friend.”

With that, he left the lakeside, heading toward the castle.

The plan he had prepared for so many years was finally set in motion. With Lancelot, the greatest obstacle on Purgatory Island, now tricked away, Gong Hao had no more scruples—he was ready to bring this wicked world of Purgatory to an end.