"Sigh, I didn't expect them to visit us this quickly," murmured Lynch, the Milishian diplomat, as he opened the door to their room.

Still, Groza, the technical officer who standing behind him, could hear it. And that is acceptable since they didn't expect it at all. While the Milishians were expecting something that the Ancient Sorcerous Empire might have said, it was completely the opposite. The Eruseans, on the other hand, were politely asking for permission to visit the Holy Mirishial Empire, although one of the locations they would like to visit seems to be... suspicious.

Even if the others are okay with it, they still couldn't just accept the proposal. The delegates still need approval from the States, and for that, a lengthy discussion needs to be held in the cabinet and Senate.

*Cklek*

The door opened, and all of them began to enter the room. Lynch immediately sat on the soft sofa, and just as he was about to open and read the proposal again, his communication device started ringing. Looking at the name of the caller, it was quite clear: Fionán Hogan, his neighbor. He wonders what happened in Runepolis that made Hogan call him. After all, it's very unusual since it's not the first time that he goes overseas.

"Good night Hogan, what's up?"

"Hello. No need for chit-chat, I will get to the point!" his neighbor responded in a hurried and panicked tone, making him wonder what actually happened there.

"...alright."

"There's a coup d'état right now orchestrated by the military all around our country, although not all military personnel take part in it. But the majority, yes!" he explained, briefly but clearly.

"Ah yes... wait, hold on a second... what did you just say again?" Tanya Groza muttered while hitting the wall next to her. Her facial expression is hard to explain, but her colleagues know that something is definitely wrong.

"A coup d'état by the military. Now, listen to me, you shouldn't come back here now, no matter what happens, until the situation becomes clear and safe."

"A fucking coup!? Why hasn't the Ministry informed us yet?"

"Most of the Ministries are supporting the coup, but the citizens, they're very vague. Nevertheless, they might expect this coup to be quick."

"I-I see... Well then, we will figure it out. Stay safe."

"Heh, I'll be fine. I have my beloved TE-30. It's you who must stay safe."

When the call ended, he realized that all the delegate members had heard their conversation and were immediately surprised by what was happening in their country. Soon after he put his phone on the table in front of him, the delegate members slowly walked towards him, their bodies shaking and trembling. Groza, stuttering, asked, "Wha-what happened in the capital?"

*

20th March 1639

There are rumors regarding a secret Holy Milishian Armed Forces base located somewhere in the northeast of the HME, more precisely in the desert. There is nothing there but military aircraft and trucks that routinely come to and from that desert. This has led to a rumor that seems to be widely believed by the general population, even though the government denies it. Area 48, that's what the government called that area during the press conference. Since then, that location has been called Area 48.

Speculation has been growing rapidly since then, with both the public and foreign intelligence agencies wondering what might actually be there. They believe that it cannot simply be an ordinary military base given the tight security. Going there through the desert is as good as seeking death, and even if one manages to survive, they will be quickly discovered by the military. Taking the highway would immediately raise suspicion. At sea, it is guarded by military ships. In the air, there is a high probability of being shot down, as the military frequently shoots down wild wyverns in that area.

Based on this, the public and foreign intelligence agencies are convinced that this base is a research center for the technological remnants of the Ancient Sorcerous Empire, or possibly even a storage center for HME's Super Weapons. However, little do they know that the Milishian Government recently decided to close down the base.

"So, the Central Government ordered us to close this base two months from yesterday?" asked a scientist in the canteen, holding an empty cup, in front of the Base Commander.

"Yeah, something like that. Sadly speaking, that flying aircraft carrier, and what's the name of that thing again, will cease to exist since they also cut the funding for them," answered the Base Commander with a faint smile, though his face didn't appear happy as he said it.

"Those bastards!" the scientist shouted, punching the table with the cup.

The Base Commander didn't respond and instead picked up his cigarettes, offering one to the scientist, who refused. He lit it and smoked for a few seconds before saying, "Yeah... but I heard that the Central Military Leadership is up to something. Maybe if that's true, then we could get the funding and continue the operation of this base."

"I don't know, the current government is surely stupid. What's with this soft approach and letting every nation choose their own path?" continued the scientist, ranting about it.

The Base Commander just sighed and responded, "No comments, I don't care about it."

Hearing this, the scientist laughed for a second and said, "Isn't that the reason why you were appointed as this base commander?"

"Who knows? Maybe that's true, maybe not. It's the MoD's choice, so maybe we need to ask that corruptor," the commander answered with a tired tone.

