Chapter 56
The S League and Breaking Mu's Limit
The Celestina Empire, Royal Capital of Regnieburg, Promotion Ground, 17th September 1526 / 227
Celestina has one primary job, and that is as an adventurer. People strife to reach higher ranks to earn prestigious positions and wealth. The S Rank adventurers and above, dubbed as "S League," is a prestigious rank where the citizens of Celestina hone their skills to enter it. People at S League are guaranteed to live in luxury, to the situation where they can purchase a medium-size Yacht or a luxury house as their asset earned from the expedition.
However, to be on the S League means they must answer the Council's call when they request them to conduct a job. Because being an S League is equal to become a part of the War Maidens Squadron, the expectation was extremely high. Some people reach S Rank without going to the front line, such as office work, merchants, and non-combat professions. They are the ones who are assigned at a respective job to assist the Main Council in developing the Celestina Empire.
Today, Rosaria Verlaine is going to take her test to enter the S League. The examiner will be Tiamat in person. Although she receives blessings from her, it took months to get used to the new blessings. In other words, she's one of the most promising newcomers in the eyes of the adventurers. The Celestina citizens already saw her potential as the Empress of Celestina, and some of them already plan to make her represent the Prime Minister of Regnieburg in the next election.
"What in the world…"
Rosaria can see a lot of S- Rank adventurers are at the medical bay. Shiki already explained to her before she decided to take the S Rank test that she needs to break her limit to enter the S League. So she has to display to Tiamat that she can break her own limit when using her abilities. It is the reason why the War Maidens Squadron and Adventurers on S Rank were able to do more than what they can offer.
"Hoo… So you came to take the test? I'm flattered."
"Please take care of me, Lady Tiamat."
The spectators, including Ambassadors of Mu, Qua-Toyne, Quila, Verlaine, and Topa, come all the way from their Embassy to watch the New World local, Rosaria Verlaine. She has modified her staff to where she can use it as a Halberd. Using her own money she gains from her day as an adventurer, she's ready to display her strength and abilities.
Shina is there to act as a supervisor. "No mental links, fight with your abilities. Let the fight commence!"
"Flame Lance!" Rosaria casts multiple Flame Lance to Tiamat as soon as Shina announces the fight. Tiamat, as expected, dodges all of the attacks and launches a counterattack. Rosaria sense Tiamat is not using any weapon, but she's aware of her lethality, so she decides to block her attack with a hammer section of her halberd. She stops it as Tiamat's punch was close to hitting her side.
CLANG!
Rosaria can feel her arm numbed a bit, but it makes her thrilled. To spice things up, she lit the halberd in flames and increase the pressure on her arm.
"Oh?" Tiamat can sense her power surges as she quickly moves back, getting interested in Rosaria's strength. "I guess you're not a half-baked wizard, unlike the others who want to enter S League without even knowing what it means to be inside such League."
"Maybe. I'm still not good enough to face you directly. But this time, I will meet your expectations!"
Determined to impress Tiamat, when she was about to catch Rosaria for Full Nelson, she left her mirror image without even leaving a trace of step. "Oho?" Tiamat notices Rosaria's style that goes unorthodox, decides to do the same thing for her. She got thrilled to see Rosaria's progress that grows rapidly in just two years. She wonders how much training Rosaria received from Shiki and other Zealots, as she finds her talent not only as a mage but also fighting at close-quarter combat. It is a rare feat to have a mage capable of doing such.
Reynes Lexington and Dawn Rune Seraph are watching the fight between Tiamat and Rosaria on the spectator seat. They saw her potential as a mage assassin, one that excels in magic and assassination.
Reynes somehow impressed by Rosaria's effort to enter S Rank in just two years. "Somehow, I find her talent in many aspects. She will be suitable as one of the Empress of Celestina should people recommend her."
"She's excellent in managing her Kingdom. Maybe when she decides to step down from her seat as a Queen of Verlaine, she could get elected as an Empress of Celestina. But, people could force her to rush things, so I will leave the decision to her."
"I see… So she shouldn't rush it, then… It takes me back to where your people force me to take the throne…" Reynes somehow feel guilty remembering the day Dawn and the people of Scharlwarltz beg for him to take the throne of Scharlwarltz.
Dawn clings to his arms, feeling guilty about it. "I'm sorry, dear… But you're the one that can bring our kingdom to prosperity."
