“Mission Report

To General Charles Standford

Operation Weed Out was a success. Thanks to the intel provided by a defector from Elbe Resistance Force, the last remnant of the Elbe Resistance and their leader Prince Astile have been eliminated in their last holdout in Jeeward Forest by 5th battalion of German KSK special force and the Blitzing Death group led by Queen Tyuule.

Although King Duran requested that we try to capture his son alive so he could be imprisoned back in Elbe and in time, he hopes that he could make Astile see reasons and accept our ways of progress. However, the Prince stubbornly refused and desired to fight to the death rather than surrendering and being imprisoned in a kingdom that had been “lost” to him. Unfortunately, his remaining men did not think the same way and when we broke into his hideout, he had been impaled by his own men who surrendered later on.

After hearing the news, King Duran and the Elbe Royal Family requested us to dispose of his body on the spot as he and the rest of the royal family stated that they do not want a disgrace like him to be properly buried back in the royal tomb. Astile’s body was cremated later on along with his dead troops.

The remaining surrendered Elbe Resistance members were given 10 years of hard labor as punishment by King Duran because they turned on Astile at the last moment, sparing them the death sentence.

As the Roman Highway is being built, the 10th Armored Division and 92nd Infantry Regiment have successfully wiped out the League garrison in the east side Mealud Valley, enabling Operation Uppercut to proceed as planned.

In the meantime, we should focus on the Vanguard-7 operation in Ticaret to hopefully pull the Ticaret out of the war. I will report to you if I receive any further updates.

Thank you

Colonel Yang

***

--- Ticaret, Ticaret Conglomerate ---

Date: August 4th, 2026

As Rory finished a Beef Goulash MRE, she laid back on the blanket, looking at the tan tarp that was covering them. With a loud yawn, she realized how bored she had become without Lelei, Tuka, or Selina around. While Yao was with them, she was not as fun as the others since her three other sisters knew more about entertainment than her, especially Lelei and Selina.

“I should have gone with them! At least I can do some sightseeing. It has been centuries since I last went to the Ticaret capital,” Rory mumbled.

“You are not a very discreet girl,” Sergeant Major Randy Dodson commented.

“He’s got a point.” Sofia chimed in. “Even if by some miracle you managed to stay cool, aren’t you famous in every part of Falmart? People will recognize you right away. And there’s the fact that everyone knows that you’re with NATO now, it wouldn’t be hard for people to connect the dot.”

Rory quickly sat up and pointed to Randy and Sofia. She was about to complain. However, she realized they were right and was too low energy from being bored to fake an argument. Leaning back, all she could respond with was, “I should have brought my bikini. At least I could have sunbathed and teased you all.”

“Is this really all you people do when not fighting?” Beluutie asked, sitting beside Rory.

“Pretty much,” Sofia said as she cleaned her M5. “Half of being a soldier is creating drama to pass the time.”

With another yawn, Rory looked toward Beluutie or otherwise known as ‘Pinkie’ for having pink feathers. She noticed that the Siren was watching Sharpe's pace. “Why are you staring at him?”

“He has been pacing like that for an hour now,” Beluutie pointed out. “Maybe almost two hours.”

“Yup,” Rory said. “With all of his traits, patience is not one of them. In missions like these, he likes to be as hands-on as possible. This is why I love him.”

“But the other guy, Itami, at least I think his name is. He is just sleeping calmly like there is nothing to worry about.”

Glancing over, Rory saw Itami sleeping while his Third Recon team worked. She heard about him and saw him from time to time. Apparently, the two officers worked together in a country called Japan. The two stopped a terrorist attack years ago and became friends. “Yup.”

When Rory first met Itami, she admitted she thought he was quiet. The polar opposite of Sharpe, he was more laidback, far less regimental, and easy to get close to. There was a moment she enjoyed making Sharpe jealous with the sudden lack of attention; however, the novelty wore off quickly. Even though she found Itami physically more attractive and highly fun-loving, no woman wants to be around a lazy man. Action has always been ten times more attractive than physical appearance for most females and there is no competition between the two for her.

