Chapter 58
The Council Meeting 5th Year
250km West of Leifor, Gra Valkas Empire's Convoy Fleet, codename RL-55, 14th January 1527 / 228
Forty Gra Valkas Empire's convoy ships are heading towards Leifor. The escorts are ten Destroyer Escorts and three Cruisers. Caesar and Mirkensses inform them that Celestina possesses an underwater soldier called Undine, aside from the possibility of encountering Celestina's submarines on the way to Leifor.
Most of the Gra Valkas Empire soldiers did not fear Celestina's threat, as they are just a mere adventurer that can be easily taken care of by their guns. They were talking like it will be a cakewalk when they arrive on Leifor.
"Ha! I've heard Celestina is sending their troops to defend Mu!"
"By the time they arrive at Mu, they will run back to their mommy!"
"True that! Ha ha!"
Caesar is aware that Celestina has discovered their homeland. After meeting with Jacob and Kreuzer threatens him, Caesar starts to deploy warships to escort the fleet.
"Seems our Imperial General is paranoid after meeting with Celestina."
"Heh. Let's hope his judgment was wrong about this."
The Celestina Empire, Ranger-class Submarine, Whisper Sea, 20km from the convoy
"Commander, are you seeing this?"
The Captain of the Whisper Sea, Lieutenant Commander Eri Nishina, is looking at the convoy through the periscope. Faira confirms the convoy was indeed heading to Leifor to reinforce the Gra Valkas Army Group on Leifor.
"Magnifier Actual. We found the convoy."
"This is Magnifier Actual. We have visual confirmation on the Gra Valkas Convoy Fleet. Ishiene is thirty clicks away, will join your sub in ten."
"Copy."
As the submarine is about to close the distance, the crew notices fog is approaching.
"Weird…"
Eri shares the same concern as her crew did, "Weather indicates that we don't have foggy weather today."
"We're getting difficulty in tracking your position here. Ensure Ishiene arrives at your submarine before proceeding."
"Roger that, Magnifier Actual. Whisper Sea Actual out."
Ishiene and her Division are scouting around Leifor while the convoy takes turns docking at Mykal and Otaheit Town to drop off their supplies. She will use her time when the convoy unloads their stuff at both towns to patrol and scout the convoy route between Ragna and Leifor. They won't do any raids since Celestina's objective is to oversee the convoy shipment between Ragna and Leifor.
"I hope Vice-Admiral can make it in time."
The Eclipse Empire, the Ghost Fleet, Flagship Modernized Bismarck
The fog was emitted by these four warships, a modernized battleship of Yamato, Bismarck, Tirpitz, and Musashi. They sail towards the Gra Valkas Empire's convoy heading for Leifor. Onboard the flagship, Bismarck, Kreuzer prepares the crew for combat.
"Fleet Admiral. We've spotted a submarine near our position."
"Do they have mermaids with them?"
"Yes, sir. The submarine seems very quiet as it is keeping an eye on the convoy."
"That is Celestina's submarine. Do not engage them."
"Yes, sir. Crew ready to fire on the convoy."
"Open fire!"
The ships are firing towards the Gra Valkas Empire's convoy. The Gra Valkas Empire later comes to refer to this tragedy as the Ghost of Vengeance.
The Gra Valkas Empire, Convoy RL-55
"Where is this fog comes from? Does anyone contact our Air Force at Leifor?"
"We can't, sir! Our radar is unable to pick up anything as well."
"Dammit! The weather was supposed to be clear today."
The fog restricts their view, but it was too thick as the fog reduces their visibility to two hundred meters from each other.
"This fog is too thick. We need to lay anchor."
BOOM! BOOM!
"W-What!?"
"How did they found us in this thick fog?!"
Chaos starts to erupt on the Gra Valkas Empire's rank. Some ships immediately sunk once the shells from the Ghost Fleet are hitting their convoy.
The Celestina Empire, CO of 2nd "Ocean Crystal" Division, Vice-Admiral Ishiene
"Hm? Oh?"
Ishiene can feel the tide of the sea is changing five kilometers ahead of her. It seems there is a battle ahead of her.
