AN: In case you wonder why Historia Shoukan Dominion able to react swiftly when dealing with a medieval-level country, this isn't the first time Historia Alliance dealing with this. In fact, they already experienced similar thing back in 2041 to 2042! That's why the readiness level from HSD is high. We'll see what will happen in this chapter.
And also, shout-out to Coment9 for being the first one who Fav'ed my story. I'm honored to have one of Japan Summons FanFic writers read this story of mine. In return, I've updated my profile and add myself as one of FF-UN representatives. Kudos!
Historia Shoukan Chapter 3
Rodenius Powder Keg
Date: March 22nd, HS 2069/CC 1639
It has been one month since Qua-Toyne Principality entered into a diplomatic relationship with Historia Shoukan Dominion. This was the most transforming month in the history of the Qua-Toyne Principality.
Two months ago, Historia Shoukan Dominion made contact with Qua-Toyne Principality and its neighbor, Quila Kingdom. Not only that, they even made contact with Fenn Kingdom and Gahara Thearchy as well. They then established diplomatic relationships with these countries.
The amount of food that Historia Shoukan Dominion wanted to purchase was on an incredibly vast scale, however Qua-Toyne Principality, which possessed land blessed by the Goddess of the Land, was somehow able to fulfill that amount so they accepted the request ── although there were some parts of the request that was impossible for them. Even when there's a sudden increase in the food supplies required by Historia this time, Qua-Toyne still able to provide the required amount!
Quila Kingdom was, by nature, a barren land where it was hard to grow crops. However, there seem to be treasure-like stockpiles of natural resources underneath their lands, like a large amount of ores and crude oils, according to Historia's investigation, which would then be exported to Historia through an almost identical treaty of commerce that Historia Shoukan Dominion had with Qua-Toyne Principality, furthermore they received Historia's technology provisions to commence mining and building basic infrastructures in return for the exports.
While Fenn Kingdom and Gahara Thearchy cannot provide much, the discovery from Qua-Toyne Principality and Quila Kingdom allows Historia Shoukan Dominion to change the direction to cultural exchange with the western countries.
For Fenn Kingdom, while their technological level was inferior, Historia representatives were impressed with their culture, citing it as living example of true bushido. The Sword King of Fenn, Shihan, was also impressed with the strength shown by the representative leader, Hiroshi Kato. Shihan is also aware that Historia have technological level higher than Fenn after seeing the ship that brought their representatives, which is why he pushes for a diplomatic relationship. After it became official, Fenn swordsmen participates in fighting tournaments hosted by Historia as sign of respect for their culture.
As of Gahara Thearchy, Burech Corazon confirmed back in January 25th that they use Dragons in their military force, which is the reason why he decided to return earlier than intended. In response for that, Historia Shoukan Dominion decided to send a Sage from Gensokyo Union Fighters, Kasen Ibaraki, to initiate first contact with Gahara. She decided to ride a Flame Dragon (which is not native to New World) there, being escorted by 2 Siren Frigates and 5 Horizon Destroyers from the sea.
Susanoo, the captain of Wind Dragon Riders, decided to meet Kasen after his dragon partner noticed the 'lights' that came from the ships that escorted her. Susanoo is even more surprised when Kasen told him she knew what said light actually is, and she's even able to talk with his dragon partner. He became interested when learning that she came from Historia Shoukan Dominion, especially after seeing another true dragon species being used by another nation besides Gahara Thearchy and one of the Superpowers from First Cilization Area, Emor Kingdom, that also uses Wind Dragons. Like Fenn that is located south, Gahara later start a diplomatic relationship with Historia. Since both nations have dragon riders, this proceeds smoothly, and both nations even initiates a joint military exercise program for Gahara Wind Dragon Riders and Historia Flame Dragon Riders.
As stated before, Fenn Kingdom and Gahara Thearchy managed to impress Historia Shoukan Dominion with their military prowess despite being technologically inferior. The diplomatic focus for both countries is cultural exchange, though they would still receive basic infrastructures from Historia to improve the living condition in both countries.
From Qua-Toyne: An evolution of the stone-paved road, a seamless road that connected major cities, then the large scale transportation system called a railway, furthermore they constructed large-scale port facilities. If these were completed, then the circulation of goods inside the country would become livelier. The preliminary calculations showed that it would result in a period of growth that would be incomparable to any other until now. This was what the Economy Ministry had reported to Prime Minister Kanata.
Because Historia Alliance already have experience dealing with a medieval-level country back on Earth, Historia Shoukan Dominion decided to make a move ahead and upgrade the military arsenals of the four countries they made contact with. For any modern and futuristic weapons, Historia denied all of it because it would mean military uplifting, which is prohibited by New World Gradual Technological Advancement Law. Furthermore, it's imperative for said countries to develop their own arsenals. However, Historia are still willing to help with the development process, so it's not a total loss. Besides, it gave Historia Alliance Superpowers a chance to showcase new designs and testing out experimental prototypes before the Dominion start using it.
