Chapter 16: The Eastern Shield Initiative

The Kingdom of Fenn, a nation of rich cultural heritage and formidable martial prowess, occupies a unique position on the geopolitical map of the Third Civilization Area. Situated roughly 700 kilometers east of the Parpaldia Empire, one of the Third Civilization Area's superpowers, Fenn is located on a 500-kilometer-long, 200-kilometer-wide island that intriguingly resembles half of a yin-yang symbol. This distinctive shape, mirrored by the neighboring island of the Gahara Thearcy to the east, encloses a serene internal sea that has long been a source of both sustenance and strategic importance for the two nations.

To the far east, approximately 1,600 kilometers away, lies a small continent that is home to the Empire of Gra Valkas, an aggressive and expansionist superpower. The looming presence of Gra Valkas Empire has brought new challenges and pressures to the Fenn Kingdom, especially in light of the Parpaldia Empire's Eastern Shield Initiative. This strategic plan by Emperor Ludius aims to create a buffer against Gra Valkas by establishing a network of allied territories and outposts.

Central Calendar 19/04/10641, Ashikaga Castle, Higashinomoto, Kingdom of Fenn

The chilly early morning breeze blew in from the ocean, bringing with it the gentle waves that crashed directly into the wharves of the quaint town of Higashinomoto. Situated at the Kingdom of Fenn's easternmost point, the town was destined to be the entrance to the rest of the kingdom to those coming from the east. That was the purpose of their sizable harbor, after all. However, in the countless centuries that Fenn had been a coherent sovereign state, the town of Higashinomoto never reached the traffic it had been destined for, receiving only a handful of traders each lunar cycle, most of which were those who blew off course or were looking for safe harbor.

With economic activity brimming in western ports like Nishinomiyako, the comparatively quiet eastern port was mostly desolate, being home to only a modest population of 15,000, the majority of which were fishermen and their households. Despite this lack of relevance in seemingly every single aspect, the town was home to the region's lord, and as such a majestic castle befitting an aristocrat towered above its otherwise boring skyline. Its oriental black roofing complemented its stylized, yet robust structure painted in magnificent white.

It was atop the keep of this castle where the regional lord, Kiritoshi, looked out from a window towards the port.

Despite the Japanese feel of the architecture, the Fennese did not shy from assimilating things foreign, and this was reflected in Kiritoshi's appearance. Still keeping the traditional katana blade bestowed upon him by his uncle, the Sword King Shihan, in its scabbard on his hip, his loose white blouse and darkened, western-looking slacks were weird additions. He looked just like a loyal swordsman of the late shogunate at the height of the Meiji Restoration.

The Fenn Kingdom is a nation of divine sword art. All citizens in the kingdom are required to learn the way of the sword as part of their education. They will live by the sword and they will die by the sword. A strong swordsman, no matter how inferior their lineage, is respected, while a person who cannot wield a sword, no matter how elegant their image, is looked down upon. Kiritoshi, the nephew of the Sword King Shihan and one of only ten people in the kingdom to bear the title Legendary Master Swordsman, was swinging his sword again today.

"Fennese Style: Heaven Splitting Slash!" he exclaimed, his voice echoing across the empty courtyard.

As he brought his blade down with precision, a surge of blue energy erupted from its edge, slicing through the air with a ferocity that seemed almost otherworldly. The energy coalesced into a shimmering blade, expanding to over 10 meters in length before it collided with three thick iron columns.

With a resounding crash, the columns buckled and splintered, torn asunder by the sheer force of Kiritoshi's attack. The air crackled with residual magic, the scent of ozone mingling with the tang of metal as the remnants of the shattered columns fell to the ground.

Kiritoshi stood amidst the wreckage, his breath coming in ragged gasps as he surveyed the aftermath of his display of power. Despite the destruction wrought by his blade, there was a sense of calm determination in his eyes, a steely resolve that spoke of his unwavering dedication to his craft.

