〈 Korea Central Intelligence Agency (KCIA) Headquarters, Naegok-dong South Korea - 4th week October 2020 U.C.E 10:06 AM 〉

 

Beyond the DMZ up north that once stood their number one adversary and only inland neighboring country, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. This country ceased to exist after Heaven’s Fall event as most of the northern peninsula is reduced to a wasteland difficult to revitalize an already dying nation where it once stood. Its remaining authoritarian communist government lacked a strong foundation and support led the majority of them to be temporarily sheltered by the Chinese government as refugees. While few were taken in within the border town of Vladivostok Russia.

The lucky ones managed to get accepted by the South Korean special program provided by the government which grants them South Korean citizenship as long as they agree to attend “re-educational programs”. South Korean intelligence have been working around the clock to ensure the safety and protection of mainland Korea especially after the transfer event South Korea was cut-off from its trust-worthy allies Japan, United States of America, Philippines, Australia and New Zealand. Imported goods and commodities are still flowing into the country normally if they ignore the increased shipping costs and logistics since the goods are being shipped from Southeast ASian countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.

The only remaining nearest ally was Taiwan, still the Taiwanese government was also having its own problems, especially the certain possibility that the Chinese navy might encroach on the small island nation in a possible future. Only then could they rely on United Earth’s central government to monitor the situation. 

“So it's been finalized?” the man said, wearing formal attire without a blazer. “Yes agent Hyun-Jun, the Americans are being relocated to Singapore…” his colleague said. After the transference event the logistics and upkeep for foreign troops being deployed in the Asian region became strained. The foreign nations had no choice but to cut the losses and reduce costs. With the declining presence of the US forces in the region, other foreign armies started to recall their troops back to their homeland countries with most of the already established bases returned to the South Korean government. This of course did not sit well with the South Korean government but the United States was still willing enough to provide a shared intelligence network albeit remotely and on a smaller scale.

The national security of the nation was now under a suggestible threat from its long-time neighboring rivals. “Any updates of our field agents?” Hyun-Jun asked. “PRC remains quiet while Russia is continuing its microchip trade with Taiwan.” Oddly enough the PRC navy and airforce should be unopposed to be randomly roaming near their borders. But maybe they hope that the UE central government is doing its best to gate-keep the Chinese from doing anything reckless during these uneasy times. Since the majority of Earth’s populace thought the Martian threat was successfully avoided but a few remained vigilant still. This included the KCIA and some liaisons from US and EU affiliates.

 

“As long as Russia remains neutral to this situation we won’t be expecting annoyance from Chinese forces.” Hyun-Jun's colleague commented about the topic. “Regarding that liaison last week…” Hyun-Jun asked. “Ah…I was in the dark but I think it was a classified meeting.” the man replied. “Hmmm…I’m going to reread the 1999 archives at a later time if that’s the case…”

 

The two men then return to continue to their usual duties after having a short discussion.

– – – 

〈 Shin-awara High School, Shinawara City, Japan - November 2020 U.C.E 11:58 AM 〉

 

It was now in the middle of the day, the school is currently on lunch break.

At the top floor of the main building the rooftop view of the school gives a good view of the cityscape, Inaho and his friends were just chilling around in this usual time. Inaho was busy reading through the international news and latest Kataphrakt improvements until his friend Okisuke shared his excitement of the new world discovery section. “Hey they said elves, dwarves or even dragons exist on the newly discovered land! Does this mean magic is real!?” Okisuke said.

“Hmm…if magic exists then it should be awhile now that at least some of us has some sort of capability to wield it at some point? But so far nothing extraordinary has happened so far.” Inaho commented. “Well maybe either magic is endemic to the natives of this world or we haven’t lived long enough to absorb some sort of power?” his friend Calm jumped into the topic. The idea of magic itself and creating something out of nothing is beyond science could explain. But at least scientific instruments and data can still be recorded such as temperature, physical properties or matter composition. They are still susceptible to the laws of nature such as deflection, resistance or the cause & effect. 

The group continued to leisurely chat for minutes. A while later the topics came into trivial questions and their current roles as being students whilst enlisted as reserve pilots in an event war broke out that all eligible people are required to take arms to defend the homeland.

