Chapter 14: China Limitless Ambition Part 3
A thousand years ago, the Empire of Mu began its ascent to power. Nestled in the heart of the Mu continent, this nascent empire was driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge and a fervent belief in the potential of mechanization. While magic held sway over much of Novus Orbis, Mu's leaders chose a different path, one that relied on steam, steel, and the ingenuity of its people.
As Mu's mechanical prowess grew, so did its ambitions. The empire expanded, its influence stretching across the continent. This rise did not go unnoticed. To the east, the Holy Milishial Empire, a bastion of magical might and the greatest superpower of the world, watched with a wary eye. Milishial's rulers, recognizing the threat posed by a technologically advanced Mu, devised a plan to curtail its burgeoning power.
In the western reaches of the Mu continent lay a fractured region, home to 106 disparate nation-states. These kingdoms, principalities, and city-states were often at odds, their energies spent on petty squabbles and territorial disputes. But where others saw chaos, the Milishial Empire saw opportunity.
Milishial began to secretly fund and support the Leiforian Unification Movement, a coalition of visionaries who dreamt of a united western Mu. With resources and guidance from Milishial, this movement gained momentum. Over decades, through diplomacy, subterfuge, and occasional conflict, the disparate states were brought together under a single banner. Thus, the Confederation of the Kingdom of Leifor was born.
The creation of Leifor served Milishial's purposes well. A unified Leifor acted as a buffer, containing Mu's influence and providing a counterweight to its power. For centuries, this delicate balance held, with Mu and Leifor locked in a tense equilibrium.
Two hundred years ago, this balance was shattered. The Empire of Mu, long a symbol of mechanical innovation and progress, was torn apart by civil war. The causes were manifold: economic strife, political corruption, and the growing discontent of a populace yearning for change. As factions vied for control, the empire splintered, its territories fracturing under the strain.
From the ashes of this civil war emerged the Federation of the Commune of Mu. Unlike its imperial predecessor, the Commune was built on principles of collective governance and shared prosperity. The old aristocracy was swept away, replaced by a new order that prized the contributions of every citizen. But this rebirth came at a cost. In the chaos of the civil war, Mu lost a third of its territory to the opportunistic Leiforian Confederation.
For centuries, the people of Mu nursed the wounds of their territorial losses, their resolve hardening with each passing year. Fifty years ago, the Federation of the Commune of Mu launched a bold campaign to reclaim its lost lands. This invasion was a testament to the Commune's resurgence, its armies and war machines pushing deep into Leiforian territory.
The conflict was brutal and swift. Leifor, though weakened, fought valiantly, its people rallying to defend their homeland. But the might of Mu proved overwhelming. Victory after victory brought Mu closer to its goal, and soon, the once-lost territories were back under its control.
As Mu's forces stood on the brink of total victory, the Holy Milishial Empire intervened. The Holy Milishial Empire, ever the guardian of balance, could not allow Mu to grow unchecked. Through a combination of diplomatic pressure and military posturing, Milishial forced Mu to halt its advance. Leifor, though spared from annexation, was left to bear the heavy burden of defeat.
The terms imposed on Leifor Confederation were harsh. Reparations drained its coffers, and territorial concessions further weakened its position. Yet, the Confederation endured, its people steeling themselves for the challenges ahead. For Mu, the victory solidified its status as the second strongest nation on Novus Orbis, a testament to its resilience and determination.
Vinfast Island, The Holy Milishial Empire Day 15 Month 1st Year 10641 Central Calendar.
The dawn light broke over Vinfast Island, casting long shadows across the top-secret weapons testing facility nestled in the remote archipelago. Located about 2,500 kilometers from the heart of the Holy Milishial Empire, this outpost had always been a beacon of innovation and power. Today, however, it was set to witness a historic moment that would echo through the annals of military engineering.
Director Howard Skyrider, a seasoned military veteran with a commanding presence, stood on the observation deck of the facility. His sharp blue eyes scanned the horizon, then focused on the sleek aircraft stationed on the runway below. Flanking him were some of the brightest minds in magical engineering, all eagerly awaiting the test flight of their latest creation: the Vaemon-2 interceptor.
