AN: Now we've reached Volume 2. Thank you for the Fav, solacefall.
Historia Shoukan Chapter 11
Wounded Pride and Grim Resolve
Date: September 12th, HS 2069/CC 1639
Location: Fenn Kingdom, Zeroth Civilization Area
Place: Parpaldian Imperial Oversight Army's East Fleet
Admiral Poquetoire stared at the horizon to the east as Parpaldian Imperial Oversight Army's East Fleet proceeded eastward 100km west of Fenn Kingdom. The sky was cloudless and the relatively dry sea breeze felt good.
"?!"
Seeing something on the horizon, he raised his telescope and looked through it. At the same time, one of the lookouts from above shouted.
"We detected few things that looks like a ship! They're coming this way!"
"They're so massive... Definitely not something from Fenn... Crap. All hands to battle stations!"
The gray castle-like "ships" were massive beyond their common sense of ship sizes.
'And they're fast too...!'
"Wait! Could they also be faster than our own...?!"
The unknown, colossal vessels turned their bows away from the fleet once they were close enough, sailing parallel to them as they maintained distance.
"What do we do, admiral?"
Asked by his vice commander on what to do, Poquetoire simply sweated.
He was ordered by 3rd Foreign Affairs Director Kaios to "attack Fenn in front of all the militaries gathered at their festival and implant to them what it means for a barbarian to cross us. While you're at it, destroy every piece of equipment from the countries gathered there that are able to do damage to us!"
At the very least, the colossal gray ships were not Parpaldian vessels as it was their first time seeing such ships. It was also certain that they weren't civilian vessels. Furthermore, there were only three "enemies". Since they have massive cannons mounted along them, it was possible that they were made with help from technologies of the civilized areas. Still, even if they were bigger than theirs, a 24-ship fleet of a victorious Superpower is still superior. Against big cannons of a Superpower that boasts a range of 2km, the biggest cannons within the civilized areas could only go at best 1km. Moreover, their shots were mostly round iron balls which even if they were hit by them, they wouldn't be destroyed, so their actual threat level is far smaller. All in all, a country outside the civilized areas, even if supported technologically by those inside the civilized areas, could never be better than them.
'That's how it's supposed to be but...'
Present in front of them was three abnormally massive ships with many abnormally massive cannons. Poquetoire has never seen such ships. Still, they came from the direction of Fenn Kingdom, meaning that they were basically associated with a country that is associated with Fenn Kingdom. In order to demonstrate the will of Parpaldia Empire, Poquetoire decided to attack them.
'All ships in this fleet are at least 30-gun ships of the line with more than half being 50-gun ships of the line. We even have an 80-gun ship of the line. There's no way we'll lose.'
The "enemy" ships had come to a distance of 1.5km to them as they sailed in a parallel course. Their massive cannons were still pointed forward.
"They've come pretty close to the range of our guns. What idiots. FIRE!"
The 24 ships of Parpaldian Imperial Oversight Army's East Fleet, having easily wiped out the fleet of Fenn Kingdom previously, now bared its fangs on Canis Major, Leo, and Taurus, cruisers of Gra Valkas Imperial Navy. All of the guns on the sides facing them simultaneously opened fire. The mage gunners ignited the empire's state of the art built-in artillery batteries, triggering explosions in quick succession as the cannons roared to life. Propelled forth, the shells flew straight for the ocean surface. With the flagship opening the attack, the other ships began firing their own full salvos.
Babababam!
The disorderly sound of gunfire resounded all across the area.
"Bandit fleet has fired! Incoming shells are... not going to hit."
After swiftly computing the ballistic trajectories of the shells, they confirmed that the shells weren't going to hit. The simultaneous salvo from the target fleet missed, hitting the ocean and producing countless columns of water. Gra Valkas cruisers then swiftly changed course, emerging out of the range of the fleet's cannons.
"Enemy ships have accelerated and are moving out of our magic cannons' range at high speed."
Despite being massive, their acceleration were tremendous, and with unbelievable speed, they ran from Parpaldian fleet. The salvo from all their ships missed and all are currently in the process of reloading for the next one.
"Tsk! They're so fast! What the hell are those ships?!"
Seeing the ships that betrayed every inch of sense he had, Poquetoire unconsciously let out a scream of amazement. Within a moment, something was flashing on and off on the enemy ships' deck. It was as if they were trying to tell them something. However, they've already been ordered to attack. With the empire's prestige on the line, they cannot hope to withdraw without destroying the enemies. Their own honor and prestige was on the line.
Entering into attack posture, they engaged their Tears of the Wind God apparatuses to achieve max speed as they sailed for the enemy ships. However, it seems that they couldn't catch up to it.
"We can't catch up with the enemy ships. They're also gaining speed."
The enemy ships returned to sailing parallel to the fleet and were now 3.5km away.
"Tsk! How dare they look down on us! Fine! Maintain strict watch over the gray ships and continue our course for Amanoki! Three ships won't do much!"
The ships clinging closely to them were indeed irritating but Poquetoire elected to ignore them instead. Still, the massive ships persisted in flashing them something.
"So that's the Parpaldians' ships? Well, they're somewhat better than the Leiforians' ships when Grade Atlastar and Palanquin sunk them all."
"Well, the Alliance said that these ship models are already outdated by few centuries. I'm totally surprised hearing about it."
"Wait, they said that, Taurus?"
"Yep, Leo."
The captain of Taurus-class heavy cruiser checks the comparable analysis between Parpaldia's warships and Earth's ships-of-the-line given by the Alliance.
"Okay, then. I'm going to aim at their mast. No need of bloodshed here."
"How about the Alliance's dragons, Taurus? Should we tell them?"
"No need. They already said that they'll leave it to us."
"Copy, Taurus."
"Prepare the main guns. Fire at will."
"Isn't that too much?"
"We'll break all of the masts in one shot. It might be overkill, but..."
The captain of Taurus-class heavy cruiser knew very well that Parpaldia's armor might be better than he thought.
"If that's clearly the case, then switch to our secondary guns."
"Got it."
"?!"
The massive cannons mounted on the front of the ships began to move, facing the fleet's course directly and emitting smoke soon after.
Boom!
After a slight delay on the sound of a cannon firing, it finally hit Poquetoire's earlobe.
