This world is weird, almost feels like the Gods and Goddesses mashed up this world during boredom and just doing this for fun only since it's almost so random. Mu, a continent from another planet suddenly found itself got transferred into here. The same happened to the Gra Valkas Empire, a country from the planet of Yggdra which transferred into here during the war against Kain Divine Kingdom. Looking back several centuries ago, Emissaries of the Sun God also appeared for a while to, help the planet's population by reinforcing the last bastion against the Demon Lord Army in Rodenius which was created by the Ancient Sorcerous Empire, who also came from another world. The history of this world is…wild.
Speaking of the Emissaries of the Sun God, they are respected, loved and the red dot on their bird has become one of the national symbols in the Principality of Qua Toyne. Of course, it was common since the country itself was the last bastion during the war against Demon Lord. Even then, when one of the birds got killed, they took it and placed it on a shrine to be a memorial and reminder of the past. The Qua-Toynian are proud of it and become a loyal follower of the Sun God just like they are with the Goddess of Fertility, especially when they thought that their country's safety is guaranteed by the Goddess of Sun just like the Goddess of Fertility who granted them an extremely fertile land.
Yet, as it turned out, she didn't.
"Heh, it seems that your gods have abandoned you, hmm?"
The man who said it is not an ordinary man, instead he is the Lourian Prince, or to be precise, he is the Crown Prince himself. Standing full of high spirits after successfully conquering the last bastion of Qua-Toyne, he then proceeded to mock the Qua-Toynian elves who were lined up in front of him. It's not that he just mocks them out of nowhere, but based on some reason of course. As the Emissaries of the Sun God previously had helped them to turn the tide of battle in their favor against the Demon Lord Army, the Qua Toynian had always warned the Lourian that they would pray to the Sun God again in case that they dared to invade them for no good reason. For a while, that worked as the Lourian government took that as a credible threat, but after their intel found out that some of the Qua Toynian High Priest doubted the possibility of summoning the Emissaries again, they decided to just clap this Elven country. And as it turned out, the Sun God had abandoned this country since he ignored their prayers for help. The Qua Toynian, having lost their faith and didn't have any hope left, immediately surrendered after their last bastion, the so-called Fort of Lean Nou Forest had been captured by the mighty Lourian Army.
Now, the elves are feel empty after their goddess has abandoned them and begin to wonder what these humans would do to them. After hundreds of years of peace and without any meaningful conflict, now they found themselves under foreign occupation. Still, they believe that the goddess will come to save them soon, as proved by an elf who murmured something.
"Even if it's an empty hope, it's better than not having it at all."
In front of them was a camp of the Lourian Imperial Army, with approximately a hundred of them was standing guarding them. One of the army officer who wears a completely different uniform than the others approach a person who could be identified as their Crown Prince.
"Your Highness, we have finished counting their numbers."
The Crown Prince immediately stopped and turned his gaze into the officer before then asked.
"Good General, how many are they?"
"One thousand, two hundred and seventy-nine."
Hearing the numbers, the Crown Prince furrowed his eyebrows since its felt off. Yet after several seconds passed, he put it out and said, "I see….far below than what I expected."
The General of course understood why, since the previous estimation of how many Qua-Toynians taking shelter or creating a last stronghold here is put on at least 10.000.
"Our reconnaissance platoons said that some had escaped before we finally encircled this forest. Perhaps, they're trying to go into the Dragonspine to form a last futile defense with the remnants of Quillan."
Hearing the General's explanations, he just looked at the ground before then said, "Fine."
The Crown Prince then turned his gaze at the direction of Dragonspine which, although covered by the tree line in here, he could still see the tip of the mountains. Snow could be seen covering the top of it, and some clouds floated on top of several parts of the mountain. If the Qua-Toynian and Quillans were really went into the mountain, then it would be a more fierce battle than what he had experienced before. But, the mountain is out of his command region.
"Well, I'm not responsible for anything that happened on the mountain. Now, it's up to Neskovic to deal with them."
After saying it, he then looks at the General again before finally saying, "Alright then, let's see what they actually stored inside of this forest fortress. General Sailovic, prepared it!"
"Understood!"
