Chapter 7 – Escaping Tokyo
Part 1:
Akihabara
Tokyo
June 20, 2011 AD
Decatilis 5, 6077 AB
14:25 PM GMT +9
"I repeat. I am a friend. And you are all in danger." The woman said.
"What do you mean? And who are you?" Saito asked.
"I will tell you later, now, let's move. Tell your friends to follow me." The woman added.
"Ah Saito, what did she said?" Professor Colbert said.
"She said we are in danger. And that we must go and follow her."
The woman, who understood a bit of what Saito said, made a nod.
Professor Colbert then asked, "Why are we in danger?"
"Saito Hiraga, you are wanted by Japanese authorities for several high-level crimes, including stealing military hardware, murder, and treason. You are labeled by the Japanese government and several other foreign governments as a terrorist. As a matter of fact, Japan is after you right now."
"That is…" Saito stuttered.
Before Saito could finish his statement, he looked outside. There, he saw a street camera from a lamppost just outside the McDonald's fast-food restaurant.
"Don't look at it." The unknown female said. "They're watching us."
"But.." Saito was about to say something, again, when the unknown female interrupted him.
"Just don't if you want yourself and your friends to live." The unknown female said.
"So, can I ask something?" The blue-haired girl asks while making gestures. It was Tabitha.
The unknown female, looking at the gesture while listening to the blue-haired girl, made a nod.
"Were you the one who was watching us?" Tabitha asked, on which Professor Colbert's face warped into a 'surprised' expression.
"I was indeed watching you and your group. Ever since you left Mr. Hiraga's house."
The unknown female gave Tabitha a reply in French, on which Saito understands her very well.
Tabitha then looked at Saito, "What did she say?"
Saito replied, "She said she has been watching us ever since we left my home."
"And that's not all. The Japanese and American authorities are watching you as well."
"They have been watching us too?" Saito asked with a higher tone.
"Ah, Sir? Ma'am? Are you going to take your order now?" The cashier asked as the four individuals are talking in a language she doesn't understand.
The group has been talking like that for almost a minute now in front of the cashier.
"Just wait a minute, Ma'am. We're still talking about what we are going to order." The unknown female replied with a smile on her face.
"Ok…" The cashier replied.
"So, Saito Hiraga, I recommend that you follow me. Trust me." The unknown female said.
"Why should we trust you?" Saito asked.
"It's because we have the same interests." The unknown female replied. "My patrons knew very well who you are and what you represent. Monarch from Halkeginia."
Saito made a gulp as he heard that. This time, Professor Colbert and Tabitha failed to understand it as the unknown female spoke to him in the Swahili language.
"I see. It seems that you can understand all languages." She remarked to Saito, this time with the German language.
She then turned to the young blue-haired girl standing beside Saito, her head bowing towards her with great respect. "Please trust me, Queen of Gallia."
She said in French.
Tabitha kept her relaxed expression on her face. "I see, so you even know who I am."
"Yes, we do." The unknown female said. "That is why my patrons are willing in keeping Saito and his companions from being detained. We are willing to do whatever it takes to keep the peace between our nations and our worlds."
Tabitha looked at Saito.
"So, why are we in danger?" Tabitha asked.
Saito replied, "It's a long story. But it involves me stealing that steel dragon I used to kill the dragon."
"I see," Tabitha said, nodding her head as she thought about that incident last year. "So what did she said just moments earlier?"
Saito then translated to Tabitha what the unknown female said, "She said that her masters are willing to do everything to prevent us from being imprisoned. That her country is willing to keep the peace between her nation and my world and Halkeginia."
"I see. So may I ask what this nation you are talking about is?"
The unknown female looked at Saito. "She asks which country are you from."
"I see. It seems that I might need to introduce myself." The unknown female said. "I am Li Mei, an envoy sent by the Chairman of the Chinese Communist Party. I am here to represent the People's Republic of China to the nations of your world."
Li Mei replied in French.
"You're from China?" Saito asked, confused and surprised.
"What did she say, Saito?" the Gallian Queen asked.
"She said she is an envoy from China," Saito replied.
"Ah, sir, I think you need to make your order now." The cashier, looking tired and nonchalant, spoke as the group was standing for three minutes now, talking in a foreign language.
Li Mei opened her handbag and handed it to the lady on the counter a 10,000 yen bill. "20 orders of Big Mac, please. Plus, with drinks."
"Ok, coming right up." The cashier typed into the register Li Mei's orders.
After that, Tabitha continued on her statement. "What kind of place is China?"
"China is a socialist state neighboring this nation. It is one of the most powerful countries globally and also one of the most peaceful. We are also the most prosperous countries in the world."
Li Mei answered with great pride.
And then the cashier asks, "Dine in or Take out?"
However, no one answered this time.
Meanwhile, after that answer from the envoy, Saito gave Li Mei that 'I don't believe you' expression. However, Tabitha, or Queen Charlotte, was deeply engaged with the person who claims to be an envoy to this country she doesn't know.
Then there was silence. After that, the two ladies looked at Saito, giving that 'demanding' look. On which, Saito understood what the two ladies meant.
"She said that China is a socialist country that is a neighbor to mine. She also said that her country is one of the most powerful, peaceful, and prosperous countries in my world." Saito paused for a moment.
On which the envoy, Li Mei, understood what Saito was about to say.
Then Saito continued, "Howev…"
As suspense in the counter begins to build up, the cashier, now looking pissed off, asked the group, this time with a higher volume. "Dine in or Take out?"
The group finally took notice and went silent.
"Take out, please," Li Mei replied.
"Now that I have introduced myself, I am asking once again to cooperate with me for now. I am your friend, and you are all in danger."
Interrupted by Li Mei and the McDonald's cashier, Saito failed to say what he was about to say. Tabitha, looking for help to Saito to translate what the girl said to, looked at him and asked, "What did she just say?"
"She said that now that she is done introducing herself, she is asking us to work with her. That she is our friend, and we are all in danger."
"Ask her this, Saito. Why does she want to help us?"
Saito then turned his gaze towards the Chinese envoy. "Why do you want to help us?"
And then the McDonald's cashier interrupts the unconventional diplomatic meeting one more time. "Here's your receipt. Please stand there and wait for your order. Thank you, and enjoy your meal." The cashier replied with the most monotone voice possible.
The Chinese envoy accepted the receipt and moved to the aisle for waiting orders. She then gestured to everyone to move to the waiting hall. "Let's continue our conversation there."
The group then moved to the waiting aisle. After that, Li Mei continued her statement.
"As I was saying earlier, our leader wants coexistence, cooperation, and prosperity between our nations."
The Chinese envoy said, which caused a change of demeanor on Saito's face.
China? Is that country willing to help me and build a relationship with Halkeginia? Saito thought.
