Chapter 53

Moments Before Interception

Holy Milishial Empire, Port Town Cartalpas, Imperial Cultural Center

For today's working-level diplomatic meeting, the Holy Milishial Empire notified every participant that they had an urgent announcement to make. Mu and Eimor already received the announcement two days ago by Shina, so they wouldn't be surprised when the Milishial announces it.

Having just arrived at the cultural center, the Celestina delegation ran into the Empire of Anionnrial's delegation. Based on the documents they had received in advance, they knew that Anionnrial was a magic-based nation that was in charge of the southern countries outside the civilized areas and that they have attended every leadership conference to date. They themselves were an island nation outside the civilized areas, and they effectively had full control of the two large continents in the southern part of the world. No one ever sets foot on their homeland; foreign relations were limited to a single northern island about half the Bali called "Bushpaka Latan." In terms a Celestinian person might understand, they had enacted isolationism policy.

Documents from the Zealot reveals that the Annonrial is only attending as an observer, and if there are no further events that perk their interest or anything that involves the southern region, they can leave immediately.

Because everyone thought of them as a country outside the civilized areas, no one was interested in them at the conference. They were only invited as barbarians that "just happened" to control a huge amount of land. Their people were not humans; they had wings growing from their backs—one white, one black. The document found during the Conflict on Pandemonium last year confirms their existence.

The Main Council was interested in the Annonrial Empire. Based on images from Orbital Defense Platform and recon from the Prowlers, Bushpaka Latan, their sole window to the outside world, was completely dark at night. In contrast, looking instead at their mainland, the amount of artificial lighting they had rivaled that of the Holy Mirishial Empire and the Gra Valkas Empire, and photographs revealed that their capital was very advanced.

The boats the Empire of Anionnrial used to travel to Cartalpas were a fleet of old-fashioned sailboats, something clearly less advanced than what other countries use. The Main Council had already discerned that the ships being serviced at their home country's ports were as sophisticated as the Holy Milishial Empire's magic ships, though.

LaCroix had received a directive from the Main Council, practically Alicia, to look into this empire if he had the chance, so he called out to their delegation. "Pleased to make your acquaintance. You are from the Empire of Anionnrial, correct?"

"Ah…"

Though this person's face was emotionless, their eyes betrayed a lack of interest in addition to obvious scorn.

"My name is LaCroix, and I am a diplomat from the Empire of Celestina. My government is very interested in your country. If we seek to establish diplomatic relations with you in the future, I hope you'll remember that we are very much hoping to associate with you and treat us well."

"Is that so? You may already know this, but our country only deals with foreign affairs from our northern island of Bushpaka Latan. If you would like to open negotiations, please travel there. In addition, be aware that trade with the southern countries under our control is strictly prohibited, so please send any requests for cultural exchange to said island as well."

While the words spoken were courteous, it was clear as day that they had zero interest in Celestina. Or really, looking back over the past few days of the conference, they had never shown any interest in anyone, period.

"By the way, does your country limit relations with every other country to this northern island?"

"Yes, this was decreed by our homeland; any visitations from other countries is expressly forbidden."

"Is it possible to fully experience your culture when visiting the island?"

"Yes, Bushpaka Latan may be the gate to all of the southern countries, but it is also still part of our country. Of course, its culture is the same. But why would you ask such a thing?"

After a momentary pause, LaCroix responded, "Oh, no particular reason, it's just that your home country appears to be far more developed than the gate island, so I had some doubts…"

The eyes of every member in the Anionnrial delegation lit up.

The broadcast from the Imperial Cultural Center cut the conversation short.

"I guess it's time. I'll introduce myself again at another time, so I shall be in your care then as well."

LaCroix and his colleagues stood up and left for the meeting room, leaving the Anionnrial delegation behind. But, the sight of the Eimor and Mu's delegation bowing to the Celestina diplomat prompts their curiosity. After they were alone, they muttered among themselves, "Who the hell are the Celestina Empire…?"

