In order to play videos, large installations are used in TV stations to record using big tapes, with massive equipment naturally required to perform playback.
Despite that, those on the side of the Gra Valkas Empire couldn’t wrap their heads at the fact that a video is recorded on a card-shaped device smaller than that of a baby’s hands and that the dramatically thin and slender TV has built-in playback capabilities. In the empire, VHS video tapes were still a technology of the distant future, so Cielia was astonished by the immensely small video-playback device.
On the other hand, the one sitting next to her, Dallas, is a man raised in the humanities, and so he didn’t seem to have noticed the disparity in technology.
The video begins to play.
“Hello there, people of the Gra Valkas Empire. I will now explain to you the country of Japan.”
As the narration began, so did the core of the video.
A beauty that felt so alien… The video had extremely fine resolution and vibrant coloring which felt far more advanced than those in the empire…
Japan’s natural world was the first to be given exposition. The nature of Japan, which was presented in the changing shades of colors as the four seasons came and went, was beautiful.
The video went on to show Japanese legends and mythologies, Japan’s origins, the two Mongol invasions, and then the Sengoku era/warring states period.
Eventually, the video changed from the colored pictures into the black-and-white pictures that they were used to. Excerpts of videos from the great war… the Second World War 70 years ago was shown.
“T…that’s impossible!! No way!!”
Dallas involuntarily lets out his thoughts. A battleship that strongly resembled the Grade Atlastar was shown on the video. Information that pertains to the supremacy of aircraft over the battleship was skillfully cut off as the video continues.
A plane that bore a striking semblance to the Antares fighter slips through a fierce curtain of anti-artillery gunfire that truly seemed like torrents of light and crashes into an aircraft carrier as it carries a bomb. An act of bringing down many enemies in exchange for one’s life. It was a truly desperate war. They couldn’t take their eyes off the footage of a war where an intensely tremendous determination could be felt.
And then the hopeless Battle of Okinawa…
Finally, the war was lost. The scenes which show the dropping of the atomic bombs were cut since they gave off a hint of their technology.
The empty and desolate metropolis of Tokyo was restored just within 30 years. 70 years after the end of the war, a super-futuristic megacity unfurled before their eyes; a sight that surpasses the skyline of the imperial capital Ragna.
High-quality cars crisscross the city in numbers that hopelessly dwarf those in the empire and there were high-speed trains that ran at unfathomable speeds of 300km/h. After the video had ended, Cielia was drenched in sweat.
Asada presses the Gra Valkas Empire diplomats for questions.
“As of the moment, the Gra Valkas Imperial Army is constructing a base roughly 30km west of the Mu border town of Alue. Am I right?
We know this through our technology. In order to prevent Alue, and by extension Mu, from being invaded, I would like to firmly impart to all of you the following: the country of Japan is prepared to genuinely go into war to protect Mu and its other allies.
I will say it again. Where you currently stand with your technology is a place we have already passed through 70 years ago. You, of all people, understand the implications of a 70-year disparity in technology. When the empire commences its invasion into Mu, it will be the beginning of the end of the Gra Valkas Empire.”
Cielia, who was knowledgeable in the field of technology to an extent, was at a loss for words. They still did not fully understand the entirety of Japan’s structure, national power, and capacity for continuous war. However, if the video was indeed real, then it is at least understandable that they are an adversary that will make it harder for the empire to achieve its goal of global conquest.
“Heh… Heheh… HAHAHAHAHA!!!”
Dallas started to laugh.
“…What’s so funny?”
“Hahahah… What nonsense!! This video is fake and such information can easily be manipulated!!!”
Dallas seems to have come to the conclusion that the video was deceptive.
“In reality, one of your cruisers was sunk in a single shot by our battleship’s main battery!”
“How many times do I have to say that that ship wasn’t a military vessel?”
“Hmph. It does seem that your video technology is remarkably advanced… On the off-chance that this video is indeed real, then wouldn’t your country have lost its fangs with your defeat in that war?
If it’s up to the empire, we will make it so. All your weapons and military tech will be taken away so that you could no longer stand up to us. In fact, it seems that you used to have a world-leading army, but now your constitution forbids the maintenance of a military force. With the prohibition of technology related to war, you couldn’t manufacture any weapons, and so the tech of the past became lost technologies and you remain unable to develop better tech.
