Historia Shoukan Chapter 14
A Glimpse of Ravernal Remnants
Date: December 1st, HS 2069/CC 1639
Location: Qua-Toyne Principality, Zeroth Civilization Area
The Great Eastern Conference was a meeting provisionally held when something of great importance had happened. The participants were countries from outside the civilized areas close to the Third Civilization Area. Since the advocates of this conference were from the start uncivilized nations, Parpaldia Empire and nations from inside the civilized areas never partook in it, declaring that the conference was "unnecessary and meaningless". Since there's never a participant that's a civilized nation, the nations in this conference unusually vent out their true selves in this comparatively open discussion. In the conferences up to that point, Parpaldia Empire's actions have always been the primary topic, but this time was different. The centerpiece of this conference is the sudden emergence of a new country called Historia and the proclamation of Zeroth Civilization Area.
Outside the venue, Historia Alliance dispatched some units to act as security force. None of these units came from UNM. In fact, they came from GUF Joint Divisions. Most of the Guards were stationed at Fenn to prepare for the invasion from Parpaldia, so the unit being sent here are actually fairy troops, since Rodenius Continent is already secured and firmly under the Alliance's sphere of influence. Two of the fairy regiments are interacting with each other. This is a direct request from the Alliance Leaders. Unless the Alliance is at war, UNM won't be called.
The Alliance even sent Lucy Thesda, one of GUF Vanguards, to attend the conference as gesture of solidarity. In addition, Gra Valkas also sent a representative as well.
"We will now begin the Great Eastern Conference."
The facilitator, the host country Qua-Toyne, got the ball rolling on the conversation. Documents detailing the representative events caused by Historia up to that point were distributed to each country's representative. Written in those documents are the following:
- Historia is an emerging country that suddenly appeared in the great ocean to the east. According to them, they were transferred to this world. However, since the transference of nations was only seen before in mythology, there's no historical basis for that claim. To mitigate this, the Alliance decided to invite the leadership of Qua-Toyne, Quila, Fenn, and Gahara to visit one of their homeworld, Earth, to prove their claim.
- First contact with Historia was when a dragon knight from Qua-Toyne discovered an iron dragon/aircraft from Historia.
- Requesting an enormous sum of food from Qua-Toyne, Historia began to export infrastructure to Qua-Toyne.
- Two months after contact, Rodenius's strongest country, Louria, declared war on Qua-Toyne and Quila.
- Taking the side of Qua-Toyne and Quila, Historia fought against Louria. It's believed that their reason for doing so is to "secure food supplies". However, much to the representatives' surprise, Lucy states that the real reason is the fact that Louria also considers Historia as enemy because they also have demi-humans in their ranks. Since both Qua-Toyne and Quila already allied to Historia, the lattermost is obligated to defend them.
- To prove their sincerity, Historia dispatches Magus Trio Joint Forces to protect Gim and send seventeen ships to protect Port Maihark. (Video submitted by Historia as proof.)
- In the Rodenius Grand Naval Battle, seventeen ships from Historia Shoukan Dominion Navy turned back a Lourian fleet of 4,400 ships, capturing 2,000 of them, and dealt a great blow to their wyvern corps by capturing all of the wyverns sent to reinforce the fleet. (Video submitted by Historia as proof.)
- After the sea battle, during the first day of Month 5, there was a battle at the border of Qua-Toyne town of Gim where Magus Trio forces completely eliminated Louria's advance force, essentially decided the war. Furthermore, according to an eyewitness account, they employed intense explosive magic that made it seem as if a volcano erupted below the enemy camp. In fact, said 'explosive magic' came from UNM artillery placements. (Video submitted by Historia as proof.)
- Following this, Magus Trio forces and Scarlet Defense Army invaded Louria and managed to defeat both the Subjugation Army and Southern Army before setting a camp near Jin-Hark. (Event submitted by Historia with video attached as proof.)
- Precisely at Day 8 of Month 5, Historia initiated Operation Trident Fall. The combined land assault from Gensokyo forces (Magus Trio and Scarlet Army) and UN naval invasion managed to further cripple Lourian land forces and navy while at the same time a task force assaulted Hark Castle and successfully captured Hark XXXIV, thus ending the war. (Event submitted by Historia with video attached as proof.)
- A Dragon Division from Historia that were participating in Fenn's military festival captured the Wyvern Lord unit sent by Parpaldia Empire's Imperial Oversight Army in a short span of time. This is supported by the outcome of the conflict in Rodenius.
- Prior to it, Shihan, Sword King of Fenn, proclaimed that Historia is the leader of the Zeroth Civilization Area, and the feat mentioned in the point above only further reinforce his proclamation.
"Many of the participant nations here right now currently have relations with Historia and what they all recognize is that Historia possesses unbelievable amounts of power."
Hanki from Qua-Toyne added.
"I'd like to ask for the perception of the other participants."
At the facilitator's urging, the representative of Mao Kingdom raised their hand.
"We haven't opened relations with Historia yet and we deem them a dangerous entity. Our reason is that they single-handedly defeated Louria. With such overwhelming power, they wiped out the main force of a nation as big as Louria in just a single battle. When and why such a powerful entity has befallen upon us is unknown, but there are proofs that they came from another world. Just by that alone, they're simply too much of a danger."
Lucy raises her brows when she heard that remark, and she can't exactly refute it.
Hearing this, the representative from Topa Kingdom raised their hand.