Saito looked around him and then outside and noticed that something seems off. He was then trying to say something when he saw some commotion outside.
He has seen more and more police cars passing by outside the fast-food restaurant. Also, he is seeing fewer and fewer people walking around. He then looked behind him, and there, on the other side of the door linking the counter and the manager's office, a person is peeking outside the glass window.
The person inside seems to be looking at the counter. No…
He was looking at him.
"Saito, are you ok?" Tabitha asked.
"Don't look at them!" Li Mei slides her foot to Saito.
"Saito, I think we should follow her." Professor Colbert said.
"Saito, please trust me. For now, our number one priority is to get you out of Japan. Please keep in mind that the People's Republic of China is walking on a knife's edge with this operation. One wrong move may cause a worsening of diplomatic relations between China and Japan and possibly even with NATO countries, especially the United States. I hope you understand the implications of such an event."
For the moment, the boy stood in the receiving aisle, thinking about his options. First, he looks at his surroundings. There, he saw people – Japanese citizens and possibly some foreigners eating in a fast-food restaurant. They don't seem to look much occupied.
Instead, he noticed those people throwing glances at him and his companions.
He then saw his wife, who seems to be watching them. And her friends seem to be holding her down.
Seeing that, he made a slight smile and then turned his attention to what's happening outside.
There, he noticed a police car parked on the other side of the road.
And then, he looked back to the door.
The manager is still peeking in and out every once in a while. The manager seems to be observing him. And then he received another kick from the Chinese envoy.
"I said, don't look at them! They might notice that we know they are watching us." Li Mei said, thinking about all other intelligence agencies that might be watching them right now.
"But what should I do?"
"Get out of Japan. Come with me to China."
"Sir, Ma'am, here's your takeout order." The McDonald's employee handed out a plastic bag.
Seeing the man holding out a plastic bag to them, Professor Colbert, who happens to be closest to the station, accepted the bags. "Thank you."
Colbert replied with a hesitant smile.
"Saito, come with me." She stretched out her hand to him.
And then the police officers came out from their car. The two police officers left their vehicle and went straight to McDonald's.
"Ok. But I am doing this for my friends and my wife."
"Of course." She replied.
Saito then caught her hands and made a handshake.
"So, what's the plan?" Colbert asked.
The female envoy heard the Professor and understood some of what he asked. "The plan? First, we need to take a van. It's already parked outside. It will take us to the port, and from there, we will ride by yacht all the way outside Japanese territorial waters where the Chinese navy will come and pick us up."
"Ok. Wait, the Chinese navy will pick us up?"
"Yes. A submarine will come to pick us up outside Japanese territorial waters. By tonight. So we must hurry."
The moment the envoy said the words "Chinese Navy" and "submarine," Saito froze. It was as if he is in a deep trance.
Seeing Saito standing still, his mind wandering somewhere, Tabitha tugged Saito's sleeves.
"Ah Saito, what she just said?" Tabitha asked.
"She said that someone is going to pick us up. They will then take us to the port where they will ship us out to their country." Saito replied.
"Let's…" The Chinese envoy was about to say something when she simply just stopped.
"Aki to Black Lotus. This is bad. HQ told us that the Japanese are planning to close the city down. PSSA (Public Safety and Security Alert) Level 2. LAS (Land-Air-Sea) partial lockdown. Possible terrorist attack." A male voice spoke via an earpiece hidden inside her ear.
"Copy. We will be on our way. Out." She replied.
"What was that?" Saito asked.
"We must hurry. The Japanese are closing the city down."
Part 2:
Command and Control Unit,
Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department Headquarters,
Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda ward
Tokyo,
June 20, 2011 AD
Decatilis 5, 6077 AB
14:35 PM GMT +9
"Agent Lotus and Saito Hiraga has made contact, Sir."
The man said as he made a salute towards the older man. The older man is no other than Senior Commissioner Toshiro Kashigawa, the person in charge of catching one of the world's most wanted men.
"Good. Anything else?"
"We have received intel that several intelligence agencies are looking at this situation. We have also noted the presence of assets from the NSA and the CIA. We also received intel that known Russian assets in the area are also on the move."
"What about the Chinese?"
"The Chinese Ministry of State Security has provided us with positions of their assets in the area. However, most of the revealed assets are all known assets. I suspect they have more hidden cells all over Tokyo. However, they have provided us with the position of where Agent Lotus is."
"So, it was them who found them first, huh... Anyway, I want all of Tokyo as tightly closed as possible. What's the update on that?"
"So far, the National Diet has approved the emergency closure of Tokyo for reasons pertaining threat of terrorism. The JSDF has also been mobilized as per instruction of the Prime Minister."
Just as soon as one of the men inside the command and control center finished his report, another man submitted his report to him.
The man said: "Target 1 and Target 2 are on the move."
Target 1 means Saito Hiraga.
Target 2 means Agent Lotus or Li Mei.
"Where are they going?" The Senior Commissioner asked.
"Sir, we are being jammed. We lost access to all street cameras in the Akihabara section."
As soon as they lost contact with their street cameras, the Senior Commissioner's secured phone rang.
It was an SMS message from his partner from China.
"We have received intel that Saito Hiraga and Agent Lotus are heading towards an airport south of Tokyo. Motivation: Unknown. We will inform your office later if we receive new intel."
The Senior Commissioner then hid the secured phone and looked towards one of his men, who happens to be looking back at him, waiting for orders.
"I have received intel from the Chinese. It seems that they are heading towards an airport. Inform the police about the latest finding and set checkpoints towards the main roads leading to the airports, especially in Yokohama."
"Ok, Sir." The man immediately turned around and picked up the telephone.
Meanwhile, the senior commissioner sat down on his chair and looked at a map of Tokyo and Yokohama.
"I shall never let you steal another aircraft again, you traitor!" The senior commissioner thought to himself.
Part 3:
Somewhere in Akihabara,
Tokyo,
June 20, 2011 AD
Decatilis 5, 6077 AB
14:42 PM GMT +9
"Ummm... Saito, where are we going?" the pink-haired girl asked as the group walked briskly through the busy streets of Akihabara.
"I thought we were going to take lunch?" She asked the second time.
"I will explain to you later. But for now, let's get out of here." Saito replied without even looking back to his wife, his eyes locked on the Chinese agent leading them towards the rendezvous point.
"Colbert? Is it really that bad?" Kirche, who has been reading the situation, asked her fiancée.
Her face had the same worried expression the others have.
"It's very bad. But as Saito said, I will tell you when we are there."
Colbert said as he is trying to keep watch on the surroundings around the group.
And there he noticed the men in black suits following them in the street, but at the same time keeping some distance away from them.
It was as if they are just keeping an eye on them. However, it was as what the female envoy said to them earlier.