“Man, I wish I could join the expedition groups, but they only allowed qualified personnel to board the carrier strike groups and escort fleets. We’re not even at college level yet they’re forcing us to conduct military drills and curriculums…” Okisuke complained. Ever since the aftermath of Heaven’s Fall event and the formation of the United Earth government all students at the early age of 15 are required by law to undergo military indoctrination and curriculums embedded.

This was a quick resolution to the catastrophic loss of Earth’s military force during Heaven’s Fall. Analysts predicted that Earth should be battle ready for the next Martian attack. But what they didn’t disclose is that Earth will be significantly outmatched against the Martian’s main fighting force called the Kataphrakts. A crude solution for this was to copy the Martian Kataphrakt system but with the lack of a powerful energy source they either use nuclear or enhanced lithium for the time being. The first few prototypes used nuclear energy which proved to be sufficient but dangerous if the nuclear compartment housing gets damaged enough it will leak some radiation which could be detrimental not only to the pilot but to the environment. The now latest models used the enhanced lithium batteries which allow the pilot to operate the system at least 12-24 hours depending on the workload before needing to recharge or swap batteries.

“I’ve heard rumors now that the Martians are gone, maybe we’ll be back to just regular highschool students?“ Nina randomly commented. “Hmm…that would be really nice since I keep having bad grades on piloting subjects..uughh…” said Inko.

“Speaking of Martians? I wonder what happened to our old world?” Nina asked at the corner while still sipping a juice box nonchalantly. “Who knows? They’ve probably colonized it at this point, but it's weird we still have all 7 continents intact. Maybe gods are real and they’re always watching…” Calm replied.

“Calm, what was your cousin’s designation at the Orbital Defense Forces?” Inaho randomly asks. Calm after hearing Inaho’s inquiry he thought for a bit trying to recollect his memories. Being enlisted to the Orbital Defense Forces meant your academics and combat performance were at least higher than average. Due to the expensive and complex environment of the ODF’s operations not anyone can be easily accepted or even be shipped into space. “If I remember her last role was a drone operator for the JSDF. So most likely she would be anywhere, maybe handling surveillance satellites or radar. I can still contact her through a private channel she managed to set up the last months in our home’s pc.”

“Then maybe you can request some of this data if possible…” Inaho replied while sending an SMS message to Calm’s phone showing a small list only possible with military grade observational satellites that are currently orbiting the new planet they’re in. “Oi oi are you trying to get us court-martialed? Are you sure these are legal to obtain?” Calm asked in a worried manner even though it was already public information that all of Earth’s landmasses were mysteriously transported through unknown means. Information regarding the outside world was still being withheld by the U.E. central government regarding topography, newly discovered continents and other geographical details.

“I’m sure your cousin will figure something out, it won’t be long before this information will be made public. Just do it discreetly and try not to arouse suspicion on the intelligence bureau.” Inaho calmly said without batting a hint of worry. “Alright, but you’ll owe me after this. ” Calm replied.

 

The group continued their chatter until the school bell rang ending lunchtime.

– – – 

〈 Vers Empire, Imperial Core City, Mars - Novem, Sol 25 Year Æ/Z020 〉

 

Skyscrapers can be seen towering as if it became a wondrous futuristic urban jungle. The artificial lights continued to shine non-stop however there was always the lingering darkness in every corner in this alien yet familiarly designed city. For starters there was no real sky beyond the highest height of its tallest building to begin with. The entire metropolis city was architecturally designed to form a spherical dome. Its borders are met with solid igneous naturally formed rock walls. Hinting that this grand city was situated in an underground settlement. If a person on Earth were to see this city it would be as if New York in the next millennium was built underground and that the atmosphere it gives will be always at nighttime.

Core city is the capital of the martian empire and its where its high-noble class of citizens reside. The Vers Empire is a constitutional monarchy but both the royalty and nobles share the same power to lead the empire. Non-first class citizens were barred from joining politics unless they were given a noble title through various means such being adopted, inaugurated by the king or sponsored via approvals by various nobles.

