Calendar from the Arrival in the New World.
Year 0001, March, Day 22.
A year had passed since the Russian Federation had been transported to this otherworldly realm. A year since the beginning of new relationships, trade agreements, and discoveries that had transformed not only Russia itself but also the two nations of Qua-Toyne and Quilla—making it feel as though their inhabitants were living in an entirely new reality.
From the outset, the Russian government focused on fostering diplomatic relations with this strange, opportunity-rich world. Key treaties were signed with the Qua-Toyne Principality and the Kingdom of Quilla, and the results were astonishing. The first reports from agronomists sparked genuine excitement at the Ministry of Agriculture: Qua-Toyne's soils were surprisingly similar to Russia's but of even higher quality. This opened up the potential for large-scale exchange.
Now, black soil, grains, vegetables, and fruits from Qua-Toyne were transported to Russia, while experienced Russian breeders worked on developing new plant varieties. This project yielded such abundant harvests that agronomists jokingly referred to Qua-Toyne as a "true breadbasket." Agriculture flourished: pests, droughts, or storms could not diminish the volumes of harvested crops. It seemed as though the very nature of this world generously shared its resources.
And that was not the only discovery. Geologists exploring Quilla's lands unearthed genuine treasures hidden beneath the kingdom's surface. Quilla, with its seemingly barren sands and wastelands, turned out to be remarkably rich in natural resources. High-quality oil, natural gas, and rare minerals and metals essential for industry were found in its depths. For geologists and oil workers, this was nothing short of a miracle; they called it the "Klondike of the New World," comparing it to legendary gold reserves.
In return for these resources, the Russian Federation undertook infrastructure development in the Qua-Toyne Principality and the Kingdom of Quilla. Seamless asphalt roads—smooth and durable—were built, far superior to the old stone pavements. These roads connected major cities to new Russian mines and oil fields. Extensive railway networks granted the principality access to strategic resources, making life more convenient and secure for its inhabitants.
However, despite growing collaboration, Russia remained cautious about sharing technology. When Qua-Toyne and Quilla requested access to advanced technologies, Russia refused, citing a new law aimed at preventing technological leakage into this new world, where people mostly still lived in a medieval state. Weapons, too, were strictly prohibited. The Russian side understood perfectly well that even the smallest intervention in this balance could have irreversible consequences.
Nevertheless, Russia willingly shared technologies related to improving logistics and daily life. Major cities in the principality and kingdom gained access to clean water and electricity. Propane gas cylinders appeared in kitchens, allowing residents to cook food and heat water with ease. Life in Qua-Toyne and Quilla gradually became more comfortable, though these conveniences did not spread equally everywhere.
The head of the trade guild showed particular interest in the new technologies. From the moment he first saw samples of Russian equipment and communication devices, he could not hide his excitement. Now, he never missed an opportunity to highlight the advantages of Russian culture and innovations, marveling at how easily they improved life.
"Their conveniences are simply incredible!" he exclaimed at every opportunity. "I believe their quality far surpasses anything we've ever had before! Soon, we might even surpass the standard of living in the Three Civilized Lands!"
But Kanata, the elder leading negotiations on behalf of the Qua-Toyne Principality, was more cautious. While the changes inspired his people, he could not rid himself of doubts and foreboding. One day, during a conversation with the guild leader, he shared his thoughts.
"You know, my dear friend, sometimes I fear for our future," he said quietly, gazing at the green hills beyond the windows. "The Russians are a powerful people, and their military strength is immense. If one day they decide to take over our principality, we won't stand a chance. Sometimes, I think resisting them would be sheer suicide."
The guild leader nodded, though a hint of frustration flickered in his expression.
"I agree; it's concerning. But I'm disappointed that they're unwilling to share weapons with us. We need something to deter Louria, yet we don't have the means."
Kanata sighed, glancing at the endless blue sky above Qua-Toyne. A deep melancholy overtook him—not just for his principality but for a future filled with change and danger. Fleeting thoughts haunted him about what such close ties with a powerful country might lead to, and whether they could preserve their independence in the face of it.
The Kingdom of Louria, Jin-Hark Castle
On a cool spring night in the Kingdom of Louria, under the glow of two silvery moons, the atmosphere inside Jin-Hark Castle was charged with the spirit of secretive conspiracy. High-ranking officials and military commanders loyal to their sovereign—Hark Louria, the thirty-fourth ruler of the kingdom—had gathered to discuss a long-anticipated and meticulously planned campaign to conquer the neighboring states of the Qua-Toyne Principality and the Kingdom of Quilla.
