《Summoning The Great Powers》 New World? United States of America, Washington DC, White House: 19:45 Hours As dusk settled over the White House, President Charon was interrupted by an out-of-breath aide. "A colossal storm approaches from both coasts, Ma''am. It threatens to cover the majority of our mainland within hours, and its origin remains unknown." Concern was evident on the President''s face. "What''s the projected impact?" "Significant infrastructure damage across numerous states, and a potential death toll reaching into the millions," the aide conveyed. "Declare a State of Emergency at once and deploy all disaster response units," President Charon ordered her tone firm. The room echoed with affirmations. Russian Federation, Moscow, Kremlin: 02:45 Hours The shrill of a phone disrupted the Moscow night''s silence. Groggily, President Boris Lavrov answered, "Who''s this?" "A vast snowstorm is moving from Siberia towards our European regions," came the reply. "Isn''t that typical?" Lavrov mumbled, still drowsy. "Ordinarily, yes, but this storm''s magnitude is unparalleled. It''s engulfing Siberia, threatening prolonged visibility issues," the aide clarified. "Alright, issue a disaster alert and advise citizens to stay indoors," Lavrov instructed. "Understood, Mr. President," the aide said, concluding the call. People''s Republic of China, Beijing, Zhongnanhai: 07:45 hours During Premier Wu Xi''s morning meeting, a CMA report detailed typhoons from the South China Sea and a snowstorm moving from Siberia into Chinese Mongolia. "Comrade Premier, the public must be informed. The consequences of inaction could be dire," a council member urged. "I concur. Issue public alerts regarding the storms and keep me informed," Premier Wu Xi directed. Nods of agreement filled the room. The Republic of India, Delhi, Sansad Bhavan: 05:15 hrs An alarm roused Prime Minister Aryan Singh within Sansad Bhavan. "What''s the situation?" he inquired, adjusting to the sudden brightness. "Sorry for the abrupt alert, sir. A formidable cyclone is forming in the Bay of Bengal, targeting our eastern shoreline," the IMD director informed. Now alert, Singh queried, "What''s the projected fallout?" "This cyclone, potentially the fiercest in years, promises intense storm surges and heavy rainfall, risking floods and wind damage across several states. The devastation could be vast without swift evacuation measures," the director cautioned. "Got it. Mobilize the National Disaster Response Force and start evacuations. Collaborate with state administrations to prioritize citizen safety," Singh directed. "We''re on it, sir," the director confirmed. Japan, Tokyo, National Diet: 12:30 Prime Minister Toshiro''s policy discussion was interrupted by his secretary''s sudden entrance. "Apologies, Prime Minister, but there''s an urgent matter," the secretary began, his voice tinged with worry. "What is it?" Toshiro inquired, immediately refocusing. "Seismic activity has been detected beneath the Pacific. The Japan Meteorological Agency believes it might precipitate a large-scale tsunami targeting our Eastern coast," the secretary informed. Grasping the severity, Toshiro, maintaining his composure, asked, "What''s the potential damage scale?" "If a tsunami ensues, we anticipate extensive coastal flooding, infrastructure damage, and potentially thousands at risk. It might surpass the 2011 Sendai Earthquake," the secretary cautioned. "Engage our disaster response immediately and initiate evacuations. Alert all coastal regions," Toshiro instructed, his voice unwavering. "Immediately, Prime Minister," the secretary affirmed, then departed. The Diet''s atmosphere grew tense as Japan, alongside other nations, braced for looming disaster. Suddenly, a radiant light enveloped the nations, causing them to disappear from existence. ... Central Calendar Year 1639, Month 1, Day 24. 8.00. Morning. The 6th Flying Dragon Squadron of Qua-Toyne Principality was patrolling the clear blue sky with clouds seemingly only on the horizon. Within that sky, a gallant figure flapped its wings elegantly soaring through the skies with its jet black sheen and sharpened tail covered by silver armour. Maarpatima a Dragon Knight of the Qua-Toyne principality was riding one of the dragons leading the squadron patrolling the principality''s eastern area. Looking as far east as he could see from the principality was only a shining blue ocean but with the rising tensions with the Lourian Kingdom, they had been wary of a sudden attack from this barren region. Thus as a countermeasure, they soared the skies in hopes of detecting them before they could do anything meaningful. The sea that spread out underneath him, was the sea where countless adventurers sailed towards the east to search for new lands, but until now, no one ever returned. Suddenly a gust of wind hit them causing some to lose balance and stagger, Panicking he shouted "What is that?" He had found something in the sky that should be empty with nothing but their squadron. Wondering about the gust of wind, Maarpatima thought grimly, "Is it an ally or an Enemy?" "In this place way beyond the cruising range of any wyvern from Louria, there should be nobody other than their squadron right now!" he pondered, though titanic warships known as Dragon Carriers had existed in the Three Continents there shouldn''t be any this far out in what they consider barbarian territory. Soon the objects that were as small as grains became larger and larger becoming completely visible. As it came closer, he became sure that it was anything but a wyvern looking at the swarm in awe thinking "They don''t flap their wings?" Quickly using their only long-range communication equipment popularly known as the mana communicators, he reported the situation to their Central Command reporting "Identified Unknown flying object, will engage to identify, current location above the great dunes." Luckily there was little difference in their altitude, thus to perform a pass by he incited his wyvern to speed up trying to close the distance. Approaching the formation, he was struck by the sheer size of the aircraft, murmuring in awe, "They''re colossal!" The fleet of metallic leviathans was astonishingly large. Instead of flapping wings, they sported devices on their wings that spun at dizzying speeds. Their exteriors ranged from shades of grey to pristine white, adorned with distinct symbols varying from a white background with red circles, a red backdrop with stars, blue and red stripes with stars in the upper left, a tricolour of saffron, white, and green with a central wheel, to finally, a blend of white, blue, and red. Looking at them, he made the wings of his beloved partner spread out from side to side flapping, but the air pressure kept on increasing the faster he flew, they had crossed a large portion of the land mass in seconds but he struggled to catch up with them. "What on earth...? What are those?" he exclaimed, utterly astounded by their velocity. A wyvern''s top speed was an impressive 235 km/hour, making it the swiftest creature, surpassing any land beast or horse. Yet, these entities seemed to outpace even them. Baffled by their nature, he ceased his attempts to identify them and urgently relayed, "HQ! HQ! The unidentified flying entities are exceedingly swift. Pursuit is futile! They''re heading towards Maihark. I repeat they''re en route to Maihark!" Shortly after, the Proud Dragon Knight Maarpatima and his squadron separated from the swarm of flying objects. ... Qua-Toyne Principality, 6th Flying Dragon Platoon Base, Kalmia, the communications specialist, was taken aback by the transmission she received through the manacom. "Unidentified flying entities in airspace 130 km northeast of the base. Impossible to pursue. These objects are vast, with no visible wing flapping, and their speed surpasses any known wyvern." "Origin unknown. Unable to determine the nature of these entities; they might not be living beings." Cold sweat formed on Kalmia''s brow as she feared the implications. She hastily inquired, "Could they be elder dragons or wyverns from Louria?" A swift response followed saying, "Negative. These objects don''t match any known creatures. Requesting urgent reinforcements!" Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. "Understood," Kalmia responded, rushing to inform the Chief of the threat. The chief, seated behind a sturdy wooden desk, regarded her with a stern expression. "An unidentified object, you say?" Kalmia nodded, elaborating, "Yes, Sir. Their velocity greatly exceeds that of our wyverns. Moreover, they don''t appear to flap their wings, as reported by Dragon Knight Maarpatima." The chief pondered, recalling tales he''d heard from merchants about a craft from one of the Great Powers. They spoke of a contraption powered by something termed an ''engine'' and referred to it as the ''Flying Machine''. Shaking off his reverie, he expressed disbelief, "Not flap their wings? That''s inconceivable." Maintaining her demeanour, Kalmia continued, "The unidentified entities are heading towards Maihark on the mainland. Given their current position and speed, they''ll soon reach our shores." The notion of UFOs advancing towards their nation at such staggering speeds sent a wave of panic through the chief. Making a swift decision, he declared, "Mobilize every standby knight from the 6th Dragon Knight Platoon. If there are only a few of these objects, they might be scouts. But if we face an assault, the honour of our military hangs in the balance!" As the order was relayed men ran around the base informing the platoon of their orders. Utilizing communication magic, a quick order was broadcast to the entire 6th Flying Dragon Platoon. "All knights of the 6th Flying Dragon Platoon, scramble! Unidentified objects are nearing Maihark and have breached our airspace. Upon sighting, you are authorized to engage. I repeat you are cleared to engage!" Almost instantly, the runway buzzed with activity. The knights of the 6th Flying Dragon Squadron, alongside their majestic wyverns, took to the skies in succession. Counting in dozens, they represented nearly all the knights stationed near the frontier. Ascending rapidly into the azure expanse, they were soon fortunate enough to spot the distant objects, which appeared as minuscule specks growing rapidly in size. As they neared, powerful gusts of wind buffeted them, causing a few riders to be dislodged from their wyverns due to the intense air pressure. Witnessing the approaching entities, they cried out in collective disbelief, "What are those monstrosities?" "Their speed is unparalleled!" others chimed in, fear evident in their voices. Yet, their resolve remained unshaken, driven by their oath to protect their fellow countrymen. The objects quickly closed in, their speed astonishing even after considering their own relative speed. As described in the report, these entities could fly at breathtaking speeds. The knights spurred their wyverns into pursuit, trying to keep pace. The Captain, urgently, relayed commands through the manacomm. "Vanguard, unleash volleys of flame charges! Rearguard, ready your lightning spells. Our adversaries may outpace us, but we''ll show them the culmination of our training." After issuing the orders, he switched off the manacomm, murmuring to himself, his face ashen with trepidation, "What are these things?" In seconds, about 40 wyverns aligned, opening their maws to release a barrage of flame charges. They were confident that anything caught in this fiery onslaught would suffer significant damage. The magic-wielding knights in the rear quickly followed suit, conjuring lightning spells aimed at the mysterious crafts. As they channelled their magic, the skies grew ominously dark, soon punctuated by bolts of lightning targeting the five entities. However, with remarkable agility, the objects evaded the bolts of lightning. Perhaps having anticipated their tactics, the unidentified objects began a steep ascent above the grey clouds. The wyverns, already soaring at their peak altitude of 4,000 meters, were taken aback. The objects showcased an astonishing ability to climb, quickly surpassing the wyverns'' maximum altitude. Realizing their attacks were futile at such a range, the 6th Flying Dragon Platoon reluctantly disengaged. With a heavy heart, the captain reported to the base, his head hung low, "This is the Sixth Dragon Knight Platoon. The objects have evaded our assaults by ascending to higher altitudes. I repeat, they have evaded our attacks and are now en route to Maihark!" ... Qua-Toyne Principality, Trade City Maihark, The Qua-Toyne Principality was nestled in the northeast of the Rodenius Continent. This land, kissed by the Goddess of the Land, was a paradox. Though fertile, it was a formidable place for mere weeds to thrive. Yet, if one were to ignore edible herbs or grains, they''d flourish without human intervention. A nation where food self-sufficiency soared well beyond 100%, where both water and food were abundant, and even livestock dined on the finest fare. To the northeast of this agrarian haven stood the bustling Trade Center City of Maihark. Time-worn shopfronts stood shoulder to shoulder along the cobblestone main street, where carriages and avians added to the city''s vibrant pulse. Suddenly, a door burst open with a resounding crash. A woman, in her mid-20s, emerged, her face etched with urgency. Clad in armour with a sword hanging by her side and a bow slung across her back, she embodied readiness. Trailing her, a group of individuals, presumably her aides, matched her pace. Their attire mirrored hers, and a shared sense of apprehension was evident in their expressions. In stark contrast to the city''s usual tranquillity, this armoured brigade sprinted towards a towering structure at the edge of Maihark Castle. "Huff! Huff!" The people who had rushed to the top of the building clad in full armour breathed heavily, staring at the sky while regaining their breath. The Captain of Maihark''s Defence Knight Corps, Ine remembered the report from the 6th Flying Dragon Platoon and hastily ordered her subordinates " Soon the UFOs, will arrive in Maihark''s Airspace! According to the Platoon''s report, the objects will arrive at speeds faster than a wyvern. All hands prepare for Anti Air combat!." Some members of the Knight Corps nocked arrows on their bows held in their left hands and once again gazed at the sky while others prepared weather spells to prevent them from escaping. Ines shifted her eyes between the watchtowers at the city''s four cardinals as every knight assumed their position. She quickly began to assess the situation in her mind thinking "With the altitude and speed at which the objects shook their wyverns, they could only be conducting reconnaissance as, generally wyverns simply used their fiery breath as an air-to-surface attack being unable to carry anything too heavy on their backs." Shaking off her apprehension with a couple of brisk face slaps, she pondered the enigma of these entities. "What could possibly outpace our wyverns and disregard our elite dragon knights?" she mused, a shiver of dread running down her spine. "Such a formidable presence..." Her contemplation was interrupted when a sentinel from the eastern tower cried out, "They approach!" All eyes pivoted eastward. The speck-like objects grew larger, revealing their true forms. Accompanied by an unfamiliar, resonant hum, they dominated Maihark''s skyline. The objects slowed down and began circling around at altitudes well above any bow or magic could reach. The varying colours of the objects larger than any wyvern in existence, their unflapping wings revealing various symbols on the sides. "So fast!" one of the knights visibly gasped as the objects could fly faster than even the most proficient Wyvern Knights of their country, they had clearly intruded but didn''t seem to attempt an attack. It may have been possible to attack the objects with the 6th Dragon Knight Platoon but they were in the middle of returning and since the objects came so rapidly other than basic weather spells which didn''t do much to deter the objects they seldom had anything. The only option left was the ballistae on the walls but it was quite clear that they wouldn''t be able to reach the objects. The objects circled Maihark a few times, their presence predatory, their loud, resonant hum echoing ominously. Panic gripped the city''s denizens. "What are those monstrosities?" one cried. "A beast from the heavens is upon us! Take cover!" Fearful murmurs turned to screams as windows and doors were hastily shut, streets emptied, and chaos reigned. Even beasts of burden, spooked by the unfamiliar drone, bolted, causing accidents in their wake. Yet, after what felt like an eternity, these harbingers of dread, having cast their shadow over the once-peaceful city, began their northward journey, leaving behind a populace grappling with the aftermath of their unsettling visit. Central Calendar Year 1639, Month 1, Day 27. Qua-Toyne Principality Clemens, To the north of the Trade City Maihark lay its affiliated port, commonly referred to as Maihark Port. At the port the 2nd and 3rd Fleet of the Qua-Toyne Principality navy was wrapped with tension due to an event three days prior, a large contingent of unidentified objects had effortlessly bypassed the Principality''s air defence network, overseen by the flying dragon squadron, and hovered over Maihark. While they hadn''t launched any attacks, their presence was surmised to be a reconnaissance mission. What was more perplexing was that these objects bore no resemblance to anything from the Louria Kingdom. Furthermore, there was no intelligence suggesting that such entities existed within the major power of the Three Great Civilized Lands, the Papardia Empire. This raised the unsettling possibility that these objects weren''t affiliated with any known nation. Even so, it was a fact that the Principality had been scouted out by an unidentified existence, which doubled the military''s air of tension. The undeniable fact that the Principality had been observed by an unknown entity had heightened the military''s state of alert. As a result, every warship of the Qua-Toyne Principality was dispatched for offshore patrols. The vigilance of the 6th Flying Dragon Squadron was also intensified, with their observation network on high alert. Regular patrol reports streamed into the Maihark Defense Control Room, but all seemed normal, with no further sightings of the mysterious objects. "What does Commander Nouka think about the true form of the Objects?" a young officer asked their commander his face strained. Nouka, deep in thought, responded, "Since I didn''t witness them firsthand, I can''t be certain. If only one Dragon Knight had seen them, it could be dismissed as mere hearsay. But the entire 6th Flying Dragon Platoon, along with numerous Maihark citizens and the Knight Corps, have reported sightings. These objects undeniably exist." He continued, organizing his thoughts, "To the east, there''s no known country. The northeast has a cluster of islands with settlements, but none have reported such entities. They could be from the Louria Kingdom or the Papardia Empire in the north, but based on our knowledge of their armaments, nothing matches this description. While we can''t rule out a newly developed unit, its design is radically different. My gut feeling says It doesn''t belong to either." "I see..." the inexperienced officer said, unable to conceal his uneasiness and slumped his shoulders, as if instigated by the unease the comms operator yelled at the top of his voice "Commander!! Commander!!" Both the commander and the young officer turned sharply towards the operator, their expressions taut with anticipation. "Warship Pima has reported detecting a fleet of sizable vessels, 60 km north of Clemens. They intend to approach and conduct an inspection," the operator relayed promptly. "Large vessels?" The commander mused aloud, pondering whether these ships were related to the unidentified objects. While not entirely convinced, he couldn''t shake off the possibility of a connection. "If they''ve only detected them, the exact nature of these ships remains uncertain... Warship Pima is under Captain Midori''s command, isn''t it? Instruct them to provide a detailed report as soon as they identify the vessels. Emphasize caution during the inspection and ensure any anomalies are meticulously investigated," he directed, his voice resonating with the authority befitting his rank. "Understood, Sir!" The operator responded without delay, conveying the commander''s instructions to Warship Pima. Qua-Toyne Principality, 60 km North of Clemens, The warship Pima, a proud vessel of the Qua-Toyne Principality Navy''s 2nd Fleet, charted its course towards the fleet of massive ships. With sails unfurled, the wind''s energy was harnessed, aided by wind mages, propelling the ship forward. The rhythmic beat of the drum guided the crew as oars pierced the water, further accelerating their pace. The warship was on high alert, primed for combat. Every crew member was clad in sleek leather armour. Those wielding swords took their positions on the upper deck, their longbows drawn and ready. Wooden shields were strategically placed, promising protection from potential enemy volleys. A formidable row of ballistae, complemented by a solitary catapult, stood poised to breach enemy defences. Nearby, jars of oil were prepped, set to ignite arrows into fiery projectiles. In their midst, hooded mages, staffs in hand, stood ready to unleash their elemental magic. The ship''s defences were meticulously orchestrated, leaving no room for vulnerability. Yet, as they neared the colossal fleet, Captain Midori''s face drained of colour. Perhaps he grasped the reason for their seemingly slow approach, despite their sustained efforts to close the distance. "Captain, perhaps they''ve reduced their speed upon noticing our approach," the vice-captain mused, not yet grasping the full scope of the situation. Midori, his face etched with concern, responded, "It''s possible... Vice Captain, I''ll lead the inspection team. Should anything befall me, command will fall to you." The Vice captain sensing the unease asked "Yes Captain, is there something you''re worried about?" As Midori''s gaze remained fixed on the looming fleet, the Vice Captain followed suit. It wasn''t long before he too discerned the unsettling truth. The sheer magnitude of the ships had deceived their sense of distance. Their silhouettes grew progressively larger, revealing their true enormity. "Vice Captain, their scale... It''s unprecedented," Midori remarked, wiping away the sweat that had formed on his brow. The Vice Captain, a hint of trepidation in his voice, agreed, "They resemble floating islands more than ships." A heavy silence fell between them, but they soon found words to voice their thoughts. "The flags on each ship... they vary from a white background with red circles, a red backdrop with stars, blue and red stripes with stars in the upper left, a tricolour of saffron, white, and green with a central wheel, to a combination of white, blue, and red. Do any of these seem familiar to you?" Midori inquired, still reeling from the ships'' sheer size. Shaking his head, the Vice Captain replied, "I''ve never encountered any of these flags. And as for their size, even the Empire''s 100 Cannons-Class Ship-of-the-Line, considered a marvel in Papardia where I trained, pales in comparison to these behemoths." As the Pima drew closer, the crew was awestruck by the scale of the approaching vessels. From atop these massive ships, figures began flashing lights towards the Pima. Initially, the crew tensed, anticipating an attack, but it soon became clear that the gestures were signals of non-hostility. Captain Midori, maintaining his stern demeanour, addressed his crew, "We''ll dispatch inspection teams to each ship shortly. Unless I give the order, or we face a direct threat, no one is to engage. Their affiliation remains a mystery; they could represent a new nation on the rise. This could be the beginning of international diplomacy, so I expect nothing less than professionalism. Understood?" In unison, the sailors affirmed, "Aye, Captain!" Guided by the crew of the colossal ship, Captain Midori soon set foot on one of the massive vessels. ... TBC Exsurget homo! Several Weeks Earlier, United States of America, White House:20:00 hours As the blinding light finally dimmed, President Charon and her aide peered anxiously through the windows. "Was that a nuclear strike?" she exclaimed in disbelief. Her aide quickly shook her head and reassured her, "No ma¡¯am, if the flash of a nuclear weapon would have been that close, we wouldn''t be here to discuss it. However, it could be some new weaponry from one of our rivals." Just as they were poised to resume their urgent discussion, the room''s telephone broke the silence with its jarring ring. Lifting the receiver, President Charon heard a distraught voice panting heavily," Madam President, we''ve lost all communication with Brussels, and our satellites are unresponsive. A large-scale EMP may have hit us." A lone bead of sweat crept down her forehead, incongruous in the air-conditioned room. Maintaining her composure, she instructed, "Take a deep breath. Now, explain the situation to me, step by step." "Yes, ma''am," the voice replied breathing in and out a few times, and continued, "Following the event we''re now calling the ''Wall of Light'', all overseas communications have gone dark. We''ve also lost contact with the ISS as there''s been no response from our contacts. It appears that some superweapon has either disabled the entire global communication network or something even more catastrophic has occurred." Her expression turning grave, President Charon turned to her secretary. "Summon the Chief of Staff immediately. America may be on the brink of war once more." "Understood, ma''am," her secretary acknowledged, promptly exiting the room to carry out the order. As her secretary departed, President Charon pressed her fingers to her temples and heaved a weary sigh. "Why did this have to happen on my watch?" she thought, her mind briefly drifting back to the gruelling election campaign she''d triumphed in just two years prior. Shaking off the reverie, Charon quickly donned her formal attire and made her way to the conference room with a sense of urgency. Upon entering, she found the room already occupied by critical figures with the Vice President, the Chief of Staff, the Secretary of Defense, and somewhat puzzlingly, the Administrator of NASA. They were all gathered around a polished wooden table. Casting a quizzical glance at the NASA Administrator, she wondered, "Why is he here? This is a matter of national defence, not space exploration." Pushing aside her curiosity, she took her seat, placing both hands firmly on the table. With a hawkish intensity, she inquired, "So, how bad is the situation?" To her surprise, it was NASA Administrator Jack who spoke first. "Ma''am, this may be difficult to grasp, but we''re no longer on Earth." She narrowed her eyes and probed, "What do you mean by that?" Jack elaborated swiftly, "The constellations we observe don''t align with known star systems. We''ve cross-verified this with all our observatories." With a look of determination etched onto her face, President Charon issued her command decisively. "Declare DEFCON 2 and ready all troops for immediate escalation. Our foremost priority is to ensure our safety." A unified "Yes, Ma''am" chorus echoed around the table as staff shuffled about. As the Chief of Staff prepared to assume control, a staff member discreetly leaned in to whisper something into his ear. A subtle smirk crossed his face as he stood up and declared, "Madam President, we''ve successfully established communications with other nations!" Her eyes narrowing, she pressed, "Which ones?" "It appears that four nations have reached out to us, in the order of their attempts, Russia, Japan, India, and China." A sigh of relief escaped Charon''s lips; they weren''t isolated, wherever they were Nodding, she instructed, "Establish contact with these nations. Gather as much information as possible about what has transpired and whether they have any involvement alongside an Emergency UNSC session. The Chief of Staff nodded in acknowledgement and promptly exited the room, heading to his chambers to coordinate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. ¡­ Republic of India, Sansad Bhavan, Prime Minister Aryan Singh paced around in his private office, deeply engrossed in thought. They had managed to establish contact with the Americans a few hours after the enigmatic ''Wall of Light'' phenomenon with the help of old terrestrial radios. Thankfully it was a relief to know they weren''t alone in this alien world. The Indian Air Force had already skirmished with China''s PLAAF near the Himalayan border. Chinese J-20s had violated Indian airspace, crossing the Line of Control, but had promptly retreated when intercepted by Indian Dassault Rafales near Arunachal Pradesh. Sinking into a nearby sofa, Aryan pondered the future of India. As far as they knew, only Russia, China, the U.S., and possibly Japan were part of this new reality. "Heavens, what should I do?" he sighed, staring at an empty glass of water. Just then, a peon entered the room, holding a stack of documents. "Sir, these are the reports from ISRO. It seems they managed to launch one of our older prototypes and found this." Aryan took the documents and was stunned by what he saw it was an image depicting the five countries clustered together beneath a massive unknown landmass, roughly the size of Asia. "What is this?" he shouted in surprise dropping the file as a shiver ran down his spine as the realisation hit. This wasn¡¯t just another world but one where other life might exist. Before he could calm down, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar burst into the room, his face flushed with urgency. "Aryan, the Americans have reached out. They''re requesting a joint meeting in New York." Feeling helpless but determined to act for the sake of the citizens, Aryan nodded and issued his directive. ¡°Reach out to the Russian Embassy. We need their perspective on this unfolding crisis. This could be the gravest challenge our nation has ever faced.