《A New Dawn to Conquer》 Chapter 1 - The Imperial Federation Imperial Calendar - Joun 32, 2178 The High Room, Souver?nain Palaist Imperial Capital City of Valdr?d The dark room was dimly illuminated with the light coming from the holographic projections. The emperor sat at the center of the oval table, surrounded by ministers and military officers as they listened to the reports of Minister-General of the Ministry of Defense and Military Affairs about the ongoing situation. "The majority of our forces has amassed along the western and southern border with the Republic of Volkov, The 4th and 6th Imperial Fleets are currently deployed in the Iosyp Ocean, ready to strike the eastern coastal regions and ports of the Republic. The 2nd Imperial Fleet is en route to rendezvous with the 24th Armoured Division to provide critical air support over the Yvian Steppe." said Minister-General Viktok Reinjar as he tinkered with the holographic map to highlight those units. "How are the ongoing civilian evacuations? I must be sure that our citizens, no matter their class, has been evacuated away from the frontline territories." Emperor Alaric von Al?an III with a strong but calm voice. "Eurtre Majest?t¨¦, the evacuation are proceeding on schedule, nearly 80% of the population in the outer provinces have been relocated to secure zones. The remaining 20% are expected to be relocated within the next 48 hours. As of our citizens overseas, they have heeded the call to return home, in line with your Imperial Decree. Over half of the vessels transporting our citizens have arrived at the ports yesterday morning, the rest are expected to arrive this evening. As we all understand, we certainly don''t want another repeat of 2141." This was among the rare things the emperor deemed significant. To avoid the isolation and potential danger to his citizens, he has instructed for all them to come home and be relocated to safer areas. All of this originated from the Hostage Crisis of 2141, when citizens abroad were seized during the 3rd Continental War. 183 innocent citizens, mostly women and children lost their lives before the rescue efforts even commenced. "I certainly don''t want that, that''s why we need to remain vigilant and ensure our strategies leave no room for error. On that note, what are the status of our bombers and missiles?" the emperor said trying to get back on topic. "Our stealth bombers are on the air, circling major Republic bases and industrial facilities. Armed with 40 Mk 14 Tactical Nuclear payloads on each bomber, conventional ICBM''s are also on standby to take out the Republic''s island bases. Our anti-air defenses are working overtime, we''ll shoot any missile or plane down before they even have the chance to enter our airspace." Viktor said confidently "Good, moving unto the Ministry of Economy and Trade, will this upcoming war of ours affect the economy?" "Eurtre Majest?t¨¦, while our nation has regularly exported multiple products to other nations, we have largely remained self-sufficient and independent in our economic policies. Trade has always been a means of strengthening diplomatic relations rather than a necessity for our survival. As such, even if our exports were to come to a complete halt, our economy would remain stable. We have ensured that our industries, particularly those concerning essential goods, are not reliant on foreign markets. Our financial reserves, domestic production capabilities, and strategic planning allow us to weather any potential disruptions." Minister Celeste spoke with calm confidence, her hands clasped behind her back. "Furthermore, thanks to the Agricultural Domes we have constructed and refined over the past forty years, our nation has achieved complete self-sufficiency in terms of basic food necessities. These domes have been carefully engineered to provide optimal conditions for growing staple crops, ensuring that we will not face shortages even in prolonged periods of isolation. This means that rationing or emergency food distribution will not be necessary under current circumstances." she added. "Basic food necessities? Elaborate." "Well, our Agricultural Domes are designed to cultivate a wide range of essential crops, including grains, vegetables, and legumes. However, while we have mastered the cultivation of food required to sustain our population, these domes have yet to reach their full potential when it comes to more diverse or exotic produce. Research into artificial climates has indeed yielded significant progress, allowing us to simulate various growing conditions, but we have yet to perfect the technology to the extent that we can produce food from vastly different climates at a large scale. For example, while we can replicate the temperate conditions needed for wheat and potatoes, more delicate tropical fruits or rare spices still pose a challenge." "Then that is a sacrifice we''re willing to make until we find a solution. Now, how about the Ministry of Foreign Affairs? Any movements from other nations?" "Eurtre Majest?t¨¦, ever since we began our rapid military buildup, multiple nations have condemned us for such actions, especially our long-time rival, the Divine Kingdom of Avalon. Intelligence suggests that once the Volkov Republic