June 28, 1641
Six months after the beginning of the Annonrial landing at the second civilization, the death toll exceeded what would normally be expected in a seven-month conflict. This was a hellish scenario that far surpassed the Muish civil war of decades ago and even rivaled the Gra Valkan war of domination in Yggdra, albeit with a stark technological disparity that Mu and Gra Valkan tried to bridge while simultaneously fighting against each other and the technologically advanced Annonrial forces.
Numerous cities and towns lay in ruins, reduced to burning remnants of their former selves. A significant portion of Leifor suffered extensive and widespread destruction. The conflict escalated with relentless clashes between Muish and Gra Valkan reinforcements — smashing like tidal waves against each other, with the threat of Annonrial still linger around, creating a bitter three-way war devoid of allies and no respite. This full-blown war unfolded on a continental scale, resulting in hundreds of ships from both Gra Valkan and Muish forces being scattered and sunk at the unforgiving depths of the Muish Western Sea.
Even the supposedly superior Annonrial naval forces were not spared, as they fell victim to relentless mass naval and air attacks launched by Gra Valkans and Muish retaliatory strikes. Furthermore, the sea became a treacherous expanse filled with unrestricted mining operations, turning it into a dangerous hellhole of explosive mines that claimed countless naval vessels, including those of the Annonrial forces, lost forever in the depths of the Sea of Abyss.
The loss of life in this naval and land conflict was staggering, with casualties ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions, as the second civilization became a tragic testament to the brutality of war.
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Western Frontline, Ardent Region
In the once-vast, forested expanses of the Ardent frontier, a region that was once teeming with life and comparable to the Amazon rainforest, the devastating three-way war has transformed it into a desolate no man's land. The once-thriving environment, filled with lush lands and abundant biodiversity, now bears the scars of destruction. The loss of these natural lands would later be recorded as a significant blow for environmentalists in Muish land.
Amidst this bleak landscape, the rumbling noise of engines reverberates through the air, breaking the silence. Several Muish armored vehicles, accompanied by infantry forces, cautiously traverse the terrain. The soldiers, whether mounted on the vehicle hulls or dismounted, cautiously scan the surroundings, vigilant for any signs of the enemy's presence.
"Keep your eyes peeled, men," the commander's voice crackles through the radio. "We can't afford to let our guard down and have chicken wings blowing our asses here!"
Another soldier, perched on top of an armored vehicle, adjusts the binoculars and scans the horizon. "No sign of hostiles so far," he reports.
They also have several scouts positioned ahead, cautiously scouring the surroundings to provide vital heads-up for the armored vehicles in case of hostiles up ahead. The Muish armored vehicles are relatively underpowered and lack impressive maneuverability on uneven terrain. With their limited open top, turretless design and defensive capabilities, they are better suited for defensive combat and frontal assaults. Engaging in direct, chaotic armored warfare with the Gra Valkans and Annonrial tank forces would result in utter destruction and disappointing outcomes.
Nonetheless, the Gra Valkan tank forces are scarce due to constant losses against the Annonrial forces and their focus on protecting what little semblance of imperial power and civilization they still hold within the devastated lands of Leifor. As a result, there have been no significant battles between the Muish and Gra Valkan armored forces. Instead, isolated incidents occur where Gra Valkan battalions stumble upon Muish armored units or scouting platoons, or when Muish infantry encounters Gra Valkan scout armored cars.
"But let's not get complacent. They could be watching from the skies instead."
"Yeah, those Annonrial tanks and aircrafts are no joke," one soldier whispers to his comrade. "Their firepower is unmatched."
"Hmm, but let's not forget, we've got our own tricks up our sleeves," the other soldier replies, a hint of confidence in his voice. "We may be outmatched, but we're not outsmarted."
On the other hand, encounters with the Annonrial tank forces have resulted in one-sided decimation. The well-organized combined arms tactics employed by the Annonrial forces, along with their Viracel Main Battle Tanks, decimated Gra Valkans and Muish armored units alike. However, the Annonrial kills against Muish armored units primarily come from air attacks, including airstrikes and gunship operations, with some contributions from Annonrial missile carriers operated by the RAAS units.