The main reason for gate-keeping common citizens to gain authority or power was the unlimited potential power of the Aldnoah Drive Reactor. A mysterious technology handed down by long lost ancestors where Mars was still a thriving planet. Think of the Aldnoah Drive’s the size of portable generators back on Earth. Reverse engineering the Aldnoah Drives proved nowhere useful as it is considered a lost technology. Reproduction seemed almost impossible but the empire was lucky enough to excavate various ruins underground. Though proven indestructible they were still limited in numbers. Not enough to distribute the same power to each citizen the empire decreed a special title of holders who called themselves Orbital Knights who can activate and wield the power of the Aldnoah Drive through the authority given by the royal family they act as proxies allowing the activation rights be recognized even if royal family member is not physical present.

Aldnoah Drives are the most superior sources of power making renewable resources such as the sun or a nuclear fission doesn’t even hold a candle to. These are god’s triple A batteries. The difference could be comparable to a flammable torch stick to an LED light but the LED has a forever lifespan and it shines brighter. This is the heart of Vers Empire civilization and war machine. But the Vers Empire has been on a continuous decline for eons.

 

If you had the power of infinite suns at the palm of your hands what would you do? 

 

Sitting at a long table, Count Crutheo has been quietly having his meal with his son. At the other end of the table the oldest Klancain was busy reading an article on his personal device. The solid part of the tablet shows striking resemblance to an iPod nano 2nd generation on Earth as the entire 16:9 ratio of the screen is being projected effortlessly like a handheld tablet. 

“Father, you should've joined the 3rd expeditionary force months ago, that way our family could have a rich history of being pioneers in the new world!” 

 

“Hmph, nonsense. I pledge our family’s allegiance to his highness Rayregalia Vers Rayvers. Unless his highness wills it, that’s the only time we act.” his father replied uninterested in the current conquest of Earth. 

 

“Hah, anyways what do you think of Terran's father?” Klancain casually asked.

 

“Hmm…I’m sure you’ve read the aftermath of Operation Earthfall perhaps?” 

 

“Yes father, I was interested in how the Terrans managed to defeat the 1st group of Orbital Knights sent to Earth. I’ve read that they don’t have the power of Aldnoah on top of that there isn’t anything special at all.”

 

“We have the right to assume that they may be a force to consider given the bountiful resources on their planet. The 1st expeditionary force’s mistake was that they foolishly underestimated the enemy. I’ll give the Terrans performance a minor applause for bravery in facing the weapons of gods.”

Around 20 years ago the first prince Gilzeria Vers rose into power after Rayregalia Vers suffered an illness. With the last emperor of the Y-generation in the year Æ/Y999 unable to continue his duties, the first prince took over with full inaugurations. Not long after he took advantage of the people’s jealousy of Earth’s bountiful resources and culture. Gilzeria instigated the majority of the Orbital Knights into a frenzy and sent them against Earth. Thus Operation Earthfall happened with all of the Earth’s government and military caught off-guard; a 7-day of continuous fighting happened on 3 major land sites. But what the Martians didn’t expect was the stubborn resistance and ingenuity of Terran soldiers. 

The Terrans went as far as sending unending waves of land and aerial forces, preventing the landing zones to be secured in time for the imperial army forces to make their descent. The Orbital Knight’s Kataphracts struggled to maintain the perimeter but as soon as the Terran offensive waves began to subside the hypergate on the moon unexpectedly ran out of control and exploded causing a space distortion and heavy rainfall of celestial debris from the moon, this catastrophic event was called by both sides “Heaven's Fall”. The Imperial armies on low Earth orbit were either annihilated or routed. Meanwhile Earth’s surface was also not spared from the bombardment of the celestial rubble; the entire operation was deemed a massive failure. The 1st expeditionary force of the Vers Empire had to be withdrawn from Earth’s orbit. As for the forward moon base where the hypergate was located it was fully assumed to be deemed lost as 40% of the moon’s surface suffered catastrophic disintegration, like a frail biscuit bitten off. Emperor Gilzeria, who was near the hypergate at that time, was considered dead when the blast occurred. Shards and rubble now formed a natural ring on Earth’s low orbit making it difficult to conduct atmospheric entry. The Orbital Knights and the Imperial armed forces had to draft again their plans for any future Earth missions. The previous emperor for a time being was reinstated and now tasked in handling public unrest and damage control. 

