Chapter 24: The Invasion of Kowan Kingdom Part 3

Six Months Ago - Earth

Deep within the eastern territory of the Russian Empire, in the Korean Peninsula, a state-of-the-art Samsung research and development facility stood amidst lush green landscapes. The facility was a marvel of modern architecture, boasting sleek glass windows reflecting the vibrant hues of the surrounding nature. Inside, the laboratories were filled with cutting-edge equipment and bustling scientists, tirelessly pushing boundaries in their pursuit of scientific advancement.

Within one particular laboratory, Professor Kim Ji Soo and his team were engrossed in a momentous discovery. Their latest research had led them to a breakthrough like no other— an unknown, silvery metal found exclusively in Falmart that fascinated them all. Their eyes were wide with awe and excitement as they came to terms with the staggering implications of their findings.

Professor Kim Ji Soo, a middle-aged man with graying hair and sharp, intelligent eyes, peered through his glasses as he examined the data displayed on the holographic screen before him. With every passing moment, his excitement grew, intermingled with a hint of disbelief. Beside him, a young and enthusiastic student, Park Min Ji, eagerly awaited his response.

"This is impossible, check the number again," Professor Kim exclaimed in disbelief, removing his eyeglasses and wiping them with a trembling hand.

Park Min Ji, a diligent and diligent student with a bright smile, couldn't contain her excitement. "The number is correct, Professor Kim. We have triple-checked the results," she replied, her voice brimming with enthusiasm.

Professor Kim's hands shook as he absorbed the implications of the astonishing discovery. "But... if this number is correct, then it means mithril-ion compounds have an energy density between 200 to 400 kWh/kg," he whispered, his voice filled with wonder.

A mixture of emotions flooded the room, ranging from disbelief to euphoria. The potential of this new metal, which the local had aptly named Mithril, seemed boundless. The energy density they had measured was beyond anything they could have imagined—the compounds of Mithril displayed an energy density between 200 to 400 kWh/kg, far surpassing the widely used lithium-ion batteries.

"By the Tsar! This thing has 50 times the energy density of a sakuranium battery. We're going to be famous!" one of the students exclaimed, unable to contain their excitement as they enveloped Professor Kim in a tight hug.

Professor Kim, slowly regaining his composure, nodded in agreement. "This is the biggest discovery in the field of electrochemistry since the British discovered room temperature superconductors in the 60s and the Americans mass-produced metallic hydrogen in the 70s."

The implications of their discovery were staggering. They envisioned a world where electric vehicles could travel unprecedented distances, where smartphones could operate without ever needing to be charged anew. But most importantly, they imagined the possibilities this discovery would bring to the Imperial Russian Army.

"Can you even imagine what we can do with this kind of super battery? An electric truck could now run 500,000 km before needing to be recharged. Our smartphones won't ever need to be plugged in during their entire lifetime," another student pondered.

"And most of all, can you even imagine what the Imperial Russian Army will do with this? Limitless range drones, ExoFrame units that can remain on the frontline for days before returning to base. The potential is limitless," a third student interjected, his voice filled with awe.

As the room brimmed with excitement and fervor, Professor Kim's mind began to race. He knew they had to act swiftly to capitalize on their discovery. "We must patent this invention and secure a stable supply of Mithril from Falmart before any other company, be it Sony or Hitachi, beats us to it. Samsung must be the first to bring it to the market," he declared with unwavering determination.

At Present - Falmart

The dark forest loomed on the outskirts of the Kingdom of Kowan, its ancient trees reaching up to snatch the light from the sun. Thick, gnarled branches intertwined to form an impenetrable canopy, casting eerie shadows upon the earth below. The air was heavy with the scent of damp earth and decaying foliage, masking the sounds of impending doom.

General Youji Itami, Commander of the Russian Far East 11th Guards Combined Arms Army, had been given a critical mission by Marshall Alexander Dolgorukov. He was to pacify the Elven Kingdom of Kowan, a city-state nestled within a massive forest that made traditional armor maneuver nearly impossible. The general's keen tactical mind and unwavering determination made him the perfect candidate for such a task.