Nonetheless, the useful technology that came from Historia had fundamentally changed the daily lives in these four countries. The water service technology was able to provide clean drinking water at all times (although they originally had water service technology, they didn't have the concept of clean water and only always drank fresh water), the electrical technology that illuminated the surroundings with light as bright as the day even in the dark of night and could power various machinery, and the propane gas that could create a fire just with a press of a switch and boil water in few minutes. In excess of their surplus resources (for Qua-Toyne and Quila) or cultural exchange (for Fenn and Gahara), they had received these numerous new technologies.
From Qua-Toyne: Since only one month had passed since then, it hadn't been spread out on a large-scale operation yet, even with Historia's advanced construction technologies. (Which is actually Command and Conquer series' rapid construction capabilities.) But just seeing the sample of these technologies made the Economy Ministry officials astonished, as if their minds had been blown away. The country will become extraordinarily affluent... So they said.
By this point, Qua-Toyne Principality, Quila Kingdom, Fenn Kingdom, and Gahara Thearchy are aware about Historia Shoukan Dominion's true nature, which is a continent jointly managed by Historia Alliance Superpowers. Currently, all of these countries are in a military alliance with the Dominion, although the Alliance Superpowers requested that they kept it secret until the New World Superpowers made their move, in which they obliged.
Location: Qua-Toyne Principality
"What an amazing nation that Historia is. Not only that, even their products are wonderful. It's obvious that they have surpassed the Three Civilization Areas. Perhaps the living standard in our country might surpass that of the Three Civilization Areas as well."
Kanata said this to his secretary with an excited tone. Ever since the diplomatic mission delegation returned from Historia, he was always in such a mood.
"For a fringe continent outside the Civilization Areas obtaining a standard of living that surpasses the Civilization Areas' countries, from the point of view of this world's common sense, it's unthinkable. However, the mission's written report... No matter how many times I have read it, I honestly still couldn't believe it. Perhaps if everything in the report is true, then I can believe their national affluence truly has surpassed that of the Civilization Areas."
"Hahaha. I ended up becoming so thrilled. How unbecoming of my age. I felt as if my heart had returned to my time of youth. During my Premiership, the country is developing dramatically... Is there any job worth doing more than this?"
Kanata and his secretary looked towards the future of their country, their hearts were excited with hope.
"According to this report from Historia Alliance, which is submitted by none other than their Commander-in-Chief, majority of the Dominion's citizens are military personnel from one of their home world Superpowers, which is United Nations Military. Then the three fractions here came from Martian Defense Force, Lunar Capital Force, and Gensokyo Union Fighters, which if I remember correctly, are the one who hosted the Air Festival that Foreigns Affairs Official Yagou and Military Affairs General Hanki visited. Even so, we're fortunate that these Superpowers decided to jointly manage the Dominion, which shows high level of cooperation. The Alliance Leaders also have a military career, and to be honest, fighting them with that level of technology frightens me."
"That's true. When we visited Earth, one of their home worlds, it made us realize that Historia Alliance Superpowers are leagues beyond our planet's Superpowers. At the very least, they're willing to export the improved version of our military arsenals and even help us develop even more powerful weapons. With this technological boon, I believe we can handle the threat from Louria Kingdom."
The beautiful evening sun was setting in the horizon where the farmlands stretched out. Beyond that was Louria Kingdom. That country was envisioning to annex both Qua-Toyne Principality and Quila Kingdom to unite Rodenius Continent.
Date: March 25th, HS 2069/CC 1639
Location: Nankaigan, Higan Territory, Chigoku Region, Historia Shoukan Dominion
The weather back on Earth is Spring for Northern Hemisphere and Autumn for Southern Hemisphere. The joint military exercise between Gahara Thearchy and Historia Shoukan Dominion proceed as usual. Qua-Toyne Principality also joins as well since a month ago to improve their wyvern fighting tactics when realizing that the Dominion fielded a massive amount of wyverns after Historia Alliance's first encounter with them back on Earth from HS 2041 to 2042.
Currently, Kasen was thinking about how far her Draco Corps and UNM Dragon Army has come.
The wyverns utilized by both GUF and UNM can rival commercial airliners in term of speed, which is attributed to bio-technologies. Epsilon Army's bio-technology allows UNM to field vast number of wyverns, while GUF have a far more sophisticated bio-technology salvaged from NESTS decades ago to not only further strengthen their wyverns, but also creating better variants as well. Naturally, said bio-technologies are used interchangeably by both leading Superpowers.
As for true dragons, only GUF that actually used it due to its rarity and UNM deemed it impractical in military usage. Hence why, GUF not only used NESTS bio-technology to strengthen the Flame Dragons, but UNM also helped via Epsilon Army's bio-technology in order to increase their numbers. Of course, the reason for that is because the cost to maintain one true dragon is too high in addition to being fueled by legends. There's no denying that true dragons are powerful, though.
For common dragons, they're cheaper to maintain (as shown by Saderan Empire during their invasion in 2041) and UNM is much more willing to use them to augment their Dragon Army. Considering the fact that they use attack dogs, dolphins, war bears, giant squids, and actual mammoths in their military force, this shouldn't come as a surprise. Heck, they even able to field Ursa Majors, which is basically much bigger and stronger war bears! Naturally, GUF also uses common dragons as well.
GUF and UNM agreed that wyverns and dragons became obsolete as part of air force when they're dealing with modern military arsenals. However, they're still valuable in combined arms tactic, so their current usage in Historia Alliance is to complement aerial infantries and helicopters in order to support land infantries, APCs, and tanks.