nears capitulation, Avalon may intervene to prevent the destruction of their ally," Minister Rayne of the Foreign Affairs reported, his expression grim. The Divine Kingdom of Avalon, formerly the Federated States of Avalonia, had once been a great ally during both the Second and Third World Wars. However, by the dawn of the 21st century, everything changed. The ruling government was violently overthrown by the old royal family, and the nation was reestablished as a theocratic state. What was once a strong alliance had long since deteriorated into an intense rivalry. The Republic of Volkov remained one of Avalon''s key allies, a constant thorn in Alnania''s side due to their shared border. "Even our most optimistic predictions conclude that this will escalate into another global war," Minister Rayne continued. "Fortunately, most of our allies remain true to their commitment to the Zeatly Pact and will come to our aid if Avalon decides to intervene." "Because of that, Eurtre Majest?t¨¦, the 3rd and 7th Imperial Fleets are currently en route to the Cythen Islands and the Veusan Strait to reinforce our allies and secure vital supply lanes. Orbital weapon systems are primed and ready for an immediate decapitation strike on the Avalonian central government, should the need arise. Meanwhile, the 1st Imperial Fleet remains stationed in the Ulys Ocean, awaiting further orders." Viktor interjected. The room fell into a tense silence. The weight of the moment pressed upon them all. This was no mere regional conflict but this was the spark of something much greater. "Once the last of our citizens return home, I hereby authorize the immediate strike into Volkovian territory," the emperor declared, his voice resolute. "This war must end swiftly. And if it escalates, then so be it. We shall bring the fight to them. This session is adjourned." The holographic projections flickered and vanished, leaving the room in utter darkness for a moment before the regular lights flickered back on. In just nine hours, a war that would change history forever was set to begin. But it never came to pass. For an unexpected event was about to unfold. One that would alter the fate of the world in ways no one could have foreseen. Port of Alnan Imperial Capital City of Valdr?d The docks were packed with anxious families, military personnel, and news crews as the last ships entered the harbor. Cheers erupted as passengers disembarked, embracing loved ones they thought they might never see again. Reporters flooded the scene, documenting the final wave of returning citizens. Among them was the Alnanian Imperial News Network (AINN), the largest media outlet in the empire. A well-dressed reporter stood before the camera, her voice steady but urgent. "We are live from Port Alnan at 08:38 PM Imperial Standard Time. The last ships carrying our fellow citizens have finally anchored. As you can see, dozens of people are disembarking now, let''s get a closer look at th-wait... what in the empire''s name is that?" The camera panned upwards, focusing on the night sky and that was when everything changed. A crack had formed in the heavens. Not a cloud, not a shooting star but a jagged, glowing fracture in reality itself. It shimmered unnaturally, like a mirror shattered in midair, its jagged edges pulsing with an eerie white light. Then, suddenly... The world plunged into darkness. A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. Every light, every screen, every electronic device snapped off in an instant. The ships in the harbor, the streetlights, even the towering skyscrapers of Valdrad were all blacked out at once. Gasps of confusion quickly turned to screams as panic set in. Then, the crack in the sky shattered. An impossible shockwave erupted outward, a force so immense that it tore through the city like a hurricane made of pure distortion. Glass exploded from every window. Cars were flipped like toys. The very air itself howled as gravity twisted erratically. People were hurled through the streets, their bodies slamming into walls, light poles, and even each other. The shockwave ripped the docked ships apart, splitting some clean in half, while others were wrenched into the air, floating like weightless debris before crashing back into the sea. Buildings collapsed in on themselves, some bending at impossible angles before glitching out of existence entirely, only to reappear in different locations, half-sunk into the pavement or stacked atop one another like some deranged architect''s nightmare. Screams filled the air. The cries of the injured, the shrieks of terror, the helpless sobs of those unable to comprehend what was happening. Families reached for loved ones only to watch them flicker out of sight only to then suddenly reappear meters away, disoriented and horrified. The AINN crew was caught in the chaos. Their camera slammed to the ground, the screen going to static before abruptly cutting back in. The cameraman lay half-buried under debris, groaning in pain. The reporter, Shinea, was struggling to move, her face streaked with dust and blood. She clutched her microphone with trembling fingers, her voice hoarse. "W-what the fuck was that? What just happened?" Then, just as suddenly as the chaos had begun... A flash