(Excerpt from United Gensokyo Forces)
Encryption Level: 3
Username: *******
Password: *******
Access Granted.
Date: September 8th, HS 2057/NG 2132
Location: Meeting Room, HMF Headquarter, Geneva, Switzerland, Neo-Gen Earth
...Recording Started.
There was only silence in the room, as HMF leaders were gathered inside the room, with LT sitting at the center of one end of the table. All of them seemed to have sour expressions on their face, although LT seemed to be fairly more calm about it. And sitting on the other sides was Yasei, as well as the rest of GUF Higher Echelon.
"... Are you sure that you all will be fine?" Yasei asked the leaders. "I know that you have grievances with Richard-san and UGF, but I don't want to strain you all with something like this, if this is not your wish."
"I'm willing to let this... war-monger explain himself." Arthur answered back, taking a gentle breath to cool himself. "As much as it may seem like a unwise choice, as we all might agree upon… I believe that he has something to tell us, otherwise he would have no intent in surrendering."
"I can't believe that we have to deal with this man again… Is it not enough that he has caused no small amount of grief for all of us already? First with the invasion of our world, then interfering with our war...?" Snow sighed deeply. "I wonder why we would ever have the chance to speak on the table like this, if we are so opposed to each other..."
"I firmly state that this meeting was approved by Neo-Gen Yukari's hand. And this has been approved by the other Yukari." LT answered back. "If he does run rampant again... It proves enough."
"LTC, believe me when I say this, Richard-san said that he is willing to be peaceful." Yasei assured LT and the leaders. "He has proven that, when his men surrendered into captivity without any notable resistance. If you would give him a chance, I'm sure that he would try to fix this all up."
"I wish we could just believe you, Yasei-dono." Suzuki responded back. "But you should be well aware that the Neo-Gen Dominion Wars have taxed us severely... That is something that we're not willing to forgive easily-"
Before the conversation could proceed, the other party, the UGF leaders entered the room, as they were being escorted by HMF guards, who kept a close eye on them, as there were power-limiters placed on their body, to prevent any hostilities. When the rest of the meeting members looked at the arriving group, they noticed that the faction leaders, consisting of the Neo-Gen counterparts of Remilia, Kaguya, Yuyuko, Keine, Byakuren, Kanako, seemed to be quite silent, as was Richard himself, who was fairly grim, as they all took their seat in the meeting table.
"Well, it seems that this is a familiar scene…" Kanako joked slightly, with a weak smile on her lips, which faded quickly. "Although I have nothing much to say at this time, considering our stance at the moment."
"You should be well sure why this is happening." Tasnil answered back. "Like Mother Malkrantia, your crimes have earned you all a fairly short leash."
"Heh... You don't say..." Kaguya added, before she then fell silent. "Well, what can we say at this time? We're kind of empty for words on the diplomacy table."
"You have nothing to say, then what is your reason for coming here then? You may as well be back in your prison cell." Adolf answered back. "At least there, all of you won't threaten any of our men."
"We understand our stance here." Keine answered back. "Which is why we are stating that we will help you end this war, now that we've been 'defeated' so to speak."
"So you would be arrogant to state that your defeat is a mere setback?" Chengming responded back firmly.
"Quite the opposite. Because of important assistance from GUF, we managed to find a way to surrender to you with minimal losses to both sides." Keine answered back. "That is why we are here on this table, because we have shaken ourselves free of the taint within our ranks."
"...What is the meaning of this?" Tasnil answered back, his voice turning slightly threatening. "What do you mean that there is discord within your ranks? Your offensive was anything but!"
"...That's because our hands were forced. Someone riled the men, so to speak." Remilia explained. "Believe what you will from what I will say, but ever since we have retrieved the Gensokyo Shu back, and our worlds are separated, we had no intention of making any invasions. After all, the debt was even ever since then."
"Lies! How could you people possibly ever let us be!?" Snow fumed. "Your men have done grievous damage to our efforts in quelling our enemy, and I know that you will not easily leave us be with everything that had occurred in the past!"
"That's right, we wouldn't, but that doesn't mean the attention has to be negative." Richard finally spoke, as his voice was calm and even, as HMF leaders turned their attention towards Richard. "...I suppose that it was by my mouth that I started that damned war… then I will ensure that my words will forge that peace."
"Peace…? How could someone like you ever think of peace, when you have such grudges against our race!?" Adolf declared.
