Chapter 2: First Contact

Central Calendar Month 11 Year 10639, First Civilization Area

Fifty thousand kilometers away from the realm where China had been teleported, the formidable Holy Milishial Empire loomed as the most dominant superpower in the New World.

When anyone in this realm hears the name, their thoughts instantly conjure the same image: the unrivaled superiority of Milishial. It is hailed as the first nation to rise from the remnants of the Ancient Sorcerous Empire, also known as the Ravernal Empire. With unmatched military might, industrial prowess, and technological advancement, they've earned the title of the supreme power—a status they proclaim with both pride and certainty.

Though some may question these assertions in whispered tones, none dare to challenge them openly. For in this world, the Holy Milishial Empire reigns supreme. Through centuries of progress and the discovery of ancient sorcerous secrets buried within long-forgotten ruins, they have transformed humanity's past oppressor into their own source of strength. With unparalleled magical knowledge and military power, they've secured their position as the dominant force, ever vigilant against the resurgence of the tyrannical Ravernal Empire.

Guided by wise and benevolent Emperors, the Holy Empire stands as the guardian of the world, anticipating the inevitable return of their ancient adversary.

A century ago, in anticipation of this event, the Holy Milishial Empire deployed a vast network of 360 Heaven Eyes satellites into orbit, under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Countermeasures Against the Ancient Sorcerous Empire.

In a sleek, modern office adorned with intricate arcane designs, Director Hirukane Parupe took a moment to savor his coffee, the rich aroma filling the room as he engaged in a lively discussion with his colleagues.

"You know," he mused, swirling the cup thoughtfully, "I read somewhere that our stock in Aeternus Innovations has jumped 15% since they announced the new line of Casting Assistant Device—CADs."

His friend, the renowned grand mage Meteos Roguerider, chuckled, the corners of his mouth lifting in amusement. "Ah yes, the iArcane XV series! Supposedly, it can store up to ninety-nine types of Activation Sequences. That's going to revolutionize our fieldwork."

Across the room, Analyst Yuria Brightspark interjected, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Speaking of advancements, did you hear Magitek Solutions, the company founded by Thaddeus, Julia, and Maximus Isolde, is rolling out their latest CAD Aegis Pro next quarter? It's rumored to surpass even Aeternus' offerings."

Parupe raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Aegis Pro, you say? That sounds impressive. What makes it stand out?"

"Rumor has it," Yuria replied, leaning forward, "the Aegis Pro can handle up to a hundred activation sequences simultaneously. It's integrated with advanced stabilization charms and enchanted memory crystals. Quite a feat for a single device."

Parupe raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Impressive. I need to get my hands on one of those. The speed and stability of spell casting would be invaluable. What's the market forecast looking like?"

Yuria nodded enthusiastically. "Predictions are optimistic. They're expecting a significant return on investment in the next quarter. It seems everyone is eager to get their hands on the latest technology."

Meanwhile, Technician Ryota Gearsmith tinkered with a peculiar device, his brow furrowed in concentration. "You know," he piped up, glancing up from his workbench, "my brother's team has been developing a new CAD for Arcane Dynamics. They're calling it the MagiCard Z. It's inspired by ancient artifacts and should outperform anything on the market."

Parupe's eyes widened with fascination. "Incredible! Imagine the possibilities. No more fumbling with spell chants or talismans! Just think of the efficiency we could achieve."

"Exactly!" Ryota beamed, his enthusiasm infectious. "These MagiCard Z CADs allow for the processing of all necessary components for magic in a single moment. They help accelerate the invocation of spells while ensuring stability. They're a necessity for any modern Magic Technician. Our stock will be sky high."

Meteos laughed heartily, "Oh, the things we invest in! And speaking of investments, did you hear about Archduke Galadorn? He's marrying his two fiancées next month and plans to demonstrate his vitality by mating with them on national television. Quite the traditional Milishial ritual."

Parupe chuckled, "Ah yes, the traditional display of potency. It's a bit like a public service announcement, but with more… personal involvement."

Analyst Yuria Brightspark grinned, "Definitely. It's not every day you get to see such a direct measure of vitality. I suppose it's the Empire's way of ensuring the noble's 'performance' is up to standard."

Technician Ryota Gearsmith chimed in with a smirk, "Well, it's a good thing they're broadcasting it. If anyone's going to complain about a 'lack of stamina,' they'll have a hard time convincing anyone with the evidence right there on TV!"

