Briefing Room, Bright Hill, Oured, Osean Federation — March 5, 2020

  “For something we deployed a lot earlier than anticipated, those DarkStars definitely performed a lot better than your people were expecting…”

  Vice Chairman Edwards nodded in acknowledgement as he and the President watched the footage from Trigger’s fighter against the defenses of Pal Cowne Zero—with aerial feats that beggared belief, the suspected Singularity proceeded to sweep through every weapon firing at him with breathtaking precision and ease. For a young pilot with supposedly minimal combat experience prior to the Transference itself, his performance would easily place his skill set amongst the likes of the Razgriz or even Mobius One, the two men mused; if he played his cards right, a nugget like him could soon find himself in for a long and successful career within the OADF or even beyond…

  “Even amongst our conventional pilots, the DarkStar’s ability to completely outrun both Annorial SAMs and fighters—assuming they were even detected by their radars in the first place—was widely noted in their subsequent reports. Some seem to have even compared it to a Foxbat with stealth capabilities; I suppose we can be grateful that the Annorials haven’t quite developed the magical equivalent to the MiG-25 just yet.”

  “Small comforts,” Bartlett murmured, “at least until the Annorials start to adapt to our planes. Clements, what did Three Strikes have to say about the DarkStar during his mission?”

  In the corner of the room beside the controls to the holographic display, Lieutenant General Clements frowned as he pulled up a stack of papers from his briefcase and sorted through the contents for Trigger’s feedback. “Well, he did seem to have some concerns about the plane’s maneuverability during close-quarters-combat and dogfighting—to be fair, the DarkStar was designed more towards long-range airstrikes and BVR than direct air-to-air combat, but if our less skilled pilots were to be intercepted en route or within the AO then they would have had a bit of a situation on their hands.”

  Bartlett frowned. “I thought the SR-72 was supposed to be a long-range all-rounder capable of going beyond the range of even our regular fighters. What gives?”

  “Clearly, we might have to consider creating variants designed towards more specific taskings rather than the multirole we originally designed if we want to see better results for our hypersonic prototype.” The Vice Chairman was visibly unhappy as he considered the implications of the results, already calculating the possible costs and limitations for Osea’s long-term national defense. “That, or we drastically limit the usage of the DarkStar to specific targets unless we’re deploying a Singularity to the mission at hand.”

  “What other options do we have?”

  “That wouldn’t essentially diminish and undermine the role of the DarkStars as a long-range QRF force? Hardly anything, Mr. President: we’d have to establish bases within the major Civilization Areas and continents for our shorter-range fighters or dispatch our Fleets as an alternative—”

  “The former would require us to open negotiations with the local superpowers, which would potentially entail them forcing us to provide concessions in return for their cooperation: trade and economic agreements at best, or support to them for their own local conflicts or even the dissemination of our more advanced weapons to their armies at worst,” Clarkson pointed out. “We’re also talking about potentially stretching out our own forces across Elysia, which will be a nuisance in terms of both logistics and defending our homeland against a potential invading force like the Annorials. Wasn’t the whole point of the DarkStar Program essentially preventing us from getting into these kinds of situations?”

  Bartlett frowned. “The Arkbird?”

  “It’s effective in directly hitting large targets and intercepting Annorial missiles,” Edwards replied, “but it can only be in one place at a time…”

  “The Milishials could perhaps be persuaded to let us establish an IUN base within their sphere of influence if we gave them some of our recovered Pal Aurorae instead of the schematics for the likes of Stonehenge,” the President proposed, “or—”

  With a light cough, Clements drew the attention of the room towards himself. “There is another potential solution to this, sirs, if I might make a suggestion?”

  The President paused. “Go ahead.”

  From underneath the table, Clements pulled out a sizeable scroll that was as massive as it was visibly aged, its width a few inches away from encompassing the table itself—the officials present quickly moved their documents and beverages out of the way as the file unfurled before the President, revealing to be a blueprint for what appeared to be some kind of aerial vessel. Examining its contents, Bartlett frowned while Edwards’s eyes widened in recognition.

  “The CL-1201?! Brigadier General, you’re not seriously proposing—”

  “What exactly am I looking at here, Clements?”

  “It’s an old proposal that the Osean military developed during the Cold War, after the Belkans began fielding their early prototypes for what would eventually become Hresvelgr—it’s a nuclear powered aerial aircraft carrier and command ship, capable of deploying and refuelling conventional fighters with far greater mobility and range than even the likes of the Kestrel and Vulture. It’s a lot similar to the Arsenal Birds—actually, if I remember correctly, the concept for aerial superweapons such as the Estovakians’ Aigaion and the Arsenal Birds themselves took direct inspiration from the likes of the CL-1201 and Hresvelgr—”

  “Aigaion and Hresvelger both ended up getting shot down by Singularities, and required considerable resources to both construct and operate,” Edwards countered. “We’re also talking about bringing nuclear reactors to active warzones—if one of these beasts crashes into Cartalpas or Otatheit and a meltdown happens, the diplomatic shitstorm we’ll be facing’s going to make even the whole Eshirant Crisis look tame in comparison!”

  “Cleanup efforts, displacement of populations affected by the spread of radiation, financial compensation for long-term irradiation of property and health, diplomatic concessions in return for them accepting our apologies and sending in our own specialists to assist,” Clarkson listed down, his face scrunched in thought, “and what about the protests that the likes of Ragna or Runepolis will undoubtedly have about one of these massive birds flying over their airspace in the first place?”

  “Alternatives to nuclear power already exist, and the Milishials have their own Pal Chimerae within their own skies,” Clements replied, intent on defending his arguments as he pointed towards the other materials he had placed atop the blueprint. “Besides, this is meant to help the likes of the Gra Valkans and Milishials in case the Annorials decide to hit them as well—if they agree for our help in the form of sending one of these over as a QRF, their governments will effectively be implicitly agreeing to take the risk of these getting shot down, anyway!”

  “Exactly what kind of proposals do you have for alternatives to nuclear power?”

  The Lieutenant General frowned, rubbing his chin as he tried to recall the words of the researchers who had originally presented him with the idea. “The brains over at the DoD had a rough list of ideas: wireless microwaves from the Space Elevator, fossil fuels imported from Quila and Esperanto, experimental quantum entanglement systems similar to that of the Electrosphere…”

  “As a concept, it does have merit,” Bartlett mused, “but you’ll need more evidence to support your proposal of spending taxpayers’ money on some kind of advanced version of the Arsenal Birds, especially considering the amount of cash we’re bleeding through just to keep all of our existing superweapons running. As compared to, say, simply establishing more bases within Elysia, or constructing another Arkbird, or creating an air superiority variant of the DarkStar…”

  “I should probably also note that this administration also has less than a year left in its term,” Clarkson also pointed out, “and even if we did agree to these proposals, the next President might not necessarily share our views about increasing investment in our already sizable arsenal of experimental superweapons. We should probably wait until the elections wrap up before bringing this subject up again.”

  Bartlett turned towards the Vice Chairman. “Exactly how much cash do we have left in the budget for defense, Edwards?”

  “Not a lot. As you’ve mentioned, the Arkbird, Arsenal Birds, DarkStars, and Lighthouse ate up a significant bit of our annual funds—and that’s not including reconstructing our satellite networks and blowing up empires in over three different continents within the past six months. The next budget won’t be agreed upon until the next Legislature meets—after the elections.”

  Seeing that his proposal wasn’t going anywhere in the near future, Clements sighed and decided to concede the point for now. “If that’s the case, I guess I’ll have to bring this up again later, once the next President enters office—perhaps our researchers might actually be able to address your concerns regarding the CL-1201 with the extra time they now have in their hands.”

  “Good man,” the President nodded. “Now, if there are no more suggestions, then I suggest we reconvene at a later time; I distinctly recall some kind of delegation arrived in Oured today from the Elysian embassies—”

  “Minister Phiam from the Holy Milishial Empire?” Clarkson queried.

  “Oh, yeah, the meeting with the Elysian Defence Initiative! I nearly forgot about that.” The President frowned in thought, turning towards Ambassador Clarkson and the other civilian officials present. “What exactly are they here in Oured for?”

  Clarkson shrugged. “Gra Valkas? The whole mess with the Annorials? Another attempt at getting superweapons for the Milishials?”

  “Considering the whole thing we announced about the links between the Annorials and the Ravernals, the Milishials will likely have a vested interest in getting something out of the whole situation,” Edwards mused. “The fact that we’ve managed to temporarily muzzle Magicaregia without them knowing or even being involved is bound to have ruffled some feathers—the Milishials with their superiority complex and all that riffraff.”

