CO office, 4th Floor Main Building, Harley Quinn MOA

With great seriousness, TF Amethyst higher-ups looked at the display table in the General O'Neil office.

Apart from General O'Neil and Vex, also attended:

Brigadier General William Rayden, CO of Ground Combat Group as well as the 3rd highest position holder,

Daniel Nate, CO of Intelligence & Diplomacy Group as well as the 4th highest position holder,

Col. Patricia Cruz, CO of Aviation Combat Group as well as the 5th highest position holder,

and

Col. Emil Montana, CO of Logistics & Support Group as well as the 6th highest position holder.

About an hour ago a Rider entered Magwurt City's airspace, then moved to FOC South 860. According to Tuscan Region's higher-ups, the Rider came from the Tarai Air Corps.

The problem, it was too early for Tarai Region to notice the changes in Magwurt City. While the possibility of spies or traitors in Magwurt City was being discussed, the Reapers sent to inspect the border had an unexpected result.

On the northern border, or to be precise at Fort Cambia, there was a build-up of strength which showed signs of preparation for an invasion. Without difficulty, IDG identified the elements of Tarai Guard, Liqua Guard, and Darpha Guard.

And judging from the thousands of military tents scattered around Fort Cambia, it was estimated that there are at least 90 thousand well-trained personnel.

Ironically, Fort Cambia was one of the Tuscan Region's glory symbols until a decade ago. The fort was designed to massively accommodate personnel and supplies, and was full of defense mechanisms that made it easy to defend but difficult to attack.

Regarding the reason why the three neighbors of Tuscan Region on the north side were suddenly interested in launching an invasion, TF Amethyst's higher-ups could somewhat predict it.

Several years ago, the Northern Coalition consisting of Tarai Region, Liqua Region, and Darpha Region, captured 1/3 of Tuscan Region territory because they had the same idea as TF Amethyst.

The Northern Coalition higher-ups intended to restore Nouel's farmland that could no longer be cultivated. However, these attempts failed. So when they found out that the farmland in Tuscan Region could be restored, they immediately took action to find the method used.

As for why the Northern Coalition higher-ups chose a military option, it was likely because they were worried that Tuscan Region would refuse to share their desired methods. Meanwhile, if they wait too long, Tuscan Region would recover and try to regain its territory.

While continuing to observe the activity at Fort Cambia, Vex asked, "What is our response?"

Gen. O'Neil answered casually, "Ensuring Operation Neptune continuity. We will secure Tuscan Region's stability for as long as possible."

After Gen. O'Neil determined TF Amethyst's stance, Col. Patricia immediately made a suggestion.

"Once the Northern Coalition elements cross the border, we can send Vipers to drive them home."

Vex shook his head before saying, "That will make us open too many cards without producing sufficient results. Once the Northern Coalition finds out we have a deadly iron bird, they will retreat to avoid more damage. Then return to attack when they have a solution they believe will neutralize the iron bird that previously had thwarted their incursion."

Col. Patricia turned to Gen. O'Neil before saying, "If we want to do more damage. We can let them enter a little deeper and ambush them with artillery. Then hunt down what's left with Viper, Kiowa, and Venom."

Gen. O'Neil closed his eyes for a moment before speaking, "Even if we wiped out all of the Northern Coalition elements that entered, the damage they received would be minuscule if divided by three."

Gen. O'Neil then tapped his finger on the display table, before explaining the plan he had in mind.

The Northern Coalition elements would be allowed to arrive in front of Magwurt City gates, and once a rapid retreat was impossible, a light surprise attack would be launched to cause a crisis in Fort Cambia.

Like it or not, the Northern Coalition's higher-ups had to strengthen Fort Cambia, or elements that had gone too deep would lose logistical support and the retreat route.

Once the contingent sent to strengthen Fort Cambia was far from the populated area, we would wipe out them simultaneously with the elements that had entered Tuscan Region.

With an expression full of seriousness, General O'Neil closes his explanation.

"We are going to let a big and hostile element go in very deep. One wrong move and we will face a protracted war. One thing we don't want because right now, GCG has to focus on the south side of Southeast Triangle. So, if there is a group that has doubts in executing its duties, you should say it now."