"Enemy ships has fired!"
At the same time as the report, the shell landed on the ocean surface in front of the fleet, throwing up a massive column of water.
"S-So powerful! And they can reach us all the way from there?!"
Shock ran through Parpaldian fleet starting with Poquetoire, then the captains of the other ships, and then everyone else.
The ships have higher speed than theirs and now they have a cannon that can hit from afar. At this rate, they will be attacked from outside their own range. What they just fired was likely a warning shot. If so, then the flashing of lights earlier may have been their country's way of ordering ships to stop.
Still, the orders from above are absolute.
A Superpower cancelling an operation without a fight is the same as wounding the respect and dignity of the Empire. They would be looked upon as traitors since running away from the enemy was treasonous. Their kin would be included in the capital punishment. As such, they cannot run away from their responsibility.
Poquetoire once again ordered his fleet to set course for Gra Valkas cruisers. The bows of their ships turned to meet the enemy ships and they accelerated when suddenly...
Boom!
The enemy ships once again fired its cannon.
Kipow!
The main mast of ship of the line Paos traveling at the very front of the fleet was hit, snapping in half and tumbling down on the deck below as the thunderclap from the enemy ship cannons firing reached their ears. The sound of wood creaking followed after as the mast's tip landed on the wooden deck, eventually coming to rest diagonally as it pulled down on the other masts. The rigging holding the masts, sails and others together tore off in the process.
"Paos's mast was hit and the ship is now dead on the water!"
"Huh?! The mast was hit?! No...! The enemy ship's cannon did it?!"
Leaving behind the disabled Paos, the other ships continued to head for the enemy ships.
"Main guns are too much to handle, Taurus."
"Prepare the secondary guns, then."
"They won't budge, huh?"
The situation on Gra Valkas cruiser crews were tense. They prepared their secondary guns since the calibers were enough to destroy the masts in single hit.
"Canis Major, Leo, destroy half of the bandit fleet's masts and wait for their movements. If they refuse to budge, then we'll sink them all."
"Got it, Taurus."
"Copy, Taurus."
Boom!
Another frightening, ear-piercing sound echoed.
This time, ship of the line Galiass got its mast snapped, reenacting the same unfortunate scene as what had happened to the Paos.
"I-Impossible!"
There was no way for such massive cannons to hit targets like that. The sea has waves. If the platform shakes, so does the target. Firing with this shaking in mind, the angle will always change and with even a slight change of one degree, the landing spot will be extremely off. The farther the platform is from the target, the greater the variation. It is for that reason that massive cannons cannot hit from afar and since it is difficult for them to score hits, the thinking of setting up many massive cannons to score a hit led to the development of the ships of the line. Following that development, the 100-gun ship, a monster of a ship that straddles the limits of the size of cannon a human could operate and what a ship could carry, was created. But even those 100-gun ships of the line have difficulty damaging an enemy ship's hull, even at point blank range. Now, the enemy ships' performance flatly broke that common sense.
Boom!
Another ear-piercing sound rang out, followed by the mast of ship of the line Mamiz snapping.
Boom!
The mast of ship of the line Cummashro snapped.
The enemy ships were aiming for their swinging masts. Furthermore, they were doing so at an impossibly fast rate of fire.
The Imperial Oversight Army of the Superpower Parpaldia Empire was helpless. Moreover, they were only facing three ships. With such a hopeless disparity in combat power, Poquetoire was stricken with grief.
'We are probably dreaming... Will we wake up in bed anytime soon?'
It would have been better had it been a nightmare. The unparalleled accuracy of the enemy ships' gunnery has now snapped the masts of roughly half of their fleet as they continued to move out of their range.
"Does this mean that they don't want to sink us?"
Poquetoire decided.
"Withdraw from this region. Have the disabled ships towed back. This operation... is a failure."
Judging from how the enemy ships were attacking them, Poquetoire concluded that their objective were to simply stop them. If they had continued towards Fenn, it was clear that they was going to immobilize the entire fleet.
'Yoruryoshi' Division have confirmed the retreat as they watch the Parpaldians tow their incapacitated ships back to their mainland.
'Fuck... If only we had a dragon carrier...'
Since Fenn doesn't possess wyverns or any sort of air power, if they were only going to fight them, they have no need for air support. No matter how many associated countries were present in the festival, they concluded that they were still no match for Parpaldia Empire and so they did not include a dragon carrier in their fleet. Had their wyvern lords been present to provide air support, the outcome would have probably been different. Even with the unparalleled accuracy of the enemy's massive cannons, it would still be impossible for it to hit a flying object.
So he thought.
'This battle... Even if I submitted a report about it, no one would believe me.'
But of course, that's why Gra Valkas escort task force was here. Taurus-class heavy cruiser alone will be enough to destroy a Parpaldian Dragon Carrier and its wyverns.
The first fleet battle between Gra Valkas Empire and Parpaldia Empire ended in a victory for Gra Valkas and Historia Alliance. Many were severely wounded on Parpaldians' side , but there were no deaths. With that said, this was the only battle in Shoukan Dimension's history where a naval battle was decisively won without any casualties. This naval battle would then be called "Fenn Offshore Naval Face-off" and would be told for generations to come.
This battle is already recorded by Raven Drone Copter on September 12th, 1639. Yasei keep the recording for future reference with the Alliance and Gra Valkas in future joint naval exercises.
Place: Amanoki Harbor
Going back to midday on the same day.
GUF Special Dragon Division 'Yoruryoshi' easily captured Parpaldian Wyvern Lords with an Ancient Flame Dragon. Seeing that event, the military officials of Zeroth Civilization Area countries attending the military festival were dazed beyond belief.
"What the hell?! Did they have an Ancient Dragon?!"
"He's so powerful! Even Gahara's Wind Dragons bow to him in respect. Not only that, with just a glare, he's able to make the Wyvern Lords submit! It's as if they knew he's the king of the skies! Just who the hell are they?!"
"Don't you hear what Fenn's Sword King said? They're from Historia Shoukan Dominion, leading power of Zeroth Civilization Area."
"Zeroth Civilization Area?! Is such area even exist?"
"Dummy, that means all of us who attend this military festival are part of it!"
"Could it be...? Are they the descendants of the Ancient Sorcerous Empire...?!"
