April 8, 1641

Alue, Mu

Moore stood behind a glass panel, hands behind his back. Looking into the interrogation room, he watched as medical personnel checked the vital signs of the yet again unconscious Gra Valkan, Volt Schmidt. He took his eyes off the scene, his gaze landing on Varica’s bright aquamarine eyes.

“Let me guess, it was a piece of cake, huh?” Moore smiled, eager to hear the results.

Varica blinked, staring back at Moore. “Piece of cake? I don’t recall any food items being present during the interrogation. Did you feed the Gra Valkan a cake?” She asked, confused.

“Haha,” Moore gave a slight chuckle and shook his head, “It’s a figure of speech. I’m asking if you found it easier to cast your spells on the man.”

Varica nodded, “Indeed I did. I assume you used the truth serum on him?”

“Right on point! How did it affect your spell? How much information were you able to find?” Moore asked, eyes shining like a curious child ready to open Christmas presents.

“The information flowed into my hands seamlessly, without much effort on my part. I did not have to pick apart his mind, as was the case prior. This time, I found more information about Fall Caeruleus.”

Moore nodded, urging her on.

“Fall Caeruleus,” Varica continued, “Is the Gra Valkan plan to simultaneously invade the Sonal Kingdom and the Nigrat Union. They will invade the Sonal Kingdom using bases in Leifor and Hinomawari. At the same time, they will land forces on the beaches of the Nigrat Union and support them with their navy. Volt Schmidt was supposed to begin a new mission in the Nigrat Union.”

“Any details on this mission?” Moore asked.

“No. His superiors had not disclosed details. They planned on conducting a briefing after he returned from his Hinomawari mission.”

“I see. Excellent work, Lady Varica.”

Varica accepted Moore’s praise. “I am pleased to hear that.”

Moore turned back toward the window, looking at Schmidt. “Say, I remember reading about your people having access to ancient magic. Among these is the ability to control minds. Is this true?”

“It is. However, the effect only lasts for mere moments, and cannot be used to completely dominate the spell’s target. It can only be used to immobilize them briefly by afflicting them with indecision. This spell is primarily used during duels to prevent one side from casting a spell.”

A wave of relief washed over Moore’s face. “Phew,” he sighed, “Well, that sure is a relief to hear!”

“Even the light-winged people have failed to exercise complete mind control. I have heard stories of their ability to control those of lesser minds, though.”

Moore thought about the recent Grameus expedition. Thanks to his connections, he was able to review classified material on the necklaces worn by the Oni, who served as thralls for the Annonrial operatives in the area. “Would it be possible for this spell to function permanently, through say, the use of artifacts like necklaces?”

“Worn by the target?” Varica asked.

“Yeah.”

Varica fiddled with a pen, causing it to spin around in the air with wind magic as she pondered the question. “I believe so. Magic gems can be used to amplify the power of spells, and artifacts can be imbued with magical power. I struggle to see what kind of arcane rune crafting would be required for such a task, but it is possible.”

“And would it be possible to develop countermeasures for this mind control?” Moore asked, the threat of the Ravernal Empire lingering in the back of his mind.

“Yes, countermeasures are generally applied in the form of protective runes and enchantments. They operate on the same idea as armor enchanted with fire resistance, for example.”

Moore yet again felt relief. “Okay, that’s good. Well, you’ve been more than helpful to us. I know the contract ends this week, but do you think you’ll consider an extension?”

“Hmm, I suppose I shall. This has been an incredible learning experience thus far.”

Moore grinned. “Great! In that case, would you mind coming back next week? I’ll have some new experiments set up for you.”

“I’d be honored to,” Varica responded.

—-

Ragna, Gra Valkas Empire

Nivles Castle

Using one of the larger conference rooms in the War Department, Emperor Gra Lux had all relevant department heads gathered together to discuss the commencement of Fall Caeruleus and the impact their invasions had abroad. Dozens of the Gra Valkas Empire’s leaders sat silently as they listened to a report on the radio. General Kinley’s voice emanated from the small contraption, “... completed on schedule, with time to spare. The Hinomawari citizens submitted to our conquest easily, with very few resistance and rebellion efforts among the populace.”