The commanding officer radios everyone. "Stay cautious, everyone," he orders. "Stick to the formation and maintain constant communication. If we encounter any enemy forces, both in the air or on the ground, remember our training and act accordingly."
He reminded them, time to time, knowing that a single strike from the Annonrial forces could wipe them out in mere seconds. Luck would be on their side if they managed to get a quick death, but unfortunate would be the fate of those who suffered the consequences.
As they move deeper into the desolate terrain, the scouts take point, their keen eyes scanning the horizon for any signs of movement. They communicate their findings to the rest of the unit, relaying potential threats ahead.
"Sir, I see something up ahead," one of the scouts reports. "Looks like a possible enemy position."
"Good work, soldier. Let's proceed," the commander orders. "Keep your eyes on that target, but stay out of sight for now. We need to gather more information before we make a move."
The tension mounts as they inch closer to the suspected enemy position. Each step is deliberate, every sound amplified in the stillness of the wasteland. The soldiers maintain their discipline, knowing that any misstep could have dire consequences.
"Sir, I've got visual confirmation," the scout whispers over the radio. "It's a Gra Valkan scout armored cars. I see... a dozen of them. They seem to be patrolling the area."
"Understood," the commander replies, his voice steady. "We'll hold our position and observe their movements for now. Let's not give away our presence."
Minutes turn into hours as they patiently wait, gathering intelligence on the enemy's patterns and strengths. The soldiers remain vigilant, their senses heightened in this unpredictable environment.
Meanwhile, on the horizon, amidst their silent observation of Gra Valkan armored car, a dark silhouette emerged—on the other side, the unmistakable form of a Viracel Main Battle Tank. Hovering above were a few gunships, further reinforcing the overwhelming power of the Annonrial forces. The Muish soldiers, aware of the impending danger awaited them in a direct confrontation, swiftly relayed the urgent message over the radio "Annonrial forces! Annonrial forces! Immediate combat is imminent! Prepare for engagement!" The scouts' urgent call echoed through the command, alerting everyone to the approaching threat.
And there goes without warning, a flash burst forth from it's muzzles, illuminated the surroundings of Viracel, followed by an instantaneous shockwave, immediately followed by supersonic tracers that slammed in the proximity of the Gra Valkan armored cars.
BOOM!
They didn't hit a thing, but the explosion must have shaken the Gra Valkans as they scattered unceremoniously in all directions.
"Combat has begun! Combat has begun!" shouted the scouts, their voices echoing through intercom in the chaos. The Gra Valkan armored cars swiftly swiveled their turrets, unleashing a barrage of fire from their 25mm guns and turret-mounted light machine guns towards the location of Viracel.
The Muish armored units remained hidden in the darkness, knowing that it was only a matter of time before they were discovered by the hovering helicopter gunships of the Annonrial forces. Without any air support, their chances of survival were slim. They understood that the Annonrial forces would hunt down every single survivor, leaving them with only two choices: to attack or to hide. However, the terrain they occupied was mostly open, leaving them vulnerable.
The only reason they had yet to be discovered was because they had dug themselves into the mud, concealing their presence from the optical sights of Viracel. They anxiously awaited the inevitable discovery by the Annonrial gunships, which rained rockets and cannon fire from the sky, devastating the unfortunate Gra Valkan vehicles. It was now a true three-way war, with all participants soon engaged in combat against each other.
Rat-atat-tat!
Rat-atat-tat
They observed at the spectacular exchange of tracers between the Gra Valkan and Annonrial forces created a spectacular display, reminiscent of a scene from a sci-fi movie. The futuristic-looking tanks of the Annonrial forces unleashed their firepower upon the half-tracked armored cars of the Gra Valkans.
In the midst of the chaos, one of the Gra Valkan armored cars, unknowingly, breached in on the perimeter of crouching Muish scouts, signaling the imminent clash between, and thus, their contact on their second foe of the day, was about to happen. "Dynamite!" one of the scouts bellowed, as they swiftly opened their baggage. Inside were eight hunkering dynamite sticks, larger than their arms, each wrapped in a chainmail-like material that acted as shrapnel when exploded, similar to grenades.