"I've heard they were involved in the Pandemonium for some degree…"

"They must have magic. We need to proceed with caution."

The Anionnrial delegation soon followed and entered the meeting room. The escort for LaCroix this time was added by the arrival of Cecilia Keyron, the Grand Duchess of Natunia, and in charge to eavesdrop on the talk of the Annonrials.

"At this time, the working-level meeting for the eleven-country leadership conference will now commence."

At the coordinator's words, the meeting began.

"Today, I have an announcement for all present from the host of the conference, the Holy Milishial Empire. The other day, the Gra Valkas Empire executed a surprise attack on our western islands and defeated our land forces there."

In order to protect their image, Milishial decided to conceal the fact that their 0th Magic Fleet was annihilated and instead delivered a fake story where they were ambushed. Regardless of the claim that it was their land forces instead, the news that one of the Holy Milishial Empire's forces lost shook the venue.

"Cartalpas has been assigned eight light cruisers to defend against terrorism, and our air force can mobilize from the airport in order to provide cover, so we do not foresee any problems. However, in consideration of the extreme unlikelihood that Gra Valkas's forces reach our soil and perpetrate an attack, in order to ensure that nothing unpredictable occurs, we request that all fleets prepare to depart this evening to relocate the conference east to Kan Braun. While this is a different location from where we had announced previously, please indulge us with your understanding and cooperation."

After a moment of silence, the ambassador from the First Civilization superpower Eimor Kingdom (the land of dragonfolk) burst out in anger.

"Those newcomers first insulted us, then they make to attack this conference gathering the most powerful nations in the world, and you expect us to just tuck our tails between our legs and flee? Let them come; we have no need to run. My country may have come by land, but the other guests here have all brought fleets of varying size, have they not? They came to protect their foreign affairs ministers, did they not? Our opponent only has magically weak humans, and they do not belong to any civilized area; for the numerous world powers in attendance here, I say it would be shameful to run away without fighting. While we did not bring our Navy, we do not mind lending out our ten wind dragons."

"Ooh…!"

Eimor Kingdom's Order of Wind Dragon Knights: wind dragons evolved with smaller wings to reduce the wind pressure effects, allowing them to fly at speeds of 500 km/h. Humans cannot handle that velocity, but dragonfolk and their hardier bodies have no such problems. These knights could rival the Holy Mirishial Empire's air superiority-type Floating Ship of the Heavens, the Alpha-3, so the hall settled down as every country kept an eye on Eimor and their declaration to send their elite squadron. Celestina's Shock Troopers can resist the speed up to 700 km/h, so it won't be a problem for them.

"We… We would be happy to lend a hand in exterminating those rude Gra Valkans with our seven ships-of-the-line! Indeed, only with a surprise attack could a noncivilized force have caused any damage to the Holy Mirishial Empire; if not for that, our Central World nations could run circles around them!"

The Central World's Torquia Kingdom also voiced their discontent with moving the conference.

"The Gra Valkas Empire has been running roughshod all over the Second Civilization. If the Central World intends to oppose them, then our fleet too shall join."

The Second Civilization's Magycaraihi Collective declared their intent to fight, and the other Second Civilization countries soon followed.

Sitting next to the Celestina delegation, the only Third Civilization country, the Great Magic Duchy of Pandora, looked over at them with sparkling, expectant eyes. "We've heard numerous tales of your war against the Papaldia Empire. What does Celestina intend to do?"

The Main Council dispatch the 1st Expeditionary Fleet, serving under the Battle Group Moonlight Sea. The Milishial's officials told Celestina that the sea is secured. And that was what they were told in person as well. But, the Main Council did not trust Milishial, as they are aware of the gunboat diplomacy.

Even back at the Celestina Empire's homeland, when they send a fleet to the Earth before the Fourth Interstellar War, they always station their fleet 250km away from the beach where the venue town is being held. Celestina saw the "Gra Valkas Empire" in the list of attendees, but based on the intel obtained by the Zealots, it is likely they will declare war on the entire world. In other words, Celestina already foresees this outcome even without Shina's prophecy. Fighting the Gra Valkas Empire who houses technology similar to the Trumper Empire during Celestina First World War, makes The Main Council eager to beat them down.