Noticing that Frayen was meditating, Rory stood up and after a long stretch, she walked over. “How are you so calm? If that was me, I would already be in their busting heads until I found Sharpe.”

“Patience is the key,” Frayen said.

Annoyed by the lack of conversation from him, she kneeled to face the Dark-Elf. “You have something else planned, don’t you?” The lack of response confirmed to her that he does have something else planned. “What was it?”

“Rondel.”

“Still troubling you?” Rory mumbled. “Honestly, it still is for me but I don’t know what else to do.”

“Let me confirm, it was Hardy that opened the Gate, right?” Frayen asked.

“That is what Giselle told me,” Rory said. “That is what she told the old Emperor, as well. I just don’t understand why.”

“Simple, to humble the Empire as well as other great powers like the Ticaret to an extent and bring change to this world,” Frayen replied

Taking a deep breath, Rory leaned back, using her hands to hold her up. Reflecting on what was said, the idea that a god from the underworld would open the Gate thousands of years early, twice to the same world. From what she understood, the Gate has never opened to the same world twice; however, it was opened three times to Earth within the last three hundred thousand years according to Aphrodite(1). The last two happened within the time span of two thousand years.

This world had gone through hundreds of Light and Dark ages. The Empire was not the first corrupt force to rise from the ashes of the last age. Hardy's motives seemed to not align with her peers, as the Gods did nothing during the Dark Ages. Even the worst days of the Empire were still a blessing compared to the best of times during that age. What Darlko did in Rondel was bold.

‘No, it was insane,’ Rory thought. For the past year, everyone assumed the Terrans of Earth were this great powerful force. It never dawned on her what else might be out there until the Balrog was summoned.

“How did they know how to summon such a beast?” Rory asked. “I do not recall the Demons from two thousand years ago having such beasts.”

“They did not,” Frayen said. “I am just as lost as you are. And the gods have remained silent on the matter. I expected to be informed by them after recent events; however, nothing has been said.”

“Same here,” Rory said. “It seems like they are intentionally withholding information. It makes no sense. We are their Apostles after all. When there is an imbalance, we are required to fix it.”

“Unless they were the ones creating the imbalance,” Frayen pointed out.

The gravity of Frayen's statement froze Rory with chills. A rogue action done by a god or two is one thing, but for all of them to take part? What is going on? “What are you thinking, pointy ears?”

“I found it interesting that the Terrans name worlds based on dead gods,” Frayen said, noticing a chuckle from Rory from calling Earth gods ‘dead’. “The fact that they call our world Uros, the only true dead god that we know of.”

“That is my fault(2),” Rory said.

“Regardless of whose fault it was, the last time there was a imbalance like this among the gods was when they all murdered Uros, the god of creation.”

“Do you think there is a connection?” Rory asked.

“I have no idea,” Frayen said. “But that is the other reason why I am here. Ticerat has one of two remaining temples left dedicated to him. I am hoping to find clues here before I return to the Library of Elaish.”

“And Krysist?” Rory asked.

“My first priority is to assist in their mission and rescue my master,” Frayen said. “And I shall not deviate before then.” He then looked toward Rory. “Once you reach Alnus, it might be wise to speak with the Earth gods to see if they know anything of worth.”

“I will try but they are very strict,” Rory replied. “They only talk when they want to.”

Hearing someone talking to Sharpe, Rory sat up and saw Alicia talking with Sharpe and Itami.

“It looks like we finally have an update,” Rory said.

Watching Sharpe give orders, Randy gathered up Vanguard-7.

“We got orders from Andrew,” Randy said. “They have made contact with the rebels. Lartia's intel is solid, they were seeking our help and now we have a way in. Be prepared to move out in ten mikes. Hoah?”