of light. Blinding, all-consuming. A pure white nothingness that swallowed the world whole. Then there was silence. And just like that, everything was back to normal. The docks were untouched. The buildings stood tall and undamaged. The ships were whole again, resting peacefully in the harbor. The people who had been torn apart, crushed, or flung into the abyss just moments ago were standing exactly where they had been before the event- alive and unharmed. Silence lingered. People touched their faces, checked their bodies, ran their hands over the solid ground beneath them, they were alive. They remembered dying, but they were alive. Then, before anyone could even begin to make sense of what had happened, a small voice broke the fragile stillness. "Mom... since when did we get a new moon?" a child in the crowd pointed skyward. One by one, heads turned. Then gasps filled the night. High above them, where their familiar moon, Lunestrein should have been alone in the sky, a second moon loomed. Pale, massive, and undeniably real. And just beyond that, stretching across the heavens from horizon to horizon, was something even more impossible, it was a vast asteroid ring. A swirling, majestic band of countless celestial bodies, glowing faintly in the night. The people of Alnania weren''t just witnessing a cosmic anomaly. They were no longer on their own world. Their empire, their cities, their very planet had been ripped from their universe and thrust into another. A world that would forever shatter their understanding of reality itself. The High Room, Souver?nain Palaist Emergency Session The room was thick with tension. It had only been a few hours since the last meeting, but the recent events that had unfolded were both disturbing and incomprehensible. The emperor demanded immediate answers. "Can anyone explain what just happened?" The emperor''s voice was eerily quiet, his tone betraying a rare hint of uncertainty. A heavy silence settled over the room. "As of this moment, we don''t know, Eurtre Majest?t¨¦," Minister-General Viktor replied, his voice low and cautious. "At first, we suspected a military attack, either from the Volkovians or Avalonians. But the events that transpired cannot be attributed to any known technology from ours or theirs. The fact that it occurred throughout the entire empire suggests this was no mere action of men." "We at the Ministry of Innovation and Scientific Affairs have conducted a thorough review," Minister Elei added, her voice lacking its usual confident edge. "The fact that the people experienced mass destruction and then saw everything revert back to its original state-without any lasting damage or explanation-is unlike anything we''ve ever seen. For the first time in the Ministry''s history... no, for the first time in the empire''s history, we have no explanation other than something magical. A cosmic force, perhaps. A being... manipulating reality." She trailed off, clearly struggling with the words, as if the very suggestion felt impossible. "Something magical?" the emperor repeated, the weight of the phrase hanging in the air. "Well, that could be the only explanation for the new moon and the asteroid ring system in the sky." He paused, staring out at the assembly of advisors. "Any success in contacting any other nations after the blackouts?" "Eurtre Majest?t¨¦," Minister Rayne, head of Foreign Affairs, spoke up, his voice steady despite the overwhelming circumstances. "The lines of communication we maintained with our allies have remained silent ever since the blackout. Any attempts to reach out have been futile, and we expect that we won''t be able to contact anyone outside the empire for at least 48 hours. This leaves us blind to any potential threat or attempt to undermine us." "Couldn''t the satellites report any activity or reestablish communications?" the emperor asked sharply, his frustration growing. "That''s the issue, Eurtre Majest?t¨¦," Minister-General Viktor responded quickly. "After the event, we lost contact with the majority of our satellites. The remaining ones are inaccessible for now, and our efforts to regain communication are ongoing. The Bureau of Aerospace Command reports they may be able to reestablish contact within the next four hours. However, the active satellites are primarily used for military surveillance, not imaging, so they''re not equipped for deep analysis or communication. Their primary function is stealth and defense." A sudden movement caught everyone''s attention. An aide approached Minister Elei, whispering something in her ear. She quickly checked her datapad, her eyes widening as her face contorted with shock and dread. "If I may, Eurtre Majest?t¨¦," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "I''ve just received reports from the Hochfort Aurelion Station and the Lunestrein Moon bases. They''re still operational and able to contact us. But they couldn''t provide any information about the surrounding nations... because, according to them, we''re not on Arkanis anymore." A collective gasp rippled through the room. The emperor''s eyes narrowed, his patience waning. "I-I beg your pardon?" he asked, his voice dangerously calm. "Yes, Eurtre Majest?t¨¦," Minister Elei continued, her tone somber. "The