《Russia in another world》
Chapter 1. Meeting in another world. Part 1.
Chapter 1. Meeting in another world. Part 1.
In the maritime region known as the "Great East", far from the "Three Great Civilized Lands", lies a vast continent. It covers an area roughly half the size of Australia, too small to be considered a full-fledged continent, yet too large to be called an island. This land, called "Rodenius", is home to three nations, each with its own unique culture and history.
The "Principality of Qua-Toyne" is a fertile land blessed with rich soil and extensive agricultural lands. The people of Qua-Toyne highly value hard work and independence, and over the years, they have built strong communities based on mutual support. Demi-humans¡ªsuch as elves, dwarves, and beastmen¡ªwho wish to live in harmony with humans, make up a third of the population. The society here is widely known for its equality. In recent years, the government of Qua-Toyne, concerned with the expansionist ambitions of its neighbors, has increased its efforts to bolster its defenses, focusing on establishing diplomatic ties and strengthening its borders.
The "Kingdom of Quila" is a poor nation with vast desert regions, where the climate and soil make agriculture an incredibly difficult task. The people of Quila are resilient and unpretentious, accustomed to harsh conditions. Like Qua-Toyne, roughly a third of the population consists of demi-humans. Quila and Qua-Toyne share a mutual distrust and concern about the Kingdom of Louria, as the people of Quila anxiously watch the growing hostile ambitions of their neighbor. Support for equality between humans and demi-humans is much weaker here than in Qua-Toyne, which sometimes leads to internal conflicts and tensions among the population.
The "Kingdom of Louria" is the only country where humans are the dominant race. Louria is known for its strict laws and discrimination against demi-humans such as elves, dwarves, and beastmen. Under the leadership of a harsh and ambitious king, Louria seeks to unite Rodenius, believing that it should become the ruling power in this union. The king views demi-humans as a threat to the purity and unity of the nation and plans their complete eradication, which has already led to bloody clashes in some border regions.
The people of Qua-Toyne and Quila are united by a common threat from Louria. The governments of both nations are trying to strengthen their alliance, but ideological differences and internal disagreements complicate this task. Against the backdrop of this tense situation, the influence of underground movements protecting demi-humans is growing, along with espionage activities aimed at gathering intelligence on Lourian military operations.
Central Calendar Year 1639, Month 1, Day 24, 8:00 AM / New World Calendar Year 0000, May 10, 8:00 AM
The morning sky over the Principality of Qua-Toyne was covered by a thin layer of clouds, obscuring the horizon and leaving only a clear blue expanse. In this boundless aerial space, a majestic dragon soared¡ªan imposing creature with coal-black scales and a tail sharp as a blade. If a modern-day person from Earth had seen it, they would have instantly recognized it as a dragon, or perhaps, a wyvern¡ªa name so familiar to die-hard fantasy fans.
The rider, clad in simple yet incredibly functional armor, guided the enormous wyvern with remarkable ease. This was Maarpatima, a knight of the Dragon Squadron of Qua-Toyne. His keen eyes and sharp mind were focused on guarding the eastern borders of the principality. The Kingdom of Louria, a dangerous neighbor, was expanding its influence, and the tension between the countries was growing. For Qua-Toyne, it was crucial to monitor the east and northeast¡ªareas from where an attack was suspected to come.
Maarpatima and his partner followed strict orders. Their task was to be the first to detect any border violations. Beneath them stretched the sea, its endless waters tempting adventurers to the east, but all who ventured there in search of new lands vanished without a trace, as though dissolving into the void.
"What is that?" Maarpatima muttered, frowning. His gaze was drawn to a tiny dark object appearing on the horizon. It slowly, yet relentlessly, grew larger, and the rider felt a sense of unease. "Could it be an ally?"
For a moment, he thought it might be a wyvern from a friendly squadron. It was believed that only he and his partner patrolled the skies in this region. The distant Three Great Civilized Lands possessed sea vessels capable of carrying dragons¡ªDragon Carriers (similar to aircraft carriers, but wooden)¡ªbut in this forgotten part of the world, such technology was beyond reach.
Maarpatima watched as the object slowly approached, its size growing large enough to discern details. A heavy feeling crept into his heart¡ªthis was no creature he knew.
"It''s not flapping its wings?" Maarpatima whispered, staring at the object in disbelief. It hovered without so much as a flutter of its wings, as if defying the laws of nature. He quickly activated his manacom to contact the base: "I''ve detected an unidentified flying object. Performing identification. Current location¡"
Maarpatima steered the wyvern closer to the object, closing the distance. The closer he got, the more astounded he became by the object''s size. It was a massive flying vessel, with four enormous rotating blades attached to its wings. Its snow-white hull stood out starkly against the sky, and on its wings was a five-pointed star, resembling a symbol the rider had never seen, even in the Three Great Civilized Lands. From the tips of its wings, flashing lights blinked rhythmically, almost as if proclaiming its indifference to the surrounding world.
Maarpatima, following the plan precisely, ordered his wyvern to gain speed. The wings spread wide and flapped with fierce force, cutting through the oncoming wind. But despite all efforts, the distance between him and the unidentified object only increased.
"Ugh...! What kind of monster is that?!" he exclaimed, unable to suppress his despair and fury at realizing his helplessness. He contacted the base again, hoping his words would reach command: "Command! This is rider of the sixth squadron, Maarpatima! I cannot identify the object, its speed is too great! I can''t continue the pursuit! The unidentified object is heading toward Maykhark, deeper into the continent. I repeat! It''s heading toward Maykhark!
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Maarpatima struggled to stay on the tail of the mysterious vessel, but it relentlessly pulled ahead until, finally, it vanished into the distance, leaving the dragon knight stunned and alarmed.
At the same time, the crew of the Tu-142.
"Commander, we''ve got a contact to the northeast," reported the assistant, leaning over the radar, where a small but rapidly approaching dot had appeared.
The Tu-142 commander, an experienced pilot with many years of service, glanced at the display, narrowing his eyes slightly.
"I see it... What the hell, is that a pterosaur?"
"Holy...! That''s... a real dragon!"
His assistant nodded in agreement, realizing how incredible this might seem, but remained calm.
"Yes, Commander."
The commander turned to the crew. Seeing a flying reptile in this region was an unusual sight. Whatever this creature was, it clearly didn''t present a familiar threat. His team knew the protocol for unexpected contacts, especially with such "surprises."
"So, it somehow made it here... No aggressive action. Maintain course and observe. Is the team clear?"
"Yes, Commander!"
"Proceed," he ordered briefly.
The rendezvous point between the Tu-142 crew and the rider on the wyvern was closing in. The crew observed the creature through the portholes with a mix of curiosity and caution. Its wings beat the air steadily, holding its massive body aloft. The gleam of its black scales was visible even from this distance, reminding the crew of the immense power this creature possessed.
The rider appeared like the embodiment of some ancient knight¡ªleather armor hugging his form, with a helmet on his head that had a protruding neckguard, reminiscent of an alien skull from a famous movie. As the commander studied the scene, he couldn''t help but feel as if he had stepped into another reality, one that had emerged from ancient legends or films.
"Wow... he''s got a beast," he muttered, momentarily stunned, before glancing back at the reptile. After a pause, he added, appraising it: "Graceful, powerful... pitch-black, as if cloaked in darkness, with wings wrapped around it," he said, licking his lips.
His assistant watched the rider and his wyvern''s maneuvers with tense focus.
¡ª "Commander, they''re getting closer," he reported calmly, keeping a close eye on the wyvern, which was steadily closing the distance between them.
The commander smiled calmly.
¡ª "They still won''t catch us. Our speed is too much for them. Let''s stick to the plan. Don''t change course."
¡ª "Yes, Commander!"
The crew of the Tu-142 focused on the instruments, watching the wyvern as it gradually disappeared behind them.
Principality of Qua-Toyne. Base of the Sixth Squadron of Dragon Riders.
Young elf Calmia, serving as the mana communication operator, listened attentively to the signal coming through the manacom. Suddenly, her expression changed when she heard unexpected words spoken by the mechanical voice of the device.
¡ª "Currently, the unidentified flying object is in the airspace, 130 kilometers to the northeast of the base. Our patrols cannot pursue it! The object is very large and, apparently, does not flap its wings. Its speed significantly exceeds ours!" the voice transmitted with a tone of confusion.