Both of them continue to observe the fight between Rosaria and Tiamat. The spy from the Gra Valkas Empire looks in disbelief when he saw the power of the Celestina Adventurers taking the test to the S League. The destruction causes by the S- Rank adventurer convinces him that the Celestina Empire possesses the strength to defeat the Gra Valkas Empire by just infantry alone. The damage inflicted on the terrain is catastrophic, and even the High Explosive rounds of the 46cm from the Grade Atlastar are nowhere to reach it.
"This is absurd…!" The spy takes the picture that features Celestina's trial to the S Rank. For Celestina, the view captured by the spy can scare the Gra Valkas Empire further to witness the destructive power of the Celestina Empire. The national power held by Celestina is completely beyond his imagination. "I have to report this to the homeland immediately!" Realizing Celestina's threat, he decides to exit the spectator seat and book a ticket to Mu. The Zealots let him go since it was a good sign for the Gra Valkas to not mess with Celestina.
The fighting continues as Tiamat manages to disarm Rosaria's Halberd Staff. However, the problem starts here as Rosaria shows her expertise in the arts of assassination. Rosaria becomes adept at using other elements that she has just learned, set aside for the fire element she manages to master in two years.
"She…!" Tiamat starts to get overwhelmed as she decides to draw out more power to defeat Rosaria. "Her talent is… unbelievable!" She usually uses her powers around five to ten percent for this trial to S Rank, but Rosaria's pressure makes her doubled more power to between fifteen and twenty percent.
"Ah!" Tiamat can feel scratches on her body, but it makes her thrilled even further. When she moves in, Rosaria quickly leaves herself in a cool-mist projection. "Oho… Interesting." This is the first time Tiamat witness a mage capable of performing assassination, but it can also be proven very lethal if Rosaria continues to hone her skill.
Rosaria keep harassing Tiamat with the dagger she hides inside her skirt. Her natural instinct, thanks to Shiki's effort, continues to sharpen. The spectators are looking in disbelief to witness her skills. Once Tiamat had enough of it, she quickly matched the speed before surpassing Rosaria and captured her in a chokehold.
"Ugh!"
Falling down to the ground, Rosaria struggles to break free, but as the pressure continues, Shina stops the match. "That's enough!"
Rosaria pants as she struggles for breath while Tiamat pats her back. "You did a wonderful job today. For the reward, here's the letter of double promotion."
The crowd cheers as Rosaria earns not only promotion to S Rank, but Tiamat will immediately promote her into an S+ Rank adventurer. As soon as the registration is complete, Rosaria can only smile as she stares at her Sage Card, a card exclusive for S Rank. But for Rosaria, she earns a Sage Golden Card, a card exclusive for those who make outstanding achievements in the trial to the S Rank. From a three billion population, at least ten million people, excluding Valkyries, are S Rank adventurers. Still, only around a hundred adventurers, including the Main Councils, the Adjutants of the Main Council, and Rosaria, earn a Sage Golden Card.
Superpower Mu, War Games, Battle of Trun, Falaise Pocket
Celestina takes this battle as a War Games Simulation for Mu to test out their Sherman Tank. The battle features World War II's Germany's 7th Army in deep retreat in an attempt to make a breakout through the City of Trun before the allies fully encircle the Falaise Pocket.
Myrus and his engineer units observe the Sherman Tank and Gloster Meteor deployed to the field to cut off the Gra Valkas Empire's retreat after the Battle for Caen. All data about Mu's Sherman are displayed perfectly on the screen.
"Let's see how's our tank can fare against the enemy."
"Looking forward to it, Major! Let's give them a lesson!"
Mu's M4 Sherman Tank:
- Two variant: 76mm / 17 Pounder (Primary), 30 cal, and 50 cal machinegun (Secondary)
- 70-100mm Armor
- Mu Star Engine: 500 Horsepower (375kW) at 2,750rpm
- Power/weight: 16hp/ton
- Maximum speed: 55km/h
The tank, boasting a 76mm gun and Easy Eight handling, advances to the field. The opponent is the Gra Valkas Empire with the Sherman Tank's specifications from Earth. Mu wants to expect the enemy's armor to be stronger than they thought, which is why they want to take a field before they can mass produce the Sherman Tank. The next War Games will feature the Sherman Firefly to test out HEAP and APDS.