"Director Skyrider, the Vaemon-2 is prepped and ready for the test flight," said Professor Elara Windrider, a leading expert in magical propulsion systems. Her voice was calm, but her eyes gleamed with excitement. She was dressed in a form-fitting suit of shimmering blue fabric, adorned with intricate runes that pulsed faintly.
"Excellent, Professor," Howard replied, nodding approvingly. His military uniform, adorned with medals and insignia, seemed almost to glow in the early light. "This aircraft represents a significant leap forward for the Empire. It's crucial we understand its capabilities fully."
The Vaemon-2 was a marvel of magical engineering, a technological masterpiece unlike any aircraft the Milishial Empire had ever produced. Where the Aegon-5 had revolutionized air superiority with its Chant Powered, Light Magic-Compressed Air Discharge Engine—a technology reverse-engineered from the godlike Ravernal Empire—the Vaemon-2 pushed these boundaries even further. It was powered by a cutting-edge magical light discharge-rocket engine, bearing a striking resemblance to the North American X-15, an ancient hypersonic rocket-powered aircraft from another world.
"Let's go over the specs one more time," Howard said, turning to the gathered experts. "I want to ensure everyone understands the capabilities of this machine."
"Of course, Director," began Elara, her tone professional yet brimming with enthusiasm. "The Vaemon-2 is equipped with two Magic Enchanted XLR101 liquid-propellant rocket engines. These engines are enhanced to provide a combined thrust of 57,000 pounds-force, significantly more than the 6,000 pounds-force produced by the XLR11 engines in the Aegon-5. This allows the Vaemon-2 to achieve a supercruising speed of 6600 kilometers per hour, which is twice the speed of the Chinese J-31."
"And its altitude capabilities?" Howard prompted.
"The Vaemon-2 can reach altitudes above 264,000 feet," Elara continued, her eyes narrowing slightly as she spoke, "qualifying our pilots as astronauts under our military definitions. This makes it not only the fastest but also the highest-flying aircraft we have ever built. Its operational range is an impressive 45,000 kilometers, thanks to the high-purity enriched magic gems powering its engines. This range enables it to conduct deep penetration missions and high-speed intercepts far from its base."
Captain Marcus Thalor, a seasoned test pilot, interjected, "While these specs are impressive, we must acknowledge the trade-offs. The Vaemon-2's rocket engines give it phenomenal speed and altitude, but its maneuverability is vastly inferior to that of the Aegon-5. This makes it unsuitable for dogfights and relegates its role to that of a high-speed interceptor."
Howard nodded thoughtfully. "Indeed, Captain. Every advantage comes with its compromises. However, its ability to intercept and neutralize high-altitude threats is precisely why we developed it."
As the discussion continued, an alarm suddenly blared throughout the command center. The holographic display on the wall flickered to life, showing the silhouette of two high-flying objects approaching Vinfast Island.
"Director, we have two unidentified objects entering our airspace," reported Lieutenant Aric Norwind, his fingers flying over the console as he processed the incoming data. "They appear to be high-altitude weather balloons, launched by the People's Republic of China."
Vice Admiral Callan, standing nearby with his stern face illuminated by the holographic display, frowned deeply. "Spy equipment, no doubt. They're flying at 27,000 meters, which is beyond the service ceiling of our Aegon-5 fighters. However, our 155mm Anti-Aircraft Light Magic Guns can reach up to 240 kilometers, essentially into space itself, and should make short work of those balloons."
"Director," Captain Thalor interjected, a glint of excitement in his eyes, "this could be an excellent opportunity to test the Vaemon-2 in a real-world scenario."
Howard considered the suggestion for a moment before nodding in agreement. "You're right. Let's see what the Vaemon-2 can do."