"What a morning…" he muttered, wiping sweat from his brow with the back of his hand.

Kiritoshi spat from behind his heavy sigh, his eyes set on the intrusive silhouette of an overly conspicuous metal ship stopped at a distance just shy of Higashinomoto's harbor.

"What the hell… am I looking at?"

The metal ship, a behemoth of steel and sorcery, floated menacingly on the port. It was a dreadnought, unmistakably Parpaldian in design, with its angular hull and enchanted artillery turrets. Even from this distance, Kiritoshi could sense the hum of its Mana-infused engines, a testament to the fusion of magic and machinery that defined the First Civilization Area.

Kiritoshi's hand tightened around the hilt of his katana. The Parpaldian Empire had been making overtures to the Fenn Kingdom for months now, pressuring them to join the Eastern Shield Initiative. The famously neutral Fenn Kingdom had declined, valuing their independence and longstanding traditions over the potential technological benefits. But the presence of this warship suggested that the Parpaldians were not taking no for an answer.

The Parpaldian diplomats disembarked from their boat with practiced ease, their uniforms immaculate and their expressions stern. At their head was Ambassador Lucius Drakan, a tall, imposing man with piercing blue eyes and a neatly trimmed beard. He was flanked by a contingent of soldiers, their presence a silent testament to the gravity of their mission.

Kiritoshi descended from the castle keep, his katana at his side, and approached the dock to greet the visitors. As he neared, he could see the tension etched on the faces of the townsfolk who had gathered to witness the arrival. The Parpaldian presence was unsettling, a reminder of the empire's far-reaching influence and the precarious position of the Fenn Kingdom.

"Welcome to Higashinomoto," Kiritoshi said, his voice steady despite the unease bubbling within him. "I am Kiritoshi, lord of this region. To what do we owe the honor of your visit?"

Ambassador Drakan stepped forward, his gaze unwavering. "Lord Kiritoshi, we come bearing a message from Emperor Ludius of the Parpaldian Empire. We seek an audience with your king to discuss matters of great importance."

Kiritoshi's eyes flickered with curiosity and concern. "Very well. Follow me to Amanoki. We shall see what the king has to say about this."

Castle of the Tree of Heaven, Amanoki, Capital of the Fenn Kingdom

The grand hall of Tree of Heaven Castle was adorned with intricate tapestries and polished wooden floors, a testament to Fennese craftsmanship. At the far end of the hall sat King Haruto, a regal figure with a commanding presence. His dark eyes scrutinized the Parpaldian delegation as they approached, his expression betraying nothing of his thoughts.

"Your Majesty," Ambassador Drakan began, bowing deeply. "I bring a proposal from Emperor Ludius. The Parpaldian Empire wishes to establish a military outpost in the southern region of your kingdom, as part of our Eastern Shield Initiative. In exchange, we offer you the benefits of our Technological Outflow Program, granting you access to advanced technologies and resources."

King Haruto's eyes narrowed. "And what would this outpost entail?"

Drakan gestured to a detailed map unfurled by one of his aides. "A 60km by 60km plot of land, currently forested and uninhabited. We would construct fortifications and station troops to protect against the rising threat of the Gra Valkas Empire. This would ensure the safety of not only Parpaldia but also the Fenn Kingdom."

The room fell silent as the king studied the map, his mind racing with the implications of such a proposal. The Fenn Kingdom had long maintained its neutrality, a tradition deeply ingrained in its culture. To align with Parpaldia would be to forsake that neutrality and invite the ire of Gra Valkas.

Kiritoshi stepped forward, his voice calm but firm. "Your Majesty, may I speak?"

King Haruto nodded, his gaze shifting to his trusted swordsman.

"While the offer is generous, it is not without its risks. We must consider the long-term consequences of allowing a foreign power to establish a military presence on our soil. Our neutrality has kept us safe for centuries. To abandon it now could lead to unforeseen repercussions."

