“The Ticaret Conglomerate Civil War is in full swing. The US Congress has agreed to supply materials and provide intelligence to the rebels, led by Falson Altin, Nara Tozuko, Azariah Galen. With the fall of the Falmart League and many of the old leadership either dead or wanted by NATO and the Sadera Republic, the rebels have seized the capital city of Ticaret.

While the main focuse is Darlko, General Stanford has agreed to deploy Special Forces to the rebels and assist in training, logistics, and overthrowing the last remnants of the Falmart League. With the majority of Ticaret forces scattered across Falmart or have surrendered to NATO, it is expected that the rebels will successfully overthrow the government and purge the other Houses who remain loyal to Zorzal.” – Alnus Liberty News

***

--- James A. Byrne United States Courthouse, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States ---

Date: August 17th, 2026

The past three days have been called The Trial of the Century, as many in the media call it, which was currently ongoing in the courthouse located just shy a few blocks from the Delaware river. Some even claimed that this case was probably the biggest ever held in the entire state of Pennsylvania, if not the entire United States and the World. The remaining leadership of the Empire and the rest of the League leadership all have been transported to Earth to face trial for all sorts of war crimes conducted on Earth and Uros sides of the Gate.

Empress Pina Co Lada, now the new leader of the newly established Republic, sat on one row of seats in the courtroom in the James A. Byrne United States Courthouse along with some of her knights, Countess Myui, and others of note, overseeing the trial. She found the exterior of the building beautiful; however, once inside the room where the fate of the formal, most powerful men on Falmart was being decided was underwhelming.

In Sadera, all the rooms of importance were marble, open, showing grandness. From all the advances and wonders these Terrans have, the bureaucratic nature of these square size rooms with wooden walls and furniture made her feel less grand. A trial on this scale would have been hosted in the Senate Chambers, showing the scale and might of her people.

The Empress expected the Supreme Court would handle such an important case, being the highest court within the United States. To her confusion, the case went to a lesser Federal Court. Ambassador Willington had to explain to her that the Supreme Court does not deal with these types of cases, only concerning lawfare and the constitution.

"I am surprised General Woody is not sulking like the others," O'iloiat commented.

"Unlike the others, he always was more of a real general." Pina saw the eyes of the general as Woody stood there, staring at the judge. His eyes told of a man accepting his defeat and waiting for the inevitable. "He is not going to embarrass himself in front of his enemies."

“Or the shame that he helped Darlko destroy the city who devoted his life in defending,” O'iloiat added.

She agreed with that point of view and wished she knew what was going through Woody and the others' heads. At this point, it no longer mattered, and they were out of her hands.

“They all made the mistake of treating this like an Imperial trial,” Pina said. “Blustering, declaring claims, boasting their achievements and nobility ranks. It could have had an effect if this was in the Imperial Senate but here, it only works against them. Basically, admitting everything you did wrong. They do not understand that it does not work here.”

During the first two days, many leaders like General Herm Fule Maio and General Calasta Helvius would yell about their achievements in the war when the topic regarding the Invasion of Philadelphia both admitted to everything that unfolded that day. Even Herm proudly and loudly confessed to the murder of Colt Formal of Italica during the invasion with no remorse, enraging Myui and her sisters.

The trial only got worse from there because of the events in Elies, the slaughter, and the betrayal of many Legionaries and civilians. The legalization of using slaves as human shields by the senate, pillaging, and illegally seizing civilian properties, and so much more. They also refused to return all the people they had kidnapped and enslaved from the attack in Philadelphia, scattering them across the continent and beyond or being handed to the Haryo Tribe for their genetic-mutation experiments. From Pina’s cell phone she saw outcry online from many Americans and foreigners from this news.

Everyone, including the Falmart League on trial, heard about the result of the other trial regarding what happened at Rondel. Last week, the formal High Council of the Rondel Mage Guild, Drasho Getro, was given the Death Penalty for taking part in a conspiracy to destroy Rondel and crimes against humanity for killing tens of thousands.

Before the events at Sadera, there seemed to be a chance that Drasho Getro could have gotten life imprisonment, as the business with Darlko was an internal matter with Darlko breaking their end of the deal and the guild’s leadership had no knowledge of Darlko’s agenda, as the defense lawyer stated. After Darlko's assault on Sadera, it became clear that the US was at war with the magical city. Any defense Drasho and his comrades had was swept aside and all the leaders were sentenced to life in imprisonment with the exception of Drasho Getro, who will be getting the death penalty.