The Milishial Empire had wanted to relocate the conference to Kan Braun, and LaCroix receives order from the Main Council to fight, she replies.

"I will fight, and it will be announced later by the Main Council."

"Ooohhh! So you wish to fight as well?"

"That's exactly where we will beat them down."

The ambassador from the Empire of Anionnrial raised his hand, and the coordinator allowed him to speak.

"Our country is outside the civilized areas. If you suddenly tell us to move to your eastern city, we cannot respond to that. If following you would result in us becoming an obstacle during your battles, we would rather just excuse ourselves from this year's conference."

The southern countries were known to be lacking in the economy, technology, military, and Anionnrial was only invited as per custom, so their presence wasn't particularly needed or desired and allowed to leave.

Cartalpas is in the south of the Holy Milishial Empire. The land stretches down on the eastern and western parts of the city, creating a 60km-wide bay. After passing through a small 14km strait at the very end of the bay, the open sea stretches out endlessly. Unlike on the open sea, even stormy days in the bay are relatively calm, so Cartalpas developed into a prosperous cultural exchange place between the three civilizations.

In the section of the port town hosting the international leadership conference, said the conference was currently in disarray.

"Please, we are only thinking of everyone's safety in the worst case. Please comply and evacuate now! If Cartalpas really is going to be attacked, then there's no time! We cannot continue simply sitting here and having this debate!"

Four hours had already passed since the Empire of Anionnrial left. Even though there was a short recess, the fact that there was still no resolution stretched credulity. The Main Council remains their calm, and so is LaCroix, as they were waiting for the right moment to speak.

It was dangerous here, so without the presence of a large military force, it would be better to evacuate. Cecilia receives intel from Commander Faira.

"Carrier was spotted seventy kilometers west from the fleet. The Gra Valkas Empire has dispatch at least two fleets. The ship consists of four Battleship, nine cruisers, seventeen destroyers, and seven carriers."

"Thank you, Commander. Keep us posted. We will be on battle station in two hours."

"Ten-Four."

However, the countries opposed to evacuating also had their own circumstances to consider. Unlike Celestina, who only brought necessary firepower, they had all subscribed to gunboat diplomacy and rolled out the red carpet for their newest ships and elite soldiers, the most polished fleet they could assemble. In Celestina's terms, it was like they had brought three fleets ready for combat, and now those ten chest-thumping countries were being told to run from uncivilized barbarians. Not only would their dignity take a dive in front of their peers, but they would also invite criticism from their own citizens as well.

"Everyone, quiet down! Quiet down! I have urgent news to announce!"

The hall immediately fell silent.

"Just now, one of our patrol planes spotted a Gra Valkan battleship about a hundred and fifty kilometers south of Cartalpas, heading north. We have yet to locate their carrier. We are mobilizing our air force to attack, but they will arrive at the strait first at this rate. Considering Gra Valkas's ships' speed and our distance from the strait, evacuation is no longer possible. As you have all suggested, we shall organize an allied force and head out to repel them. However, regarding the safety of the diplomats and ministers, our country shall take responsibility and secure them to the best of our ability. Please board the train as soon as possible, and you shall be evacuated north."

LaCroix, hearing this, looking at Shina, is summarizing the situation.

All countries agree to cooperate for self-defense purposes and intercept the Gra Valkas Empire.

The Holy Mirishial Empire will evacuate all ministers and diplomats.

Then, LaCroix raises her hand, and the coordinator allows her to speak.

"Rest assured, everyone. The Main Council will take command of this battle. We're here to repel those who dare to provoke a war on us. Everyone will sail behind Celestina's fleet, and with it, we will guarantee your safety. Any of you try to fight them without our protection; you are on your own."

Before others can interject, Mu and Eimor nodded in agreement. The Eimor ambassador replies, "Your wish is our command. We will sail with you for the safety of us." Mu also agrees, "We will follow Celestina's command for this battle."

