The Different Worlds

by Tactical Narrator

In the year of 2026, a mysterious interstellar portal called "The Ring" was spotted on the coast of Manila, Philippines. Many diplomatic and trade treaty was signed across the the Ring. But also too, war and death followed from the New World and Earth itself. Disclaimer: I don't own Japan Summons (Nihonkoku Shoukan) as it's is own by Minoro and published by Pony Canyon.

15. Show of Force

Chapter 12

"Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding."

-Albert Einstein

...

Cavite City, Philippines

Subic Bay Naval Base

March 21, 2026

On a particular naval port, that once hosted an fleet of US warships and troops that supplied and garrison both Philippine and United States Armed Forces.

From 1901 to 1992, the United States used to operated the naval base,Subic Bay Naval Station, on the southeast coast of the bay, the largest naval installation in the Philippines.

But in 1992, with the fall of the Soviet Union and the Philippines government wanting to withdraw US forces in the country, as the geopolitics across Asia is settling in peace, with the US military is being defunded for their economy. They quickly and peacefully pulled out the country.

As the naval base is now an barren of its former self, with the equipment and facilities began to wore down as it collecting dust.

But today, it's long forgotten purpose have returned.

From the rising tension on South China Sea, when China began to expand in the Philippines economical free zone and the conflicts from both civilian and military Philippines vessels.

And the recent discovery of the Ring, when the needs of supplies and materials are necessary needed for the logistic network to the New World.

Today, the occupants that once garrisoned the base have finally returned.

Somewhere on the port, a fleet of warships from the Philippines Navy and Coast Guard have docked next to each other as they loaded their personnel and supplies into the loading bays.

On the other side of the port, the US Naval Task Force, a detachment of the US Navy 7th Fleet to be deployed on the New World.

The flagship of the US naval fleet is the USSAmerica(LHA-6), an amphibious assault carrier served as its main capital ship, an amphibious assault carried that has carrying part of a Marine expeditionary unit into battle and putting them ashore with helicopters and V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft, supported by F-35B Lightning II aircraft and helicopter gunships.

It is escorted by two Ticonderoga class guided-missile cruisers, four Arleigh Burke-class destroyers and, a Virginia class submarine underneath the fleet, attached with multiple logistics and transport ships to carry their supplies and men across the seas.

While the Philippine Navy ships are BRP Jose Rizal, BRP Davao Del Sur, and BRP Gregorio Del Pilar. As they docked at the port to requisition for their naval personnel and supplies. Even with BRP Dagupan City is a support logistic vessel that hauls its logistic supply for the naval exercise .

The entire naval fleet was officially named the 'Task Force 505', which served for anti-piracy operations and power demonstration to their new friend and warning to other nations with bad intentions.

The naval base is filled to the brim of essential military hardware and vehicles, as they neatly distributed on the cargo area, as they being shuttled to the transport ships.

Somewhere on the naval base, an fabricated stage has been set up, with many of the Philippines military advisors and officials on their respective chairs, as the Philippine President about to make an speech at the audience.

There are representatives from different nations that are observing the events unfolding.

There are members from ASEAN to Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, and East Timor.

Their were European countries that attended, specifically from NATO as there are observers from Britain, France and Germany.

There are secret talks from ASEAN members that have shown interest in the prospect of new clients introducing their trades and commerce. The progress is slow, but the Philippine government is trying to relieve the restrictions and the development is underway.

While the European Union nations have been interested in the discovery of the another world. But with their influence is limited in Asia, being located on the other side of the world. They can send their envoys to observe, and less presences unlike the Philippines and the United States delegates.

In an unexpected announcement, Australia asked to join the coalition to strengthen the diplomatic ties of their allies. And for their own foreign interest in the New World.

Three Australian naval ships have docked near the port, namely HMAS Canberra III, Anzac, and Sirius.

There are other countries, such as South Korea, Japan and India that have shown some interest in the New World. Readily to negotiations with the Philippines for open access on the Ring.

Some countries are against the recent developments to the New World.

The main contender is China, asking for global access to the Ring, and having to restrict jurisdiction to the Philippines control.

The Philippines and the United States have commented that such a demand would be rejected, if China or any nations that are that supported the request would be rejected in the Ring access.

Russia and Iran being against the development in the New World. But not effective, as like the NATO or EU nations, being far away for their influence to sway the decision. They decided to focus on gathering power and influence on the Middle East and African continents.

On the far side of the area, is an battalion of Philippines Scout Ranger that is on standby for their otherworld deployment to the New World.

As where the Diskarte Squad are prepping their combat gear and weapons, as they loaded them in their luggage.

"El-tee! The President is about to have his speech." Justine talked notified his leader.

"I'm in the middle of maintaining my rifle." Leon is carefully maintaining his R4 Carbine, as he applied extra oil lubricant on the bolt carrier.

"Hurry up then, you're going to miss it!" He relented more, as he was worried on missing the event.

"I don't care, just tell me when we are moving out," Leon replied dismissive, till he remembered something. "Also where is the rest of the squad."

"They finished setting up their gear and went out near the stage," Justine replied as he pointed to their other members with the audience.

"What?" Leon is bewildered about his team's actions. "When did they finish their maintenance."

"After you left with some officer, so I decided for them to finish their job ahead."

"I was arranging for our transport ship!" Leon spoke back in surprise.

"Well I'm gonna stay here, it's terrible to leave behind our team leader all alone." Justine tried to comfort Leon in a cute voice.

He can give a disgusted look to him, while he just react back in a mischievous smile.

On the stage, the rest of the Diskarte Team are with an crowd of different military personnel watching across the stage on the distance.

International reporters and journalists are waiting for the event to start, with many news cameras that are linking the entire world directly to the stage.

President Sanchez stepped up on the podium getting ready to make his speech. He took a big breath and started to make his speak out.

"Ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon. It's an important event not only for this country but for the achievement of our world history."

"I am very pleased to be able to speak with you today here, especially since it is a particular pleasure that I am here at the Subic Bay Naval Base."

"As this military base is not only for the endeavour of the Philippines but as for the United States and the new members like our Australian ally."

"The long-standing partnership between the Armed Force of the Philippines (AFP) and the United States Armed Forces, has resulted in enhanced coordination, interoperability, and individual and joint defence capabilities. This is to ensure that we both uphold our commitment to our treaty alliance, especially in the face of growing and evolving regional and global challenges to our security."

"And today, it will be extended to our newest friends in this New World across the mysterious gateway that is now called the Ring."

"On the other side of the Ring, is our newest friends that we worked closely this past few month, the Principality of Qua-Toyne and Kingdon of Quila that build an good relations with mutual benefit and trusts to each other."

"They have request sincerely for aided to enforced their seas from illegal piracy and smuggling in their own established territorial waters. And make safe passage for their ships to peacefully cross the seas."

"This operation only serves to carry out security and peacekeeping missions to this world. We don't pursue conquest and domination in this world, solely to established security for freedom of navigation."

"My message has always been firm, simple, and clear: the Philippines and its partners will continue to be an engaged and responsible nation and partner, always finding ways to collaborate with the end goal of mutually beneficial outcomes, namely, peace, stability, and prosperity in the New World, it is through working together, guided by the rules-based international order, that we can ensure an environment that will allow our countries and our peoples to prosper."

The entire audience clapped their hands on the President's speech. As they cheered on the stage, a distant roar can be heard in the sky.

A squadron of PAF FA-50 fighter jets went for a fly-by on the base in an echelon formation. As they are from the Philippines Airforce 5th Fighter Wing that are performing aerial flight display.

The rest of the members of the Diskarte Squad are amazed by the spectacle. As some haven't seen an airshow in their life.

"Hey look, it's an jet plane!" Mike pointed out the shrieking aircraft on the sky.

"This is going to be a great shot." Enriquez holds his camera to the fast-moving fighter jets as he captures a picture.

"It would be exciting to ride one of those," Leslie said with enthusiasm.

"Then why didn't you enlist in the Air Force?" Mike asked in curiosity.

"I don't have a higher academic grading for their strict requirement." She nonchalantly replied in a small irritated tone. "Besides, most fighting takes place on the ground."

As they still witnessing the airshow, on the background, are their officers walking towards them.

"What did we miss?" Justine asked for more news.

"The president's speech, while airshow is still ongoing," Domingo replied.

"Well sorry to break the moment, but we have to go and get to our ride," Leon spoke in a responsive voice.

"On it sir." They all replied in displeasure, being missed on the awesome display of air power.

"What is our ship that will take us to the New World?" Mike raised a question.

"That would be the BRP Davao Del Sur, you guys should get your gear," Leon ordered them, as walked back to their station.

The Diskarte Team start to gather their weapons and equipment. After that, they began to walk around the port to find their ship.

As they roamed on the port, they encountered another Scout Ranger Team, it was their sister squad, Likha Team that are also finding their ship. And it was Second Lieutenant Ernesto squad, as he also trying to find direction on the port.

As Ernesto looked around, he noticed the Diskarte Team walking toward to his team.

And he saw Leon directly approaching him.

"Ernesto, it's glad to see you here."

"Yeah, we are just having difficulties finding our own ship."

"Really?" Leon responded. "Us too, what is your ship?"

"BRP Davao Del Sur."

"That is also our ride."

"So you know where's the ship."

"I heard it's in the Fourth Pier."

As they both discussing on finding their target location, an man went in front of them and responded.

"Sir, I already asked for directions from the other officers, and they then telled me the direction is this way." The Likha Team second in command reported to the two team leaders as he pointed the place of the ship.

"Good work Jomar." Ernesto thanked his second in command.

The two Scout Ranger team walked to the direction to their ships. As they found a massive gray ship that was being loaded with essential supplies and weaponry.

BRP Davao del Sur (LD-602) is the second ship of the Tarlac-class landing platform dock of the Philippine Navy. She is the second ship to be named after the Philippine province of Davao del Sur, one of the main provinces in Mindanao in Southern Philippines.

A warship that is primarily for transporting troops and supplies across the sea. And have a large landing platform for helicopters to launch on the warship for airborne operations.

"Well, there's the ship." Leon pointed out. "Let's hop on board."

As they were about to enter the warship, Leon noticed a group of reporters as they making

He decided to separate from his squad and went to the warship'sdeck, it was about the height of a four-story building, and they had a higher view on the pier.

On the pier,a television reporter is standing close to the warship as she is reporting the news.

"Right here is the Philippine Navy Tarlac-class landing platform vessel, it will be one of the ships that is going to participate in the exercise."