Ambassador Drakan's expression remained composed, but a flicker of frustration crossed his eyes. "Lord Kiritoshi, the threat from Gra Valkas is real and imminent. They have already conquered numerous island nations to our east. Without a united front, they will only continue to expand their dominion."

King Haruto leaned back in his throne, his fingers steepled in thought. "I understand your concerns, Ambassador. However, the decision to forsake our neutrality is not one to be taken lightly. I will need time to deliberate with my council."

Drakan bowed once more. "Of course, Your Majesty. We appreciate your consideration and hope for a favorable response."

Later that evening, in the privacy of his chambers, King Haruto convened a meeting with his most trusted advisors, including Kiritoshi and the renowned Sword King Shihan. The Sword King was an elderly man, his hair silver but his eyes sharp and filled with wisdom. He had trained generations of Fennese warriors, instilling in them the principles of honor and mastery of the sword.

"The Parpaldians bring an enticing offer," King Haruto began, addressing the room. "But it comes with significant risks. I seek your counsel on this matter."

Shihan stroked his beard thoughtfully. "The Parpaldians are a formidable ally, but their presence would change the very fabric of our kingdom. Our people are proud and independent. They may not take kindly to foreign soldiers on our soil."

Kiritoshi nodded in agreement. "Furthermore, the Gra Valkas Empire is an unknown quantity. Their sudden rise to power and the dark forces behind them are concerning. We may find ourselves caught between two powerful empires."

King Haruto sighed heavily. "Yet we cannot ignore the potential benefits. Access to advanced technology could propel our kingdom forward in ways we cannot yet imagine. We must weigh the potential gains against the risks."

As the council debated late into the night, the implications of the decision loomed large over Tree of Heaven Castle. The future of the Fenn Kingdom hung in the balance, a delicate equilibrium between tradition and progress, neutrality and alliance.

The following morning, as the first light of dawn crept over the horizon, King Haruto stood before his people in the castle courtyard. The Parpaldian delegation was present, their eyes fixed on the king as he prepared to make his announcement.

"People of Fenn," King Haruto began, his voice resonating with authority. "We stand at a crossroads in our history. The Parpaldian Empire has offered us a path to advancement and security, but it comes at the cost of our cherished neutrality."

Murmurs spread through the crowd, a mix of apprehension and curiosity.

"After much deliberation with my council," the king continued, "we have decided to decline the Parpaldian offer. Our neutrality has preserved our way of life for centuries, and we shall uphold it. However, we will not remain idle in the face of potential threats. We will strengthen our defenses and seek new alliances that respect our sovereignty."

Ambassador Drakan's face remained impassive, but a glimmer of disappointment was evident in his eyes. He bowed respectfully. "We respect your decision, Your Majesty. Should you ever reconsider, know that the Parpaldian Empire stands ready to offer its assistance."

With that, the Parpaldian delegation departed, leaving behind a sense of tension in the courtyard. King Haruto turned to his people, his expression grave but determined.

XXXXXXXXXXXX

Two days later, the tranquility of Amanoki was shattered by the arrival of another delegation, this time from the Gra Valkas Empire. Their ship, a massive black dreadnought, loomed ominously over the harbor. The vessel, bristling with cannons and armored plating, was a stark reminder of the empire's might.

Ambassador Dallas, a tall man with a cruel sneer and an air of arrogance, disembarked with a contingent of heavily armed soldiers. The townsfolk watched in fear as the delegation made its way to the Tree of Heaven Castle.

In the grand hall, King Haruto awaited their arrival, flanked by Kiritoshi and Sword King Shihan. The atmosphere was tense, the air thick with anticipation. The Gra Valkan delegation entered with an air of superiority that was almost palpable. Leading them was a man in an ornate uniform, his eyes cold and calculating. He did not bow.

"I am Ambassador Dallas of the Gra Valkas Empire," he announced, his voice dripping with contempt. "We come with demands that you would be wise to accept."

King Haruto's expression remained impassive. "State your demands."

