Dragon Clan: I am Lu Mingfei, the Intelligence Strategist, the God of Concepts!

Chapter 245 Welcome to Portofino
The black Gulfstream G550 cut through the clouds, its wings tearing through the air with a sharp whistling sound. The sea, reefs, and cliffs appeared below the wings, and in the distance, a large expanse of brightly colored buildings wove together like a colorful net.

Portofino.

It is the most famous tourist port on the eastern side of the Riglian coast in northwestern Italy, and also the place where the annual board meeting is held.

At first, Lu Mingfei felt that flying directly to Italy was not a wise choice.

It would be better to choose a ship or plane to reach other parts of Europe first, and then switch to other ground transportation.

As is well known, the global average accident rate for civil aviation is about 1.21 per million flights, and the fatal accident rate is only 0.16 per million flights. This means that if a person takes a flight every day, it would take 2263 years to encounter an accident and 25214 years to encounter a fatal accident.

But for those who encounter fatal accidents, the mortality rate is 100%.

Not only humans, but also hybrids, if Lu Mingfei or Angers encounter a 'malfunction' in their aircraft in the stratosphere above 10,000 meters, they will most likely be taken away.

...The main reason is that there's no need to take unnecessary risks, especially at this critical juncture.

But two days earlier, when Lu Mingfei visited Watt Alheim, those enthusiastic guys gave him a grand introduction to the latest refit of the 'Sleibniz'—

Wat Aalheim, meaning "Land of Dwarves" in Norse mythology, is home to the world's most skilled dwarf craftsmen, who forged the weapons of the gods, such as Odin's eternal spear, Gungnir.
Inside the Kassel College, this 'heim' is the territory of the Equipment Department;

Sleibnir is the name of a Gulfstream aircraft, taken from the eight-legged steed of Odin, which always burned like a fiery meteor when it soared through the sky...

Tsk, why does this sound so ominous?

In short, this place is referred to as the "Equipment Department," and its full name is the "Alchemy and Scientific Engineering Application Research Institute." To rival the orthodox Zhou family's "Tiangong Hall," naming their underground base Watt Alheim is enough to show their pride and self-esteem.

"RAM ferrite filler and high nano carbon matrix coating reduce RCS to less than 0.01㎡. Combined with upward-guided heat waste + annular airflow cooling and Davis IRSS system, the overall suppression of I-band detection range is reduced by 80%. In terms of radar, DRFM digital frequency storage device is connected in series with aluminum foil strip cloud to form a replicating and relaying false pulse target..."

If the enemy's perception is truly astounding, there's also the ironclad defense of a barrage composed of MJU-55 new decoy munitions simulating IV-band hot metal signals...

"Oh, by the way, if you two have the guts, we've also equipped ourselves with millimeter-level ultraviolet interference smoke screens. With the help of grappling hooks and RPGs, that's more than enough for a battlefield-style high-altitude counterattack!" the researcher introduced excitedly.

Upon arrival, anyone, regardless of their background, would be completely taken aback by this professional explanation.

However, the last option is unlikely to be used unless one intends to deliberately show off. After all, according to the Equipment Department's philosophy, this modified aircraft cannot be detected by any detector or aircraft unless it flies overhead.

At this point, Lu Mingfei asked, "Master, Master, is there any way to be even more discreet, so that even if I fly over the enemy's head, they won't notice me?"

As usual, the deputy director named Carl said that although it sounded like there was nothing in the world they couldn't do... after all, stealth aircraft are never truly invisible, unless Lu Mingfei is willing to establish a draft based on the "SHIELD" project they submitted two years ago, in which case...

Angers stopped him from saying anything further.

When Lu Mingfei arrived to visit the equipment department, the group almost thought he was a talent pool being delivered to their door. But after learning that Lu Mingfei's true identity was a victim of injustice... oh no, a school board member, their attitude immediately changed 180 degrees and became completely integrated.

Lu Mingfei decisively declined the invitation from the Equipment Department.

These guys, all dressed in fully enclosed biohazard suits, rubber boots, and equipped with protective goggles, respirators, and portable oxygen tanks, were clearly not good people. It was only after Angers' reminder that Lu Mingfei remembered that 'SHIELD' was an abbreviation for S.H.I.E.L.D.... Yes, the one from Marvel.