"I better take a closer look."
She increases her swimming speed to reach the battlefield. Once she arrives on the field, she can see the Gra Valkas Empire's convoy is attacked by warships. But, when Ishiene deepens her sense, she can sense the presence of the four battleships, and it's certainly not Celestina.
She quickly swims to the Ghost Fleet three kilometers south of her position. Once she finds the warships, she knocks on Bismarck's hull. She senses the CO of the Fleet is at Bismarck, so she uses this chance to talk to whoever is in charge of this matter. When she saw some crew comes out aiming weapons at her, Ishiene sprays them with water and spraying the bridge to get his attention.
The Eclipse Empire, Flagship Bismarck
"Sir. We've got a mermaid approaching us. It looks like she's an officer."
"An officer? I will talk to her. Ceasefire on this ship while telling the others to continue firing. Do not raise your weapons on her."
"Understood."
Some crew immediately load their weapons and aims at Ishiene, which she quickly reacts by spraying them with seawater.
"Bwah! T-This mermaid!"
"Shoot her! Shoot her!"
Kreuzer arrives before the crew opens fire on Ishiene. "Hold your fire!"
The crew stands down but keeping their weapons aimed at Ishiene. Looking down from the deck, he found a familiar face, Ishiene. Once Kreuzer recognizes Ishiene, he orders his crew to put their weapons away as she was his acquaintance.
"Vice-Admiral Ishiene! What brings you here!?"
"Fleet Admiral Kreuzer! What are you guys doing!? Destroying all fleets? I've come from Mu to take a look at their convoy!"
"Yeah! That's what I want! We want to spread them some terror!"
"I wouldn't do that if I were you! I would rather leave at least one ship alive to tell the tale! You can give them more horror when the soldiers can report it to the higher-ups about what happened here!"
"Oh, good thinking, Vice Admiral! Which ship I should keep alive!?"
"A passenger ship! They brought soldiers, right!? Keep one of its ships alive!"
"Alright! Thanks for the information!"
Ishiene dives to rendezvous with the Whisper Sea to relay the info to Celestina mainland. As soon as Ishiene reaches Celestina's submarine, the Ghost Fleet resumes pounding the Gra Valkas Empire's convoy.
The Gra Valkas Empire, Convoy RL-55, Troop Transport Ship, Sea Junkers
"We got another ship sunk!"
"Dammit! Does anyone see where the attack comes from!? I can't see a thing behind this thick fog!"
"Sir! Sir!"
"What!?"
"They're surrounding us!"
"What!?"
The captain of the Sea Junkers, Captain Miller, was surprised to realize the convoy was surrounded without them knowing. All they can do right now is to make local radio contact to coordinate the attack and defenses.
"Tell all destroyers to fire their guns!"
"Y-yes, sir!"
The destroyers are desperately firing their torpedoes outside the convoy, but none of it hit their enemy. Later, they look at the ship that went close to them, which has a similar size to the Grade Atlastar. Instead of one, two of them approach it.
"I-is that our Grade Atlastar!?"
"What are they doing here! That ship was supposed to be a drydock for repairs!"
"The flag! Look at the flag!"
"That's not our flag!"
The Eclipse Empire's flag, hoisting the black flag with one hundred stars circling a black hole in the middle of the flag, can be seen from the crew of Sea Junkers. Soon, they realize that what they are dealing with it's not their own Grade Atlastar. Rather, it's a ship that has the same specifications as Grade Atlastar. Another terror is they found two Bismarck-class Battleship attacking them.
"Where are our escorts!?"
"Sir! We got no contacts from our escorts! It seems they sunk all of them!"
"A-All of them!? We better get out of here!"
Little did they realize that only Sea Junkers was left alive while the rest of the ship sunk into the ocean. Ishiene rescues some of the surviving crew, and soon they will be taken to the Celestina Empire as Prisoners of War. However, when the fog dissipates, it becomes a terror that only one ship from the convoy successfully reaches Leifor while the rest of the ship sunk into the ocean. Upon hearing this, Caesar becomes more frustrated, wondering who leads such the attack. Based on the report from the survivors, the flag is certainly not Celestina.