"We represent Topa Kingdom. We have never considered Historia to be dangerous. As long as they don't get attacked, they will never use military force. Furthermore, books detailing their super technology are normally sold in bookstores in their nation and they don't stop other countries from buying them. With just them being there, the countries that form a relationship with them could enjoy better technological levels and they have a higher technological level over Parpaldia."
Hearing Topa's defense and advocacy of Historia, positive comments regarding them were made one by one.
"We represent Sios Kingdom. We agree with Topa. As long as we don't attack them, they will not do anything to us. Unlike Parpaldia, they will never ask for slaves in exchange for tech handovers or trade. As for Louria, they only seemed to have acted in defense of Qua-Toyne and Quila since they're allied to them. After they defeated Louria, they approached us and even compensate our economy loss by opening trade and diplomatic relationship with us. They're just too advanced in terms of civilization."
"One of our diplomats found a book called 'History of Weapons' in one of Historia bookstore. It would have been nice to introduce it here for reference but the 'flintlock musket' state-of-the-art weapon from Parpaldia was detailed there. From their perspective, it was a weapon from more than three centuries ago and is currently valued only as an antique. I don't know much about their military but from the technology side, the state-of-the-art weapons of the Superpowers are nothing more than 300 year old antiques to them. So indeed... They are just too advanced. Additionally, they also upgraded the military arsenals of every countries that have joined the Defense Council, us included."
The ones in favor of Historia agreed to this.
"In that case... If someone like them, who easily capture a Superpower's Wyvern Lord unit, were to attack us, we can clearly say that we have no means of doing anything against them. Even with all of us combined we are weaker than the entirety of the Lourian army and even they didn't inflict any casualties to Historia. It's more constructive to think of how to get along with them than considering a reaction against a foe we cannot beat."
"We represent Qua-Toyne Principality. We have imported various infrastructures from their nation and our living standards continue to dramatically rise. I think that we should all receive them as friends."
"We represent Awan Kingdom. We all should make good use of Historia to stop the threat and rampage of the Parpaldia Empire. For this past decade, the Empire has done more than enough."
"That's what we intend to do."
All of the representatives immediately look at Lucy.
"We agree with Awan Kingdom's representative. We don't care whether you establish diplomatic relation with us or not, but as long as you don't attack us, we won't retaliate. We stopped Parpaldia Empire's punitive strike against Fenn Kingdom because the latter is our ally, and we're obligated to defend them. And recently, we agreed to establish Altaras government-in-exile after Parpaldia invaded and subjugated their mainland. Currently, we're maintaining contact with their resistance movement."
Mao Kingdom's representative are gob-smacked upon hearing this. Their advocacy of Historia being a threat is overturned in an instant. Lucy then continues.
"All of you must've heard about the Fall of Leifor and how they were defeated by two ships. This might surprise you, but one of those ships belongs to us, and the other ship belongs to what you call 'the Eighth Empire'. Their true name is Gra Valkas Empire, and like all of us here, their mainland is located outside the civilized areas, which is why we decided to extend the conference invitation to them."
Nodding in agreement, Gra Valkas representative then speaks.
"We represent Gra Valkas Empire. I'm sure many of you already saw our ships during Fenn's military festival. We also have a hand in repelling Parpaldia Empire's punitive strike by immobilizing their fleet while Historia deal with their wyverns. We already established diplomatic relation with Historia about two months prior to our subjugation of Paganda Kingdom and Leifor, the former Superpower of Second Civilization. As of why we're doing this, it's because Paganda commits a lèse-majesté against our Emperor. We're telling you this because we also belonged to the Zeroth Civilization Area, just like you all. We sincerely hope that our own Civilization Area can stand up against those who dare belittle us, and wish Historia good luck in their endeavor against Parpaldia."
The representative from Awan Kingdom then clap their hands in respect, followed by the rest of the representatives.
Those in the Conference altogether proclaimed that Historia must not be made an enemy and that they must carefully look over the course of events regarding Parpaldia Empire, especially since Historia already stated that they will deal with them as leading power of Zeroth Civilization Area. In addition, they will also welcome Historia and Gra Valkas to the next Great Eastern Conference should a major event happened.
"Hohoho... I remembered something that brought a tear to my eye."
After the Great Eastern Conference, the Topan ambassador remembered a report from a military official in a conference with the king near the end of Month 9.
"... That was all to report regarding the battle. The Imperial Oversight Army's Wyvern Lords were captured by Historia's Dragon in the skies over the capital of Fenn."
"You expect me to believe this?! Do you understand how hard it is to take down just a single Wyvern Lord from a Superpower?! If an entire army was sent to bring down one, it would have been a cause for celebration! Now you're saying a no-name, emerging country managed to capture ALL 22 Wyvern Lords from a Wyvern Lord unit?! HAHAHA! You're reading too many stories! You must be exhausted. Go take a rest."
Nobody believed the military official's report.
In the end, the contents of this report were confirmed through meetings with other countries and was then recognized as astonishing facts. Even in the other countries, no one believed such reports at first. The results which pointed to a unit from a Superpower being captured have overturned their common perception. Historia's technology was advanced, but no one knew the scope of their military. When the aggressive and powerful Parpaldia Empire does take them seriously, they need to know whether they possess the power to truly beat them back.
After hearing that Shihan, the Sword King of Fenn, proclaimed that Historia is the leading power of the newly-formed Zeroth Civilization Area, many countries outside the Three Civilization Areas began to establish relationship with the Dominion, with some, including Topa, applied for membership in the Defense Council.
"The world... will soon change."
The Topan ambassador was lost in thought contemplating the future of the world.