The Equipment Department is indeed planning to explore a realistic stealth aerospace carrier capable of carrying F-35 fighter jets and tactical nuclear warheads, elevating the Dragon Clan War to a cross-media domain.

Yes, the first phase of investment is estimated at US$121.49 billion, and a pledge has been made to ensure that a model machine will be produced within three phases.

Lu Mingfei waved his hand, speechless.
They didn't even want to ask why the investment amount, which was clearly a scam, included both whole and fractional amounts.

But in the end, he and Angers boarded the 'Slebnir' and now fully understood why the people in the equipment department said, 'A heroic entrance should be spectacular.' This is just noise!

"Hey, I'm telling you, even a dragon-slaying weapon should at least be a little comfortable, right?"

After the two got off the plane, Lu Mingfei almost threw up. In addition to the noise, the plane was also very bumpy. Even on a level flight, it felt like the shaking of a severe convective weather. If the warning lights hadn't been removed, they probably would have been flashing all the way.

"Uh... According to the philosophy of those lunatics, their job is to manufacture dragon-slaying weapons. Weapon craftsmen never consider comfort. Have you ever seen a tank equipped with zoned air conditioning, heated cushions, and massage seats?"

Angers adapted fairly well, after all, this Gulfstream had been his ride from the beginning, and even though it was taken by the equipment department for modification, he had long been used to it after riding it so many times.

"Tanks need rearview mirrors too, okay? Don't ask me to ride in one next time... Wait, where am I?"

Lu Mingfei then realized that the area around him was not actually an 'airport'. Portofino was a small city, or to put it nicely, a seaside town; to put it bluntly, a small fishing village.

Fishing villages certainly don't have airports, but Sleibnier didn't stop at the nearest Genoa airport, which was forty kilometers away. Instead, it just landed on a flat piece of salt flat.

"This used to be an airport, but it's now abandoned. Around 1942, the Italian Royal Air Force took off from here to intercept the RAF's Wellington formation. The runway was a bit short, but the pilots of the Sleibnier were very skilled."

Angers skillfully picked up a cigar and waved at the plane behind him.

The man in the pilot's seat, wearing sunglasses, grinned, revealing a set of white teeth. He gave a thumbs-up, seemingly preparing for takeoff again.

Lu Mingfei was speechless. So, a real man should be able to take off and land anywhere at any time?

That's a bit perverted, isn't it?

However, the scenery of this saline-alkali land is quite nice. Directly in front is the sea, where the tide rises and falls, and the sunlight reflects off the sea, creating shimmering golden waves. Seagulls' wings trace graceful arcs like clouds.

Lu Mingfei and Angers stood side by side on the beach.
"I'm still a little curious, what exactly did you and the old cowboy talk about that day?" Angers clearly didn't care about such trivial matters as takeoff and landing, and asked after exhaling a smoke ring.

Lu Mingfei stayed at Kassel College for a week, and on the fourth day he met the vice principal at the church bell tower.

However, after a series of 'friendly exchanges',
The only member of the Alchemy Principles Department began to become absent-minded.

It wasn't until Lu Mingfei leaned over and said a few words to the vice principal that...

The vice principal looked wary, as if his eggs were about to be snatched away. Lu Mingfei tried to reassure him, but the vice principal remained worried about his eggs. Lu Mingfei continued to reassure him... and finally, he probably agreed.

Then the two of them swiftly kicked Angers, who was a 'Muggle,' out, on the grounds that alchemists should speak in private and that no outsiders should overhear.

But Angers was genuinely curious.

In fact, he had never really gotten to know this old friend in over a hundred years. They first met in Chicago, and when he heard of him again a few years later, he had become 'Flameme'.

This news shocked everyone.

According to the history of the Secret Society, the first mentor, Nicolas Flamel, joined the society in the early 15th century, and his successors were all named Flamel, a lineage that has continued uninterrupted.
Throughout history, Flamel's mentors never shared the secrets of alchemy with all members of the Secret Society, fearing that alchemy would be misused in ways unrelated to the fate of humanity. However, they have kept their promise for many years, supporting the Secret Society from behind the scenes in their fight against the dragons. Therefore, it should be said that Flamel's lineage is an ally of the Secret Society, rather than a member.