"So, what do you think about our current situation, Yasei?"
The one she asked question to is none other than Yasei himself, GUF Zen Captain and Historia Alliance Commander-in-Chief. He's also Nomare's true identity. Despite having the highest rank in Historia Alliance, he didn't sit idle and plays an active role in securing the alliance of Qua-Toyne and Quila by setting the foundation via his stunt as Nomare in the agricultural country. He leads a force consisting of drones and mechs, which he calls "Wil-DR Autonomous Force". Naturally, such technology is far beyond New World's capabilities, which is why it stays in Gensokyo for the moment.
"Well, we already made a good start by contacting not only Qua-Toyne and Quila, but also Fenn and Gahara. Especially the latter two. Congratulations for both you and Hiroshi, Kasen."
"I see... And thank you. Did the special Dragon Carrier that I requested has been finished? I have the feeling that we'll need it to show that we'll retaliate if we have to. And soon, I might add."
"It has been finished earlier this month. And UNM even build many Wyvern Carriers, in which they donate some of it to the Union. And you're right. Qua-Toyne Naval Captain Midori told us that Parpaldia Empire, the Third Civilization Area Superpower, which is located west of Fenn and Gahara, have Wyvern Carriers as well. I'm just glad we already knew how to deal with them, or else we'll be stumped."
Just like how GUF and UNM deal with Saderan Empire back from 2041 to 2042, the Alliance will only use early 21st century military arsenals. GUF will be the one who deal with supernatural creatures while UNM will deal with any military forces. If it involves both, they will coordinate with each other, hence the reason why wyverns and dragons are still used to this day.
Shojohishima quickly became the heart of the Dominion logistics after a Chrono Quantum Portal has been created. Soon after, the Alliance connected it to Yatsugatake Mountains, more precisely Mount Aka. Just like Earth's Hakurei Shrine, Mount Aka Portal is heavily protected by UNM. Considering this is a Dimensional Gate just like Earth's Hakurei Shrine and Ginza Quantum Portal, this is understandable. Ever since an Inter-Dimensional War that lasted for 10 years, from 2010 to 2020, UNM won't take any chances when it comes to Inter-Dimensional matters in order to avoid a repeat of World War III (said Inter-Dimensional War).
Kasen already discussed some things about dragons with Asia Argento, the Italian Devil Dragon Tamer from Draconic Deus. Since dragons are somewhat common there, she learned a lot from her.
Having decided the next move, Kasen joins the exercise by riding the same Flame Dragon that saw first contact with Gahara. She named said dragon 'Rashomon' in honor of the place where she lost her arm before then gaining it back in 2018. Her intention is clear. She wants to challenge Susanoo and his dragon partner, Aramasa. This will be a contest between both Dragon Rider Captains.
As of the wyverns, Yasei saw that Qua-Toyne Dragon Knights have incorporated arquebuses into their tactics, which made him smile, since it reminds him of the horse gunners that saw action in Afghanistan back in 2001. There's even a monument to said horse gunners across the former site of World Trade Center, which is how he found out about it.
Having heard about Qua-Toyne and Quila's impending war with Louria Kingdom, this is how he ensures that they will stand a chance against Louria's large numbers.
Date: March 31st, HS 2069/CC 1639
Location: Jin Hark, Louria Kingdom
Place: Hark Castle, Royal Council
Louria Kingdom, a country that occupied the western half of the Rodenius Continent. A major power country with a population of 38 million people. Although it was originally a mid-sized country, as a result of continuous wars of aggression, it finally arrived at its current status as a Quasi-Power.
This country was advocating human supremacy and so, only pure humans were allowed to live there. Elves, dwarves, beastkin, those who were called demihumans were persecuted as hideous creatures. Moreover, it was a national policy for them to exterminate demihumans, so it didn't have good relationship with the neighboring countries, the Qua-Toyne Principality and the Quila Kingdom, which both had high population ratios of demihumans to humans, and there was always tension on the borders with these nations.
Said policy reminds Historia Alliance of Humanity Military Order, a dictatorial One World Order counterpart of HMF that advocates the same thing. This is why the Dominion later created a military alliance with not only Qua-Toyne and Quila, but also Fenn and Gahara. After all, majority of GUF plus all of LCF and MDF are non-humans. UNM also doubt Louria would consider Libra, Epsilon's top ESPer, as human, considering the fact that she's created artificially.
Louria Kingdom's capital city, Jin-Hark, was a city surrounded by three layers of walls, which around 700,000 people called their home.
The season had turned to autumn and the air was a bit cool. It was a night with a beautiful moon, and in a certain room inside the castle dimly illuminated by torches, the swaying of the flames cast shadows to several people. In this room, an important council meeting that decided the fate of the country was happening.
"Your Majesty, the preparations has been completed."
It was the King's Royal Council. Louria's Kingdom's supreme council, the gathering of the topmost people who controlled the fate of the country.
With the Louria Kingdom's 34th King, Hark Louria XXXIV, as the head, the rest were:
- Kingdom Defense Knights Order General, Patagene,
- Prime Minister, Maus,
- The Three Great Generals: Pandour, Miminel, and Smark,
- The Head of the Royal Magicians, Yamirei.