It is certain that you have outclassed the empire in technologies such as videos. However, supposing that Japan is in possession of military tech that outclasses that of the empire’s, then no explanation would suffice as to why you did not participate in the battle at Baltica.
If your country is indeed powerful, then leading the World Union to victory should have made you popular with the other nations and weaken the empire in the process. However, this did not happen. If you are indeed powerful, then the actions of your country are illogical. Telling us not to attack Mu? Else, Japan will go into war?
You minor countries are sooo great… If you can actually do it, then stop us! Your actions up to this point only prove that your country is weak!”
Dallas asserts.
“Have you not imagined that we possess completely different sets of values? We truly love peace and coexist with one another diplomatically without resorting to conflict. Have you not thought of the existence of countries that prefer the means of coexistence? There also exist countries that, as much as possible, don’t want to use military force.
However, our country also has a responsibility to defend itself and its allies! The empire’s actions are a complete transgression against us! Our country will take defensive measures against those that don’t play by the rules.”
The meeting has reached an impasse. As both sides have diplomatic objectives they cannot afford to yield, they couldn’t agree to any single term. For a moment, there was silence…
Cielia, who was listening in the midst of it all, speaks up.
“Dallas, you have properly expressed the empire’s opinion and perspective. It is just as you had said. I will take charge from this point forward. Please back down.”
“Wha-?! While you are my boss, this is my responsibility!!! I have a responsibility granted to me by His Highness, Gralux, to fulfill my professional duties and help guide the empire!”
Dallas, who possessed a credulity for Gralux, objects against Cielia’s orders.
“I know, but it’s also your professional duty to listen to what your boss says. You could no longer bring any more to the table with just provocation, so please back down.”
“Grr!! U…understood.”
Ignoring Dallas’s fit, Cielia begins to speak.
“Supposing that the video technology you have shown us earlier is genuine and your country’s military tech outclasses that of the empire’s, what is it that you wish from us?”
“The extradition of the executioner and those responsible for the execution of the Coast Guard personnel, compensation towards the surviving kin of those personnel, and the complete withdrawal of the empire’s forces from the Second Civilization Area.”
“The empire has already begun settling down in the Second Civilization Area. There also seems to be other people who are interested in these settlements. Do you think that the empire will just simply accept those conditions?”
“…What I think is that whether or not you accept it doesn’t matter. My country’s will is just as I said earlier.”
Asada continues.
“I want you to think carefully. One of our particular tech surpasses that of the empire’s and I think all of you mutually recognize that. With that in mind, please consider the possibility that our military technology also far exceeds yours.
Please, please consider the damage an overwhelming disparity in technology could bring to your empire. If you get to know our country and then steer clear of war by your own volition, you would be saving yourselves. You should review the situation properly so as to not jump the gun on your own ruin.”
“…We will discuss sending up your terms to the military higher-ups.”
Afterwards, the meeting ended after reaching another impasse.
Cielia and Dallas’s reports were sent to the top management of the military deploying to the east.
However, even with reports saying that the enemy may indeed be strong, the emperor’s orders cannot be overturned, and so the preparations for the invasion pushed on. Many of the imperial soldiers simply laughed off the reports. However, on the consideration of the exceedingly small possibility that Japan is powerful and that they may participate in the conflict, the number of troops and scale of the base were increased and strengthened more than what was planned on the basis of “just as usual”, and so much more time was needed for the preparations.
While the number of enemy troops increased, Foreign Affairs managed to buy a certain amount of time and so has achieved some success in their efforts.
・・・
Imperial Audience, imperial capital Runepolis, Holy Mirishial Empire
In the midst of the bizarre atmosphere was Emperor Mirishial who couldn’t relax his stern face. Prostrated in front of him were 4 men.
The emperor’s anger was clear to them, and so their foreheads were drenched in sweat.
Under the name of the world’s strongest, they called on every nation and led the sallying of a great fleet from the Central World and the Second Civilization Area. Even though it was more than enough strength, under the orders of Emperor Mirishial, who wanted to be doubly sure, they sent out the aerial battleship Pal Chimera, a superweapon created by the ancient sorcerous empire. However, despite all of that, the battle ended in a draw with both sides receiving heavy casualties, and the strategic objective of expelling the Gra Valkas Empire ended in failure. Diplomatically, this result seriously undermines the empire’s national interests.