Date: December 4th, HS 2069/CC 1639
Location: Rairekishigaku, Hakurei Territory, Togoku Region, Historia Shoukan Dominion, Zeroth Civilization Area
"Thank you for going so far to prepare me clothing."
Lumies changed into the clothing brought in by one of the Outsiders: an all-white apparel consisting of a fluffy sweater on top of a blouse and a knee-high frilly skirt. She was even given a coat. As Lumies was a beauty, her tidiness remarkably stood out. Thinking that she stood out too much, Lilceide got worried.
"Since Historia is safe, you need not worry. On the contrary, you would stand out if you wore something befitting of an Altaran royalty."
Said Outsider giggled.
As for Lumies, this was her first outing in Historia mainland. She felt disappointed either from the position of her hospital room or the fact that she could only see the outer walls of buildings from her window. A sightseeing desire flared up in her chest as she wondered what sights await her outside. Today's itinerary would be traveling using a transport called a car. After she does some sightseeing around Rairekishigaku, learning about common knowledge and practice in Historia, she would then move to a house in the temporary residence area prepared by the Alliance Leaders and begin her new life. There, it appears she will be briefed regarding the international state of affairs by the Outsiders. Since she already knew about the state of her Kingdom, she has no choice but to do as Historia says.
After they were done, they exited from the room and out into the hallway. There stood Lilceide in an unfamiliar getup. She was wearing what was called a suit, a formal wear in Historia. Since she was basically Lumies's escort, the Outsiders thought that a suit might suit her.
"Pfft... That does suit you, Lilceide."
Lilceide's face turned red. She was both embarrassed at wearing civilian clothing that she wasn't used to and surprised at how cute Lumies looked in her getup.
"Let's be off, then."
Following the direction of the Outsiders and exiting the entrance, Lumies was taken aback by her surroundings. The hospital she stayed in exceeded ten floors in height and was a colossal establishment reminiscent of a castle. Then, all around her she saw clumps of high-rise buildings which seemed to tower into the heavens. Looking up at the sky, gigantic iron birds flew across the great blue as they made thunderous, ear-piercing sounds. The level of development of this civilization was almost as if it were another world. Running on top of the seamless ground that was so flat it almost seemed like a single bar of stone was an object that moved without any horses towing it and it approached them without any sound. Its wheels were small, but it still didn't make any noise.
"Lilceide... Is that a mechanical carriage?"
"I'm afraid so... Your Highness has been given various sorts of transport before but even I could not understand what that is..."
"Amazing... I have never seen it myself before but I thought that this piece of technology only existed in Mu."
"I thought that too when I first saw them. It seems that Historia possesses technology that is on equal footing with the Superpowers."
On this day, Lumies was guided towards many sorts of places. Visiting various museums in Rairekishigaku, she was able to come into contact with much of the history and technology. For every single thing she saw and experienced, she expressed a lot of interest and was taken aback on each turn as she experienced the fairytale-like national power of this country.
With the help of this country, we may be able to save the Kingdom…
Such a thought lingered in Lumies' heart.
After wrapping up their sightseeing, Lumies and Lilceide were able to settle down in their lodgings in the residence area. There, one of the Outsiders was waiting for them and after introducing to them the housekeepers that will be with them for the rest of their stay, the y began explaining the current affairs.
"Based from what we currently know, Altaras Kingdom has lost the war and become a province of Parpaldia Empire."
Their words greatly perturbed Lumies's heart.
The result of the decisive battle by Altaran army against Parpaldia was a tragic defeat. Following that was the tragic ending of the royal family, save for her and her father. Her beloved kingdom was attacked by a Superpower and completely stamped out.
'I must do something... But...'
Lumies felt pain at her own powerlessness. From that day forward, she closed herself from the outside and wept.
Date: December 5th, HS 2069/CC 1639
Location: Tormeus, Topa Kingdom, Zeroth Civilization Area
Place: Doors to the World
To the west of Historia was Philades Continent. Located on its northeastern end is an isthmus the size of Shikoku. Connecting it to the rest of Philades Continent was a 30km long, narrow strip of land that was only 200m across. That kingdom was Topa Kingdom. Further northeast to it was another 100m narrow strip of land extending 40km to Grameus Continent to the northeast.
In that continent, there were no kingdoms of men or demihumans, for that was a land inhabited by living beings colloquially known as "magical beasts." If any Alliance personnel were to sum them up in one word, they'd be "ferals". Possessing no intelligence, most of them, save for some parts, are not capable of speaking. If they come across one of the races, they will attack them using their superior physical attributes.
As for Historia Alliance, they do have a race called 'Oni'. Most Onis are currently under GUF jurisdiction because of their strength. There is another race that is exclusive to Makai, one of GUF realms. By Shoukan designation, both races are considered 'demons'. Currently, many of the Onis have joined their race Division from GUF Joint Divisions program, while Makai already have a sizable standing force since 2006.
Soon after Topa join the Defense Council, the Alliance immediately starts a recon operation on Grameus Continent. From the report itself, there are several ferals that are roaming the vicinity of the Doors to the World. They also found out that there are two civilizations on the continent. To the Alliance's surprise, one of these civilizations are comprised of Onis, which made Yuugi Hoshiguma interested.
In the northern parts of the Topa Kingdom was a fortress city known as Tormeus. In the days of old, the races built a wall called the "Doors to the World" that stretched along the narrow stretch of land that connected the Topa Kingdom with the magical beast paradise that was the Grameus continent. Tormeus exists to support this wall.