Kalmiya furrowed her brow and transmitted an order.
¡ª "Report on the object''s affiliation!" Her voice sounded firm, though a trace of worry flickered in her eyes.
With the constant threat of attack from the Kingdom of Louria, where tensions had reached a boiling point, she suspected that the object might be part of enemy reconnaissance. The response came promptly.
¡ª "Object affiliation is unknown!" repeated the lifeless voice of the manacom.
Calmia, not wasting any time, asked further.
¡ª "Is there a chance it''s an elder dragon or another type of magical creature?"
¡ª "Negative. It is neither an elder dragon nor a wyvern from the Kingdom of Louria. We don''t know if it''s a living creature or not! Immediate reinforcements are required!"
Kalmiya quickly ran to the base commander, trying to process what she had just heard.
The commander met her with a wary glance.
¡ª "An unidentified object, you say?" He seemed to weigh every word carefully, staring at her intently.
¡ª "Yes, Commander. The object is moving at an extremely high speed and does not flap its wings," Calmia replied, ¡ª "this was reported by rider Maarpatima."
The commander froze, stunned by what he had heard.
¡ª "Doesn''t flap its wings... That can''t be!" he murmured, astonished.
But then a thought struck him. Among the rumors circulating from the Great Powers, there was one about a country using devices called "flying ships."
A realization hit him: maybe this is something like that.
¡ª "The object is heading toward Maihark, from the northeast. If it continues on its course, it will soon reach the mainland," Calmia reported, understanding the gravity of the moment.
The commander immediately issued an order:
¡ª "Deploy all reserve knights of the Sixth Order of Dragon Riders! If this is a scout, it must be intercepted. Our army''s honor is at stake, and we must protect the Principality''s dignity."
The command center sprang to life; every dragon rider knew this was about the defense of their homeland. The battle alarm echoed throughout the base, rousing the brave warriors, ready to take flight in the face of the unknown.
The command center immediately sprang to life; every dragon rider knew this was about defending their homeland. The battle alarm spread through every corner of the base, rousing brave warriors ready to take flight to face the unknown.
¡ª "All knights of the Sixth Squadron of Dragon Riders, prepare for battle! An unidentified object has approached Maihark and breached our airspace. Identify and shoot it down! I repeat, shoot it down on first contact!" the order was transmitted via manacom.
Dragon riders surged out of the barracks, equipped and ready for takeoff. Soon, twelve wyverns, wings spread wide in pride, soared into the clear sky, moving in perfect formation.
They were prepared to intercept the unidentified object, which, once a mere dot on the horizon, was now rapidly growing larger.
One of the riders, feeling a surge of inner excitement, muttered under his breath:
¡ª "Damn, what the hell is that thing?"
¡ª "A monster, no doubt," another rider responded, never taking his eyes off the approaching object.
The speed of this creature was astonishing. Even considering their own speed, it was flying so fast that it seemed impossible to catch up.
The squadron captain, a determined and experienced rider, gave the command:
¡ª "Prepare to fire fireballs! Its speed exceeds ours, so we have only one shot. As soon as it flies past, shoot, and show the results of our training!"
His words inspired the riders, and they readied themselves for the attack.
The wyverns synchronously opened their jaws, concentrating magical energy into fireballs, each capable of burning any flying dragon to ash. Whirls of energy swirled within their mouths, ready to unleash on the target.
But as soon as the fire took shape, the object suddenly changed course and began rapidly ascending. The riders froze, watching in awe as the unidentified object effortlessly reached an altitude beyond even their wyverns'' capabilities, their ceiling being four thousand meters. The fireballs fizzled out instantly, and the attack was canceled.
The captain, stunned by the maneuver, activated his manacom to report:
¡ª "This is the Sixth Squadron, reporting to Headquarters. We''ve identified an unidentified object. As we prepared to attack, it sharply ascended and is now continuing toward Maihark at high altitude. I repeat, the object is moving forward without losing speed."
Chapter 1. Meeting in another world. Part 2.
The Principality of Qua-Toyne. Trade City of Maihark.
The Principality of Qua-Toyne lies in the northeastern part of the Rodenius continent¡ªa region blessed by the Goddess of Earth and Fertility. This nation is renowned for its vast, fertile lands where natural pesticides protect the crops, and weeds simply do not grow. Even without human care, plants yield bountiful harvests. Thanks to this, Qua-Toyne boasts complete food self-sufficiency. Water and food are so abundant that even livestock are remarkably well-fed, and life for most residents is peaceful and leisurely.
In the northeastern corner of this agricultural haven lies Maihark, a bustling trade city, a hub of wealth and exchange. The city''s main street is lined with old-fashioned shops forming a picturesque row, while busy merchants and shoppers fill the square, turning it into a noisy hive of activity. Fishermen hawk their morning catch, and craftsmen showcase their wares. Everything feels normal and safe¡ªbut today, an invisible unease lingers. People glance nervously at the sky, unaware that their tranquility is about to be shattered.
Suddenly, from one of the garrisons, a loud clamor breaks out as a woman rushes out, responding to an urgent message. This is Ine, the captain of Maihark''s Knight Defense Corps. Her long black hair spills out from beneath her circlet, and she wears a cuirass with arm guards, sturdy boots, and a battle belt with a sheathed sword. A bow hangs securely on her back, fastened to her armor. Following her are armed knights in full battle gear, their expressions tense. They cut an unusual figure against the peaceful cityscape, driven by an unseen threat, as they run toward the city walls.
Reaching the wall, the knights ascend the staircase, catching their breath. Ine stands at the top, her gaze fixed anxiously on the sky. What kind of threat has forced us to mobilize so suddenly? she wonders. Her mind races back to the report from the Sixth Dragon Knight Squadron: an unidentified object moving at incredible speed toward Maihark, too fast for the wyverns to catch. It seems the object will reach the city soon.
Ine gathers her subordinates and, struggling to keep her composure, gives the order:
¡ª "According to the report from the Sixth Dragon Knight Squadron, an object faster than our wyverns is approaching. Take your positions and prepare for combat!"
The knights swiftly move into formation, drawing their bows and keeping their eyes fixed on the sky. Ine''s troops, disciplined and battle-hardened, now occupy watchtowers and elevated posts around the city. Yet even these seasoned fighters cannot suppress their growing unease¡ªtheir apprehension is visible in their faces.
How is it moving so quickly? What kind of power does this mysterious object possess to outpace our best wyvern riders? Ine ponders. She runs through every possible scenario, attempting to gauge the level of danger. Perhaps it''s merely a reconnaissance mission, but even so, anything traveling at such speeds cannot be an ordinary foe.
On the horizon, a speck emerges in the direction of the eastern tower, gradually taking shape. A knight stationed on the eastern tower shouts, pointing upward:
¡ª "It''s coming this way!"
Every head whips around to look.
All heads snapped toward the strange object approaching with uncanny precision. A white flying machine, emitting a peculiar buzzing sound no one had ever heard before, slowed its advance, circling high above Maihark. The object hovered at an altitude unreachable by arrows, appearing to observe the city without any intention of attacking. Red stars painted on its wide white wings only intensified the sense of threat.
¡ª "What is that?" Ine whispered, her voice barely audible as she struggled to maintain her composure.
The object continued its strange droning, looming over Maihark like an alien, ominous presence.
The townsfolk, unsettled by the bizarre noise, froze in the streets. A ripple of fear surged through the crowd, triggering a wave of panic. Some hurried to shut windows and retreat indoors, while others frantically searched for shelter. Animals, spooked by the loud sound, bolted through the streets. Pack birds and horses ran amok, causing accidents in their frenzy. Chaos engulfed the area, and frantic cries rose above the clamor:
¡ª "What is that thing?"
¡ª "Waaaah, it''s a monster!"
¡ª "A demon''s come!"
The object, as if relishing the terror it caused, inflicted no harm but continued its journey northward, vanishing over the horizon.
Ine remained on the wall, her gut tightening with a deep sense of foreboding.
Once the panic subsided, she ordered her subordinates to gather and reassure the townspeople while discussing their next steps. Yet even as she gave instructions, Ine''s mind raced with unease. Whatever that mysterious entity was, she feared it would return. A growing anxiety gripped her heart¡ªa feeling that a new and unknown danger now loomed over their world.
Meanwhile, aboard the Tu-142.