At that point, Celestina starts to earn influence to dominate the world. Other countries, including the Great Magic Duchy of Pandora, put their trust in Celestina.

"Are you certain you will take command of this battle, Ambassador from Celestina?"

"I will not take command. The Main Council will take command of this battle. Considering we don't have an actual leader, I will nominate one of the Main Council members, Grand Duchess of Studia, Fleet Admiral Alicia, as our commander."

Alicia stands up, bowing to them.

"It's a pleasure to work with you, all."

To think that one of the Celestina leaders itself is attending the conference, surely Celestina will get attention for this. Eimor and Mu didn't show any objection to this.

"All right. I will follow your command. Please, have us board inside your ship."

"Please don't offend us when we're doing things that may deem… rude. Now, then. We shall prepare for the battle. Those who wish to stay here, we will provide a live stream so that everyone can see the live update on the battlefield."

With it, Alicia was selected as a commander of the Temporary Allies.

Port Town Cartalpas, Port

The port manager, Bronze, was assaulted by both fear and excitement simultaneously. He heard rumors that the country in control of those giant ships he had never seen before had attacked the world's strongest country, the Holy Mirishial Empire. When he had looked up earlier, he saw a number of his country's multipurpose combat fighters, Beta-2s, fly off to the south in formation before disappearing from view.

Those rumors were probably true. However, despite the ongoing crisis, he felt very calm. He simply remarked in his head how it wasn't terrorists but an actual fleet coming to attack and how this was so far removed from reality. His attention was then drawn to the port, where the fleets from the strongest countries in the world were setting off in droves.

"Magycaraihi Collective, armored ships-of-the-line, setting sail!"

The most bellicose member of the Second Civilization, the Magycaraihi Collective's ships-of-the-line raised their sails. Compared to the former Second Civilization superpower Leifor, the Magycaraihi Collective was inferior in size and scale, but in terms of warship technology alone, they were above Leifor. A miraculous blend of Mu's machinery and the wonders of magic, this armored ships-of-the-line strength were exceptionally noteworthy within the Second Civilization. Celestina wishes to study more since both share the same similarity, the blending in of the machinery and the wonders of magic.

"Nation of Agarta, magic convoy, setting sail!"

From the Central World, Agarta's convoy of six ships left port.

"Nigrato Union, dragon carrier fleet, setting sail!"

The Second Civilization's Nigrato Union had a fleet of four ships-of-the-line and four dragon carriers. Each dragon carrier housed twelve wyvern lords, so with four carriers, there were 48 in all, and they were in high spirits.

"Mu, mechanical fleet, setting sail!"

The Second Civilization superpower, Mu's fleet, had two battleships, four armored cruisers, eight light cruisers, and two aircraft carriers. As a superpower's fleet and widely considered the strongest fleet to have been deployed to the conference this time, all other countries had high expectations for them.

"Celestina Empire, First Expeditionary Fleet, set sail!"

A beautiful grey ship that would easily stand out on the battlefield, it was longer than Mu's La Kasami-class battleships and about the same length as the empire's light cruisers. The formation was arranged, with Celestina is taking point to clear the path. Celestina's legendary might and their war against the Papaldia Empire had already spread across the world. Whether or not it could compete with Gra Valkas's monstrous battleship was unknown, but considering the tales of how many of Papaldia's ships they destroyed, this fleet should be quite powerful. Port manager Bronze was feeling very giddy as he watched all the ships from these strong countries leave port.

The following is a summary of the ships being dispatched:

- Mu (Second Civilization): Two battleships, four armored cruisers, eight light cruisers, two aircraft carriers

- The Celestina Empire (outside civilized areas, east of Third Civilization): One Halcyon-class Light Missile Cruiser, four Plasma-class Destroyer, and four Magnetic-class Destroyer.