XXXXXXXXXXXX
Anakin Starkv, a young but highly skilled pilot with a reputation for precision and calm under pressure, nodded as he suited up in his flight gear. Within minutes, he was inside the Vaemon-2, the cockpit closing around him with a reassuring hiss. The control panel lit up with a cascade of readouts and holographic displays, while the engines roared to life, emitting a deep, resonant hum that vibrated through the entire aircraft.
"Vaemon-2, you are cleared for takeoff," came the crisp voice of Lieutenant Aric Norwind from the control tower.
Anakin pushed the throttle forward, and the Vaemon-2 surged down the runway. The aircraft lifted off with remarkable speed, its acceleration a testament to the power of its magical light discharge-rocket engines. The climb rate was astonishing—60,000 feet per minute. Within moments, he reached the altitude of the Chinese balloons, which floated at 27,000 meters.
The Vaemon-2's 30mm autocannons, equipped with magic light bolts imbued with explosive magic, were primed and ready. As Anakin approached the first balloon, he steadied his aim and squeezed the trigger. The magic light bolts shot through the air with deadly precision, striking the balloon and causing it to erupt in a spectacular flash of blue energy. The explosion was immediate and intense, disintegrating the balloon in a burst of shimmering fragments.
"First target neutralized," Anakin reported, his voice calm and controlled despite the adrenaline coursing through him.
"Proceed to the second target," ordered Director Howard Skyrider from the command center. His voice was firm and steady, reflecting the gravity of the test.
The Vaemon-2 banked smoothly, its engines roaring as Anakin lined up the second balloon. The process was almost repetitive; the magic light bolts tore through the second balloon with equal efficiency. It too disintegrated in a flash, its remnants drifting down towards the ocean below.
"Both targets have been destroyed," Anakin confirmed as he began his descent back to Vinfast Island.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
As the Vaemon-2 touched down on the runway, the control tower erupted in cheers and applause. The test had been an unqualified success, demonstrating the interceptor's formidable capabilities and precision.
Director Howard Skyrider, Professor Elara Windrider, and Captain Marcus Thalor gathered around the debriefing table, their expressions a mixture of pride and intense focus. Anakin Starkv entered the room, still in his flight suit, his face a mask of quiet confidence.
"Mission accomplished," he said simply, taking a seat and removing his helmet.
"Excellent work, Anakin," Howard praised, his gaze steady and approving. "Now, let's go over the specifics. How did the Vaemon-2 handle at those altitudes?"
Anakin leaned forward, his demeanor professional and precise. "The aircraft performed exceptionally well. The climb rate was as expected, and the stability at 27,000 meters was impressive. However, I did notice a slight lag in control responsiveness at maximum speed. It wasn't significant, but it's something we might want to look into."
Professor Windrider made a note on her tablet. "We'll need to review the control surface enchantments. It's possible that the high speeds are causing some interference with the magic flow. Enhancing the enchantments should mitigate that issue."
"One thing that stood out," Anakin continued, "was the effectiveness of the 30mm autocannons. The magic light bolts with explosive attributes were devastating against the balloons. The explosion magic worked flawlessly."
Captain Thalor nodded in agreement. "That's good to hear. But as we discussed earlier, we should start developing a dedicated weapons system for high-speed engagements. The current autocannons are effective, but we need something that can engage targets at even greater speeds and distances with higher precision."
Howard turned to his chief weapons engineer, Dr. Lydia Arcturus. Dr. Arcturus, a woman with a sharp intellect and an unyielding dedication to her work, was known for her innovative designs. "Lydia, can you start working on a prototype for a new weapons system? I want something that can take out high-speed targets with greater efficiency."
Dr. Arcturus, her face illuminated by the soft glow of her tablet, nodded. "I'll begin immediately. I have some ideas for a long-range magic missile system that could be adapted for the Vaemon-2. It will require extensive testing, but I believe it's feasible."
"Perfect," Howard said, satisfied with the progress. "Now, let's move on to the next phase of our project. We need to ensure that the Vaemon-2 can operate effectively in various combat scenarios. Anakin, you'll be running a series of simulated dogfights against the Aegon-5 to test its maneuverability and speed under combat conditions."
