Austronesia Empire, Imperial Maharlika, Mindanao, Lanao del Sur, Marawi City.
2000, 3, 1st Week, January
25 thousand masked soldiers in black attire stood in attention below a massive wall that reached 30 meters in height. Thousands of them aligned themselves shoulder to shoulder in numerous orderly columns. Every one of them stood next to their weapons that were firmly planted on the ground to their left.
In front of them was an imposing man who stood regally from on top of his personal MTF-16, the Mobile Tank Fortress. A mysterious man with a gas mask and attire that was just as impressive as his military record. He was a hero to the soldiers under him.
They saw him as a soldier of a hundred battles. A veteran of a dozen wars. A legend in many things and respects. A true servant of God that was feared even by the higher echelons of the Austronesian Empire. But to himself, he was nothing more than General Francisco Dianopra Agraviador, an old man given another war for God and nation.
[IMAGES]
"Comrades," He addressed his soldiers. "Today is not a day of victory, but one that is of tragedy. The enemy, no, the hellspawns of Satan, have pillaged this land and desecrated the followers of our Lord. They have defiled one of God's most blessed countries in this cruel world of wars and conflict."
"We celebrate the new millennium and the 2000th year of His Son, but these vile abominations invaded these holy lands, spat on the face of our God by pillaging His shrines! Toppling over His statues! And murdering millions of His most devout!"
"We fight not a war today, gentlemen. Today we wage a purge."
"God provides for the Faithful, comrades. He will guide us to cleanse this nation of the invaders and their demonic taint, just as our country has fought against the colonial rule of Spain and the American occupation."
The Major General drew his saber and raised it high all to see. Its silver blade glistened blue under the moonlight and the burning fires behind him. He then thrust it straight to the ground where it stabbed deep into the earth and stood upright, a symbol for all to see.
"The real liberation begins with God's cleansing of this nation, comrades! By our faith! By our will! By our name as the Dark Roman Templars of the 19th Black Armored Division, make it so!"
Thousands of soldiers in black uniform raised their weapons high in the air and cheered. Every member of the 19th Black Armored Division pounded on their chests. Every one of them bellowed great howls that echoed throughout the entire city. They chanted blood-pumping cries in their native tongue for the entire world to hear.
"OORAH! OORAH! SA DUGO NG ATING MGA KAAWAY! SA KALOOBAN NG PANGINOON! MABUHAY PARA SA PILIPINAS! OORAH! OORAH!"
(Translation: OORAH! OORAH! BY THE BLOOD OF OUR ENEMIES! BY THE WILL OF THE LORD! LONG LIVE FOR THE PHILIPPINES! OORAH! OORAH!)
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Austronesia Empire, Imperial Maharlika, Mindanao, Lanao del Sur, Lake Lanao, In the Skies Above Lake Lanao
2000, 3, 1st Week, January
Marawi, officially the Islamic City of Marawi, is a 4th class component city and the capital of the province of Lanao del Sur, with a population of over 200,000.
The city is located upon the shores of Lake Lanao, which is a large ancient lake with a surface area of 340km2. It is famously known as the largest lake in Mindanao, the deepest and second largest lake in the Imperial Maharlika, and counted as one of the 15 ancient lakes on Earth.
In 1982, nature behaved strangely as the lake's waters gradually rose to a dangerous level for unknown reasons. Concerned for the city's safety, a massive 30-meter dome was built around it until it was completed in 1986.
However, a few years after the dam was built, the water suddenly receded until there was nothing left. Scientists struggled to explain this phenomenon. Over time, grass began to grow, transforming the former lake into a beautiful grass field.
The government in Mindanao was planning on developing new structures in the new land and uncovered its riches, that is until on May 23, 1997, where Marawi city suffered extensive damage when militants affiliated with the Islamic State invaded the city and engaged in a massive urban gunfight against the Liberation Army.
Because of the massive dam that was built, it makes it a perfect stronghold against anything that the Liberation Army could throw at the militants.
The ensuing battle lasted until October 23, 1997, when the infamous Military Division known as the 19th Black Armored Division was deployed to deal with the militants. Within a day, this military division surprisingly managed to defeat them, but the city was completely left in ruins. With no one attempt to rebuild the once prosperous city, the division claimed the land legally, establishing their new headquarters there, where they remain to this day.
"Interesting, this city has faced very strange events throughout its history," Melian remarked after hearing the story from the woman named Amelia.
Right now, they are inside this flying machine called a helicopter. According to Amelia, the leaders of this country had accepted her deal, and in return, they would require help from her against the demon army.
But to be honest, she was scared. Fighting against a Demon Lord was terrifying enough, but four more powerful demons seemed insurmountable, even for her.