¡± "Understood, I''ll initiate contact with the Russians immediately. Also, the President wishes to speak with you," Jaishankar stated briskly before exiting the room to liaise with the Russian Ambassador. Slapping himself lightly on the cheeks, Aryan muttered under his breath, "No, no, pull yourself together. This isn¡¯t time for self-pity." Gathering his resolve, he left his chambers and swiftly approached the Rashtrapati Bhavan. ¡­ Rashtrapati Bhavan, As Aryan stepped into President Aadharshini Nambiar''s chambers, he was greeted by the Chief of Defence Staff and several ministers engaged in a heated discussion about the current state of affairs in India. Panic had gripped the nation after a wild Wyvern had been sighted flying over the Bay of Bengal. Taking his seat at the table, Aryan exchanged greetings with the ministers before turning his attention to Aadharshini, the raven-haired president. "Ma''am, what did you need me for?" Dark bags shadowed President Aadharshini''s eyes, her frustration visible as she spoke resolutely. "Aryan, we''ve received reports of a Chinese military advance across the Line of Control. They''ve deployed an entire mechanised division without any prior diplomatic communication. This is an unequivocal act of war!" Her fists slammed onto the table, prompting a chorus of "War! War!" from the ministers and plunging the meeting into disarray. Aryan swiftly raised his hands in a calming gesture and responded, "Please, let''s stay composed. We must approach this situation with the utmost care. We''re no longer on Earth, therefore, let''s consult with the Chief of Defence." He motioned for the Chief of Defence to stand. The chief of Defence stood up quietly and coughed saying, "I propose that we mobilise the North-Eastern Theatre and deploy our tank divisions as a deterrent without initiating an offensive." Aryan quietly nodded and stated, "Alright, let''s proceed with that plan. Begin preparations for the Cold Start doctrine and a counter-offensive if necessary." The Chief of Defence saluted and replied, "Yes, Sir," before exiting the room, leaving the others to discuss the mysterious Wall of Light and the Upcoming UN meeting in New York. ¡­ Russian Federation, Kremlin, The Kremlin''s conference room was a cauldron of tension, its air thick with the acrid stench of accusation and blame. Russian officials and industrial magnates, usually composed, were now shouting and pointing fingers, each trying to absolve themselves of responsibility for the perplexing "Wall of Light" incident. President Boris Lavrov sat at the head of the table, his eyes betraying the weary wisdom of years spent navigating the complexities of governance. He assumed the presidency after the devastating war and the sudden, shocking loss of the previous leader in a plane crash. The country had been on the verge of collapse, its institutions frayed and public trust at an all-time low. Yet, Lavrov had emerged as an unlikely victor in the elections, mainly because he was the only candidate not compromised by special interests or shadowy affiliations. But as fraught as those days had been, today was shaping up to be one of the most challenging of his life. He had awoken to find the world and possibly the very fabric of reality utterly transformed. President Boris Lavrov began to speak, tapping his fingers lightly on the table to command attention. "Comrades, this is not the time for infighting. The world we find ourselves in is a far cry from the motherland we once knew." He paused, taking a deep breath to calm himself. With a nod to an aide, Lavrov distributed a set of folders to the delegates. "These are photographs from our reconnaissance aircraft. I urge you to examine them closely." As the delegates opened the folders, their eyes widened in disbelief. The high-altitude aerial photographs revealed a disturbing landscape. While the Chinese border appeared the same, something was amiss in the West. A water body, only 50 km wide, now separated Russia from what was unmistakably the United States. If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. The room fell into stunned silence, broken only when a man shot up from his seat, exclaiming, "You''re telling us the imperialists are now our next-door neighbours?" Lavrov nodded solemnly. "Exactly. This is why internal squabbles are a luxury we can ill afford at the moment. And that''s not all." His eyes swept the room before he continued, "The Siberian wastelands have undergone significant climate change, revealing an abundance of resources in what was once an inhospitable territory." ¡°Then that means!¡± one delegate began, only to be interrupted by Lavrov''s solemn nod. "Exactly. The Chinese pose a significant threat, particularly given our current vulnerabilities," the president confirmed. A chorus of expletives erupted from a few ministers, their frustrations bubbling over. "Cyka blyat!" they exclaimed, painfully aware that their previous dependence on Chinese goods had now become a double-edged sword. Lavrov let them linger just long enough for its gravity to sink in, then spoke. "Our previous alliances and trade dependencies may now be liabilities. It''s a difficult pill to swallow, but it''s our new reality. We must adapt, and quickly." The delegates nodded in agreement as the Foreign Minister took the floor, saying, "We''ve been invited to a summit in New York. Though the Americans may be our rivals, our current circumstances afford us little room for selectivity." Lavrov looked around the room, meeting each gaze squarely. "We find ourselves at the crossroads of fate, comrades. Diplomacy may be our most valuable asset right now. Prepare for New York; it''s time to reassess our alliances and forge new paths in this uncharted world." ¡­ People¡¯s Republic of China, Beijing, The city had been plunged into an unprecedented state of pandemonium, by the sudden appearance of a swarm of Wyverns in the sky. A panicked stampede had erupted in Tiananmen Square, even as military forces swiftly intercepted and neutralised the airborne threats. Amid the chaos, a young man with jet-black hair navigated the crowd urgently, clutching a briefcase to his chest. He headed for the Forbidden City, where people sought sanctuary behind its ancient walls, even as officials scrambled to restore order. Finally, he arrived at the Zhongnanhai Compound, the nerve centre of Chinese governance. Composing himself, he quickly made his way into a chamber where the highest echelons of the Chinese Communist Party were assembled. With a respectful bow, the young man placed the briefcase on the conference table and stepped back. "Honored sirs, this is the item we found," he announced, his voice tinged with nervous anticipation. He retreated to allow the officials an unobstructed view, his pulse quickening as he awaited their reactions. At one end of the table sat General Secretary Wu Xi, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully as he regarded the briefcase. He was keenly aware that its contents had the potential to reshape their understanding of this strange new world. Swiftly he unlatched the case and pulled out a vial containing a radiant blue crystal. As he gently swirled the vial, luminescent particles began to fill the air, casting an ethereal glow. The room fell into a hushed awe as Wu Xi stood, holding the vial aloft as if presenting a sacred relic. "Esteemed members of the Party, what I hold before you is the future. This is a sample of a newly discovered mineral found along our border with Mongolia." Turning his attention to the young man, Wu Xi continued, "Our promising new blood, Kai Huang, is the one who made this groundbreaking discovery." With that, he extended his hand to Kai, offering a firm handshake as a gesture of commendation and gratitude. The room buzzed with new energy as if the glowing mineral had not only illuminated the chamber but also lit a spark of possibility in the hearts of everyone present. General Secretary Wu Xi returned the vial carefully to its case, locking it with a sense of ceremony before continuing. "This mineral holds untapped potential for energy production, weaponry, and perhaps even more that we have yet to comprehend. It could be the key to ensuring China''s supremacy in this unfamiliar world." Murmurs of agreement rippled through the room, accompanied by nods of approval. Each official present shifted in their chairs as the geopolitical landscape had shifted, and this mineral could be the pivot upon which their future would turn. Wu Xi turned to his Minister of Science and Technology. "I want our best minds on this. Analyse its properties, its capabilities, and its potential applications. Leave no stone unturned." "As you wish, General Secretary," the Minister of Science and Technology responded, quickly jotting down a note for further action. Next, he turned to the Minister of Defense. "Heighten security around the newly discovered mineral deposit. Its strategic value makes it a potential flashpoint for conflict. Be prepared to defend it by any means necessary." he said sternly. The Minister of Defense nodded but then hesitated, clearly uneasy. "There''s an issue, sir." Wu Xi glared at him with a penetrating gaze that could slice through steel. "Explain," he demanded. Visibly sweating under the intensity of Wu Xi''s scrutiny, the Minister of Defense used his handkerchief to dab his forehead before stammering, "Sir, an overly ambitious officer at the Indian border has initiated an incursion across the Line of Control." Wu Xi''s face flushed crimson as he roared, "What? Do you intend to jeopardise our future in a nuclear standoff? We''re barely two days into this crisis, and you''re telling me we''re on the brink of war with India?" The Minister of Defense avoided eye contact, his voice tinged with shame. "I''ve already ordered a withdrawal, but the officer refuses to comply, claiming that military decisions are beyond the Party''s jurisdiction." Incredulous, Wu Xi sighed deeply. "I''m authorising you to use whatever force is necessary to prevent an armed conflict with India. Do I make myself clear?" The Minister of Defense''s eyes widened as he responded, "Crystal clear, sir," hurrying out of the room, aware that his subsequent actions could either avert a disaster or plunge his country into disaster. Finally, Wu Xi looked back at Kai Huang, who stood nervously at the edge of the room. "Young man, you''ve done your country an invaluable service. You''ll be attached to the research team as an advisor. Your firsthand experience could be crucial." Kai bowed deeply, overwhelmed by the honour. "Thank you, General Secretary. I will serve my country to the best of my ability." Wu Xi rose from his seat, raising a glass of wine high, and declared, "To the Prosperity of the People''s Republic of China!" The other members echoed the sentiment in chorus, their glasses clinking together, marking the end of the meeting. As Kai Huang made his way out of the room, a senior member approached him and whispered cryptically in his ear, "Mr Huang, mind where you step, or you might find yourself grabbing the gryphon''s tail!" Before Kai could respond, the man had disappeared into the crowd, leaving him perplexed. Shaking his head, he brushed off the strange remark and walked out, hoping for a brighter tomorrow. ¡­ New York, United Nations Security Council, Days had elapsed since their mysterious transfer, and as the dust settled, affirmations trickled in, each one underscoring the stark reality of their new existence but only a handful of nations had transitioned to this unfamiliar realm. The grandeur of the UN conference room, originally built to host dignitaries from 195 member countries, now echoed with an eerie emptiness. Only the leaders of the five nations that had journeyed through the Wall of Light occupied its vast expanse, their presence complemented by select press members who were on hand to broadcast this historic session to the world or, at least, the world as they now knew it. As they found their seats, Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, slowly stood up, his countenance dull as longing for his homeland was evident in his sombre demeanour. Addressing the assembly with unwavering conviction, he proclaimed, "Esteemed leaders and representatives, while this may not be the world of our forefathers, it is heartening to see familiar faces. In this alien realm, our unity is our strength; we stand as one, undeterred and resolute, thus I announce the start of the First New World Security Council Session.¡± Swiftly, he took his seat, relinquishing the podium to pave the way for the remnants of the world''s leaders to gather and deliberate within the room. One by one, each head of state assumed their positions at the Oval Table, flanked by their respective foreign ministers and leading generals. Soon, China''s General Secretary Wu Xi motioned to speak gracefully rising, emanating a quiet confidence. With a proud smile, he began, "Esteemed members, today beckons us with a promise. We find ourselves on the precipice of a new frontier, a canvas yet to be painted. Let us seize this moment to herald a new age of discovery and etch our legacy on this uncharted realm!" Within seconds the hall erupted in resounding applause, a testament to the renewed hope Wu Xi''s words had instilled as citizens from the five nations, glued to their screens, felt a surge of optimism, a beacon of light in an otherwise alien world. In a rare spectacle of solidarity, the other heads of state stood and joined in the applause. Their collective gesture, simple yet profound, underscored a unanimous sentiment that even though the world had changed, their commitment to their people and a brighter future remained unwavering. As the applause began to wane, Indian Prime Minister Aryan Singh stood up. With a steely gaze directed at the Chinese General Secretary, he asserted, "We formally request the immediate withdrawal of Chinese forces from our sovereign territory." Murmurs followed Prime Minister Aryan''s statement as, Wu Xi firmly responded, "The individuals you reference are not representatives of the People¡¯s Liberation Army. They are renegades, traitors who wish to destabilise our nation. If your forces encounter them, you may act as you deem necessary. The People''s Republic of China does not acknowledge or support their actions." President Charon quickly raised her hand, her eyes narrowing with suspicion and questioning. "Mr Wu," she began, her voice tinged with scepticism, "Are you implying that these forces are not under the PLA''s direction? Or could this be a covert act of hostility against another nation?" As the general saw an opening to interject, he began to stand, ready to voice his rebuttal. But without even turning to him, Wu Xi discreetly moved a document across the table, a quiet directive that the general instantly recognised. With a moment''s hesitation, he gracefully resumed his seat, his intended response left unsaid. Calmly clasping his hands together and placing them on the desk, Wu Xi stated, "We possess communication records with these rogues. I assure you, they operate without our consent or knowledge. We can provide evidence of their detachment from us." "How can we verify the authenticity of those recordings?" Charon retorted, scepticism evident in her tone. The meeting quickly spiralled into turmoil, with delegates from both sides trading heated accusations. Prime Minister Toshiro watched the escalating exchange with growing exasperation. Inwardly, he lamented, "Here they go again, squabbling over minor issues while Japan''s very survival hangs in the balance." With growing frustration, Toshiro''s hands came crashing down on the table, startling those around him. "Esteemed delegates," he implored, "it is not the time for politics. We are no longer on Earth, yet we remain ignorant of the danger surrounding us!" "Only recently," he began, his voice heavy with worry, "our merchant navy reported a sighting of a colossal sea creature near our shores. Upon closer examination, it bore a startling resemblance to the Kraken from Norse legends. We must grasp the reality that we might be the only Homo Sapiens in this realm, and yet here we are, mired in such trivial disputes!" His face was etched with deep concern as he spoke. His words cut sharply through the heated exchanges, silencing the room as those in disagreement exchanged begrudging nods, recognising the truth in Toshiro''s plea. Fortunately, the broadcast had been switched off after Wu Xi''s address, sparing the public from witnessing the less-than-dignified behaviour of their representatives. Sensing the Awkward atmosphere in the room, the elderly Russian President Boris Lavrov raised his hand and quickly began to address them slowly ¡°We propose the drafting of a new treaty." With a nod, he signalled his aides to distribute the documents amongst the delegates. President Charon''s eyes flared with astonishment as she skimmed the document swiftly, slapping it down on the table as her voice rose sharply, face twisting in anger. "After what you did in your Special Operation, you dare to propose a trade deal? You expect us to forget everything and lift the sanctions?" Lavrov''s gaze remained fixed on the desk, the weight of responsibility pressing heavily upon him. The war, though provoked by NATO''s actions, had ultimately been a disastrous decision by Russia, resulting in countless losses on both sides. Surprisingly, it was the General Secretary, Antonio Guterres, who stepped in, calmly stating. "Madam President, while the blame undeniably rests with the Russian Federation, this may not be the time for recriminations. This proposed treaty aims to create a unified front for our nations, especially in these uncertain times. I urge you to reconsider." Without missing a beat, Toshiro interjected, desperately, "Japan stands with the proposed New World Cooperation Organization. We are on the brink of a severe food crisis. Without support from India and the US, alongside access to Chinese markets, my people will face unimaginable hardships." Charon observed the concerned look on the Japanese Prime Minister''s face and finally relented. "The United States of America will accept the treaty, but we will include veto powers to guard against exploitation." Aryan promptly followed, stating, "India endorses the treaty and agrees with the inclusion of veto powers to ensure the agreement is not misused and ensure multilateralism remains." The Chinese, after a moment of contemplation, gave their assent, though with reservations. "The People''s Republic of China accepts the treaty," the General Secretary stated, adding, "We will wholeheartedly support the joint exploration and research endeavours in this New World under the auspices of the United Nations." As they reached consensus, loud applause erupted across the room followed by an official announcement as Secretary-General Antonio Guterres rose, announcing, "Today marks a defining moment in Mankind¡¯s history. Despite the adversities we may face in this unknown realm, our collective spirit remains unbroken. Let it be known to all who might listen, humanity, with its indomitable will and resilience, will not be silenced. Our journey, our story, is far from over." ¡­ As the humble wooden rowboats drew closer to the looming steel leviathan, Midori, with every heartbeat, remained oblivious to the storm they were about to unleash upon the New World. In the distance, the echoing roars of the Dragon, Eagle, Bear, Tiger, and Pheasant surged like a tempest, signalling the birth of a new epoch. ... TBC Contact USS Enterprise, It had been only a few days since the pivotal UN summit where the "New World Cooperation Pact" was unanimously ratified. This resulted in a joint effort by the five nations to deploy reconnaissance aircraft in a show of cooperation. Following the UN''s directive, a joint task force was quickly mobilised, from Russia''s Nagurskoye base. Despite the hesitations of the American and Japanese representatives, the mission moved forward. Their primary objective was to find any sign of habitation in the continent north of Russia and possibly establish friendly diplomatic ties with the land¡¯s newly discovered inhabitants if deemed sufficiently developed. Thus a formidable fleet of five aircraft carriers, accompanied by their escorts, were dispatched. From afar, these colossal vessels resembled moving landmasses, each teeming with crew members, chosen to demonstrate their strength to the locals and serve as hosts for their respective diplomatic teams. At the forefront of the joint fleet was the USS Enterprise taking the lead, followed closely by the INS Vikrant, PLAN Fujian, and RFS Admiral Kuznetsov, with the rear covered by the JDS Izumo, distinguished from the rest being a Helicopter carrier. Just beyond the carriers'' visual range, an impressive battlegroup trailed with a formation comprised of frigates, cruisers, destroyers, and submarines, serving as a protective shield, guarding the carriers against any lurking threats alien or otherwise. The Enterprise carefully approached the small vessel that its sonar had detected, ensuring no collision with what appeared to be an ancient wooden sailboat, seemingly plucked straight from the annals of history. As they drew closer, the deck came into view, revealing oil jars, ballistae, and a lone catapult alongside a multitude of men, donning forged armour and dark robes, wielding bows and staffs, gazing up at the massive carrier, expressions of sheer bewilderment etched on their faces. Seeing as they had little idea of this world¡¯s social structures, they decided to avoid injuring the natives and carefully decelerated, lowering the boarding gate¡¯s gangway ladder quickly ushering the natives in seeing that there were no other ships nearby. Soon the crew brought the natives to the ship¡¯s deck to speak with their diplomats. ¡­ Midori looked around in bewilderment, thinking, "Can this truly be called a deck? It''s vast enough to host royal jousting tournaments." But what puzzled him more were the individuals before him, dressed in strange clothing, none of whom bore the traditional sword or spear. Upon closer observation, he noticed a man dressed in a refined blue marred with stars at the centre and rightfully assumed to be the leader of this awe-inspiring vessel. While he only saw the few men before him, Midori surmised that a vessel of this magnitude would require a vast crew thus, If, by any chance, his group harmed these men, they likely wouldn''t make it back to their ship unscathed. Nevertheless sensing little hostility, he mustered his courage, took a deep breath and began ¡° I am Captain Midori of the Warship Pima, representing the Qua-Toyne Principality Navy''s 2nd Fleet. You currently navigate the seas adjacent to the Qua-Toyne Principality. Venturing further would place you within our territorial waters. May I inquire about your ship''s origin and the voyage''s purpose?¡± The group before Midori widened their eyes in astonishment and exclaimed, "What on earth do they understand us?" Confused by their rather unusual reactions, Midori pondered what their apparent surprise was all about. Just then, one of them, a man wearing what seemed to be glasses responded, ¡°Please excuse us for the outburst, I¡¯m Maverick Wilson representing the United States of America. We seek a diplomatic engagement with what I believe is the Qua-Toyne Principality, along with our allies¡± Midori inquisitively looked at the man and asked ¡°So I would be right to assume that you¡¯re the envoy?¡± The man nodded affirming his suspicions ¡° Yes, indeed. We come with peaceful intentions; rest assured.¡± Midori men shuffled about as they calmed down, still rather anxious given the size of the vessel they were aboard. ¡°I understand, we will relay your words to our country as soon as possible but I¡¯m curious about those metal dragons which soared through our skies a few days ago, were they your knights?