The men present were the Minister of National Defense, Agra, the Minister of State and Military, Schmill Pao, and the director of the Antiquities Department of Ancient Arms Analysis Tactical Operations of the Imperial Ministry of Countermeasures Against the Ancient Sorcerous Empire, Hirkane Parpe. Along with them was Meteos, who captained the Pal Chimera that directly confronted the Gra Valkas Empire.
They were all at a loss for words in front of the angry emperor.
“…Tell me your plans moving forward.”
The emperor puts his thoughts into words. Thoughts swirl around within the mind of Minister of National Defense, Agra.
He was thinking of concrete measures of reorganizing the military to destroy the Gra Valkas Empire and getting back the trust from the other countries that they had lost diplomatically. At this point in time, gaps created by the loss in men and ships have not been filled and the enemy’s weapons performance are still yet to be reviewed so they still have not yet decided on any concrete measures.
Still, he was in a position where he couldn’t afford to say “I don’t know”, so National Defense Minister Agra tried to squeeze out some words.
“For the time being, we will replenish our strength with the commissioning of a new class of magic battleships, strive for the quick training of troops to compensate for lost troops and other human resources, and then devote ourselves to the defense of the mainland until our strength has been assembled. As for the efficient allocation of our reserves…”
“What nonsense!!!”
The emperor’s roar reverberates throughout the imperial audience space. National Defense Minister Agra stiffened at the intensity of the emperor’s shout.
“The enemy’s strength needs to be reconsidered! It is already well understood that the current strength we have isn’t enough!! Filling in the gaps with a new battleship? Don’t just think within the scope of your jobs!! Why won’t you tell me something like how you will establish a system for the drastic mass production of ships?!
You are the leaders of this country!!! If the leaders of the country inquire too much about the complexion of the emperor’s face, it’s possible that they will hinder the proper management of the country!
Understand that you are in a position that guides the lives of the empire’s citizens as well as their future!!!”
The emperor’s voice rattled as it echoed throughout the room.
“…By the way, Agra, Japan has forwarded to us an interesting proposal. Do you know of them?”
“Japan… is a country founded on science and technology and doesn’t use any magic.”
“Yes… The same as the Gra Valkas Empire.”
Emperor Mirishial continues.
“The country of Japan has requested us to deploy a fleet to help them expel the Gra Valkas Empire from the Second Civilization Area.”
There was silence… They have heard that Japan has not only brought down the Parpaldia Empire, but they are also in possession of scientific technologies that are more advanced than what can be achieved in countries outside the civilized areas. However, as seen in the results of the battle at Cartalpas, other than their anti-air capabilities, they have nothing worthy of mention in a naval battle.
It is impossible for Japan to emerge victorious over the Gra Valkas Empire. It is a fight way beyond the scope of the uncivilized areas, the Third Civilization Area, and even for Mu, which can be considered the world’s second most powerful nation. Thinking of these things, Agra replies.
“…Currently, our strength has substantially been reduced and we are in the process of rebuilding it. Until the details of the enemy’s power can be established, I think we should postpone any large scale deployment of our forces.”
“Of course we won’t send out a large fleet. However, as the world’s strongest country, we cannot afford to stay mum.
I have ordered Foreign Affairs to have the detailed documents sent later, but it seems that for this deployment, Japan has taken the role of destroying the Gra Valkas Empire fleet off Leifor. I think we should conduct a naval blockade once they have been destroyed.”
“Your Excellency… Supposing that Japan has destroyed the enemy fleet, there is a possibility the Gra Valkas Empire will send a fleet from their homeland against our naval blockade. In the unlikely chance that Japan’s operation will succeed, we would need a large fleet for the naval blockade.”
“And what if there was absolute control of both the sea and air… What then?”
“If that is the case, then a small number of ships such as our local forces can execute the responsibility of a naval blockade. It is even possible at the level of Mu’s fleet.”
“Are you saying then that once Japan acquires air and maritime supremacy, you want to deploy a fleet that, while small in scale, can still carry out an operation at long periods of time?”
Everyone was perplexed.
“Your Excellency… With all due respect, Japan has not participated in the previous battle. It may even be possible that they don’t understand the dimensions of this fight. I think we need to temporarily teach them about the estimated capabilities of the enemy’s weapons and the details on how their military fights.”
“Hehehe… I think I want to send the local forces for this operation.”
“!!!”
Everyone was at a loss for words at the statement which didn’t seem to have come from the emperor.
“Japan has told us of the estimated capabilities of the Gra Valkas Empire’s ships and aircraft. It is roughly close to what I have in mind. Then, if the capabilities they provided are correct, the damage to our forces this time around will be acceptable.