Anakin's eyes lit up at the challenge. "Understood, sir. I'll prepare for the simulations. Testing the Vaemon-2's performance against the Aegon-5 will provide valuable insights into its tactical applications."
As the meeting concluded, the team dispersed to their respective tasks, driven by the common goal of enhancing their defensive capabilities. The Holy Milishial Empire's technological prowess was on full display, and the successful test of the Vaemon-2 was a significant milestone.
Howard Skyrider felt a surge of pride as he watched the team at work. The Vaemon-2 was not merely a new aircraft; it was a symbol of the Empire's commitment to maintaining its edge in an increasingly dangerous world. The skies of Novus Orbis were poised to become a new battleground, and the Holy Milishial Empire would be ready. The stakes were high, and the threats were real, but with innovations like the Vaemon-2, the Empire was prepared to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
The engineers and scientists delved into their tasks with renewed vigor, their minds already racing through the possibilities for further advancements. Each member of the team knew that the success of the Vaemon-2 was just the beginning. The interceptor had proven its worth, but there was still much work to be done. Enhancing its maneuverability, refining its weapons systems, and preparing for future combat scenarios would be crucial in maintaining their technological supremacy.
As Howard watched the sun rise higher over Vinfast Island, he felt a deep sense of accomplishment and responsibility. The Vaemon-2 was a testament to the ingenuity and determination of the Milishial people. It was a reminder that in the face of unprecedented threats, they had the capability to innovate and adapt. The journey ahead would be challenging, but with the continued efforts of his brilliant team, the Holy Milishial Empire was poised to remain a dominant force in the skies.
The facility bustled with activity as the next phase of testing and development began. The Vaemon-2's success had set the stage for future advancements, and every member of the team was acutely aware of the significance of their work. The world outside may have been uncertain, but within the walls of Vinfast Island, there was a palpable sense of determination and readiness. The Holy Milishial Empire's resolve to stay ahead of its adversaries was unwavering, and the Vaemon-2 was a powerful symbol of that commitment.
Central Calendar Day 16, Month 1, Year 10641 - Yloria, Leiforian Confederation.
The southwestern coast of Leifor hosts the bustling city of Yloria, known for its economic significance and busy port. The city's skyline was dotted with the silhouettes of wyverns approaching the airport dedicated exclusively to these creatures.
"We will soon arrive at the wyvern-exclusive airport," announced a voice over the manacomm attached to the wyvern transporting Lord Viri, Inertia's top diplomat.
The journey had been arduous. Due to the limited range of the wyverns, the delegation had to frequently change mounts using emergency runways on uninhabited islands. It took them four grueling days of near-continuous travel to reach Yloria.
As the sun set, casting an orange hue over the envoys, Viri felt the sting of the cold wind on his face. The long journey had left him numb, his skin likely having lost some sensation from the relentless exposure. Despite the physical toll, he pressed on, driven by the urgent need to save his kingdom. Viri was accompanied by Prince Aethes and several minor nobles, all of whom had endured the same hardships. Their wyverns finally landed at Windholm Airport, an international gateway near Yloria.
Upon landing, they were greeted by Gallat, the Irnetian Ambassador to Leifor. "Welcome to Leifor, Lord Viri! You must be exhausted from your journey. I've secured an appointment for you with the chief of the foreign affairs section the day after tomorrow. For now, let's get you to your lodgings."
"Thank you, Gallat. It's a good sign we've secured an appointment so quickly. We need to prepare our terms immediately," Viri responded, turning to his tired companions. "Your efforts are already paying off. Rest well tonight; you've earned it."
"Thank you, Lord Viri!" his men chorused.
Following Gallat, the group left the airport and boarded an unusual vehicle, referred to as a "bus" by Nall, one of Viri's subordinates. The elongated, boxy vehicle was unlike any in Leifor's known automobile industry.
"Could this be a state-of-the-art vehicle from the Commune of Mu?" Viri wondered aloud.