At the entrance to the canteen, an officer entered along with some military personnel and scientists. However, unlike the others, he didn't wait in line to place an order. Instead, he ignored it and walked straight to the table of the Commander of the base.

"What's up?" the Commander asked politely.

"Sir! We received a radio transmission from Pendagonia!" the officer, who didn't seem interested in small talk, got straight to the point.

"What transmission?" he asked.

"Coup d'état. They are calling all military personnel to participate in the coup and seize control of all cities and important sites!" the officer answered with a serious tone.

Upon hearing this, the tired expression on the Commander's face immediately turned into one of high spirits.

"Finally! Send a telegram by my name, inform them that Area 48 joining the coup movement!"

"Yes, Sir!" the officer answered and promptly left the canteen.

"Wait, aren't you going to hold a meeting with other officers to discuss it?" the scientists asked, their faces filled with confusion.

"I already did that, about a week ago. The rumors are spreading like wildfire, so I doubt the government is unaware. A swift action is crucial in a time like this, a lesson I learned from UVSR."

"Vestal..." the scientists murmured, trying to remember what happened at Vestal before that.

Cartalpas

The port city of Cartalpas is the main port city in the entire HME region. Besides trade, it is also a cultural center of Mirishial and sometimes referred to as the cultural hub of the first civilization region. Therefore, the city is designated as the permanent meeting place for the superpower nations, held every two years. Many foreign ships dock in the city, both for tourism and trade. Unfortunately, that's in the past. With much of the trade redirected to the more attractive Gra Valkas market than HME, Cartalpas is no longer as bustling as before, although still fairly busy. Nonetheless, it is a disaster for a city that heavily depends on it.

Nevertheless, the status it still holds to this day makes it as one of the target for a certain movement. Moving discreetly at night while most people are fast asleep. They carry something that will never be forgotten.

They are Milishian soldiers on their way to toppling the current government. The sound of soldiers running along the streets is accompanied by the noise of military vehicle engines. Not only trucks but even tanks, or in Milishian terms, Atmata. They wear purple bands on their left arms to identify friends and foes. The young Milishian soldiers assigned to this city are in high spirits.

The noise they create attracts the attention of citizens who are still awake or even causes those who had fallen asleep to wake up again.

"Uhhh...sir, what happened?" asked a confused pedestrian.

A soldier with the rank of a Sergeant stopped and faced him. He walked closer before gently pushing him and then telling him, "You should go back to your home. Your questions will be answered tomorrow."

Upon hearing the answer, the person immediately nodded.

"Also, here's some food from us." He offered a pack of biscuits using his right hand.

The person took it and said thank you before walking back to his home. The sergeant seemed worried when he saw his face, "Maybe I approached him in the wrong way," he wondered.

On the other side, the Milishian forces marching on the main streets appeared to be in a bit of trouble. Previously, they were very confident that Cartalpas would easily fall into their hands. But for some reason, it turned out to be the opposite.

Several shots fired at them destroyed their previous illusions and made the Milishian forces run around, seeking shelter behind alleys, houses, vehicles, or anything that could provide protection. Meanwhile, the soldiers manning the machine gun positions on the vehicles were busy firing at the enemy positions.

"Drino 3, you and Drino 5 go towards that alley and check if there are any enemy forces on the other side of the street!" ordered an NCO.

Immediately after the order was given and ensuring their safety, both of them quickly ran out of their hiding place behind the APC and moved towards the alley to take cover. As soon as they arrived, they were immediately greeted by a hail of gunfire, indicating that the road there was not safe.

Gradually, after being confident that the enemy in front of them was dealt with, the MoD's APC, which was their only support for now, started moving forward. And as they entered the intersection, they were immediately showered by a rain of bullets, and in the end...

Kaboomm!

One of the APCs exploded after being hit by a weapon wielded by government forces. Realizing the danger posed by their weapons, the other APC quickly retreated back to the protection of buildings, and the firefight momentarily stopped.

"What do we do now?" asked an NCO as they were discussing.

"Retreat is not an option, we have come this far and the governor's office is right behind them!" replied one of them.

"But the security is tight, even the APC got destroyed." another person responded.

"Where is our Atmata?" asked one of them.

Upon hearing that, they suddenly remembered that several Atmatas had been sent here.

"I heard they were sent to Tokira headquarters to force those present there to surrender," one of them answered.

"And it turns out they are here instead."

"Well, in that case, we just need to wait until they arri-" His sentence was interrupted as they heard the sound of heavy machinery approaching, and the noise grew louder and louder.