Moments later, the crowd, as if on cue, slowed down on walking, and some of them even stopped walking and just stood up in the middle of the street. The crowd picked up these small rectangular objects and began looking at this thing in their hands. Colbert observed them, and there he saw these people are looking at these small rectangular metallic objects.
It was as if they were reading something out from it.
Soon, the wide screens plastered in the buildings began showing a new set of moving objects. Colbert looked at the wide screens that filled this place. There he saw the same characters posted on the screens.
He looked at Saito and the female envoy, and he saw the looks on their faces. Saito was showing an expression of panic.
Meanwhile, confidence filled the female envoy's face.
To Colbert, it was the look of a soldier who was expecting this to happen.
She was also talking to particularly no one in the group. But it was apparent what the envoy is doing. To a soldier like Colbert, coordination with subordinates is essential.
And then, he heard a voice. It was the voice of a woman talking. He looked at those wide screens again, and on the screens, he saw a woman talking.
At first, the crowd looked at those screens, and then, they began to disperse, their faces filled with annoyance.
Awe filled Colbert's face. He doesn't need to understand the characters posted in those widescreens. Or what the lady in those screens is even talking about.
Even Julio and Tabitha even have noticed it, too, given their hyperattentive look in their surroundings.
The authorities of this city are trying to restrict their movements.
This is the moment where he needs his staff more than ever, Colbert thought to himself.
And then, a black-colored metallic wagon stopped on the side of the road. It stopped close to where they are standing.
The door opened up, revealing the insides of the metallic wagon to them.
And there, he saw a female from the metallic wagon talking to the envoy. The envoy then nodded and then gave Saito a look and said something to Saito in a language he didn't understand.
Saito replied with a nod.
"Get in!" Saito said. He immediately stepped into the metallic wagon.
The others immediately followed Saito, except Louise, who remained as noisy and bossy as always, demanding that Saito tell her what was happening.
Saito didn't bother replying to her, and instead, he gave her an annoyed expression.
But hidden on that annoyed expression on his face is an expression of fear.
"Louise, just follow Saito for now. Right now, we are all in danger."
"Danger? Then I will just teleport ourselves back to our estate?" Louise replied, referring to the des Orneires estate.
This time, Saito finally made a statement to Louise. "And risk involving people here? It's too dangerous to open a portal here. There are too many people around and..."
Saito was about to finish his statement when he saw police officers approaching them. He then looked at Louise and then the approaching police.
Kirche and the others were about to say something when Tabitha gave them a serious look. Seeing her friend acting quite strange today, she quilled down her curiosity and observed the situation.
Julio and Tiffania also kept themselves quiet. Julio thought that observing the situation is necessary. Tiffania, on the other hand, simply doesn't know what to say.
Back to Saito, he finally made his decision. While Louise was complaining like she usually does, Saito simply pulled her into the van.
"Kyaaa!" Louise yelled. Saito then pulled the van's door close and looked at the driver. Seeing the driver is a middle-aged Japanese man, his seriousness lightened up a bit. He then made a nod to the driver, who was looking back at him through a mirror.
The driver nodded back at him.
And then, he heard a woman not far away from him speaking Japanese. "Ok. All security cameras in Akihabara have been momentarily shut down. Our agents had also activated several jamming devices all over the city. Diversion teams are also position. We are all ready to go."
It was Agent Yumi. Also, a middle-aged Japanese woman.
Saito then looked at Chinese envoy Li Mei and asked. "What does she mean?"
Li Mei then looked at Saito and replied, "To get you out of Japan, we might need to create some disturbances and diversions. Just think about this as a form of hybrid warfare."
"Hybrid warfare?" Saito asked when Agent Aki stepped on the pedal, causing the van to move forward.
The policeman, who earlier saw some suspicious people riding a black SUV, witnessed how the van moved away from him.
As if in a hurry.
Not knowing what is happening, the police officer then raised his walkie-talkie and brought the phone close to him.
"HQ, we have some suspicious people here in Akihabara."
The police officer said.
However, he can only hear some crackling noise on the radio, as if someone is trying to talk to him, but he's too far away.
The police officer then pressed the PTT button of his radio one more time, but still, he received the same result.
Part 4:
Command and Control Unit,
Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department Headquarters,
Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda ward
Tokyo,
June 20, 2011 AD
Decatilis 5, 6077 AB
14:55 PM GMT +9
"Sir, we lost all connections with our police forces in Akihabara and its neighboring southern regions." A male voice said.
"Sir, we lost connection with our cameras."
"Sir, our computers are being overwhelmed. Government and military computer centers are receiving reports of cyberattacks. We are also receiving reports from our technicians that all our communications are being jammed."
One by one, the agents manning the headquarters are reporting bad news after bad news to the Senior Commissioner.
Then one person stood up and made his report.
"Sir, we are under attack."
The Senior Commissioner clenched his fist and raised it high above the table. However, before he struck the table with his fist, he breathes deeply. He closed his eyes for a moment and breathed deeply one more time.
And then, he opened his eyes.
"This is war. This is no terrorist attack. This is war."
The older man then looked at the map of Tokyo and its neighboring cities. "But, what is it that they want?"
While the Senior Commissioner is deep in thought as red lights are filling the room, a man came close to the Senior Commissioner and asked, "Sir, what should we do?"
"What we do? Defend Tokyo, of course. Use the old communications system and communicate with the JSDF Cyberwarfare Division. Also, communicate with the intel agencies. I believe something is wrong with the intel given by the Chinese."
"Something is wrong?" the man asked.
"This attack is too organized to be done by a mere organization. I doubt North Korea is capable of doing this. Perhaps..."
The Senior Commissioner picked up Saito Hiraga and Black Lotus's pictures and looked at the two of them. "What is the connection of you two?"
He then thought of something. His eyes opened up wide and then turned towards the man standing near him, where he then gave the man a determined look.
"Give me the Prime Minister. There is something I want to tell him."
"Yes, Sir." The man immediately left the room, leaving the Senior Commissioner behind.
"I hope I am wrong." He thought to himself as he looks at the picture of both Saito and Black Lotus.
Part 5:
Somewhere in Tokyo,
June 20, 2011 AD
Decatilis 5, 6077 AB
15:06 PM GMT +9
Traffic lights switching from yellow to red to green in an unsynchronized manner. Cars and trucks bumping at each other.
People looking at their smartphones, their faces full of confusion as phone signals go down to 0.
Yet, somewhere in Tokyo, a specific road route remained open, with only a few cars moving along the road. On that road, a black van zoomed in at high speeds, disregarding any traffic rules. And behind them, traffic lights go red, closing down the road, allowing only a few lucky cars to pass that route.
It was the van where Saito and his group are in.