---

From the radio call from Sergeant Andrew Steele, the House of Nara Tozuko sent one of her agents to the northeast side of the ancient city. Surrendering this much trust quickly did not sit well for Sharpe or Randy. However, he knew they had no choice.

Andrew met the team with some of the Tozuko guards. It took nearly two hours to navigate through the sewer maze, seeing why no guards were down there. Without a guide, they would get lost and probably die without relieving themselves from a surface guard.

Once they reached the Half-Moon, both Vanguard-7 and Legrath Knights were secretly guided to the upper floors.

Drying off, the stench from the sewer still remained.

Then a beautiful blue feather siren entered the room and said, "Greetings noble guests, my name is Tyuwal, head servant of the High-Moon. Please follow me. Madame Tozuko and Master Atlin are expecting you all.

It could be a recipe for disaster after ordering Randy to keep the troops from both teams together, with so many sexual phenomena in the air and bored soldiers waiting for orders. Especially with the fact that he is pretty sure this place is a spy network based on Malena’s report. Even if they share the same goals, current allies could be tomorrow's enemies.

They followed the blue Siren when gathering with Beluutie, Rory, and Yao. Rory commented on the paintings and facial statues as they walked through the halls. Pointing out how many of these men were once great statesmen, generals, and house heads.

This hallway applied to all the greats who walked down this hallway, meaning he is one of the greats. It took a moment for Sharpe to understand the meaning behind the point. Seeing all these great men and moments would boost his pride and ego if he were a man seeking this brothel service on this level.

He realized this Tozuko woman was very manipulative and devious. Every aspect of this institution is designed to exploit and extract everything it could from its clients through elaborated honey traps. She would fit in well in the Wall Street class. The fact that she was a Kisune made Sharpe realize that she lived up to the nature of a cunning fox.

Once inside a large room, Sharpe saw Malena sitting on a seat pillow. After some small talk, they sat down as three individuals walked into the room.

One of them was a silver-haired kitsune with alluring looks and body to boot. Her pale skin was akin to that of the moon. The make-up on her face merely added to her already natural beauty with dark eyeliner ending in a sharp point. Her amber-colored eyes transfixed on them as her slit pupils gave off such a seductive vibe. But behind her stunning beauty, Sharpe picked up the confidence emanating from her facial expression, most likely from her experience on these sensitive matters. Her experience with dealing with people further solidified Sharpe's guess of her, thinking that she would easily fit in with the Wall Street circle.

The other is one he had seen many times within the Empire. A half-elf, half-human, and a girl who, despite looking like a human, moved, and acted like a golem.

The blue Siren called Tyuuwal introduced the two as Madame Tozuko and Master Altin. Then Yao introduced Sharpe, Rory, and Beluutie to them.

As they began to sit around to discuss, Sharpe took note of that individual with her stiff movements. Each motion further grabbed Sharpe’s attention. Seeing his reaction, Atlin attempted to alleviate some of the tension by also introducing her.

“Pardon me, this is Keyra. She is my Machina and she serves as both my assistant as well as my bodyguard.”

“Machina?” Sharpe questioned.

“Oh uhm, I guess you would not know what that means. She is nonliving; she is like a construct of sorts, one used purely for servitude. In some cases, better than slaves in my opinion,” Atlin answered.

Sharpe was amazed that the Ticaret managed to create a magical version of a conventional humanoid robot. “So she is like some type of magic robot? Impressive.”

Tozuko and Atlin gave a curiously confused reaction as the half-elf asked, “robot? So you have similar constructs in your world as well?”

“In a sense, yes. But fascination aside, that’s not what we came here to talk about.”

"Indeed, then let us begin. It is nice to finally meet you all, Other Worlders," Tozuko said.

"They prefer to be called Terrans," Rory corrected. "The term Other Worlder is offensive because it implies that they do not belong here but the gods are the ones who brought them here. They should be given the respect they deserve."

There was a long silence from Tozuko, like she was analyzing the situation. She then stared directly at Rory and smiled, saying, "My apologies, I meant no disrespect. Information reaching us is slow because of NATO air blockade of the mailing system."