Due to the Doors to the World, the ages-spanning Topa Kingdom was able to ward off incursions by the magical beasts into Philades. As such, the people of Topa held great pride in being the guardians of humanity. Philades being host to a civilized area and even a superpower is primarily due to the absolute, guaranteed security that comes from a lack of magical beast incursion. Had the Topans not been there in the first place, it is said that the countries in Philades would be gone.
Today was like any other day as it starts off with a calm morning. At the Doors to the World, a shifting permanent garrison of Topan soldiers were stationed there. Gai, a mercenary soldier employed there for part-time work, was looking off towards Grameus from a window on top the highest floor of one of the watchtowers.
"Hah... I'm sooo sleepy. Some shuteye won't hurt..."
Gai said, uninspired, as he leaned on the rim of the window.
"Hey now. Being a watchman here is an important duty where the existence of humanity is at stake."
His childhood friend, knight Moah, who was also employed at the wall, reminded him as he wrote down on his surveillance log.
"Even if you say that, it's..."
Gai lightly pounded his fist on the wall.
"This is a 20m tall wall. In the past ten years, the largest magical beast incursion we've had is just a group of ten goblins that got too close! Even if a hundred of those goblins were to appear, this wall will still stand. Might as well take a nap."
Exhaling deeply, the all-too-serious Moah then put his pen down.
"In the past hundred years, there have been instances of orcs and goblin lords coming all the way down here. Those orcs are a troublesome bunch."
Remembering his battles with orcs and goblin lords, Gai was silenced.
"... Yeah. Those orcs are hopelessly strong to the point where it could take ten knights to take down, but this is centuries we're talking about... Ah, well. You elves sure are an uptight bunch. Besides... Look at this."
At the top of the gate, there are two Gatling Cannons built by UNM and an Inferno Grand Ballista jointly designed by Shuu and Meiyou by analyzing Altaran Arrow of the Wind God to take down heavy units. In case anyone wonder why the Alliance decided to fortify Tormeus with these weapon placements, it's because they found out something that will shock the Topans to the core. Both Gensokyo Oni Division and Makai Frontier Brigade have been assembled and are waiting.
This was daily life in the Doors to the World.
From the walls to the north stretched a perfectly flat plain, all the way to the ends of one's eyesight. Since ocean currents from the south flow nearby, the climate was warm, despite them being in the high latitudes. However, in the current season, snow usually piles up. With no snowfall today, the great, clear, blue sky unravelled above them, but the ground underneath shined white from the snow that had accumulated.
The sounds of waves and of windmills being turned by the gentle sea breeze were the only sounds that could be heard. Today, it seems that they will end their duties without anything occurring in particular. Everyone in the walls, including Gai and Moah, thought so.
Roh... Roh...
They could hear some repulsive thing in the distance. Noticing the weird sounds, Gai raised his head from his nap on the window and stared off into the distance.
"What the hell is that?"
The great white earth slowly became black.
"What the?! The ground... it's becoming black!"
Hearing Gai's shouting, Moah rushed to look through the scope.
"T-Those are goblins!"
The soldiers at the watchtower were suddenly in an uproar.
"A huge horde of goblins is coming! Wait! There's orcs! I could see orcs too! There's more than a hundred of them!"
Pushing Moah out of the way, Gai took a look through the scope. Increasing the magnification, he managed to see more. Along the massive horde of goblins blanketing the ground and a middle guard section of orcs, he saw two magical beasts bigger than the orcs.
Yuki Ishikuma, the attache from Historia Alliance, looks through her own binoculars. Behind the swarm, she could make out the silhouettes of six even bigger ferals. There are also around twenty giant ferals that are slightly smaller, as well as hundreds of ferals of the same size as the one discovered by Gai.
(AN: In case you wonder, she's Setsujou Ikushima from White Names Spoiled Past, a Touhou fangame. Well, this is primarily Touhou/NHS crossover, after all.)
"No way... Are those the Red Ogre and Blue Ogre?! Aren't they the beasts of legend?!" (Gai)
"Oh, no... We've got hundreds more ogres, 20 trolls and 6 giant ogres inbound! The Alliance must know about this!" (Ishikuma)
"WHAT?!" (Moah)
Moah then pushed Gai out of the way to look through the scope.
Behind the two legendary beasts was a quadrupedal dragon that was at least three times bigger than Parpaldia's land dragons. On top of it rode a black, humanoid magical beast that was a tad bit larger than an ogre.
"A black, humanoid magical beast is riding the red dragon! Could it be?! The Demon Lord, Nosgorath, from the legends?! Get me the comms guy!"
As soon as Moah said that name, the wall commander in the watchtower ordered for the comms officer to send an emergency message to the fortress city of Tormeus just south of the Doors to the World.
Dun dun dun dun dun dun
Blanketing the earth in charcoal, the massive horde of magical beasts closed on the Doors to the World. The shaking of the earth grew stronger, and with the whole wall swaying from side to side, they surmised a collision course with the magical beasts.
The wall commander then turned to Moah.
"Moah! You're well versed in these magical beasts. Go to Tormeus now and tell them what you've seen here!"
"B-But, It's better if I-"
"Shut it! This is an emergency! You must give this information not only to the capital but also the entire world! If things go wrong, the entire kingdom-no, the entire continent's existence is at stake! No more buts! Take Gai with you and go!"
Gai grabbed the shocked Moah by the collar and descended from the Doors to the World. Climbing onto a horse, the two headed for the fortress city at full speed.
"Ready the weapons! We got enemies incoming!"
The Gatling Cannons spin their barrels and then start firing at the horde that advances to the wall while Ishikuma is aiming the Inferno Grand Ballista at Nosgorath, fully intent to stop the invasion.