Unaware of the presence of the Muish soldiers, the Gra Valkans continued to withdraw in their direction, showing no signs of stopping. Sensing the opportune moment, the concealed Muish leading soldier muttered, "Light it up." The dynamites were ignited, and the soldiers rose to their feet. "Cover us!" he shouted, prompting the other Muish infantry to stand and aim their rifles. "35 seconds! Count properly! Go!" he commanded, and the rhythmic sound of gunfire followed suit.
Barreling and weaving through the ruins and mud, the Muish soldiers closed the distance to the armored car, now only 50 meters away. At 20 meters, the Gra Valkans finally noticed their presence, swiveling their turret towards them and unleashing a burst of 25mm rounds across the desolate landscape. Some of the Muish soldiers were hit, their bodies torn to pieces or detonating their dynamite payload, blowing them to smithereens. Despite the casualties, the Muish soldiers pressed on.
At a mere 10 meters away, when the Muish were dangerously close, the Gra Valkans attempted to turn and retreat. But it was too late. With a final effort, the Muish soldiers hurled their explosive payload towards the armored car.
Boom!
Boom!
Multiple expansive explosions rocked the earth. Although the armored car itself was not directly destroyed, its tracks and side skirts were demolished and dented, rendering it crippled. The shockwaves traveled through its thin armor, violently rocking the vehicle and flipping it upside down, disorienting everyone inside.
"Withdraw! The Gigants are about to engage!" shouted their fellow infantry, prompting the soldiers who had thrown explosive charges at the Gra Valkan armored cars to immediately run, as if their lives depended on it.
Meanwhile, at a distance of almost 800 meters, stood 14 Gigants, informally referred to as Titans by the people of Mu due to their enormous size and imposing presence. These slow-moving, fairly armored Mobile Gun Carriers were often mocked by their crew for their sluggish speed, capable of only 25 kilometers per hour on roads and a snail's pace of 13 to 17 kilometers per hour on rough terrain. However, their imposing stature and homogeneous, accurate cannon made up for their lack of speed.
Four of the Gigants took aim at the Annonrial gunships, about to unleash a barrage of fire upon the airborne threats. The remaining nine Gigants targeted the Viracel Main Battle Tanks and other emerging armored vehicles of the Annonrial forces. The final Gigant focused its sights on the disabled armored car of the Gra Valkans, left behind by the Muish scouts.
"Make every shot count, especially against those gunships! Ensure accuracy and hit your targets!" shouted the commander over the radio, his voice filled with urgency. "Remember, one cannon per target, don't overlap your shots!" he reminded them, emphasizing the importance of precision.
"All green!" affirmed his men, their voices echoing through the communication channel.
"Good to go!" chimed in others, adding their confirmation to ensure everyone was ready.
"Alright, three, two, one! Rounds away!" the commander declared.
Moments later, the ground trembled as the Gigants unleashed their firepower. The muzzles of the 100mm guns flashed, and the modified naval guns, QF-35, roared in anger as shells accelerated at 1,800 feet per second. The heavy artillery rounds tore through the air, leaving destruction in their wake as shockwaves blasted the way in.
Boom!
Shockwaves reverberated through the Gigants as their riveted armors and structures groaned under the immense stress of firing their guns. The leaf spring suspension, designed to absorb the recoil, was punished as the Gigants trembled uncontrollably. The hastily produced self-propelled artillery for war against Gra Valkans, now relabeled as tanks, felt the toll of unleashing such firepower. The very foundations of the Gigants quivered as the forces of the blasts surged through their frames.
The whistling of the solid semi-armor piercing high explosive rounds from the Gigants slammed into one of the four Annonrial gunships, located nearly two kilometers away. The impact obliterated the gunship, reducing it to a ruinous frame that scattered into pieces and erupted in a chaotic explosion, resembling a display of dirty fireworks.