On top of that, they said that Japan alone will expel the Gra Valkas Empire. Since they will be expelling them alone, they want us to carry out the naval blockade once it is safe.
However, the empire cannot carry out such shameful conduct. But then still, honestly speaking, we aren’t prepared to deploy a large fleet in haste. There’s also the problem of mainland defense.”
He continues.
“I heard that Japan has managed to float something called an artificial satellite, similar to the sorcerous empire’s Mystar, up to the realm of the stars. I want to see their strength. We need to determine whether they will actually be useful in the coming fight with the sorcerous empire.”
However, if Japan’s strength was actually far weaker than what they themselves are asserting, then the local forces that they will deploy will just amount to being sacrifices for the gods. Agra swallows these words.
“Agra, deploy the local forces centered around the old magic battleships. They will move with Japan. Ah, mix in some fast magic battleships as well.
If Japan loses in this operation, the fleet will be annihilated. If only the problematic people, the trash on the top of the human resource heap, would just disappear…
Still, since we need to accurately analyze Japan’s movements and strength, send with them officers that have good eyes and can perform accurate analyses.”
The talks ended.
The Holy Mirishial Empire has decided to participate in Japan’s operation to eradicate the Gra Valkas Imperial Navy deployed off the coast of the former Leifor.
・・・
8th Army, Imperial Army, eastern side of the Leifor sector, Gra Valkas Empire
The weather was sunny with some hint of clouds. The air was a bit chilly.
The Imperial Army’s artillery units were systematically lined up at the frontline base of Valkyries approximately 30km west of the Mu border town of Alue. The 4th Division’s armored units were lined up in front with their engines on, ready to move out at any moment. The Imperial Army Air Corps took off from the airfield established within the base, circling over the skies above and ready to carry out their tasks in the campaign ahead.
Gaoggel, commander of the Imperial Army 8th Army, looks at the magnificent spectacle of the army lined up in a well-organized fashion as he speaks to Borg, commander of the 4th Division.
“Borg, the Imperial Army is powerful!”
“Yes, sir! It is just as you say it is!!!”
“In the midst of it all, your 4th Division is outstandingly strong! I have so many expectations from all of you!!”
“Yes, sir!! We are the mechanized division armed with the empire’s state-of-the-art armored vehicles! We will break through their frontlines with our armor and then easily crush Mu’s army!!”
“A directive says that there is a possibility that Japan might enter the war, but we still don’t know Japan’s strength…”
“It seems that Japan is trying to send its army to Mu, but I was told that they’re still not ready. Whichever is the case, we will not be scared of a weak country that recites in its poem of a constitution, “We will renounce all military force”! If we ever come into contact with them, our latest mechanized division will swiftly destroy them!”
“Borg, don’t the soldiers in your division ever get stressed?”
“Sir!! Our spirits are extremely high for the sake of His Highness, the Emperor, but due to some sense of nostalgia, it is a fact that there is high mental stress amongst us, but our military is robust! There is no need to worry, as not only are our bodies robust, but so are our spirits!”
“Borg, the mental hygiene of soldiers is directly connected to their strength. Mend your thinking a bit. Many Mu citizens will become refugees due to this invasion. I have no intention of rebuking you and your men on how you will treat the enemy’s citizens.”
“Huh?!”
Unable to comprehend Gaoggel’s remarks, Borg stiffens. Gaoggel then whispers to Borg.
“Unlike in our world, there are no laws of war here. What I’m saying is that I will absolutely not rebuke plunder and looting.”
Borg breaks out into a smile. Gaoggel also makes a lowlife-like face.
Information on Japan allegedly obtained by Foreign Affairs was appropriately communicated to the top management of the military. Taking into consideration the unlikely event they will intervene, the military strengthened the invasion force, but deep down they considered the information to be deceptive. At this time, no one in the Imperial Army felt that Japan was a threat.
“Alright. Let’s begin the slaughter party… In this moment, a single word from me wields the power to end many lives… I can’t keep it in any longer…”
He muttered to himself.
“…Commence attack!”
“FIRE!!!”
The howitzers installed in front of the frontline base of Valkyries roar to life, bringing down the flames of hell on the people of Mu trying to live in peace.
On this day, the Gra Valkas Empire commenced its bombardment of the Mu border town of Alue, signalling the beginning of its invasion.