  “Well, I guess we’re going to have to see for ourselves,” Bartlett concluded, sighing as he rose to his feet. “Gentlemen, get me another report that addresses the shortcomings brought up in this meeting for the original Cold War design, and I or whoever succeeds me might be able to give full authorization and find the necessary funds for your new project. In the meantime, let’s see what our Elysian neighbours want from us this time, shall we?”

  Presidential Study, Bright Hill, Oured, Osean Federation — March 5, 2020

  Minister Phiam smiled warmly as he and the other envoys from the First Civilization Area shook President Bartlett’s hand in greeting, doing likewise with Ambassador Clarkson and the other Osean officials in the Study. “President Bartlett, it’s a pleasure to be meeting with you again on behalf of the Holy Milishial Empire. My colleagues and I hope that today’s discussions prove to be fruitful and beneficial for our nations in the years to come.”

  “Indeed,” Bartlett tactfully replied, mentally recalling the fallout from the last proposal by the Milishials to replicate the likes of Stonehenge and SOLG for their own anti-Ravernal defenses. “We are, of course, rather curious as to the nature of your visit to Bright Hill—for envoys from all the key nations of the First Civilization Area to come to us as a group is rather surprising, to say the least.”

  “Undoubtedly, it should enlighten you in regards to the significance of our presence here today!” Ambassador Moriaul declared, his dragon scales shifting between colors as he spoke with no small amount of confidence as the other Elysians present nodded in agreement. “We bring great tidings and an offer that only equals in strength and influence can present before each other—the Kingdom of Emor is certain that your nation, as a fellow superpower, might understand.”

  The President and his advisors shot each other an uneasy look.

  “We should probably start our discussions, shouldn’t we?”

  With surprising speed, the Oseans and Elysians present quickly found their respective seats around Bartlett’s desk at the centre of the Study; Ambassador Clarkson and the Vice President sat down on both of his sides, while Phiam and his colleagues chose to take the wide couches in front of the desk. Bartlett quietly observed the diplomats and dignitaries around him for how they composed themselves: Phiam was silent but solemn in his posture, his colleagues clearly deferring to him in regards communicating their views, while Moriaul faced the Oseans with the dignified arrogance that the Dragonfolk of Emor presented towards outsiders. For a Emorian to have agreed to not only leave their notoriously insular realm but to travel beyond even the Third Civilization Area was nothing if not surprising—either their Milishial allies must have taken a significant amount of effort to ensure their participation in whatever this was, the President mused, or Emor itself truly viewed Osea as a nation of importance for what other Elysian nations would undoubtedly consider an invaluable honor.

  Phiam was the first to speak, addressing Bartlett with a respectful tone given between equals. “As you are no doubt aware, the Holy Milishial Empire and its partners in the First Civilization Area are concerned about the growing possibility of the Ancient Sorcerous Empire’s return within the near future, to say nothing about the actions of their Annorial descendants in the past few months. To combat this threat, we have taken steps to create a new geopolitical alliance dedicated to ensuring Elysia’s continued prosperity—the Elysian Defense Initiative, as you know.”

  Bartlett nodded. “A fitting name, undoubtedly. And is there a running list as to who’s agreed to join this organization of yours?”

  “Nothing less than the most powerful nations of the New World,” the Emor diplomat declared, his robes shifting and his scales changing color as he spoke, “and those that see the wisdom of joining us in our noble cause!”

  Phiam shot his counterpart a pointed look as he turned to address the President’s query.

  “That is partly one of the reasons as to why we are here, Mr. President. The Elysian Defense Initiative recognizes that the Osean Federation possesses significant influence within the wider Elysian community—and the military strength to back it—which is why our respective nations wish to formally extend an invitation to your country to join our alliance. In the name of ensuring the lasting safety of our world, and with the threat that the Annorials pose, surely your government would see the logic in making such a decision?”

  The President paused as Ambassador Clarkson and his Vice President leaned towards him. “A moment, if you will. Gabriel, what is it?”

  “Mr. President,” Clarkson whispered, “it’s a noble goal and definitely something we might be interested in taking part in, but what exactly do they have to gain from us being officially part of their efforts?”

  Bartlett frowned. “Surely not getting atomised by core magic isn’t something everyone in Elysia wants?”

  “You are aware about the reputation the First Civilization Area nations have elsewhere, right?”

  “I might also add,” the Vice President interjected, “that our folks aren’t exactly too happy about us getting into constant wars ever since we ended up here. Not that we weren’t the instigators these past few times, mind you, but it is a bit much even by our standards.”

  “Which brings me to my other point, Mr. President,” Clarkson added. “What exactly is the EDI going to do in the meantime? Help them subjugate some low-tier nations? Send planes to blow up Gra Valkas?”

  Recognising the points raised by his staff, the President nodded. “Alright, I’ll raise your points and come to a decision based on how they respond. That fine with you both?”

  The three men turned to look back at the Elysians, Bartlett leaning forward on his desk in careful thought.

  “Delegates of the Elysian Defense Initiative, the Osean Federation does recognise the importance of a concerted effort amongst our fellow nations in seeing off the potential threat of the Ancient Sorcerous Empire, but we have…concerns about the logistics behind such an organization. How exactly would this alliance work? Who would be the one leading such an effort? What exactly are the EDI’s intentions with nations such as Gra Valkas?”

  Minister Phiam was the first to reply to Bartlett’s question, turning towards him to respond. “The Holy Milishial Empire and its partners have accumulated invaluable knowledge and artifacts of the Sorcerers and are in the process of developing or reverse-engineering methods of defending ourselves. We understand that the Osean Federation has also uncovered vital information about the nature of the Sorcerers’ weapons in its recent conflict with the Annorial Empire—with your help, our efforts to create countermeasures for Elysia in preparation for the fight ahead could be vastly accelerated.”

  “We do not look upon this effort lightly—if any one of our members are directly threatened by an external threat,” the Agarthan diplomat added, “then we as a whole would be immediately compelled to respond through all means necessary: our combined economic, political, and military might would be all but unstoppable!”

  “As our long history with Elysia and our preexisting positions within the international community as harbingers of order and civilization, we feel that having the superpowers of the First Civilization Area become the leaders of the Elysian Defense Initiative is all but necessary for the success of this organization. If a multinational military coalition is deemed necessary, then the Milishial government and its partners will take precedence in directing all efforts to ensure the existing order—the Concert of Elysia—is not disturbed.”

  “If you say so,” Ambassador Clarkson replied doubtfully, “but what about the Osean Federation? What about Mu—or the other nations beyond the First Civilization Area who lack the prestige and power that your nations possess?”

  “The nation of Mu has also expressed its own interest in joining the EDI,” Minister Phiam pointed out, “in light of the developing situation with Gra Valkas and the destruction of Leifor. And as for the other nations of Elysia—”

  The Emor delegate shifted on his seat, arrogantly dismissing the President’s skepticism. “Why should you concern yourself with the opinions of lesser nations? We are the premier superpowers of Elysia! Who are we to let the words of barbarians beyond our realm dictate how we choose to defend them from a threat against us all?”

  “By your logic and that of your peoples, the Osean Federation would technically be considered a ‘barbarian’ nation by nature of being located beyond even the Third Civilization Area—and yet here you are in Oured, asking for our help,” Bartlett drily replied. “Are you sure those are the words that you would use to describe my nation along with its partners in Elysia?”

  Realising he had inadvertently insulted their host, Moriaul bowed lightly in acknowledgment. “My apologies, President.”

  President Bartlett sighed, shaking his head in disapproval. “In any case, your proposal, while undoubtedly important and vital for the long-term security of Elysia in principle, raises key issues that my government—to say nothing of the people that elected it or the nations that currently look up to Osea for the peace and stability that your alliance seeks to maintain—may find rather difficult to fully support. As of right now, our existing diplomatic arrangements through the IUN are currently more than satisfactory in arranging for military or humanitarian assistance within Elysia at this time.”

  “I should also add that our nation is currently going through its presidential and legislative elections,” Clarkson pointed out, hoping to smoothen his superior’s refusal for their guests, “and even if we were to agree to join the EDI, the administration that succeeds the current government might not share whatever views we might have about the virtues or shortcomings of this alliance. Perhaps it would be better if you were to approach Oured again once the next President has been sworn in in a few months’ time.”

  The EDI delegates grumbled amongst themselves, while Minister Phiam sighed in disappointment. “That is unfortunate to hear. We would have hoped the severity of the Annorials’ reactions to your arrival would have elucidated the importance and urgency of a closer relationship between our nations.”

  “On the contrary, the Osean Federation sees the importance of maintaining ties with the Holy Milishial Empire and its allies—we would be more than willing to work alongside the Elysian Defense Initiative in its mission to defend Elysia from the Ancient Sorcerous Empire, and we will ask for your researchers’ assistance in due course once our own efforts to analyse the superweapons of the Sorcerers and their Annorial descendants encounter any difficulties,” Clarkson responded, glancing at Bartlett in acknowledgment. “It would, of course, be unwise to assume that our own knowledge would be more than sufficient in uncovering the secrets of the Ancient Empire itself.”