Mu had just finished the prototype two months ago, and they're ready to put their prototype into a War Games for field trial. Their study of a year and a half enables them to construct and understand a Sherman Tank. The tank shells were loaded with standard HE rounds, smoke rounds, and AP rounds.
The Gra Valkas Empire will prepare a retreat, with the Sherman Tank takes the role as the first tank to hold the line and several infantries. The other tanks, consisting of Panzer IV, Panzer III, Panther, Chi-ha, Chi-Nu, and Cromwell, are withdrawing from the Falaise Pocket.
"Enemy in sight!"
"They open fire at us!"
Luckily, the shot miss and the Mu crew are loading their gun. The gunner aims straight at the enemy's Sherman, which opens fire at them from 1500 meters. They ignore the infantries since they possess little threat even they were armed with MG 42.
"Turret aimed for the target!"
"Fire!"
"Away!"
BOOM! CLANG!
"It's a hit!"
The shot hit the hull, but it was over-penetration, but their shots disabled the tank since the shot pass through the engine. This time, a Panzer IV fires on Mu's Sherman, and Myrus can hear a glancing blow as the shell ricochets.
CLANK!
"Oh wow, that was close!"
They move the Sherman again to 1100 meters and aims the barrel at the Panzer IV. "Target aimed!"
The gunner loads the HE rounds, "High-explosive rounds loaded!"
"Fire!"
BOOM! CLANK!
The High Explosive shells ricochet as it bounces at the right side of the Panzer IV.
"Dammit, it's a ricochet! Reload, reload!"
BOOM! CLANG!
"Uwoooh!" The M4 Sherman suffers a hit to the side, but luckily the shell didn't penetrate the armor into the crew. Myrus checks the damage, and it seems the Panzer IV's shell penetrated around 50 to 60mm armor at the side of the tank. Closing the distance to around 500 meters, they took this chance before the Panzer IV fire on them again.
"You guys okay?"
"We're good! HEAP rounds loaded!"
"Fire!"
BOOM!
The Sherman succeeds in destroying the Panzer IV, confirmed with the enemy tank becomes inoperable. The other Shermans using Mu's specifications are joining in. They intend to push the Town of Trun, aiming to seal off the retreating Gra Valkas Empire's Armored Group.
"Calm down, boys. We will join for some fun, too."
"Let's cut them off!"
CLANK!
Myrus looks surprised as a shell almost got his head, "Where's that shell coming from!?" Looking around with binoculars, Myrus scouts for any possible anti-tank armament held by the enemy. Another shot penetrates the ally's tank, but it was over-penetration, and the tank was disabled. "Damn! They got 88 Anti-Tank! I found them! Ten degrees left! Fire on that building!"
A building hides the 88 Anti-Tank, perfect for ambushing Mu's tank. Myrus and his crew move to the safe area to avoid 88 AT/AA installed inside the building to delay the armor progress while firing a turret for distraction. The infantries are taking cover behind the tank and disperses as soon as they are near the building.
The Main Council, witnessing these War Games, continues to evaluate their performances. Feena looks at the specifications made by Mu, and it seems Myrus was able to make the Sherman better than Earth standard. Of course, since this is a Prototype for the M4 Sherman, she can expect Mu can produce better. Mu already send some of the engineers back to the homeland, preparing to recreate the Star Engine and components for Sherman Tank. Alicia looks at the War Games while assessing Mu's skill in handling the tank.
"Seems Myrus and his gang are adapting to the tank very well."
"Uhm… Though this means their first medium tank is ready to be mass-produced."
"Now, I just need to make sure that Jacob and LaCroix can buy time for Mu to prepare it. From what I've heard, the Gra Valkas Empire is doubling their invasion force to Mu." Alicia reads the report given by the Zealots while observing the War Games. "We need to hold them back for at least a year."
"Which means they could send us an invitation at any time." Feena looks at the report as Mu's pilot is struggling to handle the Gloster Meteor. "I personally think that Mu needs more training if they wish to transition from reciprocating fighters to a jet fighter, so using the P-51 Mustang and P-47 Thunderbolt is the only way as an alternate for air superiority against the Gra Valkas Empire."
A year of development is not enough, considering Mu is putting its efforts into making both Sherman Tank and Gloster Meteor. At least they have good progress in making new vehicles and aircraft, compared to the Holy Milishial Empire that does not have any proper knowledge other than using ancient technology instead of innovating it. The Milishials reject the scholarship offered by Celestina, stating that their academy is the best in the world.