"Because of this... I came here to say a few things… And every single one of them is a heartfelt confession." Richard answered back, as the leaders were all stunned silent. "...Yeah, the human-hating, destructive leader of the Unison Squad, who made a war-path through most of your world to raid STI for our valued artifact, atoning? Yeah, that would be a miracle at the levels of pigs flying."
"Then what do you have to say?" Arthur asked, as he was made curious about what Richard had to say.
"Simple, what should I start with then?" Richard asked back. "I should state that within my trip inside Asahinese space, the fact that the opposing forces aren't willing to engage in combat, until the perimeter is secured of civilians is a major factor of improving my views of you after the incident." Richard answered back. "Although it was not as obvious in the other nations, due to the fact that you had time to get your people away from the cities in our war-path, I suppose that you all kept to that same convention."
"Of course, we are not so heartless as you claim us to be in the past." Tasnil retorted back. "I will tell you this, the fact that you have returned a number of fatalities and casualties that make this seem like a simple dispute on a global scale, made us reconsider your view of you people, if only slightly."
"You showed that courtesy first with the RAIDERS, so I will ensure that I will not fall below that line. Your military costs soared, but the man-power remains unscratched." Richard answered back. "I will be fair, the fact that you all picked a fight with us, proving that you were all more than just mere politicians, with decades of specialised military training under your belts, shows me that you actually do put your nation ahead of yourself quite well. Special mention goes to Takatsu Suzuki, who managed to fight us with a blade… and fight us in a long-drawn fight, longer than our fights with the others. That is why I respect you most of all out of all of the leaders, save for LT."
The leaders looked towards themselves, as there was a moment of silence, before Richard prepared himself to make his final point.
"...And now we have come down to this. I'm sure that you all would be deeply interested in hearing this." Richard stated, before slowly rising. "I'm going to state this out of proper truth, and I assure you, Yasei will testify without doubt regarding these words. I admit this, with great guilt and regret chaining my heart, that I accept the fault of this entire war on myself."
The leaders were fairly stunned to hear Richard admit such a bold thing, as LT was intrigued by Richard's words, as he leaned closer. "I suppose that this is the big reveal then…" LT remarked.
"I recall that day, the first time that we were gathered here." Richard answered back. "I dearly remembered the insults I have made to every one of you. That is why I will shed my pride and dignity, to prove that I am genuinely repentant about those actions. I called you selfish bastards, and I have been proven wrong with each turn. I called Adolf von Fuer a descendant of Hitler as an insult. Necopolis has proven otherwise, proving that it is a nation as fair as any other. I believed you all harboured ill intentions to our Gensokyo. Although you disapprove of us due to our natural order… I grossly over exaggerated it. And I will admit, it is done because of my vehement hate of humanity back then."
"Then tell me, what caused that then?" LT asked back.
"...I can't tell you." Richard shook his hand. "But what matters is the fact that I have learned to shed it, for it is nothing but venom to my heart, a venom that has already cost many lives on both sides, because of all of this. The deaths that happened here are on my head, and I have no intention of running away from that responsibility. If you believed me immature with power back then… Then know that I have sobered up to reality after so long reflecting on my actions. The hardest question to ask, is if you would have it in yourselves to forgive me. And the hardest answer is to say that you will. Perhaps you will answer me back as such… But I have vain hopes that it would be done so easily. I have wronged you all strongly, and I will not forget that easily. If you will not forgive me at all, then at least let me atone. That is the least you can offer me. If you are not yet satisfied, then incarcerate me until this war ends. I am but a lieutenant-colonel, while the ones with me are generals in their own rights. My loss is a miniscule price to pay, for the sound mind of all present."
After Richard finished his statements, Yasei took that as his cue to speak. "And that's Richard-san's part done. I can assure you that he isn't lying. If that isn't enough, I can even attest to it since I already have my Living Radar active this whole time. I believe it's time to explain why HMF bear the heavy scar in their history, LTC. This meeting can only continue if both sides already spoke their viewpoints."
"... Fair enough, Wilder. I suppose we should explain to them about the STICK War that happened from 2115-2125 on the Neo-Gen calendar." LT concedes and he is about to begin explaining the history of HMF when...
"You had a war before…?" Kaguya remarked, with an intrigued look in her eyes. "From what little intel that Yukari garnered, we suspected that your country was forged by conflict… But I thought that it would be something… actually, I can see where this might lead to, please, go on, LT."