  Nodding in approval, the President turned to his guests. “Is there anything else that your delegation would like to discuss?”

  It was hardly the response that the Holy Milishial Empire would have preferred, but nothing that further negotiations and diplomatic pressure might be able to change, Phiam mused—perhaps using the IUN to shift things forward could yield better results before the Eleven Country Leadership Conference, or the next government might actually be more sympathetic to the EDI’s viewpoints. Speaking of the Annorials…

  “There are a few more issues that the Elysian Defense Initiative would like to bring up in today’s meeting. The first one is an offer that the Annorial Empire itself gave us a few days ago prior to our arrival—a request for the Holy Milishial Empire to formally mediate negotiations between themselves and the Osean Federation, perhaps during the Eleven Country Leadership Conference or even earlier, for a more permanent non-aggression pact than the tentative agreement established following your nation’s airstrikes against their Empire.”

  Clarkson looked up in surprise. “Negotiations?”

  Frowning, Bartlett glanced at Liage in suspicion. “What exactly have they offered you in return for your cooperation?”

  “A similar non-aggression pact between the EDI and the Annorial Empire, with the guarantee that the latter will not use its superweapons against the Holy Milishial Empire and its partners for the next five years. You would perhaps understand that in spite of our own reservations about our southern neighbours, any kind of agreement that would help protect our nations from a catastrophe on par with Ambassador Harling’s assassination in the near future would be most ideal for the First Civilization Area as a whole.”

  “Barring that,” the Agarthan added disgruntledly, “we would have preferred an assurance from your government that Osea would be willing to assist us if the Annorials decided to strike our nations in preparation for the Sorcerers’ return—hence our request for your nation to join our alliance.”

  “But if you view yourselves to be above our peoples…” Moriaul began, only for Liage to raise his hand to silence him.

  “Moriaul, please. If you do not wish to agree to partake in the Annorials’ offer, then we would appreciate it if Osea could provide its own guarantees…”

  Bartlett, Clarkson, and the Vice President glanced at each other, silently coming to a decision before turning to face the envoys once more.

  “Our desire to operate outside of the EDI remains the same, but we would perhaps be willing to provide indirect support against potential Annorial aggression.”

  The Torquian ambassador’s eyes widened. “You would be willing to provide us with your nation’s superweapons?”

  Clarkson blinked in confusion. “Errr…no, not those. We were thinking more of dispatching the Lighthouse Division as a quick reaction force at your request, alongside sending over scavenged remains of the Annorial fighters and submarine carriers from Selatapura for the Holy Milishial Empire to reverse-engineer and disseminate.”

  “We’d also like to propose establishing an IUN base somewhere within the First Civilization Area,” the President added, “to allow our forces to mobilise faster should an emergency arise involving the Annorials. It would, of course, be subject to all international laws and regulations regarding peacekeeping operations in Elysia—we’ve also been in touch with the Muan and Gra Valkan governments about potentially similar arrangements in light of the threat that Magicaregia’s current policies pose towards their national security.”

  “What?”

  “It does seem acceptable…”

  “Considering the circumstances, I suppose it’s worth the intrusion…”

  As the other delegates murmured amongst themselves, Phiam felt a combined wave of dissatisfaction and victory wash over him—the fact that the Oseans remained aloof to sharing the means of replicating their most powerful defenses was frustrating to say the least, but to confirm that they would still be used to assist in the Milishials’ cause was still an achievement that the Emperor and his subjects could celebrate. And the possibility of replicating the very same superweapons used by the Sorcerers themselves—

  “This is an outrage! You give us paltry leftovers from your victories and then expect us to sit and watch while your soldiers achieve all the glory, intruding upon our borders while leaving us to rely solely on your ‘generosity’ for our survival?!”

  The Agarthan diplomat had risen to his feet in anger, to the surprise of the Oseans and Elysians present. Shaken rather abruptly from his thoughts, Phiam quickly moved to calm his counterpart down.

  “Rorschach, please—”

  “No! We have come here as fellow nations to ask our newfound counterparts for their friendship and aid, and you Oseans have returned our offers with scorn and suspicion! Agartha is not here to exert its power or influence over Osea, the way the foolish Parpaldians would have done—we are not here on a mere business trip for trade agreements or diplomatic ties! We are here over a matter of survival, our very way of life teetering on the brink of annihilation if we do not act! And yet we are here, dealing with technicalities and minutiae when we could be back at home, mustering our soldiers and preparing our people for the war ahead—while the likes of Mu and Gra Valkas freely receive what we beg you for like toys and gifts!”

  “As if our own ships and weapons could even pose a threat to the Sorcerers, once they return,” the Torquian envoy urged his colleague. “Rorschach, we need the Oseans to help us—we need you to sit back down—”

  “President Bartlett, you undoubtedly have your nation and your people’s welfare to worry about, but the Kingdom of Agartha must also take care of its own. If your nation ever decides to be more ‘generous’ with your ability to save countless lives, then we will gladly welcome your contributions. Good day to you, sir.”

  With a flourish, the Agarthan angrily strode out of the Study towards his transport. The remaining diplomats present slumped onto their seats in disbelief, while the Oseans glanced at each other with no small amount of unease.

  Sighing defeatedly, Phiam turned to Bartlett. “Perhaps we should have a brief break before continuing this discussion, Mr. President.”

  Milishial News Network, Runepolis, Holy Milishial Empire — May 6, 2020

  “…the Annorials caught us off guard with their subterfuge, but we are in the process of catching up to their technological might! Why are the Oseans doubting our resolve and our rightful place as the shining pearl of the races—is it their arrogance, or is it their na?veté about how the world of Elysia operates?!”

  Listening to his elven co-host’s extended rant, a visibly-uncomfortable beastman shuffled his papers together and glanced nervously at the camera as he attempted to shift the conversation back to the topic at hand. “Perhaps their inexperience from only less than a year in our world has yet to enlighten them about the importance of maintaining our conventional state of affairs amongst the nations of the world, Bronze—”

  “Oh, and another thing, too! They claim to have the most powerful weapons in existence, Julius, yet they refuse to use them or even share them with us—the guardians of civilization and order in Elysia? Then this is my message to the President and his government in Oured: step aside and let the Holy Milishial Empire show you what it means to demonstrate the true measure of power! We shall take your ships and vessels and make our own, and use them in the name of the world that we protect to defeat our enemies from the barbaric Gra Valkans to the Ancient Sorcerers themselves!”

  On the other side of the table, a seasoned Milishial admiral who frequented MNN as a military analyst shook his head disapprovingly. “As disappointing as Osea’s reluctance to share their technology with us may be, their reasons for doing so are very much legitimate. Even without taking into consideration the unspeakable tragedy in Selatapura, the Oseans have hardly made their long and troublesome history with their wonders in the decades prior to their arrival here in Elysia a secret; imagine the damage that a rogue Pal Chimera with technology beyond even our own current abilities would deal to both our cities, our citizens, and our image as the superpower of the Central World if we were foolish enough to—”

  Bronze scoffed at his guest’s words, casually dismissing them in a fit of pompous disdain. “Oh, balderdash! We don’t rely on reprobates and fools from other lands to create the glorious jewels of our military as the Oseans do; we are united as one in our loyalty to our Empire and our duty to ensure the continued peace and prosperity of the New World. If President Bartlett and his government in Oured thinks that their International United Nations will compensate for the true order that the Concert has maintained for thousands of years and our new Elysian Defense Initiative will continue in the face of the Annorial and Gra Valkan threats, then they are gravely mistaken!”

  “In other news,” the beastman hurriedly interrupted, “preparations for the World Leadership Conference are underway, as Minister Pao of the Foreign Affairs Department confirmed in an official statement that the Gra Valkas Empire and the Osean Federation would be replacing Leifor and Parpaldia’s respective positions as superpowers in the upcoming meeting in Cartalpas. This meeting will help shape international policy for the next two years, as controversy continues about the expansion of the Gra Valkas Empire into the Second Civilization Area, widespread suspicion about the actions of the Annorial Empire following their attack of Selatapura and the assassination of Ambassador Vincent Harling, and growing rumours of the impending return of the Ancient Sorcerous Empire itself…”

  “A resolution in the International United Nations?! What nonsense is this?!”