The first assault on Kowan began with a decapitation strike. The 301st Tactical Fighter Squadron launched a relentless assault on the city's command center, while the 52nd Guards Heavy Bomber Aviation Wing unleashed a series of terror bombings upon the unsuspecting residents. Chaos engulfed the city as buildings crumbled, and the terrified screams of its inhabitants filled the air.

Colonel Motohiro, the valiant commander of the 338th Guards Rocket Artillery Brigade, witnessed the devastation from a distance. He understood the gravity of his role and was prepared to provide much-needed support artillery to ensure the success of the mission. His brigade, armed with 24 Tornado-S 19K515 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS), each capable of delivering up to 12 missiles with 300mm diameter, possessed a destructive range of a staggering 720 miles (1200 km). But it was the interconnected command and control systems that truly made his brigade a formidable force.

Under Motohiro's command, UQ-24 drones hovered above the battlefield, relaying real-time video feeds of the target to a supercomputer. This powerful machine analyzed the information and determined the most efficient course of action. The decision was made: 34 missiles armed with cumulative-fragmentation munition warheads would rain down upon the guards stationed on the western wall, decimating their defenses and securing the gate leading to the city's agricultural district.

The Tornado-S launchers slowly turned upwards, its mechanical movements synchronized with the impending doom about to rain upon the city. The soldiers, hardened by years of warfare, steadied themselves for the cataclysmic release of destruction.

"Prepare to fire!... Fire!" roared Motohiro, his voice drowned out by the deafening sound of rockets erupting from the launch tubes. Flames spewed forth from the MLRS, accompanied by a thunderous roar that reverberated through the surrounding forest. Their ascent was swift, flashing like bolts of lightning against the gray canvas above. The missiles soared through the sky, leaving trails of smoke as they hurtled towards their targets.

Meanwhile, 160 kilometers away, trooper Dulaney of Watchtower 17 suddenly felt a deep sense of dread washing over him. Alarm bells rang incessantly in his mind, a foreboding premonition of certain death. Though his instincts screamed at him to flee and abandon his post, he knew that duty demanded otherwise. Ignoring the chilling feeling that coursed through his veins, he tried to quell the rising panic within him.

As the rockets hurtled towards their unsuspecting targets, Dulaney's body was suddenly subjected to an indescribable force, as if an invisible hand was pressing him down. Panic consumed him as he fought against the unseen oppression, desperately gasping for air. But his struggle was in vain.

In an instant, the 300mm rockets exploded over Watchtower 17, unleashing a cataclysm of destruction and death. Trooper Dulaney's life was abruptly cut short, his consciousness whisked away from this world forever. His demise was just one among the hundreds of guards who suffered a similar fate.

The sky rained a deadly storm upon the defenders, each rocket finding its mark with macabre precision. The onslaught was merciless. As the missiles rained down upon the western wall, their cumulative-fragmentation munition warheads tore through flesh and bone, painting the scene in a grotesque collage of death and destruction. The screams of the dying merged with the thunderous roar of obliteration, their cries drowned out by the chaos unfolding before them. Guards, their souls ripped from their bodies, were sent hurtling into the abyss as the wall crumbled beneath the weight of the assault. Blood painted the walls, mingling with the splintered remains of once-resolute warriors.

The western wall now lay defenseless, the ground littered with the mangled bodies of those who had sworn to protect it. The mangled bodies of the guards served as a grim warning to those who dared oppose the might of the Greater Russian Empire. Fear gripped the hearts of the surviving defenders, whispering tales of an unstoppable force that held dominion over life and death.

General Itami, observing the devastating display of power from a vantage point, witnessed the obliteration of the enemy's defenses. The real-time video feed transmitted by UQ-24 drones provided him with a bird's-eye view of the devastation. A mix of awe and horror gripped his heart as he gazed upon the carnage. This was the price of war, its grotesque face laid bare for all to witness. Yet, he knew that he had a duty to fulfill—a duty to bring order and control to this chaotic realm.