“The 1st expeditionary force was annihilated and only a handful of survivors returned. Meanwhile the 2nd expeditionary force sent in a different direction was having communication problems. You may be right about looking up to the new worlds at distant stars as a means to fix not only our declining family’s prestige but our empire’s problem but still we’ve barely made any fruitful progress on this system…”

“Indeed, our empire’s space exploration is still in its early stages but still I’ve heard rumors that her highness Princess Asseylum Vers Allusia will be joining the 4th expeditionary force as an ambassador to handle negotiations with the Terrans.” Klancain said while showing an article about the planned 4th expeditionary force drafting announcement.

“Hoh? If such rumors are true, then this would probably be one of the reasons I would be summoned to his majesty’s private audience chambers tomorrow…”

 

“Then can I join you tomorrow father?”

 

“No” count Crutheo immediately replied with a sharp tone. “You’re still young and inexperienced, you haven’t received your Aldnoah activation privileges yet. It would be dangerous for you alone to leave our empire’s sanctuary without power and protection. If in an event I would be sent away under his majesty’s orders you are to immediately report to his majesty in my position. And finally you should look after your little brother who can even barely hold the family’s ceremonial sword.”

“Haaah *he sighed* I understand father, but what about our family heirloom? Can I at least inherit it while you’re away indefinitely?”

“No, the Tharsis is to remain at my side until I depart from this mortal world” the count has said this statement many times. But his optimistic son keeps on eyeing on the uniquely prized Kataphrakt. The Tharsis is a unique Aldnoah Drive powered Kataphrakt handed down by many generations of the family. Unlike other Kataphrakts who only require the Aldnoah activation rights bestowed by the current reigning emperor, the Tharsis has a second requirement where it only grants its mysterious power to its discrete choosing in unknown means or qualifications. Many of its previous holders recorded its unusual selection process but one thing has been consistent is that its previous owners showed strong wariness against other people and events. For example, Klancain’s father showed no interest in joining prince’s Gilzeria’s aggressive faction ideals and only remained loyal to the last emperor of the generation Æ/Y Emperor Rayregalia. This resulted in their family in a neutral position, completely avoiding mandatory drafting through special exceptions such as homeland defense. While those who suspectedly opposed the prince were the unfortunate Imperial armies that got annihilated during Heaven’s Fall event. Klancain already suspected the Tharsis has some kind of foresight power but strangely enough his father does not fully utilize its ability to make gains for the family’s name. The Tharsis remains the most mysterious Kataphrakt in the empire.

 

〈 An hour passed… 〉

After dinner was concluded, Count Crutheo went back to his personal office. He turned on his desk to be greeted by stacks of holographic screens surrounding the room. Something comparable to a researcher on Earth surrounded by mountains of books and stacks of paper files. Except the holo screens were all consistently aimed at the count’s eye field of view thanks to the advanced eye tracking technology developed through scientific study and conceptualization only made possible through the help of the infinite power source of the Aldnoah Drive reactor. The Aldnoah Drive is capable of granting extraordinary powers in contrast to alleged magic in fictional stories, the power of the Aldnoah Drive is rumored to be from an ancient civilization that is capable of extreme sciences and most notably the fictional concept called arts-magic. In the long history of the empire no one has been able to conjure the concept of art-magic where matter can be made out of thin air seems impossible if explained by science alone. The most unfortunate about this artifact are the eons of records of Mars were forever gone due to multitudes of conflict way before the Vers Empire was founded or even rumored records can be traced back to when the Martian surface was still habitable.

“Hmph…despite our best efforts the empire’s civilization can only amount to this. Hidden in the vast underground network of settlements of a dying planet. Devoid of culture and life where only the darkness surrounds us where no heavens can be admired.”