  The Milishial Senate was filled with conversation as the representatives present processed the latest reply from their Osean counterparts with incredulity; against all conventional logic, their scientific counterparts remained aloof to their efforts to coordinate a response to the growing influence of Gra Valkas and the Annorials. Not even the Muans, despite their growing concerns about their martial neighbours, appeared too keen on accepting the offers of their magic-based counterparts for further assistance—growing reports of newly-operational jets in Otatheit suspiciously resembling those of Osea were circulating across the Central World as well, further diminishing the influence that the most powerful nation of Elysia still exerted on its erstwhile rivals.

  With each passing month, the New World saw itself shifting its loyalties towards other powers, compelled either by ideals or practicalities—to the west, the Gra Valkans were unexpectedly changing their tune and pursuing closer ties with the likes of Nigrat and Magicareich or indirectly driving their more wary neighbours towards the Muans, while Osea to the east continued to somehow draw the loyalty of almost every nation beyond the Sarlwell Ocean. The prestige that the Holy Milishial Empire still exuded somehow felt smaller, more irrelevant than before—yet for many denizens of the Empire itself that chose to either disbelieve the stories of the Lighthouse or clung to the ancient beliefs of magic’s supremacy above all, it was as if nothing had changed; with a simple demonstration of its power to those who doubted its resolve, all would return to normal once more.

  “Do these Oseans seriously want us to go through the entire rigmarole of procedure for their beloved organisation just for their aid? We are the superpowers of Elysia—we don’t need the permission of weaker nations to enact our will and protect civilization from the barbarians at our doorstep! If we want the feedback of lowlives such as Qua-Toynans or Altarans for our own affairs, then they can come to the next World Leadership Conference in two years’ time like all other civilised peoples!”

  Senator Alerion Valis was one such person, a male elf who had spent the vast majority of his centuries-long life in a world where the Milishials were untouchable to all; for an upstart newcomer such as Osea to even consider vying for his nation’s position was nothing less than unthinkable—in any case, in his mind and that of those who agreed with him, history showed that even crises like these could be managed and brushed away with time.

  “The world is changing around us, and we stand at risk of being left behind if we do not adapt,” a keen reformist by the name of Lady Aveline Rethar shot back. “The Holy Milishial Empire cannot expect two new superpowers with abilities on par with our nation to simply follow our will—”

  “Then we must make them follow our will! The Elysian Defense Initiative must use the political and economic power within its possession to force these newcomers to comply—it is us who will decide the fate of our world and what must befall those who might threaten it, not the Oseans! If they truly care about order and civility within Elysia, they should be giving us the knowhow behind their superweapons and cutting off all relations with these Gra Valkan barbarians immediately—they are fools to believe their beloved Harling’s belief in a world of equals will ever work in a realm of savagery, and his death by Sorcerous core magic should have clearly proved otherwise!”

  “And what about the Annorials? We knew next to nothing about their ability to utilise the weapons of the Sorcerers, and yet Osea responded to their aggression by ravaging their lands in the blink of an eye and with astonishing ease—could you say that we could have done otherwise with our own fleets?”

  Valis’s eyes shone in righteous anger. “All the more for the Oseans to join us in our crusade against the hounds who would destroy everything that we hold dear! This goes beyond a mere insult to our national pride—the survival of countless millions and of the centuries-long Concert itself lies in our hands, and yet amongst our peers, this fact somehow remains unrecognised! What must we do to demonstrate the credibility of our cause? What must be done to compel our peers to once again come to heel?!”

  Another Senator rose to his feet, invigorated by Valis’s words. “We must not let the bureaucracy of the International United Nations bind our actions! Our position as the greatest superpower in Elysia must be preserved for the final struggle against the Sorcerers! If Osea will not help us, then we must resolve this unprecedented crisis by ourselves, our odds and consequences be damned—for the sake of world peace, the EDI must go to war!”

  Many of the representatives began to cheer, ignoring the protests of others and calling for justice and retribution. “Punish the Gra Valkans for their transgressions! Liberate the Leiforians and restore order to the New World!”

  “And with our magic, the power of our Empire, and these insubordinate Oseans watching, we shall destroy the Annorials in the name of Elysia!”

  The room burst into chaos as the Senators began to riot, driven to a frenzy by the patriotic words of Valis and his colleagues. From his throne at the center of the room, Emperor Milishial observed the proceedings with no small amount of weariness; even his influence could only delay what was increasingly becoming an inevitability as the seemingly contradictory interests of the Empire and its Muan, Gra Valkan, and Osean counterparts threatened to erupt into an unwanted and counterproductive conflict between the nations at the worst time imaginable…

  “Senators of this Chamber! Order, I say; order!”

  This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

  Slowly, the cheering began to die down as the representatives looked towards their leader. Sighing inwardly, Milishial decided to appease the men and women present for now with a few concessions, knowing all too well that more concrete actions would undoubtedly have to be taken in the future.

  “The reluctance of Osea to join the Elysian Defense Initiative and its ongoing mission to protect our world from the return of the Sorcerers is regrettable, but one that can be changed in the course of time! We must continue to pressure their government and whoever replaces them in their upcoming elections, to convince them that the defeat of our most dangerous enemies is in their interests! And we will, by all means necessary, ensure that no one else—Annorial, Gra Valkan, or otherwise, may threaten our place as the shining pearl of the races as long as we may all live!”

  The Emperor’s words were met with brief applause.

  “The Holy Milishial Empire is strong, and it will prevail in these uncertain times. It has survived crisis after crisis in the thousands of years since the fall of the Ancient Sorcerers, and it will continue to do so—and we shall emerge from this crisis stronger and more united than ever! Even as we speak, our researchers are now in the process of reverse engineering the Pal Aurorae fighters for our Empire, and our diplomats are engaging with the nations of Elysia about joining our glorious effort; even our Osean partners recognise the threat that the Annorials and Sorcerers pose, and I can confirm that they will join us in the final struggle when the time comes!”

  Valis and his colleagues nodded somewhat approvingly as the crowd reacted more positively to Milishial’s words.

  “To those who worry about our isolation, do not despair—do not mistake reluctance for willful ignorance, or momentary fascination for abandonment, for our position remains as the defender of civilization in Elysia. Do not give in to this temporary setback; we shall recover, and we shall prevail! We will double our efforts, and our newfound neighbours may soon see the errors of their ways and join us just yet! Glory awaits, citizens and Senators—the Holy Milishial Empire and its allies shall survive for another thousand years!”

  The majority of the Senators present cheered once more, their previous proposals momentarily forgotten. But even as he basked in the applause, Milishial knew that the issue would return once more as time went on and Gra Valkas and Osea continued to draw the Empire’s power and influence away.

  An alliance with Osea against the Annorials or even the Sorcerers could be possible with enough effort and persuasion; whether the Gra Valkans would be similarly receptive remained up in the air, considering both their previously aggressive posturing and the increasingly contradictory signals they were now broadcasting to the world ever since the return of their fleet from Selatapura.

  What exactly were the Gra Valkans up to?

  Nivles Castle, Ragna, Gra Valkas Empire — March 1, 2020

  “…you should hear some of the things the lower officers and pilots are saying about the Oseans.”

  Director Akkan frowned. “Oh?”

  Siegs’s expression was a mixture of confusion and vague bemusement as he recalled the increasingly embellished tales being spread across the city by the newly-arrived pilots and sailors of the First Fleet. “They say that the Oseans are as otherworldly as they are down-to-earth; that they are as mighty as they are humble. Their planes are curvaceous and their women beautiful—that their vessel in the stars is a ship that dwarfs the Grade Alastar itself, and its captain is either a benevolent angel that blesses the earth or a merciless demon that ravages those who would do harm upon Osea itself. There’s even a name or two circulating around that the soldiers seem to attribute to her and her fellow Valkyrie that serve as the crew of this ship: Nagase, or Razgriz…”

  “Razgriz?”

  Gra Lux nodded thoughtfully from his throne, listening carefully to the conversation between his most trusted advisors. “A fitting name for a captain like her, perhaps. Is there any truth to it?”

  Fleet Admiral Caesar paused, his mind turning towards the stack of GAZE magazines still stashed in his quarters. “It was in the Osean news, actually, around the time the Lighthouse Conference started—a massive stash of previously-classified documents were released to the general public as part of this year’s anniversary of the end of the last major war Osea fought. Apparently, a fighter squadron faked their deaths after being falsely accused of espionage by saboteurs, before going on to become their President’s personal task force and successfully forcing all the respective parties to cease hostilities.”

  Akkan raised his eyebrows. “This was the one where Ambassador Harling was still the President and Gründer Industries was trying to blow up both Osea and its counterpart, wasn’t it?”

  “Yes, that one,” Gesta winced. “I remember that article, Roland—supposedly, there was a pilot within that squadron named Kei Nagase. Wasn’t her squadron called the Razgriz?”