“Do you think they will get the same sentences as Drasho?” O'iloiat asked.

"Of course," Pina said. "Maybe some of the lower minions will get a life sentence, but the higher-ups, I do not see anything else but death. Not after what just happened at Sadera."

"Agree, but I do not know if what happened at Sadera would have made a difference," O'iloiat said. "Senators Tyueli, Tiberius, and my father did a great job."

"Yes, they did," Pina said. While most of the Pro-Peace senators told details of past conversations with the leadership but with Tyueli, his story regarding the Oprichnina and Zorzal using his wife and daughter as human shields devastated the defense. "Glad saving them was worth it."

While Pina's motive in saving the Pro-Peace Senators from the Empire was to boost her faction and ensure her to have a stable post-war government, having them testify against the Empire and the League became a massive bonus. They laid out everything. Every conversation, every detail, every plan, every motive.

A part of her wondered why they were so ruthless in their testimony. Trying to prove they are different from their former comrades? Or maybe a last moment of spit for being betrayed? Or some behind-the-curtain deal made with the President to gain favor and guarantee the maximum sentence possible? she will never know. Nor does it matter anymore as long as she had a solid government for her new Republic.

While the Battle of Sadera was a victory for NATO and her Republican forces, it was considered a Pyrrhic victory. Everyone expected a quick and clean victory taking Sadera. Everyone assumed it would be the end of the war only to find out that the end of this war is the opening to a true war with a true enemy, the demons.

Since the battle, there had been massive protests outside the White House, the Courthouse that handled the Rondel crisis, and this one. With so much anger and fear, Pina could not imagine any other outcome than the most extreme punishment the Americans had to offer. A sentence she found laughable compared to what the old Empire would have done if the roles were reversed.

As the Empress expected, once the trial was over, the Judge gave the final sentencing for the defendants. Herm Fule Maio, Calasta Helvius, Woody La Caerellius, and the other military and political leaders were given the death penalty for how they carried out the war, allying with Darlko, and the brutal acts they ordered during the attack on Philadelphia. The civilian leadership who was not directly involved were given life imprisonment at ADX Florence prison.

Many of the senators, including Herm and Calasta, burst out of anger. Some yelled insults while Herm let out a chain of abuses, referencing that Darlko and the demons would burn everyone and that he would have the last laugh.

Once the trial was over, everyone was forced to leave. As she; the senators and her entourage as well as Countess Myui and her servants left the courtroom, The Empress saw the thousands of protestors and hundreds of National Guard and riot police guarding the courthouse and keeping the protesters in check. Most of the signs and chanting were expressing anger, wishing death on all the League leadership, either protesting the war in general or wishing the death of the enemy. Some signs say ‘No Blood for Demon Blood’ while religious and pro-war groups stating they must defeat the Demons. Referencing some religious verses that she did not know.

Several reporters and journalists swarmed her, the senators, and Countess Myui with a myriad of questions. Ever since the truth about the true origin of the humans in Uros was revealed through Hardy. A massive shockwave was felt by everyone in both worlds. The once-called Imperials, especially the human, were utterly shocked that they were from the same blood as the Terrans.

While on Earth, massive debates between scientists, historians, and archaeologists flooded the news and social media about how this kind of truth completely changes history. Many state that this truth is to be the second Great Revelation of the Century, aside from the resurface of Earth Mages and the Gate.

“Look at all this anger,” O'iloiat commented. “Can you imagine if they learned what Hardy said to your friend, Sharpe?”

“I see why the President classified the report,” Pina said.

"While Hardy only did it to save Uros from the demons, I feel that she also wants to punish us for straying from the very noble principle we once held," O'iloiat said.

The news from what Hardy said was unsettling. All of Pina's life she worshiped and respected the gods. To learn that Hardy so casually was willing to trick her subjects into a blind invasion of an unknown world resulting in tens of thousands of deaths on both sides and resulting in this war. All with the intention of tricking the Americans into fighting a different external threat.

After a meeting with the President, the White House decided to keep that fact a secret. The idea is that all this suffering was because of one God conning two worlds for her will. If the truth came out the President believed there would be mass civil unrest like the world has ever seen.

Reflecting on the President's point of view, Pina had to agree with that conclusion. If her people learned that all the suffering and that their country was devastated by Hardy's game, all her hopes of rebuilding and reform would evaporate overnight so she decided to also keep what Hardy said to Sharpe a state secret.

“Anyway, Empress, would you like to get something to eat?” O'iloiat asked, being slightly red on the cheeks.