The Council Meeting, Royal Capital of Regnieburg, Imperial Public Council Senate Hall, Public Council Meeting Hall, 29th January 1527 / 228
"Impossible…"
This is the first time Phiam, Rydorka, and Arneus are attending the Council Meeting, and their first impression is the word of impossible. The Holy Milishial Empire decided to attend the Council Meeting after being ridiculed by Celestina during Eleventh Leadership Conference last year.
"How did they…?"
"Well… Beats me… Now we realize why Eimor and Mu strongly recommend us to attend the Council Meeting."
Only the Gra Valkas Empire was not invited due to no diplomatic relationship. As for the Annonrial Empire, Celestina chooses not to invite them, practically when Celestina is preparing to sue the Annonrial Empire for their actions at the Pandemonium Continent.
The security in the capital is airtight, as the Holy Milishial Empire representatives watch the adventurers have holstered weapons either at the back or waist, depending on the weapon they carry. Sword, Spear, Axe, Halberd, Handgun, even Rifles are holstered. Celestina citizens can carry this without any issue, as most of them gather for hunting resources inside the dungeon. They also receive notifications that Celestina does not allow gunboat diplomacy, such as at Eleventh Leadership Conference months ago.
If looking from Earth's perspective, it's similar to how Switzerland enacts their gun policy, but with the people able to restrain themselves and use it in an adventure or training.
The Holy Milishial representatives are coming with their Floating Ship of the Heavens, much to their embarrassment once again when they landed in Lexington Airport four days ago. When Rydorka looks up at the sky, he can see several starships are patrolling around the capital. Security has been put into a heightened level after the Gra Valkas Empire attacked the conference at Cartalpas last year.
The Holy Milishial Parliament seems reluctant and continues to ridicule Celestina. In reality, they feel ashamed as their pride as the world's strongest nation title was stolen by Celestina. Finally, the parliament agrees to send a small diplomat team, much to their reluctance. They want to catch up with Celestina as soon as possible. Alicia puts them into this year's admission after the Holy Milishial Empire reaches an agreement to send the students to study on Geffen and Studia starting this year. The new academic year will start in September until next year's July.
"So you finally here, representatives from the Holy Milishial Empire."
Mu's Ambassador, Bruno, greets them.
"It's a pleasure to be here, Ambassador Bruno. How's your day at Celestina?"
"Never been better. There are many diplomats from my homeland that wants to become the Ambassador for the Celestina Empire. Right now, as the situation develops, we're preparing for the war against the Gra Valkas Empire."
"How will Celestina prepare their assistance to Mu for this war?"
"Oh, it's simple, Diplomat Phiam. They allow us to attend War Games, attending university, and even allowing us to make a new technology under their guidance?"
Rydorka's eyebrow raised as he heard the word of War Games. "How did Celestina make a War Games program?"
"They put a program from every warship's database they obtained from the recon team and put it into the War Games simulation battle. Thanks to Celestina's effort, our Navy from Eleventh Country Leadership Conference is almost ready to take on the Gra Valkas Empire. I've heard the testimony from the military that the War Games is what keeps Celestina's military in top condition all the time."
"W-what!? How's that possible?"
"It's a simulation, so we do not need to worry about being killed. Furthermore, Mu is almost ready to operate a factory to produce tanks and aircraft. Celestina lends a lot of assistance to us."
"Damn it…"
The Holy Milishial diplomats are ashamed after hearing Bruno's comment about Celestina. If they can throw away their pride for a while, Celestina will surely help them in developing better technology for their military. Now they feel threatened that Mu is going to surpass the Holy Milishial Empire in the military.
Attention! The Council Meeting is about to begin!
"Thank you for the chat. Now, if you excuse me."
Bruno bows slightly to them before he leaves for the Council Meeting. Mustering some courage, Phiam, Rydorka, Arneus, and two other diplomats are taking their seats at one of the platforms on the Meeting Hall.