Possessing power beyond their common sense, the Ancient Flame Dragon and the colossal grey ships made them feel fear. At the same time, they began thinking of drawing these people to their side as allies. If anything, it's possible that the country of those ships possesses far more power than Parpaldia Empire. Since they came for Fenn's military festival, then it means that they are friends with Fenn Kingdom. If so, then it's highly possible that the country is part of Zeroth Civilization Area. If they build good relationship with Fenn Kingdom and join the Defense Council, then they may be able to fend off the attempts by Parpaldia Empire to vassalize them.
When they heard that Fenn refused Parpaldian proposal to lease their land, everyone thought that the Fennese would get wiped out. However, they then understood that if the Fennese are allied with a leading power like that, then maybe they have zero hesitations now.
After Fenn Offshore Naval Face-off, the number of old-looking ships coming to Historia mainland have increased, carrying ambassadors and emissaries from Zeroth Civilization Area countries wishing to establish diplomatic relations. It's for that reason that UNM Navy has become incredibly busy, being forced to patrol the waters around Historia mainland continuously for two months. Up till that point, it was Historia representatives who would go out to meet them, surveying the area before requesting for diplomatic relations, but now it's the other way around with the nations themselves bringing with them details of their lands, reducing the amount of workload for the Dominion. It was as if there was information sharing between these countries. They were friendly and courteous, and while there were some who suddenly requested to join the Defense Council, the exchanges were generally cordial. The number of countries Historia has relations with has increased, further expanding the Dominion's sphere of influence.
Date: September 15th, HS 2069/CC 1639
Location: Esthirant, Parpaldia Empire, Third Civilization Area
Place: 3rd Foreign Affairs Office
Hearing the report regarding the Imperial Oversight Army's punitive strike on Fenn, Office Director Kaios broke out into a blood vessel-rupturing rage. Things began for Kaios earlier this month when Fenn declined their offer to cede over territory.
"... It's an extremely interesting offer, but we have a code with which we live by. We cannot let our people abide by your nation's hegemonic ways. We would like to ask for your consideration as a great nation."
Even the merciful offer of a 498-year lease was shot down by Shihan, despite the benefit it would bring to the Fennese themselves.
"Fenn Kingdom is looking down on the Empire!"
This opinion is the prevailing one amidst the 3rd Foreign Affairs Office. In a world filled with lot of countries, there are 5 civilized countries and 67 uncivilized countries. There are big and small ones, but if there would be a barbaric uncivilized country that disrespects the Superpower Parpaldia, possessor of over 72 vassal states, then there is no room for pardon. They worry that other countries would be freed from the fear of the Empire, which keeps them in line. With circumstances like this, the 3rd Foreign Affairs Office sent the Imperial Oversight Army's East Fleet and 2 squadrons worth of Wyvern Lords. They were to attack the capital, Amanoki, and instill fear into the Fennese and show to the other barbaric countries attending the military festival what it means to cross the Empire.
However, that did not happen. What happened instead was nothing short of pitiful.
Before we continue, let's go back to what the Gra Valkan crews did after their successful sortie three days ago. They celebrated it with each other as they sail back, and they even say that this will be an interesting training course for the upcoming joint naval exercise with the Alliance. Thus, they reported to the Naval Command that they're very satisfied with how the military festival turns out. Not only they can show off their cruisers' powers to their fellow Zeroth Civilization Area countries, they also managed to repel a naval punitive strike as well, while testing their cruisers' naval guns' aiming skills at the same time!
As for the Alliance, they are more than glad that Gra Valkas kept their word and even helping them in repelling Parpaldia's punitive strike during the military festival. Despite being unable to rescue Fennese Royal Fleet, the Alliance managed to save half of the crews, including the Naval Commander, Kushira. Coupled with their performance during Operation Fallen Lords, the Alliance acquired more prestige, and many countries then began visiting their mainland to request for diplomatic relations. They sure are glad that Shihan told them to promote Zeroth Civilization Area during the military festival, since it paid off big time. Not only the Dominion's sphere of influence have expanded, they also got more members for Shoukan Defense Council. Back to the topic at hand.
The Wyvern Lords sent to attack disappeared, with their last known message is that they meet a dragon far bigger than Gahara's Wind Dragons. What happened is still unknown, but it's believed that they were wiped out. From the start, they suspected that Gahara's wind dragons were behind this. However, while the wind dragons are indeed powerful, they are rather fewer in number than the two squadrons they sent. They also definitely couldn't have wiped them out fast enough that they weren't able to report back.
However, one of the interesting tidbits is the encounter with a dragon far bigger than Gahara's Wind Dragons, and said Wind Dragons actually bow to that dragon without their riders' intervention.
As for what followed, which was written as "the East Fleet made contact with Fennese fleet and wiped them out one sidedly. We suffered no casualties." Kaios believed it as it was a no brainer.
The problem lay with what followed.
"Imperial Oversight Army's East Fleet, defeated."
A resounding shock ran through the entire office. Furthermore, the admiral seems to have become crazy from terror from the naval battle that he reported that they were defeated by only three ships. According to him:
- We made contact with three supermassive gray-colored ships.
- As soon as our ships fired, they ventured out of the range of our magic cannons at a speed faster than what our own could achieve.
- The enemy supermassive ships fired a warning shot from a distance of 4 km that landed in front of their fleet.
- The enemy supermassive ships were so fast that we could not have caught up to them.
The report was filled with crazy and unbelievable statements.
First was the fact that the enemy ships were faster than their own. If the ship was massive, then naturally the drag coming from the water would be greater. Moreover, while the Tears of the Wind God in use by the Empire was self-made, it boasts the best performance in the world. Not even Holy Mirishial Empire could create the Tears of the Wind God. The territories controlled by the Empire also have mines which contain highly pure magic gems and their refining technologies are top of the line. Furthermore, this group of technologies fall under the designated technology grant restrictions, which stipulate that all the technologies specified inside these restrictions not to be shared with any of their vassals. In summary, it's impossible for there to be multiple supermassive ships out there that are faster than any of their own ships.
Next up was the warning shot fired at over 4 km. Even the Superpowers within the civilized areas could only create magic cannon platforms that could lob shells at over 2km. A cannon that can exceed such a range that is also found in the uncivilized areas is downright impossible.