¡ª "Comrade Commander, we''ve located a populated area. Aerial reconnaissance is complete, and the data has been transmitted to the Priboy universal landing ship of the Black Sea Fleet," the reconnaissance operator reported, his eyes fixed on the monitor.
The commander nodded, processing the incoming data.
¡ª "Good. We''ll make a couple more passes for better detail, then head back to base."
The Tu-142 began a gradual descent, gliding over the medieval town with stone walls and winding streets. On the ground, people were clearly visible¡ªarchers on the fortress walls readied their bows, aiming skyward as they tracked the aircraft overhead.
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The commander smirked and glanced at his assistant.
¡ª "Hey, Boris, would you look at these guys? Seems like they''re getting ready to fend off an attack from our plane. What do you think?"
Boris squinted at the walls and chuckled.
¡ª "Looks that way, Comrade Commander. They probably think their arrows can actually reach us."
The commander let out a brief laugh.
¡ª "Alright, let''s not scare them. We''ve done our job. Time to head back. Set course north, back to base."
¡ª "Yes. Setting course north!"
Central Calendar Year 1639, Month 1, Day 27 / Calendar of the New World''s Appearance, Year 0000, May, Day 13
The Principality of Qua-Toyne. A port north of the trade city of Maihark.
Tension hung thick in the air at the military base in Maihark''s northern port, home to the second fleet of the Principality of Qua-Toyne. The cause of this unease was a bizarre incident that occurred three days earlier: a massive, unidentified object suddenly appeared in the sky, effortlessly evading pursuit by Qua-Toyne''s dragon-mounted squadron. The object circled above Maihark without engaging in any hostile actions, leading to speculation that it was a reconnaissance craft. Yet, its origin remained an enigma¡ªit clearly didn''t belong to Louria, and even the superpower Parpaldia had no known combat unit remotely resembling this. The situation was growing increasingly tense.
Qua-Toyne''s armed forces were placed on high alert. All military ships were dispatched on patrol missions, while the sixth dragon-rider squadron intensified aerial surveillance, expanding their operational range and doubling the number of patrol shifts.
Reports flooded the Maihark Defense Headquarters, but no patrols had detected the object again.
¡ª "Commander Nouka, what are your thoughts on the nature of this unidentified object?" a junior officer asked cautiously, his voice tinged with nervous anticipation as he awaited the response of the seasoned commander.
Nouka, exhaling a long puff of cigar smoke, fixed his gaze on the young officer.
¡ª "Hmph¡ I haven''t seen it myself, so I can''t say for certain. If only one Dragon Order knight had claimed to see it, I might dismiss it as mere rumor. But every member of the sixth squadron reports seeing it with their own eyes. Add to that the testimonies of Maihark''s civilian residents and the City Defense Corps. The object is real¡ªthere''s no disputing it."
He took another drag, squinting slightly as he continued.
¡ª "There are no nations to the east with technology advanced enough to produce something like this. To the northeast, there are scattered island settlements, but none of them, according to our intelligence, are capable of creating such a thing. Theoretically, it could be a development by Louria, given our escalating tensions, or perhaps Parpaldia from the Third Civilized Zone. But even they lack anything resembling this. Yes, it might be some cutting-edge design, but its shape and construction are highly unconventional. My gut tells me this doesn''t belong to either of them."
Nouka paused, seemingly organizing his thoughts, before adding:
¡ª "Although¡ I do have some theories."
Suddenly, the door burst open as the manacom operator rushed in, his voice loud and filled with urgency.
¡ª "Apologies for the intrusion, Commander! Emergency message from the warship Pima!"
All eyes immediately turned to the operator. Commander Nouka and the junior officer held their breath, their expressions taut with tension.
¡ª "Read it!" Nouka ordered curtly.
The operator, trying to steady his nerves, began the report:
¡ª "A large unidentified vessel has been spotted. Current location: approximately 60 kilometers north of Maihark''s port. We are moving to intercept for further investigation."
¡ª "A large vessel?" Nouka repeated, his voice laced with skepticism. "If they''ve just spotted it, we still don''t know what kind of ship it is¡ Captain Midori is in command of the Pima, correct? Send orders for them to approach as closely as possible and conduct a thorough inspection. But stress this¡ªexercise extreme caution. They are to report immediately as soon as they determine the vessel''s origin. And emphasize¡ªno provocative actions."
¡ª "Yes, sir!" the operator replied, hurrying to relay the orders to Captain Midori and his crew, now positioned at the forefront of what was quickly becoming an escalating and mysterious threat.
Principality of Qua-Toyne
60 kilometers north of Maihark Port
The Pima, a warship of the Principality of Qua-Toyne''s Second Fleet, surged through the waters toward the mysterious large vessel. Its sails were fully unfurled, catching the favorable wind and converting it into powerful propulsion, while the synchronized strokes of the oarsmen added even greater speed, enhancing the ship''s agility and strength.
The crew was fully equipped with armor, and the boarding team stood ready on the upper deck, holding spears and shields. To protect against arrows, pavises were set up at the bow. Large ballistae lined the sides of the ship, and jars of oil were ready for flaming bolts. The ship was in full §Ò§à§Ö§Ó§à§Û §Ô§à§ä§à§Ó§ß§à§ã§ä§Ú, ready to engage in battle at a moment''s notice.
¡ª Captain! That ship is enormous! ¡ª the captain''s aide nearly shouted, peering through his spyglass. ¡ª It seems they''ve furled their sails and come to a stop.
¡ª That means they''ve spotted us, ¡ª the captain replied calmly. ¡ª I''ll lead the boarding team myself. If anything goes wrong, you''ll take command.
As the Pima drew closer, the sheer size of the unknown vessel became increasingly staggering, leaving both Captain Midori and his aide in awe.
¡ª Look at that, ¡ª the captain said quietly, his voice tinged with disbelief. ¡ª Its size exceeds anything we''ve ever considered a standard for ships.
¡ª Yes¡ I imagined it much smaller, but this¡ªit''s like a floating fortress!
The words caught in their throats as they struggled to process what they were seeing.
¡ª That flag, ¡ª Midori muttered, ¡ª a blue diagonal cross on a white field. Have you ever seen it before?
¡ª No, sir. I''ve never even heard of such a flag. A white banner with a blue cross¡ nothing like it.
¡ª And no country has ever built ships of this size?
¡ª None. When I studied in Parpaldia, I was lucky enough to see one of their 100-gun ships of the line, but even that was smaller than this marvel.
The crew of the Pima was in a state of mild shock as they watched the colossal ship grow larger with each passing moment.
Suddenly, a section of the unknown vessel''s deck began to descend slowly, illuminated by blinking lights that appeared to signal some sort of message.
The crew tensed, fearing this might be the prelude to an attack. But soon, they realized the figures on the deck were merely waving their hands, signaling peaceful intentions.
¡ª What? The deck¡ it''s lowering? That''s got to be some kind of magical device! ¡ª Captain Midori muttered in bewilderment.
¡ª It seems they''re inviting us to approach. Look, they''re gesturing for us to come aboard.
¡ª Alright, we''ll move closer, ¡ª Midori decided. ¡ª You and you¡ªcome with me. The rest of you stay at your posts and take no action without orders. Is that clear?
¡ª Yes, sir!
Following the instructions of those on the massive vessel, Captain Midori and his team soon stepped onto the deck of the unknown ship, their minds racing with a mixture of anticipation and trepidation.
Chapter 2. First contact with the inhabitants of another world.
Universal Landing Ship of the Russian Navy "Priboy"
When the Russian government realized that contact with the outside world had been irreversibly lost, and Roscosmos specialists confirmed that the country had been transported to another planet, an uneasy silence followed. Within ten days, chaos gave way to stability. People returned to their daily routines, and it became clear to everyone: the only way was forward. In this new world, where hope for returning home barely flickered, every effort became more valuable. Sector by sector¡ªfrom science and sports to medicine and defense¡ªbegan operating with renewed vigor, and the air was filled with a phrase that symbolized the era: "Make the most of where you''re planted."
As the situation began to stabilize, the Ministry of Defense initiated reconnaissance missions. Satellite imagery helped create the first maps of the surrounding areas, and soon, four Tu-142 aircraft set off to the west, southwest, north, and northeast to conduct aerial surveillance. Russia relied on its own strength but understood that survival and development would require diplomatic relations.