¡± he questioned somewhat unsure about their purpose. ¡°Knights?¡± Maverick tilted his head puzzled for a moment before grasping the meaning.¡± Ah, you''re referring to our reconnaissance planes. Yes, five of them, each representing the nation-states of the United Nations. We sincerely apologise for any distress they might have caused.¡± Midori was perplexed by Maverick''s mention of a ''Playinnn'' nonetheless, he allowed the man to continue. ¡°Our countries had suddenly arrived in this world thus, to ascertain what kind of world this world is, we launched many patrol aeroplanes, and one of these patrol planes ended up intruding on your country¡¯s airspace. We deeply regret any inconvenience this may have caused.¡± As Maverick concluded, four individuals approached and stood alongside him. Their appearances were distinct as foreign, two having features reminiscent of the Mu¡¯an people, one bore dark, elf-like skin but lacked the characteristic pointed ears, and the final individual had the palest complexion Midori had ever observed on a human. All this baffled Midori and his subordinates as they glanced over the group. It was completely understandable though, since the idea that an entire group of nations had materialised out of thin air was hard to swallow even for him. However, judging from the serious expressions, Maverick and his fellow diplomats possessed, it didn¡¯t appear to be a joke. Seeing that there was little he could do, Midori decided to report everything he heard as is. "I understand, no problem," Midori responded, signalling his Vice Commander to grab something. "I''ll relay your intentions to our high command immediately. Please be patient." Maverick inclined his head, inquiring, "How long might that take? A few days?" This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. Shaking his head, Midori replied, "No, not at all. Just a few moments. I''ll use our manacomm to contact our command since I don''t have the authority to make such decisions on my own." Maverick nodded, "Of course. We''ll await your response," and then turned to his group to discuss further. ¡­ Qua-Toyne Principality, 2nd Navy¡¯s Control Room, A staff member burst into Commander Nouka''s chamber, slamming the door open frantically breathless, ¡°Commander Nouka? A dispatch from warship Pima has come ?¡± Nouka rose from his seat, eagerly awaiting news from the vessel since its departure. ¡°Calm down and read it!¡± he instructed. The aide cleared his throat and began,¡° Performed an inspection aboard one of the colossal vessels, they don¡¯t seem to harbour any hostility. Furthermore, there are diplomats from the United States of America and four other nations. The nations that dispatched the ships wish to convene on a diplomatic mission to our country.¡± Nouka, lost in thought, signalled for the aide to continue. ¡°Their ships are massive with the largest being over 330m in length and others ranging from 250 all the way to 300m with a width of at least 40m by eye. Strangely, there were no sails or oars in sight. Perhaps they utilise magic stones for propulsion?¡± His jaw dropped as he heard about the length, he had known it was a large warship but this was beyond any expectations, a 300 m ship was basically a floating palace. The aide, sharing Nouka''s astonishment but pressing on, added, "Regarding the unidentified object incident a few days ago, it was their patrol units that had entered our airspace. They were on a reconnaissance flight to gather information about our continent. The diplomats claim... their nations have been transported to this world." Nouka''s eyes widened in disbelief. "This is preposterous! Nations appearing out of thin air? How am I to relay this to my superiors?" Unable to remain seated, he swiftly stood and reached for the transmitter. Fortunately or rather unfortunately, in this case, they could comprehend each other¡¯s language. ¡°As if the Flying objects weren¡¯t bad enough, the fact that they possessed a fleet of 300m long warships was bad, really bad, it would be a disaster to conceal this.¡± the aide commented, somewhat more composed than Nouka. Furthermore, he continued, ¡°Their governments offered a formal apology to our country thus, it warrants an answer from the Principality¡¯s Foreign Affairs Ministry.¡± Rubbing his temples in frustration, Nouka exclaimed, ¡°Goddamnit... What a load of shit I¡¯ve stepped into!¡± Suddenly an idea struck him. "Wait! We can leverage this." Puzzled by the sudden shift in Nouka''s mood, the aide inquired, "What are you thinking, sir?" Nouka turned to him, grabbing his shoulders with confidence and declared, ¡°There¡¯s a meeting going on right now about the UFOs, quickly go and inform them.¡± The young aide saluted promptly, acknowledging Nouka''s directive, and hurried off to update central command on the unfolding situation. ¡­ Qua-Toyne Principality Kyv¨¦rnisi Conference, A plethora of government and military officials had gathered in the grand conference hall as Prime Minister Kanata was worried as the representatives of the Country had gathered in response to the Airspace Violation three days back according to the report given to him by the Commander stationed at Clemens. A group of unidentified objects had infiltrated the country at such incredible speeds that, even their famed dragon knights barely had a chance to react before they flew away. Their national affiliations were questionable at best, as none of the unusual flags were from prominent civilisations in our area. With a heavy heart, Kanata walked up to the podium and announced, ¡°Gentlemen, what are your opinions on this report?¡± Immediately as if waiting for a chance, the head of Analytics rose and said, ¡°According to our investigation, the object closely resembles the Muan flying craft known as the ¡®Plane¡¯, however, contrary to our initial conclusions, the craft greatly exceeds the speeds of their planes which range from 200 to 350 km/hr nearing approximately 600km/hr, but ¡­¡± Kanata, his interest piqued yet laced with unease, pressed, ¡°Go on. What is it?¡± The head took a deep breath and looked him dead in the eye coldly stating, ¡° There have been alarming reports from the far west about a mysterious entity, the so-called ''Eighth Empire''. They''ve been aggressive, swallowing neighbouring nations with unparalleled force. There are even rumblings that they''ve declared war on the Continental National Alliance. However, specifics about their arsenal remain unknown.¡± Laughter erupted in the hall. The idea of a fledgling empire, no matter how ambitious, challenging the entirety of the Second Civilization Area, especially the Mechanical Civilization of Mu, one of the world''s renowned superpowers, was ludicrous to them. A delegate, unable to contain his mirth called out, ¡°Surely, there¡¯s a limit to foolish bravado! They¡¯re marching to their doom!¡± Kanata ignored their brash comments and steered the conference back on course. ¡°Regardless of these events, our nation lies nearly 20000 km far west of Mu. Even if their military prowess is unparalleled, the sheer logistics make any confrontation with us highly improbable.¡± Soon, the conference came to a standstill as conspiracy theories ranging from Louria¡¯s secret weapon to a Parpaldian Invasion kept on being reiterated by some officials with others questioning the credibility of such information. It didn¡¯t help that the diplomatic standoff with the Lourian Kingdom had seen no sign of ending anytime soon. Kanata rubbed his temples, wearied by the bickering. He knew that if the opposing party had had benevolent intentions, they would have replied to their attempts at contact. Instead, they drove unabated into their territory, their metallic monstrosities sowing panic amongst the populace. Just as the mood had reached a deadlock, a young staff officer from their diplomatic section rushed into the conference hall gasping for air. Kanata looked at the man and instantly knew that something must be amiss. The Foreign Minister, recognising the officer, rushed to his side, gripping his shoulders. "Speak! What''s transpired?" The officer stared in abject horror as if he had seen demons as he blurted out, "URGENT REPORT!" Gathering himself, he relayed, "Earlier today, our Navy established contact with the entities operating the metal beasts. They''ve anchored near Clemens with a fleet of colossal warships, each stretching over 300 meters." He continued, "Captain Midori of our Second Fleet communicated with their envoys. They claim, to represent an alliance called the ''United Nations,'' encompassing five nations, The United States of America, the Russian Federation, the People¡¯s Republic of China, the Republic of India, and Japan." He paused, glancing around the room, ensuring he had everyone''s attention,¡± Furthermore, they have conveyed having no intention of hostility as such their actions will mirror our own - aggression for aggression, peace for peace. Our inquiries have unearthed a startling revelation, these nations claim to have been involuntarily transported to our world, severed from their own. In their bid to comprehend their new surroundings, they dispatched reconnaissance units. Their incursion into our airspace was inadvertent during one such mission. They express deep regret for the transgression." Drawing a deep breath, he concluded, "They extend an olive branch, seeking to initiate diplomatic dialogues with our nation." The entire hall lay silent at the announcement, it was a crazy story after all, a group of nations capable of wielding such large vessels suddenly transferred away. Even if it appeared in myths, it was impossible in the real world. Nonetheless, since they understood basic courtesy, having apologised and offered a diplomatic meeting, it seemed only fitting to reciprocate their gesture. Thus it was unanimously agreed, that they would be welcomed at the Prime Minister''s Residence for further discussions. ¡­ Somewhere in Asia, In a dimly lit room, an ornate oak table stood as the centrepiece, around which an assembly of individuals sat. Wisps of smoke curled upwards from their cigarettes, creating a misty veil. Soon, the door swung open to reveal a man dressed in a pristine white suit. A dragon emblem was embroidered on his left sleeve, while a jagged scar marred his right eye. He swept the room with a sharp gaze and asked, "What''s the status of the task I assigned?" as his eyes settled on a woman with pale skin, half her face concealed by a green mask. Standing up gracefully, she responded with a sly grin, ¡°It¡¯s finished. General Zhang Chen is in our pockets soon with the Russians on board, we can set it in motion.¡± The man in the white suit nodded and sank into a throne intricately carved with dragons, ¡°Well done, Bai Ze, now only India and the United States are left. Soon we¡¯ll be ready for the next phase!¡± His eyes, cold and calculating, fixed on a jade tiger sculpture on the ceiling as if challenging it. Picking up a small bear statuette from the table, he mused, "The Wall of Light has indeed presented us with a golden opportunity to execute our grand plan." ¡°Thus, we act on it!¡± he stated as the bear statuette shattered instantly under his grip, its fragments scattering like a rain of diamonds. His maniacal laughter echoed as he strode confidently from the room. The group of eleven trailed behind him, the dim light revealing the intricate tattoos on their skins, each representing a sign from the Chinese zodiac. With a sly smile, the man in white led the way, fully aware of the game of shadows about to unfold. ¡­ TBC A New Reality Qua-Toyne Principality, Qua-Toyne City, Prime Minister¡¯s Official Residence, Prime Minister Kanata was pacing around nervously in the reception room as he waited for the foreign diplomats to arrive. Under normal circumstances, the foreign ministry would organise a ball to welcome any new diplomats first and only then move on to establishing diplomatic ties as they laid the groundwork over a few months or years depending on their level of cooperation. After a rigorous review and renegotiation process, the heads of state would convene to finalise a treaty, thereby solidifying a new friendship between nations. However, the current emergency, particularly the escalating tensions on the Lourian border, demanded a deviation from the norm. The prospect of facing another adversary, especially one demonstrating advanced metallurgy through their formidable warships, was untenable. Yet, if the UN proved to be tyrannical, they would have little choice but to comply and accede to their demands. It was truly pathetic for a head of state to feel so helpless, yet the mere sight of their warships warranted significant caution in dealings. What other horrors might they conceal if they could achieve such technological feats? Unable to shake off the nervousness, Kanata tried to reassure himself. "Calm down, it¡¯s going to be fine," he muttered, entering the room. He was promptly greeted, by an entourage of diplomats, who had been guided there just a few moments before and now rose to their feet in respect. In an instant, a woman with dark brown hair approached him, extending her arm in an unusual gesture. "Hello, my name is Astrid Berg, a representative of the United Nations," she announced. "It is my utmost pleasure to be accommodated by you on such short notice; please accept my gratitude. Beside me are the diplomats from our remaining constituent and founding nation-states. It is an honour for us, to meet the Prime Minister without any previous mediation." Kanata surveyed the group of approximately 12 individuals, all ostensibly human, though some bore such exotic skin that he nearly confused them with dark elves. He had never encountered such dark-skinned humans before today. With a swift nod, he courteously replied though, not returning the gesture, "Yes, it''s our pleasure. Please, make yourselves comfortable." On his side, Kanata was accompanied by Foreign Minister Rinsui and five other members from the ministry as they took their seats. Without hesitation, Rinsui with a bow, sharply, announced, "I will preside over this meeting. I am Rinsui, Quatoyne¡¯s Minister of Foreign Affairs. May the honourable gentlemen and women before me please introduce themselves and state their purposes?" He dove straight into the heart of matters with his inquiry. Within moments, a rather robust man rose, declaring with confidence, "My name is Maverick Wilson, representing the United States of America. It is my sincere pleasure to meet Your Excellency." He was swiftly followed by the Russian diplomat, who bowed curtly, expressing, "My utmost gratitude for meeting us on such short notice. I am Victor Mikhaylov, representing the Russian Federation." As he concluded, a raven-haired woman stepped forward, announcing, "Greetings to our friends in this new world. I am Lian Wang, representing the People¡¯s Republic of China." Next, the dark-skinned gentleman, whom Kanata had found unusual, stood, stating, "I am Dhruv Rawat, representing the Republic of India. We are most delighted to meet you at this juncture." Lastly, a silent, spectacled man stood, articulating, "My name is Tanaka Kazuhisa, a diplomat from Japan. Despite our abrupt visit today, I am pleased that the country¡¯s representative will meet with us. It is an honour for us; please allow me to express our utmost gratitude." The cascade of new names and affiliations left Kanata and his fellow ministerial members awash with confusion, pondering their meaning. As Rinsui nodded in acknowledgement, Astrid stood, distributing several documents pertinent to their current situation. Getting the documents Rinsui frowned as he got one look at the document, as he apprehensively announced ¡°Excuse my rudeness, but I am unable to read what¡¯s written here!¡± Somehow, this knowledge surprised all the diplomats as Maverick quickly responded, ¡°How surprising, we assumed that you spoke English since you seemed to understand us.¡± Rinsui shook his head, clarifying, ¡°No, from our perspective, it¡¯s you who are speaking the common tongue. But I¡¯m curious do you all not speak the same language?¡± Before any of the diplomats could answer, Astrid interjected, "No, other than the US and India sharing English, we all use completely different languages." While Rinsui pondered this unusual revelation, Kanata took a chance to ask, ¡°That¡¯s peculiar, whenever you speak, it seems that you¡¯re speaking the common tongue though?¡± "What? How can that be?" Lian Wang exclaimed, rising somewhat aggressively. She continued, "Please allow us to verify this!" If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement. Swiftly, each of the diplomats attempted a conversation in their native languages, which, much to the diplomats'' astonishment, the inhabitants of this new world were able to comprehend. As the surprise settled, Victor, curious about this phenomenon, voiced, "Now, that¡¯s a handy ability, but how is it possible?" Rinsui and Kanata, both devoid of answers, shook their heads, choosing instead to proceed with the discussion. "We have no idea," they admitted, "but for such a mysterious phenomenon to occur, something must be truly amiss." The diplomats nodded in agreement as Astrid took charge. "No issues," she assured, "I shall orate the document instead." Clearing her throat, she began, "We hail from a group of countries collectively known as the United Nations, located approximately 2000km north of your country." Astrid paused for a moment, to allow the information to soak in, then glanced at the two gentlemen, inquiring, "Do you understand these units?" They nodded promptly, with Rinsui responding, "Of course, but there are no nations. We have previously encountered a few tribal towns and villages, but nothing more than that. Did those tribes band together to form nations?" The Indian and Chinese diplomats visibly bristled at the suggestion but held their tongues. Taking the lead, Maverick explained with a calm demeanour, ¡°That''s a misconception. The five nations collectively span a vast land area of approximately 40 million square kilometres. It would be erroneous to describe us merely as ''villages''.¡± Rinsui¡¯s jaw dropped to the ground when he heard the words '' 40 million¡¯, for a landmass that massive, it was simply impossible for any random tribe to just develop such an area in a few years or even decades. Kanata and his fellow officials mirrored Rinsui¡¯s shock. Tanaka rose from his seat, adding, ¡°Though it may be difficult to explain, we were all inexplicably transported to this world from our home planet Earth and have yet to understand why." Still sceptical, Rinsui responded, "We were informed about this by our scouts, but the idea of entire countries being summoned is beyond comprehension. The mana necessary would be astronomical. Forgive my directness, but it''s challenging to accept such a fish tale.¡± A collective sigh emanated from Astrid and the diplomats. Their story was indeed hard to swallow, even for them. If roles were reversed, they would likely dismiss such claims as insanity. Seated again, Tanaka nodded while Astrid interjected, "Your scepticism is expected. Even on Earth, if someone claimed their nation had shifted 2000km overnight, we''d doubt their sanity. To bridge this gap of understanding, might we suggest that you send a diplomatic mission to our lands? A firsthand account might offer the evidence you need to believe." Rinsui frowned at the notion, after all, the individuals under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs weren''t just public servants, they were citizens of Qua-Toyne. Dispatching them into uncharted lands potentially fraught with danger weighed heavily on him since any harm befalling them would be his responsibility. Sensing his internal conflict, Prime Minister Kanata leaned in, his voice hushed. "Minister Rinsui," he began, "they showcased advanced aerial crafts above Maihark and sailed colossal metal warships. These aren''t mere feats that an island nation achieved overnight. Their capabilities far surpass our understanding. Building a rapport with them could be pivotal, especially with the looming Lourian threat." As both came to an understanding, Kanata straightened up, addressing Astrid and the other diplomats, ¡°Gentlemen and women, I am curious as to what you wish to gain from our country, after all, I don¡¯t believe that you would come this far just for sightseeing?¡± The diplomats exchanged glances, silently communicating, before Astrid spoke for the group. "We primarily seek certain foodstuffs which are currently scarce in our nations and essential natural resources. Specific requirements from each nation will be detailed in forthcoming discussions." Kanata perked up at the mention of food and enthusiastically replied, "Ah! If it''s food you need, we can assist. As for natural resources, we may have limitations, but that''s a conversation for another time. Pardon my curiosity, but how self-reliant are you when it comes to food supplies?" The Indian diplomat, Dhruv, responded, "Of the five nations here, three are prominent food exporters and maintain a stable food supply. The other two can be efficiently catered to through our existing distribution networks." Rinsui marvelled at the adeptness of these seemingly junior diplomats. Their composure and clarity were remarkable. If their claims held merit, this newfound alliance could indeed herald a renaissance for Qua-Toyne. Rinsui, sensing an opportunity, posed an eager question. "Are we the first nation you''ve made contact with since your unexpected relocation?" A chorus of nods followed Astrid''s affirmation. "Indeed, Qua-Toyne is our inaugural diplomatic engagement. While we''ve observed other nations on this continent, we¡¯ve yet to interact with them." Rinsui''s chest swelled with pride. "You''re in good fortune then. Our lands are divinely graced by the goddess of fertility. There¡¯s no seed that doesn''t find roots in our soil. Even the most neglected plant burgeons to its fullest potential here. We''re confident we can meet any agricultural demand you might have." He beamed, oblivious to the magnitude of his commitment to these hungry giants. A brief predatory glint flashed in the eyes of the diplomats from Earth, but they quickly masked it with decorum. "Very well," they concluded in unison, nodding courteously. "We''ll reconvene as scheduled. We appreciate your hospitality." They bowed in unison, this time avoiding the initial missteps of their greeting. As the delegation departed, Kanata pulled Rinsui aside. "Foreign Minister, expedite the preparations. This mission could greatly enhance our standing amongst the populace." ¡°Certainly Prime Minister!¡± Rinsui replied bowing, and making his exit, leaving Kanata alone as he contemplated if what he did would be the bane of their nation or not. ¡­ Outside in Qua-Toyne City, As the group of six diplomats exited the prime minister''s residence, they chose to stroll through the city''s streets, hoping to gain a deeper understanding of this world''s culture and everyday life. Maverick deftly pulled a cigarette from his pocket, lighting it and taking a deep drag. "This place," he began, exhaling a thin stream of smoke, "seems much more primitive than we anticipated. Throughout my career, I''ve travelled to many underdeveloped regions, but even they had better infrastructure than this." He gestured toward the basic structures that made up the city''s ''Merchant District.'' Astrid, adjusting the collar of her formal attire against the unfamiliar climate, chimed in. "Their technological progression is starkly different from ours. Yet, there¡¯s a raw, historic charm here, an authenticity that mirrors the cobblestone streets of old European towns." With a melancholic tone, reflecting on her Norwegian heritage, she remarked, "This place evokes memories of the pre-industrial towns that once dotted my homeland. Although they''ve faded into history, it''s heartening to see that such a way of life still thrives here." Lian Wang, observing the bustling market stalls and artisans at work, remarked, "The vibrancy of their culture reminds me of the ancient towns along China''s Silk Road. While they might lack modern infrastructure, the traditional attire and handcrafted goods are a breath of fresh air amidst our world of mass production, something we¡¯ve long since lost in our never-ending pursuit of technology.¡± Dhruv, with a reminiscent glint in his eyes, noted, "This feels like a journey through India''s historical epochs, the eras of kings, queens, and ancient practices. Their ''mana'' might be a parallel to our Vedic rituals, harnessing energies in ways we''ve moved away from, it¡¯s something we have yet to fully comprehend.¡± The rest nodded as Tanaka, captivated by a street performer weaving ethereal magic in the air, pointed out, "This power might be something we have lost to time but, who knows we might have advanced holographic displays, but their power is something we cannot explain." Victor glanced at the bustling city and shrugged, "We must remember that development doesn''t always equate to skyscrapers and digital screens. Their strengths might lie in areas we''ve yet to discover. Let''s not underestimate them." As the diplomats ventured further, they were approached by enthusiastic children, marvelling at the foreign visitors. Maverick, despite his initial reservations, handed a young boy a small American flag pin. Astrid looked at the surroundings, her lips curling into a smile. "It''s reassuring to see that, despite everything, this isn''t an entirely foreign land." The group nodded in agreement, continuing their journey towards their vehicles, eager to discover what this New World held in store for them. ¡­ TBC Kindling Command Post, Near Line of Actual Control, Arunachal Pradesh, India 06:00 hours, Major Siddhart Singh paced restlessly, anxiety evident on his face, as he awaited the latest update from the frontlines. It had been a nightmare since the Rogue Chinese Militants known as the ¡®Longwang Zh¨¤nsh¨¬¡¯ assaulted their positions a few weeks back, taking advantage of the chaos following the transference event, the audacious Longwang forces had exploited a poorly guarded portion of the border, swiftly intruding across the LOC. Their onslaught had been hindered only by the treacherous Himalayan terrain, which prevented the use of heavy vehicles and the lack of any significant air assets. Nevertheless, they had managed to breach 20 km from the Line of Control, resulting in the capture or death of an unarmed 3-man patrol near the border. Much to Siddhart''s horror, they had gone beyond mere military aggression. The bastards had stormed a border village, occupying it and taking its innocent residents hostage. ¡°Damnit!