The previous 'Angelina' was the longest-lived tutor in history, Flamel. When she was 180 years old, coinciding with the founding of Kassel College, they intended to invite her to retire at the college, but she declined. Tutor Flamel was highly respected, and Angers felt it inappropriate to insist.

Not to mention that Ms. Angelina also sent two highly skilled alchemy disciples to take on the main responsibility for the academy's alchemy courses. Angers did not press the other party further; as long as their stance remained unchanged, everything was negotiable.
Although the new Flamel is a good-for-nothing, his ability to inherit his master's mantle is enough to prove his worth, not to mention that his own lineage is quite remarkable. Angers plans to try to invite him again.

Unsurprisingly, I was rejected.

His reason was that the world is so big, and he wanted to see more. Angers agreed.

But at that time, most members of the Secret Service did not know that Leonardo DiCaprio was even more troublesome than Angelina Jolie, and this was a fact that had been going on for half a century.

For the next half-century, this guy lived a free and wild cowboy life, playing Western games with people at the drop of a hat. During the war, he even ran off to Asia. The Secret Service was almost frantic, fearing that he might be shot or have his head chopped off by shrapnel on the battlefield, thus ending Flamel's legacy. They hurriedly sent people to contact the Orthodox, but the Orthodox were also busy fighting and had no time to take care of him. They could only arrange for another air squadron to help keep things under control.

He lived in China for more than a decade before returning in the mid-20th century.

Fortunately, not long after returning, he decided to take his talent to Chicago and joined Kassel College on a minimum salary...

Well... that's a good thing, at least it shows that this guy is grateful.

In an effort to win him over, the Secret Service granted the title of vice principal to Professor Flamel, but did not expect him to manage academic affairs; all that was needed was for him not to harass female students—this was important, given that his scandalous history in the West half a century ago was quite sensational.

But it seems that Professor Flamel has really had his fill of revelry.

After taking over the task of modifying the alchemical matrix on campus, he lived in the attic of the church for decades, never stepping out of the door. His muscles gradually disappeared, and his beer belly and stomach swelled up day by day. People who didn't know him thought he had been possessed by a lazybones.

The only thing that can prove his innocence is that every year during the swimming class assessment, he would take the initiative to come out and be in charge of scoring and evaluating the girls who were wearing bikinis. Then he would do nothing but finish scoring and then go back to the clock tower to continue watching his Westerns and drinking his beer.

Koanger always felt that the truth was not so simple.

Compared to his teacher, Leonardo is ridiculously young, especially since the alchemy lineage of his mentor Flamel is said to be very good at maintaining health. In Chinese terms, he is in his prime, with his energy and spirit at their peak. At only a hundred years old, he is at the prime of his life.

There's absolutely no need to stay at Kassel College, drinking beer and living a life of leisure.

Besides, no one is forcing him to stay here all the time.

As a result, after talking with Lu Mingfei, Norma sent a message that night that the vice principal had bought more than a dozen new outfits on eBay—all denim, of course—and then appeared at the gym in the Ice Cellar, huffing and puffing as he lifted weights and shrugged, seemingly wanting to get back into shape and then go out and have some fun.

Angers was utterly shocked.

It's not that I'm worried the old cowboy will lose weight and steal my title as the most handsome guy at Kassel College...

It's really a bit scary.

"What happened between you and the old cowboy that day?" Angers couldn't help but ask again.

"Hehehe."

Lu Mingfei revealed a profound and inscrutable smile.

Under Angers's eagerly anticipating gaze, Lu Mingfei shook his head. "He didn't tell you before, so I can't say much either. After all, it's his personal privacy."

“Alright.” Angers sighed helplessly.

The two had already walked out of the beach. In the distance, they could see ancient Italian buildings from above, and fishing boats and canoes created ripples on the water, leaving black trails in their wake.

Portofino, the Italian word for port, originally means a small border port.
What was originally an ordinary seaside town was transformed into a place imbued with humanistic charm by the master architects and skilled craftsmen appointed by the Gattuso family.