All of the existing Martian cities in the current generation are all situated deep underground due to the inhabitable surface caused by the weak magnetic field. Many eons of its long lost ancestral inhabitants ravage the surface through needless conflict and resources. Eventually even before the Vers Empire was founded, civilizations of Mars were already moved to underground levels. The empire's historians and record keepers until this day are left puzzled and riddled with questions. But thanks to the first prince’s aggressive expansionist ideology, multiple classified records held by the previous generations of the royal family showed possible hope for the empire's future. This is where long distance space travel was rediscovered. For quite some time, scientists of the empire struggled to combat what they called space travel disease where one's health rapidly continued to decline when traveling in more than a day beyond Mars's orbit. Based on the ancient records the main cause of the disease was the constant barrage and exposure towards the cosmic radiation intermittently decaying a person’s cells and DNA. Another discovery was that an alleged constructed hypergate capable of teleporting any entity was installed on a satellite celestial planet called Luna or what the Terrans call it the Moon. To make things interesting, on a random solstice just when the empire was in the middle of a major breakthrough of feasible space travel a group of unknown visitors appeared near Olympus Mons. They’ve introduced themselves as the inhabitants of the neighboring blue planet called Earth where the Luna satellite currently orbits it. Plans for surveying the blue planet were accelerated and diplomatic channels were eventually opened.

Suddenly the count felt a sharp headache. “Ackk…!!! What is it this time?” 

Count Crutheo then slightly laments upon remembering his deceased wife. “Elaine, if only they’ve arrived sooner…” The death of Countess Elaine was caused by a severe malfunction of the life support systems during a testing trial of the newly developed Landing Castle that is to be used for colonization missions. Bodies of the crew on board the prototype landing castle were never recovered as the entire station itself was too far when the accident happened. Leaving it to be lost adrift forever in space. Just a few hours later after the tragic test flight incident the arrival of Terrans appeared making the hypergate near Olympus Mons activated for a two way transport to Luna satellite.

However after half a year of diplomatic exchanges between Earth’s governments and Vers Empire’s newly formed foreign affairs drew no significant progress which resulted in the prince Gilzeria’s right-wing expansionists to take matters into their own hands. They’ve immediately convinced the prince to wage war and steer anger against the Terrans. Operation Earthfall, the first Interplanetary War for both civilizations made history. A thriving young blue planet against a ravaged ancient red planet. Both different sides of the same coin fighting for survival and superiority. 

 

“...”

 

Ever since months after Elaine’s death the count remained stoic and firm to his own beliefs that eventually the empire will once again be prosperous. But this optimistic thinking was influenced by the power of Tharsis. Not much can be deciphered on what the Tharsis is trying to tell him. All he knows is that the empire's future was directed towards the neighboring blue planet.

“Many times I wonder, just what can the Terrans do to help our advanced civilization? We wield almost the same power as the gods yet they stubbornly gate-keep us from its bountiful resources.”

“Was peace really needed? Hell we can just send the entire empire to Earth and brute force take over it if we had to! Any more continuous prospects here on this desolated red planet are a fool's errand!”

 

“I pray his majesty knows what he’s doing…”

– – – 

〈 Vers Empire, Imperial Citadel, Mars - Novem, Sol 26 Year Æ/Z020 〉

 

Inside the king’s private audience room an aged man was sitting on what appears to be a modest futuristic throne faint lights can be seen in a sequential motion as if the chair has RGB lights. But these lights were bright golden and not just any mere lights for decorations. These were the Aldnoah Drive’s luminance signifying the sole true holder of the Aldnoah activation rights. 

 

“That’ll be all your majesty…’ the servant said while bowing.

 

“Hmm…any further attempts to contact the Charon satellite ended up for nought…” It's been almost a year now since the last known contact of the 2nd expeditionary force although they were the smallest number sent out they were the longest explorers of the current generation. As they hoped the long distance space travel would become a reality it was later deemed dangerous and costly to maintain given the declining state of the empire. “I order the diversion of all resource efforts to future Earth missions. Effective immediately. ”

 

“It will be done your majesty…” the man bowed and left the chambers.

 

Not long after the chamber’s double doors opened. A young teenager who is somewhere around highschool level stepped in. Wearing the blue imperial colored uniform with white ceremonial gloves “Your majesty, Emperor Rayregalia of the Vers Empire. I am Slaine Troyard, son Dr. Troyard.”

