Berril Plains, Northwest of Magwurt City

0738, 7 Jun 2025

Under the morning sun, a convoy consisting of

3 units M1151 Ripper

4 units M1152 Carrier Personnel

7 units M1152 Cargo

crossed the Berril Plains heading to the west. In the convoy, there were only 3 M1151 Rippers because the route was estimated to be safe from Black Eagle interference.

Moreover, a few days ago a battery of Tamir Air Defense System was deployed at Fort Cambia, to strengthen the battery that was previously deployed at FOC South 860.

Each Tamir ADS battery had twelve launcher vehicles, nine of which were equipped with independent radar so there was no need to stick to the Command & Fire Distribution Vehicle. With the right network pattern, one Tamir ADS battery could cover an area up to 140 km from the protected site, or up to twice the effective range of Tamir missiles.

Therefore, although currently the entire LAV Shorad was being used to support operations on the southern side of the Southeast Triangle, with the performance of two Tamir ADS batteries the entire Tuscan Region would still have an adequate air defense. The air defense even protruded into the territories of several neighboring regions.

From behind the wheel of the M1152 in the second position, Captain Rumus gazed at the Berril Plains in awe.

Even though he was the commander of General Khartoum's bodyguard, Captain Rumus participated in the hunt for the remains of the Northern Coalition a few months ago. So he witnessed firsthand how TF Amethyst effectively and efficiently eliminated the hostile elements that refused to surrender, handling prisoners, or took care of thousands of scattered corpses by cremating them.

The monks from Nemo Temple were then summoned to pray for the fallen of the Northern Coalition, and a memorial was erected to commemorate them. After that, the process of cultivating the Berril Plains and the areas that were handed over by the Northern Coalition began, and the results were visible in a matter of weeks as if war with the Northern Coalition had never happened.

The surface of the Berril Plains, which was previously barren with only patches of grass at some small area, was now almost completely covered with barley sprouts. Meanwhile, in several locations the Tuscan Guard outpost and TF Amethyst facilities were established.

Two days ago, to be precise after he finished his car driving course, Captain Rumus received an order to guide the Amethyst Merchant personnel, who would market Amur Beer to Walluo City in the Kandez Region.

Amethyst Merchant designated Kandez Region as a second marketing location after Magwurt City due to its proximity and relatively affluent population. In addition, the Kandez Region was a producer of agricultural and livestock products that were needed by Magwurt City.

Captain Rumus turned to Lt. Col. Slane before saying, "18 km before we exit the Berril Plains, after that we will take the 29 km long hilly route."

Lt. Col. Slane nodded slightly before answering, "Understood."

Lt. Col. Slane had studied intel regarding Region Kandez. It had very fertile land, but their territory was at an altitude where Nouel could not live. So even though its people would not be short of foodstuffs, the Region would never become a regional dominant force.

However, the Kandez Region was also nearly impossible to invade because its natural terrain did not allow large numbers of troops to enter simultaneously. Moreover, the Kandez Guard was a mountain infantry adept at deploying guerrilla tactics in the harsh highlands.

Before long, the convoy of humvees entered the hilly route. Even though the speed had to be reduced, the convoy easily devoured the steep path until finally the walls of Walluo City appeared in the distance.

- - - - -

East Gate of Walluo City

0836, 7 Jun 2025

From above the city wall Captain Beust looked at the 14 approaching iron chariots, while in his heart he wondered how the iron chariots could move without needing to be towed by horses.

'No wonder the report sounds like a bullcrap.' Captain Beust then turned to the Centurion who was standing beside him.

"I will greet them myself, be prepared to close the gate if they show bad intentions."

"But Cap--"

"Don't argue and follow my order."

Although his heart was beating wildly, Captain Beust casually descended from the city walls.

He could not let the Centurion and the city gatekeeper who had habit to bluff and dominate, greet the guests who came by riding the magic iron chariot.

If the guests were messengers from the 2nd world authority or even the 1st world authority, and the guard who received them offended them, then as the officer in charge of the east wall he must be willing to put his head on the tray to make up for the stupidity of his men.

That's why Captain Beust chose to greet those who came by riding the iron chariot directly. Although this choice was not completely safe, at least he still had a chance to live.

Not long after he cut through the crowd around the iron carriage that stopped at the side of the road, Captain Beust was immediately taken aback.

'Rumus?'

With a face full of question marks Captain Beust looked at the driver who got off the second iron carriage. He knew Captain Rumus because the Tuscan Guard officer had come to buy food several times from the agricultural area on the south side of Walluo City.

Captain Beust also recognized several Tuscan Guard who disembarked from the third and last iron carriage, but he did not recognize most of the guests who got off holding oddly shaped short sticks. The clothes they wore were also unusual.

"Long time no see Captain Beust."

"Yeah."

Without hesitation Captain Beust shook Captain Rumus's hand, but his gaze continued to fixate on the humvee beside him.

"This iron carriage is called a car, and is driven by a machine so it doesn't need to be towed by horses."

Captain Beust nodded his head like an enlightened hermit, but to be honest he didn't understand Captain Rumus's explanation at all.

"Did you come to buy food staples?"

"Yes, but before that we intended to sell beer to several bars."

"You want to sell beer?"

Seeing Captain Rumus nodded, Captain Beust immediately tilted his head, then in a half-mocking tone he asked.

"Did you guys collect all the Magwurt City residents' piss and give it yeast, then call it beer?"

Captain Rumus chuckled for a moment before saying, "Of course not, Tuscan Region's condition has improved and we have a reliable partner."

Captain Beust was silent, while in his mind he was remembering some news which were echoed by the merchants from the Northern Coalition.

"I hear that you allied with the cursed magicians under the guise of Amethyst Merchants, and by using a cursed technique repelled the Northern Coalition."

Captain Rumus sighed silently while inwardly he was grateful, because Amethyst Merchant had predicted the incitement that the Northern Coalition would bring and prepared an appropriate response.

With a smile Captain Rumus then said, "I hope you don't believe that bullshit."

Captain Beust immediately rolled his eyes.

"Of course not, no matter how I imagine it, it's hard to see a conflict between Regions that lasts for only several days will cost more than 100 thousand lives.

I think they carelessly go too deep and create a long and fragile corridor. The Tuscan Guard then launched a high-risk attack on Fort Cambia and somehow captured it. Then messed up their retreat as well as their logistical route and broke the invasion."

Captain Rumus smiled cheerfully before saying, "I can't go into the details, but that was how we won the battle."

Then, Captain Rumus handed a leather pouch to Captain Beust, who instantly gasped as he examined its contents.

"The entrance fee is plenty, but I still have to check your iron carriage."

"Of course, and if we may, we'd like to park it near the city walls while we look for buyers."

Captain Beust immediately gave a broad smile. "Please choose the most convenient location."

After once again shaking Captain Beust's hand, Captain Rumus then entered Walluo City with Lt. Col. Slane and his four bodyguards, as well as a member of the Tuscan Guard in charge of bringing the samples of Amur Beer.

*****