- Torquia Kingdom (Central World): Seven ships-of-the-line

- Nation of Agarta (Central World): Six magic ships

- Magycaraihi Collective (Second Civilization): Seven armored ships-of-the-line

- Nigrato Union (Second Civilization): Four ships-of-the-line, four dragon carriers

- The Great Magic Duchy of Pandora (Third Civilization): Eight magic ships

Altogether a grand fleet of 61 ships and providing additional firepower were ten dragon knights from the Central World superpower Eimor Kingdom's Order of Wind Dragon Knights, as well as the Holy Mirishial Empire's eight light cruisers. In other words, this was a melded fleet of 69 ships that represented every civilization and air cover being provided by the Eimor Kingdom and the Holy Mirishial Empire. The representatives from each country felt very confident about the upcoming battle.

The Holy Milishial Empire, Imperial Capital Runepolis

The Holy Milishial Empire developed at an accelerated pace by studying the ruins of the ancient sorcerous empire and used its superior level of technology to climb to the top of the world. With this power, it built the extremely splendorous capital city of Runepolis using resources gathered from around the world. The citizens of the empire all consider it the true center of the world. The city is full of vehicles zooming around that are at the cutting edge of magical technology, and countless high-rise buildings are all lined up in rows. At night, the city glows with soft magical light.

When foreigners visit the imperial capital for the first time, they all say "What a glorious city; what a wealthy country; it's like a tale from legend come to life…"

In the middle of the city of Runepolis, the so-called center of the world, is the imperial palace, where the Emperor who moves the world lives. That Emperor was about to begin an emergency meeting. For the Holy Milishial Empire, who had until now been able to conduct foreign affairs without any fear, an enemy had set foot on their soil for the first time. Despite the fact that it came about from a surprise attack, this meeting would determine the countermeasures they took against the Gra Valkas Empire.

Aside from Emperor Mirishial, the attendees included:

- Minister of the Military Schmielpow

- Director of Imperial Defense Agra

- Information Director Arneus

- Head of Foreign Affairs Riage

The rest were all high-level governmental officials. Pecras, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, had already left for Cartalpas to rejoin the leadership conference, so he was not present. Rydorka is also rejoining with the clear intention to join Celestina's ship, Seraphic Ocean. Therefore, Riage, the head of the foreign affairs office, was his representative to avoid forcing Pecras to make numerous trips between Cartalpas and the imperial capital.

"We will now commence the emperor's meeting."

Agra was leading this meeting.

"I shall now give a summary of the situation that led to this meeting. The other day, during the eleven-country leadership conference, an uncivilized nation to the west, the Gra Valkas Empire, declared their intent to subjugate the entire world. Gra Valkas is currently occupying the western countries of the Second Civilization. They have a number of consecutive military victories, including the destruction of the former Superpower Leifor with just the power of a single warship. We believe this is what's fueling their violent conceit.

After their reckless declaration at the leadership conference, the Gra Valkan delegation departed from Cartalpas on their battleship, but not before Celestina threatens them back to have their prided warship humiliated. Shortly afterward, a separate fleet appeared at the western islands and proceeded to attack the Zeroth Magic Fleet."

The battle report that followed shocked the room.

"The enemy's forces consisted of four battleships, six heavy cruisers, three light cruisers, and seventeen smaller ships—thirty ships in total. Their battleships were on par with our newest magic ships. Enemy losses include one heavy cruiser, one small ship sunk, heavy damage to one heavy cruiser, medium damage to one light cruiser, and numerous cases of minor damage. With regards to the naval battle alone, it was our victory. However, due to the enemy's fierce aerial attack afterward, the Zeroth Magic Fleet was annihilated."

Frenzied whispers filled the room. The highly decorated 0th Magic Fleet consisted of the Holy Mirishial Empire's newest ships, symbolizing its strength. To think that their strongest fleet was eliminated from the air… The country's leaders were devastated.

"That's impossible! There is no way for our fleet, already primed for combat, to be destroyed by some little planes! Were they heavily damaged at the time?" the Minister of General Affairs asked.