Reconnaissance reports revealed the existence of medieval-level civilizations in the southwestern direction. This news sparked near jubilation within the government. A diplomatic mission was quickly assembled, comprising diplomats, Foreign Intelligence Service officers, and soldiers from the Russian Special Operations Forces. They were sent aboard the new universal landing ship Priboy¡ªthe pride of the navy. This ship was a marvel of versatility: it could carry 16 helicopters, 500 marines, 40 armored personnel carriers, and even 10 tanks. The decision to deploy Priboy was dictated by the need to be prepared for anything¡ªfrom a show of strength to rapid evacuation in case of danger.
As soon as the diplomats boarded, Priboy departed from the coast. Following at a discreet distance were the frigates Admiral Makarov and Admiral Essen, ready to protect the mission without attracting unnecessary attention. The first journey into this new world began with caution and respect.
Soon, heading westward, the crew of Priboy detected a small sailing vessel on their radar. Observers exchanged glances¡ªit was a sight straight out of history books. The vessel appeared as though plucked from the past: wooden hulls, shields along the rails, and people clad in armor. The soldiers on board the Russian ship stared at the medieval craft in astonishment until their eyes met the equally stunned gazes of the sailors from the other world.
After a moment of hesitation, Priboy dropped anchor and lowered its gangway, inviting the strangers aboard. Still in shock, the sailors from the small vessel climbed up, greeted by members of the Russian mission. Standing nearby were ten Special Operations soldiers clad in black body armor and helmets¡ªfigures both imposing and reassuring. The sailors couldn''t help but fixate on the metallic objects in the hands of the Russian soldiers. They resembled the muskets used by the Parpaldian forces but were clearly far more advanced in design and functionality.
Accompanied by two soldiers, the sailors walked along the deck, examining its details, marveling at the equipment, and listening to the hum of the powerful machinery.
Captain Midori of the military ship Pima was stunned.
The deck seemed endless, its vastness incomprehensible to a man who had spent his entire life aboard frigates and galleys. With each step, an overwhelming sense of unreality grew within him. He barely noticed how dry his mouth had become, and even his hand, resting instinctively on the hilt of his sword, felt powerless.
What is this? Midori''s thoughts buzzed like a hive of excited bees.
"This deck is enormous!" she thought.
"You could hold five knightly tournaments here at once!"
But then she noticed something else: the strange clothing and two flags that she had never seen before.
"What on earth is happening?" she asked herself.
From the delegation standing on the deck, a man stepped forward. His attire was unfamiliar, but Midori noted that the man carried himself with dignity and authority. He walked calmly, a faint smile on his face, and wore dark glasses that only added to his air of confidence. The man seemed to radiate an invisible pressure that weighed on Midori, creating a sense of imposing superiority. The sensation quickly faded, but it left an impression.
"If my crew even thinks about trying to attack one of them, we won''t leave here alive," thought Midori, the wild notion flashing briefly through his mind before he dismissed it. "But they don''t appear hostile¡"
Gathering his composure, Midori spoke firmly:
"I am Captain Midori, commander of the military ship Pima of the Second Fleet of the Principality of Qua-Toyne. These are neutral waters, but if you proceed further, you will enter the territorial waters of our principality. Could you please identify your ship''s nationality and state the purpose of your voyage?"
His words seemed to surprise the members of the delegation. Behind the diplomat, murmurs arose among the escorts, their astonishment barely concealed.
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"He''s speaking our language?"
"And so fluently! In Russian, without even an accent!"
Snippets of their hushed conversation reached Midori''s ears, though he couldn''t understand what had caused their surprise.
Finally, the man in dark glasses smiled faintly and replied:
"Apologies. I am Dmitry Igorevich, a diplomat representing the Russian Federation. Our government seeks to establish diplomatic relations with your nation, which I understand is called the Principality of Qua-Toyne. We hope to build a friendly relationship. I would greatly appreciate it if you could deliver our greetings to your government."
"So, you are an envoy from a state unknown to us?"
Dmitry inclined his head politely, maintaining eye contact. His smile carried no trace of hostility, only confidence. The sight was unsettling to Captain Midori. His own men gripped their weapons nervously, and he caught someone silently crossing themselves, as if warding off evil.
"Yes, exactly. Please don''t be alarmed¡ªyour men behind you appear uneasy, but we have no hostile intentions. Kindly reassure them that there''s no need for concern."
"Understood. Stand down, everyone!" Midori commanded, and the guards visibly relaxed. "May I ask you a question? A few days ago, an unidentified object entered the airspace above Maihark. Was that¡ your knight?"
"Excuse me? A knight...? If you''re referring to the Tu-142, then yes, we conducted long-range reconnaissance a few days ago. On behalf of the Russian Federation, I apologize for violating your airspace."
Tu-142. The word was foreign to the captain.
Hesitant, Midori gave a brief nod. Dmitry Igorevich, noticing the confusion, succinctly recounted how their country had been transported to this new world. The captain listened intently, his inner disbelief mounting. Stories like this were the stuff of ancient legends his mother used to tell him¡ªmyths about great empires lost to the ages.
"Our nation found itself suddenly in this world. To understand the situation, our government initiated reconnaissance. One of our aircraft accidentally breached your principality''s airspace. The Russian Federation deeply regrets this incident."
With every word Dmitry spoke, waves of confusion and amazement seemed to ripple across the faces of Midori''s men. The captain observed his subordinates stealing glances at one another, careful not to break the tense silence. The idea of an entire country being transported to another world was almost too preposterous to entertain. Yet, the grave and composed expression on the diplomat''s face left little room for doubt. Midori realized he wasn''t merely dealing with "unfamiliar sailors," but with a civilization whose culture and technology far surpassed anything he had ever imagined.
However, the serious demeanor of both Dmitry and his entourage made it clear this was no jest. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Midori took a deep breath, preparing to relay this extraordinary message to his superiors.
"Given your circumstances, I will immediately report your peaceful intentions to my command. Please wait here for a moment," said the captain.
"Of course," Dmitry nodded, pausing for a brief moment. "May I ask how long it will take to receive a response?"
"Well then," Midori concluded with a light sigh. "I will notify command, and we would be glad to assist you in establishing diplomatic relations. Perhaps we can arrange for a peaceful visit from your representatives to our palace."
"We would be most grateful, Captain," Dmitry replied with a faint smile. "We are here not to conquer but to collaborate. I hope this first meeting will serve as the foundation for a long and fruitful friendship."
"Don''t worry, I''ll contact the principality''s headquarters immediately using a manacom," Midori assured him. "We''ll have a response within minutes. Decisions of this level are beyond my authority, but I''ll do everything I can to assist you."
"A manacom? May I ask, is that¡ a communication device?"
Midori nodded, a touch of pride flickering in his expression as he retrieved a small artifact ¡ª a crystal encased in intricate gold filigree, emitting a faint bluish glow.
"Yes, this is a manacom, a device crafted by our finest mages. It allows us to send messages over long distances using magical energy."
The Principality of Qua-Toyne, Second Fleet Headquarters
In a cozy office faintly hazy with cigar smoke, 35-year-old Commander Nouka sat immersed in thought. His rugged face and piercing, disciplined gaze revealed a seasoned officer, one who had faced the trials of battle more than once. Now, in these peaceful times, he fulfilled his duties as a strategist. Suddenly, a sharp knock interrupted the stillness, and a breathless manacom operator burst into the room.
"Commander Nouka! Urgent dispatch from the warship Pima! Priority Level One!"
"Read it," Nouka replied curtly, exhaling a stream of smoke and narrowing his eyes at the operator.
The operator unfolded the message and began to read the report in a steady yet noticeably tense voice:
"While inspecting the unidentified ship, the crew of the Pima encountered no resistance. Based on Captain Midori''s assessment, the vessel measures approximately 220 meters in length and 38 meters in width. No sails or oars were observed. Onboard is a diplomatic mission from an as-yet-unknown nation¡ªthe Russian Federation. They displayed no hostility and expressed a desire to establish diplomatic relations with our principality."
The cigar in Nouka''s hand froze midway to his lips. He couldn''t believe his ears¡ªa ship of such immense size, carrying a mission from an entirely unknown nation? "This is absurd... as if an entire palace had sailed into our waters," he thought, stunned by the report.
"What about the incident involving the unidentified object that breached our airspace?"
"Those were reconnaissance aircraft of the Russian military conducting aerial surveys a few days ago. Captain Midori reported that their country claims to have been¡ transported into our world."
