Chapter 6: The Third Civilization Zone.
In the vast expanse of the universe, there exists a planet unlike any other – Novus Orbis. A colossal superearth with a diameter 2.5 times longer than Earth's, it boasts a surface area six times larger, adorned with countless continents, each vast and majestic in its own right. But what truly sets Novus Orbis apart is the presence of a natural element known as Magic.
Magic flows through the very veins of the planet, a tangible force that permeates every aspect of life. It is not some otherworldly power but a part of the natural order, harnessed by all who inhabit the world. Through the manipulation of Mana, a natural energy source within the body, individuals can wield Magic to extraordinary effect. But Mana is not solely confined to the human form; it can also be found within Magic Gems and Tools, providing the means for civilizations to flourish in ways unimaginable on Earth.
Within the realm of Novus Orbis, two distinct domains exist – the Civilized and Uncivilized areas. In the former, nations thrive amidst advanced technologies and industrial prowess, while the latter remains entrenched in the pre-industrial Renaissance Era. But even within the Civilized realm, disparities abound, giving rise to the division of the First, Second, and Third Civilization Areas.
The First Civilization Area, epitomized by its mastery of Magic, stands at the forefront of innovation and progress. Meanwhile, the Second Civilization Area blends mechanical ingenuity with the arcane arts, forging a path of technological hybridization. In contrast, the Third Civilization Zone, though lagging behind in technological advancement, teeters on the brink of modernization, reminiscent of Earth's early 20th century era.
Stretching across the southern reaches of the supercontinent Philades, a landmass eight times larger than the Russian Federation, the Parpaldian Empire reigns supreme over an expanse rivaling the size of Eurasia. Yet, despite its vast holdings, the empire finds itself embroiled in a protracted struggle against a coalition of 11 northern empires, locked in a battle for supremacy that spans thousands of kilometers.
The geographical expanse of the Parpaldian Empire poses logistical challenges, with the distance between southern population centers and the northern frontier stretching nearly 6000 kilometers. Supplying its colossal expeditionary army of five million men becomes a Herculean task, straining the empire's resources and testing the limits of its military might.
Yet, the challenges facing the Parpaldian Empire do not end there. In the east, a new threat emerges from the depths of the ocean – the Gra Valkas Empire. Summoned by dark forces unknown, this enigmatic nation sets its sights on conquest, spreading its influence across the seas with relentless determination. Dozens of small island nations fall under their sway, further complicating the Parpaldian's already precarious situation.
As the Parpaldian Empire grapples with enemies on all fronts, its leaders face a dilemma of unprecedented proportions. With their vast resources stretched thin and their forces divided, the empire stands on the brink of collapse. The protracted war in the north drains their manpower and depletes their coffers, while the sudden emergence of the Gra Valkas Empire threatens to engulf them in a second front.
In the corridors of power, debates rage over the empire's next course of action. Some advocate for a withdrawal from the northern front, allowing the empire to consolidate its forces and focus on the new threat in the east. Others argue for a renewed offensive, believing that victory in the north is the key to securing their dominance over the Third Civilization Zone.
Esthirant, Parpaldia Empire, Central Calendar Year 10640, Month 1, Day 17.
The sweltering heat of the spring sun beat down mercilessly upon the marble halls of the Parpaldian Imperial Palace, casting long shadows that danced across the polished floors. Within the hallowed chambers of the Third Foreign Affairs Bureau, Kaios, chair of the department, found himself immersed in the delicate dance of diplomacy, his brow furrowed with the weight of responsibility.
As he made his way back to his office, Kaios couldn't help but grumble at the oppressive heat that seemed to cling to his skin like a suffocating shroud. His mind raced with the myriad tasks that awaited him – reports to review, negotiations to oversee, and, perhaps most daunting of all, the impending meeting with the ambassadors of nations teetering on the brink of annihilation at the hands of the Gra Valkas Empire.
Taking a moment to collect his thoughts, Kaios stepped into his office, the cool air offering a brief respite from the oppressive heat outside. Seating himself behind his desk, he cast a weary gaze over the stack of parchments that littered the surface, each one bearing the weight of nations pleading for salvation.