After hearing the response, he and his personal escorts immediately went back into the camp while General Dusan Sailovic, the man who he had just ordered immediately walked into the line of Qua-Toynian prisoners in search of a priest. But, after a moment of searching, he concluded that looking for it by looking up at each person would take too much time and, since they had taken off their uniforms, it would added up into the difficulty. Just by looking at the hundreds of prisoners in front of him was enough to make him feel tired already. Then, come something inside of his mind. Although it was something that he would avoid completely, but he had to do it.
"Soldiers, take….their kids!" He ordered with a quavering sound, but the soldiers ignore it and went with the order.
"Yes, General!"
Soon after that, the Lourian army began to search for kids, including baby before then going back and hold them in front. The Qua-Toynian, especially their respective mothers and family are cried and beg the Lourian to stop and spare their child and bring them instead. But to no avail, the Lourian keep continue to bring their child.
"Lused," General Sailovic started by using a slur for Qua-Toynian, "I know that some of you here are Priests. So then, you who are a priest should stand up now or I will kill these kids one by one," he said with a somewhat hesitant expression before continuing it with a more serious face, "If you show yourself, I will free them all."
But, what was happened was out of his expectations, or maybe just as he expected after he showed a half-hearted gesture. Not even one single person stood up or raised his hand to save those poor kids. Even after some minutes had passed, nothing happened. He then came into a conclusion that the lused didn't take his threat seriously, which was true at some point..
"Fine then."
Right after he said that, he took his sword and walked towards a boy. The panicked and hysterical screams could be heard getting louder with every step he took towards an Elf boy, who also looked terrified and crying loudly. He ran to save himself reflexively, but a soldier tripped his feet immediately before holding him back, making him unable to escape. Meanwhile, the Qua-Toynian who were about to move to save him were immediately blocked by the soldiers.
The General, after calculate that the distance is enough immediately raised his arm and prepared to swing his sword into the boy. But, before the sword could hit the poor elven boy, he held his hand after hearing something.
"Stop! I….I am a priest, I will do anything so please stop this!"
Sailovic still holds his sword and looks at the man who claims to be a priest. He was for a good reason doubting the fact, but after several seconds, he put his sword back into its scabbard before walking into the man who claimed himself as a priest. After he arrived right at the front of that priest, he ordered the supposed priest to stand up before asking a question.
"You are a real priest, right?"
"Yes."
Of course, as predicted he didn't immediately believe it. He then grabbed something from his pockets and gave it to the man as a test to prove the man's claim.
"If you are a real priest, then that means you can read this, right?"
The man then nodded after seeing the writings on the paper given by the general. Of course, he could read it, an ancient letter that hasn't been used anymore, and only several people including Priests who were still used it in several important events.
"The Emissaries light birds are moving at the speed of a light and fire light bullets at the Demon Lord Army Wyverns, ensuring the skies are clear for the Coalition Army."
Sailovic looks satisfied after he knows that this man is a real priest.
"Alright, release them!"
As the kids are being allowed to return to their respective families, the Priest asks, "I will thank you for releasing them and eventually stay true to your words, but may I ask why since I heard you Lourian are barbaric humans who like to murders others that they regard as inferior?"
Hearing how he and his fellow Lourians are being viewed in an antagonistic way in this country makes his blood boil, although that's actually kinda true to some degree so he decides to just ignore it. The General then took a deep breath and exhaled it slowly before taking a look at the forest for a while before then turned his gaze to the Priest again. Several types of answers were already flowing inside of his head, but he didn't use it immediately due to trying to gain any better answers, yet it failed. Then, he decided to use the best possible answer his brain could think of.
"I'm not serious about it. But, well, it's just my personality, so I can't guarantee that the others have the same way of view as me," he answered with a worried face.
The priest takes a sigh, a sense of relief could be felt after knowing that there are still good people in Louria, even if it's not up to what he had expected earlier. But even then he still sees it in a positive way, 'It's still nice since the person who has this thought held an important position, an army general', he thought.
Seeing the priest already looking satisfied by his answer, Sailovic immediately looks at a Colonel.
"Nedic, guard them to their designated camp. I will accompany His Highness into the ruin."
"Yes, sir!"
Suddenly, he remembered about something which brought his attention back to the Priest.
"Oh right, what is your name by the way?"
"Aedan."
"Allright, Aedan, sir, I need your help to make things go easier."
Hearing it made the priest raise his eyebrow, since making things go easier sounds so vague and even then, it potentially could make their fate become worse than what already is. So then, he decides to ask about it first.
"What is it?"
