Chapter 5. Despair and unexpected help. Part 2
The Calendar Since the Appearance in the New World. Year 0001, March, Day 22.
It had been a year since the Russian Federation was transported to this otherworldly realm. A year since the start of new relationships, deals, and discoveries that had transformed not only Russia itself but also the two nations—Qua-Toyne and Quila—to the point where their people felt like they were living in an entirely new reality.
From the very beginning, the Russian government set its sights on establishing diplomatic relations with this strange, opportunity-filled world. Key agreements were reached with the Principality of Qua-Toyne and the Kingdom of Quila, yielding remarkable results. Early reports from agronomists caused quite a stir in the Ministry of Agriculture: the soil in Qua-Toyne was surprisingly similar to Russian soil but of noticeably higher quality. This discovery opened up vast prospects for large-scale exchange.
Now, black soil, grains, vegetables, and fruits from Qua-Toyne were being transported to Russia, while seasoned Russian breeders worked on developing new plant varieties. This initiative brought such abundant harvests that agronomists jokingly referred to Qua-Toyne as "a true breadbasket." Agriculture flourished: pests, droughts, or storms posed no threat to the volume of crops harvested. It seemed as though the very nature of this world was generously sharing its resources.
And that wasn't the only discovery. Geologists exploring the lands of Quila uncovered incredible treasures hidden beneath the kingdom's surface. Quila, with its seemingly barren sands and wastelands, turned out to be remarkably rich when it came to natural resources. Beneath its ground lay high-quality oil, natural gas, as well as rare minerals and metals critical to industry. For geologists and oil specialists, this was a true marvel—they dubbed it the "Klondike of the New World," comparing it to the legendary gold reserves of the past.
In exchange for these resources, the Russian Federation undertook the development of infrastructure in the Principality of Qua-Toyne and the Kingdom of Quila. Seamless asphalt roads were built, smooth and durable, far surpassing the old stone pavements. These roads connected major cities with new Russian mines and oil rigs. Vast railways opened up access to strategic resources, making life more convenient and safer for the local populations.
However, despite the growing cooperation, Russia was cautious about sharing its technologies. When Qua-Toyne and Quila requested access to advanced technologies, Russia refused, citing a new law designed to prevent technological leaks into the new world, where most people still lived in a medieval-like era. Military equipment was also strictly off-limits. The Russian side understood all too well that even the slightest interference in the local balance of power could have irreversible consequences.
That said, Russia willingly shared technologies related to improving logistics and daily life. Major cities in the principality and kingdom began enjoying clean water and electricity. Propane gas cylinders appeared in kitchens, enabling residents to cook food and heat water with ease. Life in Qua-Toyne and Quila was gradually becoming more comfortable, though these conveniences were not yet equally widespread.
The head of the trade guild took a particular interest in new technologies. From the moment he first saw samples of Russian equipment and communication devices, he couldn't hide his enthusiasm. Now, he never missed a chance to highlight the advantages of Russian culture and innovations, marveling at how effortlessly 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!"
However, Kanata, the elder negotiating on behalf of the Principality of Qua-Toyne, was more cautious. While the changes inspired his people, he couldn't shake off his doubts and troubling forebodings. One day, during a conversation with the guild master, he shared his thoughts.
— "You know, my dear friend, sometimes I feel afraid for our future," — he said quietly, gazing at the green hills beyond the windows. — "The Russians are a mighty people, and their military strength is immense. If they ever decide to take over our principality, we won't stand a chance. Sometimes I think resisting them would be pure suicide."
The guild master nodded, though a hint of frustration flickered in his eyes.
— "I agree, it's concerning. But I'm disappointed that they refuse to share their weaponry with us. We need something to hold Louria at bay, yet we lack sufficient means."
Kanata sighed, gazing at the endless blue sky over Qua-Toyne. A sense of melancholy engulfed him—not only for his principality but also for a future filled with change and danger. Fleeting thoughts about where such close ties with a powerful country might lead wouldn't leave him. He couldn't shake the lingering questions of whether they would be able to maintain their independence.
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 air was thick with the spirit of a clandestine conspiratorial meeting. Within the walls of Jin-Hark Castle, the kingdom's top officials and military commanders, loyal to their sovereign—Hark Louria, the thirty-fourth ruler of the Lourian throne—had gathered. Tonight's discussion centered on a long-conceived and meticulously planned campaign to invade neighboring nations: the Duchy of Qua-Toyne and the Kingdom of Quila.