Dallas stepped forward, his posture one of arrogance. "The Kingdom of Fenn is to forfeit its government, economy, military, all of its lands, territorial waters, and airspace, and accept Gra Valkan overlordship. All known information regarding deposits of natural resources in Fenn territory are to be surrendered to the Gra Valkas Empire."

Ambassador Dallas, with a sneer that conveyed both disdain and arrogance, continued his list of demands. His voice echoed through the grand hall, a sharp contrast to the respectful tone used by the Parpaldian envoy days before.

"All Fenn citizens are to be conscripted, and their welfare and rights are to be surrendered to the Gra Valkas Empire. Any individual guilty of propagating propaganda that tarnishes the image of the empire or has committed heinous acts against the empire is to be handed over to the Gra Valkas Empire immediately to be tried and punished. The right to freedom of speech of all Fenn citizens is to be forfeited. The royal house of Fenn is to swear fealty and loyalty to the imperial house of Gra Valkas; else, their continued survival isn't guaranteed. Fenn is to adopt a government that best suits the natives' interests. Lastly, Fenn is to recognize the extraterritoriality of Gra Valkan citizens."

King Haruto's face remained stoic, but an underlying tension was evident in the tightness of his jaw. Kiritoshi's hand instinctively moved to his katana, his knuckles white from the force of his grip. The Sword King Shihan, though outwardly calm, had a dangerous glint in his eye.

Ambassador Dallas smirked, misinterpreting the silence for submission. "I trust you understand the gravity of your situation, Your Majesty. Compliance with these terms will ensure the continued existence of your kingdom under the benevolent rule of the Gra Valkas Empire."

The silence in the hall was thick, oppressive. Then, Kiritoshi stepped forward, his voice cold and controlled. "Ambassador Dallas, your arrogance is insufferable. To demand the complete subjugation of our people, our land, and our sovereignty is beyond reprehensible."

Dallas's eyes narrowed, a sneer curling his lips. "Careful, swordsman. You speak to an envoy of the mightiest empire in the known world. Your defiance will only lead to your destruction."

Kiritoshi's eyes blazed with fury. "Fennese Style: Heaven Splitting Slash!"

In an instant, Kiritoshi's blade was drawn, glowing with an ethereal blue light. The energy slash he unleashed was swift and powerful, cutting through the air with a roar. Dallas barely had time to react, his eyes widening in shock as the energy wave struck, sending him sprawling to the ground, his uniform scorched and torn.

The soldiers accompanying Dallas moved to draw their weapons, but the Sword King Shihan raised his hand, his voice a commanding presence in the hall. "Enough."

The soldiers froze, their eyes darting between their fallen ambassador and the formidable figures before them. Shihan's voice was calm but filled with authority. "Take your ambassador and leave. Tell your emperor that the Kingdom of Fenn will never bow to such tyrannical demands."

Dallas, struggling to his feet, glared at Kiritoshi with a mix of fear and rage. "This isn't over," he spat. "You will regret this insolence."

Kiritoshi's gaze was steely. "We shall see."

After the Gra Valkan delegation was escorted out of the Tree of Heaven castle, King Haruto turned to his advisors, the weight of the recent encounter heavy on his shoulders.

"We have seen the true nature of the Gra Valkas Empire," he said, his voice grave. "Their demands are unacceptable, and their arrogance knows no bounds. We must decide our next course of action."

Kiritoshi nodded. "The Parpaldian offer, though it comes with its own risks, seems the lesser of two evils. Aligning with them would grant us access to advanced technology and powerful allies."

Shihan stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Parpaldia's might is undeniable. With Parpaldia on our side, we would indeed fear nothing."

The might of the Parpaldian Empire loomed over the Fenn Kingdom like a titanic custodian. Where Fenn's population numbered a modest 8 million souls, the Parpaldian Empire boasted an astonishing 880 million, a staggering difference that spoke volumes of their vast resources and influence.