"We want to move them into a camp to accommodate them for a while. It's not for a negative purpose, I swear, we already have a list of what we would do after victory and there is no mention of genocide or something that you Qua-Toynian thoughts about."
"And what would you all do to us?"
"Well, forced labor. But, the practice is up to the general who is set as a military governor in each area so, maybe it's not the best but I could make it more humane for you all."
Aedan was stunned after he heard it, instantly turning him from feeling relief to. On one side, it's good to hear that his fellow Qua-Toynian will not be killed, but being a forced labor is still not an option. He, of course couldn't accept it, even if Sailovic would be nice to them, he shouldn't just immediately accept it.
"What if I refuse?"
"Refuse, what?"
"My fellow shall not be a forced labor you know, I just…couldn't let it happen."
"And what you will do, bring them to another country?"
"Yes of course, are you gonna stop us?"
The General immediately put on an annoyed face. He then took a deep breath and stared at the Priest for a while before then answered his question.
"Even if I don't stop you, the others will. You simply didn't have any other choices other than simply collaborating with me. I will be honest here, so listen!"
Before Aedan could respond to it, Sailovic all of a sudden grabbed his collar and then pulled it close to him.
"The Crown Prince could just remove me from this position anytime he wanted, so you shall not try to get me in trouble. Just, collaborate with me. I will reduce the harshness in their work, give them enough food and any other things that would make it at least humane enough."
Sailovic stopped for a while to take a breath, then continued it again.
"The Duke of this region has been killed in battle, so I didn't have any other figures that could be used. What is left is you, so…could you help me?"
Aedan was left with pretty much two options, and all of it were seems to be not a good options. He could try to bring the remnants of Qua-Toynian left this place to take refuge, but as Sailovic said, they probably would get captured in the middle of their journey anyway. The last option was to let his fellow citizens be enslaved by Lourians, but the General would try his best to be nice to them. Problematic.
To make it simple, he was forced to pick a lesser worse fate.
"Fi-Fi-Fine, I….will collaborate with you!"
Right after he said it, Sailovic immediately released his grip.
"Thank you, now I can sleep peacefully at night."
He then turned his gaze at the surroundings, and it seemed that Nedic and his soldiers had already brought them into the camp.
"Well, I was actually wanting you to persuade them first so we can do it much more easily, but I guess we should just jump into the next part. The problem is, we need to wait until His Highness leaves."
After saying it, he then brings the Priest into the Crown Prince's tents. There, not only do they meet the Crown Prince and his escort, but also a pretty much familiar person.
"Crown Prince Radomir, your father, Emperor Hark together with Emperor Ludius congratulated your final victory in Qua-Toyne and asked you to come to the Victory Feast in the capital two weeks from now."
Radomir Misic, the Crown Prince of the Lourian Empire looking at the Parpaldian military attache that always accompanied them everywhere as a part of the agreement. Sure, this man are really helped him with tactics and decisions, but…well, he couldn't say it.
"Understood Vice Marshall, please send my reply that I will attend it to them!"
"As you said," the Parpaldian Vice Marshall replied before saluting him and then leaving the tent.
With the Vice Marshall now is not here anymore, Misic then looked at the priest before saying, "Now, Priest, please lead us into the building where you stored that bird."
Although he didn't want to do it, but he knows it very well that they didn't have much choice. So then, the only answer that he could give is, "Understood, please follow me."
The groups then began to walk inside the forests. Tall trees and roads made of dirt are began to feel common for them for every step they took inside of this forest. It is also worth to note that the farther they went into the forest, the darker it became because those tall ancient trees had branches that were full of dense, lush leaves that covered the sky and prevented light from entering. Luckily, the group brought a mage too who could use his magic to create a simple torch.
Not too far after they entered a zone where the sunlight couldn't reach the ground anymore, Aedan, the Priest stopped in front of a big tree. The Lourians who followed him began to look at the tree, but they couldn't find anything that seemed to be indicate something unusual. Misic who wondered what was wrong then asked, "Why do we stop here?"
"I'm trying to open the gate, please wait."
"A gate?"
Since he couldn't find anything that looked like a gate, his eyes then glued again at the tree. Shortly thereafter, a deafening sound could be heard, and through the torchlight, they could see that the giant tree trunk in front of them had split in two. This signaled that this was the gate that the priest had mentioned earlier.
"So….that is a gate?"