¡± he shouted, slamming his fist onto the table, infuriated by the strategic hellhole they found themselves in and even more by the bureaucratic red tape. The need for explicit authorisation from the High Command had hampered their initial response, leaving them susceptible to Longwang''s ambushes. Fortunately, relief was on the horizon as the formidable 42nd Armoured Regiment and the 24th Mechanized Battalion, escorted by the aerial prowess of the 106th IAF units Sukhoi Su-30MKI¡¯s, were en route. Their imminent arrival would signal a potent counteroffensive against the Longwang forces and bolster their defence to prevent further incursions. Siddhart felt a glimmer of hope, knowing that the combined strength of these units would tilt the scales back in their favour. Despite the reassuring thought of reinforcements, Siddhart''s immediate concerns persisted. As a young lieutenant entered the command centre, his uniform slightly stained with dust and sweat, he promptly saluted Major Siddhart Singh, "Sir, the Longwang forces have stopped their artillery barrage on our forward fortifications. Our counter-battery teams are in position and ready to respond." Siddhart quickly nodded and commanded, "Initiate the ATAGS for retaliation. We must maintain our position and create a buffer zone until the 42nd arrives." The lieutenant''s eyes reflected determination, acknowledging with a swift salute. "Understood, Sir!" he responded, turning on his heel and sprinting towards the artillery units, ready to unleash the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System''s firepower on the enemy positions. The echo of war drums had sounded, and the Indian forces were ready to respond. The thunderous roar of the ATAGS reverberated through the snowy mountains, momentarily drowning out all other sounds. Plumes of smoke trailed behind the 155mm ramjet shells as they arched through the sky, their trajectory meticulously targeted towards the Front Line. The sun glinted off their metal casings, making them appear like deadly shooting stars destined for death and destruction. Soldiers nearby had taken cover, their hands pressed against their ears, feeling the concussive force of each firing. The ground trembled, and a wave of dust rose from the positions, blending with the smoke and creating a haze that partially obscured vision. After the initial volley''s deafening cacophony, a tense silence settled, punctuated only by the distant thuds of artillery impacts and the methodical movements of the artillery crew, swiftly preparing for the next round of fire. The artillery barrage''s sheer force was evident in the sporadic plumes of smoke and fire visible on the horizon scarring the land, as the shells found their targets obliterating poorly protected Long Wang personnel and equipment. Suddenly, amidst the sporadic pillars of smoke, a bright yellow explosion mushroomed into the sky, illuminating the surroundings momentarily as, one of the shells struck an exposed fuel tank, releasing its volatile contents in a spectacular yellow blaze. ¡°Direct hit!" yelled a spotter, his voice cutting through the din as the artillery crew swiftly worked, reloading the cannons for another barrage. Major Siddhart Singh, eyes glued to his binoculars, fervently hoped their counter-offensive would make the Longwang forces reconsider their advance, granting them the invaluable time needed for reinforcements to bolster their position. However, his heart sank as the smoke cleared, and he caught sight of the unmistakable silhouettes of the ZBL-08 IFVs and the ZTQ-15 light tanks leading the charge, signalling that the Rogue forces remained undeterred by their onslaught. ¡°Damnit!¡± he muttered as he tightened his grip on the binoculars, knowing that the imminent arrival of reinforcements was more crucial now than ever. As the shadow of the advancing LongWang forces loomed ever closer, Major Siddhart Singh took a deep breath, steadying himself. The fate of his garrison hung in the balance, and all they could do now was brace for the impending storm. ¡­ Qua-Toyne Principality, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, While the flames of war brew in the Old World, the denizens of the New World found themselves in a whirlwind of their own within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the heart of diplomacy with external entities. The Rought cut stone and mortar building was awash with chaos as public servants ran around frantically on a shoestring schedule preparing the much-needed groundwork for their Diplomatic Visit. Scrolls and mana-imbued communications crisscrossed between hands, as preparations were underway for an ambassadorial entourage and the authority granted to the ambassador extraordinary that would redefine their relations with the the newcomers from the UN. An official''s voice rang out, piercing the bustling noise,¡± Yagou!, I heard that you¡¯re joining the delegation to the United Nations. Man I¡¯m so jealous, I also wanted to visit there!¡± Yagou shot him a weary look, his long dark hair framing a face marked with experience. While it might sound glamorous to venture to another nation, the reality was more harrowing. In their tumultuous world, nations capsized into anarchy overnight. Governments were decimated, and vast empires splintered into warring factions. Stability was rare, with power shifting as swiftly as sand in a storm. Breathing a tired sigh, Yagou pondered on his experience, he had witnessed firsthand the dire consequences of political upheavals: regions where societal order crumbled under policy changes, territories where living conditions paled compared to their own. Even their health wasn''t guaranteed, often if a region were riddled with disease, poor sanitation would subject visiting delegates to local epidemics. Given these perils, many within the ministry loathed overseas diplomatic assignments. Though their nation enjoyed one of the highest standards of living, often seen as a beacon amid the so-called uncivilised lands, the United Nations was a different beast altogether. Their capabilities were staggering, being able to field massive metal dragons which flew faster than even the swiftest wyvern at a height thought unreachable by conventional beasts. If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.Their enormous floating islands, replete with vast arsenals and often flanked by smaller metal warships, were unlike anything Yagou had ever seen. Recalling documents provided by the member states of their confederation, Yagou felt a pang of unease. Even during his visit to the Parpaldian Empire, where he had marvelled at their intricate automatons and innovative gear ships, he never felt this profound sense of alienation. These newcomers, with their astounding claims, felt otherworldly, almost verging on the supernatural. Were they even human, or were they beings of legend, like the ravernal from their myths? Shaking his head, Yagou glanced down, noticing a handwritten note from the Foreign Minister at the bottom of the document: ''Exercise utmost caution with the Newcomers. Under no circumstances underestimate them, and always remain courteous.'' Leaning back in his chair, he sighed, resting his head against its frame, he pondered about the capabilities of the newfound confederation, or at least that¡¯s what he thought the UN was. Mulling over the information, Yagou tried to reconcile with the staggering claims of these Newcomers. In his world, a wyvern was a revered weapon. Capable of speeds up to 230km/hr, they were majestic and powerful, making their riders, the Dragon knights, the epitome of military prowess. Every foot soldier aspired to ascend to such ranks, for they were viewed as the elite, the pinnacle of their world''s combat forces. Just as a mounted knight could decimate infantry in the past, a single wyvern could wreak havoc on an entire battalion with relative ease. Hovering beyond the reach of any bow, these wyverns could harness their innate mana to unleash torrents of fireballs or breathe searing flames upon those below. Their might was rivalled only by the advanced steam weapons of the Parpaldians in their region. Additionally, their scales, tough as forged iron, rendered them virtually impervious to attacks from ballistae and most magical strikes. Few creatures could pose a genuine threat to these mighty wyverns. Perhaps the legendary Wyvern lords from the three civilized lands, but they were a rare sight on the battlefield. And if one were to consider wilder, more unpredictable beings, only the calamity-class entities like the elemental lords, the titanic Krakens of the distant seas, and the celestial divine dragons could outmatch them. But now, claims emerged that a man-made creation from these foreign lands could rival or even surpass such formidable beings. To think that such a craft, especially with its proclaimed wingspan, could exist was almost heretical. It was as if they challenged the very order of nature. The Muan mechanical civilization, as advanced as it was, had never hinted at such capabilities. Time and again, Yagou stumbled upon mentions of these mysterious flying machines in the documents. The very thought of their existence stirred a mix of disbelief and profound curiosity within him. How, he pondered, could they achieve such a marvel? With a sly smile, Yagou mused, "This expedition might just be the key for me to leave an indelible mark on history, revealing the mysteries of such a civilisation." However, his reverie was swiftly interrupted by an official proclamation echoing through the chambers, "All delegates, please gather immediately. The assembly is about to commence." ¡­ As Yagou made his way into the opulent Grand Hall, he noticed the assembled members of the diplomatic mission gathered around the podium. The Chief of Diplomatic staff was meticulously set up, ready to brief the attendees. Only five people were joining the mission to the UN, mostly all officials in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, except General Hanki who had temporarily been transferred to the ministry as a military liaison. As the rest murmured among themselves, the Chief soon began, ¡°The crux of our mission is to assess the true nature and intent of this ''United Nations Confederation.¡¯ While their envoys push for diplomacy, their metal dragons, with unparalleled prowess, pierced deep into our skies, bypassing all our fortifications with unsettling ease. They tell us that they come in peace, but their actions are not clear, perhaps the UN might be a hegemon intending to lull us into a sense of safety in the name of seeking diplomatic ties, or they may be an apartheid regime that discriminates against all non-humans like the Lourians, thus we need to be sure of their intentions before we engage in any form of alliance or trade.¡± The assembly buzzed with whispers and murmurs as everyone exchanged thoughts about the mysterious newcomers. The hall echoed with fragmented discussions until the chief''s commanding voice sliced through the air, "Silence!" He inhaled deeply, gathering his thoughts. "The exact developmental stage of this ''United Nations'' remains ambiguous, but from what we understood, each state seems to vary a fair bit but is close enough to be considered in the same group. Yet, it''s evident that their technological prowess is formidable, implying an equivalently potent military force. Throughout your interactions, maintain decorum, withhold criticism, and stand firm without inciting conflict. I also urge you to note any strengths and weaknesses about them. This knowledge could be pivotal in shaping our future negotiations. Now, direct your attention to the documents laid out before you." The diplomats turned their gaze to the sheets, their eyes widening with disbelief as they processed the content. One exclaimed in absolute astonishment, "By the Ravernals, entire continents had been transported from another realm?!" The chief nodded solemnly, "According to their words, a group of nations suddenly found themselves translocated to our world overnight. While we have yet to verify the authenticity of this assertion, I cannot stress enough the importance of treading cautiously. Do not show any doubt or scepticism; our priority is to maintain diplomatic stability." Yagou''s eyes widened in realization. "It mirrors the tales from the Muan legends," he thought. In the distant lands of the Second Civilisation, the region of Mu was renowned. Their ancient myths spoke of an era, 12,000 years past when they were transported to Novae Terrae, their term for this world. The Muans, having kept written records from that time, were fervent believers in this legend. However, as with many old tales, the specifics had become exaggerated over time, leading the majority of the world to dismiss it as mere folklore. Pulling himself from his reverie, Yagou refocused on the Chief, who was detailing their itinerary. "A ship provided by one of the United Nations member states, the United States of America, will facilitate our voyage. We are scheduled to set sail a week from now and after four days at sea, we will arrive at Murmansk, the northernmost port of the Russian Federation. From there, we will board the ''Arktika'' for a journey lasting a day and a half to reach Moscow, where our initial negotiations will take place. Subsequently, we will board an ¡®Airplane¡¯ to New York, USA, and travel by road to reach their capital Washington, D.C. for the second set of discussions. Our journey will then continue to Delhi, the capital of the Republic of India, where our third set of negotiations will be conducted. Following this, we will travel eastward to the metropolis of Kolkata, utilizing a transportation system known as ¡®Vande Bharat¡¯. Our next destination will be Beijing, the capital of the People¡¯s Republic of China, for further negotiations. Within a day of concluding our discussions in Beijing, we will set sail for Fukuoka in Japan, and from there, we will take the ¡®Shinkansen¡¯ to Tokyo, marking the final leg of our journey.¡± He paused to let the information sink in before adding, "All in all, this diplomatic expedition will span over a month, with each country hosting us for approximately a week as we engage in vital dialogues and conferences with their respective administrations." The diplomats exchanged bewildered glances, struggling to process the sheer length of the mission. A younger member of the delegation, unable to contain his curiosity, stood up. "Chief," he began, "why is the mission so lengthy? Are we moving at a slower pace, or are we dealing with a vast expanse of land?" The chief let out a weary sigh before answering, ¡°Indeed, the lands of the United Nations are expansive. Think of it as a new continent. Their total landmass covers about 41 million square kilometres.¡± In an instant the room erupted into chaos as everyone stood there arguing about such a large continent being undiscovered for so long, this only brought more credibility to their story of being summoned. What astounded them further was the notion of covering such vast distances in a mere month. Could their ships really traverse 2,000 km in just four days? The appearance of the metallic dragon in their homeland had been startling, but these ''Arktika,'' ''Vande Bharat,'' and ''Shinkansen'' were said to be terrestrial vehicles. Perhaps these machines were powered by an immense quantity of mana? ¡°Quiet! Quiet!¡± the chief shouted garnering their attention again, ¡°No matter, prepare yourself for a long journey ahead. You may now leave.¡± Many of the Diplomats including, Yagou left the meeting with a mix of bewilderment and anticipation. The sheer magnitude of what they were embarking upon was challenging to grasp. Yagou, in particular, felt that these people simply couldn¡¯t be judged by common sense. Overwhelmed, he decided the best course of action was to retreat and gather his thoughts in solitude. Thus, as the assembly dispersed, they unknowingly sowed the seeds of a change that would bring about a new era in the New World, for what would come next in the following years was something none could have imagined. ¡­ TBC Fantasy One week later, Central Calendar Year 1639, Month 2, Day 3, Clemens, The sky above Clemens was a bright cerulean canvas, with clouds drifting elegantly across the vast expanse. A gentle breeze, refreshing and cool, swept through the port, carrying with it the scent of the sea. In front of the Ministries Harbour office, the diplomatic mission had convened around the pier as a rather dark-skinned man in a suit conversed with them warmly, ¡°Greetings ladies and Gentlemen of the delegation, I am John Moore and it is my utmost pleasure to be guiding you to our World, beside me is Mr Tanaka whom some of you might already know.¡± Tanaka stepped forward with a polite bow. ¡°It''s a pleasure to meet all of you. Should you have any needs or concerns during our journey, please do not hesitate to inform me.¡± The New Worlders, unaccustomed to such courteous treatment, exchanged surprised glances since they were usually treated as dirt by any of the major nations. While some seemed pleasantly taken aback, others, like General Hanki, appeared less enthused. General Hanki, his face etched with irritation, muttered under his breath, ¡°A boat trip¡­ why must it be by boat?¡± Yagou, noticing Hanki¡¯s displeasure, approached him. ¡°General Hanki, you seem troubled. Is something the matter?¡± Hanki waved a hand dismissively. ¡°Please, Yagou, there''s no need for formalities now. Just Hanki is fine.¡± Yagou nodded, his tone laced with concern. ¡°Ah! Alright, what¡¯s bothering you then?¡± Hanki¡¯s gaze was drawn to the undulating waves of the ocean. ¡°It¡¯s the journey at sea,¡± he admitted with a heavy sigh. ¡°The confinement within the belly of a ship, the perpetual dampness, the risk of tumultuous storms¡­ and the food, always overly salted for preservation. It makes for a dispiriting experience. I¡¯m just hoping this voyage proves different from the ones I¡¯ve endured before since the last one had left me gasping for water in a place with water as far as the eye can see.¡± Yagou shared a sympathetic look with Hanki. His experiences with sea voyages had been less than favourable, and he wasn¡¯t looking forward to repeating them. Hanki, with a hint of scepticism in his voice, added, ¡°They claimed our journey would only take four days, but that seems implausible. Not even the fastest Parpaldian airships can cross the ocean so swiftly.¡± Yagou nodded, his curiosity piqued. ¡°True. But considering the steel dragon they possess, they might have means beyond our understanding for such rapid travel.¡± Both men stood in contemplative silence, their eyes fixed on the distant horizon. The unknowns of the journey lay heavily on their minds. Soon, the call for departure echoed through the harbour, signalling the start of an unprecedented voyage that might just redefine their understanding of the world. They made their way to the end of the pier, where ships usually docked for boarding. As they peered into the horizon, a shape emerged from the dense morning fog, slowly revealing a colossal white hull that dwarfed everything in its vicinity. Yagou''s jaw dropped in disbelief, his eyes wide with astonishment. "Wha... What is that beast?" he stammered, barely able to grasp the scale of what he was seeing. Beside him, Hanki shared his bewilderment. "It has no sails... How does it move?" he wondered aloud, his voice tinged with disbelief. The ship drew closer, its massive form casting a looming shadow over the pier, dwarfing the gathered crowd. At that moment, John approached the delegates, a hint of pride in his voice. "That, my fellow delegates," he announced, gesturing towards the ship, "is our vessel for the first leg of our journey to the icy Northern Port. Unfortunately, due to its size, we cannot dock directly here. We''ll board a smaller craft to get aboard." Soon, three smaller vessels sliced through the water towards the port, their speed astonishing. They covered the kilometre gap between the colossal cruise liner and the archaic wooden pier with a swiftness that defied Yagou and Hanki''s understanding of naval travel. Like the larger leviathan they had just beheld, these boats, too, were devoid of sails, cutting through the water as if propelled by invisible forces. The scene unfurled like a tapestry of the impossible before their eyes. Yagou and Hanki stood side by side, rooted to the spot, their minds racing with a torrent of unanswerable questions. The technology they witnessed was beyond anything they had ever imagined - it was as if the laws of nature they knew were being rewritten before them. Hanki, overwhelmed with curiosity, quickly approached Tanaka. His hands landed on Tanaka''s shoulders with an urgency that bordered on panic. "Mr. Tanaka, Mr. Tanaka!" he exclaimed, his voice rising in excitement. "Those ships, they have no sails! How are they moving? I see neither oars nor any other visible means of propulsion. Are they akin to the magical ships of the First Civilization?" Tanaka, slightly taken aback by Hanki''s intense demeanour, gently eased himself out of the grasp. "I''m not particularly versed in the machines of the First Civilization, but a diesel engine powers these ships," he explained with a hint of patience. Hanki''s brow furrowed in confusion at the unfamiliar term. ¡± Die..sell Enjine, What is that?" he queried, his head tilting inquisitively. It was John who stepped in to clarify. "Diesel engines burn oil," he began, his voice steady and explanatory. "They use the combustion to drive a piston, which generates energy. This energy moves turbines located beneath the boat through a series of complex gears and shafts." ¡°I don¡¯t quite understand but that sounds marvellous¡±, he replied, still quite baffled at the rather magical things these newcomers used as his gaze drifted back to the sleek vessels with renewed awe. The smaller vessels, sleek and swift, docked smoothly at the pier. The Qua-tonian delegation stepped aboard, their eyes widening as they approached the massive white ship, its hull proudly bearing the name ''Silver Muse''. A cool, refreshing breeze greeted them as they ascended the ramp onto the ship. The moment they set foot inside, the grandeur of the ship''s interior struck them with full force. Their jaws dropped in unison, eyes scanning the luxurious surroundings. Grand staircases swept elegantly upwards, flanked by art pieces of such quality and clarity that they seemed almost otherworldly. The opulence was unlike anything they had ever encountered, surpassing even the richest treasures of their world. Hanki, momentarily rooted to the spot, reached out to touch the wall of the ship, feeling the cool, smooth metal under his fingers. "This... It''s made of metal," he exclaimed, his voice a mixture of wonder and disbelief. "How does it float?" Yagou, equally amazed, added, "It''s bright inside as if they''ve trapped a sun under a roof." He looked around in awe, his mind struggling to comprehend the scale and sophistication of the engineering marvel they were aboard. As they were escorted to their rooms, the opulence only seemed to grow, with each corridor and chamber more lavish than the last. The realization dawned on them with increasing clarity - these newcomers were not barbarians as some might have presumed. They might be more advanced than even the HME who were touted as the most advanced in the world. ¡­ The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. As evening descended, their ship ventured further away from the port, now lost to the encroaching darkness. Only the lights from the massive warships escorting them pierced through the night, guiding their path through the treacherous waters that lay between the icy expanse of the Russian Federation and their warmer homeland. Yagou, seated at a desk in his cabin, gazed out the window at the churning sea waves. He opened his diary and began to write, his thoughts flowing onto the paper, || 2nd Day of the Third Month of 1639, My Life aboard the Silver Muse, Today marks a day of unprecedented change in my life. The people here are disarmingly simple in their demeanour, yet they indulge in luxuries that surpass the wildest bounds of my imagination. I have encountered air cooled as if by enchantment, and tiny devices enabling communication over vast distances without the need for a messenger ¨C a marvel in itself. Never in my life, despite having witnessed the steam wonders of the Parapladians and the Muan Trade vessels, have I seen such defiance of logic and nature as with these people. What we once perceived as a nascent, barbaric land might, in fact, be burgeoning superpowers, redefining the very fabric of our understanding. The day''s revelations weigh heavily upon my mind, almost too much to process in a single sitting. Perhaps, clarity will come with a night''s rest. Another notable aspect is their cuisine. It bespeaks a civilisation born from abundance, never have I seen food so fresh and delectable, served even to the sailors, who in most parts of our world are but indentured servants. This alone speaks volumes of their society and values. For now, I shall conclude. May the goddess watch over us on this voyage into the unknown. || Closing his diary, Yagou could still hear the distant hum of the ''Silver Muse''s engines, a lullaby of progress and power. As he lay in his cabin, the ship continued its steady course through the night, bringing them closer to their next destination. ¡­ A few days later, Central Calendar Year 1639, Month 2, Day 7, AD 20xx August 14th, Near Murmansk, With the breaking of a new dawn, the ''Silver Muse'' had reached the outskirts of Murmansk. Yagou, drawn by the anticipation of a new port, found himself on deck once more, gazing at the approaching city as it emerged from the morning mist. Yagou, standing on the deck, felt the cold wind carry echoes of a realm vastly different from his own. Through the fading mist, modern structures loomed, their silhouettes etching a world where magic gave way to machinery, and mystique to mechanics. Suddenly, a voice from the speaker pierced the air, "Murmansk port in sight, prepare for docking!" Prompted by the announcement, Hanki joined Yagou on the deck. He gazed out in awe, his voice tinged with a hint of disbelief, ¡°Yagou, look at this... It''s incredible. The lights are so bright, and the ships...¡± He gestured towards the distant oil tankers, ¡°I¡¯ve never seen anything like them before!¡± Yagou nodded, his expression grave. ¡°Indeed, General. We might have underestimated the scale of our commitment to these people. Just look at the sheer size of what they call a Port city.¡± A collective sigh escaped them, as they saw John and Tanaka approaching, accompanied by a tall, blonde woman. She extended her hand with a warm smile. ¡°Dobriy vyecher,¡± she greeted, her voice conveying genuine hospitality. ¡°Welcome to the motherland, our new allies. We hope your stay here will be pleasant.¡± Yagou noted the intriguing contrast between Irina''s stern appearance and graceful demeanour. The respectful reactions of those around him suggested she held a position of significant authority, perhaps even of nobility, given her regal bearing. Eager to respect local customs, he extended his hand in greeting, mirroring the gesture he had observed. ¡°It¡¯s an honour to meet you,¡± he replied with a courteous smile. ¡°We anticipate fruitful discussions with your people. May I have the pleasure of knowing your name, milady?