She saw how nervous he was and found it cute. Besides agreeing, she decided to test him. Placing her hand on her head, she said, "I think I will head back and try to sleep the day off."

To her surprise, O'iloiat grabbed her arm and said, "I was not asking my Empress. I heard of an Italian place, and I like to experience Earth before heading back home. I want to see what our ancestors ate."

Pina stood there, now her cheek glowed red. “I accept.”

***

--- Coffee Shop, Alnus Town ---

Date: August 17th, 2026

After thanking the Neko waitress, Lelei La Lalena stared at her expresso with excitement. Since coming to this cafe, she has ordered this Flat White espresso mixed with Italica milk, adding a thick flavor.

"That is the third one you had," Jaleoa Wah Algon said. “You really like that drink.”

"I had it the first time I went to Earth; it has a spice called cinnamon in it," Lelei replied. "I told you to get it."

"Na, I prefer Jack Daniel's in the morning," Jaleoa said. "The guys from the 101st said it would help me grow my hair on my… Well, let's just say chest."

"Gross," Lelei replied.

Watching Jaleoa laugh at her response, brushing off her reaction she found it annoying and humorous at the same time. Realizing that he was staring, she blushed and looked back at her laptop. For some reason, she only found it more attractive.

"I still do not understand how this strange device will help you in your research," Jaleoa said. "I thought you needed a library."

“I told you,” Lelei said. “The Terrans put their libraries on a device they call computers. Like this one. As long as I have a wifi connection, there are hundreds if not thousands of libraries on this device.”

“Yeah, I remember you saying that,” Jaleoa said with a cocky tone. “Invisible information the Terrans have that floats in the air. Yeah…, and they say our magic is strange. I guess I cannot really blame them as they barely understand magic from their own world. Anyway, any luck in what you are finding?”

“Sadly, no,” Lelei said. “I was hoping to see if there was anything in the many Earth mythologies that could shed some light on recent events. The first demon attack was two thousand years ago. It seemed like so much of the facts had turned into religious myth. Separating the two and finding useful meaning behind it has been challenging.”

While she knew the real reason why so much information had been lost, she swore to secrecy not to tell anyone. The gods of Earth tried very hard to hide their presence. She does wonder for how long they can hide and if they choose to come into the light, how would that unfold?

"Do not forget the part where Apostles can now be mined controlled," Jaleoa added. "You do not want to get Rory brainwashed. Assuming with her thick head she can."

"We always try to make Rory angry, which surprisingly is not that hard," Lelei said. "There are many legendary warriors or demi-gods in Earth lore that suffered brainwashing like in the case of Greek demi-god hero Hercules who is brainwashed by Hera, the God of Woman and Family to kill his family and is forced to do twelve labors to redeem himself."

"Really, Lelei? Earth Lore?" Jaleoa said.

Staring at him, realizing the words that she had used. "Yes. I stand by what I said."

After a long laugh, Jaleoa said, "I do not understand why you are doing all this work. You should go ask your Earth God friends for the answer."

Lelei felt a sharp sense of panic throughout her mind, remembering the deal she made with Rory, Athena, and Aphrodite that she would keep her mouth shut. She quickly said, "there are no Earth Gods. The ancients on Earth made them up to help explain the world around them."

Jaleoa remained silent, staring at her with a smile.

The silence and the consent staring were driving Lelei insane. She leaned in and said, "how did you know?"

Jaleoa let out another laugh. "I did not know until now. Your blushed cheeks, wide eyes, and the fact you are researching the topic was a big tell."

Lelei looked back toward her laptop, embarrassed at how easily he could read her. While she got used to this during her time with Vanguard-7, this time felt different. "What made you think they were real in the first place?"

"During my short time with the Airborne, we had many debates regarding religion and all that Earth mythology," Jaleoa said. "They were comparing their… ‘lore’... with our reality. They even wondered if maybe the old stories had some truth to it. I always found it strange that Earth did not have gods. Their mythology is so vast and detailed, yet they claim that their world has no god whatsoever. It made no sense to me."

Jaleoa has always acted himself as a casual, layback guy with little stress in the world. She was surprised by his intelligence. Most wouldn’t have been able to put all those facts together and come to that conclusion.

"It crossed my mind to ask them, but they are not a forthcoming bunch," Lelei said. "They do not want to interfere with mortal life."

"Well then," Jaleoa said. "They might not have a choice."