The ship began to move, as the ramp and moorings are removed and the ship propellers swirls accelerated.

The reporter said his final words before the warship went away from far to the squad ears.

"They are now departed now, as the ship will be on a journey across the Ring and into the New World. Will this security exercise be a sign of friendship or full annexation of the New World?"

...

Manila, Philippines

Manila Bay

March 21, 2026

Passing away from their departure place, and drifting across the body of water.

This warship and many others is traveling on the waters and making their way to the Ring. An unknown anomaly that links their world to another one.

In Leon's mind, he began to realized they are leaving their world and going to a different one, and his realization is like open up an can of worm. Likewise, he felt paranoia and insecurity formed in his mind.

He didn't know the instructions or field manuals for such a situation to happen. Even a zombie outbreak was planned out for a joke, and that was seriously developed.

He can only hope that the New World will function like in his world. Except the rumors of fantasy creatures does appeared to exist in that other world.

He decided to deal with the problem later and improvised on the way.

Leon opened his journal in his breast pocket and opened his latest journal entry, as he wrote down his current situation on the deployment to the New World and his recent breakup with his girlfriend.

"Today is the day, I'm leaving my this world in literally, and embarked to a different world. It sounds absurd at first, but well I'm here I am, with my team in a ship that taking us there."

"I don't know what to do and how will I do this. At least it's a simple military demonstration and security exercise, as to show our military capabilities with our US ally."

"But I feel it won't be that simple, like my old mentor once said, 'It sounds easy on paper, but difficult in practice."

"Well, my team seems hype and optimistic about being deployed in this other world. I hope they can avoid any troub-."

"El-tee, we need you here!" Justine shouted, as he revealed himself toward the ship superstructure.

Before he can finish his last word in his journal, his second-in-command interrupts his private time. He hid the journal back in his breast pocket and went to listened.

He entered inside the warship and went to the crew hall. As he saw his team, having a conversation with themselves.

"What is it?" Leon responded, being concerned on his call-out.

"We are talking about our deployment to the New World," Justine spoke out. "Any thoughts?"

"Well yes!" Leon made a serious grin face and replied. "Just don't make any trouble between the locals and the US soldiers."

"That sounds easy," Justine responded.

"I doubt it." He muttered out in disbelief.

"I'm thinking of exploring the world, finding out what it stores for me. Like them Isekai anime novels." Justine addressed his opinion.

"You know the basic isekai trope, some Dude died and reincarnated to another world with OP powers and has a huge harem on the end that doesn't fuck them. It's like this, but I was sent by my job and instead of hot chicks, I have people that I don't want to meet with on my alone time." He added in disappointment. "So where is the nearest brothel in this city?"

"Why the hell do you want to fuck the natives here?" Leon yelled at the absurd request.

"I want to see a fantasy alien booty in that world."

"You should go to a club before you leave."

"Oh dear Leon," He said in a charming voice. "There are more kinds of species of hot girls here. Like they said, 'The more kinds of girls you hook up with, the better it gets.'"

"You would be court martial if I caught you fucking an elf." Leon threatened his subordinate with an angry face.

"I'm joking-ish." He replied in a not so straightforward face.

"That's sound troubling."

"Unlike you, I'm going to kick ass and take names." Leslie boldly proclaimed as she went whispers added. "And probably find some handsome elves on the way."

"What's that?"

"Nothing."

His worries become worsen as he gotten more aware to his team behaviours.

"Mikey," Justine asked the youngest member of the team. "What do you want to do in the New World."

"I don't know?" He was unsure of the answer. "Probably look around and see if they have knights and magic.

"Oh yeah!" Justine joined in the conversation. "Do they have real magic and wizards? I only heard rumours about that."

"From the little information I was given, our understanding of their magic is limited, from those magic powers like in 'Avatar' on Elemental Bending to things we still don't understand or know more about." Leon responded, having to give some information to his team, that was vital on the mission.

"Neat, yet terrifying to fight one." Mikey replied, being worried on the magical part.

"Don't worry, we have our big guns to compensate for our lack of magic people." Justine reassured him, as bugle his muscles to show strenght.

"Who's next?" Leon decided to change back to the main subject.

"Me!" Enriquez raised his hand.

"I would just capture some photos on the trip, maybe I can picture a dragon along the way."

"I hope it's the harmless ones.' Mikey reacted. "I ain't fighting a flying Charizard in a one-to-one battle."

"Oh yeah, I heard they have them wyverns and dragons, they might be powerful." Leslie remarked in the discovery of dragons in that world.

"Maybe our missile air defence might take them down before they come close," Leon suggested a possible action.

"Okay, it's my turn." Siesta joined the conversation. "I think it's safe to just do our jobs and finish this exercise."

"Really?" Leon said in disbelief, but happy in the answer.

"I think that our mission is to help the natives and strengthen the relations for our world. I don't want to have any trouble when most of our team is being a foreign tourist in another world." She inclined toward the completion of the mission.

"Me too. I preferred to finish the mission and go home after it." Rodriguez added his reason.

With Domingo nodded his head at the statement. "As for I agreed with them."

'At least there are some adults.' Leon remarked that their are more responsible members in his team.

As they having their chat, a sailor came up to them and reported to them.

"We are arriving at the Ring, if you guys want to see it, you guys should better check the top deck!" The sailor warned the Scou Rangers team.

"You hear that, let's go." Leon agreed, he want to see the Ring on person.

The entire team rushed out of the ship's interiors and looked around the seas.

They noticed an dark silhouette on the far distance, as it was circular and being 9f radiant colours on its edges.

"Oh my God." Justine blurted in astonishment as he first witnessed the Ring.

The Ring was a 300 meters wide and 60 meters in height, with a depth of 30 meters near the seafloor of metres, as it encompasses a huge area of Manila Bay.

There was another detachment from the US Seventh Fleet with a much bigger naval force that had an American supercarrier, the USS Ronald Reagan guarding the Ring on our side.

As it's main duty is to prevent any unauthorized intruders that may enter the Ring, from entering or exiting in each way of the Ring. And a deterrent against aggressive factions from their world that want the Ring by forces.

"Well, will you look at that?" Leon commented on the sight. "A massive portal in the middle of the sea, with dozens of modern warships guarding this side of the portal."

"It looks like it is still dark on the other side," Leslie remarked out as she examined the Ring.

"From the report, it says that the time difference is 13.5 hours ahead in the New World from here." Leon informed the gap of the time difference on both worlds.

As they passed through the Ring, it was nearly pitch dark, the ship moved away from the Ring, and the light from Earth became much fainter. It felt much different, as an change of scenery of their surroundings.

"Okay, let's get inside." Leon ordered his team, thinking that all to see.

They went back inside the ship and wait for them to arrive at their destination.

As the warship shifted across the ocean, the New World sun began to rise on the horizon, and sounds of birds could be heard above the ship.

As the day rises, they finally arrived on land, that can be seen in the distance, and an particular city can be seen from the naked eye, as it's getting closer by the distance.

...

Trade City of Maihark, Qua-Toyne Principality

Port of Maihark

March 21, 2026/1639

They arrived on the early morning of the day, the entire naval Task Force arrived at the port city in open invitation. Many of the city residents were awaken from their sleep and began their daily routine. As they looked toward the open sea, they saw a large fleet of grey metallic ships, the same as the last visit from the strange nation that frequently arrived on their ports.

Even though this occurred many times from the diplomatic mission from the Philippines and US delegates, as they approached in their foreign metal ships to their port, this often have the residents to came out and viewed to the arrival ships that come to their port.

But today is very different from the previous visits that would come to their city.

Many of them have noticed the entire fleet as being interested and inquisitive about the sudden arrival of such quantity and quality of this vessels.

They observed the ship's details on the distance, from their different size and shape of each ships, as it got closer to their city.

Their are noticeable details in the ships, as the dockworkers on the port have better understanding on the notable details from each ship's.

There are some that are nearly double or triple the size of their own average ships in the fleet, they witnessed that is probably the largest ship that they ever seen in their entire life. A distinctive two massive metal ships that are a fraction of the size of their city. It has a flat-top deck and many weird metal contraptions on it. While they are a little different from each other, they have the same notable design as the rest of the fleet.

On the BRP Davao del Sur, it began to docked in city naval ports, as other ships from the Task Force had already docked from the renovated parts of the port, courtesy from the military combat engineers of the Philippines and US Seabees.

The US and Australian amphibious assault carriers anchored near the city coast while being accompanied by their escort ships.

The transport ships have already docked at the port, as many shipments and combat vehicles are disembarked in the ships and organized in the dockyards. With many of the military personnel being processed to their assigned task.

"All rise and shine, we are now here!" Leon shouted in the doorway.

"We're already there?" Justine asked, as he quickly stand from their rest in the travel.

"Yeah, come out now." He answered back.

The entire Diskarte team woken up from their quick rest and left the ship's interiors and went up to the deck again. As was surprised with the port city at close view.

"Will you look at that?" Leon pointed out. "Reminds me of internet pictures from the Mediterranean."

"It looked so beautiful!" Leslie expressed at the city.

"I can't wait to enter the city on the streets," Justine said in excitement.

"Me too!" Mikey added the comment.

"Remember guys, try to be on best behaviour in our outing, we aren't tourists and only simply having a military exercise on their sovereign land," Leon advised his team in seriousness. "You got that?"

"Yes sir!" Everyone agreed with the statement.

Their ship docked on an empty port as ropes tried to moor down the transport ship to firmly docked on the port.

As ramps were placed down, the military personnel steadily departed the BRP Davao del Sur.

Both Scout Ranger squads from Diskarte and Likha were escorted out and was ordered to wait in a assigned tent and waited for further instructions.

"Well, ain't this a sight," Ernesto said to Leon about the city. "Except their's something not from here."

"Yup. Their are things that are clearly aren't part of this world." Leon agreed with the statement.

The cityscape is filled of wooden and stone construct building that encompass the entire city. With the absence of polluted air that makes the city air more refreshing and clear to see afar.

The place they could see so far definitely had that fantasy aesthetics from various video games and movie culture he'd seen before, but the only difference was that it wasn't the typical medieval-inspired setting, but something from anime fantasy based design.

It all feels like they are in a different country or time period.

Except from where they are standing.

There were parked warships in the docks, mobile cranes as they lifted crates and vehicles out on the ship and into the dockyard. That produced loud mechanical sounds and exhaustion of polluted air from their workplace.

The downside of the Modern Age.

They leisurely around on the tent, passing the time as they're look around the city, and admire the city aesthetic designs, until an high ranking military officer with a clipboard came up to them.