From behind the gate, a building appeared in the middle of a room that was shining with bright sunlight. A small garden illuminated by the sunlight, colorful birds and butterflies added to the coolness of this secret room, relieving their fatigue and tiredness after walking along the difficult path earlier. The path that led them into the main building surprisingly was made from gold, and the ornaments were also made from noble metal. Following the golden path and enjoying the beautiful scenery, they finally came into the building. With the door was already opened, they easily came inside into the main hall. There, they could see a white plane with a red dot circle on its body and wing. The priest walked forward into the plane and then started to explain it.
"This is the Divine Bird of Emissaries of the Sun God who fought against the Demon Lord Wyvern's forces. During a certain battle, this Divine Bird got hit by enemy attacks and black blood began to leak from its body till it passed away."
While Aedan was trying to explain the history of this bird and why it is an important and sacred thing for Qua-Toynian, particularly the Elves, a burst of laughter could be heard among the group which stopped him from explaining.
"Hahahaha! So, the Divine Bird that they were always barking about actually was a plane? Holy shit, these Elves must have been brainwashed so bad that they couldn't even differentiate it anymore."
Hearing how the Crown Prince belittled and insulted his race again and again, the Priest blood was boiling up then muttering something.
"That's enough!"
Misic right hand moved into a pocket located on his hip like trying to take something, which turned out to be a pistol. Didn't want to waste his time, so he immediately began to aiming it at the priest. Just before he moved his finger to release the bullet, Sailovic immediately rushed into him and said,
"Your Highness, maybe we should spare him since he is willing to cooperate with us so far. Also, we would need this kind of person in this position to ensure the Elves keep calm."
Crown Prince Misic then pulled his finger out of the trigger and lowered his pistol before then thinking about the General's advice. Sure, this Priest is kinda annoying, but the General was also right about this guy. The priest is holding an important position and even then, seems willing to cooperate. Maybe if he was being softer at him, he could put that Priest as an important leader to make the Elves, or even Qua-Toynian, far more easier to be controlled.
"Well, he is okay for the meantime I guess. There must be still much more better candidates than him but, as I said, for the meantime, he is good enough."
He then put his pistol back into the place and said, "You may keep him for now."
Sailovic feels relieved, but the fact that the Crown Prince himself just said it was temporary makes him sweating nervously.
Misic, meanwhile had already turned his gaze at another general who seemed to want to talk about something.
"So, Novakovic, do you have something to tell to me?"
General Vladan Novakovic immediately walked forward before then salute him and answering it.
"My Prince, shall we begin the preparation to ship those Qua-Toynian into Parpaldia now?"
General Novakovic was reminded him about their obligations according to the treaty that had been signed between them, Louria with Parpaldia that had been delayed several times already with Parpaldia now aggressively reminded them about this recently. But to his surprise, Crown Prince Misic was laughing
"Hahaha, oh General, we will not share them with those pesky Philadeans."
"But, isn't this already a part of the deal that even has been signed by His Majesty himself?"
"Well, yeah, but my father and I, including the Senates, have reached to a conclusion that we are better off not complying with that deal."
Hearing it, Novakovic's eyes were widened since he knew what could the Parpaldian bring into them in retaliation. And for sure, he knows pretty well that it's not good.
"M-My Prince, but Parpaldia are far stronger than us. We also couldn't face them at this moment since we are spread thin across the whole itself. Any invasion would result in our defeat."
"Especially after Mirishial has guaranteed the independence of Altaras, the Parpaldian have turned their eyes from the south to the north and east since then." He added.
"Don't worry General. Us politicians will do the job for that. The whole world of Ars Goetia will soon see our nation as the rising Great Power of the East. With Parpaldia days are numbered now, that fragile nation will bow before us!"
"Uh...understood, Your Highness"
"Now, let's go back to Maihark. Set up some platoons to guard this so-called Holy Sites."
"Yes, Your Highness!"
On the top far north of Philades Continent, the Third Civilized Region, there is a country known as the Kingdom of Topa, a well-known country in this world that apparently is preparing itself for the worst fate. In population and economic matters, they aren't promising or even important enough to be a target for imperialist power, same with the military that isn't threatening at all. But, due to the fact that this country is the Guardian of the World to stop the advance of the Demon Lord Army if they ever come again, Topa instantly became a pretty much famous country for its role, even if the threat is questionable regarding whether it was even a real threat or not. But, the first sign has appeared, followed by the second and third which was enough to make the Kingdom begin to prepare itself for any possibilities, including the worst.