Caesar, sitting next to the device, responded, “Excellent. I did not expect the king to lend his support so easily.”

“Actually…” Kinley’s tone became slightly meeker, “The king fled the castle and we were unable to locate him. I apologize sincerely for my inability to capture the royal family.”

Gra Lux stood up, ready to speak. Everyone in the room collectively held their breaths, faces grim and bodies at the edges of their seats as they awaited the Emperor’s judgment. The silence between Kinley’s last transmission and Gra Lux’s response was vast, contributing to the anxious tension of the interaction. At last, he revealed Kinley’s sentence. “Your failure,” he said, pausing dramatically, “Is no fault of your own.”

Despite the silence coming from the radio, everyone could hear Kinley sighing in relief and praising the gods for the Emperor’s mercy.

Gra Lux scanned his audience, imparting a message unto them while he explained his decision, “This risk is something we acknowledged when we chose to blitz through our enemies, and it is a risk that we shall continue to bear as we commence Fall Caeruleus.”

“Thank you for your enlightenment, Your Excellency,” General Kinley said. “What would you have me do with my forces?”

Gra Lux analyzed the situation before him. With the early completion of Fall Albus, they now had additional time to set up for their invasion of the Sonal Kingdom and the Nigrat Union. Gra Lux explained the options available, “Or, we can continue forth, and begin the invasions immediately.” He turned to the great military geniuses of his empire for suggestions, “Siegs, Mirkenses, Caesar, what say you of potential amendments to Fall Caeruleus? Or shall we amend nothing at all?”

The Three Great Generals gave each other glances and convened. A flurry of words and finger motions on the table quickly ensued as they debated strategies and planned new ones.

In accordance with his position as commander of the elite imperial guard, Siegs proposed a more conservative strategy that focused on fortifying current positions and establishing forward operating bases. “The Hinomawari king’s escape was only made possible by the Leiforian Resistance and the delays they’ve inflicted upon our convoys and supply routes. This granted the time necessary to plot an escape. We need to ensure the reliability of our logistics, and should divert resources to establish a more cohesive network for our troops to move around.”

Mirkenses, on the other hand, favored aggression. “We must press the advantage. We have more resources and mobility than those who would oppose us. We cannot grant our foes the time they need to recuperate and strategize. We have already seen how adaptable these natives can be; the more we linger, the more they will be able to better defend themselves. Unlike the Hinomawari Kingdom, the Sonal Kingdom and Nigrat Union are more advanced, approaching even the Magikareich in terms of military strength. Soon, they may even surpass them. Already, we have received intelligence that the Muans are sending shipments of their weapons to our foes.”

Siegs pondered Mirkenses’ words. Being more experienced with invasions, he felt as if she was biased. Regardless, her knowledge on the matter was not to be overlooked, so he trusted her rationale. “In that case, we can establish our forward operating bases in key positions, that would facilitate quicker resupplies and allow for more reinforcements to join the fray. We can deploy vanguard forces to strike at the enemy while we build up our bases. The enemy should be caught unaware, presenting little risk to the vanguard forces as they conduct their first strikes.”

“Yes, by the time our foes mobilize any threat to the vanguard forces, our bases would have already finished and reinforcements would be ready for deployment,” Caesar voiced his approval. “However, I think our greatest concern lies not in the logistics of our initial deployment, but of the aid provided by Mu and new tactics their leaders may devise. Magic is something we are yet to fully understand. Based on combat during Fall Albus, we know that magic is capable of replicating scientific technology. Deployment of land mines is the most significant example that comes to mind.”

Mirkenses frowned, seeing where Caesar was going with this. “Then, would you suggest we alter our strategy as if we were facing a nation on our level of technology?”