As he prepared himself for the meeting ahead, Kaios couldn't shake the nagging feeling of dread that gnawed at the edges of his consciousness. The Gra Valkas Empire posed a threat unlike any other, their insatiable hunger for conquest casting a dark shadow over the lands they sought to subjugate. And yet, with the empire's military resources stretched thin along the northern frontier, Kaios knew that his options were limited.
Moments later, a knock at the door heralded the arrival of his guests – Ambassador Yagou of the Qua-Toyne Principality and Ambassador Gemou from the oil-rich nation of Quila. Rising to his feet, Kaios greeted them with a weary smile, gesturing for them to take a seat.
"Welcome, esteemed ambassadors," Kaios began, his voice tinged with the weight of the world upon his shoulders. "I trust your journey was uneventful?"
Yagou and Gemou exchanged a brief glance, their faces betraying a hint of weariness from their travels. It was clear that they had come bearing heavy burdens, their nations teetering on the brink of collapse beneath the relentless advance of the Gra Valkas Empire.
"Thank you, Chairman Kaios. Our journey was... eventful, to say the least," Yagou replied, his voice tinged with a note of resignation. "But we come before you today not as tourists, but as representatives of nations in dire need of assistance."
Kaios nodded solemnly, his expression mirroring the gravity of the situation. He understood all too well the precarious position in which these nations found themselves – caught between the inexorable march of conquest and the promise of salvation beneath the Parpaldian banner.
"Chairman Kaios, the Qua-Toyne Principality is the largest food exporter in the Rodenius continent. If we fall under Gra Valkas control, not only will our people suffer, but the entire region will face food shortages."
Kaios nodded in understanding, his brow furrowed in deep thought. "I am aware of the strategic importance of your nation, Ambassador Yagou. Rest assured, the Parpaldian Empire stands ready to assist in whatever way we can."
Ambassador Gemou interjected, his tone more pragmatic. "Chairman Kaios, while we appreciate your offer of assistance, we need more than just promises. The Gra Valkas Empire is expanding rapidly, and time is of the essence."
Kaios met Gemou's gaze evenly, his expression impassive yet determined. "I understand your concerns, Ambassador Gemou. However, you must understand that the Parpaldian military is currently engaged in the northern frontier, and our resources are stretched thin. I can offer you weapons and military support, but a full-scale intervention is not feasible at this time."
The ambassadors exchanged uneasy glances, the weight of Kaios's words settling heavily upon them. In the face of an existential threat, they were being forced to rely on promises of aid that may never materialize.
"Chairman Kaios, with all due respect, our nations cannot afford to wait," Ambassador Yagou implored, his voice tinged with desperation. "If the Gra Valkas Empire expanse their foothold in our territories, the consequences will be catastrophic."
Kaios sighed heavily, knowing the truth of Yagou's words. The Gra Valkas Empire was a formidable adversary, and the Parpaldian Empire's ability to effectively counter their aggression was limited at best.
"I will do everything in my power to expedite the delivery of weapons and supplies to your nations," Kaios assured them, his voice firm with resolve. "But you must understand that the situation is complex, and our options are limited."
As the meeting drew to a close, Kaios could sense the ambassadors' frustration and disappointment, their hopes of salvation dashed against the harsh realities of geopolitics. But despite the challenges ahead, he knew that he would not rest until every possible avenue of assistance had been explored.
As the ambassadors departed, Kaios was left alone in his office, the weight of his responsibilities pressing down upon him like a leaden cloak. In the face of adversity, he knew that he would need to navigate the treacherous waters of international diplomacy with skill and determination, for the fate of the peripheral nations hung in the balance.
Qua-Toyne Principality, Rodenius Continent.
The continent of Rodenius is a vast and diverse land, teeming with rich history, vibrant cultures, and breathtaking landscapes. At its heart lies the Qua-Toyne Principality, a sprawling nation blessed by the goddess of fertility, Astarte. Qua-Toyne encompasses a territory comparable in size to China, its borders stretching across fertile plains, rolling hills, dense forests, and towering mountain ranges. Its population is a tapestry of humans and demi-humans, who coexist in harmony, their lives intertwined by centuries of shared history and mutual respect.
The Principality's prosperity is rooted in its bountiful soil, which yields abundant, pest-free harvests year after year. The land is a patchwork quilt of verdant fields, where crops flourish under the warm sun and gentle rains. From golden fields of wheat to verdant vineyards and orchards heavy with fruit, Qua-Toyne is the breadbasket of the continent, supplying food not only to its own people but also to neighboring nations, including the Parpaldian Empire.