"Come to think about it… the Holy Milishial Empire didn't even come to the Council Meeting last year, do they?"
"Well… They think it was not necessary to attend the Council Meeting. So far, only Eimor and Mu are attending the Council Meeting to represent themselves as a Superpower of this world."
"So much for pride. Mu already earn more profit these days, and I bet the middle-class will soon be affected by the trades from other dimensions."
Celestina gradually increases the scale of the trade in the New World. The Qua-Toyne Principality, Quila Kingdom, the Principality of Tibetain, and the recently recovered Kingdom of Louria's trade start to affect the low-income people. The seasonal requests from the adventurers guild bring the countries into the age of prosperity. The Kingdom of Verlaine, which becomes a part of the Celestina Empire after the wedding between Shiki and Rosaria, receives massive aid to strengthen the economy and military. With Rosaria's ascension into the S League, the Kingdom has set its eyes on Mu and Celestina to develop World War II warships, bypassing the World War I warships.
The Papaldia Empire is currently struggling with the economy and food. Celestina reduced the punishment after Emperor Ludius managed to pay the war reparation nine months after the treaty was signed. As of right now, the Papaldia Empire start to recover its economy through Silvano's guidance.
Alicia and Feena continue to observe the War Games until the session is complete after a Panther Tank knocks out Myrus's Tank with an Armor-Piercing round. Myrus feel frustrated to have his tank destroyed, although it was just a virtual tank that was made like a reality. "Dammit!" Myrus manages to disable six tanks, with three Sherman Tank, two Panzer IV, and one Stug IV.
"You did a nice job, Myrus. You can start mass-producing those tanks."
"But, we need a bigger tank to deal with that Panther!"
"You choose to take it head-on instead of trying to circle it around. Most tanks are weak at the rear, and you can blast it with one hit. Other than that, your tank is ready for mass production."
Myrus feels frustrated, but he has to admit that Feena's word was right. He takes her words as a memo for his army. "Thank you for passing it. I will also work hard on procuring the materials for the Jet Engine."
If the Gra Valkas Empire attacks Mu in less than six months, only around less than five Sherman Tank is ready for combat. While the factory is currently under construction, Mu also establish an ammunition factory to produce ammunition for the Sherman Tank in the field. Celestina knows that making Sherman on Mu requires complicated paperwork at the military branch, so the process can be difficult.
On Earth itself, the timeline for the M4 Sherman between prototype and production was five months. Because it will be Mu's debut to operate the tank, a necessary amount of training was mandatory, extending the total between prototype to ready for field operational to a year. Celestina will assist Mu by lending the ammunition fitted for the Sherman, should Mu ask for more ammunition. To ensure Mu gains experience in researching a new tank and armored vehicles, Celestina will restrict the lend-lease policy about it, except when Mu is not prepared for the battle when the Gra Valkas Empire decides to invade Mu earlier than plan.
War Games, Naval Battle, Battle of Magdola, 29th November 1526 / 227
Aside from attending class to understand the theory of their new arsenals, Mu Navy is also attending the War Games, commanding their upgraded warship for the combat against the Gra Valkas Empire's Imperial Judgment Force. While it was a simulation, Mu can feel the reality inside the ship as the crew are staffing their positions. Admiral Brendas and Captain Minilar observe the battlefield, as their opponent will be the one that sunk the Holy Milishial Zeroth Fleet.
Any Beyond Visual Range arsenals will not be available as Mu must face the Gra Valkas Fleet with their own combat skill. However, the weapon itself will be authorized to use once Mu was able to handle the Gra Valkas Empire's fleet with full composition, with one of the requirements is to have a minimum loss on Fleet Battles.
Captain Minilar asks Admiral Brendas, frustrated as Celestina did not allow them to fight the Grade Atlastar, "Why they deny our request to combat Grade Atlastar? It's the nemesis for the entire Second Civilization Army!"
"We're here to gain experience in operating the ship and understand the new arsenals we will receive, Captain. If we're here to face the Grade Atlastar with half-baked experience, we're certain to be killed should this is a real battle."
"But, this is just a simulation!"
Brendas reprimand him as he starts to get upset, "I also desire to defeat the Grade Atlastar! Unless you know how to defeat the ship with minimum casualties on our side, I can relay our request to combat it in the next War Games! I'm aware that Celestina will not make it easy since the crew on that ship are more experienced than we do! This War Games is the reason why Celestina wants us to get as much experience as we can before we're facing the Grade Atlastar!"