Silence immediately enveloped the entire room, before finally the details of the operation began to be discussed.

- - - - -

Main Meeting Room, Fort Cambia.

1445, 23 Mar 2025

As soon as he landed, Rider Orka was taken by Viscount Grakh's bodyguards to the Main Meeting Room, where three people were waiting.

Viscount Grakh, Supreme Commander of Tarai Guard,

Baron Eslei, Supreme Commander of Liqua Guard,

and

Baron Mhors, Supreme Commander of Darpha Guard.

Cold sweat immediately ran down Rider Orka's forehead, because now he was completely convinced that the joint training between the three Regions was not ordinary training, but a camouflage to cover the invasion on Magwurt City.

Viscount Grakh took a sip of his tea before turning towards Rider Orka. "How's the reconnaissance going?"

"Sir," Rider Orka swiftly handed over several recording crystals.

"Rider Orka, you must know what to say and whatnot."

"Sir."

"Once Magwurt City is occupied, you will be promoted two ranks higher, for the dangers you took today, as well as for your willingness to safeguard the vital information."

"Sir."

After Rider Orka saluted and exited the room, Viscount Grakh turned towards his two colleagues.

"Check whether the intel I previously gave you is real or bullshit."

Baron Eslei and Baron Mhors stared at each other for a brief moment, before examining the recording crystal's contents, and instantly the eyes of the two opened wide.

Results of aerial reconnaissance in Magwurt City:

- Multi-storey building that extends and rows.

- A wide and smooth road, while above it there were iron carriages of various sizes that were not towed by horses.

- Greenfields where sugar cane-like plants thrive.

. . .

. . .

Results of aerial reconnaissance at the entrance of Desolate Land:

- A complex too small to be called a fortress, but too large to accommodate the estimated 300 personnel living in it.

- A smooth road like the one in Magwurt City, but wider and extended from north to south as far as the eye can see, and was flanked by Nouel fields that jut out up to 3-5 km.

. . .

. . .

"It's a shame that each recording crystal can only store nine pictures."

"Well, at least we've confirmed the Viscount Grakh's intels."

Viscount Grakh was completely satisfied as he saw the surprise on his two colleagues' faces.

"Our Nouel field is already showing signs of decline as Tuscan Region has experienced. Therefore wasting time is not wise.

"Not to mention that if Kingdom of Makai finds out about Amethyst Merchant's existence, they will devour all knowledge and technology these newcomers have without any intention of sharing."

The moment Amethyst Merchant was mentioned, a speck of concern crossed Baron Eslei's face. "Are you sure we can beat Amethyst Merchant who has such a high level of technology?"

Viscount Grakh grinned before saying confidently, "So far Amethyst Merchant personnel are no more than 800 people, and the majority are support personnel. As long as we move quickly it will all be too late when their main unit arrives."

Baron Eslei and Baron Mhors immediately nodded in agreement with Viscount Grakh's assessment.

One of their reasons was, Viscount Grakh spies had confirmed that Amethyst Merchant's personnel were very open, and repeatedly emphasized that Amethyst Merchant always prioritized the path of peace.

Amethyst Merchant's weak attitude was also reflected in the policy not to attack if not attacked, and this was proven through the actions of Rider Orka who were not attacked even though he entered their airspace without permission.

No matter how high the level of technology Amethyst Merchants had, if they didn't use it with the right way of thinking then it was all useless.

Also, at the moment, of the 80 thousand population of Region Tuscan, only 24 thousand were regular members of Tuscan Guard. While the rest were women, children, or elderly.

With the Northern Coalition's total strengths in Fort Cambia reaching 123 thousand personnel, Magwurt City's defense would collapse in a matter of hours. Moreover, the Northern Coalition elements would be supported by three Rider Squadrons. Meanwhile, Tuscan Guard had not rebuilt their Air Corps.

Baron Mhors firmly said, "Very well, with the combined strength of the three Regions, I doubt we will fail."

Baron Eslei then added, "After all, all the personnel who will be involved are ready to be moved at any time."

Once his proposal was approved, Viscount Grakh nodded in satisfaction. "Also, in anticipation if our calculations miss, while moving we will throw bait to see their reaction."

*****