¡± ¡°It¡¯s Irina Gobulev, comrade, come now, we shall depart to the station, there isn¡¯t very much to do in Murmansk after all,¡± she said and walked down the ramp into the port. Her remark, though light-hearted, drew a few suppressed sneers from the nearby sailors and dockworkers. They quickly stifled their reactions, however, wary of showing disrespect to an official of her standing. Hanki and Yagou, eager to continue their journey, hastened their steps to keep up with Irina''s brisk pace. Stepping onto the solid ground of the port, they both shared a moment of relief. The luxury of the Silver Muse had been unparalleled, but after four days at sea, the firmness of the earth under their feet was a welcome change. Shortly thereafter, the group was ushered towards a fleet of sleek, black vehicles. The sight of these carriages, conspicuously devoid of horses, instantly captured the intrigue of the New Worlders. Yagou and Hanki, their curiosity piqued, climbed into one of the vehicles, taking seats opposite the three diplomats. As they settled in, the diplomats offered them friendly smiles, a rarity in any negotiations they have done before. Beneath the diplomats'' cordial smiles, there lurked subtleties and nuances that only a native of Earth might fully understand. But before Yagou or Hanki could ponder this further, the vehicle''s engine roared to life. The unfamiliar, rumbling sound caught Hanki off guard, and his instincts as a soldier kicked in. He sprang to his feet, alarm etched on his face. "What is that noise? Is a beast attacking?" he exclaimed, ready to confront an unseen threat. Tanaka, quick to reassure, stood up and placed a calming hand on Hanki''s shoulder. "Please, calm down, Sir," he urged gently. "There''s no cause for alarm. It''s just the vehicle starting up, much like the ship''s engines. It''s completely normal. Please, have a seat." Observing the commotion, Yagou, unable to curb his curiosity, turned to Irina. ¡°Milady, what are these metal beasts?¡± he inquired, his eyes gleaming like a child¡¯s. Irina, slightly taken aback by his formal address, but impressed nonetheless replied, ¡°These are what we call automobiles. The sound you heard was the engine starting ¨C it''s quite normal. And rest assured, they are completely safe to use.¡± She paused for a moment before adding with a hint of curiosity, tapping her fingers on the side of her face, ¡°If I may ask, why do you address me so formally?¡± Both Yagou and Hanki shared a glance, their confusion evident. To them, Irina''s commanding presence and dignified demeanour had all the hallmarks of royalty. "She could be a princess, or perhaps a high-ranking noble?" they silently wondered. Yagou, now anxious that he might have overstepped a boundary, felt a nervous sweat bead on his forehead. Taking a deep breath to steady his voice, he cautiously ventured, "Mi...Milady, if I may be so bold, are you not of noble birth?" Irina and the other diplomats paused, exchanging glances at Yagou''s question. Then, to Yagou''s astonishment, they all succumbed to a burst of laughter, taken aback by his unexpected inquiry. Irina, after composing herself wiped a tear from her eye and smiled warmly. "No, not at all. I''m merely a public servant, albeit in a senior position. I serve as the Minister of Foreign Affairs. I see how my behaviour and our cultural differences might have led to a misunderstanding," she explained with an amused chuckle. Yagou, realising his error, joined in the laughter, albeit with a hint of nervousness. "Ah, I see," he chuckled, a sheepish smile crossing his face. "Thank you for clarifying, and please forgive my mistake." Irina waved her hand dismissively, her expression still warm and friendly. "Oh, there''s no need to apologise," she reassured him cheerfully. "We completely understand that our culture might be unfamiliar to you, comrade. It¡¯s all part of the learning experience." Yagou nodded and continued, just as the conversation lightened, he turned his attention to the window, gazing out at the unfolding cityscape as they made their way towards the station. The evening streets thrummed with vitality, as residents engaged in the rhythm of daily life, weaving a tapestry of civilization as vibrant and familiar as any Yagou had seen, rendering the once alien landscape warmly human. The city, now bathed in the soft glow of twilight, presented an icy lustre in contrast to their lush, warm homeland. Nestled within the Arctic Circle, Murmansk''s air was briskly mixed, with the salt of the Barents Sea. The setting sun, barely dipping below the horizon, cast a perpetual twilight over the city, lending a surreal quality to the surroundings. As Hanki looked back towards the port, the darkness creeping in slowly, the port remained a hub of activity even as the day waned. Cranes silhouetted against the evening sky continued their industrial activity of unloading cargo. The cries of seagulls mingled with the distant sound of fishing vessels, while the smell of fresh fish blended subtly with the diesel fumes, creating an ambience that was distinctly industrial yet undeniably maritime. As their vehicle glided through the streets of Murmansk, they soon found themselves in the shadow of the imposing Alyosha Monument. This towering figure stood as a solemn guardian over the city, a poignant reminder of Murmansk''s wartime history. It symbolised the sacrifices of countless brave souls who had fallen in battles long past, a tribute to their enduring legacy. For Yagou and Hanki, the Monument was a cryptic symbol from a past they couldn''t know. They regarded it with quiet respect, aware of its gravity yet distant from its story. The city''s rhythm ushered them onward, leading to the station, a gateway to the heart of Earth''s mightiest civilisations. As they stepped out of the vehicle, the realisation of the monumental journey ahead settled upon them. This station was not just a physical location but a symbolic threshold, marking the start of a transformation which only the likes of the Ancient Sorcerer¡¯s Empire could ever fathom to imagine. Taking a nervous step forward, Yagou embarked on a leap of faith, heralding the onset of a new epoch, the ''Pax Hominidae''- an era where fantasy and reality converge. ¡­ TBC The Northern Bear Murmansk Central Rail Station, Russian Federation, As Yagou gazed at the elongated metal structure before him, memories of a similar creation from his travels to Parpladia surfaced. They called it a ''Magic Locomotive'', a marvel of their time. But this... this was different. The metal snake lacked the prominent spouts that belched magicites, driving the locomotives of his world. Nor could he spot the enchanted stones that typically fueled such engines. A sudden realisation dawned on Yagou, prompting him to approach General Hanki with a hint of apprehension in his voice. "General, these people... I believe they might be devoid of magic." Hanki''s eyes widened in disbelief, his voice barely a whisper. "Impossible! How can that be? Even the Mu, unable to wield magic, possess magicites within. How could any living being completely lack it?" Yagou shook his head, his confusion mirroring Hanki''s. "I''m not certain. But when I looked at the people through my skill glass, there was no trace of Mana''s glow. I''ve never encountered a living being devoid of it." A cold shiver ran down Hanki''s spine as he grappled with this unsettling possibility. "What could they be? They craft such marvels yet lack mana. Are they akin to demons, or something beyond our comprehension?" The thought left him unsettled, the unknown nature of these people casting a shadow over their technological wonders. Shaking off their sudden discomfort, Yagou and Hanki quickly took their seats by the train window, their minds still swirling with unanswerable questions. The delegation soon joined them, filling the cabin with a murmur of voices and the rustle of movement. As the train began to move, Yagou pressed his face against the cool glass, watching as the landscape of Murmansk gradually transformed before his eyes. The city''s buildings soon gave way to the Snowy Tundra of the Siberian Lands. Hanki, sitting beside Yagou, seemed lost in thought, his gaze fixed on the passing scenery. The rhythmic clatter of the train seemed to lull him into a contemplative silence. A member of the delegation, a young diplomat named Elara, leaned forward with a look of excitement. "Have you ever seen anything like this in our world, Sir Yagou?" she asked, her eyes wide with curiosity. Yagou turned from the window, considering her question. "Quatoyne has its wonders," he began, "but this... this is something else. The sheer scale of everything, the speed at which we travel, it''s like living in a tale from the ancient scrolls." Elara nodded her expression a mix of fascination and eagerness. "And to think, this is just the beginning. We have so much more to see, so much more to learn from these people." Engrossed in their thoughts, the delegates scarcely noticed as time slipped by, fluid like a river. Before they knew it, the day had melted into night, and they were gently roused from their reveries as dinner was served. As they began to dig into their meal, a man donning a Fedora approached their table. With a confident stride, he sat opposite them, resting his arm casually on the table. He flashed a quick, enigmatic smile and said, ¡°Good evening, I hope I''m not intruding,¡± he began, his voice carrying a hint of a Russian accent. ¡°I''m Agent Ivanov, with the Federal Security Service.¡± Yagou''s gaze sharpened upon hearing Ivanov''s words. "And what exactly would your business be with us?" he asked, cautious not to entangle themselves in the internal politics of this unfamiliar country. Ivanov''s response came with a quick, knowing smirk. "Naturally, we wouldn''t want to impose any inconvenience upon you. However, might I pique your interest with some insights into our world?" he proposed, deftly producing a book titled ¡®Theory of Mechanics¡¯. "In exchange, perhaps, for a small measure of cooperation on your part?" Yagou¡¯s eyes widened at the sight of such knowledge since the diplomats had told him that books and cultural exchanges would begin only after their apparent visit to the five nations. Resting his arms on the table, he scrutinised Ivanov keenly. "What exactly are you proposing?" he inquired, his voice tinged with caution. The man, Ivanov, smiled enigmatically. "Let''s consider a mutually beneficial arrangement," he proposed smoothly. "You could provide us with some of your rare magic stones; in return, we offer technological secrets. The government will soon regulate these exchanges so that direct negotiation could benefit us both." Yagou studied Ivanov¡¯s face, searching for any hint of his true intentions behind that smile. With a grim expression, he responded, "Why the need for directness? Wouldn''t official channels be more appropriate for such discussions?" As Ivanov was about to respond, he suddenly glanced at his watch and swiftly donned his fedora, standing up. "I would have loved to continue our talk, but time is not on our side. Consider the book a gift," he said hastily. The next moments were chaotic. Alarms blared throughout the carriage, and security personnel rushed in. Amidst the confusion, Yagou stood up, calling, "WAIT!" But it was too late. Ivanov had already vanished into the night through a nearby exit, leaving a trail of unanswered questions behind. ¡­ Central Calendar Year 1639, Month 2, Day 8 Leningradsky Railway Terminal, Moscow, As dawn''s light filtered through the window, Yagou awoke, the previous day''s startling event replaying in his mind. The entire delegation was in disarray, struggling to make sense of the man''s abrupt exit from a moving vehicle. Following the security team''s debrief, the group gathered for breakfast, visibly shaken by the previous day''s events, they looked rather bewildered by the incident with more and more things about the unusual world that the New Worlders lived in coming to light! Yagou cast a worried glance at Hanki, leaning in to whisper, "We might be in over our heads. From what I''ve seen, these people could either be our world''s salvation or its undoing." Hanki offered a silent nod, unable to dispute Yagou''s insights. As the train stopped and the delegation disembarked, they were immediately enveloped by a sea of reporters and journalists surging forward with their microphones and cameras intent on being the first to show the world these Otherworldly beings. Security personnel swiftly formed a protective ring around the delegates, holding back the tide of ambitious journalists. Amidst this chaos, Yagou and his companions could hardly catch their breath before being swiftly ushered into a limousine. The vehicle surged forward with such velocity that it left several New World delegates grappling with nausea, the abrupt acceleration catching them off guard. They were swiftly conveyed through the city''s arteries, all converging towards the Kremlin¡ªsignalling the onset of their inaugural negotiations. ¡­ Kremlin, Moscow, As the limousine doors gracefully opened, the delegates were greeted by Moscow''s brisk, refreshing air. Yagou and Hanki, leading their group, found themselves marvelling at the Kremlin''s grandeur. Its iconic red brick walls and the majesty of the surrounding cathedrals were a spectacle that commanded awe. Yagou especially, was struck by the sheer architectural magnificence, a sight unrivalled by anything he had encountered before, even in the famed palaces of Parpaldia. The towering glass structures he had seen during their journey here, although impressive in their own right compared to this grandiosity. This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. Catching up with Hanki, who stood astounded by the scene with a hint of a smile, Yagou shared his amazement. ¡°General, the depth of these people''s heritage is astounding. If such structures were built even within the last 200 years, then the roots of their civilisation must extend far deeper than we ever imagined!¡± Hanki brought a hand to his chin and snickered lightly. "It appears they''re not as alien to us as we initially thought," he remarked with a soft chuckle, gesturing towards the familiar brickwork of the walls. Yagou returned Hanki''s smile with a gentle one of his own and offered a reassuring pat as a silent gesture of their combined realisation. Together, they proceeded toward the entrance, where the Russian delegation awaited their arrival. Upon reaching the entrance, they were greeted by the familiar face of Victor Mikhaylov, the Russian diplomat they had first encountered during the initial contact. He approached them, arm raised high in a gesture of welcome. Yagou momentarily hesitated, recalling the diplomatic customs they had been briefed on, before firmly shaking Victor''s hand. Victor greeted him warmly, ¡°Welcome to my country, Mr. Yagou. It is our pleasure to host the first delegation from your world!¡± Yagou curtly bowed, expressing his gratitude, "The honour is ours, to explore the wonders of your esteemed nation. We are truly grateful for this opportunity." Viktor acknowledged with a nod and signalled to the security personnel. Leading the way, he guided the delegation into the majestic Grand Kremlin Palace. They soon arrived at the grand entrance of the Hall of the Order of St. Catherine, where the Russian president and his council of Ministers awaited. Gathered around an oval table, the assembly was poised to greet the New World Delegation with open arms, symbolising a momentous occasion in their diplomatic endeavours after the disastrous conflict had isolated them. Yagou and the rest of the delegation poised themselves and confidently walked in offering a respectful bow to the assembled Russian ministers, a customary gesture in their culture. ¡°We represent the Qua-Toyne Principality and are honoured to accept your gracious invitation to your esteemed nation,¡± they introduced themselves. The ministers were visibly disturbed by their excessively self-deprecating greeting though quickly regaining their composure, expressing gratitude for the delegates'' presence and inviting them to take their seats to commence the session. Around them, the historical event was being captured by numerous camera crews from national and international news agencies, broadcasting this groundbreaking meeting between the natives of Qua-Toyne and Earth to the five nations. Once the initial pleasantries were concluded, Russian President Boris Lavrov commenced the session with an enthusiastic tone, "Welcome, esteemed delegates from Qua-Toyne. This day marks an extraordinary chapter in the annals of the Russian Federation. As we embark on this role as pioneers in interworld relations, let us celebrate this momentous occasion with joy and fellowship!" The applause filled the room, and a shared expression of enthusiasm and solidarity from the ministers and the visiting delegates eventually subsided as the first negotiations commenced. Foreign Minister Irina Gobulev, whom Yagou had encountered earlier, rose promptly to initiate the discussion. "Let''s address our stance on international trade between Qua-Toyne and Russia," she proposed, setting the stage for the pivotal dialogue. Yagou was momentarily startled by the unexpected direction of the conversation. He had braced himself for demands of resource handovers or worse, subjugation. Yet here they were, delving into the possibilities of trade, a prospect they had only dared to hope for. In a moment the solemn expressions of the delegation had turned to joy as the Russians presented an elaborate overview of their market. Yagou found himself rather perplexed by the details, encountering terms completely unknown to him. But what truly drew his curiosity was that all the people he had seen on the streets, had a rather acute sense of time even though it seemed that they lacked any sort of bell or central clock. Curiosity getting the better of him, Yagou rose, his expression alight with eagerness. "Pardon my interruption," he began, his voice tinged with fascination, "but could you enlighten us on how the people of Russia manage to keep track of time so precisely?" Irina responded with aplomb, clearing her throat before enlightening them, "Ah, we commonly use devices like phones or, more traditionally, wristwatches to measure time. I trust this answers your question?" The revelation left the Qua-Toynian delegates in awe, as such compact timekeeping devices were unheard of in their realm. ¡°I understand that these may be included in the list of traded goods?¡± Yagou replied with much intrigue. "Indeed, wristwatches would be included among the items in our free trade agreement," affirmed a minister, extending a translated document towards them, detailing the various trade items. Following a lively exchange, both parties reached a consensus, culminating in the signing a free trade agreement. This pact included provisions for exporting certain crops, identified as being in high demand within the Russian Federation, marking a significant step forward in their mutual relations. The moment was historic as both delegations concluded the treaty signing with a handshake between Lavrov and Yagou, captured in a photograph, marking the official completion of the first-ever treaty between the New World and a Terran Nation. ¡­ Hours later, Inside the Hotel Metropol Moscow, Overlooking the Red Square, Yagou found himself lost in thought yet again as he gazed upon his diary, reflecting on the stark contrasts between their societies. The day''s discussions had revealed a surprising openness, a far cry from the dominance he had anticipated from a nation of their stature. With the treaty now sealed, their journey would take them to the ¡®United States of America¡¯, the most formidable of the five nations. Compelled by these reflections, he once more opened his leather-bound diary to chronicle his insights, || 8th day of the Third Month of 1639 Life in the Russian Federation, It has been an eye-opening time for me in this Country, these people, are just so different I find it hard for me to relate, their thoughts, lives and worries are so drastically out of the world for us that it seems like a fairy tale, of course, they aren¡¯t without flaws either, since inequality and poverty are still issues but on a scale far smaller than I have seen in the lands I¡¯ve visited till now. Their apparent lack of magic has made them seek alternatives we would have never thought of, a method of high-speed transportation called the ¡®Railways¡¯ seems to dominate the public transport system as I have seen myself, large towering glass buildings line large methodically paved roads which streak high into the air and from what I hear this country is not even the richest of them all. It makes me wonder what kind of history necessitated such intricate development, for I¡¯ve never seen growth without conflict in my entire life thus it leads me to believe that these people may have a long and bloody history much like ours, though it does comfort me to see brick and mortar buildings time to time making it feel less distant to my home. Nonetheless, this was but one of the five nations and each is supposed to be as distinct as the three civilisation spheres, I will learn more about the way of life and technology when we reach the United States of America, this single moment may have changed the destiny of Qua-Toyne forever. Thus with a joyous outlook I end this, may the goddess watch over our lives and bless the souls of her children. || Swiftly closing his aged leather diary, Yagou reclined on his plush bed, quickly succumbing to sleep, weary from the day''s endeavours. At the same time, Inside the Kremlin, Hours after the meeting concluded, President Lavrov found a rare moment of tranquillity in his office. Seated comfortably with a glass of wine, he savoured the quiet, a luxury seldom afforded since the onset of the conflict initiated by his predecessor. Balancing the demands of the Duma and the nation''s oligarchs had left him little peace, especially with sanctions-straining recovery efforts. Despite some relief from reserves, the pressures from Western scepticism and domestic opposition weighed heavily on his mind leaving little room for rest. Exhaling deeply, President Lavrov reached for the landline, dialling a number. He waited for the connection, a hint of anticipation apparent. Upon hearing the line pick up, a slight smile graced his features. "Rolan, have we any updates on the thawed territories?" ¡°Yes Mr President, we¡¯ve found traces of the element as per the reports from our agents inside the PRC, it seems they weren¡¯t lying after all!¡± an eager young voice replied from the other side. Lavrov swirled his last bit of wine and drank it before putting the glass down and clasping his hands, "Excellent work. Keep digging for more information. We must keep this under wraps, especially from the Americans," he instructed firmly, as he glanced at something underneath the table. ¡°Understood, Mr. President, ¡±came the prompt reply before the line went dead. After setting the phone down, Lavrov''s gaze shifted to a folder bearing the ominous title ¡°§¨§å§â§ß§Ñ§Ý §®§Ö§Ø§á§â§à§ã§ä§â§Ñ§ß§ã§ä§Ó§Ö§ß§ß§í§ç §±§å§ä§Ö§ê§Ö§ã§ä§Ó§Ú§Û¡±.A rueful laugh escaped him as he mused, ¡°It seems this incident has far more to itself than we first thought after all, for all I know, we may just be pawns in the hands of some entity, but I¡¯ll be damned if I let them walk over my motherland while I¡¯m alive!¡± Seizing the folder, Lavrov exited the room, his thoughts still swirling with unease at the revelation. ¡­ TBC The Soaring Eagle 0700 Hours, Hotel Metropol, Moscow, It had been a sleepless night for Yagou as he dwelled on what he had learned, it didn¡¯t help that he noticed that none of the nations truly trusted each other which he understood, but the level of mistrust between some of them was astounding to him since in their world, most countries went to war at such a point. Nonetheless, he walked over and washed his face with the faucet before getting dressed, it still surprised him that these otherworlders could maintain hot and cold water at demand without any need for magic, but he still didn¡¯t quite get what they called ¡®Science¡¯ but he would rather leave such discussions to their Royal Mages and Alchemists. Stepping out of his room, Yagou soon encountered Hanki and Elara, the latter deeply absorbed in a book to the extent she didn¡¯t notice his approach. Driven by curiosity, Yagou peeked over her shoulder and saw an array of paintings inside it, as Elara eyed them hungrily. Startled by Yagou''s unexpected presence, Elara yelped and leapt aside shouting, ¡°Hyaaa! , who¡¯s there?¡± Upon catching Sir Yagou''s gaze, Elara quickly attempted to conceal the book hastily behind her back. ¡°Sir Yagou,¡± she inquired, ¡°to what do I owe the pleasure of your company?