If there was an equal ship, or if there was actually a fantastical super high spec ship that exists, then firing a warning shot makes no sense. By eliminating and shaving off their numbers in one fell swoop, one would avoid casualties. To fight means to reduce the enemy's numbers. If the fleet did in fact pull back from that warning shot, then they couldn't have shown them how powerful they are.
What comes next is the definitive, concluding part of the report that the admiral has lost his mind.
- The unknown enemy ships fired their cannons 12 times. Each of those shots landed on a ship. Furthermore, they all landed on the ships' masts, immobilizing them.
- The enemies did not sink a single ship and instead left after we stopped.
'How dare you submit this mockery of a report...'
Cannons that hits 100 out of 100 is impossible, even with the Ancient Sorcerous Empire. (AN: Which is true.) Such fact is understandable even by a complete war amateur like him. Moreover, stuff like gunnery that accurately hits the masts is good imaginative material, making Kaios somehow moved by the admiral's novelistic depictions.
'Time to stop. This report is nothing but an excuse for their defeat.'
It's impossible for a barbarian country outside the civilized areas to be in possession of such super technological weapons. The other commanders, the captains, and the soldiers are all keeping their mouths shut about it. They must have been threatened by the admiral.
What awaits them now is a detailed investigation on what kind of enemy they're facing and how many ships they have. What's definite is that there is an enemy out there that has wounded the Empire's prestige and that they need to destroy the ones that toyed with them. However, since they don't know their enemy, they could not attack them.
For now, they lost.
The emperor would also hear of it. If so, then the next thing that would be sent won't be the Oversight Army, but the actual Navy, complete with their home-developed, state-of-the-art ships. Despite being the Oversight Army, an enemy that can defeat the Superpower-level might of the Empire could only have come from someone with support from a Superpower or from the Superpowers themselves.
To know who this enemy is, the 3rd Foreign Affairs Office has commenced gathering information.
While this is happening, the SAO Veterans are re-assigned to meet with Parpaldian Foreign Affairs Ministry after they managed to secure diplomatic relationship with Altaras. At this time, KVL Shadow Division have infiltrated Parpaldian 3rd Foreign Affairs Office.
"Are you in position, Anbu?"
"I am, Master."
"See what the Parpaldians will do, and gather as many as you can. Then give the intel to the Aincrads at the appointed date."
"It will be done."
Date: September 23rd, HS 2069/CC 1639
Location: Eshtirant, Parpaldia Empire, Third Civilization Area
Place: 3rd Foreign Affairs Office Reception Room
At the appointed date, Lucy calls the SAO group.
"Narusaka."
Kazuto immediately answers the call. He knew that there must be a reason for this call.
"Anything you need us to do, Thesda-san?"
"Once you're done with the negotiation fiasco, you can expect Jusha to slip a crucial intel. Relay it to me and I'll see that it will reach the Alliance Leaders."
"Copy that."
Since they will only get the intel after the appointment ends or cancelled, the SAO group then enters the 3rd Foreign Affairs Office. From the shadows, Anbu Jusha have confirmed the date, and watches as they got their turn.
"I'm sorry, but the section chief cannot meet you today."
Representatives from Historia/SAO Veterans have come for their appointed meeting with the section chief of Parpaldia's Foreign Affairs but they are once more turned away by the reception.
"May I know why? It's already been two weeks!"
Thinking curiously of the agitated man rambling on, the receptionist Raita weakly responded.
"A situation has come up and we are not in the state of being able to meet with emerging countries in the non-civilized areas. Your schedule is still pending. We will contact you after a month's time."
It was Historia's fault that the 3rd Foreign Affairs Office had gotten busy but there was no way that Parpaldia Foreign Affairs personnel could have known that. In the end, they were never able to meet with the one in charge, although they're already being warned beforehand. And sure enough, once they go out, someone approaches them and slips a paper.
On the paper, there is a message.
'Diversion successful. We managed to fool the Parpaldians with the help from Gra Valkas, and now they're scrambling to find them, not knowing that they're located west of Mu. The Empire from Yggdra have done their part. Now it's our turn. Relay to your Vanguard as directed. If possible, confirm with my Master as well. -Void Summoner Anbu Jusha-'
Glad that the plan hatched with Gra Valkas is successful, SAO group then returns to the ship that carried them here. Once all of them boarded, they made the call.
"Calling in Nocturnal Vanguard and Void Goddess."
For record, they're calling Lucy Thesda, the one who send them here, and Kyomu Kuroshin'en, the one who send Anbu Jusha.
"Void Goddess here. I take that you have the message."
"Yes, Void Goddess. The diversion is successful as expected."
"Message received. Proceed as planned and monitor the situation on Altaras."
"Acknowledged."
Before the transmission was cut, Lucy joins the communication.
"Nocturnal Vanguard here. This really is a fiasco. You heard what Void Goddess said. Go back to Altaras and watch over the training of Altaran forces. This should allow us to get some time to build our special device in the FOB."
"Understood."
Later, SAO group ends the call. But Lucy and Kyomu are still talking to each other.
"Are you really sure about this?"
"It's Wild-kun's decision, not mine. He thought that we might need it in the future. to secure our Altaran assets."
"But still... To think that we're actually going to build an actual Chronosphere in this Dimension..."
"To be honest, this will be crucial should Parpaldia decided to invade Altaras."
"I see... With such close distance, it's all but inevitable."
"My thoughts exactly."
Date: October 10th, HS 2069/CC 1639
Location: Eshtirant, Parpaldia Empire, Third Civilization Area
Place: 3rd Foreign Affairs Office Reception Room
"What?! You're not going to send us slaves starting next year?!"
The Foreign Affairs staff member shouted angrily at Topan ambassador.
Topa Kingdom is a non-civilized country, despite being located at the northern ends of the Third Civilization Area. Temperatures there reach up to 27 degrees (Celsius) but the average lowest temperature around winter plunges to -40. Connecting the magical beast-laden Grameus Continent to the rest of Third Civilization Area, it has become an important base for permanent human settlement against the hordes of beasts. Naturally, Parpaldia's Foreign Affairs Ministry understands this as well, but they elected not to show that they are aware of it and so have taken a hard stance on them.