So far, no one has been chasing them in the past half hour. A few cars are running behind them, but they seemed to be civilian vehicles. There are people on the sidewalks, but there weren't that many of them.
Confused, Saito looked at the Chinese envoy, who is busy typing something on a laptop sitting on her lap.
He was about to ask something when the envoy spoke up. "Is there something wrong, Mr. Hiraga?"
The Chinese envoy asked, her eyes glued on the screen as she coordinates with the agents on the ground.
"Why is it that there are no vehicles here? This road should be crowded at this time of day?" Saito asked.
"Is that so? I don't know." The envoy gave him an answer in a nonchalant manner.
However, she is looking at a map of Tokyo with a pre-determined path. The pre-determined path is marked with green color while the blocked roads are in red.
However, while Envoy Li Mei (also known as Black Lotus) was busy coordinating with some agents on the ground, a female voice spoke up.
It was Agent Yumi. She said, "Ma'am, they are attacking our cyber warfare assets. They are also flooding the airwaves with an unnecessary signal."
"I see." She said, thinking about a solution as they drive into the dock.
Saito, who happens to understand all languages, understood what the agent has just said.
"Cyberwarfare? What the heck is happening?" Saito asked in a heightened tone.
"Oh, it's nothing. It's just a detour." She said.
"I don't like this anymore, Saito," Louise complained.
"What's your plan?" He asked, his voice showing a hint of desperation.
"I will open a world door," Louise said proudly.
"That's a good idea!" Kirche said.
"I think so too." Julio seconded.
Meanwhile, Tabitha remained quiet, looking at Louise with a curious look.
Meanwhile, both Colbert and Tiffania simply made a nod in agreement.
Seeing that everyone agrees, Saito, this time, did not resist the idea. It might actually be a good idea, he thought. Saito simply kept himself quiet.
"Ok. That's decided."
Louise immediately brought out her wand raised it in the air. Seeing the girl raised her wand from the screen's reflection, Li Mei immediately turned her head towards the source of light.
"Ken Kyoufu..."
As Louise is chanting a spell, a series of light and magic circles appeared for all to see. Even Agent Yumi and Agent Aki looked at the string of lights for a moment.
But then, a voice disturbed Saito. It was from Agent Li Mei.
"What is she doing?" She asked.
"She is opening the World Door."
"A World Door?" Li Mei thought for a moment until she realized what Saito means.
Then, Li Mei saw something she has seen before. It was that bright circular anomaly that she saw on the surveillance camera found in the Hiraga residence.
And then she realized another thing. "Mr. Hiraga, forgive me if this question sounds ignorant but is this World Door stationary, or does it move along with her?"
Saito looked at her and asked her back, "What do you mean?"
"... Son Ria!"
"World Door, open."
And just like that, a surge of mana filled the room. Saito's Gandalfr rune also shined brightly. Then a bright large circular anomaly appeared in front of Julio.
However, what happened next happened way too fast.
The world door immediately opened up enough to let one person in. However, the world door remained in its place.
First, Julio was sucked into the world door. Then, Tiffania, who was sitting behind him, was also sucked into the world gate. Lastly was Louise. And then the world door tears up a hole inside the van.
But that wasn't the end of it.
The world door continued on its rampage. The car running next to them was later sliced into three parts, with the middle part completely sucked by the world gate.
The two remaining parts swirled out of control in the road as the middle section of the car has been removed from it, ultimately crashing to the nearby establishments, hitting several bystanders in the sidewalk as well as people in nearby windows where the sliced part of the car entered.
It also seems that the driver and everyone who has touched the world door has become missing from the car.
The world door continued to exist for a few more seconds in the middle of the road before it dissipates into thin air. But those few seconds were enough to slice two more vehicles into several pieces.
'So, it's stationary.' Li Mei thought to herself.
However, Saito remained frozen in his position as he looks at the now missing three persons and the hole at the car's back.
Li Mei looked at the man they are supposed to save and then back to the now open hole on the car's backside.
And then she looked back again to Saito.
Even she was stunned for a moment. Even for an agent of her caliber, this is the first time she saw magic.
A magic that can produce a wormhole out of nowhere.
Imagine what wormhole magic of that kind can do! Sending nuclear warheads to their targets without the need to use rockets. Deploying spies and putting equipment anywhere in the world without actually leaving their home country.
The military applications of such power are limitless.
And if that particular someone manages to gain that kind of power, perhaps that certain someone would reward her what she desires the most.
For a moment, Li Mei experienced what people called daydreaming. Moments later, after she finally recovered from witnessing such a fantastic sight, she saw a look she does not expect.
The person who is supposed to be the Queen of the Kingdom of Gallia is acting strangely.
While everyone stood frozen on the spot with their faces wearing an expression of shock, she doesn't look shocked at all.
Although she looks surprised, her eyes are telling her something else. Exhilaration and glee filled her eyes. She holds no feeling of remorse or even grief from what happened.
It's the eyes of someone who felt as if someone a huge weight had been removed from her shoulders.
No.
It's the eyes of someone who has just witnessed the fall of a rival.
The blue-haired girl then approached Saito and embraced him.
"She's alright, Saito. She's alright."
Acting fast, Tabitha held Saito in a tight embrace. She placed her hand on Saito's head, where she then gently caressed his hair.
She looks like a lover comforting her beloved. Li Mei observed the blue-haired girl.
And there, she saw in her eyes a look of being relaxed and relief, as if someone just pulled out splintered wood pricking her skin.
At that moment, Li Mei realized what is happening. But then, her eyes and Tabitha's met.
Seeing the Chinese envoy giving the two of them an inquisitive look, she immediately thinks of what this foreign woman is probably thinking. Perhaps, she already knows what is going on.
With that in mind, Tabitha looked at the woman for a moment before she shifted her gaze somewhere else.
Seeing that subtle action from the blue-haired girl, Mei immediately made a nod and looked away from the ongoing scandal.
'All is fair in love and war. Even that phrase is also true on whatever world she came from.' She thought.
Meanwhile, both Colbert and Kirche were unaware that such a thing happened.
And Saito isn't aware either of such an expression the blue-haired girl embracing him now is having.
Tabitha spoke again. "Don't worry, Saito. Louise and the rest are alright. I know they are alright."
'She is lying.' A smirk emerged from Li Mei's lips as she looks away in the direction where none of the people from the other world can see her facial expressions.
However, to Saito, it sounded genuine.
Or perhaps, he wants to believe it.
"How are you sure they are alright?" Saito asked.
"Because the rune of Gandalfr is still on your right hand." Tabitha lightened her embrace and looked at Saito directly into the eyes.
Li Mei turned her head back to the group. "I don't know how that wormhole magic works, but I know they are alright."
The Chinese agent tried to comfort them, following the pace the Gallian Queen has made.