"Alright. To start, we actually once have the United Nations as well. However, the UN destroyed quickly just after a rogue non-human militant force that we called STICK Army invaded our Earth. Why? That's because many nations succumbed and annexed by them, leaving only 16 nations to fought them; Registan, Bevelle, Necopolis, Malkrantia, Chugoku, Asahi, Lebow, Latusia, Vadine, Nusantara, Naussica, Sakafjordur, Soden, Korania, Mayaztec, and Sulatino. These nations later founded HMF to counter this threat. And thus, HMF is born."
LT then continues. "And we managed to fight the STICK Army back since HMF is armed with advanced technologies that are actually supplied by STI during my father's era of being the company's CEO. We're even able to push them back from Malkrantia, Chugoku, and Registan." LT then shows a sad face, "Sadly, it was the shortest victory period in our history, since the STICK Army has even more advanced technology that outclassed ours. They managed to develop a countermeasure in just a week, while we need years to develop ours."
"And that's where the RAIDERS came in." Someone else continues, prompting everyone sans LT and GUF Higher Echelon to look in a direction. "Onii-chan already briefed me about this, and from what I can tell, their technological adaptation rate rivals that of the United Nations Military. Said rate is what allowed us to win Trans-Dimensional Warfare." Turns out, the one who speaks is Iseya, Grand Marshal of the UN Military. Both she and Yasei shared the same surname, Sugaku.
"Unlike the file that the Union discovered, the RAIDERS here are a separate faction that also fought the STICK Army. They're not affiliated to HMF, but they know that the STICK Army is a threat to their Earth. They actually managed to rout the STICK Army from Malkrantia (Soviet Union), Latusia (India), Lebow (Australia), and Vadine (Canada)." Iseya finished her part, signaling anyone to continue where she left off.
"It's just as the Grand Marshal said." Maverick Carne, the High General of the UN Armed Forces, took the cue. "Perhaps because the RAIDERS here started as an independent faction, it made HMF remain vigilant and doesn't put any false hope of quick victory. This proved to be the right move since the STICK Army even managed to develop a countermeasure against the RAIDERS after a month, despite the former not having any corpse samples to perform an autopsy. To be honest, this baffles us UN Military as it baffles HMF. The scale of war tips once again to STICK Army's favor… Until a certain moment that truly decided it once and for all."
"And that moment would be…?" Keine asked, growing curious about more of the HMF's history.
"The moment we GUF decided to join the war effort." Yasei exclaimed… "And when STI made their participation known to the STICK Army, AFTER THEY KILLED MY FATHER!" LT also exclaimed, and ended it with a shout, as it shocked several of the UGF leaders, especially Kaguya, who yelped, while Richard kept calm. GUF and UNM leaders lowered their heads to pay respect to LT's father, the late Joshua Summers.
"Your father… was a casualty to this war?" Yuyuko stated with an expression of sympathy.
"... Yes, he was. The STICK Army assassinated him because they saw him as a threat. It forced me to take over any STI operations for the rest of the war. And just like what Wilder said, GUF also decided to join as well, since both GUF and STI already made contact five years prior to the start of the war. But that's the story for another time." LT now has a somber expression because he was reliving that one tragedy.
"That is quite a tragedy…" Remilia admitted, before she then smiled with respect. "However, from what you have accomplished in his stead, with his company prouder than ever under your management, and a greater influence… He would have been proud to have his son continue his legacy, and honour the Summers name."
"... Thanks for the encouragement, at least. Back to the topic. The first move that I made was to integrate the RAIDERS into STI, in order to protect them from STICK Army's countermeasures. And on Wilder's part, because of the situation of the war back then, GUF can't make their appearance publicly known, and so they opt to give us any intels regarding the STICK Army. And that's how HMF managed to maintain the stalemate for nearly seven years." LT regains his composure and explains his first action as the new STI CEO back then.
"Exactly. Since the STICK Army consists of non-humans, if we in GUF just waltz in right away, we would be mistaken as part of them as well, since we all know that GUF and UGF are Dominions that originated from Gensokyo. And that's why we decided to gather said intels." Yasei explained GUF participation during said period. "Then NG 2119 happened. The Ancients strike Neo-Gen Earth, forcing both HMF and STICK Army to create an ad-hoc alliance. We in GUF saw this as a chance, since we know that this alliance is only temporary. And we're even able to obtain the proof of our suspicion."