King Hark, stern and imperious, sat on his throne illuminated by torchlight. His gaze swept across the chamber before settling on a resolute man clad in armor, bowing before him. This was Patagine, one of the kingdom's most loyal and dependable generals, a warrior tested in countless battles. His voice, brimming with confidence and determination, rang out in the hall.
"My king, the preparations for the invasion are complete," Patagine declared solemnly, his head still lowered.
Hark straightened, a faint smile gracing his lips. Everything was proceeding according to plan.
"We will be facing two nations," he said thoughtfully. "Do we have the strength to overcome them?"
"These countries are nothing more than a rabble of pitiful peasants and repugnant demi-humans," Patagine replied scornfully. "They pose no threat to us. We simply cannot lose to the likes of them."
The king nodded in satisfaction, though his thoughts lingered on another nation—one that had recently attempted to establish contact with Louria. He turned to a silver-haired man in robes, his wise chancellor.
"What have you learned about the Russian Federation, which reached out to us a month ago?" he asked with curiosity.
The chancellor, bowing respectfully, began his report. The Russian Federation was located thousands of kilometers from Louria, beyond Qua-Toyne, in the north. Their diplomatic overtures had been rejected; their envoys were suspected of espionage and expelled from the kingdom.
"Though airstrikes cannot entirely obliterate cavalry units, the constant onslaught of terrifying dragon fire without effective countermeasures will break the enemy's morale," the chancellor added, his tone somber.
"I understand. How close Rodenius is to unification! The thought of purging all the filth of demi-humans fills me with unspeakable delight."
"Your Majesty, the unification of Rodenius is inevitable, but do not forget the promise made to us, hehe," a man cloaked in black whispered into the king's ear, his face hidden in shadow.
"Haha, you arrogant wretch, the filth I endure in my castle solely to seize Rodenius through your own hands, with Philades next in line," Hark retorted coldly.
"I will not forget!" the king shouted angrily.
"Speak, Patagine. What is our strategy?"
The man in black smirked at the king's outburst.
"Four hundred of our forces will advance toward Qua-Toyne, while the remainder will secure our borders. Gim, a border city of Qua-Toyne with a population of one hundred thousand, will be our first target. We will seize it, take all their livestock and forage, and march eastward to Qua-Toyne's capital. Our numerical superiority will enable us to storm the capital with ease.
"Unlike our fortified cities, their towns lack defensive fortifications. We will sweep through them like a hot knife through butter. The only challenge will be the port cities of Maihark and Myharka. If we lay siege to them, the principality's food supplies will be swiftly depleted.
"Our wyverns will face no match from the principality's own dead wyverns. Meanwhile, our fleet will blockade Maihark. Quilla is entirely dependent on Qua-Toyne for its food supply. Cutting off trade routes will force Quilla to capitulate quickly.
"As for their forces, they number only fifty thousand, with ten thousand readily mobilizable. They will be annihilated by our overwhelming numbers!"
"At last, the long-awaited unification of Rodenius!" Hark exclaimed, barely able to contain his excitement. His eyes gleamed, and the hall erupted in triumphant cheers.
"Yes! Six long years of invasion planning will culminate in success!"
"Hurrah!"
The feast that followed the war council was filled with anticipation of victory and imminent glory. The rich aroma of wine and roasted meat wafted through the air, and the sounds of merriment and toasts echoed throughout Jin-Hark Castle, as if heralding the storm that was soon to engulf the lands of Rodenius.
Embassy of the Russian Federation, Qua-Toyne Principality
The spring morning outside the office of Alexei Vladimirovich Vishnevsky, the extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassador, gave no indication of impending trouble. A gentle breeze stirred the blooming branches of a tree resembling bird cherry beyond the window, but the ambassador's gaze was fixed inward, beyond the beauty and tranquility, to the troubled horizons of diplomacy and looming changes.
A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. His secretary peeked in, a hint of tension in his voice.
"Mr. Ambassador, the Deputy Head of the Foreign Affairs Order, Yago, is requesting an urgent meeting."
Alexei sighed heavily and nodded.
"Very well. Let him come in. Thank you."
A few minutes later, the doors swung open, and Yago, tall and slightly uneasy, entered the office. He was dressed in a formal dark-blue robe, a mark of his status within the principality's government. His usual confidence was visibly shaken, and doubt was etched on his face.
"Good day, Alexei Vladimirovich," Yago greeted, bowing slightly and extending his hand for a handshake.