Sayuri, another technician with a playful demeanor, added, "I've heard the live feed will be equipped with special commentary. They might even need a 'play-by-play' announcer for all the action. 'And here he goes again—look at that form!'"

Meteos laughed, "Imagine the ratings! It's the only time when a 'family affair' could mean something completely different. I'm sure the viewership will be off the charts."

Parupe grinned, "It's quite a unique tradition. I suppose it's the Empire's way of showing that even the most intimate rituals can be a matter of public interest."

"You know," Parupe said with a mischievous smile, "the last great mating ritual we had was when Prince Karlin wed his four wives. Now that was quite a scene."

Grand Mage Meteos Roguerider chuckled heartily. "Ah yes, Prince Karlin's ceremony! They really went all out. I remember it was practically an Olympus event in terms of scale. The performance was… well, let's say it had a lot of 'entries.'"

Analyst Yuria Brightspark laughed. "It certainly set the bar high. I recall the commentary was relentless. They had live updates: 'And here comes the Prince for round three!'"

Technician Ryota Gearsmith smirked, "Absolutely. The whole thing was a masterclass in stamina. I heard there were even side bets among the nobles on how long he'd last before taking a break. One of my colleagues bet he'd need a 'power nap' halfway through!"

Sayuri, always ready with a quip, added, "Oh, and let's not forget the special segment where they had to bring in those enchanted energy potions. The commentators joked that the Prince's performance was 'powered by magic and caffeine.'"

Meteos laughed, "That's right! The whole ritual was a spectacle. There were so many magical enhancements involved that it felt like watching a live performance of 'The Vitality Games.' And the highlight was when Prince Karlin had to pause to 'recharge'—I think he set a new record for the most number of potions consumed in a single ritual."

Yuria grinned, "And let's not overlook the innovative uses of magical artifacts. I remember the enchanted cushions they had set up for the Prince and his wives. The 'Cushions of Comfort' were practically legendary by the end of the night. The nobles joked that if the Prince had been any more comfortable, he might have dozed off in the middle of the performance!"

Ryota added, "The after-ritual party was even more entertaining. They had magical holograms replaying the highlights, and the crowd was just… well, let's say it was a standing ovation every time the Prince and his wives appeared on the screen."

Parupe raised an eyebrow. "So, what's the forecast for Archduke Galadorn's ritual? Any predictions on how it will compare to Prince Karlin's performance?"

Meteos leaned back in his chair, a grin on his face. "Well, given the grandeur of the House of Valerius, I'd say it's going to be quite the show. They'll probably be trying to top Karlin's performance, maybe even bringing in some new magical enhancements or surprise guests."

Yuria nodded. "Yes, and with all the media attention, they might even add a few new twists to keep things interesting. I wouldn't be surprised if there's a segment involving magical illusions or even a 'live' magical duel thrown into the mix."

Sayuri laughed, "I just hope they don't try to outdo themselves with too many 'enhancements.' Last thing we need is for someone to accidentally set off a magical mishap during the broadcast. I'm looking forward to seeing if they can top the 'Cushions of Comfort' from Karlin's ritual!"

"So, any plans for the weekend, Director?" inquired the technician named Sayuri, a playful glint in her eye. Her demeanor was lighthearted, a stark contrast to their usual discussions.

Director Parupe chuckled, taking another sip of his coffee. "Ah, just the usual, I'm afraid. Perhaps a visit to the Gyeonggi-Heiligtum shrine if time permits. The tranquility there is a nice break from... well, all of this."

Meteos leaned back in his chair, a wistful smile on his face. "Ah, the shrine. A sanctuary of tranquility amidst this bustling city. I must join you one day, Hirukane. We could use a moment of reflection."

Suddenly, Director Hirukane sipped his coffee again, then added with a hint of mischief, "Did anyone catch last night's Elemental Championship? That final match was intense! The fire elementalist against the water sorcerer—it was like watching a storm in a teacup!"

Meteos chuckled, adjusting his glasses. "I missed it, unfortunately. Too busy deciphering ancient texts. Though I heard it ended in a spectacular tie. Speaking of which, do you think the Ravernal Empire will truly make a comeback? The signs seem to be aligning."

Hirukane shrugged, contemplating the centuries-old prophecy. "Who knows? We've been watching for signs for a hundred years, but nothing substantial has ever come up. Still, I can't shake the feeling that something is brewing beneath the surface."