"How did the situation proceed from there?" Byakuren asked.
"The Union forwarded their intel to us, and what made us surprised is the fact that the STICK Army intends to backstab HMF once the Ancients repelled! That reminded us that we're still technically at war, and thanks to that, we're prepared for the inevitable backstab, and acted accordingly." LT answered. Snow continued. "And that's why we don't take this apparent 'invasion' very well, since we're afraid that it will happen like during the STICK War."
"...So that's the truth then…" Kaguya remarked with a hand on her chin. "...I suppose that's fair. We ended up making this kind of thing happen, because we're both afraid of what might have happened. On our side, the threat of outside forces… On your side, the same. I see that this was an unintentional game of chicken, on a slightly more complex and more serious scale. Except that it collapsed because of what happened back then. If we just confessed that we both had the same fears… that war would have been pointless. It almost makes me want to break down in self-humiliated laughter… Don't you say the same, Richard?"
"...I would be worse off on that degree. I ended up alienating the only good human faction, because of my prejudice." Richard stated firmly, before he then leaned back. "Oh… How hindsight is a total bitch sometimes. It was just a few words… and the difference was a world's worth."
"There's no need to fear. We in GUF understand your concerns. To be honest, we actually also have similar circumstances 16 years ago." Iesua Nazarenus, one of GUF Guardians, finally speaks. "In our case, it would be an unprovoked invasion invoked by the Falmartian pantheon. Hardy, in particular, created a GATE in Yasei's hometown, Tokyo."
"The severity might be less compared to what HMF and UGF faced, but I assure you, we know how it feels." Another GUF Guardian, Reimu Hakurei, states her opinion. "Especially since we also participated in Trans-Dimensional Warfare as the hidden faction that supports UNAF back then. And this was when GUF wasn't formed yet."
"That should tell you enough. All of the Dominions present here shared similar backgrounds, whether it's GUF, UNM, HMF, or even UGF. Even my own faction also temporarily fell under someone else's control, like the lattermost." Another Reimu made her statement.
"Wait, what the hell, there's a white Reimu as well!?" Kaguya exclaimed.
"It's not only her." Yet another Reimu exclaimed, as it was one with purple hair.
"Okay, this one I might recognise… Meimu, is it?" Richard guessed.
"Indeed, and before that, I think I should let her continue." Meimu then gestures to the white Reimu to speak.
"... That was unexpected… Anyway, in case you wonder, my faction, Clone Rebels Army, also got our own rank 'messed' up with, thanks to a certain leader of Those From The Past in HS 2022. We eventually managed to gain our freedom after the coalition of Historia Gensokyo beat us and said leader." Turns out, she's Reimu from Mutsuigeki Gensokyo. For convenience sake, she'll be referred to as Shiro Reimu/Shirei. "And ten years later, we came back to see whether there's someone that is willing to rally them again to stop us. Said someone turned out to be Armageddon, and he actually managed to beat me. I already made a decision to pledge my allegiance to whoever managed to beat me. It just so happened that as our duel ended, GUF was officially formed. Our faction was invited to join the Union as a gesture of mercy, and since then, I became one of the Guardians."
"So I see…" Richard answered back. "That makes interesting stories from all of us, it seems."
"Indeed. And I suppose I should introduce myself as well. My name is Lithnanai Anasi, and I came from another universe that is not part of either Historia or Neo-Gen." Someone else spoke, and as everyone looked at her, she looked like a black Flandre. "As to why I took this form, it's because in my home universe, a war breaks out, and a few years later, I was forced to relocate until I eventually settled here. Until the Union manages to trace the location of my home universe, I'll do my part as one of GUF Guardians."
"Truth be told, both I and Lithnanai-sama came from a connected universe, and as she said, it's not part of Historia or Neo-Gen. That being said, I didn't expect the Historia Universe to be ravaged by war as well, since we both arrived during the late years of Trans-Dimensional Warfare. That would explain why we ended up there." Meimu ended the Guardians' statements.
"...Then I suppose that we don't have any problems with each other as it looks." Richard responded back. "It may take a while for bridges to be mended, but as long as all sides are willing to work towards a mutual alliance, I am willing to accept it without any complaints, or any other things needed."