"Y-yes, Admiral! Forgive my incompetence!"
Brendas already witness Celestina's capabilities at the Battle of Folk Strait that happens five months ago. After attending several War Games to practice the theory they receive from the class, he realizes that Celestina's skills remain top-notch because the crew regularly attends War Games to hone their skills. Utilizing the diplomatic relationship between Celestina and Mu, they want to utilize this chance as efficiently as possible.
A lookout spot the Gra Valkas Fleet, "Spotted the fleet! Forty kilometers ahead! The enemy consists of two battleships, eight cruisers, and twelve destroyers!"
Celestina will convert Mu's Armored Cruiser into a Destroyer, fitted with torpedoes to attack the enemy warship. Since it's a new weapon for Mu, they need to get used to it.
"Sir! The Destroyers are in front of the fleet!"
"They must be preparing for torpedo assault! All ships, loose formation! Main guns, prepare to fire on the enemy Battleship!"
For this War Games, Admiral Brendas devised a strategy for his fleet by distancing 600 meters between warships. Their destroyers and cruisers will take point and attacking the enemy destroyers, while the Battleship will engage and suppress the enemy's Battleship. He made this strategy to have his fleet room to maneuver and avoid enemy torpedoes while combating the enemy's fleet.
Mu learn about this from the class given by the Navy Officer from Celestina. Should the warships are in tight formation, it has a chance they will bump into each other and increasing the chance of enemy torpedoes hitting their warship.
A crew makes a report as soon as the distance closes to thirty-eight kilometers, "The enemy's battleship is at a maximum distance of the main gun!"
"Open fire once we reach thirty-kilometer! With this range, we have room to maneuver!"
"Yes, sir!"
A lookout spots the enemy Battleship open fire. "The enemy is firing on us!"
"Stay on the course!"
Pillars of water emerge around the Battleships while Brendas maintain his composure. As soon as the distance reaches thirty kilometers, he orders his crew to open fire. "Fire!" The Battleship's 38cm gun roars as it fires straight to the Gra Valkas's Battleship Geas. "Prepare the rear gun for starboard fire! Battleships! Prepare for starboard fire and keep an eye on the enemy torpedoes! Hard left rudder!"
"Yes, sir! Hard left rudder!" The helmsman quickly turns the helm to the left.
Aboard the destroyer, Mu's crew finish loading their torpedoes. The Battleships start to make a starboard side for volley fire while the destroyers are closing in to launch their torpedoes. Armed with three sets of triple 533mm torpedo tubes, once it reaches 15km, they will release the Type-24 torpedo. The Type-24 torpedo, produced by Embellia Oceanic Armory, is one of the most lethal unguided torpedoes offered by the Kingdom of Embellia. Carrying the warhead of 250kg compressed explosives and can accelerate up to 168km per hour; the damage can rip open the battleship's hull with a diameter of 4 meters.
The torpedo operator aims steadily at one of the Gra Valkas's warship, "Torpedo aims at the enemy's fleet!" The Weapons Officer instructs the operator, "Spread the torpedoes for a better chance of hitting the enemy's ship! They can dodge it if we focus it on one line!"
"Yes, sir!"
"Bridge crew! Evasive actions! Do not let the enemy battleship hit us!"
"Roger, sir! Evasive maneuvers!"
"The enemy's battleship has fired again!"
"Evasive action!"
The destroyers are performing evasive maneuvers, dodging the battleship's bullet that is coming towards them. In retaliation, Mu's battleship, Mu, open fires at the Battleship to suppress them.
"Confirmed hit on an enemy battleship!"
"Oooohh!"
As the distance is closing to 17km, they saw the Gra Valkas Destroyers are turning around. "They've must be releasing the torpedoes! Straight fire moderate spread pattern!"
"Aye, sir! Straight fire moderate spread pattern!" A straight fire moderate torpedo pattern is spreading torpedo straight with each launch moves the different angle of fire between one torpedo and another by five degrees. Mu used this tactic to get better accuracy and reduce the chance of the enemy's warship evading it. If the range is less than 10 kilometers, they will use a tight pattern.
"Torpedoes are launched, sir!"
"Reload the next torpedoes! Acoustic! Watch for the enemy torpedoes!"
"Aye, sir!"