"Good day, Yago. Please, have a seat," Alexei invited, gesturing toward the chair across from his desk.
They exchanged a handshake, and Yago lowered himself into the chair, his demeanor cautious, as though he were about to deliver deeply troubling news.
"Yago, what brings you here so urgently?" Alexei asked, frowning slightly, sensing that the conversation would be a difficult one.
"It's about the Kingdom of Louria," Yago began, his voice carrying a faint tremor. He averted his eyes, collecting his thoughts, and then continued: "They've started mobilizing their forces. All indications are that war is imminent… King Louria has already declared his intent to annex part of our lands."
Alexei's face remained impassive, but inwardly he tensed. Louria, a powerful nation with an aggressive foreign policy, posed a serious threat to the peaceful principality. The ambassador grasped the gravity of the crisis but sought to instill confidence in Yago.
"I understand the situation is difficult," he said slowly, "but you can rest assured. We will not abandon you."
Yago's eyes widened in surprise and relief. His face, moments ago dark with worry, brightened with genuine gratitude.
"Truly? You will help us?" he asked, his voice carrying a plea for salvation.
Alexei nodded, offering a faint smile, and for a moment, he saw the tension melt away from Yago's face.
"Yes," he said firmly. "The Russian Federation will do everything it can to ensure the protection of your lands."
"Thank you! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!" Yago exclaimed, unable to contain his emotion. Almost forgetting formalities, he clasped the ambassador's hand with renewed vigor.
The light in Yago's eyes was almost childlike, and it moved Alexei, reminding him that he was not only a diplomat but also a man whose actions could alter the destinies of entire nations. Yago, after bidding farewell, left the office with an almost springy stride, as if a heavy burden had been lifted from his shoulders.
Alexei returned to his desk, picked up the phone, and dialed a number.
"Connect me with the Commander-in-Chief," he said briefly, his voice steady and resolute.
Calendar from the Arrival in the New World, Year 0001, April 10. Morning.
At the base of Ejey Fortress, located on the Qua-Toyne border, a sprawling industrial zone was emerging—one with the potential to drastically reshape the region's economy. It was here, at recently discovered mining sites, that rich deposits of tungsten, nickel, and aluminum—rare and strategically vital resources—were unearthed. Gradually, as if rising from the earth itself, an intricate infrastructure began to form around the mines: massive raw material processing plants, transportation hubs, and roads connecting the facilities to Port Myhark. From this port, regular shipments were already being sent to the Russian cities of Sevastopol and Astrakhan, ensuring that these precious resources reached the Russian government's disposal.
Understanding the site's strategic importance, the Russian leadership decided to establish a strict security regime at the mining territory. A military base was constructed around the industrial facilities to repel potential threats and protect its citizens and infrastructure. The base was equipped with several BMP-2M infantry fighting vehicles, armed with machine guns and cannons for defense against both aerial and ground attacks. A command center and a checkpoint, surrounded by guard towers fitted with powerful searchlights and DShKM heavy machine guns, were installed on the grounds. The area was enclosed by a three-meter-high wall topped with barbed wire, with the approaches to the wall mined and reinforced with earthen ramparts. This self-contained mini-city, named "Sloboda," was declared a restricted area under the jurisdiction of the Russian Federation and guarded with the highest level of security.
Inside the settlement, work buzzed with relentless energy. Miners and engineers extracted and processed metals, soldiers stood on active duty, and military trucks and armored vehicles navigated the streets of the small town. At the headquarters located in the center of the Sloboda base, a serious discussion was underway.
"Are you certain?" Colonel Petrov asked with a tense expression. A man with a neatly trimmed beard and graying temples, he wore a crisp military uniform, his piercing gaze fixed on his subordinate. His eyes betrayed concern, but his voice was firm, as though he already anticipated the events to come.
Standing before him was a young officer holding a stack of documents. Shoulders squared and his gaze steady, the officer nodded without hesitation.
"Yes, sir, Colonel!" the officer responded resolutely. "We've received a message from high command. Lourian troops have begun massing near the border with Qua-Toyne. According to intelligence, they're preparing for an invasion and will likely cross the border within the next few days. The Qua-Toyne garrison stationed in the border city of Gim is far too small to hold back such a force. We've been ordered to prepare and await further instructions."
Colonel Petrov narrowed his eyes, processing the information. He was well aware that Louria—a belligerent kingdom with a formidable army and an insatiable appetite for conquest—posed a serious threat. While Russia had promised support to the Qua-Toyne Principality, it was clear to him that battle was inevitable.