“Somewhat, yes,” Caesar clarified, “It was only by a stroke of luck that the Fourth Division happened to have access to mine removal units. With the number of units being deployed in our next operation, we might not have the same luxury of fortune. Although this may slow down our advance, I think our invasion forces should attempt to steer clear of ambush-prone regions, such as cities and jungles. Where engagements in such regions are necessary, we will reinforce our units twofold and increase intelligence gathering activities.”

Siegs and Mirkenses nodded in agreement before relaying their decision to Emperor Gra Lux.

“It is settled then,” Gra Lux said. “You shall carry out this new course of action and modify Fall Caeruleus accordingly.” He then turned to the foreign affairs staff, “Gesta, you shall endeavor to mitigate the sale of Muan weapons and equipment to the Sonal Kingdom and Nigrat Union. Pressure them diplomatically, but don’t back them into a corner. While we can handle the Muans easily, I do not wish for our forces to be stretched too thin.”

“Your will shall be carried out,” Gesta bowed.

“And as for you, Director Akkan,” Emperor Gra Lux’s eyes pierced the man’s soul, causing him to tremble in fear, “You will be granted additional resources to hunt down those in the Leiforian Resistance. Use whatever tools necessary to wipe these pests for good.”

Akkan bowed deeply, hiding the relief plastered across his face. Hopefully, the Emperor would never find out about the Sicarius defeat in Hinomawari. “Of course, Your Excellency.”

—-

Department of Foreign Affairs

Gra Valkas Empire

Director Gesta stared blankly out the window behind his desk, watching the city below as he thought about his strategy with the Muans. Tasked with mitigating the sale of Muan weapons to Gra Valkan adversaries, a heavy burden weighed upon him. Failure would draw the ire of the Emperor himself, so he had to approach this situation with masterful tact. How?

Threatening consequences wouldn’t mean much for a country that was already hostile to his own. The proud Muans, already unlikely to back down, would see no justification in adhering to the Gra Valkan demands. They know they have already been targeted for conquest. If anything, blatant threats could exacerbate the fragile peace between the Gra Valkas Empire and the Muan-Mirishial bloc. Backing them into a corner, as the Emperor himself had cautioned, could result in them lashing out.

Troubled by the fragile threshold between diplomatic pressure and an invitation for war, Gesta crashed down onto his seat and buried his face into his hands. Then, the phone on his desk began to ring. An ominous premonition crossed Gesta’s mind, shadowy tendrils creeping into his last bastion of composure.

Gesta released a frustrated sigh, hand quaking as he reached for the phone. He wrapped his fingers around the device and after a brief pause, he picked it up. “Director Gesta speaking.”

Cielia’s voice came through, sounding slight downtrodden, “Sir, I’ve just received a communication from Ambassador Anders.”

“Damn it,” Gesta hissed.

“Pardon?” Cielia asked, unsure what Gesta said.

Gesta sighed, “What did he say?”

“Sir, the United States is aware of our military actions. They implore us to cease our activities.”

“Or else?”

Cielia replied, “There exists no ‘or else’. They did not threaten us with consequences.”

Gesta shuddered at the strange request from the Americans. Somehow, the lack of threats seemed more foreboding than if there were threats. “I see. Maintain our cover story.”

“Quelling extremism and resisting foriegn territorial demands won’t hold up as a viable excuse. They are already wary of our belligerence. All it takes is one mess up, and we’ll have them on our door. We of all people know just how hungry they are, despite the feigned benevolence of their policies. Give them an excuse, and they’ll bring fire down upon us for our resources.”

Gesta knew all too well what Cielia was referring to. Louria and Parpaldia were gutted for their wealth. Predatory deals – which are technically mutually beneficial, but overwhelmingly beneficial for the Americans – were erected. The ruling parties were either completely dismantled and stripped of their autonomy, or brought to complete subservience. Without knowledge of internal American politics, it was impossible to gauge how supportive their population was of war. Still, even war-mongering nations like his own grow tired of war sometimes. “I know, I know. Unfortunately, my hands are tied, Cielia. I have to make do with what I have.”