The capital city of Topa, Berngen lies in the southeastern part of the country and directly faces Owari Bay. Being a coastal city, it pretty much relied on maritime trade and fisheries to support its economy and food supplies, hence the reason why there are many fishing boats lying on the harbor. Even if the state was about to enter a state of war status and wyvern attack from the sky was also a possibility, the fisherman was still fishing on the bay guarded by some soldiers. While the bay seems to be still in the same condition, the castle, where the King and his officials worked in, is not the same as usual.
In a certain room, the King of Topa, Rados the XVI, stands together with his generals surrounding a table where a map of Topa lies on top of it. His eyes are glued to one part of the map, the city of Tormeous, and his face turns gloomy after seeing a single line that runs from west to east. That line isn't a border or any other thing, instead that line symbolizes the Doors of the World, a citadel located just north of the city that was also marked not only the northern boundaries of Topa, but also separating the human and demon world. But that was not the reason of why he looked worried.
"How is the defense preparation?"
The King asked, but none of the Generals immediately answered his question. No one seems to dare answer it for now, even the Marshall himself stays silent while looking at an arrow that indicates some possible routes for their adversary's invasion route. Of course, Rados noticed it and concluded that something was wrong.
"Ekhem…"
Right after that, the Marshall then opened his mouth.
"Your Majesty, I'm afraid that the current state of the wall wouldn't be able to hold out for too long. Our assessment result was, that it could hold their advance for three weeks at most. The rest of the battle will be carried out at Tormeus District."
The King nodded with an agreeing face since he also thought that the city would be lost anyway, but for how long it could be held out was indeed a bit surprising.
"One week, are you sure?"
"Yes, Your Majesty, the arrival of Malastras, his oni subordinates, and the Wyvern Riders are the main cause of this. We conclude that we should just stop the upgrading process of the wall and build another defensive line in the district while waiting for reinforcement from Parpaldia," the Marshall answered with a face full of confidence, enough to make Rados nod his head. Although it didn't answer his actual question.
"So, why do you think this wall could hold out for three weeks at most, I thought it could only last for five days?"
"Yes, our initial calculation was five days before changed to one week. But, after that there were many things changed. The amount of cannon now was sufficient for the slaughtering zone, which was one kilometer wide. We also received several howitzers from Holy Mirishial and several thousands of rifles from Parpaldia. This addition changed our calculus so, we predict they could last long enough."
"I see, let me think about it."
Rados of course knew that it wasn't a simple thing to be done. At first, they simply thought that they could just slaughter them at the wall or, even the worst thing that could happen is just a battle near of the wall gate if it got breached and quickly repaired it again. But, Malastras existence is a problem, including the Onis and Wyvern Riders of course. Parpaldia seems to have the weapons to deal with them but, they will arrive one month from now, or even more. Looking for a new place that could be used as a defensive position and moving the troops into there would take time, and he wasn't sure that they had the time for that. When he was thinking about it, suddenly, the door was knocked, disrupting his thoughts.
"Enter," he gives the permission.
The door was immediately opened and an officer walked in. He took a look at the officer, which seemed weird to come here without bringing anything.
"What do you need to say?"
"Your Majesty, there is a report from the Coastal Defense Force Regiment that a mysterious landmass suddenly appeared on the bay, and one part of this landmass is connected to our land."
Right after he finished reporting it, the entire room was filled with a sense of doubting the report, but after they decide to walked outside and went into the roof, their eyes couldn't hide it. A landmass truly could be seen on the horizon and the civilization who live on it looks more advanced compared to them. Looking a bit down at the beach and roads nearby, hundreds or even thousands of civilians are crowding it, trying to look at the phenomenon more clearly. Completely dumbfounded, one of the general says,
"Is this the Ancient Sorcereous Empire?"
The King thought that too at first, same with the others. It's not impossible anymore at this point to have the ASE suddenly appears on here with the Demon Lord Army was back. But, after gave it some thoughts, he put that possibility away, saying, "If it was them, we would have died by now."
The General couldn't deny it since it was sounds true enough, atleast according to what they know. Rados then turned back and said, "Let's meet them and try to get what is their intentions," before he walked into his office to prepared it.
A/N
Lused = Lude sused, Crazy Neighbor
Other
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