"Transported? An entire country¡ transported?"
Taking a deep breath, Nouka stood, brushing ash off his cigar. The notion was almost impossible to fathom. Yet, ancient legends of "transferred nations" briefly flitted through his mind, though he had always dismissed such tales as pure myth.
"Stories of transferred nations¡ Could they be true?" he murmured to himself. After a moment of contemplation, he made a decision.
"Send word to the capital: I''m heading to the Lotus Garden to deliver a report. All the key figures of the principality will convene there¡ªthis isn''t something we can ignore."
"Understood, Commander."
The operator nodded respectfully and hurried off to relay the report to the capital''s Diplomatic Coordination Center. The future of the principality now lay in the hands of the Council. Meanwhile, Nouka mentally prepared himself to face the unknown¡ªa diplomatic encounter that could reshape the entire balance of power on Rodenius.
Chapter 3: Preparation of the Qua-Toyne delegation.
The Capital of Qua-Toyne. The Council of Lotuses.
Elder Kanata watched the gathered leaders of the principality with unease. On the agenda was a report received three days ago from the military head responsible for Qua-Toyne''s defense and security. It contained alarming information about an unidentified flying object that had violated the airspace over Maihark. This object flew over the city, circled several times, and headed north. With remarkable speed and maneuverability, it resembled nothing comprehensible within local technological capabilities.
The head of defense continued:
¡ª Its speed and altitude far surpass anything our wyverns are capable of.
The elder listened intently. Red five-pointed stars, unlike any seen before, were spotted on the wings of the object. The threat felt tangible yet ambiguous.
¡ª What do you say, esteemed council members? ¡ª Kanata addressed the others.
The military advisor spoke first:
¡ª According to our data, the object resembles aircraft from the superpower Mu of the Second Civilized Zone. However, even their most advanced models cannot achieve such speeds.
His words were interrupted by a tense silence, only for it to be broken by an unexpected announcement. The head of defense, staring into the distance with a grim expression, said:
¡ª We have news from the west. The Eighth Empire, a new state that has invaded the Second Civilized Zone, is crushing the resistance of the Allied Nations of the Second Civilized Lands. It is reported that they possess weapons beyond description.
These words first evoked nervous chuckles from the councilors, but they quickly turned into a solemn quiet. The idea that a previously unknown country, lying beyond the borders of civilized lands, could so boldly challenge a superpower seemed absurd. It was hard to believe the Eighth Empire possessed such power.
¡ª The Eighth Empire is an immense distance from us, ¡ª one councilor cautiously noted, ¡ª and the state of Mu is over twenty thousand kilometers away from Qua-Toyne. It would be absurd to assume the aircraft spotted over Maihark belongs to them.
The discussion circled back to its starting point when suddenly the meeting was interrupted by hurried footsteps and the clinking of weapons. An elven guard appeared at the door, trembling with indignation:
¡ª Forgive the intrusion, but no one is allowed entry without permission!
The intruder ignored him. It was Admiral Nouka, a man with a heavy gaze and stern expression, holding a half-smoked cigar. He exhaled a puff of smoke, squinting slightly, and surveyed the room expectantly.
¡ª Nouka, what brings you here? ¡ª Kanata asked warily.
¡ª Apologies for the intrusion, ¡ª Nouka said, bowing. ¡ª I bring a report. At present, the flagship of a nation called the Russian Federation is under inspection by the crew of the warship Pima. The Russian Federation apologizes for violating Qua-Toyne''s airspace and is prepared for negotiations to establish diplomatic relations.
The councilors murmured in astonishment. None of them had ever heard of a country called the Russian Federation. One particularly agitated councilor stood, slamming his hand on the table:
¡ª An unknown nation violates our airspace and then expects forgiveness? Such audacity! How can we trust them?
But Nouka, accustomed to disputes, calmly replied:
¡ª What do you suggest? Declare war on them? ¡ª His words brought silence to the hall. ¡ª We lack the resources and allies to confront such a powerful force.
The Kingdom of Quila, our closest ally, is in dire straits, and Louria, having strengthened its fleet, threatens our trade routes. We have no choice but to negotiate with the Russian Federation.
Elder Kanata absorbed everything and slowly said, carefully weighing each word:
¡ª Very well. We will accept their apology. And we will invite their diplomats for negotiations.
As the meeting concluded, Kanata walked through the dark palace corridor, contemplating the looming changes. Russia, with its hovering ships and machines resembling Mu''s designs, had become an unfathomable enigma to all of Qua-Toyne.
The Principality of Qua-Toyne
Capital City of Qua-Toyne
Elder''s Embassy
Elder Kanata, clad in ceremonial robes, paced nervously across the spacious reception hall. Today, he was expecting important guests¡ªforeigners from a distant and enigmatic nation calling itself the Russian Federation. They were waiting in the adjacent room, and despite Kanata''s years of experience, he felt uneasy as he stared at the doors that concealed his future interlocutors.
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Everything about this situation deviated from Qua-Toyne''s usual diplomatic process. Typically, establishing diplomatic relations was a slow, multi-layered endeavor. The head of the foreign affairs order would first lead the talks, gathering crucial information and clarifying the visitors'' intentions. Only then would Kanata, as the chief ruler, step in to assess the potential benefits and risks of an alliance, signing agreements after lengthy deliberation. But now, with tensions mounting due to the aggressive Kingdom of Louria, everything had been accelerated.
The situation left them no choice but to act swiftly. Kanata knew that in the coming months, Qua-Toyne could not withstand Louria''s might alone, and an alliance with a powerful nation might be their only hope. Yet the Russian Federation... Where had it come from, and how could it wield such a formidable arsenal? Massive warships, which locals referred to as "floating palaces," and swift, highly advanced aircraft¡ªthese marvels both astonished and unnerved. Kanata struggled to maintain composure, but his concern was evident in his eyes.
His musings were interrupted by the sound of quiet but confident footsteps beyond the door. Two guards escorted three envoys from the Russian Federation into the reception hall. Kanata studied the newcomers¡ªat first glance, they seemed ordinary, but they exuded a calm, unshakable confidence. One of the men stepped forward and extended his hand. Kanata hesitated for a moment, then recognized the gesture and returned the handshake, as he had seen other foreign envoys do.
¡ª "I am Alexey Vladimirovich, authorized envoy of the Russian Federation," the lead diplomat introduced himself with a faint, almost imperceptible smile. "Thank you for granting us this meeting, and on behalf of our country, I wish to offer our sincerest apologies for the recent violation of your airspace."
Kanata gave a slight nod, responding measuredly:
¡ª "We appreciate your apology. Let us proceed."
Everyone took their seats around a long, intricately carved table, while Qua-Toyne''s officials observed with curiosity. The head of the foreign affairs order, Rinsui, opened the discussion:
¡ª "Pleased to meet you, gentlemen. Naturally, we are surprised by your sudden arrival but are open to dialogue. What is the purpose of your visit?"
Alexey signaled his aides, who laid out neatly printed brochures on the table. Each representative of the principality received a copy and began poring over the contents.
Flipping through several pages, Rinsui frowned and looked directly at the Russian envoy:
¡ª "Apologies, but we cannot read this text."
Alexey furrowed his brow briefly but quickly smiled:
¡ª "How unusual¡ We assumed that since you speak Russian, you could also read it. It seems this is not the case. Why our languages are so similar remains a mystery. However, if you permit, I will provide a verbal explanation."
Kanata and Rinsui exchanged swift glances, searching for meaning in this strange coincidence. Meanwhile, the Russian delegation waited calmly, exuding quiet dignity.
¡ª "We come from the Russian Federation," Alexey began. "Our country is located far to the north, approximately a thousand kilometers from your principality."
Rinsui frowned even more deeply:
¡ª "But to our knowledge, that direction holds no inhabited lands¡ªonly a few tiny islands, offering nothing but untamed wilderness. How could an entire nation exist there?"
Alexey gently shook his head, pausing to let his words sink in:
¡ª "I understand your skepticism, but our country recently appeared in this world. Due to circumstances not fully understood even by us, the Russian Federation was transported here from our home world, Earth."
The envoy''s words hung in the air. The councilors and Kanata exchanged bewildered glances, struggling to grasp the gravity of the statement. Rinsui, his voice tinged with disbelief, asked:
¡ª "That sounds incredible¡ What kind of magic could transport such vast territories?"