Hochfort Aurelion Station reports that the landscape they''re seeing-" She tapped a command on her datapad, and a holographic image materialized above the table. "-this image was taken just minutes ago. The landmass in the middle is the Valdan Continent, where we and the Volkov Republic are situated. But the surrounding landmasses do not resemble any known continents. In fact, the planet seems to be larger than ours. According to the station''s report, the moon''s orbit has shifted, and the gravitational field is different. The atmosphere is strange, too-far denser than ours. We have concluded that-" Minister Elei paused as the room collectively held its breath. "We''ve been thrown from our home. We aren''t in Arkanis anymore." The room was utterly silent for a long, breathless moment. "By logic... this shouldn''t even be possible!" the emperor finally exclaimed, standing up from his throne, his hands clenching into fists. His eyes burned with a mix of disbelief and fury. "How are we even supposed to process this? How could we have... shifted like this, without warning?" The ministers exchanged uncertain glances, none of them offering an answer, for there were no answers to give. "This... this isn''t just a cosmic anomaly," Minister Elei continued quietly, her gaze dropping to the floor. "We are not alone in this universe anymore. Something has pulled us from our home, and we are now in a place... we cannot even begin to understand. There is no turning back. The forces at play here are far beyond our comprehension." The emperor''s face darkened, his hands tightening around the armrests of his throne as the weight of what they had just learned sank in. No one in the room had an answer. None of them had a plan. They had no idea who, or what, had cast them from their world, or what this new world had in store for them. But there was one thing that was clear to them all. They had been thrust into an unimaginable new reality and the old rules no longer applied. Unknown Realm Unknown Location "The Imperial Federation of Alnania? Why didn''t you choose any of the great powers of Earth? There are countless variants of Earth''s nations out there. Surely, you could have selected a more... suitable version to help and guide our world," one figure said, his tone laced with disbelief and skepticism. "You really are a new god, aren''t you?" the being in front of him responded calmly, almost amused. "Let me educate you. I would have preferred a great power from Earth myself. But transporting an Earth-based nation-any nation, whether it''s a superpower or a struggling third-world state will demands nearly all of one''s divine energy and essence. Earth nations, regardless of status, are innately potent. When brought into a new world, they carry with them the seeds of dominance, of influence... of destiny." She paused, folding her hands behind her back. "And besides, the best ones have already been taken. Hundreds of Earths are now missing entire nations, even entire continents were already claimed by other gods long before you or I were granted our own world." "Then why not pull from other Earths outside the Catalogue? The observable multiverse is practically endless," the first figure argued. "Surely there are untouched versions out there, beyond the selection you were given." "And risk invoking the wrath of the Agency?" the being snapped, her tone now sharpened with caution. "Do you have any idea what kind of power you''re toying with?" She stepped closer, her voice lowering. "The Agency doesn''t tolerate unauthorized tampering with the multiverse. They may seem distant, but they see everything. They''re the only known force to have ever breached the universal barrier and some say they didn''t even originate from a universe at all. The old gods, the first of our kind, once dared to interfere recklessly. It nearly unraveled reality itself. It was only after they begged for mercy that the Agency agreed to regulate access through the Catalogue." A pause. "A carefully curated collection of Earths and Earth-like planets, each marked and approved for divine use. One of those worlds is Arkanis, the one I took from. And from that world, I chose the Imperial Federation of Alnania." The first figure crossed his arms, unconvinced. "Still, why Alnania? They''re technologically advanced, yes. Capable enough to face the Annonrials, Ravernals or even the [REDACTED] Threat, sure-but aren''t you worried they might just conquer this world instead of helping it?" The being chuckled darkly. "Oh, and now you''re worried about conquest? Please. Shall I remind you that you summoned the Imperium of Arcanum to the west? A militarized, theocratic-technological empire driven by expansionist zeal? You''ve already put the entire western hemisphere in peril. Let''s just hope your followers don''t act impulsively when they make first contact with the Arca¨½arin." She turned toward the shimmering veil that separated their realm from the mortal plane. "But if the Alnanians do try to conquer the world... then so be it," she said with quiet finality. "They''ve been given a purpose. They''ve been given power. And more importantly..." she paused, a glint in her eyes-"they''ve been given A New Dawn to Conquer." ------------- Upcoming