Colonel Motohiro, his heart devoid of remorse, prepared his forces for the next stage of the invasion. The Elven Kingdom of Kowan would fall, its people subjected to the iron will of the Greater Russian Empire.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

In the sky above the besieged city of Kowan, there were three massive Ilyushin Il-116 supersonic transport aircraft approached. On board the leading aircraft awaited a weapon that would forever change the face of infantry warfare - the Tactical Operation ExoFrame Type-12, a third-generation ExoFrame.

The origins of ExoFrame can be traced back to the rapid decline in survivability and effectiveness of light infantry units at the turn of the century. As the threat landscape evolved, every terrorist organization could easily acquire FPV drones and modify them into deadly weapons, forcing infantrymen to adopt heavier armor to protect themselves. The burden of such armor, however, severely reduced their mobility, hindering their ability to respond swiftly in dynamic combat situations.

Yet, it was through advancements in technology that a solution emerged. The convergence of breakthroughs in battery technology, material science, robotics, and brain-computer interfaces opened up new possibilities for military applications. These developments marked the birth of the High Mobility Amplified Exoskeleton Combat Frame or ExoFrame for short. The Imperial Russian military, known for its innovative approach and willingness to embrace cutting-edge technology, spearheaded the development of ExoFrame. Drawing from their experience in combating the monstrous threats emerging from the portals, they aimed to create a versatile and durable platform that would enhance the capabilities of infantry soldiers.

Inside the leading Il-116, Major Takagi oversaw the operation with steely determination. His experienced eyes surveyed the troops assembled before him, the soldiers of the 61st Air Assault Company adorned in their advanced ExoFrames.

"Men, today we make our mark in history," Takagi spoke with a commanding voice. "We are the vanguard of a new era, the pioneers of the battlefield. It's time for us to shine!"

The soldiers listened intently, mesmerized by their leader's words. The Type-12 ExoFrames gleamed around them, imposing and futuristic. The sealed and pressurized machines stood at an impressive height of 293 centimeters, their weight barely reaching 600 kilograms. It was equipped with the new high-capacity DShK plasma rifle, a devastatingly powerful weapon that could engage targets with deadly accuracy. The soldiers felt a surge of confidence knowing they wore the culmination of cutting-edge technology.

The hum of anticipation filled the aircraft as the 61st Air Assault Company prepared for the upcoming airdrop. The soldiers checked their equipment, ensuring the mithril-ion batteries that powered their ExoFrames were fully charged. These revolutionary power sources boasted an unparalleled lifespan, capable of lasting an entire week without requiring a recharge.

Unlike earlier ExoFrame designs, the Type-12 was a marvel of versatility. It possessed a multi-purpose architecture, capable of replicating all the functions of an infantry soldier. But it was the ExoFrame's integration with the soldiers' minds that truly set it apart. The advanced brain-computer interface allowed the machine to read the pilot's thoughts, expanding their capabilities and synchronizing their movements seamlessly. The Type-12 ExoFrame was no longer just a tool; it became an extension of the soldier wearing it. The soldiers' minds became one with their machines, their neural signals seamlessly translated into precise movements.

The ceramite polysteel armor encasing the ExoFrames offered formidable protection. Its composition granted incredible strength, enabling it to endure an array of threats, from gunfire to blunt force trauma. Even direct hits from 20mm armor-piercing rounds caused no permanent damage to these advanced exoskeletons.

As the aircraft neared its designated drop zone, a small panel on Takagi's ExoFrame's forearm flickered to life, displaying a schematic of the targeted area. The Major examined the visuals, strategizing the best approach for the 61st Air Assault Company.

The aircraft's cargo bay doors began to open, filling the cabin with a surge of wind and shifting perspectives to the battlefield below. Major's heart raced with anticipation as he prepared to jump into the unknown, leading his soldiers into the chaos.

"Remember your training!" Takagi shouted. "We're here to secure the western gate of the city agricultural district. Expect enemy resistance, but be relentless! Our ExoFrames give us an advantage, but it is our skill and determination that will ensure victory!"

The soldiers nodded in agreement, their resolve unwavering. They were about to make their maiden combat drop, showcasing the ExoFrame's full potential.

"Tango Three, this is Sword Lead. Prepare for a vertical insertion on my mark," Takagi radioed to the other squads within his unit.