Lelei was nervous that Earth Gods might erase all the happy memories with her newly found family, like what they're going do to Rory, if she spilled the beans. As a price for their secrets being shared or asking the wrong questions.

“Do not worry, it is not your fault! I will make sure they understand,” a voice spoke to her.

“What do you mean that you can make them understand?” Lelei turned to Jaleoa.

“What do you mean? I did not say anything,” Jaleoa replied in a confused manner.

“Strange!” Lelei said. “I thought you were just talking to me.”

Hearing a feminine scream, Lelei looked down the path and saw a Dark Elf in a black and red lace robe enter the cafe. "Over here, Frayen!"

Hearing his voice, the Apostle approached, walking through tables and a waitress with his phasing ability, freaking her and the other customers out.

"You realize you are just showing off at this point," Lelei said.

Frayen stared at the blue-haired girl with confusion. He looked around, seeing the entire room staring at him with fear and confusion. "I see what you mean."

"You are friends with Frayen?" Jaleoa said, shocked to be in the presence of his Apostle. “I should not be surprised at this point.

Seeing Jaleoa act childish by asking the Apostle dozens of questions. She found it cute and couldn't help herself from giggling, resulting in both men staring at her in confusion. "Sorry."

"What brings you here?" Lelei then asked.

"I have a quest for you," Frayen said. "You are coming with me to the Library of Elaish. We need to figure out how to stop Valker and Zufmuut."

"You mean right now?" Lelei asked angrily, annoyed that her coffee date was interrupted.

"Yes," Frayen responded. "You heard what Hardy said. High chance that the Gods who sided with Darlko will act soon. They either have a Gate or are about to summon one to the demon world. We need to act as soon as possible before the whole legions of demons are unleashed.”

Frayen had mentioned this library only a few times, a place she had never heard of beforehand. With the realization that an Apostle is asking for her help to save Falmart, she knew she would have to go with him. He is the Apostle of Elange, the God of Knowledge; while unlikely, it made sense that there was a hidden place of knowledge that Frayen protected.

A part of Lelei did not want to leave. Since Rondel, she has wanted to spend more time with Jaleoa as she felt these strange butterflies. Her new mother, Sarah Sharpe, said that it was normal and that it would be healthy to spend time with him to see how he felt. After losing so much recently, she wanted to be close to the remaining friends and family more than ever. However, she also remembered what Rory had said. That she would take action and claim him before another woman could.

“I will come with you, Frayen, but I have two conditions,” Lelei demanded. Seeing a confused reaction from the Apostle, she then listed her demands. “First, I need to tell my mother. I know how you act, and if we leave now without telling her, she will kill me.”

“Understandable. And the second?”

Lelei then pointed toward Jaleoa, catching him off-guard. “I want him to come with us.”

Sarah and Rory clashed over everything as both were opposites. But if there was one thing they agreed on, it was that a girl should always test a man to see if they were strong and how much they cared about them. Lelei decided this was a perfect moment to test.

If Jaleoa denies it and leaves, she then knows he isn’t the one. If he stays, even reluctant, that says everything she needs to hear.

“Wait, what just happened?” Jaleoa asked, looking around.

“Fine,” Frayen said. “We leave now.”

“But… but…, fine,” Jaleoa slowly said.

Quickly packing her equipment, Lelei followed Frayen with a giant glow in her eyes.

***

--- USS John F. Kennedy, Mediterranean Sea ---

Date: August 17th, 2026

Watching two F-35, the model that was able to be catapulted off the main ramp from the United States' newest aircraft carrier. Already deployed to the Mediterranean Sea on training, it decided to support Sharpe's mission to Israel.

It had taken a few days to get permission and make the arrangements. Being flown to Naval Station Rota, Spain, and transferred onto the carrier as it headed toward Italy to pick up an expert, Professor Fredo Donini. Among him were a few of his staff, carrying their equipment for this mission.

In the meantime, Sharpe saw Rory's reaction to one of the greatest military wonders ever built, the Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier. At first sight, she was amazed by the sheer scale of the ship. The thousands of sailors and the number of aircraft were all tightly compacted in such a small surface area. For most of yesterday, she stood on the control tower and watched all the planes take off and land. She even asked fifteen pilots if Tom Cruise was stationed on this carrier.

Standing next to Rory, Sharpe watched as a Super Hornet took off. "I am surprised you did not go with Lelei as extra muscles since who knows what’s lurking around that ancient library."

"I considered it, but if me or any of my sisters left you alone for five minutes, you probably would die," Rory replied.