"I can understand that," Rory said, staring right back. "Before we begin, all your whores must stay away from our people. They are under my protection so if I find out that you're playing your games with them, I will purge this place."

With a shocked smile, Tozuko placed her hand over her mouth and said, "Oh, my. Do you really think so shallow of me? I would never do such a thing that would jeopardize the peace and prosperity of the Ticerat. Honestly.” She finished with a teasing tone and smile not unlike a certain gothic apostle.

“Don’t play with me,” Rory stated in a calm but direct voice. “I know that those whores of yours can siphon all the deepest secrets of men with their body. I will not tolerate any honey-trapping while we discuss with you.”

“Quite bold of an accusation you are throwing at me and my girls, your holiness, Rory Mercury” Tozuko softly replied, somehow still maintaining her soft and alluring expression, with little to no fear in her face.

Sharpe sat and watched the sudden passive aggressive banter between the two women. Yao leaned in, whispering that Rory was establishing who was the alpha female of the two. She also pointed out that the Apostle did the same thing with herself when she first joined the group, as well as Pina, and so on.

He knew many looked up to Rory however he did not know how intense it was; taking the security of the team so seriously.

It was almost neck-to-neck, but noticing that Rory came out on top in this power struggle, Sharpe interjected, "Ladies, let us get down to business. We were informed that you were planning on staging a rebellion against the pro-league houses."

"A straight to the point man," Tozuko commented as she smoked her pipe that befitted her station as house head. She held a jeweled embedded golden pipe in one hand as she slowly blew smoke to one side. "I like that. Your reputation truly speaks for itself."

"That is correct, Lieutenant Colonel Sharpe," Altin said. "This war has brought much stress on my people. Once this war has concluded, there will not be anything good at the end of it."

"Then why do you keep fighting?" Rory asked. "It always struck me odd that Ticaret would still side with the Empire even with all the odds stacking against the League."

"It is more complex than that," Altin said. "As you know, the war is far away from us. None of the Houses believed it would reach our borders anytime soon. Maybe in the future but not in this war. That means everyone is fighting for self-interest."

"I can confirm this," Tozuko added. "I am on the war council. While in public, they support the Empire point of view of defending Falmart against an evil invader. However, amongst themselves, they are siding with the Empire in hopes that they will receive a portion of riches they would plunder from the other side of the gate. However foolish, that is."

"As she has said, in private, the war is about profiting and securing power for themselves," Altin said. “Assuming the war is going as badly as it sounds, the House of Gummus and his allies will be on the on a path of decline. It is only a matter of time before they are devoured by other houses, especially the Tecim Union.”

As Sharpe listened, he found it interesting how similar the points were, how history repeats itself regardless of where you are in the universe.

"Here is the thing, why should we care?" Sharpe said. "As you said, you are far away from us. We might not be able to strike you efficiently; any army you send our way, we can eliminate with ease. We can bleed you to death and bide our time."

Seeing the two whisper to each other, from their reaction it seemed they expected that comment.

"The Ticaret is one of the great three powers on Falmart," Altin said.

"Your people hid behind your mountains," Beluutie countered. "You are not a power but a bunch of houses that bicker amongst yourselves.”

“Like the current state of the Empire?” Tozuko quickly retorted.

“And your point is,” Sharpe asked, trying to get the conversation back on track.

“Point is Lieutenant Colonel, if your people no longer have to deal with us then the war comes that much closer to an end,” Altin explained. “You will no longer have to worry about us. In addition, having us as an ally will help you to maintain stability after the war, not to mention a great trade partner in the long run.”

“Stability?” Sharpe asked.

“It is pretty clear that a war on this scale will bring much instability,” Tozuko said. “Even if your kind defeats the League and establishes a puppet government, most of the continent will still look unfavorably on you. Proxy wars and insurgency will spread like wildfire. With us in power within the Ticaret Conglomerate, we can help with the post-war.”