Inside the bus, they were greeted by the driver. "Esteemed guests from the kingdom of Irnetia, thank you for choosing to stay at the Dhoni. My name is Ikeda, and I will be your driver today. Our next stop is the hotel."
Ikeda bowed deeply, and the doors closed with a high-pitched beep, much to everyone's surprise. The bus then took off smoothly, with no notable rumbling, leaving the passengers amazed.
"Has Mu really advanced this far in such a short time?" Viri mused at the vehicle's stability and comfort.
"I'm afraid you're mistaken, Lord Viri," Ikeda said. "This bus is not from Mu."
Viri was taken aback. "Who else could have created such a technological marvel?"
"It's actually from China," Ikeda replied.
Horrified, Viri and his men jumped off the bus. They couldn't believe their enemy had developed such advanced vehicles. Gallat quickly arranged another mode of transport, this time a magic levitation vehicle from the Holy Milishial Empire.
The sleek, floating vehicle approached, its design exuding a sense of elegance and power. Unlike the Chinese bus, which was grounded with wheels, this levitation car hovered gracefully above the ground, supported by magical forces. The vehicle's smooth, seamless exterior gleamed under the city lights, a testament to Milishial's mastery of magical engineering. As the Irnetian delegation boarded the levitation car, they were greeted by an elf driver. His aloof demeanor and imperious gaze epitomized the typical Milishial citizen.
"Welcome, esteemed guests from Inertia," the elf said, his tone dripping with superiority. "I trust you will find this vehicle is superior to your normal liking."
Viri clenched his jaw, suppressing his irritation. The arrogance of the Milishial people was well-known, but they had no choice but to accept the transportation. "Thank you," Viri replied curtly, taking his seat. As the levitation car smoothly glided away, Viri couldn't help but compare the two experiences.
The Chinese bus, grounded with wheels, represented the pinnacle of scientific and mechanical engineering. Its smooth ride, advanced air conditioning, and cushioned seats provided unmatched comfort. The stability of its motion and the lack of noise made the journey feel almost surreal.
However, the bus's connection to China, their enemy, overshadowed its technological wonder. In contrast, the Milishial levitation car embodied the elegance and sophistication of magical engineering. It floated above the ground, propelled by unseen magical forces, offering a ride that felt almost ethereal. The interior was equally luxurious, with seats that seemed to mold perfectly to their occupants and a climate control system that maintained an ideal temperature effortlessly. The car's exterior design was sleek and seamless, a reflection of Milishial's artistic. However, despite the levitation car's technological and aesthetic superiority, the condescending attitude of the elf driver left a sour taste.
"I suppose this is what they call Milishial hospitality," Viri muttered under his breath, earning a few chuckles from his subordinates."We must stay focused," he reminded his men, his voice steady and determined.
"Our kingdom's future depends on the alliances we forge here. We must navigate these treacherous waters carefully and with unwavering resolve."His subordinates nodded, their expressions reflecting the gravity of the situation.
The journey ahead was fraught with challenges, but they were united in their purpose. As the levitation car glided through the city streets of Yloria, Viri silently vowed to do whatever it took to secure a future for Inertia. The stakes were higher than ever, and failure was not an option.
Office of International Affairs for Outside the Civilized Areas, Mykal, The Commune of Mu
The journey from Yloria to Mykal, spanning almost 10,000 kilometers, had been surprisingly pleasant for Viri and his delegation. The Commune of Mu's advanced double-deck train system had made the week-long trip comfortable. Now, standing before an imposing 80-story building that housed Mu's foreign affairs ministry, the Irnetian diplomats felt both awed and intimidated.
"Wha… It's so gigantic!" gasped Nall, the youngest member of the delegation.
"So this is what it means to face a mechanical superpower…! How promising!" Aethes, the seasoned diplomat, marveled at the sight.
Viri, the head of the delegation, steadied himself, "We've got to go home with an alliance in hand—whatever it takes."
The grandeur of the building reminded them of the stakes. They were here to negotiate with one of the five superpowers, and they must not underestimate the task ahead. With renewed determination, the Irnetians entered the building.