The other people who gathered were also the upper echelons of this country, they took their seats with serious expression. Amongst them, there were people clad in dark robes who give off unpleasant vibes.
"The Council will start."
Unknown to them, said shadows actually pave a way for GUF Special Spy Unit, Kokusho Shadow Division, to eavesdrop the King's Royal Council.
Prime Minister Maus moved forward and solemnly started the conversation.
"First, a word from the King."
King Hark Louria began to give his speech.
"Everyone, for the preparations until now, a certain person has endured harsh training, a certain other person secured resources without any spare time for sleeping, and then another person has put his life to risk for obtaining information about the enemy country. Everyone has been working laboriously. To exterminate the demihumans ── the vile beasts, from the Rodenius Continent is the ambition handed down from our predecessors. To succeed their dying wishes, every single one of you has been working desperately. First of all, let me state my gratitude for your work."
The King bowed his head slightly.
"Oo..."
"How very gracious."
The Commander of Shadow Division, Anbu Jusha, is clearly displeased by said speech. She totally wished she could just punch Hark Louria in the face, but she refrains herself from doing so, considering that the dark-robed people might be the key of a vital intel for the Alliance.
While everyone was awed by this, the King continued.
"I already received the report that the preparations have been completed. Everyone ── let us begin the council.'
The council room was filled with silence. This war will be different from the ones before, as if this night was the last night before the war of aggression, they were engulfed by an extreme tension. Maus, as the one who was in charge for the current military operation, looked towards the generals and began to talk.
"First... Our aim is to unite Rodenius Continent. However, Qua-Toyne Principality and Quila Kingdom have a strong bond. Although it could be outright said that they are allies. If we start a war with one of them, then there is a high possibility that the other country will come to intervene. In other words, we will need to wage war against two countries at the same time. What do the generals think about this, can we win against these two enemies?"
General Patagene, a 30 year old man with a black beard and a robust muscled body that showed even when his body was covered with silver armor, replied with full confidence.
"One country is a bunch of farmers and the other is a desolate poor nation. Each of them have many demihumans, so their unity is weak. There is no chance that we will lose. Even in quantity and quality, our country is unwaveringly superior. Prime Minister, do not be worried. I will explain the war plan's outline in the latter half of the council session."
"I understand"
'Oh, you couldn't be more wrong about that part...'
Anbu sneers in her mind upon hearing Patagene's reply.
General Patagene conversely asked the Prime Minister about a concerning matter for him.
"Prime Minister, do you have any information about the nation called Historia Shoukan Dominion that contacted us one month ago?"
The Prime Minister was also the head of the foreign affairs. Historia Shoukan Dominion had also made contact with Louria Kingdom, but since they had established diplomatic relationships with Qua-Toyne Principality and Quila Kingdom first, plus the fact that they also houses various demihumans as well, they were considered as an enemy and rejected on the spot.
"Historia Shoukan Dominion is located about 2,000 km northeast from the coast of Qua-Toyne Principality. From the fact there is a distance of 2,000 km, it will be unlikely that there will be any military interference. One thing that worried me, however, is their expression when we showed them our wyverns. They seem to be unimpressed by the looks of it, and it shows that they also have wyverns as well. Other than that, we don't have any information about them."
Hark Louria was at first concerned, but at least he still managed to relax. Due to the long distance, he (falsely) assumes that Historia can't send wyverns and he expects that their wyverns' strength was weaker than Louria's one. (Which is also wrong.) Wyverns could be said to be the sole and only military aviation force in this world. A lack of wyverns means that there wouldn't be any air fire support on the ground or the sea. Although a Knights Order wouldn't be annihilated just from an aerial attack, if they were exposed to a constant flame ball attack, their morale wouldn't last long.
"Is that so. Then, even in the case Qua-Toyne Principality requested Historia's help, it wouldn't be something significant."
Patagene lifted one corner of his mouth.
'Heh, if only you know the reason why we no longer use our wyverns and dragons as part of the Air Force...'
In actuality, Maus' worries are right on the spot. Maybe in Louria's perspective, wyverns are the only aviation force in this world. However, Historia Alliance have an even better Air Force that will make both Holy Milishial Empire and Lost Continent Mu jealous, which is why Anbu snorts just now. Not only Historia Alliance confirmed the wyverns and dragons' existence in the New World, they already faced them back on Earth decades prior to the transfer as well!
"I see... To think that our generation will finally unite this Rodenius Continent and exterminate the wretched demihumans, It truly raised my spirits"
Hark Louria said so happily.
"Great King, on the dawn of that unification, don't forget that promise ── Kukkuku."
An eerie voice entered into the conversation. It made Anbu raised her guard.
The men who was wearing the pitch black robes, were envoys that were sent by the Superpower of the Third Civilization Area, Parpaldia Empire, in order to participate in this Royal Council session. The owner of the voice was an especially creepy man amongst them.
Hark Louria frowned at the man who was swaying left and right. Not only the order they gave to him was horrendous, the high-pitched voice and the ugly appearance of the man, furthermore their unpleasant behavior, got on the King's nerves.
"I know!"
The anger-tinted words of the King resounded in the council room.