¡ª "That is precisely the challenge," Alexey replied. "We do not know the exact causes. Nevertheless, we are here and seek peaceful coexistence. We understand that this information may seem absurd, but should you wish, we would gladly host a delegation of yours to witness everything firsthand."
Kanata once again surveyed his advisors, who were clearly perplexed but also recognized the opportunity to forge an alliance with this newfound great power. Setting aside his doubts, Kanata resolved to act decisively:
¡ª "If that is the case, I am willing to consider the possibility. Envoy, what does your nation seek in cooperation with our principality?"
Alexey, noting the elder''s determined tone, moved on to the core of the discussion:
¡ª "We require resources: fertile soil, food supplies, natural minerals, and information about your world. In exchange, we offer exclusive goods and technologies that could greatly enrich your principality."
The elder pondered the unexpected proposal. Blessed by the goddess of agriculture, Qua-Toyne could afford to allocate part of its harvest and resources in exchange for protection from Louria. Rinsui, sensing Kanata''s train of thought, turned to the envoy:
"Considering your offers, we are prepared to send a delegation to your nation to verify your claims."
The Russian delegation finally allowed themselves a relieved smile.
¡ª "We would be honored to host your people at any time that suits you," Alexey said, rising from his seat.
Kanata nodded, concluding the meeting:
¡ª "Very well, Rinsui, prepare the delegation. I appoint you as the mission''s leader. Bring back the necessary information and insights about the Russian Federation."
The decision was made. Qua-Toyne, driven by its desire to safeguard its people, would send an envoy to the uncharted Russian Federation, ready to take the first step toward a powerful new alliance.
Chapter 4. Diplomatic Relations between Qua-Toyne and the RF. Part 1.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Principality of Qua-Toyne.
Today, the ministry was buzzing like a beehive¡ªthe atmosphere was tense, and it seemed that even the air vibrated with the hustle and bustle. Employees scurried from room to room, hastily tossing stacks of papers to each other. Important documents moved from one hand to another, until they were carefully checked and sorted into different folders. The task was to gather documents for a special diplomatic mission¡ªa delegation heading to the mysterious Russian Federation.
Qua-Toyne, although a small state, was accustomed to resolving foreign policy issues with its neighbors independently. But something about the recent rumors of a new country¡ªhuge and transferred entirely to this world, as the astonished tales said¡ªfilled them with trepidation and curiosity.
¡ª"Yago!"¡ª a gloating call came from one of the colleagues, nodding to the young diplomat. ¡ª "They say you''re going to the Russian Federation? Ha! I wish I were in your place¡ªa rare stroke of luck, you know!"
Yago smiled but did not answer immediately, pondering the colleague''s words. Of course, such trips were rare, especially to countries about which one heard only from rare reports or in folk tales.
Who could have thought that some mythical continent, as if woven from legends, would turn out to be a reality? Here, in a world where countries arose and disappeared like mushrooms after rain, unexpected events seemed commonplace. But the fact that an entire continent had been transferred here was unprecedented.
Behind these thoughts lay a considerable risk. Too many states, enriched by new territories and resources, were taking the path of conquest and fierce competition. Too many were being torn into small, scattered pieces, clashing in brutal struggles. Against this backdrop of an already unstable world, the Principality of Qua-Toyne had to think hard about its future, if it had a chance to establish contact with a possible new ally.
"I wonder what awaits us there?" Yago thought, walking to his office. He closed the door behind him, sat down at a massive wooden desk, and began to leaf through the newly delivered documents. Among them was a fresh briefing with reports from the manacom¡ª(a magical communication device). The descriptions were striking: a ship comparable to a palace, flying machines rising higher than wyverns could ever fly¡ Ancient magical bestiaries still considered wyverns to be the undisputed kings of the sky.
¡ª"Dear delegates, do not dare to underestimate the power of Russia. Behave with restraint and show respect, no matter what wonders you encounter,"¡ª read a note in the document. Yago chuckled: the authors had clearly tried to express their anxiety using the most polite words.
He leaned back in his chair thoughtfully, contemplating his assignment. Images of wyverns filled his imagination. The winged creatures, on which the Qua-Toyne military placed so much hope, were able to fly at speeds of up to two hundred and thirty kilometers per hour, leaving cavalry forces far behind. Possessing incredible power, they could attack the enemy from such heights that archers'' arrows would never reach them. Their flames turned entire regiments to ashes, and even steel armor could not withstand their monstrous power.
However, Russia, it seemed, possessed something else, something far more advanced. And the machines, which the scouts described as leaving wyverns far behind, flew at unimaginable heights, where no living winged creature could reach. For a moment, Yago had the thought of how he could inscribe his name in the history of Qua-Toyne if he managed to establish ties with this mysterious country.
Yago''s thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door.
¡ª The meeting is soon, ¡ª said the attach¨¦, looking into the office. Yago got up and headed for the exit.
The meeting began a few minutes later in a closed hall of the ministry, in the center of which stood a huge round table made of dark wood. At this meeting, everything was decided: goals, objectives, precautionary measures. The leadership decided that sending an embassy to Russia was not just a diplomatic act but a matter of national importance.
The mission consisted of five people. Four were representatives of the foreign affairs department, and the fifth was General Hanki, an officer of the military affairs department, an experienced military leader who had headed such delegations more than once. Elder Kanata, the gray-haired but insightful Minister of Foreign Affairs, began the meeting, his voice sounding firm and confident:
¡ª Your first goal, ¡ª he said, turning his gaze from one face to another, ¡ª is to assess the military capabilities of the Russian Federation. We need to understand whether it poses a danger to us. Their "iron dragon" slipped through the airspace of the principality like a child, deceiving the sixth squadron of the Knights of the Order of Dragons. If their true intentions are to become a hegemon or to spread discrimination like the Kingdom of Louria, we must know this before any agreement is concluded.
Each listener nodded in agreement, a sense of serious responsibility hanging in the air.
¡ª Your second goal, ¡ª Kanata continued, ¡ª is to study their strengths and weaknesses. Perhaps Russia surpasses us in technology and even weaponry, but our strength lies in something else. Find out how we can be useful to them. They want to have diplomatic relations with us, but this is no reason to lose our heads before their military might.
The faces of the diplomats briefly reflected bewilderment and slight anxiety when they paid attention to the details. One of them raised an eyebrow and asked a question that seemed to hang in the air.
¡ª Excuse me¡ ¡ª he began, ¡ª but their country¡ an entire continent¡ was it transferred?
All eyes in the room turned to Kanata. He nodded affirmatively.
¡ª That is correct. We do not know if their words are true, but we cannot risk doubting them.
Yago stared at the documents with a slight tremor of excitement. If they met the delegates of a great country, his name would surely go down in history. He felt that the future of their people rested on his shoulders.
¡ª Russia will provide you with a ship for the journey, ¡ª Kanata concluded. ¡ª Get ready, departure is in a week. Your final destination is Moscow, but first you will spend a night in Sevastopol. There, you will be introduced to Russian customs and etiquette in order to avoid awkward situations.
The diplomats exchanged glances. Each new word from Kanata''s mouth sounded like a riddle. A high-speed train that would move them a thousand kilometers in a matter of hours, metal chariots that moved on their own¡ It seemed to them that this entire country was so unimaginable that all previous ideas about the world had lost their value.
Yago again felt a tremor mixed with anxiety. "Is this new state really so great and powerful?"
With these thoughts, he stood up, preparing for a trip that would determine the future of Qua-Toyne.
A week later.
Port-Maihark.
The morning sun shone over the city, illuminating the bustling port. On the streets, near the embassy of the Foreign Affairs Department, the delegation of Qua-Toyne had gathered¡ªcarefully selected, as they were about to meet with representatives of the Russian Federation, a mysterious state that had recently appeared.
When the delegates arrived at the assembly point, a man in a strict black suit and sunglasses approached them. Putting on his glasses, he looked at each of them with a welcoming smile and, bowing slightly, introduced himself:
¡ª Hello. I am Dmitry, a representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. I will be accompanying you throughout your visit. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask.
In response, the delegates bowed in unison, but mixed emotions could be read on the faces of some of them. Some hid a wave of excitement, while others, like General Hanki, on the contrary, looked slightly gloomy.
¡ª Hanki, you look downcast, ¡ª Yago noted, looking intently at the general''s face. ¡ª Is everything alright?