Inside the Meeting Hall, there were some slight changes. First, the newly Elected Empress, Chloe de Fleuve, is taking a seat next to Hillem, the current Emperor. Another change is the arrangement of the seat for the Emperor and the Main Council. The Main Council members were seated further back, as they will open the slot for their adjutants to take a seat.
Celestina's adjutants, Hughes Hamilton, retire due to age. Hakuren decides to step down to manage her clan, and Nicholas MacMillan steps down to focus on training recruits at CIISA. A new event called the Changing of the Hats is where the chosen people are either reassigned or promoted as a new adjutant.
Sasha Sylwinder's position as Freya's adjutant was reassigned to Eleonora Lisha. Faira Desirae will take a new seat as Cecilia Keyron's adjutant, replacing Nicholas MacMillan. Randgris Flauvel will fill in Hakuren's position as Maya Lyliat's adjutant. Rosaria Verlaine becomes Freya Luminaire's new adjutant, as she's the first member outside Celestina to take the seat as Main Council's adjutant.
Freya requests that Rosaria become her adjutant to advance the magic technology further, as the Holy Milishial Empire is now entering Celestina's sphere of influence. Rosaria will retain her position as the Queen of Verlaine, but her rank is now an Admiral to fully command her army at Verlaine. To guide Rosaria, Ludmila Obertas was reassigned from Eleonora's adjutant to Freya's adjutant.
Sacchito opens the meeting by making a ceremony for the Changing of the Hats. Chloe de Fleuve will lead the ceremony as she will do this duty as the Empress of Celestina, which the Main Council will crown her in the following September to replace Hillem.
They display Chloe's profile, which she is now the Prime Minister of Rawley. Her successful program of strengthening Rawley's economy after the transfer is the primary decision to appoint her as the next Empress. Her strongest skill is administration, with an SS+ rank, followed by combat skills as a Duelist at SS rank. People can see a Rapier Sword at her left waist.
After the ceremony ends, Hillem opens the meeting with the announcement.
"Several weeks ago, our diplomat has spoken with the Gra Valkas Diplomat at Leifor. They threaten us to leave Mu, or they will absorb every part of our technology to them once they conquer Mu. They've shown us this movie to scare us!"
Hillem displays the propaganda movie created by the Gra Valkas Empire, which is perfectly recorded by one of the Celestina Zealots weeks ago. Phiam, Rydorka, and Arneus have a cold sweat on their forehead, witnessing Gra Valkas's strength in Army, Navy, and Air Force. However, they won't be able to defeat the Gra Valkas Empire should they land at their homeland, considering their ground forces do not have tanks. After watching the Gra Valkas Empire's propaganda movie, Hillem continues his speech.
"We choose to threaten them back by showing what we were capable of! In the end, I've received a report from one of our Navy that they send more troops to Leifor in an attempt to invade Mu as quickly as possible! Therefore, from this day onward, under the blessing of the Main Council! The Celestina Empire officially declare war on the Gra Valkas Empire!"
The announcement comes with the cheers of those who attend the Council Meeting. The diplomats have read the information about the Gra Valkas Empire, aiming for world domination. Those who attend the meeting will witness Celestina in how to stop the ambition of the Gra Valkas Empire. Furthermore, Celestina reveals the complete list of the Gra Valkas Empire's assets.
*At least 60 Battleships
*At least 180 Aircraft Carriers
*At least 50 Battlecruisers
*At least 900 Cruisers
*At least 4000 Destroyers
*At least 500 Submarines
*At least 1500 Supply Ships
Etc.
They look at the Gra Valkas Empire's Tank list, from the lightest one, the Shafer Light Tank or Chi-Nu, to the Andromeda Tank or Maus Tank. The weapons and Air Force as well, but somehow the Gra Valkas Empire does not have an anti-tank weapon such as Panzerfaust or M18 Recoilless Rifle.
Celestina Zealot Strike Force has reached the Gra Valkas Empire mainland far before the Gra Valkas declares war on the Celestina Empire. They successfully gather the information Celestina needs, from military manpower, assets, to fuel. Several areas with a mark around the map indicate the landing zone suitable for the advance party to land and wreck havoc on the Gra Valkas Empire's homeland.