'Tsk... They're looking down at us, thinking us as barbarians outside the Three Civilization Areas. After we unite Rodenius, then we will invade Phillades Continent with our national power!'
The King had already considered sending a military expedition to the Third Civilization Area, Philades Continent, after he had united Rodenius Continent, and subjugating those countries that had looked down on Rodenius Continent as an "uncivilized nation" at every opportunity.
If the king could show his true disposition, then he would immediately have had that unpleasant man executed. However, in order to receive military assistance from Parpaldia Empire for the current campaign, he couldn't treat the envoys badly.
'Philades Continent... That would mean Parpaldia basically made Louria their lapdog if the latter wanted military support for this upcoming war... I better tell Master and Captain after this council is finished.'
*cough* "... General, please explain the outline strategy of the current military operation."
Maus coughed and interrupted the conversation to change the mood inside the room.
"Yes, let me explain it."
Patagene stood up from his seat and walked to the middle of the council room, which was lower than its surroundings, and lined up the tabletop wargame-like pieces on the map of Rodenius Continent that were unfolded on the table.
"The total forces prepared for the current operation are 500,000 soldiers. 400,000 soldiers will be sent to the Qua-Toyne Principality as the force for the main operation, while the remaining soldiers would be left to defend the homeland. For the first wave, we will invade Gim, a city with a population of 100,000, near the border of Qua-Toyne Principality, and gain control of it. Then, we will procure the necessary logistics locally."
There were five pieces to represent the Knights Order placed in Louria's territory. Then, Patagene moved four of them to Gim. Qua-Toyne's side also had similar pieces, but they were smaller.
'That's... an unbelievably small number. Even the Union can field larger number at any given occasion, and that's not mentioning UNM, which we in Kokusho acknowledge as the Alliance's military powerhouse.'
Once again, Anbu made a snarky remark in her mind.
"After we control Gim, then we will attack the Fortress City, Ejei, located 55 km from Gim, with full power. Between Ejei and the capital city, Qua-Toyne, 540 km away, there are no towns with walls like in our country. So if we capture Ejei, the strongest city in Qua-Toyne Principality, we only need to march forward and capture the rest of the towns and villages, and then it will be finished."
Then, the pieces that was placed in Gim, moved to siege the capital city. He moved to explain the piece on a tall support and the ship pieces.
"Our wyverns are enough to deal with their Air Force. Then, at the same time in the sea, a great fleet of 4400 warships will travel along the north coast and land on Maihark's north coast to control the Trade City, Maihark. Quila Kingdom, who completely depends on food import from Qua-Toyne, will be cut off from any supplies and cease to be a threat."
'Four thousand and four hundred. Now that is a mighty number. Even then, just ten of Red Alert Navy ships will be enough to deal with this medieval naval force.'
Anbu whistles this time, impressed by how serious Louria built their naval force. Though there's still a sneer thrown in.
Patagene then divided one piece into half and placed it on the border of Quila Kingdom.
"Qua-Toyne Principality only has 50,000 soldiers and one can think that the force that they could deployed rapidly was less than 10,000. If we hit them with the entire force that we had prepared this time, then even the most clever schemes won't have any meaning in front of our overwhelming numbers. Our preparations for the last 6 years will finally bear fruit."
"I see..."
The King was convinced that the dearest wishes of his predecessors would be achieved, and he was so elated that he was grinning from ear to ear.
"This evening is the best day of my life! I give my approval for the war against Qua-Toyne Principality and Quila Kingdom."
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
Cheers rang out. Hark Castle became filled with boisterous celebration. Louria Kingdom's Royal Council session ended with the war order from the King.
However, this is bad news for Qua-Toyne and Quila. Anbu even managed to acquire a vital intel about Louria's sponsor of the upcoming war, Parpaldia Empire.
'I need to tell Master and Captain about this, ASAP!'
Knowing that there's not much time, she immediately turns into a shadow and moves until she's out of the castle, then creates a Wormhole to return to Kokusho.
Place: Hark Castle, Underground Barracks
In the corner of the room, illuminated by dim candlelight...
The flame flickered from the minute movement of the air and made the shadows of the men reflected on the wall sway back and orth.
"Fufufu... Finally the decision has been given! It has been a long time."
A slanted-eyed man was speaking with a robe-wearing man.
"Yes. It really has been a long time."
One section of the robe-wearing man's hand had been degenerated and was festering.
Immediately after the Royal Council session, the order to form the subjugation army was transmitted to the lower echelons. However, since they already finished their preparations before the session's decision, it was really just more of a notification. Adem, who had been selected to become the second-in-command of the main force of the Eastern Subjugation Army, sported an eerie smile while looking at the flickering flame.
"The demihumans ought to be exterminated. That I could participate in the subjugation campaign of the worthless country that grants rights for those trash, even more, to be in the frontlines... is an honor...! I will──"
Adem's slanting eyes slightly opened and changed into ones of fury. But, he immediately close his eyelids.
"── No, it's nothing. In this world, the weak are the meals of the strong. Powerless people are only meat waiting to be eaten. The corpses of demihumans... Nay, the lives of my parents and siblings had taught me this law of the word. And this time, I can teach this law to those demihumans... I am rejoiced in this bliss!"