Simultaneously, the concentrated ground forces surrounding the Viracel came under the intense salvos from the Gigants. Three of the RAAS missile carriers, reminiscent of missile buggies, were struck by the powerful 100mm rounds, causing them to crumple like mere papers and erupt in violent explosions. There were a few misses that followed, with some rounds overshooting the other missile carriers, and a near miss occurred when a 100mm round exploded harmlessly behind the Viracel, sending a shockwave through the ranks of rear infantries. Lastly, the crippled Gra Valkan armored car, with its crew still trying to recover, was struck by another explosive round, obliterating them without a chance to even utter a final scream of death.
The Annonrial forces, surprised by the sudden gunfire taken down a few of their ground vehicles and shotdown one of their helicopters began to disoriented as they attempting to scouring on their perpetrators, the gunships as if responding on the evolving battlefield, from one-sided strafing and rocket strikes, they immediately lower their altitude, using nap of earth as haven, attempting to evade anti-aircraft fire — if their enemies was AA guns, but they're aren't.
"Damn, missed! All gigants, forget about overlapping shots! Take aim! They're descending to a lower altitude and are fully exposed in the open!" the commander shouted. "Engage and eliminate them before the ground tanks detect our presence!" he commanded over the radio.
"On my mark! 3! 2! 1! Fire!"
The gigants unleashed their firepower, causing the earth to tremble once more. The grinding noise of their frames reverberated as the rounds exited the barrels.
The 100mm rounds streaked through the air at supersonic speed, piercing through the desolate wasteland with a screeching sound — and two of them, hit their mark.
The first gunship was struck on its tail, causing it to be damaged and spiraling into an uncontrollable crash landing. As for the second gunship...
Ka-booom!
It was struck dead center and exploded without much resistance.
The Annonrial forces, following their standard tactics taken straight from the books and accustomed to fighting against minority factions within their own country, began to face the consequences of their lack of combat experience. They heavily relied on their overwhelming technological advancements to overpower their enemies, but they were ill-prepared for the realities of actual warfare. Despite their numerical superiority and the cover of air superiority, they found themselves utterly unprepared for a war they had been attempting to prepare for over the last hundred years.
The encounter with the Muish armored units alone, even without firing a single shot, was enough to force the Annonrial forces into a hasty retreat. Caught off guard and unable to recover from the shock of the engagement, they suffered the loss of three of their air support units and incurred casualties among their ground forces. Recognizing the unknown nature of the Muish forces, the Annonrial troops made the decision to cease their confrontation and withdraw, marking one of the rare skirmishes that the Muish emerged victorious.
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Annonrial 17th Fleet Flagship, Artheos The Great
On the Emperor-class battleship, also known as the Orichalcum-class battleship or Aether-class unique battleship, a truly monstrous vessel takes form. In a standard Annonrial battlefleet, these monstrosities are a sight to behold, with up to two dozen currently being commissioned. These battleships are essentially massive sea gunnery platforms, armed with their distinctive and powerful 51cm Mana MassDrivers.
Unlike the Milishial 51cm Heavy Spirit Light Cannons that operate as conventional cannons, the 51cm Mana Mass drivers on the Emperor-class battleships function similarly to the AGS (Advanced Gun System) on the Zumwalt-class destroyer. They utilize electromagnetic force to accelerate 51cm rounds, propelling them through the air with the assistance of built-in pseudo ram jets. This innovative technology enables the rounds to achieve an extended range of nearly 150 kilometers, surpassing the standard 50-kilometer range of Milishial's 51cm cannons by threefold.
Furthermore, the Emperor-class battleship boasts an extensive array of weaponry to complement its devastating 51cm Mana Mass drivers. With up to 150 Vertical Launch System (VLS) cells strategically scattered throughout the ship, it possesses a vast arsenal of missiles capable of engaging various targets with precision and versatility.
It's anti-aircraft capabilities, the battleship is equipped with eight high-angle guns with a caliber of 130mm. These guns provide effective defense against aerial threats, ensuring the protection of the vessel and its accompanying fleet. To further enhance its defensive capabilities, the Emperor-class battleship features an impressive array of 24 Atatres III Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) modules. These CIWS systems, with their seven-barrel design and a caliber of 35mm, are designed to intercept and destroy incoming missiles and aircraft at close range, providing an additional layer of protection against enemy attacks. For additional firepower against surface targets, the battleship is armed with two twin 203mm cannons located at the aft section of the ship.