¡± Yagou, puzzled by her sudden shift in behaviour, fixed her with a firm gaze. "What are you concealing behind your back? Don''t pretend it''s nothing; I saw you trying to hide it," he pressed. Elara clicked her tongue and reluctantly presented the book, now visibly flustered by the situation. Yagou, his curiosity piqued, raised an eyebrow taking the book from Elara and examining it. Though the language was unfamiliar, the illustrations within clearly depicted a narrative, one that seemed to grow increasingly risqu¨¦ as he flipped through the pages. The imagery of scantily clad women partaking in dubious activities caused Yagou''s face to flush with disapproval. He fixed Elara with a stern look, his voice firm. "Elara, where did this come from? It''s certainly not from our homeland?" Lacking the courage to meet his gaze, Elara nervously fiddled with her fingers, murmuring to herself. Yagou''s patience waned after a silent few minutes, his frustration peaking as he raised his voice, "Lady Elara Syncalis, speak up! Where did you acquire this?" Elara hastily confessed, cracking under pressure, "A guard had it. It seemed intriguing, so I... I took it from them. Please, forgive me!" Yagou sighed, placing a hand on his forehead. "I understand your curiosity, but that doesn''t mean you should indiscriminately accept such things from others. We are here as representatives of Qua-Toyne, what would they think of us if you behave like this," he gently admonished. Tears began to form in the blonde elf''s eyes as she nodded in understanding. Yagou, softening, tousled her hair reassuringly. "You''re young, and it''s natural to make mistakes. What''s important is learning from them, especially given your status as an aristocrat." "Mmh," she murmured, her eyes still tinged with red but noticeably calmer as she met Yagou''s gaze directly. "Thank you, Sir Yagou. I promise not to disappoint you again!" With those heartfelt words, she quickly scurried away. Hanki observed the scene with an amused expression and couldn''t help but laugh loudly. "Well, that was quite the spectacle, wasn''t it? It''s been some time since we''ve had such excitement within the diplomatic corps!" ¡°Let''s not dwell on it further; we should head to the ¡®Airport¡¯ for the next part of our journey,¡± Yagou suggested, exhaling wearily. The constant emergence of complications was taking its toll, evidently making him want to finish up as soon as possible. Nodding, they swiftly gathered the rest of the delegation and made their way to the Sheremetyevo International Airport without further delays. ¡­ 0900 Hours, Sheremetyevo International Airport, As the delegation navigated their way through the airport, they noticed a man standing near the entrance, observing them with marked interest. Nelson C. Neal, assigned to facilitate the entry of the interworld diplomats into the US, found himself grappling with disbelief. The notion of envoys from another realm was something he had encountered only within the pages of Japanese light novels. This surreal turn of events seemed all the more astonishing, considering his previous tenure at the Swedish Embassy was as interesting as watching paint dry. Witnessing the delegation, including the elves, stride into the airport, Nelson''s eyes widened in amazement. Such fantastical beings had been confined to the pages of the novels he cherished, and seeing them in the flesh was nothing short of a miracle. However, this moment of awe was fleeting as a swarm of unruly reporters surged forward, prompting Nelson to run to safeguard the delegates from the pressing crowd. "Excuse me! Coming through," he called out, navigating through the crowd of reporters, making a path for the delegates. Finally reaching them, slightly out of breath from the jostling crowd, he extended a hand, introducing himself, "Hello, I''m Nelson C. Neal, assigned to assist you throughout your visit to the United States of America." Yagou greeted the young man with a firm handshake, attentively sizing him up. "An honour to meet you. I''m Yagou, from the Qua-Toyne Foreign Affairs Ministry. I''ll be under your guidance," he expressed with earnest respect. Nelson found himself momentarily taken aback by Yagou''s polite manner, such humility he hadn''t often encountered in his diplomatic experiences. Not wanting to make it more awkward, he promptly responded, "Of course, please follow me. I''ll lead you to your flight." Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on. Yagou looked around the airport, amazed by the massive glass panels around the entrance, he¡¯d never seen such construction before, it seemed that this was how they put together the massive glass towers. It took him some time to gather himself, but soon enough, they arrived at the airbridge. Peering through the glass, Yagou witnessed the approach of a colossal metal entity. Although he¡¯d heard of these Airplanes from the other officials, seeing one this close was something else, it looked like an Iron Bird of Prey. Hanki, meanwhile, was utterly astonished. Though familiar with the reports, the actual size of the aeroplane exceeded his expectations, contrasting with the more boatlike, levitation-capable Parpladian Airships he knew, which relied on rune-enchanted wind stones for flight. Nelson soon approached them, signalling it was time to proceed. "Let''s go, Sir. The aircraft will take you to New York," he informed them. As they moved towards boarding, Yagou leaned in to ask Nelson quietly, "Are these metal wyverns safe?" Nelson paused, momentarily due to the terminology but quickly grasped the meaning, ¡°Yes, they''re considered quite safe. Is there a particular concern on your mind?¡± he inquired Yagou shook his head and replied, sweating mildly down his neck, ¡° No it¡¯s nothing. Forgive me for asking!¡± Noticing Yagou''s unease, Nelson gently bowed and offered reassurance, ¡°No need for apologies, Sir. I''m here to assist. Feel free to inquire about anything.¡± Yagou looked at him momentarily before stuttering nervously, ¡°Are¡­.. these things used in war?¡± Hanki, drawn by the conversation, moved closer, equally intrigued by the craftsmanship of these metal vessels, unlike anything they had encountered in their realm. Nelson hesitated to answer, though he knew that being truthful would be best, it simply didn¡¯t that that would make for a good first impression to someone who had little knowledge and understanding of their world, so he did what any patriot would do, and replied with a measured smile, "Yes, on occasion, but please be assured that our military operations are conducted with utmost caution to minimise collateral damage." Yagou looked at the boy with a scrutinising gaze and decided not to pursue it, it was apparent that he was trying to hide something, for he had never heard of war without blood no matter how advanced civilisation had become. Acknowledging Nelson''s attempt to reassure them, they entered the aircraft, finding their seats remarkably comfortable. The arrival of attendants to assist with seatbelt fastenings left Yagou puzzled; the necessity of such precautions in an enclosed space was unusual, to say the least. Nelson found his seat close to Elara, who was utterly captivated by the view outside, her face pressed onto the plane window staring outside with starry eyes. Yagou facepalmed and sighed whispering to himself, ¡° I really shouldn¡¯t have brought that little brat with me no matter how much her mother insisted, she learned all of nothing from morning¡¯s incident it seems!¡± Hanki, contrastingly, was thoroughly enjoying the flight''s luxuries, savouring a glass of red wine with a delighted grin, embracing the novel experience with all the enthusiasm he could muster. Within a few moments, the aircraft began its taxi to the runway, as they made final preparations for takeoff. Soon, an announcement rang out over the speakers, ¡°Ladies and gentlemen from the New World, welcome aboard Flight 4B7 to New York. I''m Captain Amelia Everhart. We''re queued for takeoff and will be airborne in about 6 minutes. The flight duration is approximately two and a half hours. We hope you enjoy your maiden aeroplane journey. Rest assured, I''ll update you as we prepare to land.¡± As yagou looked out of the window, he felt the massive craft move, as it slowly made its way to a strip of paved road, no dissimilar to their Wyvern launch pads. Yagou gripped the handrest tightly as the plane picked up speed, the acceleration pressing him back into his seat with a force he had never experienced. As the aircraft ascended, a sensation of unease washed over him, his ears suddenly feeling as though they were blocked, adding to his discomfort during the ascent. Gazing out the aeroplane window, Yagou was struck by the vast expanse of the city below. He observed countless individuals bustling through their daily routines, amidst towering structures that seemed to challenge the heavens themselves. Soon, the aircraft climbed above the cloud layer, and Yagou, feeling slightly uneasy, scanned the cabin. He noticed Hanki had dozed off, while Elara was deeply engaged in conversation with Nelson. Finding himself without distractions, Yagou decided it was the perfect opportunity to catch some rest and gently closed his eyes, hoping to pass the time with a brief nap. As Yagou surrendered to slumber, he had wished for a dreamless rest, yet fate decided otherwise. ¡­ As Yagou ventured into the void, he was drawn towards a shimmering light at the end of a lengthy corridor. Upon reaching it, the light enveloped him entirely. Confused, he wondered about his location, just as he spotted an alternate version of himself before a grand structure, tears in his eyes. ¡°What in god¡¯s name is going on, why am I there?¡± he thought, as he spotted people exit the building. They looked to be from the United Nations going by their uniforms, which further confused him as he didn¡¯t understand why he would be standing in front of them with such a face. Attempting to approach them, Yagou was halted by an unseen barrier, adding to his bewilderment in this surreal dreamscape. Then, a familiar voice echoed, seemingly his own, coming from the figure on his knees, pleading earnestly, "Please, I beg you, do not proceed with this. Once done, there''s no reversing. I implore you, please think of the people!" The group in front merely shook their heads and responded solemnly, "Forgive us, but we''ve already gone too far to stop now!" Yagou watched in disbelief. Never had he knelt in supplication even during his dealings with Parpladia, raising the question: what dire circumstances had led to such a gesture? As the scene unfolded, another person emerged, yelling with frustration, "Forgive me, Mr. Yagou, but this should have been considered before they attacked us. We aimed for friendship, yet they spurned our goodwill and harmed our people. While our world may not appear as battle-scarred as yours, believe me, we have seen our share of conflicts!" The scenario faded to black, leaving an image of Yagou-2 sitting despairingly on the doorstep as the last thing Yagou saw. Yagou was gripped by fear from the vision, puzzled over what could have caused the usually composed UN representatives to exhibit such intense rage. Soon another light came through, but it wasn¡¯t as bright as the last one, instead, it held an ominous red hue as if tinted by blood. Yagou fearfully walked towards it, hoping for the best but yet that was not to be. What came to light was a city, much like theirs, engulfed in flame with swarms of aircraft unleashing destruction overhead. Explosions erupted in their wake. Soon the scene zoomed into somewhere nearby, he saw men with black masks holding some flame-spewing device, burning down villages and towns alike, leaving only death and destruction behind. Children, Women, and Animals none were left after the Carnage they caused, massive beasts of Metal running over people, explosions that shook the earth and dragonfly-like machines firing explosive projectiles at retreating soldiers. Yagou, overwhelmed by the horror, felt a surge of nausea. "Who are these men? Has the ancient sorcerer¡¯s empire returned?" he wondered in despair. But the truth was more grim: unmasked men and women joined the chaos, representatives of all five newcomer nations he had initially encountered in peaceful settings. Once more the scene plunged into darkness, but this time, it left only silence and despair in its wake. Overwhelmed, Yagou collapsed, succumbing to the weight of his visions as he fell back into a deep, uneasy sleep. ¡­ TBC Eagles Turmoil, Foxs Tears 1400 hours, Near New York, "Mister Yago¡­Mister Yagou!" a loud voice rang out, nudging him from his slumber. As Yagou''s eyes fluttered open, he saw Hanki and Elara leaning over him, urgency etched on their faces. "Yes, what happened?" he mumbled, stifling a yawn and rubbing his eyes, disoriented from being woken abruptly. "Wyverns, they''ve surrounded our ship!" Elara exclaimed frantically, as a flock of wyverns converged on the aircraft. "What? How? I thought we were safe?" Yagou exclaimed, rushing to a window to see the wyverns screeching and swooping toward the plane. Seizing Elara''s arm, Yagou pulled her to the other side of the plane for cover. Just as a wyvern was about to collide with the aircraft, ¡®Boom!¡¯ a noise echoed and it burst into a cloud of bloody red mist. "Wow!" Hanki exclaimed, as each wyvern disintegrated one after another, while smaller, sword-like aircraft swiftly took positions on either side of their plane, serving as guards. Yagou observed the spectacle in awe, completely captivated by the display of power until the captain¡¯s voice emerged over the aircraft¡¯s speakers. "Forgive us for the sudden disruption; a group of Wyverns had strayed from their path. Please do not be alarmed, our escorts have addressed the situation. You can relax as we will shortly arrive at John F. Kennedy International Airport, where the weather is a pleasant 20 degrees. Thank you!" The calming voice of the captain reassured the group, and they gradually settled back into their seats, the tension easing after the unexpected encounter. As they neared American airspace, the twin F-35s escorting their aircraft peeled away, and the plane approached the runway at John F. Kennedy International Airport. The denizens of the New World soon found themselves staring at the prime financial metropolis of Earth, a shining jewel of modernity showcased in all its glory as they slowly descended. The entire group was wide-eyed as they beheld the city''s incredible skyline, with massive glass towers that struck straight into the heavens, seeming to defy the gods, a literal manifestation of the Tower of Babel. Yagou stood with his mouth agape, astonished by the sheer engineering it took to create such a city. A foggy memory from his dream lingered as he murmured, ¡°I hope to whoever their god is that we never make enemies of them, for I know a city shows the spirit of a civilisation!¡± Soon enough, the crew prepared for landing. Everyone promptly took their seats and fastened their seatbelts as the aircraft touched the runway, quickly decelerating to a complete stop. Yagou quickly rose from his seat, followed by the rest, going down the plane''s aisle and out of the aircraft. Herds of reporters and journalists swarmed onto the tarmac, eager to catch a glimpse of the first ''aliens'' on US soil, held back only by a thin line of policemen. As Yagou descended, he felt like he had entered yet another world. While the Russians had seemed quite chaotic, it paled compared to the frenzy here. Hundreds of what seemed to be various news outlets surrounded them as if they were famed celebrities arriving for a visit. "Mr. Yagou!" a cheerful voice called from the other side as a blonde man approached, his eyes alight with excitement. Yagou quickly nodded and extended his hand in greeting, "My warmest greetings to you but, who might you be?" "Ah, forgive me, I am Mitchell M. Dillon, liaison to the Office of New World Affairs," he replied, shaking Yagou¡¯s hand as he swiftly guided them to the convoy. The rest of the delegation followed, boarding a black limousine bound for the Ritz-Carlton, where they would stay the night before they met with the President in Washington, D.C., the next day. During the drive, Yagou marvelled at the sheer extravagance around him. Massive glass towers pierced the sky, defying all logic, while hundreds of thousands walked about in what could only be described as noble garments. However, what struck him most was the casual demeanour of the people, as if such opulence was commonplace. Though incredibly advanced, the Russians still felt akin to the civilisations he knew. The Americans, in contrast, represented an entirely different realm of wealth and power, fitting for a nation reputed to be the richest and strongest in a world full of formidable nations most of which could individually take over all Civilization spheres with ease. It truly shook him to his core to witness this opulence, and the memory of his dream did little to ease his unease. Any one of these powerful nations could so easily crush all their hopes and dreams. All he could do was pray that such a scenario would never come to pass. While Yagou was lost in thought, Mitchell approached Nelson and whispered, "Hey, what are your thoughts on them?" A bit taken aback, Nelson promptly replied, "Well, they don''t seem like bad people from what I can tell. Their lack of technology is jarring, but nothing we can''t handle. However, letting the Russians feed them their propaganda was a poor choice." Mitchell''s expression soured slightly as he rubbed his hands on his knee. "I understand where you''re coming from, but considering the recent fiasco with the previous government and sanctions, we can''t afford to strain relations, especially when none of our core allies are here except Japan." "What about the Indians? They seem like reliable enough allies," Nelson asked awkwardly. Mitchell shook his head. "No, that would be a poor choice. While we''re closer to them than to the Chinese, the Indians don''t fully trust us, and truth be told, neither do we, given their close ties with the Russians. The only reason we''re allied is our common goal of containing China." "I guess so. Let''s see what we can do to sway them to our side. On that note, did you hear about the Kraken infestation in the Pacific?" Nelson asked, looking directly at Mitchell. "Yeah, I heard. It seems we''re not the only ones dealing with it. The five nations have created a joint task force to handle them. I also heard one of the missing cruise ships was attacked by them," Mitchell replied, taking out a cigarette as he rolled down the window. ¡°Yeah, with the transference and the crisis within the senate, god knows what holds in our future!¡± Nelson replied a bit sombre. Mitchell nodded, and both sighed in unison as the convoy reached the hotel and came to a stop. The New Worlders soon made their way inside, stepping onto the soil of a true superpower for the first time in their lives. ¡­ Yagou was once again, sat in his room holding a glass of American Whiskey, lost in thought. Americans were an entirely different breed of people than the Russians and from what he had heard so were the Chinese, Indians and Japanese, it truly was peculiar that countries so knit together could remain so distinct¡ªone of the world''s many mysteries. A knock sounded at the door, pulling him from his contemplation. "Please come in!" Yagou called out, setting his glass down and turning towards the door. Surprisingly, Elara entered, supporting Hanki, who appeared somewhat tipsy. "What happened? How did he get so drunk?" Yagou asked, surprised that someone had managed to get Hanki into such a state. Elara, not strong enough to support him, finally let Hanki slump onto the bed. Tiredly, she explained, "He challenged some of the diplomats to a drinking game like a fool, and that''s pretty much how he ended up like this!" Yagou sighed and replied, "Alright, just let him lay there. I should have known this would happen; he can''t handle alcohol despite his claims otherwise." "Then why did he even challenge them?" she asked, confused by Hanki¡¯s behaviour. Yagou stood up and ruffled her hair. "You''re too young to understand, but sometimes, people like us need to do things like that to avoid seeming weak." Elara pouted, pushing his hand away. "I don''t get it. Why does he need to get drunk?" she asked, still not understanding. Yagou smiled endearingly at her. "No need to worry about it. How do you like our new allies?" She smiled and replied enthusiastically, "I love them! Sir Nelson was wonderful to talk to. He knows so much about everything. From what I hear, education in their world is crucial for a good living!" Yagou''s eyes lit up at her words. It wasn''t uncommon for advanced nations to have education programs¡ªrecently, even the Parpladians had implemented mandatory education for nobility. However, learning that education was essential for the commoners to make a living was indeed a surprise. ¡°Hmm, good. Try to get to know them better since we¡¯ll work closely for the foreseeable future. Now, get to sleep. We have a big day ahead,¡± Yagou said, grasping her arms and turning her towards the door. The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°Awhh, really? So soon? I wanted to talk a bit longer!¡± she pleaded, her ears perking up slightly. ¡°Yes, really. Now go, and don''t touch anything without asking me first!¡± Yagou said sternly. ¡°Okay, I''ll leave then,¡± Elara said, quickly making her way to her room, not wanting to test Yagou¡¯s patience. As she left, Yagou glanced at Hanki, who was sleeping soundly and decided to let his thoughts marinate for the night. ¡­ Next Day, 1100 Hours, United States Capitol, It had been a weary few months since the transference event. The country had plunged into chaos, losing all its NATO assets and suffering a significant economic downturn due to the lack of trading partners. Fortunately, the presence of other nations prevented a serious crisis. The Chinese and Indian markets provided ample export opportunities, and Russian oil kept the US reserves untouched. However, such overreliance was a double-edged sword, reminiscent of the previous trade war with China. If these new alliances ever turned sour, the consequences would be far graver than they had been on Earth. But that was for the future to tell as the House of Representatives convened for their meeting on America¡¯s role in this New World. Soon enough, House Speaker Mike Johnson arrived and convened the meeting. ¡°Gentlemen, please take your seats. We have much to discuss today!¡± he announced loudly as the congressmen took their seats, slowly settling in. Within moments, the entire hall was calm as the commotion died down and everyone prepared for what could be the biggest turning point in American history since Pearl Harbor. ¡°It¡¯s been over three months since the Wall of Light changed everything. Thrown into the unknown, we were forced to ally with unsavoury elements. However, recent satellite launches by NASA have shown that this planet is teeming with life, far beyond our initial expectations. Thus, we stand at a pivotal moment, deciding the path our great nation will choose. Do we create a new, better world with our old foes, or do we establish a new order?¡± the speaker announced firmly. In an instant, an elderly congressman from Texas stood up and shouted, "We need to isolate ourselves! America has become far too cosy with the Chinese and Russians, to the point where our government even passed up the chance to show the New World Delegation why they cannot be trusted. How can we call this anything but selling out our nation?" A chorus of cheers and indignant shouts came out as others joined in with him, their distrust in the government¡¯s decisions quite apparent. Within the chaos, a younger congressman from California stood up and announced, "Please be civil, gentlemen. While I understand your frustrations, we must remember that we are no longer on Earth. The only people we know are our old foes. Would you prefer aliens or at least someone human?" Before he could continue, someone shouted, "Oh please, like you care about the people! All you care about is lining your pockets. You think we don''t know what you''ve been up to!" The room erupted in chaos, voices clashing as various congressmen attempted to make their points heard over the din. The younger congressman from California tried to regain control, "Gentlemen, those are personal matters. Please refrain from commenting on them as they are none of your business. Our focus should be on the delegation now!" As they began quarrelling, a congressman from Florida shouted at the Texan one, "Like you''re any better. There have been enough rumours about your involvement in unethical activities over the years." Another voice cut through the noise, "Let''s not lose sight of our goal. Whether or not we trust our old foes, we must ensure that America does not fall behind in these trying times." The speaker, seeing the debate spiralling out of control, banged the gavel, "Order! Gentlemen, speak rationally. This is a crucial point in our history, and we cannot afford to let our emotions dictate our actions." Hearing the speaker''s words, the arguments died down as the congressmen calmed and took their seats. Clearing his throat, the speaker began sternly, ¡°As we all have heard, a delegation has arrived on US territory from Qua-Toyne, a newly discovered state on this planet. This marks a critical change in our policies regarding the New World. With NASA proving that nations in this world have some form of radio telecommunications, a bill titled the New World Market Control Act has been put forward. This bill plans to regulate the sale of advanced technology and information to any and all denizens of this planet, with the exception of the UN member states.¡± Murmurs filled the room instantly as many congressmen reacted to the bill, discussing its implications. This legislation was poised to transform what the New World represented to Americans as either a sign of hope or a dreadful nightmare. Seeing the change in their demeanour, the speaker continued, "This bill aims to secure our technological advantage and ensure our nation''s security. We cannot afford to share our advancements indiscriminately. The New World Market Control Act is crucial for maintaining our position and safeguarding our interests." Congressman Lee S. Burrow from New York stood up glaring at the speaker, "But won''t this hinder our diplomatic efforts? How do we balance control with cooperation?" Another congressman from Ohio interjected, "We need to be cautious. Giving away our technology could lead to unforeseen consequences." The room quickly descended into arguments about their role as a bastion of democracy or fearing a repeat of the War on Terrorism. The debates were heated until a sharp voice rang through the room, "What about the rest of the countries? What if they sell weapons and technology, and we end up looking like aloof, arrogant people who see them as inferior?" The hall fell silent as the speaker met the questioner''s gaze and replied resolutely, "We will only enact the bill if the other countries agree to join as signatories." Murmurs of agreement rippled through the room, the tension easing slightly. A congressman from Illinois stood up, "We must ensure our newly acquired allies understand the importance of this regulation. We can''t afford to act alone and risk our standing." A congressman from Texas quickly nodded, "Agreed. Let''s focus on efforts to bring everyone on board." The speaker nodded, "Then let''s begin drafting a unified proposal to present to our allies. We will start with a popular vote. Those in support, please press ¡®Yes¡¯." As the air tensed with anticipation, the voting began in nervous silence, with each congressman quietly discussing their stance. After a tense 30 minutes, the voting concluded. The speaker, smiling slightly, announced, "With a majority vote of 380 out of 435, the bill has been passed to the Senate for approval!" Applause ensued as the United States embraced its new role in a brand new world, filled with unknown dangers but also the promise of a fresh start. This moment held the dreams of what America once stood for, though only time would tell what would become of such a dream. ¡­ Unknown Location, XXXX Hours, A lady in a long, dull green gown with a slit revealing her legs walked down a dark, dreary hallway. Her heels echoed as a cadre of women followed her to a creaking door, which led into a bright white room filled with instruments seemingly designed for torture, centred around a single wooden chair. Entering, she motioned for the women to exit and close the thick metal door behind them. She crouched in front of the chair holding a bloodied older Chinese man, his arms and legs tied and his face covered as he struggled to free himself. She smirked and removed his gag, taking pleasure in his discomfort as he began to speak. ¡°Who are you? How dare you do this to me! Do you know who I am?