"My Monster Users Corps are unrecognized shadows that have never seen the light of day. The Knights and the Nobles looked down upon us and continued to throw abuse on us. But even Monster Users like us had been given a place in this operation, so I am also in supreme joy tonight!"
That day, each person took their meals with alcohol and held a pre-war party. That tumultuous party continued late into the night ──
Date: April 8th, HS 2069/CC 1639
Location: Historia Embassy, Qua-Toyne Principality
The sun showed its face on the horizon and the eastern sky became brighter as the birds started singing. A pleasant wind and humid air flowed into the room from the opened window.
Currently, Nomare, better known as Yasei, already finished his morning warmups and is on his way to the Embassy. He personally requested to be Historia's Ambassador to Qua-Toyne since he's the one who spoke with Qua-Toyne Prime Minister, Kanata, during the first contact. He's not kidding when he said that he'll play an active role here, you know.
Qua-Toyne Principality didn't have cars, factories, or airplanes, so the background noise were the songs of the birds, the murmurs of the streams, and the clattering of the horses. Compared to Historia, the environments here is far more relaxing.
"... Something tells me that Louria will made a move in the near future."
He mutters that because he received report from Anbu Jusha, one of Kyomu Kuroshin'en's Void Commanders, regarding Louria's plan to subjugate Qua-Toyne and Quila.
And sure enough, that premonition turned out to be true.
"Commander! Commander!"
One of the Embassy staff came approaching him.
'Yep, this is most definitely an emergency.'
"Good morning. Is there something wrong?"
"An official from Qua-Toyne Principality's Foreign Ministry suddenly visited without an appointment saying that there is emergency information that he needs to convey. I'm aware about your morning routine, so I ran as fast as I can to fetch you, sir."
"I see... Lead the way, then."
"Yes, sir!"
In communication between countries/nations, visiting without an appointment meant that there was a tremendous emergency situation happened. Or perhaps, this was the normal way of diplomacy in this New World. Yasei thought about this while resuming his way back to the Embassy, this time escorted by one of the staff.
Not long after that, he opened the door to the reception room, just 5 minutes after the staff fetched him as he finished his morning routine. Inside was the troubled face of Yagou, the official from Qua-Toyne Foreign Ministry.
"Good morning, Yagou-san. sorry if I have made you wait too long. And pardon my current attire."
"Sugaku-dono, please excuse my rudeness to visit so suddenly in this early morning. But there is a worrisome development that I must inform you."
Yagou stood up and deeply bowed. Yasei said, "What happened?", while internally relieved that even in the New World, it's common sense to visit by making an appointment. He still prepare himself for the impending bad news, though. And it's proven to be the correct decision on his part.
"I think you're already aware about Louria Kingdom, which is located west of our country. As the result of careful investigations of information obtained from many channels, we are certain that Louria Kingdom is approaching to invade our country."
"I see... That is indeed concerning."
"Louria Kingdom's soldiers already gathered in the west, towards the direction of the city, Gim, 20 km from the border. If I can be honest, if the war begins, then we couldn't export the food in the agreed amount to your country. We are truly apologetic for reneging on the treaty..."
That managed to put Yasei into silence. From a brief mind-probing he did on Yagou, he learned that a huge camp of Lourian soldiers had been seen gathering at Qua-Toyne/Louria border. Qua-Toyne, predicting that war would soon begin, sent Yagou to Historia embassy to explain the situation. This is the reason of his silence.
Despite still maintaining connection with Earth after the Dominion transferred into the New World, the Alliance Superpowers agreed that the primary requirement for the Dominion to survive is to secure a stable flow of food supplies. They had established friendly diplomatic relationships with Qua-Toyne Principality, that possessed huge farmlands, and Quila Kingdom, that can provide additional resource deposits that covered most of the country. (Although, until they could mine it, the Dominion needed to get by with what they had in the strategic resource stockpiles in their continent.) It was a miracle that they could secure a stable flow of food and resources to fuel the Dominion's economy. But right now, there was a possibility that the incredibly valuable food import will cease. If the food import from Qua-Toyne ceased, then the Dominion will fall into an economy crisis similar to that of the Great Depression back on Earth after exhausting the natural resources in their continent.
"Is there anything we in the Alliance can do? If the import was put into a halt, the Dominion could suffer losses."
Because Yasei already received the report about Louria's War Plan from Anbu, he's aware that the war is imminent. Fortunately, since he is the Commander-in-Chief of Historia Alliance, he already made sure that the countries under Dominion's influence won't be harmed, which culminates in the military alliance mentioned above.
Yagou grimaced and cast his eyes down.
"Louria Kingdom has the largest military power in Rodenius Continent. They already concentrated such forces at the border, and it seems that they keep reinforcing that force. In any case, because the number is too great, when the combat begins, even though we have the local advantage, we need to be resigned to losing several cities. If that happens, then ensuring the movement of goods like we're doing right now, will be an extremely difficult ordeal."
Yagou made a fleeting upward glance as if to await Yasei's expression.
"It would be helpful if we could have reinforcements from the Alliance..."
Yagou remembered the Air Festival that he observed when he was dispatched as a delegation member to the Dominion. The tremendously strong jet fighter's powerful figure had been seared into his eyelids, even to this day. If they received Alliance's reinforcement, he intuitively concluded that this country wouldn't be annihilated in this war.