"We do not have precise details, but according to the defense office, prior to the aerial attack, their analysis concludes that our battleships were indeed already damaged. Furthermore, because so few of our air forces are deployed to the western islands, there was no air cover. After that battle, the Gra Valkan fleet then bombarded our detached ground base and proceeded east. We believe their target is the port town of Cartalpas, where the eleven-country leadership conference is currently underway. However, because it's also possible that it's a diversion and they'll actually come to the capital, we cannot commit our capital defense forces.

"Currently, the First, Second, and Third Fleets deployed to the east are heading for Cartalpas, but they cannot make it there in time. The only forces we have that can oppose them are the eight light cruisers there for local peacekeeping, as well as a comparable amount of air cover. Because Cartalpas will likely come under fire, we've requested to all the other countries that we move the conference to the eastern city of Kan Braun, but they have refused, opting instead to stay behind and confront the Gra Valkas Empire. Additionally, the Empire of Annionrial alone withdrew from the conference.

Furthermore, the commander for this operation will be led by one of the Celestina's Main Council, Grand Duchess Fleet Admiral Alicia Permeal."

After Agra's explanation was over, Head of Foreign Affairs Riage thought of concern and asked, "Considering the combined military potential of all the forces there, can we repel them?"

"They're going up against the group that buried the Zeroth Magic Fleet. If we could convert 'military strength' into familiar terms… Let's see, Mu's fleet and Celestina's ship would all be counted as heavy cruisers, I think. For everyone else, it depends. But, they do have the advantage of numbers. If they could avoid damage, I think that would greatly improve their chances. As far as the current situation goes, that is the overview as we understand it.

But, Grand Duchess Alicia states that the Celestina Empire will protect the port, while we doubt their capabilities to repel the fleet that buried our fleet."

After the answer was given, Emperor Mirishial raised a hand, and everyone quieted down. He licked his lips and said measuredly, "Agra, thank you for your excellent summary."

The statement was so calm, so firm, that Agra could feel the majesty oozing from each word.

"Of course, Your Excellency!" It was all he could do to respond and bow his head.

"So, the Gra Valkas Empire… They seem quite strong, but both our empire and the other countries are in agreement… what fools they are. Where is the Gra Valkas Empire found?"

"Yes, Your Excellency! This is their location."

He pointed at a region of the ocean west of Mu.

"There is a massive land right here, that is where their home country is located."

"So they are on a massive land… That's huge for a country…"

"We received this map from the country of Celestina, and they were the ones to inform us of the empire's location."

"Celestina… That country that essentially eradicated the Papaldia Empire, I see. They as well are isolated far to the east, yet they know the location of a country so far out west? It cannot be that the two counties have established relations, could it?"

The Emperor wanted to know how Celestina had discovered exactly where the Gra Valkas Empire was located.

"Please, allow me," Information Director Arneus interjected, raising his hand into the air. "It has only been a very short time since we established relations with Celestina, but we have already begun to realize how advanced their technology is. Celestina's influence reaches beyond the sky; they have installed monitoring equipment all the way up in space to observe our world. In this manner, not only have they determined the Gra Valkas Empire's location, we believe they are even able to discern the goings-on of the other side of the world. Currently, along with the foreign affairs office, we are requesting the most current map of the world, but we are still awaiting a favorable response as the Celestina Empire is making maps due to the large size of this world."

The shock that propagated through the room was tremendous. Space was a domain that man was simply unable to reach. In all of history, only one country could possibly deploy observation equipment that high; even if the Holy Milishial Empire focused all of its resources into the attempt, they would find it an impossible task.

"It can't be… It can't be that Celestina has heard of the folktale passed down about the ancient sorcerous empire, 'A World in Servitude,' and has turned it into reality?"

"Yes, they call it a 'man-made satellite,' but it does resemble the description from 'A World in Servitude' to a frightening degree."