¡± the man shouted, outraged. He had never imagined something like this could happen to a party member of his status. The woman simply smiled and replied playfully, ¡°Now, now, dear, don''t get so riled up. You know full well why you are here, Mr. Zhao.¡± She put pressure on one of his fingers, slowly folding it toward his arm. Zhao''s arm shot through with pain as she broke one of his fingers, causing him to shout in agony. "Ahhhhh! Stop! What are you doing? Who are you? What could I have done to offend you?" She giggled, "Hehe, that doesn''t seem fair now, does it? After all, we did so much for you to become part of the Politburo. So many years of shady work and people opposing you just disappearing, hmmm?" She quickly broke another finger with ease. Zhao was reaching his limits as the insane woman kept on breaking his fingers every few seconds and shouted, ¡°Please stop, I¡¯ll tell you anything you need, just stop!¡± The lady moved behind him, caressing his neck lightly, and whispered, ¡°Well then, dear, how about you tell us what the General Secretary is up to? We know he¡¯s doing something, but many of our own have suddenly vanished.¡± Sweating profusely, Zhao feared for his life. He knew speaking a word would seal his fate, but that was the least of his worries. Whoever these people were, they clearly had a hand in his rise to power. Then, a sudden realisation struck him. ¡°No, no, no, no! It couldn¡¯t be. They were dead long before he became part of the Party. But the only ones who knew the depths he had sunk to gain power would be them, those children!¡± Before he could speak a word, the woman removed his blindfold. As Zhao slowly opened his eyes after being shrouded in darkness for so long, he saw her pale skin glowing dully under the ceiling light, as if a moon fairy had come to earth. But he knew better. She was no fairy. He recognised her scarred hands¡ªscars he had caused, using them for his dirty work. ¡°You, you shouldn¡¯t be alive. What are you doing here? I thought all of you died back then. What happened, Lu¨® Shuang?¡± Zhao shouted, his eyes wide with shock. Luo Shuang¡¯s face instantly turned into a scowl, though still concealed by her fox mask, as she slapped his face and shouted, ¡°Don¡¯t call me by that name, you filthy monster who used children to do his bidding. I am only known as She Zhenyao now!¡± Zhao''s shock deepened, perhaps with a pang of guilt. "She Zhenyao¡­ so it really is you. But how? How did you survive? Why are you here?" She Zhenyao leaned in close, her voice icy. "You thought you could erase us, but we''re still here. Now, tell me everything about the General Secretary''s plans." Zhao''s face contorted with a mix of fear and anger. "You don''t understand. Telling you anything will get us both killed." She Zhenyao¡¯s grip tightened on his collar. "I¡¯m not asking, I¡¯m demanding. Speak, or things will get much worse for you." Looking at her he remembered what he had put those children through, perhaps it was his old age, but he felt that he needed to do something to at least put his heart at rest. Zhao swallowed hard and breathed deeply, making up his mind. "Alright, alright. The General Secretary is planning a major move to consolidate power. Ever since we discovered the mineral, he¡¯s become extremely paranoid about anyone learning of its existence. It''s become an obsession. He¡¯s targeting not just political rivals but even his allies¡ªanyone he feels knows too much." She Zhenyao''s eyes narrowed. "Go on. We need details." Zhao hesitated, then continued, "He''s using covert operations to eliminate anyone he feels is threatening his goals. The Longwang revolt was his doing too. General Secretary Wu wants to keep everyone distracted to enact some kind of plan. I have no idea what that is or why. There are rumours he''s been experiencing strange dreams and becoming more and more deranged ever since we arrived in this world, but that''s all I''ve heard." She Zhenyao leaned in closer, her eyes cold and unyielding, pointing a dagger at his neck. "That''s not enough. Where is he conducting these operations? We need locations, names, anything that can help us stop him." Zhao smiled lightly, having decided to give up his life already, and replied solemnly, "There¡¯s an aspiring young man called Kai Huang. He¡¯s part of the group studying the crystals. He will be able to help you, Luo." She Zhenyao¡¯s eyes softened for a moment as she heard that name but she shook it off, removing the dagger from his neck. "Alright, that should be enough for now." Glancing at his wrinkled face, there was little resemblance left of the stern man who once ordered her and her friends. The man she once admired, even when he used her as a tool, taking her, a homeless orphan from the slums of Beijing and giving her a home, a purpose however nefarious. Despite everything, it seemed she truly couldn¡¯t forget him. Leaning close to Zhao¡¯s ear, she whispered, her eyes dropping slightly, ¡°There was a time I would have given my all for you, but that me no longer exists, just as that you no longer lives. Goodbye and thank you for all you did for me.¡± Zhao smiled bitterly, his eyes slightly wet. ¡°It¡¯s fine. I know what I did. If I had one regret, it would be not treating you and the children better back then. But it¡¯s too late for me now. Go on, Luo Shuang. It¡¯s time for you to move on." Without sparing another glance, she walked away, not daring to look back, for she knew she wouldn¡¯t be able to hold back her tears. As the door closed behind She Zhenyao, Zhao closed his eyes, feeling at peace for the first time in his long life, awaiting the inevitable. ¡­ TBC Fragile Alliances Ritz-Carlton Hotel, New York City, It had been an uneventful morning as Yagou and the other diplomats prepared for the day. They were set to meet the President of the United States of America, an encounter that would have been inconceivable just a month or two ago. Yagou felt quite worried about it; if his nation was to survive, he needed to secure the support of all five countries without causing conflicts among them. ¡°Haaah!¡± Yagou sighed as he took some food onto his plate and sat at a nearby table. While he was lost in introspection, Elara and Hanki arrived, fully dressed for the day. Hanki looked quite a bit worse for wear, his face slightly red and suffering from a terrible hangover from last night¡¯s shenanigans. ¡°Good morning, Uncle Yagou!¡± Elara shouted with a bright smile, quickly sitting beside him. Yagou looked at her and rubbed his temples, replying in an exasperated tone, ¡°Elara, how many times do I have to tell you not to call me that when we are working? Do you want to start rumours? You are here as my subordinate, not my niece!¡± She flinched at his scolding and nodded, saying in jest, ¡°Okay, okay, I¡¯m sorry, Chief Diplomat Yagou!¡± while sticking her tongue out slightly. Yagou, unable to deal with her snarky remark, decided to ignore it and turned to Hanki. ¡°Hanki, are you alright? You don¡¯t look too well,¡± he asked, worried about his colleague''s health since Hanki was usually in good shape. ¡°Um, yeah, I¡¯m fine. Yesterday¡¯s drinking kind of hit me hard. Forgive me if I¡¯m a bit passive today,¡± Hanki replied, coughing moments after speaking. Yagou nodded, finishing his food. ¡°Alright, if you say so, don¡¯t push yourself if you¡¯re not feeling well.¡± Hanki gave him a nod and continued without replying. Feeling it was not worth pursuing the matter further, Yagou got up to meet the American representatives, who had already finished their meal and were waiting in the lobby. As he walked down the stairs, he saw the two Americans holding white sticks in their mouths and blowing out smoke. Concerned for their well-being, he ran up to them frantically and asked, ¡°Mr. Nelson, Mr. Mitchell, are you alright? Why are you blowing smoke from your mouths?¡± Nelson and Mitchell quickly turned their heads to see a worried Yagou, panting as he ran down from the third floor. ¡°Sir Yagou, please calm down. We are fine. This is just a way for us to relax,¡± Nelson said quickly, trying to reassure the anxious diplomat. Mitchell nearly burst out laughing at the scene but turned away in time to hide it. ¡°It¡¯s mostly safe. Please don¡¯t be concerned,¡± he added, his voice steady. Yagou, still slightly confused, nodded slowly. "If you say so," he replied, though he still felt uneasy about the strange habit as his people had no culture of smoking. Nelson took one last puff before extinguishing the cigarette. "Shall we head out? The President is expecting us." "Yes, of course," Yagou agreed, regaining his composure. He turned to see Elara and Hanki approaching, ready to join the group. Nelson glanced at the blonde elf and smiled, thinking, ¡°Well, I assume only the head diplomats will meet with the President. I might as well ask her to stay with me so we can talk more.¡± Ever since seeing her at the airport, he had been fascinated with the kind girl. After all, he had never seen an elf in his life, but the more he talked with her, the more he felt they were not so fantastical. Taking the chance, Nelson quickly leaned over, kissed Elara¡¯s hand gently, and said, ¡°Milady, may I have the honour of escorting you?¡± In an instant, Elara¡¯s face went bright red as she blushed indiscriminately at the sudden move, she had enjoyed conversing with the gentlemen but this was something she had expected in a hundred years of her life, not knowing how to react she squeaked a shrill,¡± Yes¡± and ran behind Hanki to hide her embarrassment. Yagou stood there, completely dumbfounded by what had just happened. Nelson had kissed his niece''s hand without any prior consent. In their country, this was unheard of, as men were not allowed to touch any woman other than their fianc¨¦e without explicit permission from her family. Yagou walked over and held the young diplomat by his shoulder, his face boiling over with rage, and sternly asked, ¡°Excuse me, Mr Nelson, but may I know what you are doing with my niece?¡± Having little tact, a confused Nelson simply rubbed his raven hair and replied, ¡°Um, I was just asking if she wanted to spend time with me today.¡± Now it was Mitchell¡¯s turn to be dumbstruck. Internally facepalming, he cursed Nelson in his mind, thinking, ¡°Nelson, you ass, what are you saying? How did you conclude it was okay to kiss the hand of someone from a different world, and what was that cheesy execution?¡± Before Yagou could hit Nelson, Hanki pulled him back, saying, ¡°Now, now, let¡¯s all calm down. This seems like one of those cultural differences you keep yapping about all the time, Yagou.¡± ¡°No, no, no! This is not okay. How can that be acceptable? And this is my niece!¡± Yagou shouted, not thinking clearly. Mitchell, noticing the attention they were garnering from bystanders, quickly intervened. ¡°Let¡¯s take this to the car, please!¡± he shouted, swiftly guiding them all to the limousine. Elara, still blushing wildly, was seated between Yagou and Nelson with Hanki beside Yagou just in case he lost his temper, Mitchell not wanting to be part of this fiasco took the front seat and let the chaos ensue. As the engine revved up and the vehicle moved, Yagou glared at the dark-haired boy with an increasingly scrutinising gaze. ¡°Mr Nelson, do you understand what you have done?¡± he asked sternly. A now mortified Nelson couldn¡¯t bring himself to look Yagou in the eye. He nodded slowly before replying, ¡°Yes, I do. Please forgive me. I didn¡¯t realise it was such a serious issue. Is there anything I can do to make up for my mistake?¡± Yagou sighed, then took a moment to explain their societal norms. ¡°In our culture, physical contact with a woman, especially in such a manner, is deeply personal and requires explicit permission from her family, please refrain from such actions, while I understand the differences, I don¡¯t appreciate understanding not being mutual. .¡± Nelson swallowed hard, feeling the weight of his misstep. ¡°I understand now. I will be more mindful in the future. Again, I apologise for any offence I caused.¡± Before Yagou could speak again, Elara looked at them and exclaimed while pouting, ¡°Okay, please stop now! It¡¯s fine. I understand Mr. Nelson didn¡¯t mean this to happen, but can you two stop fighting, please? I don¡¯t like seeing my uncle and Nelson fighting!¡± She blushed slightly as she glanced at Nelson''s sharp features. Sensing Elara¡¯s discomfort, Yagou raised his hands in the air and sighed. ¡°Alright, alright, we won¡¯t argue anymore. But please be careful from now on. Is that clear?¡± ¡°Yes, sir. Crystal clear. I again did not mean any offence,¡± Nelson replied, finally raising his head. He glanced at Elara with a small smile and added, ¡°And thank you, Miss Elara. I hope this doesn¡¯t hinder our friendship.¡± Elara''s eyes lit up as she smiled and replied, ¡°Of course not, Nelson. I would be happy if you showed me around. And please, feel free to call me Elara.¡± Nelson¡¯s face relaxed as he smiled wholeheartedly at the blonde-haired elven girl and replied happily, ¡°Yes, Elara, I hope we can be great friends from now on!¡± As the two¡¯s innocent friendship blossomed, Mitchell and Hanki couldn¡¯t help but smile, feeling that their two worlds were truly beginning to unite despite their differences. This was how it would be from now on. Knowing that all was well, Mitchell finally spoke, his brown hair swaying as he clapped his hands lightly. ¡°Now that¡¯s settled, let¡¯s focus on what¡¯s ahead. Mr. Yagou, we are on our way to meet the President. I hope we can forge a wonderful future together, as two nations standing united in the face of this turmoil.¡± Yagou nodded, saying, ¡°Of course. I hope we can work together amicably for the foreseeable future,¡± though he couldn¡¯t shake the fear that the dream he had might mean a different end. ¡­ Hours Later, White House, Washington DC, President Charon had been pacing around the Oval Office, thinking deeply about the current state of affairs. It had only been a few hours since the House of Representatives passed the bill to the Senate. Thankfully, it didn¡¯t face much pushback, which was a rare occasion, but the situation''s absurdity didn¡¯t leave room for much conjecture after all. Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! ¡°Haahh!¡± she sighed, feeling a headache from dealing with so much at once. It hadn¡¯t been an easy three months, having to handle the borderline economic collapse of the country. Add to that stubborn old politicians and distrust toward one another, and you get a complete clusterfuck of a situation. Rubbing her temples, she thought to herself, ¡°Damn it, both the Republicans and the Democrats are on my ass for this fiasco. It¡¯s not like any other president faced this in their terms. And on top of that, the Russians, while amicable, don¡¯t seem to trust us one bit. Let¡¯s not even start with the rest: the Chinese are planning to backstab us at every step, India only intends to play along with us as much as necessary, and the only saving grace are the Japanese, who are still very friendly.¡± Wanting to slam her head onto the wooden desk in front of her, she dreamt of how simple it would have been if only NATO had come instead of the three strongest countries in the world. While wallowing in self-pity, a knock came on her door, and she quickly composed herself, knowing better than to show vulnerability. ¡°Come in!¡± she shouted, signalling her spectacled aide to enter. The tall woman walked in briskly, put down a pile of documents, and sternly looked at the young president, pushing her glasses up. ¡°Madam President, the dignitaries will be arriving any moment. Please get ready to greet them soon.¡± Charon quickly nodded, straightening her posture, smoothing out her suit, and smiling softly. ¡°Thank you, Emily. I¡¯ll be ready.¡± Emily was Charon¡¯s oldest friend, going back to their high school years. She had served as her aide ever since Charon first became the mayor of a small town in rural America many years ago. Emily had become her only anchor after Charon¡¯s family broke apart following a messy divorce between her parents. Through thick and thin, Emily had been there for Charon without question, never asking for anything in return¡ªa true friend in every sense. ¡°I can never truly be grateful enough to her. If it were not for her, I probably would have ended myself back then,¡± Charon thought, as a faint memory of a young Charon lying bleeding in a bathtub while a frantic Emily embraced her. Emily¡¯s weeping face was the last sight she remembered before losing consciousness. Shaking her head to dispel the ancient memory, she quickly slapped her face twice before standing up and heading into the reception room, prepared to carve a new destiny for both herself and the country. ¡­ Outside the White House, The journey had been far more relaxed than expected as Nelson and Elara chatted, breaking the alienness of the place and making it feel far more normal than the situation should have allowed. Hanki, on the other hand, looked worse for wear, breathing heavily with a red tint on his face. Despite his obvious discomfort, Hanki was too stubborn to admit anything was wrong. Meanwhile, Yagou, ever the worrywart, was overthinking everything, especially since his troubling dream. No matter how much the American diplomats reassured him, he couldn''t stop fidgeting from nervousness. As the convoy made its way through the gates of the estate, Mitchell took one final look at the group, deciding it was better to ignore the mess. Instead, he announced, ¡°My fellow diplomats, we¡¯ve arrived at the heart of American democracy. Please get ready to disembark!¡± The cars came to a halt, and the passengers prepared to step out. Elara took a deep breath, feeling a mixture of excitement and nerves. Nelson gave her an encouraging smile, while Hanki struggled to maintain composure. Yagou, still fidgeting, tried to steel himself for the upcoming meeting. Stepping out, Yagou took in the grand marble structure with its impressive arches. It reminded him of the Parpladian palaces he had often seen during his travels within the third civilisation area. The building seemed like an anomaly as if it were from a far different era than the rest of the country. This could only mean that it held enough significance to be preserved throughout the ages. As they made their way in, Hanki came close and said in a rough voice, ¡°Yagou, much like the Kremlin, this place radiates history. My gut tells me we must be cautious here, lest we face dire consequences.¡± Yagou nodded nervously, replying in a hushed tone, ¡°You¡¯re right. Ever since we came to the land of these newcomers, I¡¯ve had the feeling that something is amiss.¡± Not a single word came from either of the Qua-Toynians as they reached the door of the building. The Secret Service quickly escorted them in after a brief security check. Entering the room, Yagou was once again taken aback. A brunette woman dressed in blue stood with a cordial smile, energetically proclaiming, ¡°Welcome to the United States of America. It¡¯s an honour to meet representatives from the Qua-Toyne Principality.¡± As he stepped forward, Yagou couldn¡¯t help but marvel at the number of women in power here. He had often met queens, only to see them sidelined by men. But in the countries of the Otherworlders, women were far more involved and embroiled in politics than he had seen anywhere, at least within the Second and Third Spheres. Having never been lucky enough to visit the Holy Milishial Empire, he couldn¡¯t help but admire them. Yagou took a moment to compose himself before stepping forward. ¡°Thank you. The honour is all ours. We hope this meeting will mark the beginning of a fruitful relationship.¡± The woman extended her hand. ¡°I¡¯m President Charon. Please, make yourselves comfortable.¡± Yagou quickly accepted the gesture, extending his hand with a polite smile. ¡°Thank you. The pleasure¡¯s all ours!¡± President Charon warmly shook his hand and welcomed the delegates, signalling for the diplomatic meeting to begin. The group quickly settled in, with Hanki and Yagou taking their seats opposite the President, while Elara decided to wait outside with Nelson. Soon enough, the meeting that would decide the fate of the United States of America began. As Hanki and Yagou took their seats, they couldn''t help but notice the impressive decor of the room, with its rich history and symbols of American legacy. Hanki, now sweating profusely and short of breath, looked around the room, finding its simplicity something beautiful in its own right. Yagou, having taken a deep breath, finally decided to ask the most daunting question of all. ¡°Ma¡¯am, I hope you forgive my bluntness, but what are your people planning to do with our world?¡± Charon, taken aback by the sudden question, coughed a bit before answering politely. ¡°Mr. Yagou, our intentions are nothing more than peace and trade with all. As long as no one infringes on our nation¡¯s right to exist, we will never do anything to violate our longstanding path of peace.¡± Yagou couldn''t shake the feeling that President Charon¡¯s honeyed words were merely lip service. In his experience, nations with such a disparity in strength rarely refrained from subjecting others to their will, no matter how benevolent they seemed. However, recognising the imbalance and having little choice in the matter, he decided not to push further, fearing unseen consequences. He nodded politely and replied, ¡°Thank you for your honesty, Madam President. We understand your position. Now, let us continue with the rest of our negotiations.¡± Charon gave a quick nod and handed over a document with a smirk to the Qua-Toynian diplomats, anticipating that if they managed to pass this deal, America might be able to claim any future mineral resources in exchange for development easily. Yagou glanced over the document, which was quite detailed, encompassing hundreds of clauses. However, one specific line caught his eye: the United States would retain the right to extract a darker black fluid from their lands. The more he thought about it, the odder it seemed. Why would a nation like theirs want tar of all things? But just before he signed, something clicked. That tar wasn¡¯t waste; it was a resource that the Muan warships used¡ªoil. In an instant, his face turned sour as he glared at the President, saying in a harsh voice, ¡°Madam President, do you think of us as fools? Are we a joke to you?¡± Taken aback by the sudden change in tone, Charon replied firmly, ¡°Mr. Yagou, just what might you be referring to?¡± Standing up, Yagou pointed to the treaty of friendship and said sharply, ¡°This. Did you think of us as so backwards that we wouldn¡¯t know that your world runs on what you call ¡®oil¡¯? Did you think we would simply hand over our precious mineral wealth to you for nothing?¡± Charon felt frustrated and wanted to hit her head against the wall. The person who drafted the treaty seemingly was getting paid for nothing, as they had used their first draft, which assumed they were dealing with a world lacking understanding of modern technology. She took a deep breath and responded, ¡°Mr. Yagou, I apologise for any misunderstanding. It was never our intention to deceive or undervalue your resources. We are here to build a partnership based on mutual respect and benefit.¡± Before Yagou could speak, Emily walked in with refreshments, quietly placing them on the table. She bowed respectfully and said, ¡°Pardon my intrusion, but if I may be bold enough to offer my opinion.¡± She looked at Charon with determined eyes, awaiting her approval. With a quick nod from Charon, Emily continued calmly, ¡°Mr Yagou, it seems there may have been a misunderstanding regarding our intentions. Please be assured that the clause in question was included to prevent other nations from exploiting the natural resources of your country. As far as we are aware, Qua-Toyne currently lacks the technology to harness oil effectively. However, if you have any concerns or issues with any part of the treaty, President Charon would be more than happy to accommodate your needs and make the necessary adjustments.¡± Yagou took a deep breath and calmed himself, realizing that there was little he could do to change the situation at that moment. At least, for now, the Americans were maintaining the appearance of friendliness, even if he remained cautious about their true intentions. He sat back down, composing himself, and replied sharply, ¡°I understand. Please forgive my outburst. It was not my intention to escalate the situation, but protecting our nation¡¯s resources is paramount.¡± Charon gave a reassuring nod, her expression softening. ¡°There is nothing to forgive, Mr. Yagou. Your concerns are valid, and we respect your dedication to your people. We would expect nothing less from a true representative of Qua-Toyne.¡± Yagou gently nodded as the discussions moved forward, covering a range of topics from goods trade to the potential supply chain issues that might arise due to the vastly different levels of development between the two nations. He smiled inwardly, realising that he had achieved a result far better than he had initially hoped for. The agreements on trading rights and technology transfers, even if limited, were milestones that could pave the way for future collaboration. Despite the lingering unease, he was satisfied with the outcome. As the meeting drew close, Yagou and the other diplomats stood, signalling the end of the day''s negotiations. He approached President Charon, extending his hand with a polite smile, ready to seal their agreement with a gesture of goodwill. Just as their hands were about to meet, a sudden, loud thud echoed through the room, coming from beside him. As Yagou turned to look, his face went pale. Hanki¡¯s body was lying on the floor, motionless and nearly lifeless. The sudden sight sent a shock through him, freezing him in place for a split second before panic set in. ¡°Hanki!¡± he shouted in alarm, his voice trembling with fear as he rushed to his side. His heart pounded in his chest as he knelt beside his fallen colleague, frantically searching for any sign of life. The room fell into stunned silence, the gravity of the situation sinking in as the other diplomats and officials exchanged concerned glances. Yagou¡¯s mind raced, trying to grasp what had just happened. Was it a sudden illness? Something more sinister? He couldn¡¯t tell, but the sight of his long-time friend lying so still filled him with dread. President Charon, alarmed by the sudden turn of events, quickly motioned for medical assistance. ¡°Call for the medics, immediately!¡± she ordered, her authoritative voice cutting through the tension as Secret Service agents sprang into action. Yagou, his hands trembling, gently shook Hanki¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Hanki, can you hear me?