"Say no more. I'll relay this to the rest of Alliance Leaders. I'm very sure that at the very least, the Union and UNM will help Qua-Toyne in defending against Louria's genocide war. We're allies, after all."
This answer made Yagou very glad that Qua-Toyne decided to open diplomatic relationship with Historia. Not only Qua-Toyne's military power increased significantly after arquebus is introduced, but they even showed a new tactic to Qua-Toyne Dragon Knights. More specifically using said arquebus to shoot down the enemy's rider. Maarpatima, who made first contact with Faresh's C-3 Trinity, showed a great talent in this particular tactic implementation, and thus he's chosen to command the newly-formed Qua-Toyne 1st Dragon Sharpshooter Squadron. Then there's Qua-Toyne Rangers, Sharpshooters, and Dragoons. Basically, they're Qua-Toyne Infantries, Archers, and Cavalries equipped with arquebus.
"Thank you very much, Sugaku-dono. We'll inform you should Louria forces start their attack. We're already aware of the Alliance's true capabilities, so any help will be truly appreciated."
"Your welcome, Yagou-san. Now excuse me, I'll be returning to Rairekishigaku to discuss this matter."
"Please don't let me stop you."
"I'll take you on that offer."
Yasei then immediately opens a Quantum Portal that leads straight to Rairekishigaku, and enters. Yagou can only looks in shock as the portal closes shortly after.
'Historia Alliance... They're truly the Emissaries of the Sun God...'
(AN: Amaterasu decided to approach Historia Alliance and propose Project Shoukan precisely because of what Yasei showed just now. This is what she did to a fraction of Imperial Japan forces back in 1943 (arrival) and 1945 (departure). Historia Shoukan Dominion is basically Amaterasu's permanent presence in the New World.)
Date: April 9th, HS 2069/CC 1639
Location: Rairekishigaku, Hakurei Territory, Togoku Region, Historia Shoukan Dominion
Place: Dominion Headquarters, Meeting Room
"And that is the current situation we're facing."
Yasei's report made the assembled Leaders think about it. In this particular meeting, due to its status, two other representatives from Gensokyo Union Fighters decided to attend in place of LCF and MDF, since both Superpowers are still building the Dominion's space fleet base. Said GUF representatives are:
- Reimu Hakurei, First Champion of Sengoku Gensokyo (Female Human)
- Yukari Yakumo, Leader of Gensokyo Legend Sages (Female Youkai)
The fact that two actual Gensokyo natives decided to attend in the first place shows how dire it is. Naturally, the diplomats from Qua-Toyne and Quila are present as well, since this meeting will decide the fate of their lands.
"If Qua-Toyne falls, then Quila will surely follow suit. How's the preparation status for our units?"
Hearing that, Iseya raises her and and began speaking. Given the fact that UNM is the military powerhouse of the Alliance, they already prepare several Task Forces from the fraction of Mental Omega Fleet that has been transferred to the New World.
"For naval engagements, I believe the Patrol Task Force will suffice. This task force will be composed of 10 Horizon Destroyers, 4 Siren Frigates, 2 Aegis Cruisers, and a single Kuznetsov Dreadnought. There will be a possibility of wyvern battles in the sea as well, so UNM will deploy two Dragon King-class Wyvern Cruiser Carriers, Vritra and Fafnir, to reinforce the task force."
Yukari then told them about Kasen's plan to participate in the upcoming war with Louria.
"For the wyverns, Kasen told me that she wanted to learn this world's wyverns. For that, we need to capture as many as possible. As we speak, she's preparing the 5th Wyvern Division 'Kaminari' by giving them guns, basically making them Wyvern Gunners that will shot down Lourian riders should they reinforce their great naval force."
Finally, Yasei reveals one important information that he learned from Kokusho Void Legion.
"From the intel that the Union acquired, it turns out Parpaldia is the one who provided Louria with their wyverns, so Vritra and Fafnir will be crewed entirely by a regiment of Epsilon Empaths, who will persuade the riderless wyverns to go with us and direct them to land in the Wyvern Cruiser Carriers."
As the one with most military experience, Iseya thinks for a moment, considering suggestions from both Yukari and Yasei. Seeing no problem with it, she nods in agreement, though not without her own suggestion as well.
"I see no problem with this. If the Union want to participate, then make sure to bring the Wyvern Carriers UNM donates. That way, GUF Wyvern Gunners can provide cover for both Vritra and Fafnir. Then, for ground operations, I'm sure the Union already went ahead with that."
Reimu nods and she then talks about something unexpected.
"You're right about that. Marisa already pestered me to join her on the upcoming defense of Gim. Not only that, even Alice and Patchouli decided to join as well. It seems they want me to fully barricade the entire border of Louria... Not that I mind, At the very least, they brought their own forces, so there's that. I swear, I wish I could say I warned you to these Lourians, but they brought this upon themselves when they wishes to exterminate all youkais. So yes, I'm joining as well, but I'll use Marisa's guns, just like what you did back during Chaos Stratum Incident and Second Makai Invasion in late 2011, Yasei. That's all from me."