"Okay, just aim at their leader, readjust it, and... fire!"
SHUU! PEW!
The bolt from Inferno Grand Ballista immediately launched towards the Demon Lord itself. Unfortunately, the shot power from the ballista is quite low. The bolt fell and hit one of the orcs, killing it instantly.
Ishikuma then noticed that the ogres start picking up rocks.
"Uh, oh... Everyone, retreat!"
By the time Ishikuma and Historia weapon operators leave the wall, the rock attacks from the ogres smash the Inferno Grand Ballista and Gatling Cannons, destroying it.
"Tell General Hoshiguma that the weapons have been destroyed."
Historia attachment tried to defend the wall, but they can only fire a single barrage before being forced to retreat because the huge number of the Demon Lord forces.
Soon enough, the ogres and trolls breached the Doors to the World, killing many defenders.
Location: Tormeus, Topa Kingdom, Zeroth Civilization Area
Place: Fortress City
Arriving at the fortress city of Tormeus, Gai and Moah found the northern reserve force had already commenced emergency conscription and were now preparing for a fight after receiving the manacomm report from the Doors to the World. The two were immediately sent to the emergency headquarters where the reserve commander was waiting for them.
"Report!"
"Sir! Date and time of discovery is as reported! A massive force of magical beasts coming from Grameus is invading! We have verified that there are around 30,000 goblins, 3,000 goblin lords, 1500 orcs, 1200 ogres, and 20 trolls and 6 giant ogres, which were noted in the old texts dating to the founding of the kingdom! Furthermore, we've confirmed the existence of the Blue and Red Ogre, as well as the legendary Demon Lord, Nosgorath, riding on the back of the Red Dragon!"
"N-Not only is it a massive army of magical beasts, but the Demon Lord Nosgorath is with them as well?!"
"Yes, sir! Just as described in the legends, he was accompanied by the Blue and Red Ogre!"
The reserve commander was at a loss for words. They were an overwhelming force beyond imagination. He immediately ordered the communications unit in the emergency headquarters.
"The northern reserve force's 5,000 isn't going to cut it! Send an emergency message to the king! Tell him that the Demon Lord Nosgorath has returned and that we need to raise the entire royal army!"
"Yes, sir!"
One of the communications officers replied. Immediately afterward, another communications officer spoke up.
"C-Commander!"
"What is it?!"
"They've broken through the Doors to the World! We need to call General Hoshiguma and inform the Alliance about this! The entire force at the wall was slaughtered!"
From Chapter 5 Verse 6 of the Topa Kingdom Mythologies, "Descent of the Demon Lord"
All of a sudden, the Demon Lord appeared.
His name was Nosgorath.
Leading a massive army of magical beasts from Grameus, he held powerful magic not found in other species. Accompanied by the legendary beasts–the Red Ogre, Blue Ogre, White Ogre, and the Yellow Ogre, he gathered together the lowly, unruly lesser beasts and laid waste to the land where the Topa Kingdom used to stand.
In the blink of an eye, the human settlements were overrun as the Demon Army invaded Philades. The races of humanity all resisted the Demon Army on their own, but the Demon Army was so abnormally powerful, that any attempts at resistance were met with defeat.
Judging that they will be wiped out soon, the races set aside their differences to complement each of their advantages in an organized fight. With that, they've formed a powerful army never before seen which was called the Alliance of the Races.
The Alliance of the Races achieved success at first but was gradually driven back, and the greater half of Philades soon fell under the yolk of the Demon Lord. Among those fighting the Demon Army, the elves showed the best resistance. Boasting high magical power, the elves were recognized by the magical beasts to be a nuisance. They actively pursued to exterminate the elves, using sea monsters to cross the oceans to reach the Rodenius continent.
The Alliance's efforts were for naught as defeats and retreats became the norm before finally taking their last stand at Iwat Valley. Facing defeat even there, the Alliance fortified itself in the Divine Forest, where the god of the elves resided. The god of the elves, the god of green, to protect them from eradication, offered prayers to their creator, the god of the sun.
The prayers were heard, and so the god of the sun sent the emissaries to this world. The emissaries of the sun god controlled divine flying ships, and with their lightning roars and earth-razing powerful magic, they drove away the Demon Army.
With the sun god's emissaries' power, the Alliance chased the Demon Army out of Rodenius and back to Philades. The emissaries' power was tremendous, driving away the Demon Army out from Philades and from the land where the future Topa Kingdom would stand, succeeding to push them all the way back into Grameus.
With that done, the god of the sun recalled the emissaries from this world. There, at the entrance to Grameus, the Alliance constructed a wall, called it the "Doors to the World," and created a kingdom and fortress city behind it so that tragedy will not happen again.
One year after the Demon Lord's invasion, the Alliance created a unit to subjugate the still-alive Demon Lord. Among them were four strong people posthumously called the "Party of the Brave".
- The master swordsman Ta Lou
- The powerful dwarf Kijje
- The great mage Luca
- The skilled fighter beastman Kenshiva
Arriving in the heart of Grameus, the Party of the Brave successfully subjugated the White Ogre and Yellow Ogre. After that, they challenged the Demon Lord Nosgorath, but the Demon Lord's power was too immense. After a struggle to the death, the four managed to seal the Demon Lord. In order to cast the sealing barrier, the lives of three of the four were used up. The survivor, the beastman Kenshiva, was able to live on to tell this story.
As time passed, the sealing barrier too would weaken.
Someday, the Demon Lord will rise up again.
Before that, humanity must build up its power to defeat the Demon Lord once and for all...