  “Maybe she and her fellow pilots ended up going to outer space as a reward for their service,” Caesar mused thoughtfully. “Considering what it’s like up there…”

  “What does ‘Razgriz’ even mean, anyway? What is it, some kind of ancient spirit?”

  “Well,” Gesta began, “kind of, according to—”

  The doors to the meeting room burst open to reveal several ministers, Senators, and officials of the Gra Valkan government; a flurry of apologies to the Emperor for their tardiness soon followed as the room quickly filled up, the Three Generals deciding to continue their conversation with Gra Lux at another time. Prince Cabal was last to arrive, finding his seat next to the throne as the formal meeting went underway—looking at the men and women present, the Emperor took a deep breath and began to speak.

  “Gentlemen, I have convened this emergency meeting in light of the arrival of the First Conquest Fleet and the…concerning circumstances behind their current condition, to say nothing about the tidings that they have brought with them.”

  On cue, Chief Arnalt Karlmann stood at attention, reading from a document compiled by Caesar and his fellow officers and diplomatic colleagues aboard the Grade Alastar. “As you are no doubt aware, the First Conquest Fleet was attacked by air and sea elements in the Osean city of Selatapura on the day of their arrival…”

  Karlmann continued to summarise the events that unfolded between the Annorial bombing of Selatapura and the arrival of the Grade Alastar in Ragna, meticulously numerating the casualties and losses incurred upon the Fleet and describing in detail the enemies that attacked them before reaching the official announcement from Osea about their brief but brutal air campaign against Magicaregia itself. For the convenience of those who hadn’t been in Nivles Castle during that fateful day, a recording of the Osean President’s statement was replayed on a nearby television set along with the gathered footage of the destruction of the Annorial Empire’s military assets—even amongst those who had already seen these recordings, murmurs of disbelief could be heard as the officials present witnessed the destructive power of both their Osean neighbours and the Annorials themselves.

  “Impossible…”

  “They can…that could have been Ragna…”

  “Ymir help us…”

  Gra Lux turned his attention from the television to address the men present. “Osea has completed its response against the Annorials for their actions against their people, but the threat that the Annorial Empire poses to us remains the same. Director Akkan, Fleet Admiral Caesar, and Director Gesta, you three are just as aware as I am about the technological gap that exists between the Ostf?deration and Gra Valkas—how wide is the gap between ourselves and the Annorials?”

  The Intelligence Director was first to respond. “Based on our initial findings and assuming that the Oseans are telling the truth about their intel on the Branchel Continent, we can assume that the Annorials are very much two to four decades ahead of us. In terms of magic, we believe that they could be on par with or exceeding the capabilities of the Milishials, which would allow us to develop the appropriate countermeasures as soon as possible—however, in terms of raw technology, they are right between us and the Oseans in the field of air and naval combat.”

  “Fleet Admiral Caesar, does this assumption line up with your experiences in Selatapura?”

  “Unfortunately, yes,” Caesar replied. “Our Antares fighters were completely outmatched in combat by Annorial fighters, and our ships struggled to provide sufficient anti-air cover for them or for the First Conquest Fleet at large to escape the scene—it was only through the arrival of Osean reinforcements that we were able to repel the Annorials and press the counterattack.”

  “Did these enemies share similar capabilities as their Osean counterparts?”

  “Yes, Your Excellency—these planes were capable of breaching the sound barrier and were equipped with radar-guided rockets akin to the Oseans’ missiles. The enemy submarine itself, for instance, utilised a specialised magic cannon to fire a singular projectile at hypersonic speeds, similar to the magnetic guns that the Ostf?deration has equipped on its planes—a single direct hit was responsible for taking out half of the Grade Alastar’s guns and would have destroyed the entire ship if not for the angle at which the weapon was firing.”

  Grumbles and murmurs of horror began to spread across the room at the realization that the most prized vessel in the Empire itself narrowly avoided a brutal death, prompting Gra Lux to narrow his eyes in annoyance.

  “Gentlemen! This development is disconcerting and the implications for our forces troublesome, but we must not allow a single near-miss to question our ability to overcome this new threat! We are already aware of the task before us, and are in the process of ensuring that this brush with catastrophe will not happen again—we must stand firm, and confident that we shall prevail!”

  The Emperor’s words had a calming effect on the people present, but the unease from his advisors was still very much tangible in the air.

  “With our own people safely returned home and the Annorials reeling from the actions of the Oseans, our efforts must now turn towards preventing our Empire from suffering the same misfortune as our partners in Elysia. We are already aware of the efforts that our researchers are undertaking to replicate the weapons and jet aircraft of the Ostf?deration; the main purpose of this meeting is therefore to develop a strategy that will allow our existing forces to muster a defense of our territories and homeland while these countermeasures are still being created.”

  Gra Lux turned to Caesar. “You informed me that the Three Generals had a basic concept of a plan earlier today; would you care to expand on your thoughts on the matter?”

  Nodding, the Fleet Admiral quickly turned towards his colleague. “Mirkenses, pass me that map, will you?”

  Unscrolling a large sheet of paper on the meeting table to reveal a Pokson projection of Elysia, Caesar quickly found the Third Civilization Area and pointed towards the Osean continent to its east. “As you know, the Ostf?deration is situated to the eastern edge of the known world, while the Annorial Empire is located towards the southern extremities of the First Civilization Area. In terms of defense against a potential naval incursion against the Annorials, Osea has security agreements with the entirety of the Rodenius and Philades continents as part of the Lighthouse Peace Accords; our sources also suggest that an additional line of defense exists in the form of the Vestal continent and the islands of Sarius, Pamni, and Varkland, where OMDF fleets are currently stationed to stymie the potential routes for Annorial sea monsters or ships to reach either Rodenius or the Pacific Ocean and subsequently cross over to the Osean mainland.”

  Frowning, Gra Lux queried, “Do we have any such islands or landforms that we could potentially use to enact a similar defense of Gra Valkas?”

  Admiral Mirkenses shook her head. “To our south, the only thing separating Gra Valkas from the Branchel continent is over four to five thousand kilometers of ocean—an Annorial carrier fleet or even one of their sea monsters could feasibly cover that length in a matter of weeks. Assuming they attempt to invade or attack us through the east, however, the Annorials would have to first sail through the Conshal Islands and the western coast of the Mu continent; they’d have to deal with our forces in Leifor and Paganda first before attempting an incursion into the mainland.”

  “So therefore, any viable strategy to prevent the Annorials from attacking Gra Valkas would require us to intercept their forces either within the Second Civilization Area or in the middle of the Feljakar Ocean,” the Emperor glumly concluded. “What about a strategy for retaliating against such an attack? Assuming we’ve replaced our existing fleet of Antares fighters with the Orsen jets and upgraded them with Belkan technology, is it possible for the Empire to strike the Branchel continent with sufficiently advanced planes or rockets as a proportionate response in the near future?”

  Remembering his conversation with Schilde in the Divine Wrath Complex, Director Akkan sighed. “Even with our latest fighters, we would need an airbase or a Conquest Fleet stationed in close proximity to the Branchel continent—the new Orsen jets currently have an estimated operational range of roughly a thousand kilometers, and the distance from Leifor or the Magicareich Community to the Annorial Empire is easily four times that length.”

  “What if we were to establish an airbase within the Conshal Islands, or perhaps have our jet fighters use our aircraft carriers?” Prince Cabal suggested. “We’ve had plans to annex or subjugate these regions in the works, and a foothold there would similarly allow us to further bolster our existing defenses in Leifor in case a war with Mu and its allies breaks out.”

  Caesar paused, considering the Prince’s idea. “Upgrading our existing carriers to house and deploy jet fighters will take time, especially considering we haven’t even developed the necessary technology as of yet. The Conshal Islands are also over two thousand kilometers away from the Annorial coastline; if we could develop a rough equivalent to the refuelling aircraft that the Oseans use; it could be possible for a fleet of Guti Mauns and Orsens to reach Magicaregia if deemed necessary. Again, it’ll take a few years for us to create such means—”

  “I must also inform you of the possible political consequences if we were to establish a foothold in the Conshal Islands,” Gesta warned the Emperor and his advisors. “While conquering or incorporating the natives into the Empire through other means will undoubtedly be quick and straightforward, we will also likely face significant diplomatic pressure from the Muans and Milishials as a result—they’ll be quick to paint our efforts at national defense as wanton aggression, especially with the Free Leifor movement still active in the area and the HME’s adjacent island holdings—to say nothing about Mu itself—within striking distance.”

  “Are we not continuing our long-desired plans of conquering the New World?” Senator Marix had frowned in confusion, not understanding the caution being expressed by the diplomats present. “Surely our forces are at least capable of fending off whatever nonsense the Milishials or Muans might throw at us while we deal our righteous revenge against the Annorials for targeting the Crown Prince!”