King Hark, stern and haughty, sat upon his throne, illuminated by the flickering light of torches. His sharp gaze swept across the hall and landed on a valiant man in armor who was bowing before him. This was Patagene, one of the kingdom's most trusted and reliable generals—a warrior tested in dozens of battles. His voice, brimming with confidence and determination, resounded through the hall.
"My King, preparations for the invasion are complete," Patagene declared solemnly, his head still lowered.
Hark straightened, a faint smile playing on his lips. Everything was proceeding according to plan.
"We'll be up against two nations," he said thoughtfully. "Do we have the strength to overcome them?"
"These countries are nothing more than a collection of pathetic peasants and repulsive demi-humans," Patagene replied disdainfully. "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 country—one that had recently attempted to establish contact with Louria. He turned to a gray-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 lay thousands of kilometers from Louria, beyond Qua-Toyne to the north. Their diplomatic overtures had been rejected; their envoys were suspected of espionage and expelled from the kingdom.
Although airstrikes cannot fully destroy a cavalry division, the relentless assault of dragon fire without effective countermeasures will devastate the enemy's morale.
"I see. How close is Rodenius to unification? The thought of scorching away all the filth of the half-bloods fills me with unspeakable pleasure."
"Your Majesty, the unification of Rodenius is inevitable, but do not forget the promise made to us. Heheheh." A man in a black cloak whispered into the king's ear, his face concealed in shadow.
"Ahaha! Such arrogance, you vile creature! You're lucky my eyes tolerate your presence in my castle for the sake of conquering Rodenius with your own hands. Filades will be next."
"I will not forget!" the king shouted angrily.
"Speak, Patagene. What is our strategy?"
The man in the black cloak smirked as he listened to the outburst.
"Four hundred of our forces will march on Qua-Toyne, while the rest will defend our borders. Gim, Qua-Toyne's border city with a population of one hundred thousand, will be our first target. We'll seize it, take all the livestock and provisions from the city, and then head east to Qua-Toyne's capital. Our numerical superiority will allow us to storm the capital with ease.
"Unlike our cities, theirs lack defensive fortifications. We'll cut through them like a hot knife through butter. The only challenge will be Maihark and its port. If we lay siege to it, the duchy's food supplies will quickly run out.
"Our wyverns will face the duchy's inferior wyvern forces. Simultaneously, our fleet will blockade Maihark. Quila, being entirely dependent on Qua-Toyne for food, will quickly capitulate once we sever their supply routes.
"As for their forces, they have only fifty thousand troops in total, of which only ten thousand can be rapidly mobilized. They will be utterly crushed by our overwhelming numbers!"
"This is it—the long-awaited unification of Rodenius!" Hark exclaimed, barely containing his excitement. His eyes gleamed, and the hall erupted in triumphant shouts.
"Yes! Six long years of planning this invasion will finally bear fruit!"
"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 hall, while the sounds of merriment and toasts echoed throughout Jin-Hark Castle, as if heralding the approaching storm set to sweep across the lands of Rodenius.
Embassy of the Russian Federation, Principality of Qua-Toyne
The spring morning outside the office of Alexey Vladimirovich Vishnevsky, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, seemed calm and uneventful. A light breeze swayed the blossoming branches of a tree resembling a bird cherry outside the window, but the ambassador's gaze was fixed far beyond the serene beauty, into the troubling horizons of diplomacy and impending change.
A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. The secretary peeked in, his voice carrying a faint note of tension:
"Mr. Ambassador, Deputy Head of the Foreign Affairs Order, Yago, is requesting an urgent meeting."
Alexey sighed deeply and nodded.
"Very well, let him in. Thank you."
A few moments later, the doors swung open, and Yago entered the office—a tall, slightly uneasy figure clad in a dark blue robe, symbolizing his high rank within the principality's government. His usual confidence seemed shaken, his face betraying uncertainty.
"Good day, Alexey Vladimirovich," Yago greeted him with a slight bow, extending his hand for a handshake.
"Good day, Yago. Please, have a seat," Alexey replied, gesturing toward the chair opposite his desk.