"We have decided to stop enslaving our own people and sending them to your country."
Despite sweating bullets, the ambassador replied with firm resolve.
"Hmph! Then we'll just have to exclude Topa from the tech sharing agreements!"
The Empire uses its technology grants as one method of diplomacy. Technologies that the Empire had researched and developed are being shared with their vassals as well as with countries outside the civilized areas. Naturally, they keep to themselves their state of the art technologies and only release old, outdated ones. Benefiting from the resources their vassals offer to them, the Empire then helps them raise their standards of living. It may seem like a mutually beneficial relationship at a glance, but the vassals are always at the worst end with the gap ever increasing. In other words, there is no end to the suffering of the vassals. On top of that, if one country were to stop receiving these technology grants, then they'd fall behind in development in comparison with their neighbors. If they let go of their lead in development, their national power would diminish.
Without waiting for input from the vassal states, the Empire could easily stop the export of shipments of developed tools like nails and such. Here, the Empire was thorough in implementing its diplomacy of fear. With this, there shouldn't be any countries standing up to them.
However, the Topan ambassador let out an unpleasant grin on his face.
"'Tech,' you say...? Level of technology alone cannot substitute for the happiness of one's people. We will stop our shipment of slaves and the Empire will cease its technology grants to us. That will be all."
It was an unthinkably gutsy remark from a Topan diplomatic envoy.
"Oh? Then from this point on, you will be on your own in procuring arms, goods, and everything else. Who cares if you'll come back crying to us!"
The ambassador, unfazed by the Foreign Affairs personnel's striking statement, hurled back a statement of his own.
"You do know that we have a relationship with Historia, right?"
With a hmph, the Topan ambassador left the reception office.
Place: Cafetaria, Foreign Affairs Ministry
Break time.
During lunchtime, the cafeteria would be bustling with activity, but now it's mostly filled with personnel tired from endless work. They made small talk as they ate their lunches.
"Don't you think those barbarians have been really insubordinate lately?"
"Yeah. It's been painfully obvious this past month."
"Mmm. Back then, they'd gobble up every demand we'd make but then yesterday... Four months ago, one of them even told us this "You do know we have a relationship with Historia, right?" Those bastards from Sios!"
"What? The Topan ambassador said the same thing earlier! They even said that they don't need our tech! Their reason is because they have a diplomatic relationship with Historia. Do you know what that is?"
"Nah. No clue."
"Me too."
"Yeah, me neither."
"Ah!"
Raita let out a surprised yell, earning the attention of the rest of the cafeteria that suddenly stopped and looked toward him. Embarrassed, he finished his leftovers and left, preparing himself that he'd have to do a lot of reports.
Meanwhile, with KVL Shadow Division...
"Tell me the current political status in this Dimension."
"The Alliance's sphere of influence grew big enough to threaten Parpaldian hegemony."
"The more we confuse them, the better. What's next?"
"Topa Kingdom have confirmed that they will no longer submit to Parpaldia Empire ever since they became one of the Defense Council's members."
"Good work, Anbu. Keep it up. Report to me once you find something new."
"Will do, Master. Resuming the mission."
Soon after, this 'Master' contacted someone.
"Matara, start finding out what the Milishials got. Yakumo will deal with the Southern Superpower."
"It's finally time, huh... Got it, Kuroshin'en. I bet Ibaraki will be able to contact the Emorians."
Date: October 14th, HS 2069/CC 1639
Location: Eshtirant, Parpaldia Empire, Third Civilization Area
Place: 1st Foreign Affairs Office
The 1st Foreign Affairs Office was in the worst of shapes due to chaos. The reason for this was the loss of Leifor, one of the two Superpowers of the Second Civilization Area, to an unknown country known as Gra Valkas Empire. On the 7th day Of Month 9, the ambassador of Parpaldia to Leifor hurriedly returned home, saying that something weird had happened in Leifor. They felt that nothing much came from that area of the world for the longest time until word reached them via Information Bureau that Leifor lost in a war, coupled with them already under the process of being turned into a colony. In between the two Superpowers, in terms of scope, the Parpaldians are far above the Leiforians, but in terms of naval equipment, the two are relatively similar. Both employ the Tears of the Wind God to propel their sails and while the Empire's are better, beyond that, it wasn't a stretch to say that these Superpowers are on equal footing. Furthermore, one unbelievable fact was that Gra Valkas Empire was said to have employed two ships, a super colossal battleship called Grade Atlastar and an unknown ship of different design called Palanquin, to annihilate Leiforian fleet, defend against waves of Wyvern Lord attacks, and then finally lay waste to the capital, Leiforia, reducing it to ashes. This super powerful Superpower that possesses such powerful battleships was said to have suddenly appeared far off to the west.
Unknown to them, Gra Valkas Empire have established diplomatic relationship with Historia Shoukan Dominion three months before the subjugation of Leifor, which allows Palanquin to assist Grade Atlastar.
1st Foreign Affairs Office Director Elt felt a bad hunch. She's also heard of the 3rd Foreign Affairs Office's Imperial Oversight Army's defeat when they went on to conduct a punitive strike on Fenn to the east. She wondered if Gra Valkas Empire had a hand in supporting the nation that defeated the Oversight Army. Elt's body shook as she summoned one of the staff members.
"Gather more information on Gra Valkas Empire! Get Information Bureau, National Strategy Bureau, the military, everyone! Get everyone investigating this matter!"
At that point, another staff member came in with correspondence in hand.
"Director! A peculiar report seems to be mixed in with a letter addressed to the 3rd Office! Could it be related...?"
"This...!"
The sender was a person named Valhal from National Strategy Bureau. He was appointed as an observer to the Lourians during Rodenius Grand Naval Battle, a battle said to have been fought between Louria and Qua-Toyne.
"The direct cause for the Oversight Army' loss were Gra Valkas and a nation called Historia."
According to Valhal's correspondence, the one that fought Louria in Rodenius Grand Naval Battle wasn't Qua-Toyne, but a nation called Historia. While the battle report sent to National Strategy Bureau was genuine, its contents were frantically filled with completely unbelievable things. Furthermore, they placed him on leave since they suspected him of having a mental ailment, and utilized his report to independently investigate Fenn. The result of such a judgement was the loss of the Oversight Army to Gra Valkas and Historia.