"Is there Lieutenant Leon Garcia?" The military officer kindly asked them.

"Yes, what is it?" Leon stepped and faced at the officer.

"You and your team would be moving out now." He straightly informed them. "And I'd will escorted to your assigned ride."

"Alright." Leon agreed him and looked to the team.

He then looked back at Ernesto with a grin. "Seems like we are the first to go out."

"Yeah, see you later you bastard." Ernesto smiled back as they went to their separate ways

The Diskarte team were escorted out on the port and arrived to an column of transport trucks and armoured vehicles readily to move into the main city.

"Here's your ride." The officer pointed out a KIA KM 450 transport truck, and he immediately took off to do his other task.

"Alright, let's move out." Leon declared openly to the team.

They all entered in the transport truck, as the truck's diesel engine roared out into life.

As the military convoy roared their engines, rumbling the hard cobblestone ground on its rubber tyres, and bleached out emission on their exhaust ports.

Things that are completely alien to the inhabitants of this continent, and maybe this entire world.

A column of military vehicles moved out on the port and drove through directly into the city streets.

To an individual who was asked to be invited to be transferred to another world, there were many expectations from the deployed soldiers who were about to be deployed to the New World.

However being to experience on firsthand, that is a different story for them. They were awestruck and enthusiastic at the sight of an Mediterranean fantasy theme to the city landscape from seeing in first-person view. Different kinds of races existed in the work of fantasy or anime. The appearances of Elves, Dwarves, and Demi-humans as they are visible on the streets, while they observe a column iron carriage around their streets.

"Hey look, that's an elf!" Leslie said in intrigue. "And is that dwarf?"

"Over there, their's a catgirl?" Mikey voiced out in excitement.

"Where?" Justine replied in surprise.

"There." He pointed to a feline cat girl in a sundress across the road.

"Holy mama, they are real!" Justine celebrated as he knew that cat girls were real.

"I'm gonna treasure this moment." Enriquez takes snapshots of the city and its inhabitants as they continue to move.

"Guys calm down, or I will bench press you so hard that the truck will stop immediately." Leon threatened his disobedient team to show discipline.

They began to simmer down their excitement and watched in passion as they saw many otherworldly elements coming into view.

From the native's perspective, the first time they saw this iron horseless carriage crossing their city was dumbfounded. At first, they were completely silent and memorized the foreign contraption. Then it became more frequent and later known to be from far away newly civilized nations of the Philippines and the United States of America.

The inhabitants become more familiar with the passing iron carriages that pass to the city. The passengers in those carriages sometimes opened their black tinted windows and waved among the crowd. They largely weirdly scrutinized them for their strange behaviour as they awkwardly waved back to them.

There was a moment when a UN observer force arrived in the city to examine the situation of the New World and the two active members of the diplomacy.

Then something unexpected happened.

A single UN truck stopped on the streets that were loaded with UN peacekeepers eyeing the natives. A group of children were looking at them, and their curiosity was getting the better of them, as they approached one of them.

However, due to a language barrier, they used sign language and charades that had small success. So they gave them a package of snacks, and the kids became delighted from the blissful taste of the snack, they tried to chase some vehicles and began shouting the word 'Snack' in English at them.

As for today, a group of children are shouting at the military convoy for snacks and the soldiers in their vehicles come to be amused at the effort.

"Snack, snack, snack!" One of the children a small blonde elf yelled at the military trucks moving in the street.

"Well, you look at that."Justine pointed at that kid. "They are asking for snacks, we should give them our biscuit flakes."

Leon thought the idea to be stupid and immature, however, he decided to think that it could benefit them in their public image.

"Okay, have them give some of our biscuit rations." He answered in approval of the decision.

"Yes!" The team has let out in satisfaction silently. "On it sir."

"Hear you go!"

They throw small packets of biscuits at the lively children as they excitedly catch the biscuits packets in the air.

Soon later, other soldiers on the trucks saw this action and they decided to join the action as they followed on gave their snacks to the group of children.

The residents of the city saw the group of children having fun as they caught food packets from the moving iron carriage. At first, they were cautious and guarded about the activities. But seeing as both parties being cheerful and joyful together at the action, they felt happy and relieved that they were good people.

As the youngsters followed the military convoys halfway in town and became too tired to keep going, they waved at the soldiers with a handful of snacks in their arms. The soldiers waved back knowing they enjoyed the small time they had.

The military convoy went down to the city gates and departed the port city as they were travelling to their newly established camp.

But as this was ongoing, above in a high empty tower, three mysterious cloaked figures were watching the scene unfold.

They were not pleased to see the sight of more presence from the Philippines and the United States with their soldiers coming to aid their rivals.

The Lourian spies have watched the development of the situation as it came at an alarming rate, and the thought of them ain't pleasant.

Columns of iron carriages with green-clothed soldiers with black staffs, flying metal bugs that flew above the sky, and metal ships that were larger than their navy ships. The appearance of them is widely concerning and they need to report to their high command.

"This is getting out of hand!" The first spy exclaimed. "There are more of them."

"Calm down." The spy leader replied.

"Calm down? There are more of them and with their weird contraption arriving on the port." He replied back

"That's is a problem. What is our next move?" The third one asked.

The leader revealed a crystal orb on his cloak, as the other spies' eyes opened in realization.

"We need more information on their capabilities, we have to break in the port."

"Are you insane?!" The second spy freaked out. "We have enough for our mission."

"There are more unknown factors on them, we need to know all of them before returning. You with me?" The leader persuade his companions.

The two spies thought about their leader's statements, and they both nodded at the decision.

"Good!" He responded. "We move out on dark."

...

Camp Guardian

5km Southwest away of Maihark

March 21, 2026/1639

After an hour has passed, when the military convoy left the city and travelled in their newly built camp.

They soon approach the first checkpoint of the camp, being enforced by sandbags, roadblocks, and razor wires, with a road gate. It was also manned by a squad of US Marines with a couple of aged Humvees in their Woodland Camo.

A couple of minutes after passing the checkpoint, they arrived on a natural small hill in the distance.

"We are approaching Camp Guardian!" The truck driver shouted from the back of his KM 450 truck to the Diskarte Team.

A moment later, an pair of US Army Chinooks flew near above the passing military convoy as it travelled to the camp.

In the far distance, they see the camp still ongoing construction, as prefabricated building were being established by the US/Phil Seabees.

The outer perimeter of the camp is layered with razor wire and metal fences that surround the entire camp. Watch towers and motion sensors monitored the perimeter in case someone decided to sneak into the camp.

When the military convoy entered the camp, it had many layers that encompassess out the entire camp.

The inner layer is protected in massive Hesco barriers that have structured the inside of the camp. Many construction vehicles from military bulldozers, excavators, and dump trucks are loading the Hesco blocks while flattening the dirt ground.

After that, they placed their Modular General Purpose Tents for the garrison forces and facilitated the military personnel of the camp.

The camp is self-sustaining for it stores necessities from food and clean drinking water. It can purify their drinking water and could supply their food supply from the native food producers.

It can generate its power supply from the powerful Diesel generators that can power the entire base, with an extra huge amount of lithium batteries for backup power supply.

There is an empty patch of land on the other parts of the camp, that served as a temporary airfield, with combat bulldozers and road rollers flattening the ground, but the aircraft that use the runways could be operated from inadequate air bases its short and shoddy runways. Expensive and heavily maintained aircraft couldn't be operational until the ground dirt was replaced with asphalt and concrete.

The airstrips and landing pads are hosting helicopters from the Bell UH-1 Huey's, S-70i or UH-60V Blackhawks, and CH-47 Chinooks for troop transports and air support. While the pure combat aircraft from the USMC Bell AH-1Z Viper, AH-64E Apache. For a reconnaissance role, it would be a catapulted launched RQ-7 Shadow UAV.

The campground defences are barbed wires, trenches and sandbags with MG emplacements. They have air defences by hand portable MANPADS, with an Avenger SPAA, a Humvee anti-air platform variant that has a stinger missile and a high calibre gun, and the recently integrated Patriot missile with much advanced long-range radar defence that can detect a radar signature on hundreds of kilometres away.

The patch of land was given by the Quatoyne government to be operated as a Lilypad Base or a Cooperative Security Location that served as a FOB for the Earth military to amass their supplies and military force in the meantime.

They are also given a coastal site where they can build their own naval base, instead the fully used one in Maihark.

The port is about a couple of miles away from the camp, but roads are still being built to bring their truck directly to the camp, instead throught Maihark.

It would be an extension of the camp supply chain that would regularly receive supplies from Earth to the New World, that applied less difficulty in logistics.

As the Scout Rangers and many of the Philippine Armed Forces departed their vehicles. An high-ranking officer approached them.

"Are you from the 2nd Scout Ranger Company?" A warrant officer asked.

"Well yes?" Leon replied. "What is it?"

"I'm here for your assigned tent."

"Okay," He agreed to the officer as he readjusted his backpack. "Let's go guys."

The Diskarte team followed the officer as they passed from many moving supplies and logistic staff to make the camp fully functional, they stopped at a recently built tent.

"Here's your tent." As the officer implied they stay and leave them alone.

"Well here's our new home." Leon opened the tent to reveal in disappointment.

The tent has the bare minimum necessities for their stay at the camp. A simple row of metal bed frames with slim mattress beds that are less wide than a single average book. The only appliances are the single lighting and ceiling fan making the tent barely hospitable to its residents.

"This is an f-ine place to stay. " Leslie responded in a cringe look, trying to find the correct word for the place.

"Not much different in our own base." Siesta responded in a misfortune demeanor.

"Try to look on the bright side. We have our own single beds, at least it's bit better from the bunkbeds." Justine tried to lift the team spirits, even thought it's an downgrade on their own place.

"Just try to imagine this place to be cozy." Leon advised the team members as they setting their belongings in the tent.

The Scout Ranger started up to renovate the tent to some semblence of home.

...

Couple of minutes

After the Diskarte Team nearly completed adjusting on their new tent to their liking. They saw their Company Leader, Captain Chito Tripoli came into their tent.

"Lieutenant, have your men be in the assemble areas on the double." Tripoli ordered to Leon, he left in a hurry.

"You hear it guys, let's go now." Leon followed the order as the team ceased their current activity and followed their both leaders.

"Wait I barely finished unpacking my stuff!" Leslie protested as she still putting her luggage on the bed.

"Let's go now." Siesta politely grabbed her collar and dragged her out the tent.

Leslie grunted on her throat as she dropped her luggage and followed to the rest of her team.