"An ancient library that has been hidden from all you other Apostles with age-old secrets," Sharpe said in a teasing tone.

"In any other context, I would be interested," Rory said. "But the truth is, I am not that good at being an Apostle. I go with the flow and do what I want which has gotten me into trouble a lot.” She then saw Sharpe's reaction, remembering all the time he had to bail her out, usually almost getting him killed. “If you have noticed, most Apostles are uptight about following the ways set by their gods."

"I have noticed that," Sharpe said.

"I might have made some big mistakes, but I am happy with how things have ended up,” Rory said, watching an Osprey land on the flight deck. “I might be a more free spirit, I do feel like that I am part of things. Most other Apostles would have never joined you at Koan Forest.”

"It seems like there have been many moving parts," Sharpe said. "Are you going to tell me what your role is?"

"What do you mean?"

"Don't think I am dumb, Rory. I know you have been keeping a secret. You have been keeping a secret for a long time now; I just put it in the 'Apostle secret box,' but after Hardy, it isn't wise to keep anything quiet now."

Sharpe glanced toward Rory, waiting to see what she would do. She looked up to the clouds for some reason and then smiled.

"Let us focus on this mission, and after that, we can talk. Deal?"

"Deal."

Looking back toward the tiltrotor helicopter, Sharpe saw the professor exiting the back of the helicopter. "We should head down there."

"Race you down," Rory said.

Before Sharpe could react, the Apostle jumped over the railing and fell two stories from the control tower onto the flight deck. The sailors around her froze and stared at her as if they had never seen an Apostle before. The act of falling so far and landing without being harmed temporarily frightened but also amazed them.

One of the flight officers rushed to the railing and looked down out of concern. "What the hell did she do? Is she crazy?"

"You have no idea, buddy," Sharpe replied, shaking his head with a smirk before heading down to the flight deck.

Once downstairs, he saw Rory talking with many sailors, bragging about her strength and how easy that fall was.

"Nice to see you again, Lieutenant Colonel," Fredo Donini said, carrying a bag.

"Same," Sharpe said. "Did you find anything?"

"It is much harder than I expected, and that is saying a lot," Fredo Donini said. "Almost all history from that era seemed to be gone or changed to fit the modern narrative. History shows the Holy Lance in many locations, but most are tourist traps."

"That is why I want to go to the crime scene," Sharpe said. "If it is not there, maybe we will find a clue to the right direction."

"That is a tall order," Fredo Donini said. "How do you know this is not an Antioch situation?"

"What is the Antioch situation?" Rory asked.

"During the First Crusade, the Crusaders were trapped in the ancient city of Antioch," Fredo Donini explained. "As the Muslims lay sieged while storming Antioch, a monk named Peter Bartholomew stated that he received a vision from Saint Andrew that the Holy Lance was buried underneath the Church of Saint Peter. After much digging, he found the Holy Lance, which boosted the Crusader's morale and led them to victory. However, the Catholic Church later found out that the supposed Holy Lance was a fake.”

"And you agree with me that we should start at Armageddon?" Sharpe asked. "I am honestly out of my depth here."

"I agree with you," Fredo Donini said. "The Valley of Armageddon has to have an answer in some manner. I concluded that all the relics we know about must be fake in some way, mostly likely to protect the real ones. Otherwise, we would have discovered their properties long ago."

"And those paintings and our meeting with Hardy shed some light on its location?" Rory asked.

"Well, we now know the legend is real somehow," Sharpe said. "Assuming Hardy and those paintings are true that we know for a fact the lance-."

"The Holy Lance, Lieutenant Colonel," Fredo Donini said. "Or Lance of Longinus. If this weapon is real, it is wise to show it with respect since it has the blood of Jesus Christ on it."

Sharpe saw Rory stare at the professor with a strange look. Not out of fear or defensiveness but more like something was confirmed, confirmed what he had no idea. To the correction by Fredo Donini, if this weapon is accurate, then he realized he should show it respect. "Agreed. I apologize."

"As I was saying, the fact that the Holy Lance's last known position was at that valley is the best place to start."

"I am very excited to go on this adventure with you two," Fredo Donini said. "I do hope we find what you're looking for. Who knows what we will find. If the Holy Lance is confirmed to be real that means other biblical relics like the Ark of the Covenant or Holy Grail could be real."

“That is right,” Rory said excitedly and then pulled a Sharpe jacket. “We should start a treasure hunting show. We could make millions!”

“One death trap at a time please,” Sharpe replied.

Reference:

------------------------------------------------