¡± he asked his voice barely a whisper, fear gripping him as he waited for any kind of response. ¡­ TBC Unforeseen Consequences Fort William, Kolkata, India, 0900 Hours As the bright rays of a new morning illuminated the New World, Major Siddhart Singh strode through the grand corridors of Fort William, his dark hair swaying gently with each measured step. The air was tense, the usual hum of activity replaced by a charged silence. Everyone they passed stopped to stare, their whispers barely audible yet laden with curiosity and judgment. The only constant was the rhythmic sound of boots striking the polished marble floors, an unyielding march toward an uncertain reckoning. Major Siddhart, once lauded for his unorthodox brilliance on the battlefield, now bore the heavy shadow of accusations: insubordination and perhaps even more damning charges that hinted at treachery or reckless defiance. Yet, despite the weight of it all, he walked with unwavering resolve, his head held high. Not once did he lower his gaze, no matter the muttered criticisms or scrutinizing looks. The two soldiers flanking him, impassive as statues, did not attempt to speak. Their silence offered no solace, no insight into the fate that awaited him. But Siddhart''s mind was far from still. It churned with memories of the battlefield, replaying every decision, every risk he had taken. Had he gone too far? Were his actions acts of necessity¡ªor rebellion? Nonetheless, such contemplation would get him nowhere as he knew his actions during the battle had drawn both admiration and ire. The battlefields of the New World were unlike any they had faced before unpredictable, brutal, and unrelenting. In those moments, the line between right and wrong often blurred, and Siddhart had chosen to protect his men above all else. That choice had earned him both fierce loyalty and sharp condemnation. As they neared the imposing oak doors that marked the entrance to General Upendra''s office, Siddhart took a deep breath, steadying himself. His mind flickered briefly to the faces of the soldiers who had followed him without question, who had trusted him with their lives. "Rules be damned," he muttered under his breath, his jaw tightening. "My men are worth more than chess pieces to me." With those words echoing in his mind, he straightened his shoulders and stepped forward, ready to face whatever lay beyond those doors. Soon enough the heavy doors creaked open, revealing the stern figure of General Upendra seated behind an imposing desk. Sunlight streamed through tall windows, casting sharp angles across the room and highlighting the myriad medals gleaming on the weary General''s chest. The sound of polished boots on the marble floor echoed faintly as the escorts stepped forward, snapping crisp salutes before silently departing. Their departure left Major Siddhart Singh standing alone in the cavernous room, the silence amplifying the tension that hung in the air. Without hesitation, Siddhart snapped to attention, his hand rising in a flawless salute. "Major Siddhart Singh reporting, Sir!" he declared, his voice steady yet holding a slight tint of nervousness. The General glanced at the young man with an interested grin, clasping his hands together on the polished wooden desk. His sharp, discerning eyes studied Siddhart intently before he gestured toward the chair in front of him. "So, Major, I hear that you disobeyed a direct order to disengage from the Long Wang Forces." Siddhart hesitated for a fraction of a second before stepping forward and lowering himself onto the chair with precise military discipline. He kept his posture rigid, his hands resting on his knees, his gaze locked straight ahead. Though he exuded composure, a storm brewed beneath his exterior¡ªmemories of that night flashing through his mind. He knew what was coming. He had replayed this moment over and over since the battle, yet he still couldn''t find a better justification than the one he had clung to on that blood-soaked night. The General''s voice, though calm, carried the weight of expectation. "I assume you have an explanation, Major?" Siddhart inhaled slowly, his chest rising as he gathered his words. "Sir, the Long Wang forces had been¡ª" His words caught in his throat, the vivid memory pulling him back, dragging him into the past like a wave crashing against an unsteady shore. ¡­ Line of Control, Arunachal Pradesh, 2 Days before Yagou Left Russia, The battlefield had turned into a living inferno. Explosions painted the night sky in flashes of orange and red, illuminating the twisted remains of what had once been defensive fortifications. Major Siddhart Singh stood atop a ridge, his heart pounding as the echoes of gunfire, artillery barrages, and dying screams reverberated through the valley below. His men fought like demons possessed, holding onto whatever cover remained as the Long Wang Forces pressed forward. The enemy''s light tanks crept up the treacherous terrain inch by inch, their treads grinding against the icy rock, forcing their way through a narrow pass. Machine Gun nests, barely holding their positions raining bullets upon the enemy but it was clear that they won''t hold for much longer due to the lack of heavy weaponry. Siddhart knew they were outgunned and outnumbered badly. The 42nd Armored Regiment and the 24th Mechanized Battalion were still hours away, and with the enemy''s numerical and artillery superiority, they wouldn''t last until reinforcements arrived¡ªunless he did something drastic. Taking a deep breath he steadied himself turning towards Captain Rajveer, his second-in-command, who was standing beside him inside the command bunker. The captain''s face was drenched in sweat despite the freezing air, his hands gripping a radio with white-knuckled intensity. "Sir, we''ve lost contact with the left flank! The Long Wang tanks are breaking through!" "Damn it!" Siddhart grits his teeth. They were boxed in, and the enemy was closing the noose, the natural rock formations provided some cover but it wouldn''t last long¡ªnot against overwhelming firepower. "Shit, the villagers are in danger!" he thought to himself, as the sudden attack had caught them off guard leaving little time to gather the nearby villagers, they had barely managed to evacuate even the women and children and if the rocks collapsed it would be disastrous. And then, an idea struck him. He raised his binoculars, scanning the rugged cliffs above the battlefield. Snow. Heavy, untouched snow. The high-altitude ridges were packed with layers of frozen weight, hanging precariously, held together by nothing more than time and gravity. An avalanche. If they triggered it at the right moment, they could bury the enemy''s advancing forces beneath tons of ice and rock, buying them the time they so desperately needed. But the General''s orders were clear¡ªDisengage. Retreat. Do not escalate. Siddhart exhaled slowly. To hell with orders. My men come first. He grabbed the radio from Rajveer, switching to the internal battalion frequency. "All units, this is Major Singh. I need our remaining explosives planted along the upper ridges. We''re bringing the mountain down on these bastards." A stunned silence followed. Then, Lieutenant Raghav, the explosives expert, responded. "Sir, that''s against direct orders! If the General¡ª" "The General isn''t here, Lieutenant. We are. Now move!" No one questioned him further, knowing this was the only chance the villagers had for survival. Soon the Final batch of HE Shells was fired to create a much-needed diversion to allow the engineers to move in and set up the explosives on the ridge. Within minutes, a small team of engineers scrambled up the icy cliffs, planting their remaining explosive charges along the ridges. The clock was ticking¡ªLong Wang infantry had already begun advancing past the wreckage of their destroyed vehicles, taking cover and preparing for their final push. If the enemy took the bunker, it was over. Just a little longer¡­ Down below, the enemy tanks rumbled forward, their turrets swivelling, locking onto the last of their defensive positions. One more push and they''d break through. "Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!" Siddhart panicked at the situation, the MG''s were down and they had already exhausted the last of their AT-Rockets, if they didn''t blow it up now, the enemy would overrun them. Then, over the radio¡ª "Charges are set, Sir!" Siddhart didn''t hesitate. "Detonate!" A split second of silence. Then¡ª BOOM! The mountains howled as the explosions ripped through the ridges, sending shockwaves across the battlefield. A deep, ominous rumbling followed, growing in intensity until it became a deafening roar. Tons of ice, rock, and snow collapsed from above, thundering down onto the Long Wang forces below. The enemy''s tanks vanished beneath the avalanche and swallowed whole in an instant. Infantrymen barely had time to scream before the crushing force overwhelmed them, entombing them in a frozen grave. The ground shook violently, knocking some of Siddhart''s men off their feet as the deadly cascade consumed everything in its path. The assault was crushed¡ªliterally. Then, silence. The battlefield, once an inferno of war, lay deathly still. Siddhart let out a slow breath, lowering his rifle. Around him, his men peeked over their cover, their faces painted with shock, disbelief¡ªand relief. They had done it. They had survived. But before the feeling could settle, the distant rumble of engines echoed across the valley. Was it another enemy wave? Then, the radio crackled to life¡ª "Foxtrot Actual to Major Singh¡ªsorry we''re late. Your cavalry has arrived." In a moment a formation of IAF Sukhoi Su-30MKIs streaked across the sky in tight formation, their sleek forms slicing through the darkness like celestial predators. The 42nd Armored Regiment and 24th Mechanized Battalion had finally arrived. Siddhart allowed himself a small, tired smile. They had held the line. ¡­ The battlefield remained eerily silent, the once-deafening clash of war now replaced by the muted howling of the wind across the snow-covered valley. Siddhart Singh exhaled, his breath forming a misty cloud in the freezing air. His muscles were tense, his body still thrumming with adrenaline. He knew that in war, silence was deceptive¡ªit could be the prelude to another attack or the grim conclusion of a battle. The radio crackled once more. "Foxtrot Actual to Major Singh¡ªconfirming enemy combat effectiveness."Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. Siddhart slowly raised his binoculars, scanning the snow-laden battlefield below. The sheer magnitude of the avalanche had buried the entire enemy assault under tons of ice and rock. Wreckage from their tanks jutted out at odd angles, half-swallowed by the frozen mass, their crews entombed within. The enemy infantry that had been advancing moments ago were now either gone¡ªlost beneath the icy landslide¡ªor struggling, their movements sluggish, buried waist-deep in the frigid embrace of the mountain''s wrath. A grim sense of victory settled over Siddhart. They had survived. But at what cost? Then, a dreadful realization struck him like a hammer blow. The village. His breath caught in his throat. Just beyond the battlefield lay a small settlement¡ªa quiet, isolated village with no more than fifty families, civilians who had nowhere else to flee when the fighting had erupted. They had huddled within their homes, praying for safety as war raged around them. However, the avalanche did not discriminate between soldiers and civilians. Siddhart''s stomach twisted as his eyes darted toward the village''s location. Or rather, where it should have been. All that remained was an unbroken sheet of snow. "No¡­ no, no, no." The words escaped him as he grabbed the radio. "Foxtrot Actual, we have civilians buried in the snow! I need immediate search and rescue teams now!" The reply came almost instantly, the urgency in the pilot''s voice unmistakable. "Understood, Major. Diverting assets now. Standby." Siddhart turned to his men, his voice sharper than steel. "Get down there! NOW! Anyone still breathing, we dig them out!" They didn''t hesitate. Soldiers, still reeling from the battle, forced their exhausted bodies into motion. Medics, engineers, and riflemen alike grabbed shovels, their frozen fingers fumbling in their haste. Others threw down their weapons entirely, using their bare hands to dig through the ice. Siddhart tore down the hill, his boots skidding over the snow, his mind racing. He knew time was against them. People could suffocate within minutes under such immense weight. The avalanche had not just buried their enemy; it had buried innocents. For the second time that night, he ignored protocol. He didn''t wait for orders from the command. He didn''t ask permission. He led the charge himself. ¡­ Minutes Later, The scene was chaotic. Soldiers scrambled across the icy wasteland, using whatever they could find¡ªshovels, rifle butts, even knives¡ªto claw through the thick snow. Some found nothing but silence beneath the frost. Others uncovered outstretched hands, frozen mid-motion. Siddhart cursed under his breath, pushing past the agony of his exhaustion. His hands were numb and bloodied, and his breathing laboured, but he didn''t stop. He couldn''t stop. He ripped at the snow, feeling the weight of every second slipping away. Then¡ª A cough. A faint, wheezing cough. Siddhart''s head snapped toward the sound. "Over here! Someone''s alive!" He dug faster, his fingers scraping against hard-packed ice. The snow parted, revealing a young boy¡ªno older than seven¡ªcurled beneath a wooden beam, his tiny face pale, his lips trembling. Siddhart reached out, grasping the boy''s frail form, his voice urgent yet gentle. "I''ve got you, kid. I''ve got you." The boy barely responded, his breaths shallow, his body limp. Hypothermia had already begun to set in. "MEDIC!" Siddhart roared. A combat medic rushed over, quickly wrapping the child in a thermal blanket, and rubbing his limbs to restore circulation. More survivors began emerging¡ªwomen, elderly villagers, and children. Some were barely conscious, others sobbed in shock, their eyes wide with the horror of what had happened. But not everyone had been so lucky. Bodies lined the snow. A mother cradling her child in a final embrace, both now frozen in time. An old man, his weathered face at peace, though his frail form was still locked in a desperate attempt to shield his family. Siddhart''s jaw tightened. This was his doing. His choice. And though they had won the battle, the cost was now etched into the faces of the survivors¡ªand in the blank stares of those who would never rise again. Siddhart could only hope that god forgave him for what he had done to these innocent people in the name of protecting others. ¡­ Engines rumbled across the valley as the 42nd Armored Regiment and 24th Mechanized Battalion finally arrived in full force, their tanks and troop carriers cutting through the snow-laden terrain. Indian flags flapped in the cold wind as the forces secured the battlefield, their presence an undeniable statement: The Long Wang forces had failed. IAF Sukhoi Su-30MKIs roared overhead, performing reconnaissance sweeps to confirm no more hostiles remained. Apache helicopters hovered over the ridges, their infrared sensors scanning for signs of movement beneath the snow. From one of the lead tanks, Brigadier Arvind Pratap dismounted, his hardened eyes taking in the devastation before him. His gaze fell upon Siddhart, kneeling in the snow, clutching the frail boy in his arms. For a long moment, neither man spoke. Then, Brigadier Pratap''s voice cut through the icy silence. "You disobeyed orders, Major." Siddhart exhaled, still cradling the boy as he watched medics work on more survivors. His voice was tired but firm. "I saved my men." The Brigadier''s eyes swept over the battlefield, lingering on the frozen wreckage, the buried enemy, the rescued villagers¡ªand the ones they had lost. A long, heavy pause. Then, the Brigadier gave a slow, deliberate nod. "Get these people out of here." He turned toward his command vehicle, his voice rising as he barked new orders to the arriving troops. Medical teams surged forward, assisting the wounded. Engineers began setting up field hospitals. The dead were covered, to be honoured later. Siddhart closed his eyes, exhaustion finally seeping into his bones. He had won the battle. But he knew what awaited him when he returned to Fort William. A reckoning. His defiance had saved lives. But the court-martial hearing would determine if it had cost him his career. ¡­ Present Day, The silence in General Upendra''s office was as suffocating as the humidity outside. The weight of the past bore down upon Major Siddhart Singh like an invisible noose, tightening with every second that passed. He had survived the battlefield, but now he was about to face a different kind of war¡ªone that was fought not with bullets, but with words, politics, and the unyielding hand of military law. The General sat across from him, hands clasped together, his sharp eyes never leaving Siddhart''s face. The morning light filtering through the tall windows illuminated the rows of medals adorning his chest, testaments to a career spent in service, in leadership, in war. But it wasn''t pride that rested behind those eyes¡ªit was scrutiny, a deliberate assessment of the man before him. Siddhart held his breath as the General finally spoke. "So, Major," Upendra said, his voice calm but laced with something else¡ªsomething heavier. "You disobeyed a direct order. You went against protocol. You ignored the chain of command and did what you thought was best. Do you have any idea what that means?" Siddhart squared his shoulders, forcing himself to meet the General''s gaze. "Yes, sir." "Do you?" The General leaned forward slightly, his fingers tapping against the polished wooden desk. "Because I don''t think you fully understand the gravity of your actions. Your orders were clear: disengage and retreat. Instead, you escalated the conflict. You triggered an avalanche¡ªan act that, while brilliant in its execution, led to civilian casualties." A pause. "Do you regret your decision, Major Singh?" Siddhart''s jaw clenched. He had asked himself the same question a hundred times. Had he done the right thing? Could he have done things differently? The answer was always the same. "No, sir." General Upendra''s expression didn''t change. "You lost civilians that day. Men, women, children¡ªburied under the very snow you used to save your men." "And I saved my unit, sir," Siddharth countered, his voice steady but edged with restrained emotion. "Had we disengaged, the Long Wang forces would have overrun us, pushed through our defences, and slaughtered my men and the village. I had two options: lose everyone or lose some." The General exhaled, his fingers tightening around a thick file on his desk. He opened it, scanning through the contents. The official reports. The testimonies from survivors. The after-action analysis. "And do you think you made the right call, Major?" Siddharth didn''t hesitate. "Yes, sir." Another pause. A long, heavy one. Then, General Upendra closed the file with a soft thud and leaned back in his chair. His fingers drummed against the armrest. "Your men are fiercely loyal to you," he said, his tone unreadable. "They refused to speak against you. Your officers all gave the same response¡ª''Major Singh saved our lives.'' Even Brigadier Pratap admitted your tactics worked. But that doesn''t mean you''re off the hook." Siddhart knew this was coming. No matter how well-intended his actions were, they had gone against direct orders. That alone was enough for a court-martial. "Do you know what the politicians are saying?" The General continued, his voice now tinged with something akin to annoyance. "They''re calling you reckless. A liability. Some are even whispering the word ''war crime'' because of the civilian casualties. And you? You''re being labelled a rogue officer. A hero to some, a disgrace to others." Siddhart inhaled slowly, holding his ground. He refused to show weakness. "What happens now, sir?" General Upendra didn''t answer right away. Instead, he reached for another folder, one marked CONFIDENTIAL, and slid it across the desk toward Siddhart. "Your fate is still undecided, Major," he admitted. "Command is split. Some want you court-martialed. Others think you should be commended. The politicians want your head on a spike to save face with the international community. But your soldiers? Your fellow officers? They stand behind you." Siddhart looked at the folder but didn''t touch it. "What''s in there?" The General''s lips pressed into a thin line. "Your options." A tense silence filled the room. "Option one," Upendra continued, "You face a court-martial. Best case scenario? You''re dishonourably discharged. Worst case? Prison time." Siddhart said nothing. "Option two," the General went on, his gaze sharpening, "You resign. Quietly. No court-martial, no trial. You disappear, live the rest of your life in peace." Siddhart swallowed hard. Neither of those choices sat well with him. Then, General Upendra leaned forward, his voice lowering just enough to carry weight. "Option three," he said. "You take a special assignment. One that puts your skills to use. No court-martial. No discharge. But you''ll no longer be in command of a unit." That caught Siddhart off guard. He had expected the first two options. But this? "What kind of assignment?" he asked cautiously. The General exhaled, his fingers tapping against the desk once more. "Covert operations," he admitted. "Black ops. Unofficial missions. You''ll report directly to me and a select few in the highest echelons of command. No oversight. No red tape. You do what''s necessary to protect India, but officially? You don''t exist." Siddhart''s stomach tightened. He knew what that meant. Ghost work. The kind of missions that never made it to history books. Upendra studied him carefully. "Make your choice, Major. But know this¡ªwhatever you decide, there''s no going back." Siddhart looked down at the folder. His career, his honour, his future¡ªall laid out before him in three choices. One would strip him of his dignity. One would force him into obscurity. And one would turn him into something else entirely. The weight of the decision pressed against him like the snow that had buried those civilians. But just like that day on the battlefield, he knew there was only one path forward. Siddhart Singh exhaled, steadying his resolve. Then, he reached for the folder. ¡­ The folder in Major Siddhart Singh''s hands felt heavier than it should have, its contents carrying the weight of his entire future. Three choices lay before him¡ªeach a path that would change his life forever. His hands tightened around the file, his mind racing with the implications. A court-martial would see him dishonoured, perhaps imprisoned. Resignation meant fading into obscurity, leaving behind the men who had trusted him, the battles he had fought, and the life he had built. But the third option¡­ His eyes flicked toward General Upendra, who sat unmoving, watching him with an unreadable expression just as he looked up and spoke, "Remember once you see this you are a part of it!". The silence returned between them, broken only by the distant sounds of Fort William''s daily operations. Finally, Siddhart took a deep breath and exhaled, straightening his shoulders. There was only one path forward. He opened the file. Inside, the first few pages were routine¡ªofficial documents outlining the possible disciplinary actions. But as he flipped through them, his eyes caught a different set of papers toward the back. Classified orders. Operations reports. A single sheet stamped TOP SECRET ¨C EYES ONLY bore a mission briefing that sent a cold chill down his spine. Operation Snake Bite. It detailed an off-the-books mission¡ªone that would send him deep into the heart of the unknown. Not as a soldier in uniform, but as something else entirely. A ghost. An operative without a flag, a name, or an identity. His orders, if he accepted, would come directly from the highest echelons of command. No oversight. No safety net. The target? His pulse quickened as he skimmed through the details. He had been following reports about the geopolitical shifts that came after the transference event¡ªhow the world had changed, how new alliances and conflicts were brewing in the shadows. But this¡­ This was something different. His mission would take him across continents, far from home. First stop: China. From there, he would move into the unknown¡ªthe New World. A land that defied logic, filled with beings and civilizations beyond comprehension. He had read the reports from the Qua-Toyne mission, the diplomatic exchanges with these otherworldly nations. But what he saw here in black and white made those reports seem like fairy tales. Intel suggested that deep within this new land, something unnatural was stirring. The mission dossier mentioned rogue factions, potential bioweapons, and the fragile alliances between the Old World and the New. But it was what lay hidden between the lines that unsettled him the most. There was a war brewing. A silent war that neither the media nor the public would ever hear about. And they wanted him to be on the front lines of it. Siddhart looked up, locking eyes with General Upendra. "You knew I''d choose this," he said quietly. The General didn''t deny it. Instead, he gave a slow nod. "You''re a soldier, Singh. But you''re also something more. You see the world for what it is. And you make the hard choices when no one else will." Siddhart clenched his jaw. His mind flashed back to the snow-covered battlefield, the avalanche, the villagers buried beneath ice and rock. The choices he had made. The lives he had taken. The lives he had saved. This mission¡­ was another impossible choice. One he would have to make over and over again. Finally, he spoke. "When do I leave?" A hint of approval flickered across Upendra''s expression. "Tomorrow morning. Your new identity, your cover, and your mission details will be finalized by then. Get your affairs in order." Siddhart nodded, rising from his chair. As he turned to leave, the General''s voice stopped him. "One more thing, Major." Siddhart glanced back. "You won''t be alone." The General slid another document across the desk. Siddhart picked it up, scanning the list of names. One stood out immediately. "Captain Rajveer?" Upendra nodded. "He''s already been briefed. He''ll meet you at the rendezvous point." Siddhart exhaled sharply. Rajveer. His most trusted officer. The only man who had been by his side during the worst moments of the Long Wang conflict. If he was in¡­ then maybe this mission wasn''t a death sentence after all. "Understood," Siddhart said. He saluted sharply, then turned and walked out the door. The weight of his decision settled in as he strode through the grand corridors of Fort William, his boots echoing against the marble floors. The whispers that followed him no longer mattered. The judgment, the accusations, the uncertain future¡ªit all faded into the background. Because now, he had a new mission. "And it was only just beginning," he thought to himself as he walked towards the unknown smiling. ... TBC