Hanki sighed, looking at the sea that glittered in the sun.
¡ª Ah, Yago¡ ¡ª he said wearily. ¡ª Just call me by my name. I''ve been transferred to the Department, so I don''t have a rank anymore, at least in official matters. ¡ª He cast another glance at the horizon, where sails were barely visible. ¡ª I just can''t shake the thought that I''ll have to sail on a ship again. Sea voyages¡ It''s always the same: endless waves, unbearable dampness, limited supplies of water and food. Yes, of course, two days is not that long, but we all know how those hours drag on.
Yago nodded, remembering his own experiences from previous trips: cramped cabins, dark corridors smelling of moisture, an endless feeling of confinement and waiting for a storm. His face also darkened as he imagined himself battling nausea in the middle of the vast waters.
¡ª I understand, Hanki, ¡ª he supported his interlocutor. ¡ª But they say our crossing will be quite different. They promised us comfort and speed, so perhaps it won''t be so bad. The Russians themselves said we''d get there in two days.
¡ª Two days? ¡ª Hanki raised an eyebrow skeptically. ¡ª That contradicts everything we know about the sea. Unless, ¡ª he added thoughtfully, ¡ª if their ship is indeed as fast as those metal dragons they described in the reports.
Dmitry''s smart watch emitted a soft sound, indicating the arrival of the ship. He gestured for the delegates to follow him to the pier. There, beyond the island, a ship appeared from the horizon, huge and gleaming in the sun.
¡ª Gentlemen, ¡ª Dmitry said proudly, pointing to the ship that was gradually approaching, ¡ª this is our transport. Your ship to Russia.
The delegation froze, stunned by the sight. The vessel was indeed huge, its hull shone with whiteness, and¡ªwhat surprised everyone especially¡ªit moved without a single sail.
¡ª Wh¡ What is that?! ¡ª someone from the delegation finally stammered.
¡ª How is that possible? Without sails¡ and such a size! ¡ª Yago whispered in shock, not taking his eyes off the approaching giant.
Dmitry, noticing their astonishment, smiled slightly.
¡ª This ship is designed to travel by sea, covering long distances at high speed. We would have had to stop right in the harbor, but the ship''s draft is too great. Therefore, small boats will arrive for us now.
A few moments later, three boats appeared from behind the cruise liner, as if emerging from the water. Their compact, sleek hulls swiftly approached the port, leaving behind crystal sprays.
Hanki raised his head and asked Dmitry:
¡ª These ships¡ How do they move without sails? ¡ª He tried to recall something similar, but to no avail.
Dmitry, squinting, replied:
¡ª They have a diesel engine installed in them, ¡ª he said, trying to explain more clearly. ¡ª It''s a system that burns fuel to produce force, turning a propeller. That''s how we get movement.
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¡ª Hmm¡ a diesel engine, ¡ª Yago muttered, bewilderedly trying to imagine such a machine.
¡ª They remind me of magical boats from the civilized lands¡ ¡ª Yago said in surprise
¡ª I don''t know what kind of boats you are talking about ¡ª Dmitry said with a smile.
When the boats docked, the delegation quickly boarded them with all their luggage. They rapidly crossed the water, and soon they were on the deck of the huge liner.
As soon as the delegates stepped inside, they fell silent. The ship''s interior surprised them even more. High ceilings, snow-white corridors, and halls lit by bright light looked more like a palace than a sea vessel.
The delegates'' thoughts froze on the same thing:
"How can a ship made of iron stay afloat? And how was it possible to light this space without windows or fire?¡ Is this magic?.."
Amazed, they exchanged glances. Dmitry, noticing their astonishment, chuckled and suggested they follow him. Many more discoveries awaited them ahead, and the journey to the mysterious Russian Federation was only just beginning.
From Yago''s diary.
"In my life, I have never seen such a majestic vessel. The Russian representatives call it a ''liner.'' Inside this giant, a constant temperature is maintained, which in itself is amazing¡ªeven in the hottest weather it is pleasantly cool here, and on a cold night, cozy warmth warms you. The ship glides on the waves so quickly and smoothly that it seems as if it is flying, like a swift wyvern, outstripping the wind itself. Is the Russian Federation really capable of creating such engineering wonders? We have heard rumors that their society is based on scientific knowledge. However, in this world, everything is subject to magical forces, and even the scientific civilization of Mu relies to some extent on magic. It is not they who are barbarians to us, but we to them. If they are capable of building something like this, then perhaps their power rivals the strongest powers of the Civilized Lands¡"
Hanki could not sleep. The silence of the night seemed deep, and the moonless ocean seemed to pull his thoughts along with it. Deciding to take a walk, he headed for the deck. A quiet, undisturbed silence reigned here, and only the lights of the liner shone around, illuminating small spaces. Soon he came across a cozy lounge area with soft armchairs and tables, where several members of the delegation were already enjoying their rest. They noticed him and, waving their hands, invited him to join them.
¡ª Hanki, can''t you sleep? ¡ª one of the comrades asked, leaning back in an armchair and sipping some drink.
¡ª Yes, I still can''t get used to this place. ¡ª Hanki looked around, as if trying to comprehend the reality of what was happening. ¡ª And you, it seems, have already settled in?
¡ª We had a tour of the liner, and now we decided to finish it with something like a "get-together," ¡ª the interlocutor smiled, offering a glass of sparkling drink. ¡ª Try it, it''s called a "cocktail." They are amazing.
Looking closer, Hanki noticed something that looked like a miniature oasis on the deck: a small swimming pool glistened beside them, and lounge chairs and tables were set around it. With some trepidation, he accepted the glass in which the drink was playing with colors, and sat down on one of the lounge chairs. He took a sip of the drink and was surprised by the refreshing taste that filled his mouth and awakened new sensations.
¡ª A huge ship that moves without sails or oars, ¡ª Hanki muttered thoughtfully, looking at the pool water where glowing lights were reflected. ¡ª And this "cocktail"¡ Amazing.
Another sip, and a rare relaxed smile appeared on his face. The pleasant coolness of the drink mixed with the warm night air, making this night on the liner almost unreal. Hanki leaned back in his lounge chair and felt the constant anxiety being replaced by an amazing sense of peace.
¡ª How wonderful¡
Two days later.
¡ª Sevastopol can already be seen, ¡ª Dmity''s voice sounded calm but with a hint of pride. ¡ª Sevastopol is the largest city in Crimea. ¡ª Dmitry gestured forward, where the outlines of the shore appeared on the horizon. ¡ª Sevastopol''s marine commercial port is right there. A motorcade is already waiting for us. It will take you to the Sevastopol Hotel, where your temporary accommodation will be.
The members of the Qua-Toyne delegation gazed into the distance with interest. The city looked like a living painting: rows of colorful buildings, winding roads, and tiny figures of people bustling along the shore¡ªall of this seemed completely new and amazing. Even the familiar sound of the sea took on a different hue, as if the waves were whispering something special, unfamiliar.
Arriving at the pier, the delegates settled into comfortable black jeeps. During the ride, Dmitry explained the features of this transportation, but what amazed the guests most was the huge number of cars on the streets.
¡ª Dmitry, do you really have so many of these¡ machines? ¡ª one of the delegates asked, looking at the streams of cars around them.
¡ª Yes, most families in the Russian Federation have at least one car, ¡ª Dmitry replied, smiling slightly. ¡ª Even a worker can afford a middle-class car. Our standard of living allows it.
The delegation just exchanged glances, not hiding their surprise. To say that this level of prosperity amazed them was an understatement.
When they arrived at the hotel, Dmitry pointed to the cozy armchairs in the lobby.
¡ª Please, have a seat, and I will take care of your registration, ¡ª he said and headed for the counter.
Only a few minutes passed, and Dmitry approached them again. In his hands, he held small boxes.
¡ª Friends, sorry for the wait. Here, take this for the duration of your stay in the Russian Federation.
¡ª What is this? ¡ª Hanki asked, carefully examining the contents of the box.
¡ª These are watches, devices for measuring time, ¡ª Dmitry explained. ¡ª We''ve recently come up with yjdst models.
¡ª Thank you very much, ¡ª Hanki said, accepting the gift with undisguised interest.
¡ª You''re welcome, use them in good health. You will be taken to your rooms soon, and then there will be a short introduction to the basics of our technologies and culture. Tomorrow, the Victory Parade will be held, so some of the roads will be closed.