  “Global dominance is still our long-term goal, but the situation at hand with the Annorials has forced us to refocus our priorities,” Gra Lux replied. “In a position where we face an enemy capable of potentially setting of a nuclear warhead in Ragna with impunity, starting an additional war with the Muans and Milishials in our efforts to win the current one against the Annorials—let alone one that might result in the Oseans using their weapons against us—will be a needless waste of men and resources that we cannot afford at this time, Senator.”

  “Then what about our plans for the Nigrat Union, Sonal, and Himomawari? Are we still consolidating our hold on the Mu continent, at least?”

  With increasing irritation at the Senator’s seemingly continuous single-mindedness towards the conquest of Elysia above all else, the Emperor decided to place the man in his place. “Rest assured that these nations will enter the fold in due course, Senator. When the time comes, you will be informed along with everyone else in this room about what exactly must be done on your part to achieve our Empire’s destiny—is that clear?”

  There was a tense pause before Marix slowly bowed in acknowledgment. “Understood, Your Excellency.”

  The Emperor turned to the rest of the room. “Director Gesta, have your diplomats begin negotiations with the Nigrat Union and the Sonal Kingdom to bolster our economic ties with them—if they will not join our Empire, then we shall slowly absorb them with our superior goods and wares while we use their lands to fortify our position in Elysia. Do likewise with the Conshal Islands, and inform me at once of your results. If the Muans and Milishials attempt to drag the Ostf?deration into this, obfuscate and stall for as long as possible or ensure that the Oseans will back us within the international community.”

  “It will be done, Your Excellency.”

  “Director Akkan, you will work with Director Gesta in ensuring the compliance of the nations of the Second Civilization Area with our efforts. Eliminate all obstacles to our goals through any means possible—remember that we are not only dealing with the fulfillment of our destiny, but with our very survival itself.”

  Akkan nodded. “Yes, Your Excellency.”

  Gra Lux found himself turning towards another figure—Marcellon Skaldottir, the Chief Technical Officer for the Imperial Broadcasting Company and the man responsible for directly communicating the Imperial government’s messages and information to the Empire at large. “Officer Skaldottir, you are to allow the unofficial reports of the Annorial Empire’s capabilities to continue to circulate. Let the people of Gra Valkas know that we are faced with an enemy whose formidable abilities require caution and mindful preparation instead of the raw anger from the barbarity of Paganda’s actions—Director Akkan will provide you with the appropriate materials to disseminate to the public where necessary.”

  And so Gra Valkas would adapt and change with the times. The Empire had played the part of the glorious conqueror for long enough—against a potentially superior foe, it was time to play a new role:

  A nation of the modern era…

  Imperial Senate, Ragna, Gra Valkas Empire — September 5, 2020

  “Senator Marix?”

  Leaving the chambers of the Imperial Senate as the latest session came to an end, the War Hawk turned around to see one of Director Ciela’s underlings—Dallas Claymond, he recalled—approaching him.

  “Vice Director? What can I do for you?”

  The visibly disheveled diplomat (to be fair, Marix recalled, basic hygiene did not necessarily appear, at least amongst those unfamiliar with Dallas, to be a trait that the young official was familiar with) reached for his suitcase, carefully browsing through its contents in search of a particular document. “Senator, correct me if I am wrong, but you are the head of the War Committee within His Excellency's government? Is that correct?”

  Hiding his confusion within a mask of nonchalant placidity, the Senator offhandedly replied, “Yes, Vice Director. What of it?”

  “There’s a document that the Foreign Affairs Department is in the process of finalising—it’s a formal diplomatic agreement between the Ostf?deration and Gra Valkas—and I believe it would be of great importance if you were to quickly look through it before your next meeting with your colleagues.”

  “Are you asking a member of the Imperial government to examine classified documents above his security clearance? You are aware as a diplomat the penalty for such a crime, Vice Director—”

  Dallas frowned in annoyance. “As you’re the head of the War Committee and a member of the War Room, you would have had the clearance to access the official version of this agreement in a week’s time before it went public, anyway. This is essentially the next-to-final draft, barring spelling and grammar checks—the terms have more or less been finalised, but I have a suspicion that you might not find them to be in the best interest for Gra Valkas at large.”

  Curiosity getting the better of him, Marix decided to accept the Vice Director’s offer. “Fine, let me have a look.”

  “Thank you. Here…”

  A small yet sizable stack of papers was extended to the Senator, who carefully began to examine their contents—slowly, he began to frown. “This is…this is—”

  “Tell me what you think.”

  Marix’s scowl deepened the further he read the terms of the final agreement between Gra Valkas and Osea. “Imports of foreign products…agreements to abide by foreign laws…Osean, Usean, and Selatapuran companies to establish local…peacekeeping operations…accession into the International United—what madness has befallen Director Gesta in his negotiations?! And the Emperor approved of this?!”

  “Regrettably so,” Dallas glumly confirmed, glancing unhappily at the nearby statue of Gra Lux along the entrance of the Senate building. “He’s definitely lost full confidence in our own military’s ability to adapt and defend our homeland against the Annorial threat, and appears to be content with restraining Gra Valkas’s rightful expansion solely to the Second Civilization Area in return for expanding our markets and accepting aid—”

  “And so he decides to prostrate himself before these Oseans instead,” the Senator spat in disgust. “Gra Lux and his son were supposed to be the guiding light, the people who would complete our conquest of Yggdra and usher in our final ascension into the future—and now they descend so low that our loyal men and our brightest military minds are shunned in favour of…foreigners with delusional notions of repeating past glories and no basic sense of rational thought beyond spreading their misery to others…”

  Returning the documents to the Vice Director, Marix suddenly frowned. “Why did you show me this?”

  “Pardon?”

  “It’s very much against standard protocol for a Senator to access diplomatic files without the prior process of approval from the Emperor’s officials and the redaction of sensitive information—regardless of their position within His Excellency’s government. What do you have to gain from risking both of our careers to give me this information?”

  Dallas sighed. “I’m going to be honest—I don’t like you, and I’m pretty certain your idea of ‘loyalty’ is far more extreme than even a Hawk like myself can stomach, but I know that you have the same dedication as I have towards ensuring the continued integrity of the Empire and its national identity for at least as long as we’re both alive. And, more importantly, you have the political capital, influence, and knowhow to ensure that Gra Valkas doesn’t end up suffering the consequences of the Emperor’s weakness and indolence.”

  “What are you suggesting, Vice Director?”

  “Emperor Gra Lux is but one man, and he grows old. We have the people of Gra Valkas behind us, and they depend on us to act—perhaps Gra Lux may come to see reason and recognise the loyalty and devotion of his subjects once more, just as he did before Ymir saw fit to take us away from our final moment of glory against Kain. But if he doesn’t…”

  It took a brief second to realise the implications of the Vice Director’s words—what he was suggesting could very much go beyond mere suggestions and into the realm of treason and betrayal, the very antithesis of their purpose within the Empire. It was unthinkable, unconscionable for even a man dedicated to his country to consider such an option—

  —victory in strength—

  —but, Marix realised, even for an act that could potentially forever violate the sacred oaths that both men had taken in service to their Emperor, their actions would still, from their perspectives, be towards the fulfilment of their duty to him. A dichotomy, no doubt, but one that would see their nation survive and prevail in these uncertain times.

  —Jeder Mensch ist seines Glückes Schmied, or perhaps das Glück ist mit den Mutigen would be more appropriate, he idly thought—

  Nodding in understanding, Marix extended his hand. “As loyal subjects of the Emperor and of Gra Valkas, it’s our rightful duty to make him and his son see otherwise, no doubt.”

  “Undoubtedly,” Dallas agreed, shaking his co-conspirator’s hand. “Without a doubt.”

  Genette, A. et al. (2020) ‘Osea’s Presidential Candidates on Our Future in Elysia’, GAZE Magazine, 5 September, p. 20

  …for a peaceful and mutually beneficial coexistence between Osea and its newfound partners in Elysia, an implicit recognition of the different values and cultures amongst our partners is required.

  These are no mere would-be conquerors akin to the likes of Louria or the insurrectionists of Calamique—these are formidable nations with over centuries or even millennia of history in Elysia, with connections and cultures that have existed for longer than even the modern history of our own corner of the Universe. When the Golden King of Emmeria was but a child and the knights of Belka and Sapin fought over what would become the Round Table, the likes of the Milishials already fielded technology on par with those our grandparents used in the trenches of the Osean War and likely would have outlived them all by an untold magnitude. In comparison, we are but a young nation having barely arrived in Elysia, and yet we are somehow already calling for our own institutions to replace the systems that have been in place since time immemorial; is it a surprise that we find ourselves approached by would-be-rivals who see our offers of friendship and harmony as a threat to their future? Parpaldia was one unpleasant example of a failure to acknowledge and work around this significant disparity of beliefs, and more will undoubtedly follow if we are not careful with how we choose to interact and share our beliefs and ideals with our newfound neighbours.