As they are being escorted by their Company leader, they halted to an area that is packed of Philippines and US soldiers on formations. There are huge camouflage nettings on the top of them to provide semblence of shelter.

"Get in formations." Captain Tripoli ordered the Diskarte team as they follow the column of formation

As they joined the group of soldiers, two noticeable high-ranking figures revealed themselves.

"Atten-shun!" An officer shouted in an alarmed voice. As they stiffen their body to military position.

"At ease." The first man declared openly to a group of soldiers. "I'm Lieutenant General Rafael Fernandez, an Philippine Army General and commander for this exercise and military operations on this world."

"As for me," The other man introduced himself. "I'm Colonel James Robin, the commanding officer of the United State Marine Corp Expedition Force."

"We are here to tell you our main goal in this exercise. Our primary objective is to demonstrate our capabilities to our new allies that will be arriving in a couple of hours."

"You will be given assignments on mock military combat and practices, while our new friends would observe our capabilities."

"So I want to see your best out there! And show them on how we do our job done!" He ordered out to the entire camp, to be ready on the coming visitor, and went down the stage.

"Well you look at that, visitors from this world would see on how modern warfare operate." Leon talked to his team.

"Can they understand how modern warfare operate?" Leslie doubted the operation. "It's like showing an medieval knight the prospects of using an mobile phone or computer."

"Hey now." Justine wanted to counter the statement. "They would understand being blasted by lead projectiles and explosion from an grenade would make them understood that they shouldn't in our badside."

"Okay knocked it off, now move your ass to our respective assignment!" Leon shouted to both of his subordinates.

"On it sir."

...

Outskirts on Camp Guardian

March 21, 2026/1639

In the middle of the empty grasslands, with an dirt road that leads to the recently established Camp Guardian.

An convoy of horse drawn carriage that is stroding its way toward the camp, with an couple of black SUV leading the front of the line.

To the carriages, they are carrying the Principality and Quila Military Minister, some of their military officials and nobles as they were visited to observe and evaluate Earth military power. While some are eager to witnessed the rumor of their non-magical contraptions that might compare to the mechanical country of Mu, their are some having doubts on the hearsay of their capabilities, and being ignorant of such an unrealistic claim.

But all of the doubts would be debunked as they passed over the first checkpoint.

To native observers, they've began to stick out their head on their carriage windows to have an better view on the camp.

They seen the supposed empty patch of land, that quickly turned to an place composed of large strange structures on the camp.

"By the Gods!" An high nobleman muttered out, as he was mindblown by the scene.

On the walls that were built in a strange metal mesh with a fabric to hold the earthen material within. Bushes of metal thorns that are everywhere on surrounding area. And impaired coloured green tents that matches the small vegetations of the land.

They would soon hear unknown noices on the sky, and witnessed flying carriages that have supposed two spinning blades above it.

It was another batch of CH-47 Chinooks that arrived with their cache of supplies for the camp stockpiles.

To them, it was something in the realm of holy or arcane creations that is bestow to the Earth nations.

They're later seen many kinds of iron horseless carriages that comes in different shape and sizes as they have seperate different pigment of green and yellow on each of their carriages. With all of them moving without having an horse or animal pulling the carriage.

They quickly stopped and disembarked their carriage, they were greeted by four men with armed guards in front of them.

The first two men are the Earth ambassadors with their neatly black suits, as they stand patiently at the entrance. Two other unknown persons stood beside with ambassadors, as they clearly had some importance to be present.

The first one is somewhere to their 40's or early 50's, have blonde cut hair, clean shave, slight tanned skin color and strong chin. As his uniform is unusual, not only its color even identical from the rest of the people of the camp.

While the other man is propably the same age span from his counterpart, he have an black buzz cut, a clean shave, tanned brown skin, and a mole on his left cheek. Also wearing the same, yet slightly distinct uniform from the other man, and half foot tall below of his counterpart.

"Welcome our esteemed guest, to Camp Guardian!" Ambassador Greenfield introduced them with open arms.

"We are thankful to joined us to this exercise." Ambassador Abueva added.

"We are all curious about your nation's military capabilities, it's was entrusted to us, that our assessment would give better understanding for the future of our future relations." The Quatoyne Military Minister explained their given assignment.

"Well then, let me introduce to you Colonel James Robin of the United States Marine Corps and Lt. Colonel Bernie Kassandra of the Scout Ranger Regiment. "

The two Colonel synchronously raised their right arm and salute to the New World military observers.

"It's an honor to be at your service." Both Colonel did their own best salute stance to impress the audience.

"They are here to guide you in the base and answer your question on the trip." Greenfield informed them.

The military observers began to sizing up the two colonels, their face stayed unfazed and unflinched from the noble eyes.

"You have some intriguing garments you have there. It's also the same design with the rest of your men." One of the nobles have an piqued interest on their unusual clothings.

"It's our standard military uniform and they wear identical outfits like their lower ranks for tactical reason." Colonel Robin explained directly.

"How preposterous! How can they show authority and status to your men?" A over stylish noble was flabbergasted in the reply.

"It's an development after our officers are being targeted for high priority targets. And our men still follow our orders without being extravagant in the battlefield." Kassandra spoken calmly to the noblemen, to not aggravate them.

"I think it's important to let us know more of each other." Abueva interrupted the conservation before the relation went sour.

"Colonel Robin commands the United States Marine Corps contingent in this military base, while Lt. Colonel Kassandra have command to his Scout Ranger Regiment. They have volunteered their men to assist me with this military demonstration today." Ambassador Greenfield informed their backgrounds to the audience.

"So what are the US Marine Corps and Philippine Scout Rangers, are they your elite men?" A nobleman raised a question to the ambassador.

"We are among the best warriors from our respective countries. While we are different in doctrine and purpose, we still fulfilled our duty, know matter the difficulty." Colonel Kassandra replied in confidence to their own military branches.

The audience were intrigued by the colonel words, as the ambassador slightly grin at their reactions.

"Bring us to the toughest battlefield and we return with the enemy leader on his knees." Robin spoke with confidence in his military force.

They could feel the man words with some sense of eagerness that backed their claim. They would be fully realised the truth as they continue on their tour.

"Well, I think we should move on to our demonstration." Greenfield proposed to the military observers. "What to do think all of this?"

"I think we are interested in this camp, it is unlike anything I've seen from our military or anywhere." The Quatoyne Military Minister accepted the proposal.

"I'd agreed, my counterpart can't wait to see more of this place." The Quila Minister added.

"Good! Follow us" He smiled as they proceeded to enter the camp.

...

Camp Guardian

March 21, 2026/1639

As they explore through the camp, it's like walking through an network of military hardware being transferred across the camp.

War materials and military personnel being assigned and allocated across the camp to their designated locations.

Officers and their soldiers are having their training drills and orientation to learn about the New World.

As warrant officers and logistics personnel administrate and maintain the camp supply and military weapons.

To the New Worlder's eyes, it's like a complex organized masses, that orderly performed their obligations.

What had been an empty stretch of plain land about a couple of weeks ago was now bustling with activity.

Infrastructure and fortifications are being built in masses within the perimeter.

Tents and prefabricated buildings are installed to house the intended storage person, weapons, ammunition, and vehicles for their exercise.

Despite all of this, there was still construction still undergoing as construction dozers and other heavy vehicles moved around the camp.

The establishment of a reliable supply chain was still developing as the main source of supply hub is on Maihark. Being overwhelmed by its operational limits of ships and supplies being transferred.

Until the current construction of the new port near the coast of the camp is completed, they are constrained from the amount of supplies being delivered to the Port of Maihark.

"This camp is very different from our fortress that relied on strong tall walls and fortifications." The Quatoyne Military Minister questioned the camp defenses.

"Yes, I'm also concerned about the lack of real defensive barriers apart from those steel bushes and a couple of ditches around the base." The Quilan Military Minister shared the same concern as the nobles noticed the flaws.

"Our camp defenses are much different from the ones from centuries ago, we have a defense platform that can attack the incoming enemy from the tenths or hundredths of miles away on the camp."

"Hundreds of miles?" Both the Military Minister with the other nobles were dumbstruck by the offensive capability.

"You surely jest from that claim." A noble raised his doubts.

"Sir, it was made from advancements in technology and understanding in science have made them possible."

"And how is that possible?" Another nobleman asked.

"We would later talked about them after our demonstration on the tour."

As they continued walking around the camp, they stopped to see a man whose clothing was nearly identical to the two colonel uniforms.

On his rear, are different kind of iron horseless carriages that are more bulkier and heavier than the smaller iron carriages and have an open topped roof in the back.

"Greetings, gentlemen. Glad to see that you all took up the offer to meet here today." The unknown man greeted the guest, in

"I'm Lieutenant General Rafael Fernandez, a Philippine Army General, this base commander and head of this entire exercise operation." The Philippine General introduced himself.

"General Fernandez and the entire expedition forces that are in this base have volunteered for this exercise for maritime security operation in your maritime territory." Ambassador Abueva descriptive informed them.

"So General, you're the highest-ranking command in this base?" The Quilian Military Minister asked for his status.

"Yes, I'd monitored this operation of the entire camp, and this ongoing joint exercise." Fernandez replied sincerely.

They looked at the General outfit, being nearly the same as the two colonels garments, but with more decorations and medals on his breast.

"Then could you show us, on how your military perform in the battlefield, it would help us understand what kind of country we are allied with." The Quatoyne Military Minister joined conversation.

"Affirmative, as Colonel Kassandra and Robin would be your guide and informants to your tour." The Philippine General told for their guidance.

"But first, we should go somewhere else for a better view." He lightly smiled on them.

"How about an ride on there." He pointed to the open-roofed K311 Cargo Trucks that is on standby.

...

Near the Coastline

March 21, 2026/1639

"I hope that your trip in our trucks was comfortable." Ambassador Abueva said with a smile, as his guests unsteadily walked up to him.

"Its indeed was a rather... interesting experience." The Quatoyne Minister replied, all be it still a bit shaken by the idea had just ridden in a horseless carriage. "But tell us, Why have you bring us here?"

"We are here to wait for our forces to arrived." Greenfield said, as he jumped out from the truck.

"Then where are they?" The Quila Minister joined as he tried to recomposure himself from the unusual ride.

"There." Abueva then pointed out on the sea, as their was the USSAmerica(LHA-6) and some of the Philippines landing craft on the horizon.

The observers looked on horizon stretches out over a calm sea, where the modern warship is stationary on the waters. Its sleek, gray hull and angular design blend with the ocean and sky.