Chapter: New World, Same Threats ------------- Chapter 2 - New World, Same Threats 2 Hours Post-Transference - 10:59 PM The High Room, Souver?nian Palaist The atmosphere in the chamber remained thick with disbelief. Even hours after the transference, the weight of their new reality lingered in every corner of the room. Faces once confident now bore the unease of the unknown. Their world¡ªtheir very home¡ªwas gone. They had been torn from their home planet and cast into another realm beyond comprehension. The central holographic display flickered intermittently, struggling to process data. The AGNOS¡ªAlnanian Global Navigation and Orbiting System¡ªremained partially functional, but without updates from orbital satellites, its readings beyond the continent were riddled with errors and blind spots. "I still can''t believe this..." the emperor muttered, breaking the silence. "All of our plans... our vision for a greater future... all of it vanished in a moment. So much for finally uniting the continent¡ª" he stopped, eyes narrowing at the flickering map before him. "Wait... let me clarify. Did you just say the entirety of the Valdan Continent was transferred?" "Uhh... yes, Eurtre Majest?t¨¦," Minister-General Viktor replied, leaning forward. "Based on all incoming data, it appears the entire continent was displaced with us. Not just Alnania, but¡ª" he paused, squinting at the projection as it stabilized momentarily. Then he saw it and his expression darkened. "The Volkov Republic... they''re here too." For a moment, the room went still again¡ªonly this time, tension replaced confusion. The emperor''s gaze hardened, while Viktor began processing the implications with chilling clarity. "This... changes everything," he said. "Eurtre Majest?t¨¦, if I may¡ªthis may be the worst possible timing, but also our greatest opportunity. The Volkov Republic has been cut off from the Avalonians and their allies. With no external support, and their internal systems likely in disarray from the blackout, this could be the perfect time to strike." He straightened, his voice gaining weight. "We propose to proceed with the invasion immediately. Their forces will be disorganized, their command structure likely fractured. If we strike now, we can eliminate the Volkovian threat once and for all, before they have a chance to adapt to this new world." Silence filled the room as all eyes turned to the emperor. Every breath was held in anticipation. This was a moment of decision and perhaps the only chance they would ever have. The imperial forces were ready, and their enemies had never been more vulnerable. The path to a unified continent was finally within reach. "A month..." the emperor murmured, almost inaudibly. The weight of his words settled like stone upon the chamber. "A month is what I''m giving you," he continued, his voice rising with authority and steel. "You are to push into the Republic and force their capitulation. I want the Volkovian threat extinguished within thirty days." He paused, then added with a sharp tone, "Simultaneously, reconnaissance and intelligence operations must begin immediately. We are still strangers to this world¡ªunaware of its threats, geography, and inhabitants. I want us prepared. No assumptions. No complacency." The ministers nodded solemnly as the Emperor turned his gaze toward Minister Elei. "While the military secures the continent, the Ministry of Innovation and Scientific Affairs is to begin full-scale investigations and research on this new world. I want preliminary findings by the end of the week." He gestured toward a nearby aide. "Inform the Bureau of Aerospace Command to reestablish contact with every satellite possible. Prioritize deep-space recon systems and orbital surveillance. I want eyes in the sky, now more than ever." His voice lowered, but grew more ominous. "And one more thing¡ªdeclare a national lockdown. Effective immediately. Civilian movement is to be restricted. The right to assembly is hereby suspended until further notice. We cannot risk instability while the Empire regains its footing." A heavy stillness settled over the room, the enormity of his orders echoing in the minds of every official present. "This world has given us new opportunities to exploit and new dangers that we must overcome," the emperor declared in a stern, commanding voice that echoed through the High Room. "This session is adjourned. Vive das Empirreich!" He rose from his seat, raising a clenched fist high into the air in a salute¡ª a symbol of unity, strength, and unwavering determination. "Vive das Empirreich!" came the resolute response, as every minister, general, and official stood in unison, saluting their sovereign with clenched fists of their own. The cry resounded like a war drum, not just a declaration of loyalty but also a vow to forge a future no matter the cost. And so, from the grand halls of Valdr?d to the farthest reaches of their transported lands, the gears of fate began to turn. Thus began the journey of the Imperial Federation in this strange and untamed world. A journey woven with chaos and hope, conquest and discovery, conflict and destiny. In this unfamiliar land where old maps held no meaning and the stars above bore unfamiliar names, the Alnanians