  Already, we have the Milishials protesting about the shifting geopolitical focus from the so-called First Civilization Area to the Mu continent and to Osea, and Gra Valkas’s recent changes in foreign policy in light of the recent treaty between Ragna and Oured will undoubtedly have its detractors within its own government who preferred their previous path of conquest and subjugation. We will have to learn how to work around these differing views in the months and years to come, or else face greater hostility to our ideas—with this in mind, Senator Armstrong’s policies show a remarkable ignorance—deliberate or otherwise—regarding an issue that could potentially blow up in our faces.

  Simply doing what amounts to driving every Elysian economy to the ground by flooding the market with Osean and Usean wares, sanctimoniously preaching to our fellow nations about the moral superiority of our nation’s way of life, and sending troops to suppress anyone that subsequently complains about the consequences of our actions is hardly a national policy that I would have imagined even the late Vincent Harling would have agreed with—not only does it make us barely distinguishable from the arrogant Elysian superpowers we now find ourselves competing with, but it may end up only further antagonizing them and driving us to another costly war that we may soon regret.

  I’m not calling for us to stop defending the rights and liberties of all Elysians, to cease our campaigns to end slavery and stop the wanton violations of sentient rights from Leifor to the Vestal Kingdom to Grameus, to stop providing a voice for the nations of Elysia without the prestige of being referred to as a “superpower”—these goals go beyond whatever objections the likes of Runepolis and Ragna may have—but we must be aware of what costs and sacrifices these ideals will likely require of us in order to successfully bring Elysia closer to the twenty-first century. We must seek an accord that sees our partners across the New World adopt our values without sacrificing the cultural identities that have defined their history for countless generations before us—especially in a time where nothing less than total unity amongst the nations of the world will successfully deter the likes of the Annorials and Ravernals from striking our cities and peoples once again…

  Senator Aadarshini Kumari is the Reformist Party candidate for the upcoming 2020 Osean presidential elections.

  …the principles championed by Osea and the International United Nations such as democracy and free trade, of multiculturalism over cultural domination, are considered antithetical to the values of the numerous superpowers of Elysia. Even where certain ideals intersect, how the nations of the New World choose to implement or interpret these beliefs remains widely different from ours and oftentimes comes at the expense of those whom Osea would do well to work closer with.

  Senator Kumari has a remarkably idealistic and hopeful concept of harmonisation between the different mindsets of Elysia, but let me quickly remind you of what kinds of mindsets we’ve encountered within the Third Civilization Area in the full year since our arrival—in Louria, we found a nation that justified the extermination of nonhumans as a rightful exercise of its power as part of its destiny, while in Parpaldia we saw an empire of slave owners and outright colonizers with no basic concept of international law beyond one that enabled their predatory practices towards their Philadean neighbours and even the late Vincent Harling himself. Emperor Milishial may exude a manner more familiar to our own, but even his nation’s concept of civility is only barely different than that which Ludius and Remille once exercised upon Altaras and Fenn. How exactly will Kumari be able to reconcile such disparate perspectives—assuming that the likes of the Milishials or Gra Valkans will even exhibit enough good faith to bridge these differences?

  Our horrific encounters with the Annorials have demonstrated that many of our Elysian neighbours have no interest in our offers of peaceful coexistence, and we will undoubtedly encounter similar minds in Gra Valkas and elsewhere. Will the thinly-veiled appeasement proposed by Kumari convince Gra Lux to withdraw from Leifor? Will the Milishials, for one, be any more willing to give up what the Senator herself has described as a geopolitical and economic system where their Empire has dominated the New World for over a thousand years?

  Our presence has already caused a permanent disruption to the so-called Concert of Elysia in the year since our Transference, and it would be foolish for our nation not to take advantage of the situation before us. No longer are we restrained by a dark history of nuclear war and the skies falling before us and our allies—Annorials and Ancient Sorcerers notwithstanding—we have an entire world waiting for our ascendance to the echelons of power, and our economic and military influence will uplift those who join us in our quest to establish a modern society in place of a system where ultranationalism and power reigns supreme above all else. In due course, even those who may oppose us—Gra Valkan, Annorial, or otherwise—will soon either recognise the folly of standing in Osea’s way, or be cast into the wayside by our technology like the Lourians and the Parpaldians…

  Senator John Armstrong is the National Party candidate for the upcoming 2020 Osean Presidential elections.

  Osean Intelligence Agency, Oured, Osean Federation — August 10, 2020

  “Excuse me, I was told to head to Room B48?”

  From within the dimly-lit room—a table and a pair of seats was all that was visible—a vague figure looked up at the young man at the door. “Are you Private Nakitsune?”

  “Errr, yes?”

  Gesturing towards the seat opposite him, the man’s eyes paused as he briefly glanced at the small black mask strapped around his guest’s nose and mouth. “Facial coverings are under strict regulations within the OGDF—especially for particularly decorative ones like yours.”

  The young man suddenly found himself in an awkward position, quickly attempting to come up with an appropriate response. “There was a smog warning on the news today, and I…well, it’s bad for my health.”

  The man frowned, his glasses moving as his facial features shifted. “NOWS didn’t report any smog from the industrial district in Oured earlier this morning, and that face covering definitely isn’t blocking any pathogens or pollutants.”

  “…I really like the mask.”

  There was a tense silence between the two men before the seated individual shook his head, opting not to pursue the matter further. “Take a seat.”

  “Private Josh Nakitsune. Age: 19 years, two months, and one day; of Comonan descent, and with fairly decent marksman and medical skills—melee combat could apparently use some additional work, though. Are these details correct?”

  The young recruit shifted awkwardly in his seat, uncomfortable with the man’s line of questioning. “Errr…yes? Am I in trouble? Did I do something wrong?”

  “And what exactly do you think you did that warranted you being sent all the way from boot camp in November City to the Department of Defense itself?”

  Not recognizing the wry expression on the interrogator’s face, Nakitsune began to panic as he frantically ran through his past actions in the days leading up to his unexpected trip to Oured. “Umm…that time I accidentally walked into the officers’ briefing room during an active meeting? The incident in the firing range where I shot at the wrong field and hit an unexploded shell instead of the target? Or was I not supposed to chat up that pretty Milishial lady who was passing by the training camp last week?”

  The man’s face softened in mild amusement at Josh’s growing terror, finally deciding to assuage his concerns. “Don’t worry, you’re not in trouble. Well, the Milishial lady is, but I’ll get to that in a moment. Allow me to first introduce myself, before anything else: I’m David North, an OIA analyst formerly from Advanced Weapons Analysis, but now reassigned to a newly-formed department in light of a threat very much unlike anything that Osea’s ever encountered in its entire history.”

  Fear quickly shifted into vague confusion as Josh took in David’s words. “Oh! Oh…oh?”

  “Here’s a question for you: what is the Ancient Sorcerous Empire, or its true name, the Ravernal Empire?”

  “Errr…” Nakitsune frowned as he tried to recall the different stories he had heard from the many Elysians visiting Osea about their world’s colorful past. “I’ve heard about them being some kind of ancient civilization that’s supposed to return someday, that was just as powerful as they were brutal. It seems a lot like a myth, but Elysia does have magic and elves and all that. And there was that whole attack by their descendants that killed Harling…”

  The OIA agent nodded in acknowledgment. “From our perspective—a civilization without magic where entire nations don’t magically appear out of nowhere—it would appear to be highly improbable that an empire like that of the Ravernals could exist or then vanish. However, we are still very much in a world that is distinctly unlike that of our own; many of our underlying assumptions about how the Universe works will therefore likely have to change in due course. Now, here’s another question for you to answer: why did you join the OGDF?”

  Not expecting the sudden change in topic, Josh blinked in confusion. “I…I’m sorry for asking, but what does this have to do with my being here?”

  “Depends on how you answer.”

  The private paused, considering the choices he made that had brought him to this very moment. “Adventure, really…everyone’s been hearing about elves and dragons back home, of magic straight out of the old fairy tales coming to life in Elysia. I thought that as part of OGDF, I’d get to travel outside of Osea, maybe go become part of the peacekeeping operations in Philades or Rodenius—do something epic like fight dragons or knights and mages, or free slaves and princesses.”

  “Hmm.” Looking at Nakitsune’s covering with curiosity, David decided to pursue the matter further. “That mask of yours—what’s its significance to you?”

  Josh blinked in confusion. “Uhhh…what exactly do you mean?”