Ten minutes later, the acoustic sonar detects an incoming torpedo. Most of the torpedoes are heading to the battleship. "Captain! We got an incoming torpedo, bearing seventy-six starboard, range fifteen hundred meters!"
Captain Minilar quickly gives orders to evade, "Right full rudder!" The helmsman quickly turns the rudders to the right side, intending to avoid the torpedoes. A report from the lookout spot the second torpedo, "Second torpedo spotted! Bearing fifteen, port side, range twelve hundred meters!"
"They're aiming to sink this battleship!" Admiral Brendas quickly gives the order to his fleet, "All ship, prioritize target to the destroyers!"
"Yes, sir!" Mu's fleet fires their guns to the destroyers and the cruisers to suppress them. Once the first torpedo passes them, Minilar quickly gave the order to go left which he keeps an eye on the Gra Valkas Torpedo at more than 29 degrees to the left. "Left full rudder!"
But as the distance grows close, Mu's battleship, Mu, will not make it in time to avoid it. "Brace for the collision!" The crew braces for impact, and they heard a sound.
THUNK!
The torpedo, grazed by Mu's Battleship's hull at the port side, changes its course and goes into the ocean.
BOOM!
"The enemy's battleship is changing course! They've must detect our torpedoes!"
But, a pillar of water emerges from one of their destroyers, sinking it instantly as the ship wasn't able to dodge it in time. "We've lost one of our destroyers!"
"Dammit!"
As soon as they've lost one of the destroyers, the enemy's Battleship, Geas, was hit by the torpedo. They can see a pillar of water emerges from it, and the crew cheers.
"Yeah! We hit them!"
"We're not done yet, boys! We still need to repel their attack! As soon as we got no incoming torpedo further, we will launch a full offensive!"
"Yes, sir!"
The gun duel continues as soon as there are no torpedoes left in the vicinity. The Gra Valkas Empire's Judgment Force lost two destroyers and a cruiser, while Geas is severely damaged. Mu lost a destroyer, while their flagship, Mu, receives minor damage on the rear.
The fight continues until both sides withdraw from the battle. Overall, Mu lost four destroyers and two cruisers, while both battleships receive moderate damage. The Gra Valkas Empire lost seven destroyers, four cruisers, and one battleship. This victory is worth to be celebrated by Mu.
Post War Games, Conference Room
Feena comes in to deliver the next challenge for Mu. Since they've just received a passing mark for Fleet Battles, the next challenge will be a headache for Mu.
"Admiral Brendas, Captain Minilar. Here is your next challenge for the next War Games."
In the next battle, Mu will challenge the Gra Valkas Empire's fleet, but this time, the flagship will be a Bismarck-class Battleship. To make it worse, they will be facing submarines and Aircraft Carrier.
Captain Minilar protests this as they want to fight the Grade Atlastar instead of the Bismarck, "Why we're facing off against a Bismarck?"
"This ship possesses an advanced firing technology. Even though the ship's caliber is not as big as Grade Atlastar, it's the firing system that makes us wants to test your capabilities. They have more accuracy than Grade Atlastar, and if you can overcome this, you will be eligible to fight the Grade Atlastar. The reason we raise your challenge step-by-step is to make sure you understand our arsenals and how to handle it well."
Before Minilar protest further, Admiral Brendas interject his talk. "This is a fleet with a complete set if we're looking at the composition of the Gra Valkas Fleet. What do you expect from us through this challenge?"
"Win the battle with minimum casualties, and your crew must not lose over a quarter of the fleet before the Fleet Battle starts. As a standard engagement, it will be the contest for air superiority first before the Fleet Battle commences. If you lose more than half of the fleet before the Fleet Battle can start, it will be your loss. Your Air Force on the fleet seems doing well, but they still take time to get used to the aircraft that we provide for them."
"What is this submarine do?"
"It's capable of sinking a Battleship single-handedly if your acoustic crew didn't pay attention to the sonar and water irregularity. You must understand why you need to train your crew on acoustic sonar, and that is to detect enemy submarines and torpedoes."
Brendas and Minilar's forehead starts to get a cold sweat. If they underestimate the submarine capabilities, their pile-up experience will come to nothing. Now they understand why the Main Council wants to increase their difficulty gradually. If they go straight to fight the fleet with complete composition, they will have difficulty learning new experiences. The recent War Games make them able to fully understand how to deal with the torpedoes.