"I agree strongly. The grudges have been settled by the end of the war. And considering that we have our chance to teach the true perpetrators a lesson on trying to destroy us through intrigue and discord... I am willing to work alongside this alliance to ensure that they learn their place." Remilia agreed.
"No problems here." Kaguya smiled back. "Guess this is going to be the start of an interesting road to making us buddy-buddies."
"Considering that we have gotten a proper understanding of each other… I concede that we are in the greater wrong, and so it is only right that we atone for it, as Richard has said." Yuyuko answered back, drawing her fan. "Leaders of the HMF, and leader of the GUF, you have our solemn word we will not betray your expectations."
"I suppose that there comes a time where we would finally stop hating each other. To be fair, ever since then, I kind of had a feeling that we would come to peace with each other. I guess that's the charm of the Outside World." Kanako admitted.
"Although I do not truly consent war as a solution to all, I suppose that it is only right that we defeat our enemies, before they cause more suffering and death upon innocents. They are the true monsters here, and I only wish that they would turn to the way of peace once the war ends…" Byakuren stated.
"So… What do you say, leaders?" Richard remarked, reached out a hand for a bonding hand-shake. "I've got to admit, LT, you may be someone who runs a tight ship, and you managed to do a lot of damage on our side when we tried to trap you, and you gave us a fair amount of resistance back then, but when I fought you on that GA-Raider, like a proper showdown between two men with clashing strong ideals... I know that you were a respectable opponent, and now we're not enemies anymore… We're allies from here on."
"I think I need to see what GUF and UNM has to say." LT looked at Yasei and Iseya, waiting for their answer.
"I don't know about HMF, but you can count on GUF support, Richard-san." Yasei nods to show GUF willingness to create the alliance. "Many in the UNM might have different opinions regarding this, but I will follow Onii-chan's lead, since I'm also a permanent member and one of GUF Higher Echelon members." Iseya also nods.
LT thinks for a few seconds, then… "Alright, STI will accept the proposal. I do share Wilder's concern about the rest of HMF, but we in STI already fought alongside GUF once to defeat the STICK Army once and for all, so I know that the Union can be trusted. All that's left is to see whether the rest of HMF leaders made their decision…"
Snow asked a question to Richard. "Before that, let me confirm one thing. According to GUF Zen Captain, you're a Hourai Immortal. Is that true?"
"...You could say that." Richard answered back. "I suppose you kept some knowledge you reaped from the Gensokyo Shu... But where does this question lead to?"
"Nothing, since the Zen Captain also told us that Hourai Immortals can't be killed." Snow answered back.
"...True, but as you might have known, that immortality works on a resurrection basis." Richard responded back. "I assure you, death is not something we would happily throw ourselves into."
"Fair enough." Snow nods in confirmation. "Jack already made his decision, and I will support him. We already knew each other for quite a long time, back when I was a soldier during the STICK War"
"... I'm willing to give UGF a chance to redeem themselves, if only because GUF already became their guarantor. We in HMF already have a good relationship with the Union, and we won't betray their trust, as they haven't betrayed ours." Arthur is the one who speaks next.
"...If that is the case, we will operate under that trust then." Remilia answered back.
"Alright, and with that said, Mother Malkrantia will try once again to open their arms to outside help, like during World War 2." Tasnil speaks and nods after hearing Remilia's statement.
"Likewise for the Eighth Reich." Adolf follows suit.
"Chugoku will also accept the proposal." Chengming is the next one.
"... Then we in Asahi are also willing to give UGF a second chance." Takatsu sighs heavily before replying.
"We're still new in this matter, but if the rest are already willing to give them a second chance, then we will follow their lead." Bruce Hale, Prime Minister of Lebow, made his statement.
"It is as he said." Visha Pondu, Prime Minister of Latusia, continues.
"The last thing we Vadinians got akin to a big participation is during the STICK War, where we must hold on as long as possible." Vergil McKay, Prime Minister of Vadine, nod in agreement.
"... Everyone is in agreement, then." Wijaya Parameswara, President of Nusantara, concludes it.
"Then I suppose that hand-shake is still on offer, LT?" Richard answered back with a smile.
'You bet." LT then proceeds to do so, and to Richard's surprise, Yasei and Iseya soon follow suit. "That being said, I think GUF still has something to say regarding their recent intel." LT speaks after the handshake.