would carve out their place anew but not as refugees, but as conquerors, visionaries, and bearers of an empire reborn. The drums of war had sounded. The fires of ambition had been lit and a new age had begun. Western Ridge Border Post - 01:20 AM Western Regions of the Republic of Volkov The border was eerily quiet, an unnatural silence settling over the ridge ever since the global communication blackout hours prior. A patrol squad trudged slowly along the perimeter, eyes scanning the darkness for anything unusual. Above them, the night sky blazed with eerie brilliance, the second moon and the newly formed planetary ring casting soft, silvery hues over the rugged terrain. The soldiers stopped for a brief break, settling on scattered rocks as they glanced back toward the base, a kilometer behind them. Its tower lights flickering weakly under backup power. "Any of you got theories on what the fuck happened earlier?" the youngest recruit asked, half-joking, trying to mask the tension in his voice. "Probably some rebel stunt," one replied, brushing dust off his boots. "Civil unrest''s been getting worse across the capital and outer provinces. Those bureaucrats in Volia are barely keeping things together." "Nah, I''m tellin'' you that we got isekai''d or something," another soldier said with a grin. "I mean, come on... second moon? Asteroid rings? That''s straight out of some fantasy bullshit." "Isekai''d? You''re still watching that anime crap from the Shinseijins?" one laughed. "Told you, that stuff''s Shinseik¨­ku propaganda, definitely mind control through waifus." The group chuckled in unison. Shinseik¨­ku, officially the Imperial Sovereign State of Shinseik¨­ku, had been one of the few nations in the old world that rivaled and in some areas, surpassed even Alnania in technological advancements. Their cultural exports, especially "anime", had flooded global media networks, spreading faster than their AI innovations or defense drones. Some joked it was their greatest weapon. "How about you, Sarge?" one asked, glancing at the squad leader. "I don''t know a damn thing," Sergeant Dornel said, exhaling a slow breath as he leaned back on the rock. "If I had to guess, I''d say it''s the Alnanians or Avalonians screwing around with tech they don''t understand. Still... gotta admit, the new sky looks kinda beautiful." He stared up at the shimmering ring that stretched across the horizon. It was peaceful, almost calming. Then suddenly, a sharp fracture tore through the air like a whip. The ground trembled violently beneath them. "Earthquake?" one shouted. But before anyone could react, a massive explosion lit up the night in the distance. A column of fire and debris erupting into the sky. The impact roared like a dragon, followed by a shockwave that hit them like a freight train. Dirt, steel, and shattered stone slammed into the squad, flinging them like ragdolls across the ridge. One of the towers in the base crumbled into a heap of rubble, its beacon light vanishing in a blink. "Wh¡ªwhat the hell¡ª" a soldier tried to speak before being cut off by a searing blast of heat and pressure. Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. Sergeant Dornel hit the ground hard, ears ringing, lungs struggling through dust and smoke. He blinked through the haze, pushing himself up. Flames flickered in the distance, casting monstrous shadows across the valley. His eyes locked onto a burning silhouette beyond the ridge. "That''s the Central Command Tower... it''s been hit," he muttered, jaw tightening. His radio crackled violently to life. "¡ªmand is down! Repeat, command is down! All units, respond¡ªanyone still transmitting, come in!" a person spoke from the other side, panting, with the sounds of destruction rumbling in the background. "This is Sergeant Dornel!" he shouted into the receiver, staggering to his feet. "What the hell just happened?!" "We''ve been hit! Multiple men down! The entire commanding brass got fucking killed in that strike!" a panicked voice crackled through the radio, distorted by static and shouts in the background. "They look like railgun strikes¡ªI don''t know where the hell they''re coming from, but God help us if it''s the fucking Alnani¡ª" the transmission cut out abruptly, swallowed by a high-pitched screech of interference as another railgun strike tore across the horizon, erupting in a distant plume of fire and dust that lit the night sky like a second dawn. "...they got him." said the Sergeant as he let go of his radio. A thunderous roar tore across the sky. Four silhouettes streaked overhead, black against the silver glow of the twin moons ¡ª but the golden trims gleamed unmistakably under the light. And then... the insignia on their wings came into view. The Imperial Alnanian Aerospace Force. "It''s the Alnanians! We''re under attack by those bastards!" Sergeant Dornel shouted. As if on cue, the ground shuddered again as a series of violent explosions erupted across the base behind them, each blast more devastating than the last. Fires bloomed like dying suns, casting the valley in searing hues of red and orange. Tracer rounds tore through the night sky as Volkovian anti-air batteries roared to life, stitching the heavens with burning lines of flak. Moments