In the realm of naval power, the Fenn Kingdom's fleet, comprised of 210 ship-of-the-line vessels armed with muzzle-loaded cannons, seemed woefully inadequate compared to the Parpaldian Empire's vast armada. With a formidable fleet of 422 state-of-the-art magic dreadnoughts and dragon carriers, not to mention nearly 4000 smaller vessels at their command, the Parpaldians dominated the seas with an iron grip. These dreadnoughts, bristling with cutting-edge magical weaponry, were the pinnacle of naval engineering in the Third Civilization Area, rendering Fenn's antiquated vessels little more than floating relics of a bygone era.

But it was in the skies where the Parpaldian Empire truly asserted its dominance. While Fenn could muster a meager force of 500 wyvern lords, skilled riders atop their draconic mounts, Parpaldia boasted a veritable horde of 15,000 wyvern overlords, the apex predators of the skies. These beasts, bred and trained for war, struck fear into the hearts of all who dared oppose the empire. Additionally, Parpaldia possessed 7,000 Wind Dragons, a formidable creatures that is basically the exported version of the mighty Storm Dragons of the Divine Kingdom of Emor, a superpower in its own right. With their unmatched aerial superiority, the Parpaldians held sway over the heavens, their presence casting a shadow over the Fenn Kingdom and its allies.

King Haruto sighed, the weight of his decision pressing heavily upon him. "Very well. We shall accept the Parpaldian offer. Summon Ambassador Drakan. It is time to forge an alliance."

The next day, Ambassador Lucius Drakan returned to Tree of Heaven Castle, this time with a more hopeful expression. He was ushered into the grand hall, where King Haruto awaited with his advisors.

"Ambassador Drakan," King Haruto began, "we have considered your proposal. The Kingdom of Fenn will accept the Parpaldian Empire's offer. We shall grant you the land you seek for your military outpost, and in return, we look forward to the benefits of your Technological Outflow Program."

Drakan's face lit up with a smile. "Your Majesty, this is a wise decision. Together, we shall stand strong against the threat of Gra Valkas. The Parpaldian Empire is honored to count the Kingdom of Fenn among its allies."

The agreement was formalized in a grand ceremony, with representatives from both nations present. The Fennese and Parpaldian flags were raised side by side, symbolizing the new alliance. King Haruto and Ambassador Drakan signed the treaty, sealing the pact that would shape the future of both nations.

With the alliance in place, preparations for the establishment of the Parpaldian military outpost began in earnest. Engineers and construction crews from both Fenn and Parpaldia worked together to clear the forested land and build fortifications. The outpost, named Fort Haruto in honor of the Fennese king, quickly took shape, its walls rising high and strong.

In Amanoki, the capital of the Fenn Kingdom, factories began churning out weapons and supplies for the anticipated conflict. The Parpaldian Technological Outflow Program provided blueprints and training for advanced machinery, transforming the Fennese industry almost overnight.

Kiritoshi oversaw the training of the kingdom's warriors, integrating new techniques and strategies learned from the Parpaldian military advisors. The Sword King Shihan continued to teach the ancient ways of the Fennese sword art, ensuring that the kingdom's martial heritage was preserved even as they embraced modern advancements.

As the days turned into weeks, the tension in the air grew palpable. The Gra Valkas Empire had not responded to the rebuff of their demands, but everyone knew it was only a matter of time before they made their move.

Morning skies above Amanoki, Fenn Kingdom, Central Calendar Year 10641, Month 5, Day 25

Susanow, commander of the Storm Dragon Unit of the Divine Army of the Gahara Thearcy, was flying in the skies above the capital of their neighbor country, the Fenn Kingdom. Today was the military festival that was held in the Fenn Kingdom once every 5 years. In lieu of that, 12 Storm dragons from the Gahara Thearcy were visiting as goodwill ambassadors and demonstrating their prowess by flying in formation. Countless military officials from every country outside the civilized regions attend this military festival to compare military tech and show off their own equipment. Since every country flaunted their level of military strength, this military festival also served as a way to keep in check of other countries.