As they decided to look down the street, they saw the vehicle they had been waiting for. Atmata! The pinnacle of all combat vehicles in the Imperial Milishian Army's inventory.

"Just leave this to us!" shouted the leader of the Atmata battalion, which was immediately met with cheers from the infantry soldiers.

Meanwhile, the Tokira soldiers who were ordered to protect the governor's office began to realize that something was amiss. The sound of the machinery they heard was clearly different from an APC or any other vehicle they had heard before. And as the Atmata began to reveal itself from behind the building at the intersection in front of them, their morale plummeted instantly.

"Oh, shit!" their leader shouted before fleeing from his position.

Seeing that, his deputy immediately yelled, "Run!"

Upon hearing the order, along with their leader and deputy fleeing, the Tokira soldiers immediately abandoned their positions and ran as far as they could. Some even rushed into a nearby open restaurant.

The infantry soldiers who saw the Tokira soldiers fleeing could only smile and laugh. However, their laughter ceased when they remembered the APC crew who had died earlier.

"We should take care of them after this mission is over," a NCO suggested. Everyone immediately agreed.

They continued moving towards the governor's office, which, although it seemed that the Tokira had neglected its security, they remained vigilant for any ambush. Fortunately, no ambush occurred.

"The gate is locked," a soldier reported.

Several NCOs appeared confused after hearing that.

"What now?" one of them asked.

"Well, what else? This gate is made of Mithril and has been tested before. A truck crashed into it at high speed, and the gate still stands strong!" replied an NCO.

"What about the Atmata?" another person asked.

"Uh... maybe the same?" he answered with uncertainty.

The NCO who proposed the use of Atmata immediately conveyed that to the Atmata battalion leader. And shortly after, an Atmata that was farthest from the gate prepared itself. After the road was cleared and the cannon turned to face the rear, the tracked vehicle sped towards the gate as fast as possible.

Baammm!

Instead of collapsing as they had expected, the gate is directly broke. Seeing this, the infantry soldiers rushed into the governor's complex, followed by the vehicles behind them.

After entering the complex, the infantry soldiers surrounded the main building, where there were still some lights and human voices inside. Once the infantry and APC were in position, the Atmata tank followed suit, positioning itself behind them and aiming their large cannons at the building. Some Atmatas even exited the main road and positioned themselves in the beautiful garden area of the governor's office.

"To the Governor of Cartalpas Province, you are surrounded! The Tokira forces you commanded to fight against us have surrendered. Further resistance is futile. Come out of the building with your hands up, including all the staff!" shouted the Atmata battalion leader while standing on top of his Atmata.

Not long after, one by one, civil servants began to walk out of the building. Surprisingly, among them was the Chief of Police, but that wasn't their main concern at the moment. And finally, the Vice Governor appeared, leaving everyone perplexed.

"Where's the Governor?" asked the Atmata Battalion Commander.

"H-he is not here..." the Vice Governor answered with a trembling voice.

"Then where is he?" asked an NCO while pointing his rifle.

"I-if I remember correctly, he was flying to Runepolis."

"Alright then, thank you for your cooperation." The Atmata Battalion finished the interrogation, followed by great disappointment among the soldiers.

"Now, follow me!" Soon, the Vice Governor was guarded by two soldiers who forced him to follow them.

Pendagonia

In Pendagonia, the main headquarters of the Milishian military, numerous vehicles were entering and exiting the complex. Not only it was look busy from the outside, but inside as well. Many people and staff were rushing back and forth, carrying documents to other rooms. An officer who had just returned to Pendagonia could only show a tired expression amidst all this.

"Oh General Nikolaos, do you mind bringing these documents to the top brass?" asked a certain officer.

Just by hearing the sound, he knew who this person was. The communication officer who was tasked with delivering the documents to the higher floor. And because of that, it seemed to be the reason why he was asked.

"Yeah, sure... I am also called to there anyway," he answered.

"Thank you very much, here's the report. You don't need to explain it, just give it to them or just reading it. And once again, thank you, it means a lot to me," the officer said, shaking his hand before returning to his office.

Nikolaos, now holding the reports, decided to take a look at the stack of papers in his hands.

"Ah, fuck me."

Afterward, he walked straight to the stairs and, upon reaching the next floor, turned right and climbed the next set of stairs. He continued this way until he reached the 5th floor, where discussing about coup plans, progress or even meetings were held.