later, another thunderous boom of high-speed missile impacts rippled across the terrain, shaking the earth and tearing through everything in their path. "Missile strikes! Shit, shit, shit! I didn''t sign up to die on my first damn deployment!" one of the younger soldiers screamed, voice cracking in panic for him to only to be cut off by a swift punch from his squadmates. "Get your shit together! You''re still breathing, count that as lucky," she growled. "We need to regroup at the base. This might just be a preemptive stri¡ª" She froze mid-sentence. A low, grinding rumble echoed from the distance, it was the unmistakable sound of treads crushing soil and steel moving through the darkness. "...Sarge," one soldier whispered, eyes wide. "Those... those are ours, right?" Sergeant Dornel turned toward the sound, squinting into the shadows¡ª but then he saw them, Alnanian armored divisions, their sleek, gold-trimmed hulls glinting in the moonlight, soldiers advancing behind them in formation. "...They''re not fucking ours," he muttered. "Move! We need to get down there before they reach the base!" He was about to sprint forward when a hand gripped his arm. "Sarge, I think I speak for all of us when I say that we won''t survive if we go down there. We''ll just get torn apart. I know it means leaving our brothers and sisters behind... but someone has to warn the Republic. And right now, we''re the only ones with a real chance of making it out." The rest of the squad nodded grimly, silent but in full agreement. Dornel clenched his jaw, torn between duty and survival. His heart screamed to fight, but his mind knew better. "...Damn it all..." he muttered under his breath. Then louder "Echo Squad... fallback." A wave of tense relief passed through the team as they turned and slipped into the shadows of the forested hills, leaving behind the chaos of their outpost and comrades. Meanwhile, behind the advancing Alnanian armored divisions... Inside a Mobile Command Center, a sleek, heavily fortified vehicle bristling with antennae and sensor arrays, the interior glowed with dim red and amber lights. Holographic displays flickered in rhythm with the movement of the frontlines, projecting shifting heat signatures, tactical overlays, and updated coordinates of the rapidly expanding Alnanian assault. The low hum of generators and the quiet clatter of data feeds filled the air, broken only by urgent murmurs between officers. "Commander," an operations officer called out, turning toward the center of the room, "Infrared sensors just picked up movement in the southern quadrant¡ª one klick out. A squad''s retreating through the eastern treeline. Disorganized movement, likely shell-shocked or scattered from the first strike. Orders? Should I dispatch hunter drones to intercept?" The room paused for a moment, awaiting the command. The Field Commander, clad in a dark uniform adorned with silver cords and the Imperial Crest of Alnania, stood silent. He leaned forward, elbows on the console, fingers steepled beneath his chin, eyes fixated on the flickering silhouettes darting through the dust and thermal fog on the display. He studied them, a retreating Volkovian squad, their formation broken, limbs sluggish, morale fractured. "...No." The subordinate hesitated, eyes narrowing. "Sir?" The Commander exhaled slowly, the faintest glimmer of a cold smile tugging at the edge of his mouth. "Let them run. Let them feel the weight of inevitability. By the time they find anyone to warn, we''ll already be halfway through Volkovian territory. And if their command still breathes by then, they''ll only find fear waiting in the wake of our advance." "Understood, Commander." "Continue the push. Prioritize infrastructure strikes, every power stations, rail lines, satellite uplinks. I want their war machine paralyzed before they even understand the scope of this offensive." "Yes, sir." Outside, columns of tanks, IFVs, and mechanized artillery thundered forward in perfect formation, accompanied by sweeping air patrols above. The night sky shimmered with contrails and the flicker of missile trails, casting a surreal light upon the burning horizon. Drones danced overhead like watchful predators, relaying live footage to the command centers, marking targets, scanning for resistance. This wasn''t just a battle. It was a calculated unraveling. A demonstration of force to not just to the Volkovians, but to the unknown world that now surrounded them. A message written in fire, steel, and precision. And so began the first spark of the Fourth Continental War, a war not born merely of borders or politics, but forged from ambition, vengeance, and the cold, calculated will of a new empire standing at the gates of a new world. Imperial Square - Vian 6, 2178 02:00 PM - Imperial Standard Time Imperial Capital City of Valdr?d The streets of Valdr?d buzzed with restrained activity. Though the heart of the empire stood tall and proud, a shadow loomed over its citizens. The aftermath of the transference still weighing heavy on their minds. It had only been six days since the world changed, yet the empire marched on with discipline and purpose. Civilian movement remained restricted under martial order, and every corner was lined with security patrols and