Before they could delve further into their discussion, the shrill sound of an alarm pierced the air, sending a jolt of adrenaline through the room. Heads turned toward the nearest monitor, where images flickered to life, displaying two massive landmasses materializing in the ocean.

Director Parupe's heart raced with a mixture of excitement and trepidation as he leaned forward, his eyes fixed on the monitors. "By the Triple Goddess," he murmured, barely able to contain his astonishment. "What is happening?"

Meteos Roguerider's expression shifted from surprise to profound astonishment as he stared at the screens, his mind racing to comprehend the significance of the events unfolding before them. "Two new landmasses," he exclaimed, his voice tinged with awe, "appearing out of thin air, as if summoned by the whims of the gods. This is unprecedented!"

Director Parupe's brow furrowed in contemplation, the gravity of the moment settling upon him. "It can mean only one thing," he murmured, his voice grave with solemnity. "The prophecy. The return of the Ravernal Empire is at hand."

Meteos nodded solemnly, his gaze locked on the screens. "The signs of the Ravernal Empire's return," he whispered, the weight of ancient lore pressing heavily upon them. According to the legends, the arrival of new landmasses in the world of Novus Orbis signaled the imminent resurgence of their ancient foe.

As the room fell into a hushed silence, the enormity of the situation settled around them like a thick fog. Director Parupe rose from his seat, his voice firm with resolve. "Prepare a full report for the Emperor," he commanded, his gaze steely and unwavering. "We must act swiftly to assess the implications of this development. The safety of the Holy Milishial Empire hangs in the balance."

Meteos turned to the other analysts, his voice calm but urgent. "Activate the Heaven Eyes satellites and focus all available resources on these new landmasses. We need detailed scans and any trace of magical energy signatures."

Analyst Yuria Brightspark quickly began tapping away at her console, her fingers moving with practiced efficiency. "I'll have the preliminary data ready within minutes," she assured, her tone resolute.

Technician Ryota Gearsmith was already on his communicator, coordinating with field units. "We need reconnaissance teams ready to deploy as soon as possible," he said, his voice steady despite the tension in the air.

Director Parupe nodded in approval, his mind racing with the implications. "We are standing at the brink of a new chapter in our history," he said, more to himself than anyone else. "The echoes of the past are converging with our present. We must be prepared for whatever comes next."

As the team worked with relentless determination, the realization dawned upon them: they stood at the precipice of a pivotal moment in the storied history of the Holy Milishial Empire. The fate of their world rested precariously upon the decisions they would make in the hours to come, and the shadows of the ancient Ravernal Empire loomed ominously on the horizon.

Castle Albion, Runepolis, Holy Milishial Empire

Emperor Milishial VIII stood upon the grand balcony of the Imperial Palace, his regal silhouette framed by the twilight of Runepolis. The city's myriad lights sparkled below, casting a soft glow on the imperial gardens. Beside him, Lady Aurelia, his most trusted advisor, gazed intently at the horizon, her expression a mix of concern and resolve.

"My Emperor," she began, her voice steady but tinged with urgency, "the reports from the Ministry are troubling. It seems our long-awaited prophecy is unfolding before our eyes."

Milishial VIII turned to her, his eyes steely with determination. "Yes, Lady Aurelia. The signs are unmistakable. The ancient texts have foretold this moment for centuries. We must be ready to fulfill our duty as the protectors of this realm."

Aurelia nodded, her gaze unwavering. "We have always known this day would come. The emergence of the new landmasses is a harbinger of the Ravernal Empire's return. Our vigilance and preparation will be tested like never before."

The gravity of the situation hung heavy in the air, amplifying the sense of urgency. The fate of the Holy Milishial Empire—and indeed, the entire world—depended on their actions. They were the stewards of an ancient legacy, tasked with defending their civilization against an imminent threat.

Throughout the empire, from the bustling streets of Sanctum Prime to the farthest reaches of their dominion, whispers of the prophecy spread like wildfire. Citizens gathered in small groups, their conversations filled with speculation and concern about the mysterious landmasses and what they might herald for the future.

In the heart of the Ministry, Hirukane and his team worked tirelessly, their minds racing with the implications of their findings. Each new piece of data was meticulously analyzed, their collective effort a testament to their commitment to the empire's safety and prosperity. They were acutely aware that they were witnessing a pivotal moment in history—one that would shape the destiny of their world for generations to come.