But Qua-Toyne's idyllic existence is threatened by the encroaching shadow of the Gra Valkas Empire, a brutal force that seeks to conquer and subjugate all in its path.
Inside the dimly lit bunker, Prime Minister Kanata stood at the head of the table, his expression grave as he addressed Queen Melissa and the assembled generals. The tension in the room was palpable, each person keenly aware of the gravity of the situation unfolding on the Qua-Toyne shores.
General Sun Bruk, a grizzled veteran with a steely gaze, stepped forward, his voice tinged with urgency. "Your Majesty, Prime Minister Kanata, the situation on the Qua-Toyne shores is dire. The Gra Valkas Empire has launched a massive assault, overwhelming our defenses with sheer numbers. Our forces are being pushed back at every turn, and casualties are mounting by the hour."
Queen Melissa's grip tightened on the armrest of her chair, her eyes flashing with determination. "This cannot continue," she declared, her voice echoing with steel. "We must do everything in our power to repel the invaders and protect our people."
General Millero, a strategist with a keen mind for tactics, stepped forward, his expression thoughtful. "Your Majesty, we have received word from the foreign minister that the Parpaldian Empire has agreed to send weapons and advisors to aid in our defense. While this is a welcome development, it may not be enough to turn the tide of battle in our favor."
Queen Melissa nodded, her mind already racing with possibilities as she tried to process the implications of this newfound alliance. Her thoughts were a whirlwind of hope and urgency, but they couldn't drown out the ever-present anxiety that gnawed at her. The relentless bombardment by the Gra Valkas Empire had left scars not only on the land but also on the hearts of her people. Entire cities lay in ruins, their once bustling streets now eerily silent, save for the cries of those who had lost everything. She clenched her fists, her knuckles white with determination. She had to protect her kingdom at all costs.
"What of the enemy bombers that are wreaking havoc upon our cities and towns?" she demanded, her tone sharp. "These monstrous machines rain death from above, leaving our defenses shattered and our people in despair. Have you found any solution to counteract this devastating assault?" Her eyes blazed with a fierce resolve, a reflection of the suffering of her people and her unyielding commitment to their protection. The room fell silent, the weight of her words hanging heavy in the air as everyone awaited Millero's response.
General Millero's expression darkened, his features etched with the heavy burden of their dire situation. He had spent countless sleepless nights strategizing and contemplating every possible move, only to come up short against the overwhelming might of the Gra Valkas Empire's advanced technology. The memory of the latest battles replayed in his mind—scenes of their noble wyverns valiantly trying to hold their own against the sleek, deadly bombers, only to be mercilessly cut down. He could still hear the anguished cries of the wyvern riders as their majestic mounts plummeted from the sky, no match for the cold efficiency of the enemy's machines.
"I'm afraid there is little we can do against their air superiority," he admitted grimly, his voice tinged with a mixture of frustration and resignation. "Our wyverns, as brave and powerful as they are, simply cannot compete with the advanced technology of the Gra Valkas Empire. Their aircraft are faster, more maneuverable, and equipped with weaponry that far surpasses anything we have at our disposal. Each encounter leaves our forces decimated, our skies dominated by their relentless onslaught."
He paused, his eyes meeting Queen Melissa's, conveying the depth of his despair. "We have tried everything within our power—tactical maneuvers, enchanted weaponry, even the most skilled wyvern riders—but all our efforts have been in vain. The enemy's bombers fly at altitudes our wyverns cannot reach, and their speed allows them to evade our defenses with ease. They rain destruction upon our cities, leaving us helpless to protect our people."
The room fell silent, the gravity of Millero's words sinking in. The reality was harsh and undeniable: their traditional methods were ineffective against this new form of warfare. The once proud wyvern squadrons, symbols of strength and honor, were now outclassed and outgunned by the cold, mechanical precision of the enemy's aircraft.
At that moment, Prime Minister Kanata interjected, his voice laced with determination. "There may be a way to offset the balance in the air," he suggested, his eyes alight with possibility.
All eyes turned to him, their expressions a mixture of curiosity and hope.