The extensive and varied armament of the battleship, combined with its cutting-edge technology and customization options, solidify its status as a powerful warship in the Annonrial fleet. The Emperor-class battleships represent a significant leap forward in naval firepower and range, embodying the cutting-edge technology and capabilities of the Annonrial forces.
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At the meeting room
Three figures knelt before a holographic video, their brows glistening with perspiration. Among them stood a man of perfect human features, adorned with a regal crown, and surrounded by women. These three individuals were...
High Lord Maguire, the overseer of the operation against the second civilization.
High Admiral Lokar, the commander of the 17th fleet and leader of the Annonrial naval infantry.
Imperial Calvary Legate Kizeran, the commandant of the entire RAAS units.
Nervously, they knelt before Emperor Zaratosthra, the supreme ruler of the Annonrial Empire and one of the few remaining member of the esteemed Ravernal purebred, who held dominion over all winged beings.
"So, Maguire," Zaratosthra spoke, causing Maguire to jolt in response. Zaratosthra's presence made it difficult for Maguire to find his voice, and he remained silent, obediently kneeling before him. Zaratosthra continued, his voice commanding, "You have reported that you are running out of ammunition and have requested additional reinforcements from our country." He studied Maguire closely, noting his trembling demeanor. "You may speak now," he finally granted permission, observing Maguire's struggle to find his words.
"Yes, Your esteemed Majesty," Maguire finally spoke, his voice trembling. "Sadly, we are running out of supplies after six months of campaigning."
"You are running out of supplies meant for an entire year of operations? Not including the replenishment convoys we dispatched?" Zaratosthra's disappointment was evident in his tone. "We deployed 200 ships from the entire 17th fleet, consisting of 140,000 RAAS and naval infantry, over 2,000 aircraft, and over a thousand tanks, and yet we have made little progress in the past five months."
"But your..."
"Enough, Maguire," Zaratosthra interrupted, audibly sighing in disappointment. "Lokar," He shifted his attention to Lokar, the fleet admiral of the 17th fleet. "I have heard that you lost 14 ships and have another 30 damaged in battles against enemy fleets. These fleets are supposed to be technologically inferior, relying solely on propeller propulsion and yet to achieve supersonic flight or utilize guided munitions and Mana Mass drivers on their ships. Why have we lost so many ships to them in just a few months? I can accept losses against Milishial, as they are understandable adversaries, but losing to civilizations that have not reached our level of advancement is a great disappointment."
With prideful demeanor, Lokar raised his head, expressing his disdain for the relentless Gra Valkans who refused to back down and continued to launch numerable attacks on his fleet day and night. His voice dripped with contempt as he addressed his esteemed Majesty. "Your Esteemed Majesty —— these barbarians, these heretics — persist like a plague of locusts. I propose that we eradicate the Gra Valkans completely, smoothing the path for our invasion of the second civilization." His tone carried a threatening undertone, fueled by his deep desire for revenge against the Gra Valkans, surpassing his concern for the damage inflicted by the Muish sea mines, which had, in fact, claimed a third of the damage ships on the list and sunk a few in their arsenal.
In contrast, Caesar had managed to sink four Annonrial ships and damage twelve others, with the rest sunk by other Gra Valkan admirals in the past months but these losses were becoming insignificant by days passed as the Annonrial forces learned from their encounters with the Gra Valkans, developing effective strategies to counter their mass fighter and bomber formations, as well as their naval and submarine attacks.
However, as the battles against the Gra Valkans raged on, the Annonrial forces faced a dangerously precarious situation. Despite their previous successes in decimating Gra Valkan squadrons with their supersonic fighters and sinking their ships with anti-ship missiles launched from beyond the horizon, their ammunition reserves were dwindling rapidly. No matter how effective their strategies had been, they could no longer sustain their invasion if they had truly exhausted all of their supplies. The Gra Valkans, with their factories tirelessly producing hundreds of Antares fighters every week and their shipyards churning out dozens of destroyers each month, seemed to have an endless stream of resources. Even the constant supply convoys from Annonrial's homeland were unable to keep up with the demand, and the 17th fleet was on the verge of running out of ammunition. The once unparalleled invasion force of southern world, now faced the daunting reality of being unable to continue the fight without replenishment catching up on demand.