Before the first Earth-Mars war there were researchers sent from Earth to study the civilization of the empire. Eventually when the Aldnoah Drive was introduced to the Terrans, Dr. Troyard became interested in its potential to solve Earth’s renewable energy crisis. Even though Earth has already made several methods to harvest renewable energy it was still far from being efficient. A single Aldnoah Drive Reactor could power a single country. Thanks to the current Earth’s technology and sciences it could theoretically enhance the Aldnoah Drive’s power to even greater heights than what the empire could hope to imagine in more future generations.

“So you are that son of that Terran researcher…I could see the resemblance. A half Terran and a half Martian. Tell me, what are your thoughts on the Terran and Ver Empire’s future relations?” the emperor asks straight away. Even though Slaine barely gets to thread waters on the latest political landscape of Mars and Earth he should still have stock knowledge from the journals of his father that was left to him.

“I have no recent information regarding Earth’s latest affairs but from what I can recall from my father’s experience. He said that the societies of Earth are splitted but all conform to an international institution called the United Nations. If the empire wishes to continue on diplomacy its best to start with countries that are interested in welcoming people from the empire. However, as I've heard public articles and rumors, the first interplanetary war will make diplomacy between nations difficult from now on. But I believe it's not impossible.”

“And what makes you convinced that Earth will open its diplomatic channels even after the irreparable damages done by the late first prince?”

“Based on my father’s history lessons, the nations of Earth have countlessly experienced and lived through many era’s of war and suffering. The Terrans believe the idea in preserving history is a must so that the future generations shall not repeat the mistakes the previous did. And finally they believed in the value of peaceful resolutions but they will not hesitate to defend their freedom if it comes down to it.”

“Hmm…I see…so there’s still a chance for two of our civilizations to co-exist…I heard you’re already acquainted with my granddaughter?”

“Yes your majesty, she likes to frequently ask about the wonders of Earth that can’t be found here on the empire’s settlements.”

“Then perhaps I’ll entrust you to be on Asseylum’s mission on all that needs to know about Earth. But until then keep close observations of the developing situation between our two worlds. For the sake of my granddaughter and our people I hereby declare your role as an assistant delegate advisor to the 1st princess of the Vers Empire!”

After hearing this Slaine felt the weight pressure of having received orders from the emperor himself. Let alone tending to the princess’s assistance on an important diplomatic mission to Earth.

“Thank you, your majesty, I'll assist the princess to the best of my abilities.” Slaine thanked the emperor as he bowed. He proceeds to excuse himself out of the king's chambers.

– – – 

〈 3rd Imperial Expeditionary Fleet, Low Earth Orbit - Novem, Sol 26 Year Æ/Z020 〉

 

Since the destruction of the hypergate on the moon made it difficult for the empire to travel between Mars and Earth, they had to deploy their landing castles as make-shift transportation systems. It takes approximately 7 months just to reach Earth but if it were using Earth’s powerful space shuttles. For the Vers Empire with the power of the Aldnoah Drive reactor it allowed the travel time to be halved.

The 3rd expeditionary fleet managed to arrive just outside of Earth’s Exosphere. The fleet was primed to receive any incoming attacks from the Terrans since arriving near the moon's orbit. However there were no ambushes nor activities detected ever since. But the empire's fleet remains on high alert. 

Originally the 3rd Imperial Expeditionary Fleet’s mission was to arrive at the moon and make contact with the Terrans who were assumed to have taken over the entire moon during the long 20 year silence. However this was not the case, so Baron Yacoym the 1st reconnaissance fleet commander was ordered to advance to Earth’s exosphere to conduct surveillance. 

 

“This is Chevalier 2-1 there are no suitable landing zones! I repeat! Landing zones are compromised!” 

 

“Baron Yacoym our other scouts also reported no suitable landing surfaces!” one of the comms operators said.

 

“Impossible, you’re telling me the Terrans managed to sink all of their land masses in 20 years!? They must be using some sort of illusion or stealth technology!”

 

“Sir! If I may suggest, they may be situated in underground levels much like our homeworld.” one of his advisors commented on the issue.

Baron Yacoym despite only having a title of a Baron he was still assigned to lead the first reconnaissance fleet. Yacoym knew the risks, but this should earn him enough merits to be assigned to a Kataphrakt unit.