Sharpe had a feeling the Kitsune would have said that and it matched NATO's long-term interest. Half of the reason his people sent him all the way up here was to find out the truth. However, he must remain within his primary mission, to discover if General Krysist is here and alive.

"I will admit, that is in our best interest," Sharpe said. "However, that isn't in our immediate interest."

"You are here for the general," Tozuko confidently said.

The response took Sharpe by surprise. He knew someone had to leak that knowledge, he just was not prepared for it to be them. "You were the leak?"

"Of course," Tozuko said. "My best lady, Tyuwall discovered it. One of Gummus' bastard sons, Uuagra his name is, found the general and could not stop bragging about it to Tyuuwal. Then I passed it to Altin which he passed to the Seckin Sanctum which they were attempting to pass it to you. I am thrilled to see that it worked."

"Actually…," Beluutie begun to say before Sharpe stopped her.

Sharpe glanced at Tozuko and Altin, realizing that he was a little too late. The Kitsune maintained a stoic but intrigued expression, as opposed to her satisfied one that was on her face just five seconds ago. Altin, meanwhile, was a lot more apparent in his expression that he wanted to know more.

"What is it?" Altin asked. "What happened?"

"The truth is, it was an accident that we got this information." Sharpe then explained what had been happening in Elies. The coup against the Imperials and the Seckin Sanctum. How Gagnog Sandshield and Saskax Ironskin got thousands of their people killed. That the only reason they even knew what happened or got her message was thanks to the wife of Legatus Fabius who knew it from General Albon.

“As I expected,” Tozuko commented. “Fools like Saskax and Gagnog only think with their muscles and blind pride.”

“So do you know where Krysist is located?” Malena quickly interrupted, wanting to get the conversation moved along.

"Hmm, a little impatient, are we? You seem eager to find him,” Tozuko prodded as she took another puff.

“Wel he is the main reason why we are here,” Sharpe replied.

She thought for a bit and answered the Bunny’s question. “He is located within the House of Gummus.”

"If you knew where he was, why didn't you try to recover him?" Malena asked. "You have your two Houses, plus the Seckin Sanctum on your side. It does not seem like you need us."

"You do not understand the scale and influence of all the minor houses who are allied with Gummus. The Gummus house might have been weakened by their setbacks against you people but they still hold substantial power and influence here in Ticaret," Tozuko said. "A direct attack would result in civil war, which is why the Seckin Sanctum has not been fully committed. Besides, they are only half the problem."

"The other?" Rory asked.

"The Apostle of Deldort, Martimus Onur and a Djinn, Mors Efreet," Altin said. "The thing is, we all agreed to a contract supervised by Martimus Onur. If we are seen as the ones who broke it then the people will not side with us, and Martimus himself will intervene to deal with the violators."

"Which is no longer a problem," Tozuko said. "Thank you, Sharpe, for informing us about recent events. That hothead Gagnog Sandshield broke the contract so as far as we are concerned, it is void."

'It is always an Apostle,' Sharpe thought. He will address that issue with Rory later. "If you help us with acquiring General Krysist then we will assist you in your power grab. Do we have an agreement?"

Watching the two, Sharpe watched as they agreed to the terms.

As they began to shake hands, the doors burst open as a silver-haired dark elf woman in skin-tight, black leather armor entered.

"What is the meaning of this?" Azariah Galen asked in a demanding tone. "You arranged a meeting with the Other Worlders?"

"How did you know about this meeting?" Tozuko asked. "I only just learned of it."

"I know about their intrusion since their great metal bird landed in the desert," Azariah Galen said. She then snapped her fingers as guards stormed in. Some of them prepared powerful restraining spells to subduethe Apostle of Emroy.

Sharpe stood up, calming everyone down from fighting. "Azariah Galen, I presume? Your field commander in Elies, Albon Dac Kalv informed us about your intention of wanting to end the war. If true, it would be wise to calm down. If not, well, you won't like the alternative."