Colbert then looked at the woman, who he thinks is a soldier. He tried to find uncertainty in her eyes, but still, he can only find confidence.
'How can she be that sure?' Colbert thought.
"Saito Hiraga, think about it this way. They have returned safely back to their world. Now, if we can get you and your remaining comrades out of here, perhaps you and the rest can finally go back safely to the other world as well. Once you have returned, you can personally confirm our claims that they are alright. Till then, we will provide you with every assistance the Chinese nation can provide."
"Think of this as a token of friendship from the People's Republic of China."
The Chinese envoy looked at Saito.
"But the wormhole also absorbed a few cars along the way. If... If..."
Saito stuttered at the very concept of car parts moving at 80 kilometers per hour, hitting Louise and his friends like a battering ram.
"They must be!" Tabitha insists. "They must be alright."
'Come to think about it, the least amount of damage they would get from that are broken bones and damaged organs. The worst would be death. They would be lucky if they would only suffer coma and brain damage.' Li Mei thought as she determines the possible level of damage those three have.
However, of course, Mei said nothing of that assessment to Saito.
What's important to her is Saito Hiraga. Next is the Queen of Gallia, Tabitha.
"Saito think positively. Louise is alive." Tabitha said.
"But..."
"Queen Charlotte is right. They must be alive." Kirche said.
"I also believe that she is alright," Colbert said as he looked at the mark of Gandalfr etched in his right hand.
Saito then looked at his right hand, and indeed, the mark is still there. He can also feel in his chest the mark of Lifdrasir.
"Yes. You guys are right."
Saito made a nod.
While Saito was trying to recover from the mental trauma, a voice suddenly alerted him.
It was Agent Yumi.
She said, "Guys, I have received new intel. The JSDF is on the move. They are going to the airports and the seaports. They are also establishing checkpoints all over Tokyo."
"If only it wasn't for them!" Saito murmured before he turned her head towards the Chinese Envoy.
"How can I help?" Saito asked. "Do you have some guns here or anything?"
Li Mei looked at Saito for a moment. Perhaps, it's time for her to see what this man can do, she thought. After that, she made a nod. "We have a sniper rifle here, several pistols, and also a machine gun. Which one do you need?"
The moment Li Mei said that, Tabitha let go of her embrace. She then distanced herself from Saito, giving him some space.
Saito replied, "A sniper rifle would do. I just want to make sure I can get back to my wife as soon as possible and also keep my friends alive."
Li Mei then pressed a button on one side of the van, and there, a secret compartment on top of them has been revealed, revealing the sniper rifle. She immediately took it with one hand and gave it to Saito.
The moment Saito received the gun, the mark of Gandalfr lit up, and then Saito made a nod.
He then looked at Li Mei and said, "Don't worry, I can master the use of any weapon as soon as I touched it."
"I see." Li Mei made a nod.
Kirche and Tabitha also took their wands.
Saito then saw Tabitha, and then he asked. "I thought you use a staff?"
"Uh… Uh…" Tabitha stuttered. "No, I can also use a wand." She answered with an unsure tone in her voice.
"I see," Saito replied.
However, Kirche gave Tabitha a suspicious look for a moment – a look that Tabitha clearly noticed.
Kirche has never seen Tabitha used a wand, and she casts her magic always with her staff.
However, moments later, Kirche dismissed whatever she was thinking and turned her eyes towards her fiancée, who has nothing in his hands.
"I forgot my staff in Saito's place." He said.
"You mean this?" Agent Yumi grabbed a wooden staff that she hid near to where she was sitting. "We took it earlier thinking that you may need it."
She then gave it to Colbert. "Thank you very much." He said.
"Sorry if we entered your home without your permission." Li Mei said apologetically.
Saito, still worried about Louise, didn't reply to her.
Part 6:
Command and Control Unit,
Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department Headquarters,
Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda ward
Tokyo,
June 20, 2011 AD
Decatilis 5, 6077 AB
15:15 PM GMT +9
"Sir, drones and reconnaissance planes of the JSDAF has given me this report." A man approached the Senior Commissioner. "They have noticed an irregularity in the traffic in this area over here."
The man pointed on a series of roads that zigzags across the city. Sometimes, the road goes in the south-westerly direction, heading to the airport in Yokohama. And on other places, the road goes to the south-easterly direction, leading to the docks.
"I see," Toshiro said as he scans the map. "How about the Prime Minister? Have you gotten in touch with him?"
"Sorry, Sir, but we cannot get in touch with the Prime Minister. We manage to connect with the Prime Minister, but one of his secretaries said that he is on the phone with the American president."
"Did you tell them to tell us when the Prime Minister is already open?"
"I did, Sir and the secretary said he would tell us… however…"
The man tried to say something. However, he was hesitating to tell him.
"However?"
The man took a deep breath and told the Senior Commissioner what he was thinking. "I doubt he will have time to talk with HQ. He would probably declare a state of emergency soon, and when he does that, he will be occupied with the National Diet and the Media."
Hearing this opinion from the man, the Senior Commissioner sighed a bit.
"Then, try to find some time with him." The Senior Commissioner said. "I have a feeling that this might not be a simple terrorist attack. Perhaps, it might even be an operation. Whatever this is, it is backed by a powerful force. Perhaps by a major nation."
"Like China?"
"Perhaps."
"But this begs the questions? Why would they do it? What would they gain out from this?"
The older man then looked back at the map again, putting his attention on the map as if he is a disabled chess player who has limited sight and hearing.
"Contact the police force and the stationed JSDF personnel in Tokyo to guard the ports. Put more people in the seaports and…"
Before the Senior Commissioner can finish, another man rushed into his office.
"Sir. We have received intel that Haneda Airport is about to be attacked. Source of information is unclear."
"An intel?" The Senior Commissioner stood up and looked at the map where Haneda Airport is.
"Yes. We just received the news from one of the airport personnel in the area through light signals."
Then just as soon as the news about a would-be terrorist attack in Haneda Airport arrived, another man came into the room panting. "Sir, we have a situation." He said.
"What is it this time?" The Senior Commissioner asked.
"We have received news of a series of explosions in Fukugawa. The neighborhood is on fire, and the local police force is requesting assistance to extinguish the fire."
"Fukugawa?"
The older man looked at the young man, stressed more than ever.
But that wasn't the end of it. However, before they could assess the level of damage or what is happening in Fukugawa, a new intelligence officer rushed into the office.
"Sir, I received a report of a bomb threat. On the oil and gas terminal in Yokohama. Also, in several areas within the bay area."
"A bomb threat?" The Senior Commissioner exclaimed, looking surprised. "Have they found any bombs?"
"No, we don't have any news yet." The Intelligence Officer replied.
"No demands from the terrorists?" He asked.
The senior commissioner looked again on the map.