"Celestina is truly an interesting country, isn't it… Oh, my apologies, the conversation is going off track. With regards to the Gra Valkas Empire, after we resolve their invasion, form a combined fleet between the Central World and the Second Civilization, travel to the Leiforian territory, and drive them out of the Second Civilization completely. I would like to see Celestina's power for myself, but… Riage, do you believe Celestina would agree to send their fleet as well?" the Emperor asked.

"The Main Council states that they will not make their move yet, as they claim that they will make the Gra Valkas Empire Navy run between its tail for this interception. The reason they will not make their move is to observe Gra Valkas movement first."

"Hooo… That's interesting. Are there our men assigned to their ship?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. Rydorka is boarding it."

"Excellent. We will make our move as soon as we heard the news about them."

Emperor Mirishial of the Holy Mirishial Empire, the overseer of the Central World, smoldered with rage.

Port Town Cartalpas, A Certain Bar

The drunks were once again chatting, as usual. A plump man with a long beard who appeared to be a merchant spoke up.

"Hey hey, didja hear? During the leadership conference, Gra Valkas apparently declared war on the entire world."

Everyone looked at the man in shock. A different, elderly man responded.

"The Gra Valkas Empire has been invading the western countries in the Second Civilization and piling up win after win, you know. If they've declared war, that means they're pretty sure of themselves, yeah? They can't beat our Holy Milishial Empire though, now can they…?"

"No way! Even if Gra Valkas is as powerful as they say, Milishial's on another level. They may have beaten Leifor fair and square, but there's no way they could match even the Superpower Mu, right?"

"But, did you see? At the port, Gra Valkas's battleship, the one called the Grade Atlastar, it's as big as a mountain… Mu's La Kasami-class battleship was near it too, but it was basically like a kid standing next to an adult. Maybe it's even bigger than the latest magic ships from our country."

The ruckus in the bar went completely silent for a moment.

"I heard this from some foreigners, but apparently, Gra Valkas is on its way here to Cartalpas, and the countries at the conference have formed an alliance with their escort ships and are getting ready to fight. In this part of the sea, we've now got the craziest naval power in the world, of course including our own magic fleet. And y'all haven't forgotten, have you? Right now, the ones who dismantled the eastern Superpower, the Papaldia Empire, are here too. Celestina's got that huge gray ship that's even bigger than Mu's La Kasami. That's how much power we've got in Cartalpas. It's totally safe here."

"Hahaha, you ain't wrong!"

The drunks just kept on talking.

One after the other, the combined fleet formed by the world's powerhouse countries set sail. Sixty-one ships in all, their grand, majestic departure imparted a sense of comfort to the representatives from each country watching from the port. The commander for Mu's sixteen ships, Brendas, was on board the symbol of Mu's technology, the La Kasami, burning with confidence before the first battle against the Gra Valkas Empire.

With astonishing national power, Mu was said to be approaching that of the Holy Milishial Empire, which had not been invaded in recent years. Unlike technologists who can calmly evaluate the technological disparity, Brendas was a military man who simply had absolute faith in his fleet.

"The enemy's numbers are completely unknown, but what do you think?" he asked the captain of the La Kasami, Minilar, standing beside him.

The pudgy Captain Minilar thought for a moment before responding. "Indeed, we don't know the enemy's numbers, but in all likelihood, their goal is simply to bring disgrace to the ministers' escort fleets… After that, they'll get off one attack on Cartalpas, which will be a slap to the face of the Holy Mirishial Empire; that must be what they're thinking. Considering how far away that empire is, it's extremely unlikely that they could have sent a large fleet out here. On the other hand, while our forces are mixed, our numbers are strong. I understand that this may be a rude evaluation, but ships from outside the civilized areas will at least serve as good shields.

"I predict that our adversaries won't be that plentiful. We'll have many shields on our side, though. From what I know of the battleships that they brought to Cartalpas, they may be quite large indeed, but they shouldn't be very fast… If that is the case, then with our bullet shields, it should be possible to close in on them and execute an attack."

He turned to look in front of them.