¡ª I''m sorry, but what does "Victory Parade" mean? ¡ª Hanki asked with slight bewilderment.
¡ª It''s a grand event, ¡ª Dmitry replied, adjusting his watch slightly. ¡ª A holiday dedicated to the victory of the Soviet Union, a former huge power that united many peoples, over Nazi Germany. May 9th is the day when the war that took millions of lives ended. It is a symbol of our resilience and victory over fascism. The parade is a demonstration of military power, achievements, and memory of those who gave their lives for freedom. Due to recent events, the parade was postponed, but now, finally, it will take place.
¡ª Hmm¡ curious, ¡ª Hanki thoughtfully rubbed his chin and smiled slightly. ¡ª I would be interested in seeing it.
¡ª Great, wait just a couple of minutes. ¡ª Dmitry took out a small black tablet with a five-pointed star on the back, resembling a manacom, and began to speak quietly, as if talking to someone. The delegation, observing him, exchanged glances¡ªsuch a tiny communication device was unusual for them.
Finishing, Dmitry, clearing his throat, addressed the delegates again:
¡ª Everything has been arranged. You will be accompanied to your places, and later there will be a tour.
The faces of the delegation brightened. A military man like Hanki was especially interested in seeing the military forces of the Russian Federation.
¡ª I wouldn''t refuse either, ¡ª Yago supported him, raising his hand and smiling.
The last three members of the delegation expressed a desire to explore the city, immerse themselves in its streets, and experience the life of this mysterious and high-tech place.
The next day. Sevastopol.
The ceremonial square was full of people: spectators, military personnel from all over Russia. The Victory Parade was in full swing, and the mood of the crowd, despite the gloomy sky, was inspiring. To the sound of fanfares and the roar of the crowd, Yago and Hanki sat on soft chairs under an awning, protecting themselves from the light rain, while Dmitry patiently stayed nearby, explaining the details.
They waited with trepidation and undisguised curiosity¡ªthis parade was a unique opportunity to see what the Russian Federation was capable of.
¡ª Attention! ¡ª the announcer''s voice cut through the noise of the crowd. ¡ª In the sky above us is the fifth-generation multi-role fighter Su-57, developing a speed of nine hundred kilometers per hour!
Hanki''s eyes widened, and he almost cried out in surprise, but he restrained himself, only exclaiming:
¡ª What?! Nine hundred kilometers per hour?! Dmitry, that''s incredible! ¡ª his voice betrayed him, faltering at the end of the sentence.
Dmitry, with a barely noticeable smile, nodded calmly.
¡ª No, you didn''t mishear, Hanki. Exactly nine hundred.
High in the sky, at first a barely visible dot, the Su-57 approached swiftly and silently. When it cut through the sky above the heads of the spectators, a powerful, rolling sound rang out, as if a giant fabric was being torn to pieces right in the air. From such an unexpected roar, many of the guests leaned back, holding their breath.
¡ª Incredible¡ ¡ª Hanki whispered, as if enchanted. ¡ª Is this the very "dragon" that flew over Maihark?
Dmitry answered, remaining unperturbed:
¡ª No, that plane was a scout, designed to collect information. And this Su-57 is a fighter designed for aerial combat, and its main goal is to destroy the enemy in the air.
The Su-57 completed its flight over the square, scattering in the heavens with a rumble. Its swift passage caused a slight tremor and fear among the spectators. The crowd burst into applause, which echoed off the walls of the square.
At that moment, Dmitry began to explain the mechanics of the fighter''s flight, talking about the technology that allowed the Su-57 to achieve such speeds, maneuver with unprecedented precision, and disappear before the eyes of the enemy. He explained how pilots underwent rigorous training to control such a complex machine. Yago listened with an air of deep concentration, and Hanki, completely stunned, stared at the sky, as if trying to comprehend what he had just seen.
Troubling images flashed through his head. He imagined these formidable fighters passing over his country, destroying their wyverns like insignificant insects. And all this without any threat to themselves¡
He muttered in a trembling voice:
¡ª These fighters can fly over our heads, destroying our wyverns like it''s a children''s game¡
Yago and Hanki encountered a state that turned out to be much more developed, powerful, and mysterious than they could have imagined. This event left a deep mark on their souls.
That same day.
From Hanki''s personal diary.
"I am more and more convinced that aggressive actions against the Russian Federation are not just unreasonable, but dangerous. They have such forces in their arsenal that cannot leave even the most seasoned military leader indifferent. Their heavy combat vehicles, which they call tanks and armored personnel carriers, are simply monsters on wheels. And what about their artillery? I don''t even want to go into the details¡ªjust the memory of what I saw has left an indelible impression on me. If their combat metal dragon, the same "Tu-160," had flown over Maihark, with its destructive power, we wouldn''t even have blinked before our city was engulfed in flames. For them, it would just be a matter of a few minutes. Let''s just say that their so-called ''invasion'' would be nothing more than a reconnaissance raid, after which the ground beneath our feet would simply be burned. This is truly a terrible power, and we need to be on the side of peace with them. We must try to establish friendly relations with the Russian Federation, not try to destroy them. There is nothing more dangerous than making enemies of such a powerful nation. And if they are willing to show us respect, we cannot afford to show hostility or miss the chance for peace. After all, they are not like those states in the Civilized Lands. We cannot afford to repeat old mistakes¡ªnot in this situation. Despite everything, we must be wise and cautious. Hostility and aggression in our world can cost us much more than it seems at first glance. Russia is not an enemy to be in conflict with. I am sure that our future depends on how competently we approach this issue."
Sevastopol Hotel.
Deluxe Suite.
¡ª Yago¡ how about we switch to "you" for now? ¡ª Hanki asked, pondering for a moment.
¡ª Let''s, what happened? ¡ª Yago replied, slightly surprised by his question.
¡ª What do you think about the Russian Federation? ¡ª Hanki said, examining the details of the luxurious room.
Yago did not answer immediately, thinking, and only after a few seconds he spoke:
¡ª If I had to express it in one word, I would say "abundance." Here, in the hotel, there is comfort and convenience everywhere. The temperature is maintained the same everywhere¡ªnot only in the room but even in the hallway and the corridor. And that''s not to mention the system that allows you to regulate the hot water supply directly from the tap¡ªjust turn it on and that''s it. Everything here is thought out to the smallest detail, everything is within walking distance. Want to eat? A simple vending machine, you press a button, and there''s your hot food. Yes, they can even bring food right to your door. The streets are lit up as if the light never disappears. Public order is at the highest level, and it irritates me, because everything here is so perfect that you involuntarily feel somehow inferior. I admit, they are beating us on all fronts.
Yago fell silent, his face paling. In his eyes, fear flashed, as if he had felt the weight of his own helplessness. Several minutes passed before he continued:
¡ª And their Victory Parade¡ It struck us not only with the incredible unity of the people, but also with its hidden power. We saw their fighters flying in the sky, and metal chariots moving on the ground, and many other amazing machines, the names of which I don''t even remember. I was especially impressed by the tanks and howitzers. Yago, remembering this, said that this moment still fills him with horror. Honestly, I don''t even want to think about the possibility of them becoming our enemies. With such potential and such power¡ I cannot imagine how we would fight them.
¡ª We think the same way. They absolutely surpass us militarily, ¡ª Hanki agreed, his gaze becoming resolute. ¡ª All our tactics and strategies for conducting combat operations in such a clash are simply useless. You''re right. We don''t even imagine what we''re going to face. Tomorrow we are going to their capital. Russia¡ this country is extremely harmful to my heart, but I can''t deny their strength.
¡ª You are right, ¡ª Yago said, ¡ª such a country, and it turned out to be right next to us, in our region, with such technologies that are far ahead of anything in the Civilized Lands. We are the first ones they have contacted. If they have no ambitions to conquer the world, if their plan is not hegemony, then it will certainly be a blessing for us. But¡ who knows what their real goals are?
Yago said all this with a note of anxiety in his voice, although he remained outwardly calm. He understood that tomorrow could be a turning point.
Hanki was silent, his thoughts revolving around these words. After a long silence, he replied:
¡ª We are probably thinking too much about it. Either way, everything will be clear tomorrow. But for now, let''s sleep. We need to be ready for what awaits us.
Yago nodded, and both of them, despite all the worries and anxieties, went to sleep, but their minds remained alert, not giving them rest even in their dreams.