As dawn broke over the horizon, casting its golden light upon the land, the Holy Milishial Empire stood at a crossroads, poised on the brink of a new era. With courage in their hearts and unwavering determination, they prepared to face the challenges that lay ahead. United in their resolve, they vowed to protect their homeland and uphold the ideals of justice, honor, and strength.

"We will not falter," the Emperor declared, his voice echoing across the balcony. "We are the guardians of this world, and we will meet this challenge with the full might and wisdom of our empire. Together, we shall ensure that our legacy endures."

Lady Aurelia placed a hand on his arm, her eyes shining with fierce loyalty. "For the empire, for our people, and for the future," she affirmed. "We will prevail."

With that, they turned to face the dawn, ready to confront whatever destiny had in store for them, their hearts steadfast in their mission to safeguard the world from the shadow of the past.

Leiforian Sea, The Second Civilization Area

Approximately 1000 kilometers southeast of China, in the vast expanse of the Leiforian Sea, the Haijing 3901, a formidable Zhaotou-class patrol vessel of the China Coast Guard, cut through the waves with purpose. Towering over its counterparts, it was the largest armed coast guard cutter globally, outstripping even the renowned Japanese Shikishima class.

Stretching 165 meters in length and spanning over 20 meters in beam, the Haijing 3901 boasted an empty displacement of 10,000 tons, reaching a staggering 12,000 tons at full capacity. By comparison, the Japanese Shikishima class, with a gross tonnage of 6,500 tons, paled in comparison, with a full displacement of 9,350 tons. These dimensions easily overshadowed the US Navy's Ticonderoga-class cruisers and Arleigh Burke-class destroyers.

Captain Shao Feilong stood on the bridge of the Haijing 3901, his expression a mixture of disbelief and determination. Moments ago, his ship had been engaged in routine patrol duties, chasing away Philippine fishing boats that had strayed into "Chinese" waters. But now, surrounded by an archaic fleet of 50 warships, reminiscent of Victorian-era naval vessels, proclaiming allegiance to the Kingdom of Paganda Navy, he found himself thrust into a situation beyond comprehension.

"What in the world is happening?" Captain Shao Feilong muttered, his gaze flickering between the imposing vessels that encircled his own. The sight of the Victorian-era warships, with their billowing sails and intricate designs, seemed surreal against the backdrop of the modern patrol cutter.

As if to compound the absurdity of the situation, a squadron of twenty wyverns soared through the sky above, their majestic forms a stark contrast to the mundane reality of naval warfare in the 21st century. Captain Shao Feilong blinked in disbelief, struggling to reconcile the fantastical scene unfolding before him with the rational world he knew.

Before he could fully process the situation, a booming voice echoed across the waves, emanating from the lead Pagandan warship. The sound was unlike anything he had ever heard, as if amplified by some supernatural force.

"Halt your vessel and prepare to be boarded!" the command reverberated, accompanied by the unmistakable clang of swords being drawn.

Captain Shao Feilong's jaw clenched in defiance. "What the hell is this? We will not submit to unlawful boarding!" he declared, his voice ringing with authority. "Prepare the cannons and ready the crew for battle!"

With swift precision, Captain Shao Feilong issued orders to his crew, rallying them for the impending confrontation. The H/PJ-26 76mm naval gun was primed for action, flanked by two 35mm auxiliary guns and anti-aircraft machine guns, poised to defend against any threat.

"Captain, are we really about to engage these... these pirate ships?" his first officer, Lieutenant Wu Jian, asked, incredulity clear in his voice.

"Do you see any other options, Lieutenant?" Captain Shao shot back. "Prepare for combat!"

As tensions mounted, the Pagandan 50 and 100-gun warships retaliated, unleashing a barrage of cannon fire upon the Haijing 3901. The sea roiled and churned as projectiles sliced through the air, narrowly missing the agile patrol cutter.

"Return fire!" Captain Shao Feilong commanded, his voice cutting through the chaos. With calculated precision, the crew of the Haijing 3901 unleashed a volley of cannon fire, aiming to cripple the enemy vessels and secure their own survival in this bizarre confrontation.

Amidst the tumultuous clash of cannon fire and billowing smoke, the Haijing 3901 surged forward, its radar-guided 76mm gun unleashing a relentless barrage upon the Pagandan warships. With precision accuracy, the powerful artillery tore through the enemy vessels, rending sails and splintering wooden hulls with devastating efficiency. The once formidable armada of Victorian-era warships found themselves outmatched by the advanced weaponry of the modern patrol cutter.