Antennas and radar arrays crown its superstructure, that is noticeable on sticking out the ships hull.

Vastly foreign from naval ship designs, from being made of entirely metal based skin, moved without the need of sails, and possibly have capabilities that could outmatched their naval power.

"Send in the men" He said to his subordinates as they relayed the order.

"What are we waiting for?" The Quatoyne Military Minister replied impatiently from the waiting.

"Just hold on a moment." He grinning in excitement as he patiently waited the reveal.

In ship's hull, opened up, as smaller vessel orderly exited out from their main ship. As they all moving towards them in a beach landing formation.

"Behold!" He pointed across the coast, as they observely looked at the small vessel, group floating boxed objects are cruising toward the beach.

"Look there! On the water!!" One of them yelled out in shock, as several large objects suddenly apperared and made their war towards the shoreline. Just as six small floating objects appeared over a near by hill and joined approaching amphibious vehicles.

As one of the strange objects landed on beaches, it began to move like the iron carriages, except notable different, as they move further away the water and move out from the coastal area.

The rest of this iron carriages followed suit, they then began to dismounted Philippines and US Marines in their rear ramps.

Within moments, the combined force of USMC Amphibious Combat Vehicles and Filipino Marine Corp AAVs rolled up the embankment with ease and towards the observers.

And being introduced by their own respective Marine Corps.

"That is our respective Marine Corps from both the United States and Philippines military forces." Abueva announced in strong fortitude to their military forces.

"What are those iron carriages that could travel over water and land?" A noble asked in question and curiosity in the strange carriage.

"This is an amphibious assault vehicle, they are an armed and armoured military vehicle designed to deliver assault troops and their equipment from ship to shore under combat conditions." Colonel Kassandra informed the vechile description and purposes.

"The US Marine Corps have their Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV). The next-generation vehicle designed to move Marines from ship to shore, being replacement from our older AAV." Colonel Robin then informed it's designation.

"With the Philippines Marine Corps KAAV-7A1 amphibious assault vehicles that they recently acquisition from our neighbourhood ally, from South Korea." Kassandra added in the information on his own AAV counterpart.

The observers are enthralled with such of an military advantage, the ability to ferry troops directly on the waters and through the beach, while able to carry them across the battlefield.

"Have them in formations."

"Yes sir," The Marine officers agreed, as order out their own Marines Corps, they steadily marched across the beach and make an square formation in front the audiences.

The entire Marines AAV proceeded to followed them behind as it stopped in a line formation.

The display of force changes their perspective of amphibious and land warfare combined.

Metal contraptions of floating carriages that carried troops as it served to carried and protect the troops in it's iron hull.

This would revolution how they operated amphibious operations in a strong advantage at their enemies.

"This is only a fraction of what we can do." Colonel Robin confidently stated, as Kassandra just stood their and smiled at the nobles shocked reactions. "So, shall we begin to next phase."

The convoy went to a flat plateau terrain that have recently excavate and flatten further to accommodate the demonstration.

Their were prepared structures and metal contraptions, from inplaced target dummies that have their infantry armor. With a half constructed wooden house with the target dummies being seen inside the interiors.

"Welcome to the gun range." Ambassador Greenfield expressed joyfully to the observers. "This is where we will demonstrate our weapons capabilities and military tactics in a controlled environment."

"As both of our colonels are military expert of this field, they will explained the rest of this demonstration, they will give detailed information about the weapons that are shown in this demonstration." As Ambassador Abueva added to the statement.

"Alright, listen up!" Colonel Robin voiced out to the observer's as they now turned their attention to them. "Modern military is operated by many things, but what stay the same in the entire history of warfare is three important aspects, the soldier, their weapon, and the military structure that make the our forces cohesive and operational. And remove anything from that, would make it's military force ineffective."

"We already reveal the two in our tour, from our soldiers and the military power structure. And now we will show you our weaponry. " He furthered added as he signalled upon his own US Marines.

A squad of USMC appeared, as they marched infront of the audience as they brandishing their weapons and equipment for full display.

They examined this strange warriors from their unusual brownish dark spotted garments, black iron staves, bulky helmets with an glass visor, plus their bulkier backpacks that looks heavy to carry.

"This is the United States Marine Corps, the USMC, they ain't your typical grunts that you would see the oversea battlefield. They are part of an elite branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. Marines are known for their rigorous training, exceptional discipline, and capability to operate in diverse environments, from amphibious assaults to ground combat operations.

"Combat stance." He ordered to the US Marines as they simulate their combat stances sideways away from aiming the observers.

"You Marine! front and center." He ordered an single US Marine to be infront of the audience.

The Marine stepped forward, away from his squad formation, as he displayed himself toward the observers.

"This individual is an good example of what an US Marine would looked like." Colonel Robin voiced out, as he showed off the single Marine, standing straight, open to the observers eyes.

"They are all equipped with their standard M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle or IAR, with their full optics and configuration." He added with the Marine

The Marine is showing his weapon toward the observers as they eyeing at the rifle. He even distacheed

"The M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle (IAR) is a 5.56mm, select-fire assault rifle, based on the HK416 by Heckler Koch. It is used by the United States Marine Corps (USMC) and is intended to be issued to all infantry riflemen as well as automatic riflemen." The Marine explained his rifle as the observers attempted to understand from the presentation.

"It features a gas-operated short-stroke piston action with a rotating bolt and a free-floating barrel. The handguard has four MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rails for use with accessories and optics. As it's effective firing range to be 600 yards in point targets or 700 yards in area targets." He further added on the weapon capabilities and attachments.

"Any questions?" Robin asked to the audience, they were clearly scratching their heads.

"Yes" The Quatoyne Minister raised his hand. "What those that mean?"

"You didn't understand this man explanation?" Colonel Robin said for feedback.

The two Military Minister nodded in a state, as they lost from the complex explanation.

The two Colonels wanted to facepalm from the minister comment. But relented to stay professional infront of the nobles.

Of course, explaining the concept of an gun in it's specifications and configuration wouldn't make them understand, being an fantasy middle-ages civilization.

"I think a quick demonstration would make it more easier to understand." Colonel Kassandra asked his colleague, as he pointed out in the gunrange.

Robin smiled at the man intentions. "I like what you are thinking."

"Boy, see those group of good looking target dummies over there." Robin grabbed the Marine shoulder, and pointed at the gunrange.

"Yes sir." The Marine affirmed, as he recognise his Colonel thoughts.

"I don't want to see them, make it ugly."

"Aye aye sir." He grinned with clear bloodlust, like Yuji Itadori from Jujutsu Kaisen.

The Marine looked at the dummies with his rifle aiming straight at them in malicious intent.

Away from 200 yards, being far away from the effective firing range for an compound bow or crossbow, that is 100 or 200 yard from skilled archer, he would have to attack the target in that distance.

With the noble observers and minister being engrossed by such an feat, and more else accomplished without the presence of magic.

He turned off his safety trigger and aimed toward the innocently placed target dummies in his sights.

To changed his firing mode to burst fire as he placed his finger in the rifle trigger.

From the squeezed on the trigger, an burst of fire and sounds permeate across the air as the bullet is flying towards the target dummies.

Fast projectile lead bullets penetrated the upper torso of the dummy, the other dummies have similar shots in their torso with pinpoint accuracy and precision.

As the rifle chamber is empty, he quickly reload the rifle with an fresh rifle magazine, that he hurry to inserted on the rifle.

He switched his rifle firing mode to full auto that makes the rifle in a continuous stream of firepower.

The shots are being target in the dummies heads as the armored steel helmets aren't durable enough to defend the 5.56 rounds entering the head and make an large exit wound on the other side.

He then ceased firing his weapon after unloading his entire magazine at the dummy targets.

As they are now riddled of bullet holes and displayed lethal damages on the dummies body.

The M27 IAR shows good results after the Marine was keen to show off at the audience, as the dummy targets are filled of holes and lead bullets.

To the observers, could only look on in shocked and horror as the target dummies, who were dressed up in ornate Quatoyne finest armor, were quite literally ripped to shreds. Their horrified expression was not going unnoticed by the two colonels, who had a small smile on their face

"Whoo-whoo, that's some good ass shooting skills, do you have an Marksman badge?" Robin remarked at the adequately marksman skills.

"No sir."

"I think you earned one."

"Really sir?" The Marine looked with excitement.

"Hell nah, make that double in your next test and go back in line!"

The Marine returned to his squad, the colonels looked at observers, as they have same expression, being petrified in the demonstration.

"How was the show?" Ambassador Abueva asked to them, wanting to maintain their observers composure.

The Quatoyne Military Minister trying to put words on his mouth to describe his reaction.

"It's-ssurrly some impressive magic that your soldier have casted on the target practices."

'"I'm sorry to informed, but that wasn't magic."

"What!?" The New Worlder observers are shocked on the Earth ambassador declaration.

"They aren't using any kind of magic you folks used." Colonel Robin explained in his best "Those are weapons are what we called 'Guns'."

"Those are just weapons?" The Quilian Minister asked in disbelief.

Colonel Robin nodded as he explained, more. "This is how they work, an small amount of gunpowder that served as an cataylze that is ignited within a metal cylinder, forcing out a small lead projectile at high velocity."

"Every single member of your soldiers has one of these weapons?" The Quatoyne Minister then asked fearfully.

Both colonels nodded their head on the question.

"Affirmative, it's our basic armaments in our world and served about a centuries of development." Kassandra added to the answer.

"From the rifle that fired 5.56 NATO cartridges." As he showed his hand at the squad of US Marines. "To the bigger guns like this ACV 30mm chaingun that fired larger projectiles of 30mm rounds, that is five and half times larger than the previous projectile."

"Bring out the big boys." Kassandra knocked on the hull of the ACV, as the ACV commander makes an thumbs up and went inside the vehicle.

The ACV engine roared to life again, the loud mechanically noice trembled the observers nerves, as it makes an unnatural noices that no living creature could produced.

It position itself in the gun range, and away from the observers for safety reason.

As the ACV turret was aiming at the freshly made prefabricated walls that are from hollow blocks to bricks. With an wooden frame that hold the wall from tumbling down from the strong kinetic force's of the ACV rounds.

Being armed of the KONGSBERGs MCT-30 turret, with the XM813 30mm Mk44 Bushmaster chain-gun that can fired 30mm rounds, from Armour Piercing Incendiary: API-type rounds to High Explosive Incendiary: HEI-type rounds. As the effective range in 3000 meters, with the rate of fire of 100/200 rounds per minute and can penetrated most structures and light armoured vehicles.