"Fine by me, Reimu. If we go all-out, it will be overkill, anyway. Heck, I actually shocked Yagou when I opened a Quantum Portal in front of him. If there are no questions, we'll depart tomorrow. I'll be waiting in Qua-Toyne."
With the discussion finished, the Alliance Leaders nod in approval and the diplomats are very satisfied because the response is very swift. It's barely a day, and already, as predicted, GUF and UNM decided to help Qua-Toyne and Quila to honor the military alliance with the Dominion.
Tomorrow, Rodenius is shocked by how fast Historia Alliance fortifying the outer perimeters of both Qua-Toyne and Quila. This is in part because the military alliance that is already on effect, which means the Dominion already have many forward bases in any lands no longer used by Qua-Toyne and Quila. Another reason is the Dominion's advanced construction technology, and both countries found out that the military version can construct buildings even faster than the public version!
(AN: Yep, I'm being honest here. Command and Conquer's construction speed is just ridiculously fast for our world. And most of the gameplays there, you're controlling a military force. Which is why I can do the Gameplay and Story Integration here, since Historia Alliance does have C&C construction technology that allows them to do the same.)
Date: April 11th, HS 2069/CC 1639
Location: Qua-Toyne/Louria Border Perimeter
Place: Louria Kingdom Eastern Subjugation Army Vanguard Campground
There were repetitive manacomm messages from Qua-Toyne Principality's Foreign Ministry to demand that Louria soldiers be withdrawn from the border. But they were completely ignored. War is coming, and there's no stopping it.
"Tomorrow, Gim will fall."
Adem, who was appointed to lead the vanguard force, was talking to a communication operator.
From the top of a hill, they were looking at the 30,000 strong army that was spreading underneath their very eyes.
A 30,000 strong army was by no means a large one considering the total amount of soldiers that the Louria Kingdom had, but it was more than enough for waging a single battle. Even if it was just a vanguard force, Adem had been given a command, and so, he eerily smiled.
20,000 infantry, 5,000 heavy infantry, 2,000 cavalry, 1,500 specialized soldiers (soldiers that were specialized for siege armaments like catapults or battering rams), 1,000 raiders, 250 monster users, 100 mages, and then 150 wyvern riders. Going just by the numbers, the infantry was the largest group, but a squadron of 10 wyvern riders could stop the track of 10,000 infantry soldiers. Furthermore, there were 150 wyverns in this force.
He could see how much his country was expecting from this vanguard force. Adem, who was aware of the weight of the mission upon him, rather than feeling nervous, his happiness outweighed it even more.
Wyverns were expensive weapons. If every wyvern possessed by Louria Kingdom were gathered at one place, it would only number 200 units.
However, 500 wyverns would participate in the current war against Qua-Toyne Principality.
There was a rumor that Parpaldia Empire had given them military support. Nobody below General Pandor, who supervised the ground troops, knew if this was true. After all, there was no coat of arms in the wyverns' armor, so there was no way to identify them, other than through speculation. Historia Alliance, however, have verified it via KVL Shadow Division led by Anbu Jusha.
In any case, 150 wyverns were assigned to the vanguard force. Adem was pleased with this clearly overpowered force.
"What we should do about the booty in Gim?"
Albeit frightened, the communication operator asked Adem, who was still sporting a savage smile. Adem was a ruthless knight and his cruelty, that he had showed in the occupied territory when the Louria kingdom started the aggressive wars, was also widely-known amongst the soldiers.
"I won't reprimand any plundering at Gim, they can do what they like. They could have fun with the women, but after they have finished using them, they must dispose of every single one. Don't let a single one leave the town alive. Notify this to the entire army."
The operator's face stiffened.
"Yes, sir..."
He turned his back as if to flee, but Adem stopped him.
"No, wait! As expected... They could have fun with them, but leave 100 of them alive. They could spread the fear... Then, if there are any families of the enemy Knights in the city, deal with them as cruelly as possible."
Adem continued to laugh creepily.
"Now, let the feast of extermination begin!"
"Yes, Sir! I will notify this."
A frightening order. Adem didn't have a human heart. While thinking so, the operator faithfully conveyed Adem's command.
If only Adem could bother to look at Qua-Toyne side of the border, he'll see that there are many forces from GUF Magus Trio reinforcing Qua-Toyne military alongside two of the Union's strongest Fighters, Yasei and Reimu.
(AN: What? Did you expect him to be in a chair somewhere far? Like Historia Embassy for Qua-Toyne? Nah, he'll join the frontline. Reimu as well. At the very least, they limit themselves to only use DynaMarisa 3D weapons.)
Introduced units:
Wind Dragon: One of the true dragons in the New World, this dragon's attribute is wind.
Users: Gahara Thearchy, Emor Kingdom
Origin: Nihonkoku Shoukan
Flame Dragon: An elemental dragon that is native to Falmart, this dragon's attribute is fire.
Users: Gensokyo Union Fighters, Historia Shoukan Dominion
Origin: GATE Jieitai
Wyvern Gunner: A wyvern with the rider wielding a firearm. Historia Alliance uses this format for all of their Wyvern Riders.
Users: Gensokyo Union Fighters, United Nations Military, Historia Shoukan Dominion, Qua-Toyne Principality (after the treaty)
Origin: Celestina Shoukan by Lourie054 (No, really.)