Yet, amidst the chaos of battle, a new threat emerged from the skies above. The war wyverns, their sleek forms streaking through the air at 400 km/h, unleashed torrents of fiery projectiles upon the Haijing 3901. The scorching fireballs, hot as napalm bombs, wreaked havoc upon the vessel, sending plumes of smoke and flame spiraling into the sky.

"Fuck! What kind of medieval fantasy bullshit is this?" Captain Shao Feilong cursed, his gaze fixed upon the relentless onslaught of the wyverns. Despite the Haijing 3901's formidable armaments, the aerial adversaries proved to be a formidable challenge, their swift maneuvers and deadly firepower posing a significant threat to the ship's defenses.

"Lieutenant Wu, get those anti-aircraft guns firing! We need to bring those damn lizards down!" Captain Shao shouted over the din of battle.

"Aye, Captain!" Lieutenant Wu responded, relaying the orders to the gunners.

Recognizing the dire situation, Captain Shao Feilong swiftly issued an emergency call to the Chinese Navy, pleading for immediate support against the aerial assault.

"Mayday, mayday! This is Haijing 3901. We are under attack by hostile enemy forces—fuckin' dragons, for Christ's sake—and require urgent assistance. Requesting immediate air support and anti-aircraft reinforcements. Coordinates as follows..."

As the emergency transmission was sent out, the Haijing 3901's crew fought valiantly to repel the Pagandan assault. The radar-guided 76mm gun continued to pound the enemy warships, while the anti-aircraft guns targeted the wyverns swooping down from the skies.

"Direct hit on the lead ship, Captain! She's going down!" one of the gunners reported, a note of triumph in his voice.

"Good work! Keep it up!" Captain Shao encouraged, though his eyes remained locked on the wyverns. "How are we holding up against those flying bastards?"

"Not well, Captain. They're too fast and their fireballs are causing serious damage," Lieutenant Wu replied grimly.

Just as the situation seemed increasingly desperate, a crackling voice came over the radio. "Haijing 3901, this is the People's Liberation Army Air Force. We have received your distress call and are en route to your location. ETA five minutes. Hold tight."

"Finally, some good news," Captain Shao muttered. "Tell the crew to hang in there. Reinforcements are on the way."

As the minutes ticked by, the Haijing 3901 continued to battle fiercely against the Pagandan fleet and the wyverns. The ship's hull bore the scars of the engagement, with charred sections where the wyvern fireballs had struck. Yet, the crew's resolve remained unbroken.

"Captain, the wyverns are regrouping for another attack run!" Lieutenant Wu warned, his voice tense.

"Hold them off as best you can," Captain Shao ordered. "Reinforcements will be here any moment now."

True to their word, the roar of jet engines soon filled the sky. A squadron of J-11 fighter jets streaked overhead, their sleek forms a reassuring sight amidst the chaos. The Chinese Air Force had arrived.

"This is Tiger Leader to Haijing 3901. We have visual on your position and are engaging the aerial targets. Hang tight," the lead pilot's voice crackled over the radio.

The J-11s swooped down upon the wyverns, their cannons blazing and missiles streaking through the air. The once-menacing aerial adversaries found themselves outmatched by the advanced fighter jets, their numbers dwindling rapidly under the withering assault.

"Good riddance," Captain Shao muttered, watching as the remaining wyverns fled from the battlefield.

With the air support now securing the skies, the Haijing 3901 turned its full attention back to the Pagandan warships. The coordinated fire from the Chinese patrol cutter and the aerial bombardment from the J-11s proved too much for the antiquated fleet. One by one, the Pagandan warships were either sunk or forced to retreat.

"Captain, the enemy fleet is retreating! We've won!" Lieutenant Wu exclaimed, a note of relief in his voice.

Captain Shao Feilong allowed himself a rare smile of satisfaction. "Good work, everyone. Signal the fleet that the immediate threat has been neutralized. But stay alert—we have no idea what other surprises this crazy new world might throw at us."

As the Haijing 3901 and its crew took stock of the battle's aftermath, Captain Shao couldn't shake the feeling of unease. They had survived this bizarre encounter, but the presence of medieval warships and fire-breathing wyverns hinted at a world far stranger and more dangerous than anything they had ever imagined.