"I don't believe it is. Something is off." The Senior Commissioner said as he looked at the map. "Send more men in Tokyo Harbour. The bombs in the airport and Yokohama are just distractions. I bet they are trying to move something out of Tokyo."
"Move something out of Tokyo?" One of the men inside the room asked.
"It seems that either the Chinese has been fooled or that they are doing something here in Japan. Perhaps they found something important and are trying to move out of Japan."
"What's your proof?" Another man entered the room. This time it's the Deputy Minister of Defence, Kenji Tensho.
"Mr. Kenji!" Toshiro looked at the Deputy Minister of Defence's sudden appearance, the expression of surprise showing on his face.
"Mr. Kashigawa, I have been notified by the Chief here to supervise the ongoing operations of catching this Saito guy. However…" The Deputy Chief looked at the man wearing a plethora of expressions ranging from shock to fear.
"Mr. Kenji, I recommend that we send as many personnel in Tokyo Harbour. I bet they are trying to move things out of Tokyo."
"Trying to move things? Why the need for such violence. And do you have the basis for that?"
The Senior Commissioner then grabbed a piece of the report given to them by the JSDAF showing a strange series of roads that seems to be clear of vehicles, which is a weird contrast compared to the crowded streets on its sides, where there are even accidents that happened there due to possible and abrupt change in traffic signs.
"I deduce that this is a flashy diversion made by Saito Hiraga to divert our attention on whatever he and his party has stolen. Perhaps they're papers or some intel. Maybe even a special person. He also has some Europeans of unknown origin assisting him in this."
Toshiro said with confidence in his claims.
"That's it?"
Kenji asked him.
"So far, that's what I have deduced from my intel."
"Then, how can you explain the well-orchestrated attacks and threats in Yokohama and Tokyo?" Kenji asked.
"They have backing from major nations. Perhaps China. Maybe the United States, maybe even Russia." Toshiro replied.
"Can you try listening to those claims of yours?" Kenji threw a mocking look at the Senior Commissioner.
The Senior Officer clenched his fist in anger as someone younger than him is insulting him. However, he can only stand there and watch his superior, who is related to the Imperial Family.
"Ok. I order you to send a message to the police forces to deploy to centers of government. Focus our security forces in the Diet and the prime minister's residence and office and major government offices. In addition to that, put some forces in the Imperial Palace and protect the Imperial Family. Judging from what this man has done, I will command the JSDF to protect their bases and possible territorial entry points. The cyber division can continue fighting the cyber attackers. And finally, place what's left of the security personnel in all our strategic infrastructure. And for this Saito guy, I shall deploy our Special Forces to deal with him and Black Lotus if we have any resources left to deal with them."
"But they are targeting our strategic infrastructure?"
"Perhaps, but cant we afford to decapitate the government of Japan. What if the target is the Prime Minister? Or the Emperor?"
Kenji then sat on the chair where the Senior Commissioner sat before and looked at the map. "If you're really concerned about the security in Tokyo Harbour, you can order the ships all over Tokyo Bay to leave Tokyo Bay as soon as possible. Tell them it's for safety reasons or whatever."
He then gives the Senior Commissioner one more look. "Also, if you want to question my authority, you can always complain to the Minister of Defence and the Prime Minister."
The Senior Commissioner looked at the Kenji, giving him a serious look.
"Are my words not clear enough?" Kenji asked.
"As you order." Toshiro gave him a salute and replied.
"Good," Kenji replied.
Part 6:
Somewhere near Tokyo Harbour,
June 20, 2011 AD
Decatilis 5, 6077 AB
15:34 PM GMT +9
"Madam, The JSDF has been mobilized. Also, we have received reports that they are planning to close down the ports and let all the ships leave Tokyo Bay." The female Agent reported.
"Also, the 87th Information Warfare Division would like to disengage. The reason is to reduce their tracks and lead the Japanese and American Intel agencies astray." Agent Yumi added.
"Permission granted." Li Mei said.
"What's that?" Saito asked. "Are you doing some terrorist attack or anything?" He added.
"They are not really attacking. They are instead false threats. We are sending intelligence reports to the Japanese of terrorist attacks while our operatives on the ground are placing items that would deem suspicious to the…"
"Why?"
Before Li Mei could finish her statement, Saito looked at her while still holding a sniper rifle.
However, before Li Mei could talk, Agent Yumi made a report. "Madam, one of our operatives has sent out a code 8 report."
"What is a Code 8 report?" Saito asked.
"You can say that one of our operatives is going to hide somewhere. Hide from the Intelligence agencies." Li Mei paused for a moment, and then she continued. "It looks like the Special Forces are finally on the move."
"But, Li Mei, why are you going this far?"
Saito asked one more time.
"Imagine, Mr. Hiraga. Imagine that the Japanese government has caught you. With all the charges pressed onto you, the Japanese government will surely execute you. Your companions will not also be spared as well. As accomplices of the criminal, they will be charged with an equivalent capital punishment depending on what this bogus court will give them. And if they learn that your companions can do magic, what do you think will happen next?"
Upon hearing what Li Mei has just said, he began to imagine what governments around the world could do to them. Perhaps torture might not be the worst treatment they would get, he wonders.
But Li Mei wasn't finished yet.
"Mr. Hiraga, all of your companions are high-level monarchs from your world. A Queen, some princesses, and possibly some strategic assets also. Do you think your world will simply let go of this kind of event? To let this slide under the rug? As entire governments are decapitated of their leaders, civil wars become a possibility as power struggles worsen. And perhaps, a war between our two worlds may even happen. Think about that?"
Li Mei continued. "That is why the People's Republic of China is more than willing to go to full lengths and sacrifice several agents. I am one among those many sacrifices. To be honest with you, a few Chinese agents have already died. I'm sorry to inform you about this, Mr. Hiraga, but I hope you understand."
Li Mei said all of that with an expressionless face.
However, those words and her facial expression hit Saito, causing his hand to weaken its grip on the sniper rifle.
"A few Chinese agents have already died?"
"Yes, Mr. Hiraga." Li Mei said. "To get you out of Japan, planners from our side have prepared several plans. As servicemen and women of the Chinese nation, we are willing to give our lives to what we believe is right. We have plans to use peaceful, non-violent means to bring you out of Japan. However, the Japanese and American governments have been preventing us from doing that. And so we conduct several actions that we could use to allow us to bring you out of Japan. And so far, this is the best plan we have for this situation."
Saito just stared at her with a blank expression.
The two of them continued looking at each other like that for several moments, with Tabitha looking at the woman suspiciously. However, she didn't utter a single word.
And indeed, several moments later, Saito talked. "All of this happened because of my haphazard plan of coming here to Japan. All of this to get a laptop and some books from my world. I didn't think it would come to this. How many will die because of my foolishness?"