"The city of Cartalpas has surrendered to us. Well, there weren't many loyalist forces there anyway," he briefly reported.

The Commander in Chief, Erwin, nodded upon hearing this. It seemed that he had expected it, judging by his flat reaction.

"I see. With the center of culture and an international symbol in our hands, things will be much easier from now on," he concluded.

"Then, Area 48 declares that they are siding with us even before we asked them to join," the General continued.

This time, not only the Commander, but everyone immediately stopped their activities and turned their gaze towards him.

"Hold a second, isn't that the place where all the super weapons and related research are carried out?" the Commander asked in a shocked tone.

Still taken aback by the reaction he had just witnessed, Nikolaos simply responded with,"Exactly."

"Hahaha, very nice. We have super weapons on our side now, nothing can stand in our way anymore," commented an Air Marshal.

"Uuhhh... yeah, that's true. The main obstacle however, is still the capital city," said an Admiral.

"Ah yes, Runepolis..." The said Air Marshal then turned his gaze toward the ceiling of the room.

Meanwhile, the Commander began to look again at the war map, where the city appeared to be currently surrounded. The Zeroth Fleet was encircling it from the sea, while on the ground, the 3rd, 18th, and 98th Divisions had it surrounded. Artillery, naval, and air bombardment were limited to military targets, resulting in limited progress since what's military targets hasn't been defined yet aside from military equipment and soldiers.

"I know the 13th Frourón Merarchía is formidable and in a different class, but I didn't expect it to be like this. And considering that Enopolis isn't that far from Runepol-" his sentence was interrupted by the sound of the door being opened.

Looking at the person who entered, it could be said that he was the same person who had asked Nikolaos for help earlier.

"Excuse me for interrupting, but I bring a report from Field Marshal Eamon Griffin of the 1st Army!" he explained.

"Read it," the Commander ordered.

"The progress on Runepolis is very slow due to the highly motivated and skilled soldiers, as well as artillery and even air support, somehow. Even when we bring our aircraft to bombard their positions, they are always protected by a surprisingly decent anti-air defense network. It was a mistake not to send saboteurs before the coup happened."

Honestly, the High Command had expected the division to surrender or not put up a fight when an army of this size, supported by the Zeroth Fleet, marched into Runepolis. But as it turned out, after receiving the order from Parliament and the remaining government, they immediately took up arms and fought back.

"His Imperial Majesty, as we know, has not made any comment or statement regarding these events. If possible, I propose sending some elements from the 4th Airborne Division to the Imperial Castle and forcibly bring the emperor to Pendagonia. That way, we can make him issue a statement in our favor. That's all of it," the officer finished.

"Thank you, you may leave now."

Erwin knew that Griffin had an anti-monarchy view, although he had always hidden it until now. But, doing that to the emperor was not a good idea. Instead, it was a terrible, very terrible idea that might even cause the public and parts of the Ministry of Defense Forces to turn against the government and join the Loyalist.

"Seems like someone forgot about that briefing, hah..." Nikolaos sighed.

"Despite being a terrible idea, we could do something similar for different purposes!" exclaimed an Air Marshal.

"What do you mean by that?" Nikolaos asked, along with everyone else in the room, with confusion.

The Air Marshal stood up and walked to the map showing Runepolis. Then he said, "Look, if we drop them on this side and occupy the Parliament Buildings, they would need to divert some forces from the front to retake it."

The previously mentioned area had a lower concentration of anti-air weapons, making it potentially suitable as a drop location. Moreover, it was situated in the Ademsari district, which was predominantly covered by a forest. In addition, there was a castle located in the southern part of the district, positioned on top of a hill, providing a vantage point over the entire capital city. Although the castle had been used by the Pendragon family, they decided to address that matter later.

"Since their forces are weakened, we could launch a major offensive into the city. And then, we already know what will happen next is a victory," the Air Marshal concluded, outlining his rough plan.

"It's too far from the Albion district and... how should I say it..." Erwin put his right hand to his forehead.

"Let's say they succeed and manage to draw some forces from the frontline. They would probably be wiped out in the end since we cannot resupply them at all. This division and some parts of the Loyalist Forces there aren't stupid, they would bring the anti-air batteries there," he continued.

"But... it seems to be a good plan, we just need to refine it," the Commander in Chief concluded, giving the green light for this plan. It was a revision of arevision of somewhat a wanky plan.

Notes:

Tokira: Ierí Mirisialikí Aftokratoría Ethnikí Frourá (Holy Mirishial Empire National Guard)