The Holy Milishial Empire was astonished to see the Gra Valkas Empire's tank, which they believe they won't stand a chance when the Gra Valkas Empire lands their troops on their homeland. Rydorka's information about Celestina was correct, as he already got information about Liberator Tank deployed at Pandemonium Continent years ago. They can't even shrink the size of the engine to make such a tank, which makes them need to study at Celestina to create such an engine.
"Sir. It's best for us to send every engineer to study here, no exception. Mu already a step ahead of us."
Arneus feels dejected, "How can we convince the parliament for this? They won't even allow Celestina to modify our airport at our homeland."
"Sir, the Gra Valkas Empire's threat is more than we can expect. They destroy our Zeroth Fleet, and there are a lot of things that we do not know about the Gra Valkas Empire. Celestina found the location of their homeland, and they even already collecting so much information that we did not know."
"Look, Rydorka, we can't just tell the Emperor that we need to send every engineer to Celestina to study. The Parliament will scold us if we do that!"
"Then how will we win against the Gra Valkas Empire!? Mu already decide to work with Celestina to strengthen their army and technology! Magikarraich also does the same thing! After witnessing Celestina's national power with our own eyes, we still believe that we're the strongest nation in the world?
Soon Mu will surpass us, and once they do it, how will we maintain our influence on other nations!?"
"Rydorka, regardless of what technology they have, we still have ancient weapons left by the Ancient Sorcerous Empire. So they won't surpass us so easily. I will do what I can to convince the Emperor, though. But I cannot guarantee it."
Rydorka is only gritting his teeth in shame.
The meeting goes with several speaks and resolutions, with Celestina decide to punish the Gra Valkas Empire accordingly should they make up their mind to invade Mu. For the Holy Milishial Empire, Celestina welcomes them, but somehow Phiam, Rydorka, and Arneus received a cold stare from those who attend it, including Remille, who leads a team of diplomats from the Papaldia Empire.
Remille immediately rushes home to continue handling war reparation, and under Celestina's command, preparing their troops to invade the Riem Kingdom. Celestina has been keeping an eye on the Riem Kingdom for some time, as Celestina's Third Civilization Defense Fleet reports the suspicious movement of the Gra Valkas Empire heading for Riem.
After the Council Meeting
Phiam, Rydorka, and Arneus come to meet the Main Council. They feel ashamed after what happened at the Council Meeting. However, by attending this meeting, soon they realize the reputation of the Celestina Empire as a genuine Superpower and the strongest nation in this world is not a joke.
Arneus opens the talk as he apologizes by bowing himself, "Great Emperor Sacchito. We will wish to express our sincere apology ever since we've opened a diplomatic relationship with you. We're ashamed to refuse the scholarship offered by Grand Duchess Alicia Permeal, nor not allowing your Empire to modify the facility to strengthen our economy."
Hearing that only makes Sacchito goes into sigh, "You turn down our offer when we offer you a chance to increase the prosperity of your Empire. I hope you can convince the Emperor and the Parliament soon enough since if your Empire continues to find a way to maintain its influence as the strongest nation in the world, your Empire will get a painful result."
"Y-yes, Your Majesty. I will report to the Emperor right away."
Phiam, Arneus, and Rydorka leave the Main Council as they quickly depart to their homeland in complete humiliation. Celestina already prepares everything to boost their strength, and yet they reject every Celestina's offer.
After the Council Meeting, the Main Council visits the deities at the Bell Temple, intending to acquire more information and report on the update.
Bell Temple
Amaterasu and Perkunas are discussing about the current situation once the Main Council delivers their reports to them.
Perkunas asks Sacchito to confirms the report, "So you're saying is the Gra Valkas Empire aims to conquer all nations, including Celestina?"
Sacchito nods, "Yes, Your Grace. We're ready to retaliate and gives them a lesson."
Amaterasu gave them notice, "Prepare to welcome Japan next year. We need them as a figurehead for this mission."
"Understood."