"A lot less if we get you out as soon as possible." Li Mei gave him a fast response. "Mr. Hiraga, you have done no foolishness. I can assure you that."
Li Mei finally stood up as she began to see a familiar scene.
It was the yacht harbor close to Tokyo Harbour.
Soon, the van stopped in front of the gate, where the driver, Agent Aki, opened the window and gave the man in post his identification.
Usually, on events like this, the yacht harbor should be closed for emergency purposes, but now, people are starting to flock into the port.
As a matter of fact, a few yachts have already begun preparing their engines. Some have started setting their sails up. And the others have already left the harbor.
Inside the van, Li Mei gave Saito an aluminum case.
"Mr. Hiraga, please place the sniper rifle in this casing."
Li Mei immediately opened the case. Without saying a word, Saito placed the sniper rifle into the casing and gave her a nod.
As soon as the sniper rifle was inside the casing, the van arrived on a decent-looking large sized yacht. Agent Aki immediately exited the van and opened the van's door, showing Saito the ship.
"This way, Mr. Hiraga."
Li Mei brought the group towards a large yacht flying with a Filipino flag.
It was a yacht, about 42 meters, one sail mast, and a small exposed accommodation deck. On the gangway of the vessel was one person standing in the opening.
He was standing there as if he is serving as the gangway watchman.
"Welcome to the Kuroshio, Mr. Hiraga." The gangway watchman bowed as he saw Saito Hiraga.
The man was a Chinese operative.
Saito, in return, gave him a nod.
Walking closely behind him are Tabitha, Colbert, and Kirche. And behind them, Agent Aki and Agent Yumi are walking behind as they carry every critical hardware they have in the van.
As soon as Agent Aki and Agent Yumi got themselves onboard the yacht, the gangway watchman pressed a button in the door. As soon as he pushed the switch, the gangway retreated to the opening below the ship.
"Gangway secured." The gangway watchman reported. He then rushed towards the aft mooring station, where he then started slackening the mooring lines. Along with the man in the forward mooring station, he removed the ropes securing the yacht in the wharf.
"All Lines on deck." Two simultaneous reports from both the forward and aft mooring personnel echoed in the yacht's bridge compartment.
It was also the first report that Saito heard as Li Mei opened the door towards the bridge.
Immediately, Li Mei walked towards the empty chair.
"Captain on Bridge." A man reported as soon he noticed Li Mei.
"At Ease." Li Mei said. "I'll leave the commanding of the ship to you, Officer Bao."
"Yes, Captain." The man said. "Officer Bao taking the con."
The men operating the bridge did not wear any relaxed expression expected in a ship of this kind. The officer, his lookout, and an officer standing on a different set of controls were wearing a serious face.
However, the equipment can be seen on the bridge looks like it is the control console of an ordinary yacht.
It has an ECDIS, two RADARs, some bridge instruments, and a few nautical publications.
It also has a complete set of radio equipment.
Meanwhile, the group remained silent as Li Mei stood in front of them, and the personnel in the ship's bridge were piloting the yacht as she slowly moves away from the wharf. It was only until when the yacht has made its turn around the jetty.
Soon after, the yacht has already left the harbor.
However, while this is happening, a machine flew by silently above the yacht without making its presence noticeable. Whether by sound or by radar.
The machine was gliding in the air silently just a few hundred meters from the yacht.
It was a drone.
An RQ-4 Global Hawk.
And on its body is the star inside a circle with stripes on it. And near its wing is a name:
U.S. Air Force
Part 7:
Office of the Vice-Admiral,
United States Fleet Activities,
Yokosuka, Japan
June 20, 2011 AD
Decatilis 5, 6077 AB
1600 PM GMT +9
"Isn't it strange?"
A female wearing a full black suit asked the stiff-looking man, who is watching a yacht as it makes its way out in the sea of flames.
"This Saito Hiraga guy? The strange actions of both the Chinese and Japanese officials? Or?"
The man wearing a navy uniform with an admiral insignia was about to say something when he stopped midway, taking a look at the beautiful lady standing beside him.
"Who knows! I only managed to get in contact with Langley HQ about some interesting information." The lady then closed the distance between her and the Admiral. She then touched the edge of the chair he is sitting.
"If it's an offer about having the Seventh Fleet do your dirty work, then no thanks."
The man was Vice Admiral Johnson McKinley. While the woman was Agent Goldwin.
"Aren't you curious about the information I have?" The lady showed him a set of papers. The document only has the label "confidential" on its front. "Do you still remember what happened several years ago? The Okinawa incident?"
The moment the woman uttered the words 'Okinawa Incident', the Admiral, for a moment, looked towards her. He then takes a look at the set of documents the lady was holding.
"I won the bet. I even managed to precisely direct you to where we can find a wanted man." The female agent walked in front of the Vice-Admiral and offered him the documents with her two hands.
"We have plenty of things we don't know. But one thing is for certain. The December 7 Incident, the Okinawa Incident, the Chinese Government Reshuffling, the Chinese-Japanese strange activities, and Saito Hiraga are all linked together. And also, let's not forget the Russians and their fancy military exercise."
The Vice-Admiral looked at the document for a moment, then back at the monitor where the yacht Saito Hiraga is sailing away, and then back at the papers until finally, she looked at the red-haired CIA agent.
"So what is it that you want?"
The agent then looked at the large LED map of the entire Yokosuka Naval Base. "We just want to test something. Maybe a few vessels and a few commandos. Not a big deal. We want to see what they are capable of."
"What they are capable of?" The Admiral asked.
"You see, back in the December 7 incident, there was not one but two infiltrators. This Saito person has not actually killed anyone; he only stole an old Japanese plane. The other one is your suspect, and we think he or she stole the plans for the back then still experimental F-35 plane and killed those in the wrong place at the wrong time. But that's not the interesting part."
"Stealing the plans for the F-35 and killing a high-ranking officer isn't the interesting part? And what was the plan for the F-35 doing there? I thought that plane is still in its experimental phase?"
"The Air Force, along with several arms manufacturing companies, is selling items secretly to the Japanese, and of course, we need something to show them. But like I said, it isn't interesting."
"What is it then?"
"I think we both know what happened back in Okinawa."
"The eclipse?"
"Yes, there was an eclipse. And the moment the total eclipse was over, the plane was also gone on the radar. Perhaps, Japanese air surveillance capabilities may not detect that kind of aircraft at such a distance, but not American radars. However, it also disappeared at that distance and at the same time in our radars. What's more, it also disappeared in the same manner as what happened in Okinawa. What we saw on the radar was the same as what happened back in Okinawa. But of course, the Japanese doesn't know about Okinawa either, so they failed to tie the loose ends. And of course, the Seventh Fleet Commander knows exactly what could happen in an eclipse." Agent Goldwin said.