The interior of the building was no less impressive, with its mechanical design and bustling activity. They were soon greeted by a young man who introduced himself as Pagua.
"The meeting between the Commune of Mu and the Kingdom of Irnetia will now commence. I, Pagua, will be in charge of this meeting."
"Now, these gentlemen to my side are Section Chief Gandolf and Subsection Head Jules."
"Greetings," Gandolf said, his tone firm yet welcoming.
After the brief exchange of greetings, the meeting began. On Mu's side, the presence of high-ranking officials indicated the seriousness with which they viewed the Irnetians' plight. Viri felt a mix of relief and anxiety; their situation was dire, and the outcome of this meeting could determine their kingdom's fate.
Gandolf spoke first, his voice resonant with authority. "You coming all this way is an act worthy of praise. For your kingdom to have sent its top diplomat, together with His Highness, the Prince, I can already surmise that what you have for us is incredibly important, hence why a section chief like me is in attendance. Now, let us hear it."
Viri cleared his throat, feeling the weight of his people's hopes on his shoulders. "I'm truly grateful that you've decided to hear us out. Indeed, we've come here for the reason Sir Gandolf has surmised. Let me explain: a few weeks ago, a warship from the People's Republic of China came to our kingdom. Onboard were diplomats who presented us with a 'deal.'"
He handed over the papers Xiong Bo had given him to Gandolf. As Gandolf read through the documents, his expression darkened.
"This… This is essentially vassalization. This is what they handed you on your first meeting?"
"Yes. That is correct. Ever since China crushed Paganda, they've been expanding their ambitions ever further. It was only a matter of time before their accursed hunger for domination came to us. As the second most powerful country in the world, your country, the Commune of Mu, is our only hope in stopping the relentless expansion of the Chinese. We've come here to ask for your aid and support, knowing the likelihood that such a request may be too tall of an order to fulfill."
Viri, Aethes, and their aides all bowed their heads in unison.
"Please rise," Gandolf said. "Regarding your request, I will have to remind you that there are things we can do for you and things we can't do for you. Still, may we inquire what you have in mind?"
From Mu's perspective, China was a great business opportunity and a potential threat to their hegemony in the Second Civilization Area. As a mechanical civilization, China imported many products from Mu. However, recently, the Chinese automobile and aviation industries had started to outcompete Mu's products. Trade Unions were demanding massive tariffs on Chinese products. After the loss of Paganda, Mu really didn't want to lose Irnetia, which provided the only surviving point of contact with the western nations outside the civilized areas that allowed them to trade with them. Their continued survival against the Chinese was nothing short of essential.
Viri took a deep breath. "There are three things we ask of you: the first is military assistance to defend ourselves when they eventually do attack, most especially your superior mechanical weapons so that we may stand a chance in a fight against them. Naturally, we will pay for them."
Gandolf nodded, as if this request was within his expectations. "And the second?"
"Our commanders have concluded that the kingdom can hold out for a year against an invasion, which means that within the next year, we request that you dispatch military reinforcements to push back the Chinese."
"In other words…" Gandolf prompted.
"We acknowledge that this must be extremely disrespectful to ask of a neutral country like yours, but we nonetheless request for a defensive military alliance with your country. Your reinforcements may not need to be ground forces—naval and air reinforcements alone would suffice. Please, I beg of you: do consider these requests of ours…"
Gandolf's expression was stern but thoughtful. The requests were substantial and fraught with complications, not least of which was Mu's longstanding policy of neutrality. Yet, the implications of Chinese expansion were clear. Still, he needed more.
"What about the third request?" Gandolf asked.
Viri hesitated, knowing how naive it might sound. "To add, this last bit is to serve as a future safeguard against invasion: we plan to call for a worldwide objection to Chinese expansionism at the Conference of the Elite Eleven that will be held next year. Powerful as they may be, it is very unlikely that they'd risk antagonizing a coalition that includes the likes of your country and the Holy Mirishial Empire. While we'd like to raise the issue ourselves, we came to the conclusion that if your country were to raise it, then not even the Holy Mirishial Empire will be able to ignore it."