Location: Berngen, Topa Kingdom, Zeroth Civilization Area
Place: Nivel Castle
Berngen was a quiet castle city similar to those found in Middle Ages Europe. When speaking well of it, the city has some elegance. When speaking badly of it, it is simply just the sticks. This was the capital of Topa. Among those walking about were humans, beastmen, and elves. Just like the Principality of Qua-Toyne and the Quila Kingdom, Topa was a multi-race country.
To the north of the thoroughly snow-cleared city was the royal castle, Nivel. There, at a conference room, in front of King Rados who sat at the high seat, senior statesmen were facing each other with grave expressions on their faces. The 5,000 elite troops of the fortress city Tormeus are now under intense attack by the roughly 35,000-strong Demon Army that suddenly appeared out of nowhere. The 15,000-strong royal army of Topa had already left the capital and were now en route to Tormeus.
"Why... Why did the mythical Demon Lord suddenly return now... Is it really the Demon Lord in the first place? Have they really confirmed it?"
The king asked as he clutched his head in his hands.
A professor from the royal university took out a memo from a heap of scholarly books as he replied.
"In the uhh… In the mythologies, the Demon Lord was sealed in a sealing barrier using the lives of three of four of the brave warriors. Then there's also the mention that the barrier will slowly get weaker. It's believed that the revival of the Demon Lord is due to the expiration of the sealing barrier. Since he has come with a massive army, it's also believed that his revival wasn't recent and that it's actually been some time since he did as he would have needed time to assemble such a large force."
"I see... So it wasn't just all of a sudden..."
"Next... Regarding the distinction of the Demon Lord, a magical photograph of him taken from the memoirs of the beastman Kenshiva, the sole survivor of the four brave warriors, was left inscribed on a stone tablet. Since that tablet has been stored for safekeeping in the archives of the royal university, many ancient work researchers and students have seen the photograph. Moah, one of the knights posted for work at the Doors to the World, has said that he has also seen the photograph. According to him, after having seen the Demon Lord, he felt as if he was looking at a copy of the photograph itself. Additionally, since we've also confirmed the presence of giant ogres as well as the legendary Red Ogre and Blue Ogre, we've concluded that this is indeed an army led by the Demon Lord."
The king, having wished the horde to be led by a different beast that happened to look like the Demon Lord, hung his head low, knowing that such a possibility was infinitely low. To give the king a recite, the foreign minister stepped forth.
"Regardless, magical beasts in the tens of thousands are invading. If our kingdom does fall, it won't be difficult for that horde to spread throughout the entirety of Philades, much like what happened in the mythologies. This is an urgent emergency, Your Majesty! Shall we inform the other countries of this?"
"Y-Yes! Tell them of the movement of the magical beasts! Should we be successful in dealing with them on our own while the others are still yet to send their reinforcements, do also tell them that we've done so already!"
"Shall we then ask for reinforcements?"
Hearing the foreign minister's question, the knight commander stood up and interjected.
"Your Majesty. With all due respect, I don't think we need reinforcements."
"Oh? Why is that?"
"In comparison to back then, the dwarven technologies have since improved and the strength of our weapons are now vastly superior. Due to magical research by the elves, not only do we have much of the lost magic, but the quality has rapidly gone up. Tactics and strategies have also become more sophisticated, and if we include the skill of our army, our strength is unlike that of what came before. What we need to be careful of is the Demon Lord and his henchmen the Red Ogre and the Blue Ogre in addition of the giant ogres and trolls. Orcs and goblins are nothing but small fry. I believe that we have enough to deal with this."
"I see…"
The king pondered for a moment.
However, he had neither the time to worry nor the options he could take.
"Alright. Let's only tell the other countries what's happening. The problem is the Demon Lord and his henchmen... I believe we have an attache from the Alliance, correct?"
The minister nods his head before tilting it off to the side.
"Yes. Additionally, I believe they already have a force that already stationed just outside our shores. General Hoshiguma is currently on her way as we speak."
"Hm. Then inform them. However, we must also consider what happens if the Alliance refused... I do not want to rely on them but... Minister, also try our luck with the Parpaldians to see if they could send us a small detachment. The hand-carried, light magic cannons they have may be of use against the Demon Lord."
"Of course!"
Few seconds later...
"Your Majesty! General Hoshiguma and Captain Ishikuma has arrived!"
Both Yuugi and Ishikuma made a short bow to the king before the former asks about the current situation.
"What is the situation?"
"We received a report that the Alliance's weapon placements has been destroyed, including the new Inferno Grand Ballista. Additionally, the northern part of the doors has been breached. As a member of Shoukan Defense Council, we in Topa Kingdom requests Historia Alliance to send reinforcements."
"I'll relay this to one of our Sages."
Yuugi then looks at Ishikuma.
"Ishikuma, prepare our Division and tell Makai Frontier Brigade to do the same."
"Yes, General."
After Yuugi and Ishikuma leave the room, the meeting continued on well into the night.
Main encampment of the Demon Army
Surrounded by darkness were torches flickering. The white snow reflected the flames, allowing light to reach places where it shouldn't usually be able to. Sitting around one of the torches were three magical beasts. They sat on some rocks and wreckage as their figures cast dark shadows behind them. Among them sat a figure that stood out from the rest. Its body was black, and had burly muscles erecting out from the limbs while delicate, needle-like fur strong enough to deflect blades grew from its skin. Sticking out of its head were black horns that swirled outwards and its entire body was overflowing with magical power not found in other races
It then started to talk.
"Since the last time I saw them, these humans seem to have grown in number… It's not so bad since human meat is delicious and now that there's more of it, finding food isn't a problem."