"Copy that, Sword Lead. We're ready for the drop," came the response, crisp and resolute.

With a resounding order, Takagi and his troops leaped out of the aircraft, plunging into the open skies.

With a sudden jolt, they were airborne, each soldier propelled into the sky with the aid of specialized ExoFrame thrusters, similar to miniaturized jetpacks that granted them unparalleled mobility. The rush of wind filled their ears as they descended towards the battlefield, the mechanical limbs of their ExoFrames adjusting to the movements of their pilots.

The soldiers descended with a calculated precision, their ExoFrames allowing them to maneuver effortlessly through the air. As they neared the ground, the 61st Air Assault Company's ExoFrames adapted to the changing environment, their thrusters automatically engaging to soften their landing. The troops hit the earth with a resounding thud, shaking the ground beneath them.

Takagi's ExoFrame cushioned the landing, absorbing the impact and ensuring a smooth descent. He quickly regained his footing and surveyed the area, his sensors analyzing the nearby structures and potential threats.

"Move out!" Takagi bellowed, transmitting the command through the secure communication network that connected all the soldiers. The 61st Air Assault Company sprang into action, their ExoFrames enhancing their agility and strength as they maneuvered through the war-torn terrain.

The soldiers, now a seamless amalgamation of man and machine, moved swiftly and purposefully towards their objective. The Type-12 ExoFrames showcased their incredible mobility, allowing the troops to traverse obstacles and rough terrain with ease.

In the distance, the towering western gate of the city agricultural district came into view. As the 61st Air Assault Company advanced, they encountered resistance from enemy forces entrenched within the city walls. Enemy soldiers armed with conventional weaponry stood little chance against the sheer power of the ExoFrames. Sergeant Ishida sighted an enemy archer perched atop a destroyed watchtower and swiftly targeted him with his DShK plasma rifle. A concentrated burst of energy was unleashed, obliterating the tower and the threat it posed.

Takagi communicated with the supporting artillery units, coordinating their efforts to ensure the area was prepared for the infantry's arrival.

"Artillery, give us suppressive fire on the enemy positions!" Major Takagi commanded. "We need to secure the gate!"

The 338th Guards Rocket Artillery Brigade unleashed a barrage of thunderous explosions, decimating the enemy defenses and creating a smokescreen that engulfed the battlefield. The soldiers of the 61st Air Assault Company advanced through the chaos, their ExoFrames providing unparalleled protection and enhanced capabilities.

As they approached the western gate, Takagi analyzed the structural weaknesses, quickly formulating a plan to breach it. He dispatched a team of engineers specialized in demolitions, their ExoFrames equipped with cutting-edge tools to swiftly dismantle the obstacle standing in their way.

The soldiers worked in perfect synchronization, their mechanized movements guided by the minds of their pilots. With a resounding explosion, the western gate crumbled, allowing the 61st Air Assault Company to burst through the enemy defenses and secure their foothold within the city agricultural district.

"Engage and secure positions! Don't let them know what hit 'em!" Takagi commanded, his voice filled with determination.

With practiced precision, the soldiers activated their ExoFrames' thermal vision, scanning their surroundings for any potential threats. The Type-12 ExoFrames amplified their senses, allowing them to spot hidden enemies and plan their strategies accordingly.

The 61st Air Assault Company unleashed their firepower, the DShK plasma rifles crackling with energy. Streams of searing plasma projectiles sliced through the air, melting through Elven defenses with astonishing efficiency. The ExoFrames moved with the grace and agility of a predator unleashed, their pilots effortlessly dodging incoming projectiles and swiftly closing the gap to engage in close-quarters combat

The battle raged on, explosions and gunfire punctuating the air. The 61st Air Assault Company pushed forward, their ExoFrames unleashing devastating weaponry upon their foes. The Type-12 ExoFrames demonstrated unparalleled power, their integrated armaments annihilating enemy positions with precision.

Major Takagi communicated with his troops, coordinating their efforts and ensuring their advancement remained relentless. The soldiers of the 61st Air Assault Company fought with unwavering determination, their minds merged with their ExoFrames, each action a testament to the symbiotic relationship between man and machine.