In order to play videos, large installations are used in TV stations to record using big tapes, with massive equipment naturally required to perform playback.
Despite that, those on the side of the Gra Valkas Empire couldn’t wrap their heads at the fact that a video is recorded on a card-shaped device smaller than that of a baby’s hands and that the dramatically thin and slender TV has built-in playback capabilities. In the empire, VHS video tapes were still a technology of the distant future, so Cielia was astonished by the immensely small video-playback device.
On the other hand, the one sitting next to her, Dallas, is a man raised in the humanities, and so he didn’t seem to have noticed the disparity in technology.
The video begins to play.
“Hello there, people of the Gra Valkas Empire. I will now explain to you the country of Japan.”
As the narration began, so did the core of the video.
A beauty that felt so alien… The video had extremely fine resolution and vibrant coloring which felt far more advanced than those in the empire…
Japan’s natural world was the first to be given exposition. The nature of Japan, which was presented in the changing shades of colors as the four seasons came and went, was beautiful.
The video went on to show Japanese legends and mythologies, Japan’s origins, the two Mongol invasions, and then the Sengoku era/warring states period.
Eventually, the video changed from the colored pictures into the black-and-white pictures that they were used to. Excerpts of videos from the great war… the Second World War 70 years ago was shown.
“T…that’s impossible!! No way!!”
Dallas involuntarily lets out his thoughts. A battleship that strongly resembled the Grade Atlastar was shown on the video. Information that pertains to the supremacy of aircraft over the battleship was skillfully cut off as the video continues.
A plane that bore a striking semblance to the Antares fighter slips through a fierce curtain of anti-artillery gunfire that truly seemed like torrents of light and crashes into an aircraft carrier as it carries a bomb. An act of bringing down many enemies in exchange for one’s life. It was a truly desperate war. They couldn’t take their eyes off the footage of a war where an intensely tremendous determination could be felt.
And then the hopeless Battle of Okinawa…
Finally, the war was lost. The scenes which show the dropping of the atomic bombs were cut since they gave off a hint of their technology.
The empty and desolate metropolis of Tokyo was restored just within 30 years. 70 years after the end of the war, a super-futuristic megacity unfurled before their eyes; a sight that surpasses the skyline of the imperial capital Ragna.
High-quality cars crisscross the city in numbers that hopelessly dwarf those in the empire and there were high-speed trains that ran at unfathomable speeds of 300km/h. After the video had ended, Cielia was drenched in sweat.
Asada presses the Gra Valkas Empire diplomats for questions.
“As of the moment, the Gra Valkas Imperial Army is constructing a base roughly 30km west of the Mu border town of Alue. Am I right?
We know this through our technology. In order to prevent Alue, and by extension Mu, from being invaded, I would like to firmly impart to all of you the following: the country of Japan is prepared to genuinely go into war to protect Mu and its other allies.
I will say it again. Where you currently stand with your technology is a place we have already passed through 70 years ago. You, of all people, understand the implications of a 70-year disparity in technology. When the empire commences its invasion into Mu, it will be the beginning of the end of the Gra Valkas Empire.”
Cielia, who was knowledgeable in the field of technology to an extent, was at a loss for words. They still did not fully understand the entirety of Japan’s structure, national power, and capacity for continuous war. However, if the video was indeed real, then it is at least understandable that they are an adversary that will make it harder for the empire to achieve its goal of global conquest.
“Heh… Heheh… HAHAHAHAHA!!!”
Dallas started to laugh.
“…What’s so funny?”
“Hahahah… What nonsense!! This video is fake and such information can easily be manipulated!!!”
Dallas seems to have come to the conclusion that the video was deceptive.
“In reality, one of your cruisers was sunk in a single shot by our battleship’s main battery!”
“How many times do I have to say that that ship wasn’t a military vessel?”
“Hmph. It does seem that your video technology is remarkably advanced… On the off-chance that this video is indeed real, then wouldn’t your country have lost its fangs with your defeat in that war?
If it’s up to the empire, we will make it so. All your weapons and military tech will be taken away so that you could no longer stand up to us. In fact, it seems that you used to have a world-leading army, but now your constitution forbids the maintenance of a military force. With the prohibition of technology related to war, you couldn’t manufacture any weapons, and so the tech of the past became lost technologies and you remain unable to develop better tech.