It grumbled as it took a bite out of raw meat.
This being was Nosgorath, the Demon Lord mentioned all over the mythologies. Cruelly scattered all around him were countless bones–the bones of soldiers that were felled in the battle earlier.
"Great Demon Lord. Where do you intend to proceed with this invasion?"
The Red Ogre, sitting next to the Demon Lord, asked.
"Last time, when we reached out to Rodenius, the emissaries of the sun god were summoned... For now, we will postpone that until we fully subjugate Philades."
"But these humans, they're formidable too... Out of the 30,000 goblins we came with, we've already lost 3,000. Despite that, we've only managed to fell only 400 humans. And that's not mentioning their magic cannons, which costs us at least a thousand. But those cannons are still no match for our magic."
"That's because so much time has passed. The lower races have learned, it seems. At least we only lost 4 orcs and 2 ogres. Still, the Demon Emperor's return is nigh. We will do our best to exterminate the lower races that have misunderstood this world to be theirs so that rule will be restored to the Demon Emperor much faster."
While the Red Ogre and Blue Ogre could both talk in the same way as humans do, when it comes to Nosgorath, his intellect is roughly on par with that of a human's, possibly even higher.
"The nation of the Demon Emperor... In the event the magical empire returns, their extreme national power will subjugate this world in the blink of an eye. The lower races could not possibly resist against the singular race of the Demon Emperor."
Gnawing at the last bits of meat on the bone, Nosgorath then throws it out to the rest. Ingesting the meat he chewed, he then smiled sinisterly.
"That time draws close. Until then, let's expand the lands under their subjugation."
"YEAH!"
The Red Ogre and the Blue Ogre responded, filled with vigor. However, the Red Ogre's expression grew meek.
"By the way, Great Demon Lord, there's something that's been in the back of my mind."
"What?"
"Last time, we were beaten back by the emissaries of the sun god. Those emissaries were strong. Their divine ships flew around at high speeds making vroooom sounds. Their iron land dragons had horns that spat out powerful explosive magic. They even had magical ships that were more than 250m long... We were helpless..."
The Red Ogre's face grew pale as his upwards-tilted brows signified that he was about to start shaking.
"The terror of the emissaries' explosive magic has stuck to my very being. I have no idea how strong the magical empire is. Great Demon Lord... Is the power of the Demon Emperor greater than even the emissaries?"
Nosgorath, amused, began laughing.
"Hahahaha! Is that all? Even those blasted emissaries cannot hope to match even a sliver of the Demon Emperor! His Greatness's army's anti-air ships, the "Floating Ships of the Heavens," are faster than the speed of sound! The divine ships of the emissaries, which travel at not even half the speed of sound, are outmatched! Even the colossal magical ships of the emissaries will be sunk by the saturation attacks of the Demon Emperor's explosive, guided light munitions. We have not been granted that power, but the Demon Emperor's power is immense. The races could never hope to win. That is absolute. There's nothing to fear."
"YEAH!"
Hearing the reassuring words of the Demon Lord, the two leading ogres shouted in joy.
The Demon Army's night grew darker and darker.
Date: December 7th, HS 2069/CC 1639
Location: Esthirant, Parpaldia Empire, Third Civilization Area
Place: Third Foreign Affairs Office
Having received the news via manacomm that the Demon Lord has returned, the Topan ambassador to Parpaldia visited the Third Foreign Affairs Office to request for a deployment of troops to subjugate the Demon Lord. Almost two months ago, he was bullish in dealing with his counterpart regarding the trade of slaves, and now he returned with a heavy heart and heavy footsteps.
"That is all... The Demon Lord inscribed in the mythologies has returned. All of the knights in our kingdom have been raised and we are currently resisting the incursion, but if the Demon Lord is indeed as powerful as described in the legends, then dealing with him will be a great problem. There is a possibility that the man portable magic cannons your country has will be effective against him. We won't mind if you even send us just a platoon..."
"Nope."
Without even looking to meet the Topan ambassador's eyes, the Third Foreign Affairs official flat out responded as he read documents.
"Wha... Won't you even consider it? If our country falls, the entirety of Philades will be subject to the Demon Army's incursion!"
"I can't say why, but right now, the Empire is busy with something... We are not in a situation where the military could send even something as small as a platoon to another country. This is not because we do not like you... Ah right, your country refused to give us slaves since two months ago."
The Topan ambassador's stomach writhed in pain. Even if it were his home country's policies, it turns out that one must be appropriate in saying such things. Whether or not he knew what the ambassador felt, the official glanced at him before looking back at his documents.
"Whatever. That's besides the point. Furthermore, I'll let you know that this magical beast so well-known with those in the past, who's technology standards are low, is of no importance. If they do come all the way to Philades, by that time, the empire will have already taken them into consideration, and so we will wipe them out in a flash."
"B-But!"
The Topan ambassador, in the end, failed to secure reinforcements from Parpaldia Empire.
Anbu, who watched the meeting, compares the info she obtained with what happened two days ago, and it matches. Nosgorath has returned. Knowing the Alliance, they're most likely will be obligated to send a reinforcement to Topa, especially after their recon operation at Grameus Continent.
Date: December 8th, HS 2069/CC 1639
Location: Rairekishigaku, Hakurei Territory, Togoku Region, Historia Shoukan Dominion, Zeroth Civilization Area
Place: GUF Shoukan HQ
The Topan ambassador to Historia was inside GUF Shoukan HQ. He clutches his head with his hands in worry. A manacomm came from Topa ordering him to ask the Alliance for reinforcements against the Demon Lord. It seems that they've also asked Parpaldia for the same thing, but according to their ambassador there, the Empire has just denied their request.