Seeing the contents of the correspondence, Elt's eyes widened more than usual.
"Investigate this nation as well! While you're at it, inquire National Strategy Bureau about the contents of this letter and report this to His Highness, the Emperor! It's uncanny for the Bureau to keep silent about the existence of this 'Historia'."
Parpaldia Empire has finally begun its true investigation into the identity of Historia Alliance.
Date: October 28th, HS 2069/CC 1639
Location: Eshtirant, Parpaldia Empire, Third Civilization Area
Place: 1st Foreign Affairs Office Conference Room
The 1st Foreign Affairs Office, as part of the investigation into Historia ordered by Office Director Elt, summoned several people from the uncivilized areas through the 3rd Foreign Affairs Office which had a brush with the nation of Historia. Personnel Coalasho and Cosshe served as the interviewers.
"Sir Coalasho... It's just as we expected... All of this information is worthless."
As to whether Historia was regulating the spread of information during Rodenius War, they could only get weird and eccentric testimonies. One of them said that a force of over 200,000 soldiers was wiped out as a unit with multiple sky barrages. Another one said that the castle was raided in broad daylight. It is for this reason that the two hate dealing with people from outside the civilized areas. However, among these was one statement that seems to back Valhal's report, so their efforts don't seem to be in vain. Furthermore, no matter who they asked among those in the Oversight Army, they would always offer stupid statements like "they warned us before they attacked" or "they hit every single shot." It was bone-breakingly hard to scrutinize all of it.
"Yeah... Well, it's normal for information to be 99% worthless, so let's be patient."
"Yeah."
Coalasho then looked at the documents from the next interviewee.
"Oh! This one's interesting! Look!"
Cosshe then looked over, seeing the name "Adem" written on the document. He was a former military commander of Louria Kingdom who attacked Qua-Toyne, but failed to occupy Gim during the invasion. He was also a ruthless man. After the Eastern Advance Force was wiped out and realizing the futility of his own force, he faked setting out to Hark Castle to request reinforcements when he only left the Eastern Subjugation Army HQ to get away from the bombing. After that, along with a small force of a few hundred people, he defected to Parpaldia where he remains to this day. The one that sent him to the 1st Foreign Affairs Department was the General Staff HQ of the military. Having contacted the HQ countless times, they found Adem a nuisance, but the National Strategy Bureau, fearing that his presence may expose their relationship with Louria, had him sent instead to Foreign Affairs Ministry.
"Next."
"I'm Adem. Pleased to make your acquaintance."
While he was respectful, the two shuddered since the man radiated a foul energy everywhere else. He then sat down on the chair that was some distance away from the two, after which Cosshe began rapidly asking questions.
"It seems that you have fought with the nation of Historia before. Please do tell us more about what happened."
Adem explained in depth to the best of his knowledge from their attack on Gim to the annihilation of the Eastern Advance Force.
"... With that said, the reason why Louria lost was because of Historia."
"Hmm... I see."
While there weren't any lies with Adem's explanation of what happened, it doesn't mean that he accurately grasped Historia's military might.
He received reports that multiple iron dragons appeared and he advised them to retreat. Then, before they knew it, the advance force was annihilated, then later the main force. It's reasonable then that he could not have known about them. Naturally, Coalasho and Cosshe dismissed the validity of Adem's testimony, judging it to be useless information. Adem's unit may have been wiped out by a long range attack by way of a magic cannon. If the ones being attacked are unaware of such a weapon, it is only natural for them to not understand what's going on.
As the two sighed in disappointment, Adem then got to the problem at hand.
"Those bastards are undeniably powerful. Unfortunately still, my beloved country is one from outside the civilized areas. However, if it's the powerful, mighty army of Parpaldia Empire, the strongest superpower of Third Civilization Area, then maybe Historia could be destroyed."
He knows not how strong Historia really is but if it's Parpaldia, the Superpower, then they may be able to do something against Historia. At least that's what Adem thought. In this world, the label of a Superpower is great.
"Our military will win. That is obvious. The problem is how much we will suffer in order to win."
"Indeed..."
'But then what's the point?'
To Adem, who thinks of soldiers as disposable, replaceable means to an end, he found it difficult to understand the thinking in modern warfare.
"By the way, Sir Coalasho, despite me being from an uncivilized country, I too am a military commander... Could you perhaps give me a chance to vindicate my honor?"
"Heh..."
Coalasho laughed as he looked down on Adem but then he also felt pity for the man.
"Look, Adem, you may have experience in leadership, but the difference in tactics, operations, material, and weapons between an uncivilized nation and a Superpower is just too much. The difference extends to the dimensions of warfighting itself. We may be Foreign Affairs personnel and not military men but even if you say you have experience in commanding troops, if our military were to enlist someone from another nation, then-"
He let out a pfft before continuing.
"... Then they would have to be someone from a country that's the same level of civilization as us. Moreover, we can't let you, someone who has no abilities, to be given state-of-the-art weaponry from our military. Please do understand."
Adem strongly curled his hands into a fist after hearing directly from the men themselves that the empire has no need for an incompetent person who can't understand the operation of high quality troops.
"I... I've come to this place in disgrace together with my men, who have pledged their loyalty to me... I don't want your men. I only want to fight within your ranks. Me and my men will make do with our own equipment. Please do consider... Could you forward my request to the General Staff HQ?"
Coalasho thought for a bit.
Although he may be from Louria, a barbaric country from outside the civilized areas, he is still a former military commander. A deputy general even. He may not be useful, but in terms of outward appearance, if he could be a basis for showing off their "multi-national army," then there may be situations where they may be useful for making deals with other countries go smoothly.
"I'll try forwarding your request to my superiors. We can't decide this on our own."
"Thank you."
"However, speaking from my experience, you will not be permitted to fight under the banner of the Empire. If perhaps you are indeed permitted, then I think it would only be possible if you'd raise your own flag."
"That's enough. Pleasure doing business."
Just like that, the request of Louria's former ruthless commander, Adem, was forwarded to the General Staff HQ.
As the interview concluded, a certain Void Summoner grimaced from the shadows.
'This isn't good... That snake is back! Master won't like this. And I hope the Aincrads will be okay, because the Parpaldians finally decided to buckle up.'