Susanow looked down from the skies above. He saw 8 grey, eccentric-looking ships and a small, clean, white-painted ship. One of the grey ships was big enough to allow for a Storm dragon to land. They seem to have come from an emerging country to the east called China.

"How dazzling."

Susanow's Storm dragon partner said.

Clad in blue scales that allow it to blend into the sky, it was a magnificent beast. With an inkling of brightness from its wings, the Storm dragon, which uses its magical power to fly, boasts incredible intellect and is able to understand the words of men. They normally don't serve or attend to the needs of people but due to the so-called divine power possessed by the Gahara Thearcy, they were able to enter into an agreement with the Storm dragons, permitting them to use them however they see fit.

"There are no clouds today, indeed."

There were little clouds scattered about as the sun shined.

"No. I didn't mean the sun. Those grey ships down there are shining out lines of light in all sorts of directions at a fast speed."

"Light from those ships? I don't see anything, though."

"Hmph… Humans can't see it. It's the light we wind dragons use to communicate with one another over long distances and is invisible to the human eye. It also allows us to verify if there is something flying and what it is. The light emanating from those ships is similar to that."

"So you noticed because you're a Storm dragon? How far can they see?"

"It differs from individual to individual. I can see up to 240km. The light that those ships emit are far stronger than what I can emit and are much more focused."

"…So what you mean to say is that those ships can communicate from far away using means different from manacomms as well as see dragons flying in places too far for the eye?"

"Yes. That is the case for all 8 grey ships down there."

"China, huh… They're a much more interesting country than I previously thought…"

Type-55 destroyer Anshan, People's Liberation Army Navy

"Unbelievable…"

"I know, but there's no mistaking it…"

The radar operators on the Type-55 destroyer Anshan were astounded. The creatures flying above – Storm dragons from the Gahara Thearcy – were emitting electromagnetic waves similar to radar on a destroyer. These dragons possessed an innate ability to detect objects over long distances, a capability thought to be exclusive to advanced mechanical technology.

"We've confirmed it," the radar operator said, his voice tinged with awe. "Those dragons are emitting radar waves."

The captain of the Anshan, Captain Ma, nodded thoughtfully. "So, it's possible there are forces outside the Civilized Regions utilizing these creatures on a large scale. We must report this to headquarters."

As the Chinese delegation explored Amanoki, they couldn't help but make jokes about the peculiar similarities between the Fennese culture and certain Japanese anime and hentai tropes.

In a quiet corner of the harbor, a group of Chinese marines stood guard, their eyes scanning the bustling streets of Amanoki. The architecture, reminiscent of ancient Japan in anime, sparked a humorous conversation.

"You know," one marine said, adjusting his helmet, "if I see one more girl with cat ears and a skimpy outfit, I'm going to start thinking we're in some kind of twisted hentai universe."

Another marine laughed. "Yeah, and what's with those oversized swords? It's like they're overcompensating for something. If one of these guys whips out a sword that's bigger than him, I swear I'm going to lose it."

The first marine smirked. "I half-expect to see one of these cat-eared girls getting stuck in a window or something, just waiting for some guy to 'help' her out."

The group burst into laughter.

Meanwhile, a few diplomats were strolling through a market, marveling at the variety of goods. One of them, Liu, nudged his colleague, Zhang, and pointed at a stand selling intricately designed fans and traditional clothing.

"Hey, Zhang," Liu whispered, "do you think they have those magical girl outfits here? You know, the ones that transform and sparkle with every twirl?"

Zhang laughed. "Oh man, can you imagine? We should get one for General Chen's daughter. She'd love it. But if she starts summoning spirits while half-naked, I'm out of here."

Liu grinned. "And what if she gets those ridiculously bouncy physics? Like, her chest moves in ways that defy all laws of nature and gravity."

Zhang chuckled. "Right? And don't forget the transformation scenes. Always with the dramatic poses and the conveniently placed beams of light or ribbons."