surveillance drones scanning the crowd. A towering screen mounted above the square blared the latest broadcast from the Alnanian Imperial News Network, catching the attention of every passerby. "As of this morning at 07:30 AM Imperial Standard Time, multiple Volkovian cities have erupted in nuclear fire after precision strikes from Alnanian bombers. The coordinated bombings were aimed at forcing a swift surrender and eliminating any residual military assets the Republic might possess. Strategic targets included armories, command posts, and industrial infrastructure. According to the Ministry of Defense and Military Affairs, civilian populations were given evacuation warnings well ahead of the strikes. Western Volkovian territory has largely collapsed under the relentless advance of the Alnanian Army, while the eastern regions are currently under sustained bombardment from our carrier strike groups operating in the Iosyp Ocean. This is Karl Larter, reporting for the Alnanian Imperial News Network. Back to you at HQ." The broadcast ended, but the footage of the mushroom clouds and burning skylines continued looping in silence. The people watching stood still, some in awe, others in disbelief, still grappling with the reality that even in a new world, war followed them like an echo of the past. "Can''t believe we really had to nuke those cities..." said a woman quietly, sipping her drink as she sat by the window of a quiet caf¨¦ overlooking the square. The screen outside still replayed footage of smoke rising over Volkovian skylines. "The emperor wanted a swift end to this," replied the man sitting across from her, casually stirring his tea. "At least he didn''t authorize the orbital platforms. That would''ve been... catastrophic." The woman sighed, her eyes lingering on the screen. "Even so... once this war ends, I want to help those people. Even if they were part of an enemy nation, I still feel... pity. They didn''t ask for this." "They never do," the man said solemnly. "But pity doesn''t change policy. Based on the latest projections, they''ll likely be designated third-class citizens after the war. Maybe some will make it to second-class, if they''re lucky... but immediate elevation? Unlikely." She shook her head. "This class system... it''s harsh. Unethical, even." "It is," he agreed, "but it''s also what''s kept the empire strong. Structure, hierarchy, progression, that''s how we forged unity out of fractured colonies. Many of those colonies became full-fledged states. Some of their people, through merit and loyalty, even climbed to first-class status. The empire rewards dedication, it may be ruthless¡ªyes, but fairly, in its own way." She remained quiet for a moment, then looked up. "I just hope that this new world won''t turn us into even greater monsters. We were given a second chance, but I''m afraid we''ll just repeat everything... only worse." The woman glanced out at the square, where soldiers stood watch and crowds moved under surveillance drones. "...Or maybe we already have." "Anyway, what''s left for today? I just want to go home, this tour my father assigned me is giving me a headache." the young woman sighed, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "That''s entirely up to you... Crown Princess Celestine." the man replied with a subtle bow, adjusting the lapel of his suit. She smiled faintly. "Then let us go home. I can''t have my bodyguard following me all day, right? Still... I wonder what new dangers this world will throw at us. Even in this so-called New World, we still face the Same Threats." As they left the caf¨¦ and stepped into the armored convoy, the golden crest of the Imperial Family gleaming on the door, the city behind them pulsed with both life and unease. The world may have changed, but the game of power, conquest, and survival had not. Later that evening, the Republic of Volkov officially capitulated. A swift end to the first of many wars in this strange, foreign and magical new world. Western Hemisphere Unknown Location "¡ªereby announce the formal surrender of Volkovian forces and authority to the Aln¡ª" the transmission cut off, the audio distorting before fading into static. "That was the only thing we managed to capture and decrypt before we lost connection, sir. Everything else is still gibberish... until we can get a broader understanding of the language," the young intelligence officer reported, tapping at his terminal with a frown. The commanding officer stood silently for a moment, eyes narrowing at the flickering waveform on the monitor. "Keep digging. Try to isolate more transmissions, anything that can help us identify their origin or capabilities." "Yes, sir. We''ll reroute the scans and refine the decryption filters." The officer turned, hands clasped behind his back. "But until then, our attention stays on our front. The Leiforians aren''t going to burn themselves... and those bastards deserve everything that''s coming their way." On the other side of the world, war still rages, a unrelenting, brutal, and far from over. But soon, the two forces, shaped by different worlds and forged by conflict, will meet. And when they do, the true storm of this New World will begin. ------------- Upcoming Chapter: Oh, Fuck No -------------