"How did the CIA manage to confirm this?" The Admiral asked.
"The Russians confirmed it for us. Our recon assets in Central Asia and up in space have recorded the same thing. Several Russian helicopters entered a portal and disappeared in the same manner as well. Of course, if it's one helicopter, then it could be false data, but if an entire squadron of heavy-lift helicopters disappearing like that…"
"And you think the Chinese are aware of it also?"
"Not just aware of it, they are several steps ahead of us as we speak."
The Vice-Admiral then looked back at the screen where a Global Hawk is stealthy monitoring a yacht sailing away from its port, making its approach to the mouth of the bay. The yacht also placed itself in a very close distance to several massive ships, sailing fast.
"And it also seems that they have planned this out very well." Agent Goldwin said. "What I wonder, though, is why are the Japanese allowing this to happen."
"What do you mean?"
"Admiral, just look at Tokyo and Yokohama. You can't create a situation as big as this without the help of high-level Japanese officials. Threats of terrorist attacks, cyberattacks, and almost complete infrastructure control cannot be made without authorities' help. Perhaps, a deal might have been struck between them. But what kind of deal…" The American agent paused for a moment before she spoke again. "Anyway, that is not important for now. Admiral, my seniors from Langley, are requesting the assistance of the Seventh Fleet. I would advise you that we make an encounter with them outside the bay, outside Japanese eyes. If possible, diplomatically approach them. However, the use of force is not restricted. Eliminate them if need be."
"Are you ordering me?" The Admiral asked in a deep and intimidating tone.
"Let's say it's a compulsory request." The female agent replied to the Admiral with a smile.
"I will not be ordered around by the CIA. I only follow direct orders from my superiors in the Pentagon and the White House."
The CIA agent then picked some crumpled paper from her pocket and then placed it in the Admiral's armrest.
In the paper was hand-written, three sets of numbers and letters arranged in a random set.
However, to the Admiral, it was a code.
"Do what you want, Admiral. Just remember, the CIA is much more generous to its friends and partners than the NSA."
And just like that, the blond CIA personnel. Agent Goldwin left the room, leaving the Admiral with a set of documents and that crumpled paper containing what seems to be a code.
As soon as Agent Goldwin exited the room, another person entered the room. It was his secretary.
"Admiral, the Agent has left the room." He said.
"I see."
The Admiral immediately secured that crumpled piece of paper into his pocket and faced his secretary. "Pass these orders to all Captains. Since the Japanese have posted an order to let all ships leave the bay area, all the Carrier Strike Group 5 are to be deployed outside Tokyo Bay. Another objective is to capture that yacht over there and detain her sailors. I assign the USS Barry to capture them. The rest will be ordered on standby. Also, tell the commander of the USS Ronald Reagan that the USS Blue Ridge under my orders will take command of the fleet."
The Admiral pointed his finger on the boat that the Global Hawk is currently monitoring.
"Yes, Sir." The man made a salute and left the room.
Leaving the Admiral again to his own devices.
"What the hell is happening?" He sat back again to his chair, his eyes locked to the yacht. "Even a mere regional disposable spy can now also order me, a Vice Admiral, to do her bidding."
And after that monologue, he made a long tired-sounding sigh.
-End of Chapter 7-
Next Chapter: The Offer
Well, sorry for the late post. Geez, it's almost more than a year since my last update.
Well, let's say I have been going here and there, waltzing around the world and working on shipping while the pandemic was raging on. And so, writing this and the next chapter was kind of slow.
Happy April Fool's Day. Also, Happy nth lockdown to all of my readers, wherever you are.
Anyway, I would like to remind everyone about the calendar layout again for the readers.
Ianuarius – January – 31 days
Februarius – February – 28 days (29 on leap years)
Martius – March – 31 days
Aprilis – April – 30 days
Mauis – May – 31 day
Iunius – June – 30 days
Quintilis – July – 31 days
Sextilis – August – 31 days
Septilis – September – 30 days
Octilis – October – 31 days
Nonatilis – November – 30 days
Decatilis – December – 31 days
AD or Anno Domini will represent Earth reference time, while AB or After Brimir will represent Halkeginian reference time. The Halkeginian calendar will also be 195 days behind Earth's timeline. So if the date in Halkeginia is Ianuarius 1, 6077 AB, then Earth's date will be July 16, 2010 AD. And if the Earth date is January 1, 2010 AD, Halkeginian time will be Iunius 17, 6076 AB.
Review Response Section:
tamerlan110: Yes brother, unity and solidarity.
OechsnerC: I was really thinking of having Saito killed those airmen. After all, you cannot just waltz in an airbase and steal whatever you want. But, I give the killing to someone else instead.
Guest 1: I don't really know much about how magic in ZnT actually works. Actually, I just used mana before because I need something to refer to how much magic someone can cast before they can't. But now that you explain it to me that way, I think it makes sense. But I have some questions.
For example, if we say that I want to create ice out of water vapor in the atmosphere, I want to know how the caster reconfigured water molecules to make ice. By saying "applying one's logic to the world," I get interested in several things. But first, these are my four assumptions.
One is that matter contains information.
Two, data can be changed and converted, but it cannot be lost.
Three, universal laws can never be broken.
Four, if universal laws can never be broken, then magical constructs are well within the bounds of natural laws.
So if a caster tries to make ice shards, first where did he get those water molecules from. If he got them from the atmosphere, then how did he converts those water vapor into ice. Water vapor and ice are both made up of water molecules, but they have very different properties – physically and chemically. Although willpower can do its part, in the end, willpower is part of consciousness. It actually is just the degree of control the sentient being has over his consciousness – a degree of regulation of the self by the self. So then, how much does consciousness interact with the natural world, and how does the natural world respond to the consciousness as the consciousness manifests its logic to the world? And if I understand correctly, incantations are like formulas. In this case, does the incantation act as both a computer and software? Computer because it processes the massive but necessary amounts of data required to recreate what the caster wants and software because it contains the processes needed to make it. And after the magic has been cast, what happens to it? And I have a lot of questions about it.
I would like to hear more from you in the future.
Lord of Moons: Sorry, I would like to debunk your claims, but I am not on the right platform to do that. But still, thanks for reading.
Guest 2: Let them be. For this is not the right platform to do that. And thanks for reading.
Guest 3: Also, let them be. I really should have placed that over there, but oh well, I will not take it down. After all, my message remains the same. And thanks for reading.
123ABIR123: Sorry for the wait, but here we are now.
navyfield90: Sorry for the delay, but here I am now. And also, I think I will make something like that. After all, Halkeginians need to know that their world is a spheroid, not a cube or box-like.
With that said, thank you for reading When Two Worlds Collide...