  “If that mask was a normal medical covering, either you’d be recovering from a recent illness or you would have taken it off upon entering the premises of the Department of Defense as per dress protocol for all visitors. If you were a germaphobe, the OGDF would have made you a medic or reassigned you to some position outside of actual ground combat—yet you’ve chosen to be a sniper for recon, a position that’s known for…somewhat significantly prolonged periods of exposure to the elements. That, or you’d never have made it out of boot camp in the first place for insisting on wearing that thing despite military regulations.” David’s eyes closely examined the covering, noting its intricate golden lines and the smoothed dark surfaces outlining the mouth and sharp nose it covered. “Comonan masks are, from what I understand, symbols of heritage and martial spirit dating back to the Shogunate Era, before the Sea Wars with Emmeria in the nineteenth century forced them to modernise their culture. Considering your ethnicity, either you got that mask from a local store back home or it was inherited from someone else—and with the quality of that object, I’d guess that the truth might lean a lot more to the latter than the former. In other words, that mask means something important or valuable to you. So…what is it?”

  Josh was silent for a moment. “It’s…it’s not meant to impress anybody. It’s a family heirloom, passed on from generation to generation.”

  The OIA agent nodded thoughtfully. “Go on.”

  “We’ve served the military of Comona for centuries in different capacities, but this mask has always been used by people who have went on to serve as warriors of honour and valour—my father was the last person to wear it, back when he was an infantryman in ISAF during the Continental War. It was his belief that I should have it, once he learned that I was enlisting.” The private paused, remembering his father’s elation at seeing him in OGDF fatigues for the first time.

  “And so you’re here to continue the family legacy of action and adventure?”

  The Private considered David’s words, deciding to be honest with his interrogator. “My family’s history definitely played a role in my choice to sign up, but it’s me who wanted to go out and see what Elysia has to offer. It’s a whole new world out there, far different than anything we’ve ever seen, and I wanted to explore the world while doing what my family’s been doing best over the past three centuries: fighting for a good cause, to help others where we can.”

  “With the added bonus of seeing dragons and elves, huh?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  Silence fell upon the two men as the OIA agent considered his guest’s words. Coming to a decision, David abruptly turned to glance at a small cylindrical device on the table, a vague blue glow illuminating the table as he spoke to it.

  “Alex, give Private Nakitsune a quick rundown of the official OIA analysis of the Ravernal Empire, in sensuous order.”

  A female voice responded from the device, robotic in its enunciation as a holographic projection of a loading screen suddenly appeared on the wall beside the two men. “Affirmative. Compiling data from file ‘ase_2020.zip’ for audiovisual summary. Up to what security level do you wish to disclose all relevant information, David?”

  “Security Level B, Alex, the same clearance as me.”

  The holographic screen split into multiple windows, all displaying a series of photographs: archaeological findings, Milishial and Emorian texts, and Esperantoan artifacts, all interspersed with footage of more recent events in Eshirant, Selatapura, and Magicaregia. Josh’s eyes widened as the display continued to expand, the continuous stream of information showing no signs of stopping.

  “The Ravernal Empire, or the Ancient Sorcerous Empire as referred to by most Elysians, is an ancient civilization believed to have existed over several thousand years ago. The Private’s understanding about the genocidal tendencies of the Ravernals is correct, as well as their possession of magical superweapons of near-equal capabilities as the Arsenal Birds; the ASE is also believed to have possessed weapons of mass destruction, including but not limited to nuclear warheads, genetically-engineered creatures, and biological weapons. Based on historical accounts, archeological evidence, and existing scientific data, it is well within the confidence interval to hypothesize that the Ravernals used these weapons with impunity against their enemies on a near-daily basis.”

  “Damn…”

  “According to Elysian legend, the Ravernal Empire disappeared after incurring the wrath of the gods, but are fated to return to this world and resume their campaign of conquest and genocide. The people of the Annorial Empire are believed to be descendants of Ravernals left behind, and it is the assessment of the OIA and the wider Osean government that their recent actions—including the assassination of Vincent Harling in Selatapura—suggest that they intend to restore their predecessors’ legacy as a global superpower through any means possible.”

  “Thank you, Alex,” David remarked. “Give me the fifth photograph from Esperanto, will you?”

  A glowing device appeared on the projection, a series of runes and sigils illuminated by magic from the inside. The OIA agent gestured at the object, carefully enunciating his words as he spoke.

  “When the Ravernals disappeared, they left behind a series of artifacts scattered across Elysia known as ‘revival beacons’; we’re not exactly sure how they work, but our scientists believe that these objects are meant to assist the Ravernals—wherever they currently are—with successfully returning to Elysia in the future. The Annorials have taken an interest in possessing these beacons, based on our observations of their most recent movements; we can probably assume that they know a lot more about these things than we do, and whatever they have planned for them probably won’t do us or anyone else in the New World any good. That’s where I come in—and possibly you, if you’re interested.”

  Nakitsune’s eyes widened in realisation. “Wait…that Milishial woman…she wasn’t actually a Milishial, was she—”

  “No, she wasn’t,” a gruff voice unexpectedly replied.

  A bearded individual in distinctly non-Osean military fatigues stepped out from the shadows behind Agent North—the flag on his shoulder with an outlined white cross atop a red rectangle visibly identifying him as a foreigner from beyond the Pacific Ocean, Josh realised—crossing his arms over his chest as he paced towards the projection. “Osean Intelligence identified her as an agent of the Annorial Empire, her mission likely to either sabotage military assets or potentially infiltrate your nation’s ranks with various types of arcane magic: mind control, sexual favours, body possession, blackmail, moles, or something else along those lines—hell, probably all of them altogether, if some of our previous cases were of any indication. You, Private, were only a few steps away from inadvertently becoming one of her victims if not for the presence of a nearby OIA counterintelligence specialist tailing her movements in November City—”

  “The man behind me is Captain Vin Henrich of the Gra Valkas Empire, a fellow transferred nation with a shared interest in avoiding the somewhat unfortunate circumstances behind the recent death of our beloved ex-President Harling,” David remarked. “Considering our previous encounters with the Annorials, our governments have agreed on joining forces in a semi-unofficial capacity to combat their movements within Elysia and stop them from accelerating the return of the Ravernals with their revival beacons—or at least until both our nations and our own partners are fully prepared to stop and retaliate against whatever it is they might throw at us.”

  “So…what happened to Nerys?”

  Heinrich smirked. “She won’t be a problem anymore, that much I can tell you.”

  Gulp. “I—”

  “You’ve said that you wanted an adventure, to be able to do something epic beyond the Ostf?deration and explore the New World as part of the IUN, right? Well, my colleague and I are here with an offer for just that: we need people like you for a task force we’re organising that might just be the bulwark against the premature return of the most dangerous threat to Elysia in its history.”

  Shifting in his seat, David shut off the hologram and turned to look back at Josh.

  “Before you, Private, are two options. The first one is where you turn down this offer—don’t worry, you’ll be allowed to return to your regular duties on the condition that you speak of this meeting to no one, to say only that you were questioned about a suspected Annorial spy who was subsequently apprehended with the information that you gave us. Your career as an infantryman will go on without incident, and you’ll find the same amount of glorious adventure in the coming decade that our boys have been having in the past year: freeing slaves, fighting dragons, overthrowing kings and maybe even deposing the occasional Emperor or two, and ushering in the final utopia that the late Harling envisioned for Elysia. You’ll undoubtedly eventually fight the Ravernals in the field and maybe end up travelling across a dozen different battlefields, before retiring with a string of honours to your name, a cushy position in the higher ranks of the military, or maybe even a potential career in the Legislature or even Bright Hill itself—”

  “Or, you could come with us, and travel to the farthest corners of Elysia—you’ll dedicate your skills to a cause that very few people will ever know of or understand, but those that do will honour and recognise the fruits of our labors. The vast majority of your travails with us will most likely never reach the history books except in the briefest of footnotes, or in a museum more than centuries after all living memory has faded away—but you will live out the rest of your life with the knowledge that your actions will have been pivotal in saving countless millions in the years to come.” Heinrich paused, considering his own words. “There’s honour in either option, but I get the feeling only one of those will truly give you the adventure you crave, right?”

  Agent North leaned forward on the table, an eager look in his eyes as he grinned at Nakitsune.

  “So, Josh, do you want to stick to the tried and tested route of a hero, or do you want to come with us and see how deep the rabbit hole goes?”

  Josh Nakitsune was created by Armada back in November, and in the half-year it took to actually get to the point where we could introduce him, we’ve fleshed his character out a bit for story purposes. Expect to see him again soon; let us know what you think about him.

  Lady Aveline Rethar and Senator Alerion Valis are all Milishial characters from Qun Nguyn1’s Summoning China.

  Kumari or Armstrong; which candidate looks to be the better successor to Bartlett and Harling?