Gandolf and his colleagues were visibly taken aback. The idea of a united front against Chinese aggression was bold, perhaps too bold. Conquest had always been a norm, an accepted part of the world's political landscape.
"…I see," Gandolf finally said. "I'll forward your suggestion to my superiors so that they will deliberate it; they have more power than I do. To tell you the truth, even we are getting fed up by the Chinese recent transgressions. Their arrogance is getting to a point at which we could no longer bear to ignore. Going back, your first request of the exportation of arms will be a very difficult pill for us to swallow. The maintenance of the monopoly over the secrets and possession of our technology is paramount to us as a country; the outflow of technology, even towards those we consider allies, is a touchy subject both legally and in the realm of public opinion."
Hearing Gandolf mention the word "allies" put Viri on edge. Perhaps they already see them as such…?
"Very well. I hope that a favorable decision has been reached next time we meet."
The meeting ended without further issue. Later, Mu would issue to Irnetia a reply that contained the following:
1. **Conference Advocacy:** We will ensure to the best of our abilities to raise the topic of Chinese expansionism at the Conference of the Elite Eleven, in addition to drafting a resolution that will order China to stop building more artificial islands.
2. **Military Reinforcements:** Should China invade Irnetia, we will send our naval and air forces as reinforcements within two months of the attack should the Irnetian government still exist at that moment in time. At that point, we will drop our neutral foreign policy.
3. **Arms Export:** Due to laws forbidding the sale of any and all weapons to nations outside the civilized areas, we cannot export our arms to you.
In addition, thanks to Gandolf's efforts, they were able to arrange a flight for Viri and his group to the Holy Mirishial Empire, which is usually next to impossible thanks to the shortage of aircraft.
Partially fulfilling some of the objectives of their first diplomatic excursion, the Irnetians departed Mu, bound for the Holy Mirishial Empire.
The Flight to the Holy Mirishial Empire
The six-engine aircraft provided by Mu was a testament to their technological prowess. Enormous but efficient, it cut through the skies with ease, carrying Viri and his team to their next destination.
"Do you think we achieved enough, Lord Viri?"
Viri sighed, glancing out of the window. "We got what we could under the circumstances. The Muans are not easily swayed, and their neutrality is a cornerstone of their foreign policy. But their promise of naval and air support, should it come to war, is a significant commitment."
Aethes nodded, though concern lingered in his eyes. "The refusal to sell arms is a blow, though. Our forces are not equipped to handle the Chinese onslaught with what we have now."
"True," Viri conceded, "but the diplomatic support at the Conference of the Elite Eleven could turn the tide in our favor. If we can get the Holy Mirishial Empire on our side, China might think twice about their aggression."
Aethes leaned back, deep in thought. "And what of our alliance? Do you think the Muans will stand by us in the long run?"
Viri paused, considering the question. "It's hard to say. Alliances are often born out of necessity rather than mutual affection. As long as it benefits them to oppose China, they might. But we need to show them that Irnetia is worth the effort."
The flight continued in contemplative silence, both men lost in their thoughts about the uncertain future. They knew that the road ahead was fraught with challenges, and every step would require careful calculation and diplomacy. As the plane soared, Viri briefed his team on the strategy for their upcoming negotiations.
"Our primary goal with the Holy Mirishial Empire is to secure military support and advanced weaponry," Viri explained. "We need to present a compelling case that highlights the threat posed by China and the importance of a united front against their expansion."
Aethes, ever the strategist, added, "We should emphasize Irnetia's strategic location. Our geographical position is crucial for maintaining trade routes and regional stability. They need to see that supporting us is in their best interest."
Nall, the youngest member of the delegation, chimed in, "And we must show that we are willing to stand on our own feet as much as possible. We are not just asking for help; we are asking for a partnership."
Viri nodded in agreement. "Precisely. We need to show that the Irnetian Kingdom is a worthy ally, not just a burden."