It is certain that you have outclassed the empire in technologies such as videos. However, supposing that Japan is in possession of military tech that outclasses that of the empire’s, then no explanation would suffice as to why you did not participate in the battle at Baltica.
If your country is indeed powerful, then leading the World Union to victory should have made you popular with the other nations and weaken the empire in the process. However, this did not happen. If you are indeed powerful, then the actions of your country are illogical. Telling us not to attack Mu? Else, Japan will go into war?
You minor countries are sooo great… If you can actually do it, then stop us! Your actions up to this point only prove that your country is weak!”
Dallas asserts.
“Have you not imagined that we possess completely different sets of values? We truly love peace and coexist with one another diplomatically without resorting to conflict. Have you not thought of the existence of countries that prefer the means of coexistence? There also exist countries that, as much as possible, don’t want to use military force.
However, our country also has a responsibility to defend itself and its allies! The empire’s actions are a complete transgression against us! Our country will take defensive measures against those that don’t play by the rules.”
The meeting has reached an impasse. As both sides have diplomatic objectives they cannot afford to yield, they couldn’t agree to any single term. For a moment, there was silence…
Cielia, who was listening in the midst of it all, speaks up.
“Dallas, you have properly expressed the empire’s opinion and perspective. It is just as you had said. I will take charge from this point forward. Please back down.”
“Wha-?! While you are my boss, this is my responsibility!!! I have a responsibility granted to me by His Highness, Gralux, to fulfill my professional duties and help guide the empire!”
Dallas, who possessed a credulity for Gralux, objects against Cielia’s orders.
“I know, but it’s also your professional duty to listen to what your boss says. You could no longer bring any more to the table with just provocation, so please back down.”
“Grr!! U…understood.”
Ignoring Dallas’s fit, Cielia begins to speak.
“Supposing that the video technology you have shown us earlier is genuine and your country’s military tech outclasses that of the empire’s, what is it that you wish from us?”
“The extradition of the executioner and those responsible for the execution of the Coast Guard personnel, compensation towards the surviving kin of those personnel, and the complete withdrawal of the empire’s forces from the Second Civilization Area.”
“The empire has already begun settling down in the Second Civilization Area. There also seems to be other people who are interested in these settlements. Do you think that the empire will just simply accept those conditions?”
“…What I think is that whether or not you accept it doesn’t matter. My country’s will is just as I said earlier.”
Asada continues.
“I want you to think carefully. One of our particular tech surpasses that of the empire’s and I think all of you mutually recognize that. With that in mind, please consider the possibility that our military technology also far exceeds yours.
Please, please consider the damage an overwhelming disparity in technology could bring to your empire. If you get to know our country and then steer clear of war by your own volition, you would be saving yourselves. You should review the situation properly so as to not jump the gun on your own ruin.”
“…We will discuss sending up your terms to the military higher-ups.”
Afterwards, the meeting ended after reaching another impasse.
Cielia and Dallas’s reports were sent to the top management of the military deploying to the east.
However, even with reports saying that the enemy may indeed be strong, the emperor’s orders cannot be overturned, and so the preparations for the invasion pushed on. Many of the imperial soldiers simply laughed off the reports. However, on the consideration of the exceedingly small possibility that Japan is powerful and that they may participate in the conflict, the number of troops and scale of the base were increased and strengthened more than what was planned on the basis of “just as usual”, and so much more time was needed for the preparations.
While the number of enemy troops increased, Foreign Affairs managed to buy a certain amount of time and so has achieved some success in their efforts.
・・・
Imperial Audience, imperial capital Runepolis, Holy Mirishial Empire
In the midst of the bizarre atmosphere was Emperor Mirishial who couldn’t relax his stern face. Prostrated in front of him were 4 men.
The emperor’s anger was clear to them, and so their foreheads were drenched in sweat.
Under the name of the world’s strongest, they called on every nation and led the sallying of a great fleet from the Central World and the Second Civilization Area. Even though it was more than enough strength, under the orders of Emperor Mirishial, who wanted to be doubly sure, they sent out the aerial battleship Pal Chimera, a superweapon created by the ancient sorcerous empire. However, despite all of that, the battle ended in a draw with both sides receiving heavy casualties, and the strategic objective of expelling the Gra Valkas Empire ended in failure. Diplomatically, this result seriously undermines the empire’s national interests.