The only way to counter them was to get help from any nation in the First Civilization Zone or a full coalition of nations from the Second Civilization Zone. However, the problem was that this was a human nation. If they discovered a nation filled with a race they deemed inferior, there would undoubtedly be dire consequences for the humans.
For now, this nation needs to be hidden from the world.
However, when she glanced at the mark on her hand given by the Goddess, Melian knew there might be hope.
Just then, Amelia's voice broke through her thoughts.
"We've arrived."
Curious, Melian peered through the window and was astonished to see a massive wall, or rather, a dam, from an aerial view.
Recalling earlier, Amelia had mentioned that when the waters of the lake vanished, the city didn't demolish the dam, but instead turned it into a tourist attraction with a perfect view of the fields that once held water.
But now, there were no tourists. Instead, the area was filled with hundreds of black-uniformed soldiers armed with deadly guns, along with dozens of giant cannons that seemed to move on their own.
What was once a picturesque spot for tourists had been transformed into a military stronghold.
As the helicopter flew over the wall, Melian observed the extensive military activity below with thousands of black-uniformed soldiers, hundreds of black-armored vehicles, and more of those flying machines scattered around.
As the helicopter landed on a platform marked with a giant 'H,' a black-uniformed soldier opened the door, and Melian and Amelia stood up.
"Ms. Shelberry, I must warn you that this military division is quite dangerous. That's why I'm here to escort you," Amelia said.
"I'm still wondering why you and your leaders are concerned about them," Melian replied.
"Then look around," Amelia said nonchalantly, pointing at the surrounding soldiers and military personnel.
When Melian observed the soldiers, she noticed they all wore the same black outfit and headgear, with only their masculine, feminine, and average builds differentiating them.
But what made her uneasy was the way they stared at her. Despite them wearing masks that completely hid their face, Melian sensed a variety of emotions from unease, wariness, caution, to even disdain.
These feelings weren't directed only at her but at Amelia as well.
Compared to the warm atmosphere she had received back in Aceh, this atmosphere was mostly negative, possibly even hostile.
"I think you're right. They seem to dislike us a lot," Melian said, feeling uneasy.
At that moment, a black-uniformed soldier approached the two. He greeted Amelia with an ice-cold tone, but Melian sensed a small trace of disdain in his voice.
"Greetings, madam. I assume you are the ones the Emperor sent here?"
"Of course. He sent us to speak with the ones in command," Amelia replied.
"Then follow me," the soldier said, turning around and moving forward. The two followed him.
As they walked through the city, Melian kept glancing around and noticed more soldiers and military personnel staring at them with negative gazes whenever they passed by, making her feel increasingly uncomfortable.
For a split second, she overheard their comments, saying, "Freak," "White whore," "Alien," "Communist scum."
Although some of the words were unfamiliar, it still felt hurt.
Soon enough, the three arrived in front of what appeared to be the City Hall. They entered to see more black-uniformed soldiers standing guard throughout the building.
Without stopping, they continued moving along, and Melian noticed there were a few traces of battle all over the modest building, but it seemed to have been thoroughly cleaned.
When they entered what appeared to be an office, they encountered a number of commanding officers and a Filipino woman in her early 30s.
Currently, she was staring at a clipboard, discussing its contents with another officer beside her. Unlike the soldiers and everyone else in the room, she was the only one not wearing any headgear that hid her face and features, which revealed her long dark hair that reached her back, creamy pale skin, and a very fine physique, as well as a well-endowed and attractive appearance. She was dressed in a black-colored field uniform with a gray trench coat over it.
The most surprising feature, though, were her heterochromia eyes. Her right eye was a deep ocean blue, while her left was as light as the sky or clear water.
Shortly after, the woman and the others present noticed the soldier standing by the door with Melian and Amelia beside him.
"You may leave," the woman commanded.
The soldier nodded, saluted, and walked out of the office. The woman handed the clipboard to the commanding officer beside her and looked at the two women. A few seconds later, she straightened her back and fixed a pair of fiery blue eyes on them.
"Well, well, isn't one of the dogs of the Intelligence Division of Austronesian Constabulary. Nice to meet you," she said to the blonde Caucasian woman, who appeared unfazed by the insult. Her gaze then shifted to the elf. "So, you're the Elf Queen I've heard about?"
"Yes, and you are?"
"My name is Alexandra Trese, Brigadier General and second-in-command of the 19th Black Armored Division."
"If you're second-in-command, where is the one who leads here?" Melian asked.
"Oh, let's just say he is 'teaching' one troop who has done something pretty bad," Trese replied with a sinister grin.
Melian felt uneasy once more. "What do you mean by teaching?" she asked.
Bang!
A sudden burst of gunfire startled Melian. She looked around in alarm, but noticed that Amelia, Trese, and most of the officers appeared remarkably calm.
"Hm, it seems someone has already committed desertion before the battle even begins. How embarrassing," remarked one of the commanding officers with a chuckle.