"We will lend-lease the Sea Hornet for a Fighter, Firebrand for Torpedo Bomber, and Firefly for the Bombers to fill your Aircraft Carrier. Mu has yet to achieve a carrier-based aircraft for P-47 and P-51 that we decide to lend lease for them, aside from these carrier-based aircraft. I do hope you understand that why we choose this way to hone your skills."
"I understand. Thank you for the advice, Grand Duchess."
The Gra Valkas Empire, Leifor Territory, Information Bureau Department Office
"Is this report is true?"
Naguano and his colleague are nodding to his superior, Hamidall.
"Yes, it is true! As detailed within, if the weapon described in the book are real, we will face an immediate defeat should Celestina gets serious!"
A Plasma Cannon capable of boiling the Battleship's armor in a single hit, a Magnetic Accelerator Cannon capable of piercing up to four Battleships lined up together. There's no doubt that if Celestina uses these arsenals, their defeat will be right in front of their eyes.
"And this? Is this information is valid? Celestina is practically having a technological advance six hundred years ahead of us. Is this really valid?"
"Yes, I'm certain of it!"
Naguano and his colleague are trying their best to convince him. Hamidall also got a headache after Caesar orders him to do extensive research about Celestina. He needs something solid to make him believe Naguano and his colleague's words.
"Did you bring the book?"
"Ah, yes! Display the Flak 88R!"
The Flak 88R was displayed as soon as Naguano issue the command to the book. It displays range and muzzle velocity, ranging up to 60km and muzzle velocity up to Mach 20 with MAC Augmentation. When they display the Halcyon-class Light Missile Cruiser, it can track up to 300 targets simultaneously and have air defenses suitable to handle up to twenty aircraft at once.
"Display Grade Atlastar." When the Grade Atlastar was displayed, it brings Hamidall into a horror. The entire file that was supposed to be kept secret by the Gra Valkas Military was listed as declassified by the Celestina Empire. It displays similarity to the Earth's World War II Yamato-class Battleship. When he displays all of the Gra Valkas classified information, every classified information was listed as declassified while his forehead started to let out a cold sweat.
"What kind of country we're picking a fight with…?"
If the information is accurate, they may have poked a nest that they shouldn't poke. Hamidall took the report and listed it as "Priority Case. Handle with caution." Hamidall admits that they may have just unleashed a hornet's nest.
"I will relay this to the military immediately… The Emperor informs us that any information regarding Celestina must be delivered to both military and Emperor's office. They plan to invade Mu as soon as the army is ready, but they want one thing first."
"What would it be?"
"They want to invite Celestina to watch our propaganda movie."
"But that doesn't make any sense! Why they want to attack Mu if Celestina joins the war!?"
"If we capture Mu, then we were able to absorb any technology used by Celestina in Mu. Their countries are located far east, and we have submarines ready to intercept their convoy if we have to. I will report this to His Majesty and Caesar."
The meeting ends while Naguano remains uneasy about Celestina.
The Celestina Empire, Embassy of Mu
"Are you serious!?"
Bruno, a Mu Ambassador for the Celestina Empire, is surprised when he received this news. It was shocking to him that a Hyperpower nation, the Eclipse Empire, wants to open a diplomatic relationship with Mu.
Shina only replies with a plain face as she drinks her tea. "Yes, that is correct. Though, this frustrates me why they want to meddle so much in the affairs, while originally this is Celestina's matter, to begin with." If the Eclipse Empire wants to open a diplomatic relationship with Mu, it's fine for her. But, because of Armada and Tiamat's likeliness to meddle in the affairs that were supposed to be handled by Celestina alone, it gave Shina a headache.
"Explain to me what is a Hyperpower Nation?"
"It's a step above the Superpower, which means their military might and technology are already on the scale where the Superpower may have a little to no chance against them. Some countries start to regard Celestina as a Hyperpower, but we don't want to elevate our status right now, at least until our war against the Etanaru Empire concluded."
"Oh my god…" Drenched in a cold sweat, Bruno immediately contacts Mu Mainland to prepare to send a delegation to visit the Eclipse Empire. Celestina will send Shina and Gus as field supervisors since Celestina will act as a mediator between Mu and Eclipse Empire.
On a later date, the diplomatic relationship between Mu and Eclipse Empire was established at the Luminescence building, witnessed by the Celestina Empire as a mediator and witnesses.
Author's Note:
Assignment week is done, but soon I will get myself occupied with the Dissertation assigment.