Today, it has become a resort destination for many political figures, financial tycoons, and celebrities. It is a gathering place for the wealthy and luxury goods, yet it is also simple and natural. All the houses are arranged in a staggered manner, and at least one window faces the blue bay. During the annual school board meeting in September, the town is semi-closed.

“The Gattuso family is like a local tyrant in Italy. In this bicameral republic, both nobles and commoners have legislative power and the power to supervise the executive branch, and the Gattuso family has influence in both the upper and lower houses.”

Angers gazed at the peaceful and serene town in the distance and sighed.

"If the Gattuso family wants to pass a bill that benefits them, the Senate and the House of Representatives will convene and vote on it as quickly as possible. In other words, they have absolute power in the country and can mobilize a squadron of bombers from the Italian Air Force when necessary."

"...That's why I'm afraid Sleibnir will be shot down by bombers."

Lu Mingfei rolled his eyes, glanced back, and saw that the black modified Gulfstream had disappeared into the clouds.

Angers laughed, ignoring the unlikely possibility of this worry: "Mingfei, after these past few days of sightseeing, what's your take on the internal situation of the Secret Party?"

Lu Mingfei shook his head: "The internal situation of the Secret Party? I can't say what my opinion is on the situation of the Secret Party. After all, I've only taken a tour of Kassel College. Although many people seem to think of Kassel College as a violent institution, I actually think it's just an ivory tower. Most students are far from being real violent."

"The impression is currently acceptable, but that doesn't equate to the Secret Party."

“You’ve separated Kassel College from the Secret Party, and you still have some issues with the Secret Party… But I can understand, it’s inevitable that there will be bad people within a large organization.”

Angers took a puff of his cigar and said slowly, "But I think the distinction between good and bad people is debatable. Just like the current board members of the Secret Service, their original wealth was accumulated in Europe, and each family can represent absolute power in a part of Europe."

"Tonight I will take you to meet the Laurent family. They control the largest 'syndicate' in Europe, a leading international monopoly organization. They can manipulate the flow of capital around the world with just a thought or a word. If Duchess Laurent wants the price of crude oil to fall tonight, then the international price of crude oil will fall to an unbelievable low tomorrow, and people around the world who have bought crude oil futures will lose everything overnight, and some will even be in debt."

"And she doesn't even need to worry about whether she will suffer losses as a result, since it's really too insignificant for the Laurent family as a whole."

“Ordinary people can’t outmaneuver capital. Whether it’s the Secret Service or the mixed-race, this group has always been different from ordinary people, or rather, superior to them… And it’s perfectly normal for such people, who are born to stand at the top of the world, to have ‘evil thoughts’. In my eyes, a little bit of evil thoughts is not enough to distinguish whether they are good or bad people.”

Angers calmly stated his views.
Lu Mingfei remained noncommittal, after all, strictly speaking, he could also be considered a player with evil intentions.

Angers continued, “From the very beginning, the Board of Trustees has been the high table of the Secret Party, the foundation of the Abraham Blood Pact, and the controller and creator of dragon-slaying resources, just like the half-decayed World Tree on the school emblem. If we had to separate the two, the tree represents Kassel College, the soil represents the world, and the Secret Party represents the roots buried in the soil, drawing nutrients from the earth and feeding back to the tree on the surface.”

"The existence of trees and roots is interdependent. Without trees, more and denser weeds would grow on the ground, and the world of hybrids would be a chaotic grassland until a fire burns all the products nourished by nutrients to ashes. When I was studying at Cambridge, I liked philosophy. Philosophy books said that the essence of human nature is always inclined to chaos. Reason makes them yearn for order, but order needs to be created and maintained. Although the Secret Party is not order itself, at least for now, the Secret Party still represents order."

"Principal Angers, after all you've said, are you worried I'll try to catch you all in one fell swoop?"

Lu Mingfei remained calm.

"After all, nutrition cannot be used to fight enemies directly, money cannot save fools and lives, and apart from my identity as a member of the Secret Party's school board, I am still a legitimate person."

"Orthodoxy can also be this tree."

(End of this chapter)