Deep in thought, Zaratosthra contemplated the situation they were facing. "Eradication." The idea of eradicating the Gra Valkans by striking at the heart of their forces in Leifor began to take shape in his mind. "To kill a Lizard, you need to take the head, not the tail," he muttered to himself, thinking that targeting the core of the Gra Valkans' power would lead to their ultimate destruction. Despite the Gra Valkans' attempts to sustain their forces in Leifor through their submarine fleet, it was clear that their supply lines were insufficient to meet the demands of the ongoing conflict. If their homeland came under attack, it was likely that any support to their forces in Leifor would be cut off, as defending their mainland would become their top priority. The prospect of severing their supply lines and eliminating their stronghold in Leifor would not only cripple the Gra Valkans but also make Annonrial's invasion smoother and more successful.
"That's a tempting idea, and I agree with it," said Zaratosthra, causing the lokar's face to brighten. But he quickly interjected, "However, we don't have enough fleet for other operations or to protect our homeland. Therefore, we will continue the blockade between the Gra Valkan homeland and Leifor. I give permission to launch attacks on their shores and ports to disrupt their supply lines to Leifor, but there will be no land invasion."
Lokar's face immediately became downcast, distorted in disappointment as he couldn't exact his vengeance. Sensing his reaction, Zaratosthra continued, "Knowing that Milishial might have already discovered who we are and what we're planning, they are likely preparing their cards. The stage is set. We will deploy three fleets to attack them, supported by another four fleets consisting of a thousand transport ships carrying a million soldiers, their supplies, and equipment.
Additionally, two fleets will be dispatched to the third civilization to establish a blockade operation, cutting off these factors from the game of chess and variables, until we destroyed Milishial and occupied the entire first civilization, we'll deal them on a later date. Furthermore, the other three fleets will be divided into several smaller flotillas, which will engage in commerce raiding and hit-and-run operations against any ships they encounter. The eight fleets remaining in the homeland will protect it from incursions by enemy fleets, including four purpose-built support fleets that will send supply ships to resupply our forces across the world, we don't have enough fleets to spare, destruction of second civilization through mass genocide and unrestricted bombing campaign is the only key to have them, entirely removed from variables we should consider."
"I understand, Your esteemed Majesty," the lokar replied.
"Once the first and third civilizations are pacified, I will add another fleet under your command to destroy those heretics, lokar. But you must wait patiently as additional supply convoys will be deployed immediately."
"This humble servant of yours, Your Esteemed Majesty, is overjoyed by your words. I will work diligently without complaint," the lokar replied, his face adorned with a wide grin.
Zaratosthra nodded and then turned his gaze towards Kizeran, a being with the features of the most detestable beings of Milishials, an elf-winged hybrid. "My niece, Kiz, it has been a while."
"Yes, Your Esteemed Majesty," she replied with a tone of resignation.
"I will discuss that information of yours in private... Did you understand it correctly?" he asked in a lighter tone compared to the others, as if favoring her over them.
"Yes, the issue has already been addressed," Kizeran replied in a plain tone.
"And there will be no accidental explosion like that time, right?" he asked, seeking affirmation.
"Yes and definitely, Your Esteemed Majesty," she responded. The Boska Niebiańska Brama incident, which was treated as an accidental explosion, was attributed to the old age of the magical portal to another dimension. The magitechians and engineers concluded that the runic circuits must have malfunctioned or gone haywire due to years of neglect without any preservation magic coating or maintenance, which resulted to utter annihilation of Rache — but in reality, they just stumbled something they don't want to encounter.
"It is disappointing that my first priority has vanished, like bubbles popping in the thin air, without the chance to contact our ancestors. However, minor setbacks do not matter as long as we achieve our ultimate goals," he said in a relatively nonchalant tone. "I could have waited another decade, but the time has come."
He stood with his hands wide open and declared, "Let the war of conquest begin! I hereby declare a crusade against Milishial! We shall purge all filth from this world!" He shouted with fervor.
And so, the dawn of the actual new world war had finally begun.
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