Location: Port City Cartalpas, Holy Milishial Empire, First Civilization Area
Place: A certain tavern
First Civilization Area, known colloquially as "Central World," is home to Holy Milishial Empire, recognized by everyone to be the world's strongest nation. Even amongst nations inside the civilized areas, their magic-based technology is superior, evident in their usage of such technologies in their cities where magic lighting decorate the streets. To the south of this empire is Port City Cartalpas, which has become a Trade Hub. Merchants from all over the world gather at this city all year round, carrying with them information from distant lands. Since they were valued as sources of information, spies from all over the world blend into these merchants to listen in on their talks.
At a certain tavern, drunk merchants were exchanging information amongst themselves. One of them, a bearded man with a beer cask-like body, was talking splendidly.
"... You see, if we're talking about shocking recent news, then we'd have to go with how Second Civilization Area Superpower Leifor lost to an emerging country to the ends of the west, that nation they call the "Eighth Empire." Is there someone here who knows anything about the "Eighth Empire?""
A pale-faced man draped with robes responded.
"They call it the "Eighth Empire," but its true name seems to be Gra Valkas Empire."
"Oh? That's interesting. Tell me more."
The fat merchant gave a sign to the bartender and the robed man was given alcohol. Talking had a price, after all.
"I was trading spices in Leiforia. I will never forget that day... Almost two months prior, the security around the capital suddenly became stricter. Do you know of the magic cannons used for defending the capital?"
The robed man asked as he took in the alcohol.
"Those batteries, huh. Since there's no one stupid enough to attack a Superpower, they only brought those things up sometimes..."
"Indeed. In just a few hours, large numbers of men and reserve magic cannons were brought in. They even got the Wyvern Lords out from their many bases around the capital. Even the people of the capital were wondering what was going on."
Before they knew it, the tavern started to get quieter.
"Even if we ask the soldiers, they'd all say that they can't talk. There were those that wondered if a country was going to attack, but since everyone believed that the Superpower Leifor would come out on top, no one felt anxious. Then, we finally got to the evening of the next day, where the weird things started happening."
The robed man drank his cocktail in one go, drowning his lips and throat in alcohol. His mouth then began to tremble as he conveyed an unwipable terror.
"At about noon, the Wyvern Lords began forming into countless formations before heading out to sea... They never returned. At that moment in time, I should have noticed that something was off. A few hours later, unbelievable things appeared. They were massive battleships. They were like small mountains, and they had abnormally massive guns that were visible even from land. It was the first time that I've seen such massive ships..."
When they heard "battleship," some of them thought that it was a colossal ship of the line, while there were others who immediately thought of Holy Milishial Empire's proud magic battleships.
"The battleships stopped some 6km away from the city. They were completely outside the range of the batteries. Then, the bombardment started."
While the robed man had already downed some alcohol, his already pale face began to get even paler.
"You'd think that a bombardment from two ships would just be that, right? However, the power of those ships made it seem like not even the god of fire could compete. The batteries were all wiped out in a single salvo."
The tavern was already silent but after hearing the last sentence, the place once again erupted in chatter. Even if the man's statement may be absurd, after seeing how scared the man was, they started suspecting if he had lost it.
"The indiscriminate shellings they hurled at Leiforia were downright scary. I ran and ran and ran. Those bastards were strong. Two ships wiped out the capital of a Superpower! Even Superpower Mu would lose to such power! This world may very well kneel to Gra Valkas Empire..."
Having finished his cocktail, the man clutched his head and bent down on the table. He made it known that he experienced an unusual terror, but the merchants around him did not exactly get the message.
"Wait wait. Yes, they've won against Leifor, and that means that they're strong, but there's no way that they'd win against Holy Milishial Empire, the pinnacle of magic super civilization. Their ranks are just simply too far apart from one another."
"Even the mechanical civilization of Mu is about as strong as Milishial. Even if you say that they're permanently neutral or are pacifist, Mu being behind the likes of a barbaric country from the uncivilized areas is unthinkable."
The merchants nodded their heads in agreement.
"... And yet Leifor lost to that 'barbarian'..."
"Even if it's a Superpower, Leifor is... This is a bad way of putting it, but among the Superpowers, it's the weakest. Compared to any other country it is extremely strong, but against other Superpowers, it is inferior in every scope."
"It's simply not like that. You guys don't know how terrifying Gra Valkas Empire is so you couldn't afford to say something like that."
Raising his head from the table, the man groaned as he hurled back at the merchants. He would no longer talk about Gra Valkas Empire any more than what he had already said. In a bid to change the atmosphere, the fat merchant sought to change the topic with the merchants next to him.
"Right, have you guys heard of Louria Kingdom?"
"Those barbarians to the east? Those guys sure are mighty ambitious in the uncivilized areas."
"Yeah. When I was there for business, they were picking a fight with the country next door, Qua-Toyne. They were going on about the annihilation of demi-humans or something."
"Annihilation of demi-humans? That sorta thing is impossible. Hmph, just as much as you could expect from a barbaric country!"
"Then, an emerging nation called Historia joined the fight and won easily. Against Louria, that is. I heard that they were overwhelmingly powerful. The Lourians couldn't even kill a single one of their soldiers, and even their 4,400 ship fleet was reduced to a quarter of its size by seventeen ships. Those bastards may soon make their names known throughout the world."
The fat man's ramblings were so dubious that the other merchants around him expressed their disbelief through their expressions.
"Not losing a single soldier or having seventeen ships go against 4,400 ships and win is just information manipulation, no matter how much you twist it. It's just too impossible."
"Louria lost? Against a Superpower or maybe even a country from the civilized areas is understandable but against another uncivilized country? Unbelievable! This Historia must be a bigger nation."
"Well, no matter how strong Gra Valkas Empire or this Historia are, Holy Milishial Empire is way above them both. They'll absolutely win over them. In summary, the Central World will always be peaceful! That's of course given that the Ancient Sorcerous Empire isn't coming back."
The hearty gossips of the drunkards continued on well into the night as two certain person discuss about the current events.
"Looks like we got their attention."
"No wonder the Sages decided to assign our Master to acquire intel in this region, since the 'strongest' country always have some backdoors hidden in plain sight."