Liu laughed. "Yeah, ribbons that somehow cover just enough to be modest but leave little to the imagination."

At another stall, a marine named Chen noticed a display of strangely shaped bottles and potions.

"Hey, Wang, check this out," Chen called. "These look like those love potions from ecchi anime. You know, the ones that make people fall head over heels after just one sip."

Wang laughed. "Yeah, and then they go all crazy, confessing their undying love and doing anything to be with their 'master.'"

Chen grinned. "Or worse, they start getting all touchy-feely and lose all their inhibitions. Talk about a recipe for chaos."

Back at their temporary headquarters, a few Chinese officials were discussing the cultural exchange between Fenn and their homeland. The conversation quickly took a humorous turn.

"Imagine if our next diplomatic mission involves negotiating with a dragon girl," one of the officials joked. "You know, the kind with horns, a tail, clothes that seem to disappear whenever she transforms, and probably some tragic backstory about how she's the last of her kind."

Another official shook his head, laughing. "And don't forget, she'll probably fall in love with the protagonist – I mean, our ambassador. It's always the quiet, mysterious ones – after some awkward and accidental groping scenes."

The first official grinned. "Yeah, and she'll probably call him 'Master' in that cutesy voice while blushing furiously."

A third official joined in. "And there's always that one scene where they end up in a bath together, completely by accident, and she's mortified but can't look away."

The room erupted in laughter, the vivid imagery bringing tears to their eyes.

Later in the day, as the festival continued, a Chinese marine named Wang found himself talking to a Fennese swordsman who was demonstrating his skills. The swordsman, with his ornate katana and flowing robes, looked like he had stepped straight out of a historical drama.

"Do you guys have those tournaments where you fight to protect a princess or something?" Wang asked, grinning. "You know, like in those animes where the hero always wins despite all odds?"

The swordsman smiled politely. "We do have tournaments, but the princesses here are quite capable of defending themselves."

Wang laughed. "Of course, they are! Next thing you'll tell me is they have magical powers and can summon dragons."

The swordsman raised an eyebrow. "Well, actually..."

Wang's eyes widened in mock horror. "Oh no, it's all true! We're in an anime!"

As night fell and the festivities wound down, a group of Chinese marines sat around a campfire, sharing stories and jokes to lighten the mood after the day's events.

"You know," one marine said, "I've seen enough anime to know where this is going. We're probably going to find some ancient artifact, and it'll turn out to be the key to saving the world."

Another marine nodded. "Yeah, but first, we have to gather a party of diverse characters. We need a tsundere who gets handsy, a kuudere who's secretly a freak, and definitely a loli with inexplicable adult appeal. It's just how these things work."

The first marine grinned. "Don't forget the obligatory beach episode. Always with the skimpiest swimwear and the accidental wardrobe malfunctions."

A third marine chimed in. "And then there's the hot springs episode. You know, where everyone's conveniently wrapped in just a towel and someone always slips, ending up in a compromising position."

The entire group laughed, their camaraderie a small comfort in the strange and challenging world they now found themselves in.

Despite the humor, everyone was impressed by the Chinese vessels. The imposing metal ships overshadowed the wooden galleys sent by other countries outside the Civilized Regions.

As the festival continues, the harbor became a hive of activity. Military officials and dignitaries from various nations mingled, their eyes drawn to the Chinese ships. The air buzzed with anticipation as the Storm dragons continued their majestic flight above, a testament to the power and prowess of the Gahara Thearcy.

Suddenly, the radar operator on the Anshan stiffened. "Commander, we have multiple fast-moving contacts approaching from the east," he reported.

Captain Ma frowned. "How many?"

"Twenty... no, make that twenty-four. They're closing in at 609 kilometers per hour."

"They must be aircraft from another guest country," Captain Ma mused. "It is a military festival, after all."

But as the dots on the radar screen grew closer, a sense of unease settled over the crew. These were not friendly aircraft. They were something else entirely.