"Hah... How nice to be ignorant..."
Strangely enough, Historia Alliance accepted the request and redirected him to the HQ of one of their leading Superpowers, Gensokyo Union Fighters. He has already informed those back home that that was the case.
'How the hell do I proceed...?'
Questions fills the ambassador's head. Why is he redirected to GUF Shoukan HQ instead of the New World Embassy Complex? Is that because they don't want to send their military?
(AN: The reason for this is because majority of Historia Shoukan Dominion's forces came from UNM, the military powerhouse of the Alliance.)
"Just why I'm redirected to this place...?"
Just then, there were knocks on the door. It seems that Historia representative has come prepared. Encouraging them to come in, the ambassador stood to welcome them.
"...with that said, our knights are currently fighting the Demon Lord, a being that can control magical beasts, and his Demon Army at the fortress city of Tormeus. We could somehow make do against the goblins, but if the Demon Lord's power is as it says in the legends, then our forces will be dealt a colossal blow. Since a platoon will suffice to defeat the Demon Lord, the Red Ogre, the Blue Ogre, the giant ogres and trolls, may I request a detachment from your Dominion as part of the Defense Council?"
Both Yuugi and Ishikuma have submitted their reports to the Union and they also requested the same thing. While the Alliance already stationed two forces in Topa, it's mainly for expedition at Grameus Continent. Furthermore, asking UNM for help is straight up overkill. Regardless, because the Demon Lord's force size have been verified, the Union can react properly. After reading the report itself, the representative nodded to Topa Ambassador.
"Got it. I'll forward this immediately to the Union's Higher Echelon. Knowing our Guardians, at the very least two of them will join immediately once they heard about this."
"Thank you for honoring our request."
The notice was immediately forwarded to all of GUF members. Based from Yuugi and Ishikuma's report, the size of this force is about 35,000 strong, and they're being led by Nosgorath, the fabled Demon Lord from the tale of the Emissaries of the Sun God. Suffice to say, this is an urgent matter, since the Alliance found another lead that will tell them more about Ravernal Empire.
In military terms, the size of Nosgorath's force is as large as a corps. While this is far cry from what IJA and IJN had to face back from 1943 to 1945, the Union didn't want to do this halfheartedly. Soon, they agreed to send their Top Groups.
A man takes a look at the notice, and he grins. He then went to GUF Shoukan HQ. It must be urgent for someone to gave such notice to the Union.
"Inform Izayoi Sakamaki that I've received the notice. And I also want to talk with him."
"At once, Zen Captain. I'll lead you to Little Garden's Room."
"Please do."
Soon enough, he arrived at the aforementioned room. He then thanks the guide.
"Thank you. I'll handle this myself."
Inside the room, Izayoi (the aforementioned representative) and the Topa Ambassador gave him a brief nod.
"I take that you approved the lineup the Higher Echelon submitted, Yasei-kun?"
Yasei nods in response and immediately made a plan in his mind to use Topa as a bridgehead to Grameus Continent.
"I have no problem with that. Tell Hotaru, Hiroshi, Arcluz, Marisa, Sakuya, Udonge, Alice, and Patchouli to bring in their units. The Top Outsiders and Incident Resolvers will go and subjugate the Demon Lord's forces in Grameus/Philades border region. I take that you decided to join yourself."
"You got me. Might not be much of a fight there, but at least we can see our units in action."
"Good to know. Knowing Iseya, I'm pretty sure she'll bring in her personal unit. We'll depart in four days. I'll tell Reimu that we'll link up with Yuugi and Angra at Topa since they already have a force stationed there prior to the Demon Lord's invasion."
"You got it."
Two days later, Historia Alliance accepted GUF request to send in Top Outsiders and Incident Resolvers alongside the units that they have under their jurisdiction.
Date: December 9th, HS 2069/CC 1639
Location: Rairekishigaku, Hakurei Territory, Togoku Region, Historia Shoukan Dominion, Zeroth Civilization Area
Place: GUF Shoukan HQ, Meeting Room
Just a day after the visit from Topa Ambassador to Historia, several GUF members that belonged to the Top Groups prepared their units. Magus Trio will once again saw action. This time, both Sakuya, Reisen, and Iseya decided to join as well after the former-most got the permission to do so. Hiroshi is initially surprised at first, but he is relieved to hear that he only need to take a few with him, since GUF already send the Oni Division and Makai Frontier Brigade to Topa beforehand following the recon operation in Grameus Continent.
Currently, alongside Hotaru and Arcluz, he discussed about their place in the upcoming operation. The Union has made it clear that they will provide the bulk of the manpower for the planned Topa Brigade that both Yasei and Reimu will lead.
"Phew... I though I need to re-allocate one or two brigades from Fenn Kingdom."
"Well, good thing you don't have to. We already have a force in Topa."
"For Grameus Expedition?"
"Yep. Turns out Makai really send their Frontier Brigade there."
"Based from the Alliance recon operation, we detected two civilizations there. One is inhabited by the mixed races from the tales while the other one is inhabited by Onis."
"No wonder Yuugi is interested once she heard about it. I'm sure we can leave it to the expedition force once we're done defeating Nosgorath's forces."
"My thoughts exactly. For now, we need to check our arsenals. We'll expect huge resistance during the operation."
"Agreed."
On December 12th, the Union Top Groups departed to Topa via Chrono Shift from the Paradox Engine stationed there. Operation Yatagarasu has started.