They exchanged a handshake before Yago sat down, looking apprehensive, as though preparing to deliver genuinely alarming news.
"Yago, what brings you here so urgently?" Alexey asked, his brow slightly furrowed, sensing the conversation would be difficult.
"It concerns the Kingdom of Louria," Yago began, his voice trembling ever so slightly. He averted his gaze momentarily, gathering his thoughts, before continuing, "They've begun mobilizing their forces. All signs point to an imminent war… King Louria has already declared his intent to annex part of our lands."
Alexey's face remained impassive, but inwardly, he tensed. Louria, a powerful nation with an aggressive foreign policy, posed a significant threat to the peaceful principality. The ambassador grasped the gravity of the situation but maintained a calm demeanor, hoping to reassure Yago.
"I understand the gravity of the situation," Alexey said slowly. "But you can rest assured—we will not abandon you."
ago's eyes widened in surprise and relief. His face, moments earlier clouded with dread, now brightened with genuine gratitude.
"Truly? You'll provide us with assistance?" he asked, his voice tinged with a desperate hope.
Alexey nodded, offering a slight smile as he watched the tension ease from Yago's expression.
"Yes," he replied firmly. "The Russian Federation will do everything in its power to ensure the safety of your lands."
"Thank you! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!" Yago exclaimed, unable to contain his emotions. Forgetting formalities, he shook the ambassador's hand with renewed vigor.
The light in Yago's eyes was almost childlike, and it moved Alexey, reminding him that he was not merely a diplomat but a man whose actions could shape the destinies of entire nations. Yago, after bidding his farewells, left the office with a spring in his step, as if a heavy burden had been lifted from his shoulders.
Alexey returned to his desk, picked up the phone, and dialed a number.
"Connect me with the Commander-in-Chief," he said succinctly, his voice firm and resolute.
New World Calendar, Year 0001, April 10th. Morning.
At the base of Fort Edge, located on the Qua-Toyne border, a large industrial zone was rapidly expanding, poised to revolutionize the region's economy. Here, in recently discovered deposits, rich veins of tungsten, nickel, and aluminum—rare and strategically valuable resources—had been uncovered. Gradually, as if rising from the ground itself, a complex infrastructure grew around the mines: massive processing plants, transportation hubs, and roads connecting them to Port Myhark. From this port, regular shipments were already being sent to the Russian cities of Sevastopol and Astrakhan, through which these precious resources were channeled to the Russian government.
Recognizing the strategic importance of the site, the Russian leadership decided to implement a strict security regime in the mining area. Around the industrial facilities, a military base was established to repel potential attacks and protect both civilians and infrastructure. Several BMP-2M infantry fighting vehicles, equipped with machine guns and cannons for defense against air and ground assaults, were deployed to the base. The area was fortified with a command post, a checkpoint surrounded by guard towers armed with powerful spotlights and heavy DShKM machine guns. A three-meter wall topped with barbed wire encircled the site, with the approaches to the wall mined and blocked by earthworks. This mini-city, named Sloboda, was declared a restricted area of the Russian Federation and guarded with the utmost rigor.
Inside the settlement, life was bustling. Miners and engineers extracted and processed metals, soldiers maintained combat readiness, and military trucks and armored vehicles moved steadily through the streets of the small town. At the headquarters, located in the heart of the Sloboda base, a serious conversation was underway.
"Are you certain?" asked the colonel with a tense expression. A man with a short beard and graying temples, dressed in a formal military jacket, he stared intently at his subordinate. Worry was etched on his face, though his voice was steady, as if bracing for the coming events.
Standing before him was a young officer holding a stack of documents. His shoulders were squared, his gaze fixed firmly ahead. He nodded without hesitation.
"Absolutely, sir!" the officer replied firmly. "We've received word from high command. Lourian forces have begun massing near the Qua-Toyne border. According to intelligence, they're preparing for an invasion and are likely to cross the border in the coming days. The forces of the Qua-Toyne garrison stationed in the border town of Gim are far too small to hold off such an army. We've been ordered to prepare and await further instructions."
The colonel squinted, processing the information. He was well aware that Louria was an aggressive kingdom with a powerful military and an insatiable appetite for conquest. While Russia had pledged its support to the Principality of Qua-Toyne, it was clear to him that a battle was inevitable.