"I must say, though, Celestina's battleship does stand out…"

His eyes settled on the flagship of the 1st Expeditionary Fleet, Seraphic Ocean leading them, followed by four pairs of Destroyers. The Seraphic Ocean was captained by the Fleet Admiral Alicia Permeal, a person who has a higher rank than the La Kasami's commanding officer, so Mu's military had determined that it was likely a battleship. But, they were unaware that Commander Brunestud remains as the Captain of the ship.

"According to information from the technological division, Celestina's ships apparently have extraordinary capabilities, so it should be very exciting to see how they approach combat. With such a powerful ally at our side, while it may end up being a hard-fought battle, we should also not face defeat."

"Reporting!" a comms operator on the bridge yelled. "We've received word from the Holy Milishial Empire that there are aircraft believed to be Gra Valkan approaching Cartalpas from the southwest. Currently 130 kilometers out, numbering two hundred!"

"Two… Two hundred?!"

"According to Milishial — there's no mistake, there are two hundred of them! Enemy makeup is unknown, but forty-two Alpha-3 air superiority combat fighters are taking off from the Cartalpas air base to intercept them."

"The Alpha-3 is Milishial's newest model, isn't it? However, two hundred enemies, that's a helluva lot… I wonder how many of those are bombers? Do we know the positions of the enemy's aircraft carriers?"

"Enemy aircraft carrier positions unknown."

"Prepare to intercept! Launch all aircraft!"

"Does that include the bombers as well?"

"Prioritize fleet defense. Aside from bombers, launch everything else, we need to provide air cover for the fleet! Have them take up station a short distance from the fleet to avoid friendly fire from Mirishial!"

"Roger!"

"Sir! Orders from Fleet Admiral! We're not allowed to deploy our aircraft!"

"What?! How dare she told us not to sortie it! We have to launch it!"

"But sir… She's listening to you."

"What?"

Alicia appears through her holographic magic, looking at Minilar with a sharp gaze.

"You launch your aircraft. It will be turned into nothing but scrap. Our fleet is more than sufficient to handle this. I will make a live stream on every ship, so everyone can watch it. I will take all responsibility if it turns out there were casualties because of my orders."

Gritting his teeth, Minilar finally complies with Alicia's order. Celestina could snitch to Mu, making him thrown into a court-martial with the cause of disobedience.

The Celestina Empire, Radar-class Prowler, Arcus, forty-five thousand meters above the sea

"The forty-two Alpha-3 aircraft are engaging the Gra Valkas Antares fighters. They were severely outmatched, and none can shoot it down."

"What's the status on Eimor?"

"They are deploying their Wind Dragon to observe."

"Alright. Commander, make sure they do not enter the fray, or we will fry them to smithereens."

"Roger that."

Commander Faira looks at the holo-table battlefield, and it looks like the Antares fighters are using the sun as a cover to attack the Alpha-3. She can hear the chatter around the Cartalpas airbase, screaming to scramble more aircraft.

"Seraphic Ocean. Be advised; combat distance is closing in fast. They're now sixty kilometers from your position."

"Copy that. Preparing for anti-air combat."

The Celestina Empire, Seraphic Ocean

"Flak 88R ready, aim to the enemy aircraft."

"Reaching maximum effective range in one minute. Reaching effective maximum range in ninety seconds."

Following the upgrades made by Feena, the Flak 88R can now shoot the aircraft up to sixty kilometers. Alicia is looking at the battle net and formation of the ship. The Celestina Empire will act as a spearhead, Mu follows behind Celestina, and the rest will be sailing behind Mu.

This time, Feena prepares the HEAPS ammunition prototype or known as High Explosive Armor Piercing Squash, to blow up the Grade Atlastar's main gun. The HEAPS can be augmented to increase damage further or provide protection to prevent catastrophic damage. Celestina's primary objective is to send the Grade Atlastar's main gun flying and repel the invasion.

"Target in effective range!"

"Fire!"

BOOM!

Six Flak 88R, firing to the sky, marks the beginning of the Battle of the Folk Strait.

Author's Note: Double Chapter this week, let's bring the Gra Valkas to humiliation, shall we?