"Then out with it, it would help us if we know what we can know about this situation." Kaguya answered back. "We're already on the back-pedal as is…"
"Very well…" A gap suddenly appears, and from there, emerges GUF Yukari. She's not the only one, however, since the Neo Guardians are also teleported to the meeting room.
"I believe the introduction is required here. My name is Mark Thesda, leader of Neo GUF Guardians. As our faction name implies, we're created after the STICK War ended. And I believe it will be better if I showed you the list of our current members." A teenager with short black hair and dark blue eyes speaks. He's wearing a customized old European military uniform for this occasion. "After that, we can relay the intel without worry once you already know us."
Mark then proceeds to show the list.
Neo GUF Guardians
1st Squad: Mark Thesda (C (Overall)), Seth Thesda (VC (Overall)), Kazei Sugaku, Izeka Sugaku, Mirai Kochiya, Irami Sakamaki, Shinano Kochiya, Nagano Sakamaki
2nd Squad: Kureha Yume (C), Shinsei Hakurei (VC), Jikan Izayoi, Kukan Izayoi, Jigen Chou, Kekkai Yakumo, Maria Kirisame
Watcher: Rozie
"Also, to clear some misunderstanding, Seth here is she. I suppose Dad wants to be unique in that regard…" Mark scratches his head as he sees some leaders confused to see Seth. Indeed, as he said, Seth here has shoulder-length brown hair and dark blue eyes. She currently wears a jungle explorer outfit.
"Well, looks like we have two generations already…" Richard remarked. "From what I read, it looks like you got quite the successful batch."
"So your Sanae has already gotten offspring of her own…? I'm sure that she must be a proud mother then." Kanako remarked, clapping in congratulations.
"Um… I'm here, UGF Kanako-sama…" Cue the UGF leadership's surprise when they saw GUF Sanae being part of the current Higher Echelon. "And thank you for the compliment."
"...I only think the best for my dear girl." Kanako smirked back. "No matter which one you are, I am a proper guardian to Sanae Kochiya."
"We appreciate that, Kanako-sama." Kazei speaks after hearing the conversation. Like Mark, he also got short hair, except his hair is green. He also has blue eyes and is currently wearing a gakuran. "That extends to Mirai and Shinano as well." Both Mirai and Shinano step forward on that lead.
Mirai resembles Sanae in nearly every single aspect, except she lacks the hair decorations her mother wears. Shinano, meanwhile, has a slightly messed green hair. Like his older siblings, he has blue eyes. He's currently wearing a researcher's outfit.
"Interesting children, you all are." Kanakp answered back. "I can see her qualities in each of you."
Kazei, Mirai, and Shinano bows and returns to their previous position. "That's quite an introduction you got…" Izeka remarks as she sees the Kochiya siblings. "I suppose. Now it's your turn, Izeka."
"Alright, then. Irami, Nagano, on me!" Izeka barks an order like a drill sergeant. "Yes, sis!" Both of them immediately sprints to her sides, Irami on her right and Nagano on her left.
Izeka has similar hair and eye color with Mark, that being black and dark blue respectively. She's currently wearing a formal military dress. Irami and Nagano, on the other hand, have blonde hair and purple eyes. Both of them are currently wearing miner's outfits.
"Izeka Sugaku!"
"Irami Sakamaki!"
"Nagano Sakamaki!"
All three of them then salute the leaders and speak in unison.
"Reporting for duty, sirs!"
"They are quite diligent, if they are wearing the clothes of a hard-worker." Richard commented on their attire. "I respect that quality quite well."
"I suppose. You'll be surprised to see who their father is." Another man speaks, and it isn't Yasei.
"Wait, wha-?!" Richard looks around and true to it, he's surprised to see a certain someone.
"Izayoi Sakamaki here. Current strategist of No-Name Community and a member of GUF Higher Echelon." Izayoi smirks when he sees Richard's expression, though that didn't last long. "That aside, thanks for the compliment. And you know where they got that trait." He then looks at Iseya. "I suppose you should call them back, Iseya."
Iseya smiles and nods. "Alright. You may return to your posts, kids." Her children turn around and salute her, before then returning to their previous position.
"Geez, glad to see that the second generation has already risen to this kind of level." Richard answered back. "That just means that our successors will have to keep to that standard, heh heh…" Izayoi returns the favor and replies. "Bring it on, Zhao Liu."