The men present were the Minister of National Defense, Agra, the Minister of State and Military, Schmill Pao, and the director of the Antiquities Department of Ancient Arms Analysis Tactical Operations of the Imperial Ministry of Countermeasures Against the Ancient Sorcerous Empire, Hirkane Parpe. Along with them was Meteos, who captained the Pal Chimera that directly confronted the Gra Valkas Empire.
They were all at a loss for words in front of the angry emperor.
“…Tell me your plans moving forward.”
The emperor puts his thoughts into words. Thoughts swirl around within the mind of Minister of National Defense, Agra.
He was thinking of concrete measures of reorganizing the military to destroy the Gra Valkas Empire and getting back the trust from the other countries that they had lost diplomatically. At this point in time, gaps created by the loss in men and ships have not been filled and the enemy’s weapons performance are still yet to be reviewed so they still have not yet decided on any concrete measures.
Still, he was in a position where he couldn’t afford to say “I don’t know”, so National Defense Minister Agra tried to squeeze out some words.
“For the time being, we will replenish our strength with the commissioning of a new class of magic battleships, strive for the quick training of troops to compensate for lost troops and other human resources, and then devote ourselves to the defense of the mainland until our strength has been assembled. As for the efficient allocation of our reserves…”
“What nonsense!!!”
The emperor’s roar reverberates throughout the imperial audience space. National Defense Minister Agra stiffened at the intensity of the emperor’s shout.
“The enemy’s strength needs to be reconsidered! It is already well understood that the current strength we have isn’t enough!! Filling in the gaps with a new battleship? Don’t just think within the scope of your jobs!! Why won’t you tell me something like how you will establish a system for the drastic mass production of ships?!
You are the leaders of this country!!! If the leaders of the country inquire too much about the complexion of the emperor’s face, it’s possible that they will hinder the proper management of the country!
Understand that you are in a position that guides the lives of the empire’s citizens as well as their future!!!”
The emperor’s voice rattled as it echoed throughout the room.
“…By the way, Agra, Japan has forwarded to us an interesting proposal. Do you know of them?”
“Japan… is a country founded on science and technology and doesn’t use any magic.”
“Yes… The same as the Gra Valkas Empire.”
Emperor Mirishial continues.
“The country of Japan has requested us to deploy a fleet to help them expel the Gra Valkas Empire from the Second Civilization Area.”
There was silence… They have heard that Japan has not only brought down the Parpaldia Empire, but they are also in possession of scientific technologies that are more advanced than what can be achieved in countries outside the civilized areas. However, as seen in the results of the battle at Cartalpas, other than their anti-air capabilities, they have nothing worthy of mention in a naval battle.
It is impossible for Japan to emerge victorious over the Gra Valkas Empire. It is a fight way beyond the scope of the uncivilized areas, the Third Civilization Area, and even for Mu, which can be considered the world’s second most powerful nation. Thinking of these things, Agra replies.
“…Currently, our strength has substantially been reduced and we are in the process of rebuilding it. Until the details of the enemy’s power can be established, I think we should postpone any large scale deployment of our forces.”
“Of course we won’t send out a large fleet. However, as the world’s strongest country, we cannot afford to stay mum.
I have ordered Foreign Affairs to have the detailed documents sent later, but it seems that for this deployment, Japan has taken the role of destroying the Gra Valkas Empire fleet off Leifor. I think we should conduct a naval blockade once they have been destroyed.”
“Your Excellency… Supposing that Japan has destroyed the enemy fleet, there is a possibility the Gra Valkas Empire will send a fleet from their homeland against our naval blockade. In the unlikely chance that Japan’s operation will succeed, we would need a large fleet for the naval blockade.”
“And what if there was absolute control of both the sea and air… What then?”
“If that is the case, then a small number of ships such as our local forces can execute the responsibility of a naval blockade. It is even possible at the level of Mu’s fleet.”
“Are you saying then that once Japan acquires air and maritime supremacy, you want to deploy a fleet that, while small in scale, can still carry out an operation at long periods of time?”
Everyone was perplexed.
“Your Excellency… With all due respect, Japan has not participated in the previous battle. It may even be possible that they don’t understand the dimensions of this fight. I think we need to temporarily teach them about the estimated capabilities of the enemy’s weapons and the details on how their military fights.”
“Hehehe… I think I want to send the local forces for this operation.”
“!!!”
Everyone was at a loss for words at the statement which didn’t seem to have come from the emperor.
“Japan has told us of the estimated capabilities of the Gra Valkas Empire’s ships and aircraft. It is roughly close to what I have in mind. Then, if the capabilities they provided are correct, the damage to our forces this time around will be acceptable.