"You're right. Anyway, we should report to her."
"Okay. Let's go, Mai."
"Right, Satono."
The Backup Dancers then returns to Ushirodo-no-Kuni to report to their Master.
Location: Otaheit, Mu, Second Civilization Area
Place: Communications Division, Information Analysis Bureau
In a world where magic-based civilization became mainstream, Mu, strongest Superpower of Second Civilization Area, was the only one that discovered the usefulness of science, and so they have become a nation whose power was based on the development of machinery and science-based technology. People who are experts in analyzing information work in Information Analysis Bureau, Mu's intelligence organ. Here, huge amounts of information from various countries of the world are gathered for information experts to analyze day and night. Ordinary military men would look in from the outside and conclude that they don't understand what the Bureau is doing or that whatever they're doing must be meaningless. Despite being the only scientific nation throughout all of the civilized areas, their understanding of information technology was poor. Tech Officer Myrus Leclerc, who was also an information analyst, was examining two magic pictures (pictures captured magically; its form is close to the modern instant cameras) of Grade Atlastar, Gra Valkas Empire's Super Dreadnought, and Palanquin, Gensokyo Union Fighters' Super Battleship, taken during the attack on Leiforia. Looking at the pictures, he started sweating profusely.
"This is bad..."
It was unbelievable, but it seems that Gra Valkas Empire and Historia Shoukan Dominion are ahead of Mu in terms of scientific civilization. Even if he were to report the results of his analysis, the military or the politicians, since they're so hard-headed, would just deny his report and call him out for being fazed by some weak airs. Whether it was the analysis or the thought of making the report, his stomach churned in pain. The fact that Gra Valkas' Imperial Intellegence Bureau maintained contact with Mu's Information Analysis Bureau remains a tightly kept secret.
Since La Kasami, Mu's state-of-the-art battleship, is to possess guns that break the limits of guns that are mounted on conventional ships of the lines, they've undertaken the development of ship hulls that would house modern combat weapons. To mount massive guns on it, they needed to put the guns on the deck itself rather than on the sides of the hull. Since it would become top heavy and the hull would need to withstand the recoil of the guns, they were able to achieve the development of steel-based hulls, which were the product of their steel technologies. Furthermore, while Mu possessed the technology to develop the steam engine, which rivals the performance of Tears of the Wind God, it was insufficient for moving their steel-hulled ships, so they developed a newly introduced internal combustion engine which gains power from burning heavy fuel. With this, they were able to finally mount 305mm ultra colossal guns on their ships. Since the barrels of the guns themselves were far longer than the guns mounted on conventional ships of the line, their accuracy was also dramatically better. Additionally, they made use of brand new mechanisms called turrets, which far expanded the tactics they could employ in battle.
Length: 131.7m
Beam: 23.2m
Power: 15,000 hp
Displacement: 15,140t
Max. speed: 18 knots
Weaponry: 2x twin 305mm guns (primary), 14x single 152mm guns (primary), 20x single 76 mm guns (secondary), 12x single 47 mm guns (secondary)
(AN: Wait, isn't that the specs of Japanese pre-dreadnought battleship, Mikasa?!)
With these specs, they could match magic-based ships of Holy Milishial Empire. It may even be better. There was no need for mentioning its abilities in outdoing the sail ships from Leifor and Parpaldia. Mu, being the most developed mechanical civilization, possesses a different characteristic for power from the other superpowers, with Holy Milishial Empire being the only nation that possesses the capabilities of coming close.
'Still...'
Myrus scratched his head.
Gra Valkas Empire's Super Dreadnought, Grade Atlastar, can go up to 30 knots according to their information. Given its size, its displacement should be around 70,000 tons. Its guns may be around 380mm or maybe even 400mm. For such a massive ship to be able to go 30 knots... Just how much power does it need? Even their approximations would require around 150,000 horsepower. Moreover, the number of guns on it is dramatically high. The power of the bombardment is proportional to the cube of the caliber. In other words, if this battleship were to fight with La Kasami, it would surely come out on top. As long as no miracles occurred, La Kasami will be wiped off from the ocean surface. A ship that has so many hi-tech technologies on it may likely even have technologies that enhance its accuracy.
Then there's Palanquin, GUF Super Battleship. Myrus is totally at loss since the design alone shows that Palanquin is even more hi-tech than Grade Atlastar. Not to mention the different gun placements in addition of peculiar weapons in said ship that allows her to help Gra Valkas' AA guns take down Leiforian Wyvern Lords. Unlike Grade Atlastar, no further information about Palanquin is known.
"It's already clear from the picture that we won't win... Could there be a 50 year gap in technology standards?!"
Tech Officer Myrus got so fed up with analyzing the pictures of Grade Atlastar and Palanquin that he threw them off to one end of his table. Leaning his back on the backrest of his cheap-looking chair, the wood produced some creaking sounds. Swiftly turning towards the document desk behind him, he saw a picture of a ship spread out amongst the other documents. It was from a country that was far from Mu, situated in a place where they have no direct influence. It entered into the war between the eastern uncivilized countries of Louria and Qua-Toyne (Quila also seemed to be more or less a recipient of the declaration of war) and overturned the expectations of everyone who believed that Louria would emerge victorious. What surprises him is the fact that the ship from the picture is in fact, not the capital ship. According to the documents attached to it, the ship was called Horizon Destroyer and its country of origin was called Historia.
"Hmm... I don't get it."
From looks alone, the hull of the ship was massive, but it only had a single gun mounted on a single turret at the forward deck. It must be good at rapid-firing or maybe they were confident in its accuracy. Still, even in terms of rapid-firing, it was more destructive to have two guns mounted instead of one and the chances of hitting would also double. He couldn't understand the design philosophy behind it. Maybe it was as simple as the gun being expensive, so they could only afford to mount one of them. The ship also had a multitude of other equipment mounted elsewhere on the hull that at a glance he did not understand nor recognize. Furthermore, to his shock, a peculiar aircraft is decked on the ship.
"A country that I couldn't understand has emerged..."
Myrus's anguish continued.
Runepolis (Milishial, First Area) and Otaheit (Mu, Second Area) are now following the progression of the shadow war between Esthirant (Parpaldia, Third Area) and Rairekishigaku (Historia, Zeroth Area).