The Mk44 Bushmaster II 30 mm chain gun began to fired out 30mm rounds in high velocity. As the rounds pierced through the hollow block wall with the large chunks of debris expelled out the other side.

It fired the API-type rounds to the hollow wall, the hollow blocks wasn't durable nor persistent enough to hold out from the projectile that can penetrate modern light armoured vehicles.

The wall was littered of small bulletholes from the 30mm API-type rounds easily penetrated the stone wall.

Like an hot knife throught butter.

The gunner switched to the 30mm HEI-type rounds, and changed his target to the brick wall target.

Unlike the API-type round that immediately penetrated the stone wall. The HEI-type rounds created an large spark of explosion after hitting the brick wall.

The explosive power of the round created larger holes than the API-rounds as the brick wall was then collaspe from the intense explosion.

The loud clashes of steel and stone vibrated the air, as the observers are slightly ringing out from the blasting sound of destruction of the target wall.

After the ACV gun finished firing it's target, the dust cloud that was produced from the devasted wall, or what remained of it.

The dust settled down, and the walls are no longer distinguishable from its former self, as the hollow blocks and brick wall are no matched from the firepower of the Mk44 Bushmaster II, and its 30mm rounds.

The audiences turned paled white as they witnessed the pure destruction of the autocannon of the ACV main gun.

"Like the amazing display?" Ambassador Greenfield came up to them, grinning with an shade sunglasses, acting like an typical business man that seen success.

Most of the observers nodded in disbelief of the demonstration, as some of them were shocked at the ACV brute destruction.

"Okay, next an the demonstration of how we operate our military forces in mock combat air assault and close quarter combat." Colonel Robin telled them their next demonstration.

"The ones who are participating is my military unit, the Philippines Scout Rangers." Colonel Kassandra speak in a proud tone to his forces.

"The Philippines Scout Rangers, also known as the First Scout Ranger Regiment, are an elite unit within the Philippine Army specializing in unconventional warfare, counter-terrorism, and jungle warfare. Formed in 1950, the Scout Rangers were initially organized to combat the national and foreign insurgency, and they have since played pivotal roles in various internal and external security."

"In recent years, the Scout Rangers continue to be at the forefront of the Philippines' efforts to address both domestic and international security threats. Their role remains vital in ensuring national stability and combating terrorism." Ambassador Abueva descriptive explained about the Scout Rangers information on their capabilities and history.

"So follow us to our next demonstration stage." Colonel Kassandra telled them, as they move to a different area.

They walked toward to an wooden house frame that is served as an CQB Shooting house to simulated mocked Close-Quarter Combat for the Scout Ranger CQB demonstration.

The inside of the house frame was barren of furniture, with wooden cutouts of enemy soldiers pictures, that served as target practices for the Scout Rangers.

They climbed on a makeshift inclined platform of a container box, as they looked above on the shooting house. That is shielded by reinforced polycarbonate bulletproof

"So where are your men?"A nobleman said, as he noticed that their visibly nobody on sight.

"Give an moment." Colonel Kassandra replied back, as he faced at his assistant officer.

"Bring in the Rangers." He sternly ordered an officer, he hastily pulled out an handheld radio.

"You are greenlight, go deploy now." As officer ordered in the radio, as the Scout Rangers to initiate their play.

"Okay, wait for a moment." Kassandra replied, patiently in the scene.

They waited in the platform, as the audience and the two colonels, anticipate for something to arrived, being similar from the arrival of Earth amphibious war machines.

Suddenly, from the vibration in the air, like chopping noice could be heard on the far distance. A small silhouette above the sky, flying high without visible wings from most flying creatures on this world.

As the flying object came closer to their sight, the were probably mix awe, confusion, and perhaps a bit of fear.

In the native eyes, the helicopter float in the air without wings, with blades that whirl on high that created gust of wind beneath it, as it's metallic blades slice through the air with ease, and barely see them from the quick rotational speed.

A symphony of motion, an aerobatic of propulsion that defied the concepts of transportation at the natives.

With each rotation, it defies gravity's hold,

Ascending, descending, stories untold.

Its body that is covered of steel and glass, that painted in dark black across its surface.

As it quickly landed on the ground, dark-green dressed soldiers departed the helicopter and secured the area, their garments is nearly identical from the soldiers from Camp Guardian, being more heavily geared and armed in their loadouts.

The helicopter being an Sikorsky Blackhawk UH-1 combat helicopter, that served as transport of Scout Ranger in hostile environments.

Now as an mock combat to inserted the Special Operations Forces(SOF)units, the Phillippine Scout Rangers for an demonstrated air assault.

They formed an defensive perimeter as they disembarked exited the chopper.

As this designated squad that participate the demonstration have practice and perform this kind of work for countless of hours.

The assigned unit was the Diskarte Squad being lead by First Lieutenant Leonard Garcia.

"Get off the heli! Move out go go!" Leon voiced orders to his team, as they suddenly jumped off the Blackhawk.

Laying prone and spread out away the helicopter, they make an defensive perimeter to extend their situation awareness.

As the entire Diskarte squad exited the Blackhawk, it immediately lifted off back to the air, and returned back to it's homebase.

They quickly stand up and hastily charged to the entry point of the makeshift shooting house.

As the Diskarte squad take cover on the house exterior walls, they rehearse many CQB training to hone their skills from urban and close quarter combat.

"Remember our training. Justine, your incharged on the assault team, as Leslie take point, accompanied with Mitchell and Rodriguez. For me and the rest of the squad would be the follow up team, to support and covered your flanks, Clear?"

"Yes sir!" They calmly agreed as they switched their position to their respective teams.

As they assumed their breaching, Rodriguez holding an handheld battering ram and ready to smashed through the entry door.

"Ready?" Leon looked at his team, to see their readiness of the operation.

They all nodded in determination as they readily in a combat

"Good, now move out!"

Rodriguez went full force on the battering ram, as the heavy mass of the tool breaks the locks and hinges of the doorway.

The assault team rapidly breached the entry point, as the point man, Leslie, peeked the corner, searching for targets.

And there, she found four target on the room, she telled to Justine about the four targets.

"I'd take the two on left side, while you take the right."

Even though Justine and Leslie have their differences in personal matter, but in the line of work, they would together as professionals in combat.

They simultaneously opened fire their weapons at the targets, as all of shots landed on their center mass.

As they sweeped through the room, with the rest of the assault team covering their blindside.

"Room Clear!" Justine shouted out to the entire squad, as the rest of them entered the room.

The follow up team followed through the room, as Leon looked around the room for an quickly assessment.

"Room is secured, proceed on the on next room." Leon speak out, as they continued their close quarters combat inside the shooting house.

The Diskarte squad continued their advanced on the wooden structure, they cleared on rooms of 'hostile targets' on each corridor and room as they passed through entire structure.

"Room cleared, moving to next room."

After they cleared the entire structure, Leon grabbed his comms and reported to his CO.

"Building secured, moving to the next point," Leon reports over the comms, as they departed out on the exit.

The entire Diskarte squad swiftly withdraw the building in a coordinate manner. And formed an line formation infront the audience as they stand to impress them.

"Well, what are your thoughts in my Scout Rangers?" Colonel Kassandra asked to the New Worlders, as they were impressed on the squad performance.

"They are surely intriguing with their impressive teamwork to maintain cohesion and coordination on close quarters. Even this foreign weapons that are clearly for long range attacks to clear the buildings of this training dummies." The Quatoyne Military Minister comment to their teamwork and combat play.

There are some nods with the noble observers, as they agreed with the Quatoyne Minister.

"I'd agreed with my counterpart." The Quila Minister joined the conversation. "Your way of fighting is much foreign to our own, but after watching on how your soldiers show their capabilities, I'm would be honored to served among them in the battlefield."

"Good!" Kassandra expressed happiness, as he turned to the Diskarte squad. "You are dismissed now."

As the Diskarte squad departed the practice range, and moved away from the officials, they were in a good mood and discussed their reactions.

"You heard that guys!" Justine voiced out to the squad. "They were awestruck from our performance in the demonstration."

"Yeah, they were impressed with our performance and praised our skills." Leslie responded in a cheerful tone.

"Do you think that the higher-ups would give us an treat for our performance." Mikey asked of an possible reward on their hardwork.

"Maybe." Leon suggested in the idea. "But I would use some strings to treated ourselves."

Back to the delegates and the observers, the New Worlders were exchanging reflections and opinions in the demonstration.

Most of them were strongly agreed to have an military alliance with the Earth countries, while some are deeply concerned and scrutinized of them, for an possible annexation of their sovereign instead of the Lourians conquests.

They all agreed that their military strength, they couldn't outmatch Earth modern military technology and capabilities.

They thought they could have some chances, by outnumbering them and use underhanded tactics, if the worse would to happened and they have to fight both front lines.

Until one final show of forces that would obliterate that small chance of doubt and thoughts of standing against them.

"Okay, we already shown you our ground assets and some of their capabilities, let's witnessed our air power." Colonel Robin proclaimed them, as he reached out an radio.

"Let's give them an airshow!" He responded to the radio call, as it came back an reply. "Affirmative sir."

Another moment of silence, till an distant roar grew louder, drawing all eyes to the horizon.

Soon, they saw an formation of flying object sleek, angular shape of an jet aircraft appeared, its gray body cutting through the sky with effortless grace. The aircraft skillfully maneuvered the jet, bringing it in for a low pass over the field, the roar of its engine reverberating through the crowd.

Gasps of awe and excitement filled the air as the aircraft performed a series of impressive aerial maneuvers. It executed tight turns, barrel rolls, and high-speed passes, demonstrating its incredible agility and power.

As the aircraft went into supersonic phase, as showcasing its ability to travel faster than the speed of sound, a extraordinary feat that left the audience in stunned silence.

"Remarkable," The Quatoyne Minister muttered, his eyes wide with shocked. "It's like a iron dragon, but much faster and powerful."

As the aircraft soared throught the hugh sky in elegance. The crowd erupted in deep astonished and amazed , their voices a mix of thrill and disturbing words.

Colonel Robin stepped forward, a proud smile on his face. "The F-35B Lightning II is one of the most advanced fighter jets in our world. It combines stealth, speed, and agility with cutting-edge technology, allowing it to perform in a variety of combat and reconnaissance roles."

His words was either confusing or distracted from the ongoing airshow from the F-35 airshow performance.

The two Military Minister nodded, clearly impressed. "Its capabilities are indeed extraordinary. To travel faster in place like that... it must be powered by great powers."

