18 years before the Great War in the continent of Telsis, the Galdarik Empire has considered a full-scale war with the Leidenschaftlich as well as its possible Southern allies. The intellectuals and farmers within the Empire forecasted that in the long term, it could not support the growing population of the Empire with its limited food and resource production, and in response, the emperor has now voiced his consideration to invade the southern side of Telsis for its flourishing resources. Yet it was not so easy to formulate a plan of invasion, as Leidenschaftlich was experienced in defending its border due to its history of outsider invasions. But at the elite university subsidized by the Empire's and its military, the preparation to begin a war was happening between two men: Alexei Magellan, and Gerald Starke.

"I don't know how much I can be of help, Gerald. I'm specialized in genetics, not war tactics."

"I know, Alexei. But despite that, I still see a great potential within you to help the Empire."

"Whatever you have in mind, I came here expecting to hear something about my new research proposal, not to literally fight for my country. Besides, you saw the wonders of my previous research. Why do you think I did that research? In hopes of eliminating a reason for a great war."

"Relax, Alexei. I'm not asking you to fight for your country. But you also know that our farmers still have no faith that our land can feed the people of the Galdarik Empire, yes?"

Alexei had nothing to say in response.

"I acknowledge and appreciate your love for the Empire. Nonetheless, I regret to tell you that genetic mutation within crops like potatoes, wheat, and other vegetables to increase their yield and nutrients won't solve the fundamental problem that this Empire faces; lack of fertile land."

"Yes, you're right Gerald. But I assure you that implementing these types of research isn't that difficult for me. I'm quite confident in the success of increasing protein content within meat products such as eggs, pork, beef to get more value out of them, as well as mutating predators to hunt common pests that destroy the crops-"

"No one denies your reputation as the best genetic professor within the Empire, with some saying that you're a genius. Yet it won't change the fact that doing these agricultural genetic researches will only delay the time when the Empire can't sustain our population anymore. The dastardly Southern countries show no interest in decreasing the prices of their goods since they know that they control the resource industry. My friend, I know that you don't like the idea of war, but given the circumstances as well as the emperor's desire, I'm sorry to say that this is the only option we must choose now."

With a disappointed expression, Alexei replied. "Very well, Gerald. As a long friend, I trust that you've thought this through. Still, I want to know how I am going to be a use in this future war."

"Right, of course. I remember that from time-to-time, you said something like 'I wish my brain was better and faster, so that all the mistakes and errors would disappear to speed up my research.' "

"Yes, I do. I'm not exaggerating when errors and unaccounted variables significantly slow down my progress of research. I would probably retire before exploring all kinds of research I want to do."

"How about we make that…a reality, Alexei?"

Alexei raised his head. "Are you asking me to…?"

"Yes, I'm asking you to create a soldier. Actually, two soldiers that are beyond human capability. One with the intellect that you always wished to have, and one that can fight impossible battles. Many soldiers may participate a battle, but it can take even as little as one soldier to change the tide of battle."

"Why two, if I may ask?"

"The commanding officers higher than me will not be entirely convinced if we only propose a soldier whose only potential benefit is unmatching intellect. They prefer to fund a project that could deliver results more reliably and quickly."

"I'm not sure if I like the idea of turning my ideas into literal weapons of war, Gerald. It feels as if you're tempting me with a promise of producing a human that I wished I could be."

"And yet, I hope you didn't forget, that through me your ideas were implemented into a reality. Remember the efforts that I went through to admit you into this university when they didn't see the need for a professor specialized in genetics! I wanted to support your ambition in helping the empire with your specialization as a friend! This is what you've signed up for!" Upon seeing Alexei's downcast face, Gerald lowered his voice. "I apologize, blackmailing you wasn't my intention."

"No, you have a point, Gerald. If it wasn't for you, none of the breakthroughs that I did would have been possible. I suppose that if the university is also subsidized by the military, I should've seen this coming."

"There's no need to be so uptight, Alexei. So far, the idea of creating two genetically enhanced soldiers is only known between me and you. All you need to do is to choose whether you'll do it or not. But mark my words; once you make a choice, there's no going back. Creating such soldiers will take many years, so if you decline, you'll never get a chance again. On the contrary, if you accept, you'll have to give it your all and go all the way. So then, what do you say?"

Alexei contemplated for a moment. To him, producing the ideal human specialized in intellect to make breakthroughs exponentially easier was quite tempting. He quickly imagined all kinds of possibilities that humanity could achieve, and that somewhat motivated him. Yet, this task is perhaps the hardest challenge in his life; even as a hailed genius of a genetic professor, altering human genetics was quite daunting to him, not to mention the controversy it might produce. He was also quite concerned about that human whose priority was to serve in a war for the Empire.

Yet as Gerald said, there was no way around it. The harsh weather and mediocre land made it intrinsically hard to produce much crop for the Empire, and Alexei's achievements now and later would only buy time before the population couldn't be sustained. To him, it was a shame that an ordinary human could only hone his intellect so much to solve the chronic problem that his Empire faced. Perhaps, if he took even a small chance to permanently change the course of his Empire's fate, he at least wouldn't live with regret.

After some time of silence, Alexei sighed and gave an answer. "Yes, Gerald. I accept. I will do my best, no, I will make those soldiers."

"You will?" Gerald asked from an unexpected reply. "Are you prepared to go all the way, Alexei?"

"Yes. I am prepared to go all the way, my good friend."

Thrown off by an unexpected answer, Gerald finally responded. "Thank you, Alexei. I didn't expect you to accept this, but that doesn't matter now. Now you can be sure that you have my full support." Rising from his seat, Gerald offered a hand to Alexei.

Alexei also rose and grabbed Gerald's hand.

"For the future of the Empire." Gerald said with tight grip.

"…For the future of the Empire."

Thus the Great War has been catalyzed.