Kanata continued, his tone serious. "The Holy Milishial Empire, the strongest magical nation in Novus Orbis, has stationed a small task force in the Altaras Kingdom. Among their ranks are an air wing of Aegon-5 air superiority fighters – aircraft with power beyond anything we have ever seen."
Queen Melissa's eyes widened with realization. "You propose that we attempt to persuade some of their pilots to defect and fight for us?" she asked, her voice tinged with hope.
Kanata nodded. "Precisely, Your Majesty. These Aegon-5 fighters are more than just machines; they are the epitome of advanced engineering and magical integration. They have been designed with cutting-edge technology and enchanted with the most potent spells, making them virtually unstoppable in the skies. Their speed is beyond comprehension, breaking the sound barrier effortlessly, and their agility allows them to outmaneuver any adversary. The firepower they bring to bear is nothing short of devastating, capable of annihilating an entire wyvern air fleet. To put it simply, these aircraft are the ultimate weapon in aerial combat, embodying the pinnacle of both magical and technological advancement. If we can secure their support, Your Majesty, we will finally have a means to counter the relentless aerial assault and protect our cities and towns from further devastation."
However, he cautioned, his expression grave, "It will not be easy, Your Majesty. The Milishial are known for their pride and arrogance. Convincing them to abandon their allegiance to their own country and fight on our behalf will require more than just a simple request. We would likely need to offer them a considerable incentive to defect, one that addresses their sense of worth and honor as much as their material desires."
Queen Melissa nodded thoughtfully, her mind already racing through the potential strategies and consequences. She understood the delicate balance they had to strike—too little, and the offer would be rejected outright; too much, and they risked appearing desperate, possibly even dishonorable. "What kind of incentive are we talking about, Prime Minister?" she asked, her voice measured but edged with urgency.
Kanata hesitated, aware of the delicate nature of his proposal. He knew that the Milishial pilots, known for their loyalty and pride, would not be easily swayed. "Gold and riches would certainly be enticing, Your Majesty. Their coffers are deep, but the allure of immediate wealth cannot be underestimated. However, we must consider their pride and the prestige they hold. We may also need to offer them noble titles, land, estates that signify their elevated status and importance. And perhaps even a harem of beautiful women, to indulge their senses and fulfill their desires."
Queen Melissa's jaw clenched with determination as she weighed the gravity of the proposal. The sacrifices they were considering were immense, but the stakes were higher than they had ever been. The lives of her people, the very survival of her kingdom, hinged on their ability to counter the devastating air assaults of the Gra Valkas Empire. "Then so be it," she declared with resolute finality. "We will spare no expense in securing the aid of these Aegon-5 fighters. Our people's lives are at stake, and we will do whatever it takes to protect them. If it means offering riches, land, and even our most prized beauties, then that is a price we are willing to pay."
The room fell silent, the weight of her words resonating deeply within each member of the council. They all understood the implications, the high cost of this desperate gambit. But in that silence also grew a sense of shared resolve, a collective will to overcome the darkness that threatened their land. They knew the road ahead would be fraught with challenges, but they were prepared to face them head-on, for the sake of their kingdom and their people.
Prime Minister Kanata met the queen's eyes, a newfound determination in his own. "Very well, Your Majesty. I will initiate contact with our emissaries in the Altaras Kingdom and begin the delicate negotiations required to secure the defection of the Milishial pilots. We will make it clear that Qua-Toyne is prepared to honor and reward those who stand with us in this dark hour."
General Millero, still grim but now infused with a flicker of hope, added, "If we succeed in this endeavor, the Aegon-5 fighters could turn the tide in our favor. Their superior technology and unparalleled skill in the air will give us the edge we so desperately need. We must prepare to welcome them and integrate their might into our defenses seamlessly."
The queen nodded, a fierce light in her eyes. "Prepare everything we can offer. Let them see the value in standing with Qua-Toyne. We will show the Gra Valkas Empire that we are not a nation to be trifled with, and with the Aegon-5 fighters at our side, we will reclaim our skies and our land."
With that, the council members dispersed to begin their preparations, each one driven by a renewed sense of purpose. The road ahead would be challenging, but united in their resolve, they were ready to face whatever came their way. They were fighting not just for survival, but for the future of their kingdom, their heritage, and their people. And with the legendary Aegon-5 fighters as their allies, victory was within their grasp.