"Um..." Melian was at a loss for words.
"Anyways, let's get back to the matter at hand," Trese said calmly, brushing off the incident as if it hadn't happened. "Ladies and gentlemen, I've received word from the Major General that he will not be joining us at this moment as he is still busy with 'teaching' some troops. Therefore, I will be the one explaining our strategic defense plan."
Trese proceeded to outline the defense strategy from the number of demons, logistical considerations during battle, the distribution of several brigades and regiments, to other pertinent details. However, as she reached a certain point, one of the commanding officers voiced opposition.
"Ma'am, while your plan sounded fine, why should we sit idly and await death when we possess nuclear weapons that could eliminate them all?"
Trese frowned deeply. "Are you being retarded, Major Sunvu?" she retorted sharply.
Melian interjected with a question, "What are these nuclear weapons?"
Her question prompted everyone in the room to exchange glances before bursting into laughter.
Collecting herself, Trese looked at Melian with a hint of amusement. "Are you sure you want to know about nuclear weapons, Your Majesty?" she asked.
"Yeah, are they some kind of destructive weapon?" Melian inquired.
"That's correct, but they are much more than just weapons," Trese explained.
"In what way?" Melian pressed.
Trese smiled wryly. "Better not wet your panties, girl. Because that delicate and primitive little brain of yours might not handle a mind blowing weapon of sheer power we humans have created."
Amelia stepped forward quickly. "Ms. Trese, discussing classified weapons with an outsider-"
"Relax, it's not like these aliens would even be able to replicate it anyway. I'll give a basic explanation," Trese interrupted sharply. "Now quiet down, American scum."
Amelia sighed and turned to Melian. "Are you sure you want to hear this?"
Melian shrugged. "Why not? I might learn a thing or two."
With a smirk, Trese began to explain, "Nuclear weapons are the pinnacle of human ingenuity and destructive power. They are the ultimate weapon to our ability to harness the very fabric of the universe. Imagine a device so advanced and so powerful that it can reduce entire cities to ashes in mere moments, these are not mere bombs, they are masterpieces of devastation!" she said with pride in her tone.
"The sheer elegance of a nuclear explosion is unmatched. First, there's the blinding flash of light, brighter than a thousand suns, instantly vaporizing everything in its vicinity. Then, a shockwave that obliterates structures, landscapes, and any semblance of civilization. The resulting mushroom cloud, an iconic symbol of our supremacy over nature, towers majestically, broadcasting our unparalleled might to the world."
"The aftermath? A wasteland, where there is nothing but a lifeless field. And there is Radiation, dangerous things that would remain an area uninhabitable for generations. In the grand theater of war, nuclear weapons are the undisputed stars, embodying both our greatest fears and our most extraordinary achievements."
Looking at Melian, many in the room, including Amelia and Trese, expected a fearful or shocked reaction from her, and Clark's 3rd Law to manifest.
But to their surprise, Melian appeared rather unfazed and instead displayed curiosity.
"Oh, so it's comparable to a Tier-2 Transcendent spell. And you have thousands of them? I have to admit, you could rival most nations in the Second Civilization Zone or one kingdom in the First Civilization Zone," Melian remarked casually.
Her response left them somewhat disappointed.
"Wait, your world has magic at that level?" one officer asked, clearly bewildered.
"Yeah," Melian nodded. "I've heard there are a handful of mages and individuals at that level in many nations of the First Civilization Zone. It's a region filled with superpowers, stronger than the other two zones in this world. They have hundreds or thousands of elite soldiers who are nearly as strong as me."
The officers exchanged glances, processing this information.
For Amelia, her eyes widened in surprise at the revelation, feeling a thrill at the thought of these powerful nations in the First Civilization Zone. The realization that they were only encountering a middle power of this world raised questions about the true extent of these nations' power.
Similarly, most of the commanding officers in the room shared Amelia's thoughts. Some were deeply concerned, while others felt a rush of adrenaline at the prospect of facing such challenges.
"Let's refocus on the task at hand," Trese said with a solemn expression, turning her gaze to Melian. "As for you, Knife Ear. While we handle defense, you'll be our vanguard. Locate and target the strongest demons you can with your witchcraft or whatever it is."
"It's magic," Melian corrected with a frown, clearly offended by the derogatory remarks.
"Whatever. Once you've neutralized any threat that we couldn't handle, you can deal with the small fries using your remaining strength. Understood?" Trese continued.
Melian nodded curtly. "Understood."
"I don't like that we are purely relying on an alien to deal with these monsters," one officer interjected, eyeing Melian with disdain.
"We don't have a choice anyway," Trese replied sharply, "Either that, or this nation and our glorious motherland made by the hand of God will be destroyed by these abominations of Lucifer."