"Colonels, your display was most impressive," The Quila Minister said, his tone respectful. "I'd think that your nation's are probably in leagues or higher than the greater Civilizations."

"But I'd need to asked an question." The Quatoyne representative asked in a concerned voice. "Why is your nation doesn't use brute force and annexed our nation with such power."

"Because our world have evolved that such action's are frowned upon in the international community and that their consequences are meet with repression." Greenfield stepped forward as he walked infront of them.

"Our world we're being affected from countless war and natural disaster that have pushed our civilization to adopted better policies and the formally established the Universal Human Rights to all people in the world." He added in the statement, as they were amazed and bewildered from Earth progression.

"You see, our reason on why we choose to avoid conflict is that nobody wanted to be the bad side in history." Abeuva joined the conversation as he tried to explain in a calmly manner.

"I could understand your reasoning." Both Minister understood them. "But what will you do, if an war were to happen in this continent."

"We can't give an official answer." Abueva answered in a stern tone. "As we don't have the authority nor promise any actions of my country."

"But we can assure that if an war were to happen, we will aid your nation's throught the best of our powers." He added with optimistic wishes.

Then the observers and minister are discussing the potential implications of such a powerful alliance.

Both Minister turned to the Earth ambassador, their expression thoughtful. "Your world has much to offer, it seems. Together, we can achieve great things."

The Earth ambassador nodded in glee. "Indeed, This is just the beginning of an better future of our nations."

As the sun descended in the sky, the F-35B prepared for an final flight demonstration, ready to showcase its incredible capabilities once more. The audience watched in awe, their imaginations ignited by the possibilities of a future where both worlds could coexist in harmony.

...

Somewhere in the Rodenius Sea

March 21, 2026/1639

Across the mid-day mist that lingered on the horizon, an distinguished merchant ship "The Golden Griffon" cut through the calm waters, its sails billowing gently with the breeze. Onboard, a bustling crew loaded crates of produces, silk, and other precious goods from the Principality towards the Altaras Kingdom.

Captain Kol stood at the helm, his eyes scanning the serene sea. He sailed these waters for years, his ship renowned for its speed and the wealth it carried. But today, an uneasy feeling gnawed at her—a sense of foreboding he couldn't shake.

Suddenly, the lookout's voice pierced the air. "Sails on the starboard side! Unknown ships spotted, and moving towards our position!"

"Call them for their identification ensigns" He ordered the communication officer, sitting near his manacom.

As the officer attempted to establish communication at the unknown vessel, an blaring message voiced out on the speaker.

"To the captain of the ship, this is the Black Skulls, halted your vessel and prepared to be boarded. Follow our demands and no harm will come to you and your crew."

"If you don't followed our instructions, we murdered everyone and steal your valuable cargo by force."

Panic rippled through the crew to the appeared pirate vessel, their menacing black flags emblazoned with skulls and crossbones flapping ominously. The pirates' ships were swift, their dark hulls slicing through the water with alarming speed.

"Full speed ahead, let's outrun this bastards!" Captain Kol commanded, his voice steady despite the rising tension. The crew scrambled into action, their practiced movements against their nervousness. Kol first mate, a burly dwarf named Thrain, barking orders to the skippers to quickly opened the sails.

"Sir! Those corsairs are moving much faster than our ship." Thrain informed to Kol, he looked throught his spyglass.

As the pirate ships slightly closing the distance, Captain Kol looked towards his XO, Thrain, after the sails was fully opened wide.

"Thrain, call in the nearest maritime ships, to request an military forces against this pirates scums.

...

Australia Naval Fleet, Task Force 505

Northern Rodenuis Sea

HMAS Canberra III

March 21, 2026/1639

Captain Ashton stood on the bridge of HMAS Canberra III, overseeing routine patrol operations in the Rodenius Sea. The sea was calm, and the crew was relaxed but alert, maintaining their vigilance as they navigated through waters known for supposedly pirate activity.

He would asked himself about this unexpected joint-naval operation that his naval fleet currently present.

His government have requested invitations to joined the recent discovery of the Ring and the New World, as it represents next step for their future.

Being close ties from both countries, and have past maritime security operations together, it was fitting that they were able to be accepted by thier allies.

With other nations expressing interest and requesting joint ventures in the New World, the Australians aimed to be the pioneers in exploration and reaping the rewards.

While sipping his espresso, he gazed out of the bridge's window to see an MH-60R Seahawk gently landing on his carrier, escorted by a distinctive VIP on the carrier deck.

As he was escorted into the bridge, on closer inspection to his appearance, it was something to behold.

The man was wearing clothing similar to a 15th-century naval officer's uniform. His ears is noticeably elongated, giving the impression of an elven nature. However, even though the report stated this to be true, seeing it in person was something else.

From the elf perspective, he was intensely observing his surroundings, struck by the many unfamiliar aspects of modern tech emanating from the man's visage.

"Greetings, honor guest!" The Captain introduced in his best welcome face. "Welcome to the HMAS Canberra III, and I'm Captain Ashton of the Royal Australian Navy."

"I'm Breweye, an naval officer from the Principality Second Fleet, and the representative observer for your naval operation." The officer gladly introduced himself, with an quick bow at captain.

Being given an magical translation device from his superiors, he could understand Earth vocal communication, with the problem of unable to understand written communication.

But at least, there wasn't an language barrier in their conversation.

"So what can I do for you sir?" Ashton questioned the officers purpose for an visit.

"I'm here to better learn more your country backgrounds, I heard you're an ally of the Philippines and United States, isn't that right?" Breweye immediately replied for his visit.

"Affirmative, my country have long good ties with them, throughout history and current developments."

"And what purpose is your nation being presented in this naval exercise?"

Ashton paused for an moment to think for an answer, taking an small sip of espresso, and looked back at the man.

"My country have become more interested with your Principality and the Quila Kingdom, we wanted to established trade agreements and cooperation to our mutual benefits."

"Participating this exercise would deepen both country relations and make the maritime trade much safer from piracy threats."He added to the statement, as Breweye scribbled some notes in the captain words.

"I'd see that your wanting joined the exercise for your nation interest." Breweye surmurised the reasoning.

"I can't really say that officially, but I'm saying that we got your backs to secure this waters."

Suddenly, the calm was shattered by a sharp alert from the communications console. "Captain, we're receiving a distress call from a merchant vessel, the Golden Griffon" as reported from the communications officer.

Captain Ashton moved quickly to the manacom console. "Patch it through, officer."

The manacom device was like an old radio station booth, with an massive table and tubes containing mana crystal that is nearly similar to early WW1 era radio technology.

It was an eyesore to be present on the ship's communication room, but was easily hooked into the ship's communications systems with small engineering work.

A crackling voice came over the speaker. "Mayday, mayday! This is the Golden Griffon, We are under attack by armed pirates approximately 50 nautical miles southeast of our current position. We need immediate assistance!"

"Officer! confirm the coordinates and get the exact location," Captain Ashton ordered.

"What's happening?" Breweye replied, being confused by alarming situation.

"We received an distress call near our sector, they said its an pirate attack." He explained, still waiting for the coordinates.

"So what are you gonna do?" Breweye asked, wondered the Australians next move.

"Doing our job." He answered in the most badass one liner that I'd ever written in this story.

He turned to his Executive Officer. "XO, prepare the ship for immediate action. I want all stations at full readiness."

"Yes, Captain," The XO responded, swiftly moving to execute the orders. The ship alarm blared out, the crew sprang into action, transitioning from routine operations to full combat readiness.

"Helm, plot a course to the location and increase speed to 19 knots." Captain Ashton commanded. "We need to reach them as quickly as possible."

"Aye, Captain," replied the helmsman, adjusting the ship's heading and pushing the engines to near full power.

In the operations room, the atmosphere was tense but controlled. The crew knew their roles and performed them with precision. Weapons systems were brought online, and the boarding party, comprised of highly trained sailors and special forces, geared up for a potential boarding operation.

"XO, keep the line open with the Golden Griffon, We need to maintain communication and get real-time updates," Captain Ashton said, in a calm and steady voice, as he stays in a strong stature.

"Understood, Captain," The XO replied, relaying the order to the crew.

On the Golden Griffon side, they were having fight of their lives, that being dangling on the thin line, as they attempted to outmaneuver and outrun the pirate vessel, but atlast having no avail.

But to the pirate side, it was like an wolf has found its prey, and moving in for the kill.

"Look at that men, that's our payday, and it's looks like they don't want to go down without an fight!" The Pirate Captain voiced in excitement.

As the pirate crew in eagerness in the valuables at the ship, like from the ones of their previous victims that put on a hopeless fight.

"Well, let's earned our pay!" He joyfully shouted to his crew as they cheered with him.

"Ready the boarding parties!" He ordered, shakily. The pirate ship pulled in closer to the Golden Griffon as men prepared to lay planks and throw grappling hooks for boarding action.

The action scene was gruesome and bloody, bolts of arrows rained down from both sides, clashes of swords that drawn blood, and screams of pain across the wooden decks.

Both sides are spilling blood in the ship's decks and dyed the some of the seawater crimson.

Unfortunately, the pirates is slowly gaining the upper hand in experience and manpower as they slowly overpower the Golden Griffon crew.

"Pushed them out from my ship!" Captain Kol shouted to his crew, as they fought in more furiously by an strong charge at the pirates.

This move managed to kicked out the pirates in the Golden Griffon's, but at the cost of having numerous casualties.

"We need to get away from their ship, so we are going full starboard!" Kol responded through skimming through pirate ship hull and slipped out from their grasp.

"Status report!" He asked his First Mate, Thrain, after he joined the battle, with an moderate cut on his right arm.

"Three quarter the of crew are either seriously injured or death, we barely could operate the ship in full capacity." Thrain huffed out the news, while he bandage his wounds.

"Sir!" A crewmate on the ship mast, with an spyglass, and pointed into the pirate ship. "The pirates are chasing us again!"

Capatin Kol clicked his tongue, after hearing the bad news, his crew are nearly out of shape, the pirates are having another round of bloodshed.

He silently prayed to the Goddess for an saving miracle.

And that miracle arrived in a form of an ten thousand tons of behemoth divine steel vessel with enough awesome power to kick anything in this world.

"Captain! We have an call from the navy, they are here!" Thrain replied in relief, but he felt something odd.

Captain Kol stood on the deck of his ship, then scanning the horizon with his spyglass.

"That's them!?" Kol was surprised, he expected of an normal Principality warship that would rescue them. It was something much different then they expected.