Perkunas take a look at Leaders 101, much to his frustration. "To think the Primordials are here… I think it's time for your Empire to raise the level to the Hyperpower."
Sacchito shakes his head, "I'm afraid we're not ready, Your Grace. At least not until we defeat the Etanaru Empire."
"Your Empire's power continues to grow. I believe you already see several changes on the Mainland of the Celestina Empire."
"Yes, Your Grace. But we did not expect the growth to be this much."
"In terms of the Kingdom of Verlaine, we give them some change. I think you know what this means to their resources, right?"
"I-it can't be…!"
The blessing receives by the Celestina Empire is a regenerative growth of materials. Therefore, any mined ore and materials will regenerate. If this happens at the Kingdom of Verlaine, then they will immediately become the most valuable asset in the Kingdom. Verlaine already obtained the gem processing technology from the Papaldia Empire as a war reparation, which makes Celestina decide to bolster their defenses at the Kingdom of Verlaine.
"But, that will be…!"
"Yes, and you better prepare it soon. Because the current pathway of your Empire is more than enough to challenge the Etanaru Empire, by the time they return, I know you can pull it off."
By the time the meeting is over, the Main Council prepares for the inevitable war against the Gra Valkas Empire, Annonrial Empire, Ravernal Empire, and Etanaru Empire.
Superpower Mu, Celestina Military Drydock, Zaid
"This is not going so well…."
Mu government show some concern about the Gra Valkas Empire amassing their forces at Leifor. They want to bring back whatever ships available for strengthening the defenses. Admiral Brendas knew that the only warships that were ready to bring home are Destroyers and battleships presented by Celestina by this time.
The last report indicates that the Gra Valkas Empire has prepared up to five million personnel to invade Mu, or equivalent to three Army Groups. Two Army Groups will take the northern front while the Main Force will take the Central Front. In addition, one Army will be stationed at the Sonal Kingdom to prevent any incoming attack from Nigrado Union and Magikarraich Community.
Celestina deploys three Battle Groups, Battle Group Valkyrie, Battle Group Council, and Battle Group Rookie. Additionally, Celestina deploys the 1st Ranger Army under Cecilia Keyron's command and a part of Battle Group Council. Two Battle Groups will hold the Gra Valkas Empire at the Northern front, while the 1st Ranger Army will guard the Central front.
One of Celestina's Naval Officers explains it to him, "Cruisers will take more time, but the Carrier is progressing on schedule as we only make some changes to accommodate your new fighters. It will take another month to get the carrier ready, but for cruisers, it will take another six months, and so is your Battleships."
"So, what kind of ship that Celestina decide to modify?"
"We have to tear everything apart and rebuild it completely."
"All of them!?"
"Yes, all of them, from turrets, hulls, everything. Your entire warships are undergoing complete modifications aside from carrier, where we will make some adjustments to accommodate our lend-lease aircraft. You already attend the War Games, right? So that's the kind of ship we're preparing for you.
However, I must advise you that the Gra Valkas Empire's Wolfpack keeps an eye on the water on the Eastern Mu."
"Wolfpack?"
"Their submarine fleet. The last conflict reports that they have at least forty still operational. So if they allow us to complete everything on schedule, we will send a fleet as an escort to bring you back."
"I will consult with Bruno about this…."
Minilar knew that if he complies with Mu's order, the risk of losing ship will be bigger than he can expect. Mu is currently running some research about the submarine, and they intensify it once Celestina displays the submarine's capability. In addition, Celestina will have the sonar and acoustic installed on the entire Mu warships, including the Aircraft Carrier, for a higher survival rate.
Celestina steadily prepares their troops for the war as the 1st Master Convoy Fleet manages to return to the Celestina Empire, leaving only Flauvel Combat Fleet and 2nd "Ocean Crystal" Division to maintain patrol around Eastern Mu waters. However, in just four hundred kilometers East of Mu, a brief skirmish occurs again. As a result, the Wolfpack Fleet lost another twenty submarines, reducing operational submarines to eighteen submarines.
Author's Note:
Next Chapter will feature the conflict involving adventurers before moving to the main story