 

“2-1 I order you to land and probe the surroundings…” Yacoym said in a straight face.

 

“S-sir? But we’ll crash and drown in the water! Not to mention there’s huge tidal waves per minute on every grid!” the pilot anxiously replied.

 

“Then how do you suggest we unearth the Terrans from their underground settlements when the entire planet is at deep ocean level!? We are not equipped to conduct submersible missions! Let alone to counter the huge waves towering each minute!”

The Martians employed every observational equipment they currently have only to meet demands for their efforts. The Earth itself has become a waterworld planet. To make matters worse they still haven’t detected any form of biological life on the planet. Which only made it more confusing for everyone on the fleet.

 

“Send word to the empire! The Earth is flooded and our forces canno-”

 

“Your grace! We’re receiving an unknown SOS signal from the moon!”

 

“What!? Did the supply ships get ambushed!?”

 

“N-no sir! It's not from our fleet. But rather it's an old emergency encrypted transmission.”

 

“Just what in Vers name is going on?”

– – – 

〈 Nova Terra, Low Orbit - November 1639 C.C / 2020 U.C.E 〉

 

The Terra-2 orbiting satellite was continuously surveying the Rodenius Continent to precisely replicate and pinpoint accurate geographic results back to the one of the European observatory stations inland.

 

“Hey Davis, that medieval army is moving. Send word to the foreign affairs.”

 

“Hold on, let me confirm, wait how- …what the fuck!? Just how many are there!?”

 

“Uhhh, probably a hundred thousand or more? Oh yeah I forgot, we’re supposed to watch both the Qua-Toynian border and Quilla Kingdom, so about double the amount I just said earlier…”

 

“I mean I’ve seen movies but is this how wars were conducted in the dark ages?”

 

“Ehhh not even close, remember this is not Earth, god knows what planet we’ve found ourselves. The Terra-2 lens has a downgraded lens and features. This satellite's funding got botched previously so we can only take static snapshots if we’re lucky.”

“I’m contacting our supervisor…”

“How about you contact your friends in the ODF. They have better equipment. I ain’t working overtime on this third-rate space spying debris with dilated lens.”

– – – 

〈 Nova Terra, ??? - November 939 Stellar Year 〉

 

A man wearing robes enters a gloomy alleyway. He took a sharp right and knocked on an unmarked wooden door.

 

“Are you Mr. Pegasi?” a deep voice said through the door.

 

“He rides a white stallion…” the man replied. After a few seconds of silence the door then opened welcoming the robed man in. The whole ordeal was a secret passphrase to conduct closed door transactions. Or in other words, secret dealings.

There were only three people in the inconspicuous normal looking room. The two acted as guards who were also wearing robes but beneath those rags were discernible weapons that resemble a sword. But one thing’s odd is that the hands of the guards were not primed on the sword’s grip and side but rather only one hand was trying to grip something at the opposite side of the guard’s hips that resembled something rectangular in shape.

The man in the middle who was wearing a traditional butler’s outfit handed out a wrapped letter to the visiting man. The robed man immediately opened the letter discreetly. The contents of the letter were short. After he finished reading he looked towards the butler that’s standing behind the counter.

“We won’t be operating in this region any longer. The regular army can easily take over in the future. We are much needed somewhere that we are to be wary of.”

“Understood, I’ll recall all of the operatives in this backwater country…” the robed man said as he pulled out a lighter and burned the letter.

 

⌈ burnt letter ⌋

“Rodenius Continental War imminent, the cards are to be placed in the Republic of Mu.”

- Glory to the Gra Valkas Empire

 

– – – 

〈 Nova Terra International News, November 1639 C.C 〉

• 1st Civilization ⌈ Breakthrough in skin care products ⌋
• 2nd Civilization ⌈ Republic of Mu the first country to introduce aerial battleships ⌋
• 3rd Civilization ⌈ Parpaldia Empire’s newly feared wyvern overlords species takes to the skies ⌋
• Outer Civilizations ⌈ Increase in stocks of rare monster materials in Grameus Continent ⌋

 

Warning spoilers!