On top of that, they said that Japan alone will expel the Gra Valkas Empire. Since they will be expelling them alone, they want us to carry out the naval blockade once it is safe.
However, the empire cannot carry out such shameful conduct. But then still, honestly speaking, we aren’t prepared to deploy a large fleet in haste. There’s also the problem of mainland defense.”
He continues.
“I heard that Japan has managed to float something called an artificial satellite, similar to the sorcerous empire’s Mystar, up to the realm of the stars. I want to see their strength. We need to determine whether they will actually be useful in the coming fight with the sorcerous empire.”
However, if Japan’s strength was actually far weaker than what they themselves are asserting, then the local forces that they will deploy will just amount to being sacrifices for the gods. Agra swallows these words.
“Agra, deploy the local forces centered around the old magic battleships. They will move with Japan. Ah, mix in some fast magic battleships as well.
If Japan loses in this operation, the fleet will be annihilated. If only the problematic people, the trash on the top of the human resource heap, would just disappear…
Still, since we need to accurately analyze Japan’s movements and strength, send with them officers that have good eyes and can perform accurate analyses.”
The talks ended.
The Holy Mirishial Empire has decided to participate in Japan’s operation to eradicate the Gra Valkas Imperial Navy deployed off the coast of the former Leifor.
・・・
8th Army, Imperial Army, eastern side of the Leifor sector, Gra Valkas Empire
The weather was sunny with some hint of clouds. The air was a bit chilly.
The Imperial Army’s artillery units were systematically lined up at the frontline base of Valkyries approximately 30km west of the Mu border town of Alue. The 4th Division’s armored units were lined up in front with their engines on, ready to move out at any moment. The Imperial Army Air Corps took off from the airfield established within the base, circling over the skies above and ready to carry out their tasks in the campaign ahead.
Gaoggel, commander of the Imperial Army 8th Army, looks at the magnificent spectacle of the army lined up in a well-organized fashion as he speaks to Borg, commander of the 4th Division.
“Borg, the Imperial Army is powerful!”
“Yes, sir! It is just as you say it is!!!”
“In the midst of it all, your 4th Division is outstandingly strong! I have so many expectations from all of you!!”
“Yes, sir!! We are the mechanized division armed with the empire’s state-of-the-art armored vehicles! We will break through their frontlines with our armor and then easily crush Mu’s army!!”
“A directive says that there is a possibility that Japan might enter the war, but we still don’t know Japan’s strength…”
“It seems that Japan is trying to send its army to Mu, but I was told that they’re still not ready. Whichever is the case, we will not be scared of a weak country that recites in its poem of a constitution, “We will renounce all military force”! If we ever come into contact with them, our latest mechanized division will swiftly destroy them!”
“Borg, don’t the soldiers in your division ever get stressed?”
“Sir!! Our spirits are extremely high for the sake of His Highness, the Emperor, but due to some sense of nostalgia, it is a fact that there is high mental stress amongst us, but our military is robust! There is no need to worry, as not only are our bodies robust, but so are our spirits!”
“Borg, the mental hygiene of soldiers is directly connected to their strength. Mend your thinking a bit. Many Mu citizens will become refugees due to this invasion. I have no intention of rebuking you and your men on how you will treat the enemy’s citizens.”
“Huh?!”
Unable to comprehend Gaoggel’s remarks, Borg stiffens. Gaoggel then whispers to Borg.
“Unlike in our world, there are no laws of war here. What I’m saying is that I will absolutely not rebuke plunder and looting.”
Borg breaks out into a smile. Gaoggel also makes a lowlife-like face.
Information on Japan allegedly obtained by Foreign Affairs was appropriately communicated to the top management of the military. Taking into consideration the unlikely event they will intervene, the military strengthened the invasion force, but deep down they considered the information to be deceptive. At this time, no one in the Imperial Army felt that Japan was a threat.
“Alright. Let’s begin the slaughter party… In this moment, a single word from me wields the power to end many lives… I can’t keep it in any longer…”
He muttered to himself.
“…Commence attack!”
“FIRE!!!”
The howitzers installed in front of the frontline base of Valkyries roar to life, bringing down the flames of hell on the people of Mu trying to live in peace.
On this day, the Gra Valkas Empire commenced its bombardment of the Mu border town of Alue, signalling the beginning of its invasion.