He wiped out sweat on his face and he looked on his spyglass, as he narrowed down and spotted something unusual in the distance. It was unlike any vessel he had ever seen, an sleek, gray behemoth of metal cutting through the waves with an eerie precision. It had no sails, no visible oarsmen, and moved with a speed that defied his understanding of naval engineering.

There are three of such vessels heading toward him, and they getting closer as the pirates.

"By the gods, what kind of ship is that?" Kol muttered, lowering the spyglass and turning to his first mate, Thrain. "Have you ever seen such a thing?"

Thrain shook his head, his expression as baffled as Kol. "Never, Captain. It moves without wind or rowers. Could it be some magic?"

Kol frowned, his gut instinctively itching at the scene. "Magic or not, we must be cautious. If they are friendly, then asked them for aid against this pirate."

Their communication officer came right up them. "We have receive messages on that vessel!"

"What!" Both of the Captain and First Mate then frankly listened the manacom.

"This is HMAS Canberra III from the Royal Australian Navy, we heard your distress and will aided you against the pirates."

...

Northern Rodenuis Sea

Australian Naval Fleet

March 21, 2026/1639

The Australian fleet closed the distance to the endangered merchant ship, the crew prepared for all possible scenarios. The fleet's radar and surveillance systems scanned the horizon, searching for any signs of the distress vessel.

"Captain, we have radar signature on two unknown vessel," reported the lookout. "It's approximately ten miles ahead. They running around each other and it looks like they are attempting to board each other"

"All hands, this is the Captain speaking," He announced over the ship's intercom. "We are about to engage pirates attacking a civilian vessel. Prepare for possible hostile action. Let's show them what the Royal Australian Navy is capable of."

After hearing the announcement, the Australian and the accompanied Philippine crew are putting their hard effort in their duty.

"Can they handle an pirate attack?" Breweye asked the captain, being nervous and having doubts in them.

"All of the men in this fleet have plenty of experience from piracy operations and boarding actions, they could handle anything those bastards that can thrown to us."

He looked back at his XO, "Have the HMAS Anzac break off the fleet and intercepted the pirate ship, have the Philippine Coast Guard vessel to support them in their flanks."

"On the way sir." The XO relayed the orders, as the HMAS Anzac with two PGC naval vessel moving toward the two wooden ships.

"Also, send an bird with an navy commandos for an air assault in the pirate vessel." He added in the command order.

...

Northern Rodenuis Sea

Briefing Room, HMAS Canberra III

March 21, 2026/1639

Lieutenant Riley Lachlan stood at the head of the table, pointing to a large screen displaying the target, a floating vessel of an antiquity pirate ship, The ship, with its high masts and billowing sails, had been terrorizing shipping lanes in the region.

"Team, our objective is clear," Lachlan said. "We are to board and secure the pirate vessel, neutralize all threats, and rescue any hostages. Remember, this ship, while old-fashioned, can still pose significant risks. Stay sharp."

The assault team, comprising Royal Australian Navy commandos, nodded in unison. They had trained for months for scenarios like this, but the otherworldly twist added an unexpected change of tactics.

...

Northern Rodenuis Sea

Flight Deck, HMAS Canberra

March 21, 2026/1639

Two MRH-90 Taipan helicopters, blades spinning, waited on the flight deck. The commandos, clad in black tactical gear and armed with modern weaponry, boarded swiftly. Marshall ran through final checks with his second-in-command, Lieutenant Sarah Connor.

"Remember, fast and precise," Lachlan reminded her. "We want to minimize damage to the ship and avoid unnecessary casualties."

The helicopters lifted off, skimming low over the waves towards the pirate ship.

...

Northern Rodenuis Sea

Golden Griffon

March 21, 2026/1639

Captain Kol and his First Mate Thrain was working hard to move away the pirate ship. With the remaining crew operated the ship with an handicap.

"Are you sure they'll are friendly." Thrain asked in doubt on the unknown vessel.

"We don't have an choice, or would you take chances with this filthy greedy pirates."

He looked back at the pirate vessel still chasing them with bolts of arrows continue firing upon them. "The strange ships it is."

To the pirates side, after inflicting heavy casualties from the Golden Griffon counterattack, they were getting read for another round, and this time, theybwill surly win.

Until they were surprised on the arrival of a unknown vessel. It was completely foreign and bear characteristics that defied their common knowledge of naval engineering.

"Do not falter men, we can still plunder that merchant ship before those ships come." The Pirate captain tried to bolster the crew, after the appearance of this ship.

The pirate crew have regained their vigor and pressed on the charge to the Golden Griffon.

The Pirate Captain extend his spyglass at the Golden Griffon, as he saw being much slower than before.

He switched at the incoming unknown ships, and he then noticed that they are moving faster and closer than he anticipated.

Then, two small flying dots appeared on the sky, at the unknown ships direction, it moving towards them faster, as weird chopping sound can be heard in the distance.

"What ungodly creature is that?!" The Pirate Captain panicked, when the two flying unknown entity appeared that circled around their vessel.

Also the Golden Griffon and her captain was shocked and terrified from the appearance of the strange entity.

It's appearance was completely alien to his native eyes, with it creating an gust of wind underneath and otherworldly noice.

It was followed by the incoming flotilla of unknown ships, that move without sails nor oars. And seem to move much faster than both wooden ships.

It have metal hull that looked smooth and metallic in nature, with an grayish color in its entirety of the vessel.

With two others nearly same distinctive nature, except its appearance on color and size, being white and smaller than the lead ship.

"Pirate vessel, this is HMAS Anzac of the Royal Australian Navy. Cease your attack and surrender immediately," The Captain of the HMAS Anzac warned over the loudspeaker.

Both ships crew were astonished from the big boom of sound from the lead metal ship, being amazed and bewildered from those ships.

"Continue men, we can still make this our victory!" The Pirate Captain able to focused from the shock, order his crew to pushed forward at the pursuit.

As they continued to give chase at the Golden Griffon, an loud booming noice thundered across the seas.

And something unexpected happened.

A large portion of their mast suddenly exploded and collapse on their deck, till another noice came and destroyed their other mast.

He realized the source of the noice came from the unknown leading ship, with the strange flying creatures began to approach to their disabled vessel.

...

Northern Rodenuis Sea

Royal Australian Navy Commandos

March 21, 2026/1639

The pirate ship loomed ahead, a stark contrast of antiquity design against the modern helicopters. The pirates, momentarily stunned by the sight of the advanced aircraft, scrambled on deck, some attempting to man ancient cannons.

"Go, go, go!" Lachlan commanded as the helicopters hovered over the ship.

Ropes unfurled, and the commandos descended onto the deck with practiced precision. Gunfire erupted, the sound of modern firearms mingling with the pirates' warcrys as they charged the commandos.

But they abruptly shot down from the highly trained and firepower of the commandos.

The commandos quickly spread out, securing the main deck and subduing any armed pirates. Lachlan led a team towards the captain cabin, where the pirate captain was burning papers and documents.

"Halt and put your hands!" Lachlan shouted. The captain freeze from the commando shout, he looked at them, and sew humans with something familiar in their hands.

They slowly move toward the pirate captain, till he quickly pulled out something on his pocket.

That ended poorly, as he immediately gunned down by the combined firepower of the fireteam, being riddled of bulletholes across the body.

"Fuck!" Lachlan blurted out, as his team quickly dampened down the burning documents.

"Sir?" An operator voiced out, as he was checking up the captain dead body. "You better see this."

"What is it?"

"Are you sure this world is only swords and magic?" His companion asked in disbelief on what they found.

Lachlan eyes widened from the reveal object. "We should report this to High Command."

The Australian commandos moved below deck, clearing each room. They found a group of terrified few pirates in the ship hold. They quickly detained them, as all of them was shell-shocked from the intense action.

With the main threats neutralized, the commandos conducted a thorough search of the ship. Only to found smuggled goods and contrabands in their cargo hold.

Lachlan radioed back to HMAS Canberra, "Target secure. Preparing for extraction."

The helicopters returned, lifting the commandos from secure pirate ship. With the HMAS Anzac and the Philippines Coast Guard detained the ship and its crew to be punished for their illegal crimes.

To the Golden Griffon, they saw the entire debacle involved, with them steering clear to an safe distance.

The manacom message was transmitted from the Australian Capital ship, that was attempted to call them.

"This is HMAS Canberra III, the pirate vessel have been detained, you can return to your usual activity."

Captain Kol felt indebted from the unknown ships, that they managed to rescue them from the pirate attack.

"This is Captain Kol from the Golden Griffon, I'm thankful for the help earlier, appreciate the gratitude."

"No worry Captain, we were doing our job."

After that, the Golden Griffon have returned to its port, with Captain Kol and their crew preached tales of their encounter of their confrontation with the pirates, and the saving efforts by Earth military.

But many have doubted thes story, or think that they exaggerated the story by being drunk by the ale they'll told in their mouths.

It's matter of time when they realised the truth of Earth military power.

...

HMAS Canberra III

March 21, 2026/1639

"Good news, we managed to detained the pirate ship and rescue the

Golden Griffon from the attack." Captain Ashton remarked on their naval operation, as it was an smooth success.

"That was incredible." Breweye could only muttered out a single word that basically describes the entire scene.

From the relative fast speed of the enormous steel warship that position them in the immediate area, from the deployment of troops in the air through flying contraption that defied the sense of flight, attacking them from accurate long range attacks, while they won in a one sided battle and accomplish with no casualties.

"I'd understand how your feeling." Ashton telled having similar experiences. "I used to filled with awe from the raw firepower and weight to command one of this vessels."

"Then I will be reported this issue to my superiors, I'm honored for your hospitality to be boarded in your ship." Breweye telled as he was satisfied with the visit.

"The honor is mine." Ashton spoken in satisfaction in the operation. "Then, let's hope we continued this new partnership between our nations."

...

Author's Notes

Hey guys, long time no see! These past few months without updates have been tough. There were two major events that affected me significantly.

1. I didn't pass my UPCAT exams or get accepted into my second-choice university. For the first, I wasn't strong enough in the entrance exams and was rejected. The second was almost successful—I studied hard and performed well in the exams and interview—but the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology program was already full. My mother has enrolled me in a private school for computer science.

2. I started studying my native language and grammar, as well as learning coding and programming for my university, which specializes in computer science. I'm also studying advanced math and physics to get a head start in my classes. This has limited the time I can dedicate to writing the story.

I will continue working on this story, and there will be more original storytelling to come.