"I'm afraid that you're going to have to wait a while before you'll see your challenge." Richard answered back. "For now, let's focus on present matters... Such the thrice-damned BLA who is planning and scheming while we reach reconciliation with each other."
"About that, Richard-san…" Mark speaks and manages to catch Richard's attention. "We actually confirmed that Blitzkrieg Lotus is the one who instigated the discord in UGF ranks. And speaking about which, we also confirmed that they planned to make their second invasion in Neo-Gen Earth, starting tomorrow."
"...Then it's a good thing that we're ready as we are. Thanks to the fact that casualties are reduced to a minimum for the allied forces, as well as for UGF, dearly thanks to Yasei's help…" Richard responded back. "The only confounding factor is the fact that we will need time to reform military cohesion. Fortunately, that's going quite smoothly,although it'll take some time. I'll take whatever troops can handle working alongside you for the time being. You saw us when we took our war seriously, and now you have that power to help you push those fakes away. I don't care if their leadership had justifiable reasons to do all this invading… One does not walk away from turning brother against brother, citizen against citizen, for their own gain. And besides, I don't think I'll be so merciful with them, as I did with you all. Don't mistake my words, I will treat them as military opponents would treat each other. I will take prisoners and keep a conventional standard, as will everyone else, but if they push the line… Then they will take blame for when I accidentally step over it, metaphorically. That's just how war is."
"Indeed. And I suppose we in GUF should thank our Yukari for instigating annual Sengoku Gensokyo tournaments since HS 2006. Who would've thought that it would come in handy here… We in GUF already allied with UNM ever since our First Contact in HS 2020, and Blitzkrieg Lotus will see just how much we trusted each other, to the extent of being brother-in-arms." Yasei made his statement. "And that's the grim truth of war, indeed. We in the GUF even had to discard both Spell Card rules and MUGEN system when it happened. Because if we don't, we'll be overwhelmed. Besides, Blitzkrieg Lotus also directly attacked GUF by declaring war on HMF. I can at least allow that much. Just don't go overboard please, Richard-san…"
"...I understand the distress of having to abandon those rules. I would not approve of deactivating these rules, short of any serious military incident." Richard responded back, before eyeing each of the UGF leaders, as they nodded in agreement. "And the others will respect that as well. I won't give you a promise that I might potentially be forced to break, but I can assure you that I will do all that UGF will not hold the smoking gun, if diplomacy fails at certain times."
"That's the least we could ask. We in UNM will assist the Union during these times. We'll show them the power of a military that has experience in facing multiple Inter-Dimensional Wars, like our World War 3 (Trans-Dimensional Warfare) and the war with the Falmart realm, like what Nazarenus-san said." Iseya nods in a resolute manner. "And we will also start calling in other UNM branches."
"So, LT and leaders of the HMF, ready to call this meeting to a close… We got a war to prepare for, after all." Richard asked LT, turning his attention towards him.
"... Alright, but before that, I think Willder wants to inform his other allies." LT pointed at Yasei, and sure enough, he contacted two other Dominion Leaders in Historia Alliance using the multi-call function in his smartphone.
"Yori, Tsurubami, we're done here. It's confirmed. Blitzkrieg Lotus will strike again tomorrow. Prepare the forces. UGF will join this war as well. We won't let them get their way!"
"Got it, Yasei. I'll tell the soldiers." (Watatsuki no Yorihime, LCF High General)
"Roger that. I'll let Dragonfly Army and Devanagara know." (Tsurubami Senri, MSS Dictator)
"Good to know." Yasei ends the call and looks at the present leaders. "This is it, everyone. Blitzkrieg Lotus already made their intention clear, and they won't stop until this Earth is under their hands. And like I said to my other allies, we won't let them get their way! Who's with me?"
"They already attacked us without provocation, while we're still recovering from the STICK War. You can count HMF in, Wilder." (LTC Jack Summers, HMF High General)
"It's just as Jack-san said. We in UNM also shared a certain camaraderie with HMF. We'll follow your lead, Onii-chan." (Iseya Sugaku, UNM Grand Marshal)
"There will be blood spilled for this transgression. The BLA will learn to fear the power of an army both proficient in magic and tech." (Richard Zhao Liu, UGF Field Commander)
"Very well, then. The meeting is hereby adjourned. We have a war to win. Let's go, everyone!" (Yasei Sugaku, GUF Zen Captain)
... Recording Ended.