--- Throne Room, Hurdian Empire ---
The emperor sits on his throne, in absolute silence as he listens to several of his generals and high-ranking nobles discussing recent events. They are still unaware of the current situation at the portal. Currently, the topic of discussion is the war against the Northern Alliance. For a month, the empire has been embroiled in guerrilla warfare, and to worsen the situation, the enemy is using a new, previously unknown weapon that is inflicting casualties on their ranks. Everyone knows that eventually, the empire will prevail over the Northerners, but at a high cost.
"My king," one of the generals began, "I believe that to crush our Northern enemies, we need to mobilize fresh troops. They may have this new weapon, but we are gradually making progress. With a high number of soldiers, we can defeat them." Everyone present applauded in agreement with what the old general had just said.
The emperor finally rises from his throne, looks at everyone, and says, "I appreciate the dedication of all of you to the empire. Very well, I will order the mobilization of an additional 300,000 troops. I will leave logistical matters regarding this to the Minister of Logistics."
As everyone prepared to leave the throne room, a messenger entered the chamber in desperation. Everyone looked at him with indifference as he loudly announced, "I have a message sent from Grand Master Colt to the emperor."
One of the generals exclaimed, "Finally, we have news of the foray into the mysterious portal!"
The emperor instructed the messenger to read it aloud, undoubtedly expecting good news about the adventures and conquests in this new world.
The man then rose from his kneeling position and opened the letter. He began to read it aloud:
- Dear Emperor, the foray into this new world initially proved to be a true success. We brought back hundreds of slaves, all human. The portal opened into what appears to be the center of an extremely large and wealthy city. But I must inform you that the good news ends here. A few hours ago, hundreds of soldiers from the empire began fleeing back to our world. They bring us a grim perspective on recent events on the other side of the portal. The initial attack was a success, but the enemy contains mysterious weapons and steel monsters that are decimating our ranks and our most fearsome beasts, including steel dragons. We lost air superiority as soon as our Wyverns crossed the portal into these things; so far, none of them have returned. I fear they have all been killed or captured. According to the reports, we still have forces fighting on the other side of the portal, but it's only a matter of time before they are all captured or killed. I request Your Majesty's permission to build a defensive perimeter around the portal. I recommend that no more imperial soldiers cross the portal, as we have already lost it. – "End"
Everyone listened in silence. Initially, the emperor had a smile on his face, but it gradually faded as he listened to the Grand Master's message.
"This must be a lie!" shouted one of the generals.
"So you're implying that our Grand Master is a liar?" retorted one of the nobles.
Gradually, more people began a heated discussion. Before it could worsen, the emperor rose again from his throne and ordered everyone to be silent. He instructed them to leave the throne room until further notice, except for three generals.
--- Brazilian Armed Forces Command Center, Brasília ---
In a long rectangular table, in a large conference room, dozens of Brazilian Armed Forces generals are gathered, discussing strategies and how to proceed while awaiting the arrival of the president.
"The president is on his way," announced an officer as he opened the door. Shortly after, the president entered, and everyone stood up to greet him.
"No need for that at the moment, gentlemen. Please, have a seat," said the president as he took his own seat.
"So, what options do we have?" asked the president.
"Mr. President, as we all know, time is short. Two weeks ago, we suffered an attack from this unknown alien force. Exactly 272 Brazilian citizens were abducted against their will through this mysterious anomaly," said one of the generals. After finishing his statement, another general from the Air Force began to speak.
"We don't know where they come from or what lies on the other side of that anomaly, so our course of action is certainly somewhat limited," he took a sip of coffee and continued, "however, I assure you that as soon as the initial counter-attack and hostage rescue force establishes a secure base on the other side of the portal, we can deploy combat and transport aircraft. At the moment, the only aircraft we can send through are the Tupã-3000 attack and reconnaissance drones."
The president pondered for a moment and then spoke, "I understand that the logistics involved in this mobilization are enormous, but we have already waited too long to rescue the hostages and go after those responsible for this terrorist attack against our country. Today, I sent a formal declaration of a state of war to congress, meaning I am granting full freedom of action for you to do whatever is necessary within the laws of this country to rescue our civilians."
Stolen novel; please report.
The president stood up and concluded, "I want our troops on the other side of that anomaly in two weeks."
Everyone stood up and saluted as the president left the room.
Another officer seated next to the president then began to speak. He is the commander of the armed forces and his authority is second only to the president. "Very well, you must be wondering what armaments we will employ besides mechanized cavalry to support our troops on the ground, correct?"
The commander stood up and took a tablet from his assistant.
"You all know how we humans are flawed in various biological and sensory aspects," he sat down again. "During the recent conflicts around the world, we have seen that drones and logistic robots can be very useful on the battlefield." He connected the tablet to a large screen in the conference room.
"With that in mind, exactly one year ago, a strategic division of the armed forces was created." An image was displayed on the screen, leaving everyone amazed, admiring, and some apprehensive with what they saw.
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https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KmVrH5mY8IY6203TZrw9iQsqE_eh_Jf9/view?usp=sharing
author's note: to see this image please open the link in a new window. tks ;)
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The commander continued, "This is the first fully operational combat android, developed for our army in a strategic partnership with South Korea."
"Don't tell me your intention is to use these machines on the other side of the anomaly?" asked one of the generals.
"Exactly. These androids have passed all tests conducted in South Korea in conjunction with the specifications of the Brazilian Armed Forces." The commander turned off the screen. "At this very moment, we have five thousand of these combat androids in the army's logistics center. They have been configured and tested for any type of mission. Their combat autonomy is 12 hours and can be extended to 48 hours with reserve batteries. All of them are combat-ready." The commander then played a video showing these androids performing various tasks at the new weapons testing center in South Korea. They proved to be perfect in every aspect: infiltration, extraction, direct attack, hand-to-hand combat, and most importantly, they can differentiate between a civilian and a combatant due to their highly advanced artificial intelligence.
"Were these androids briefed to the president?" asked one of the generals after the video ended.
"It was the president himself who initiated this project exactly one year ago. His motivation was to avoid soldier casualties in high-risk areas. I know you are all aware, but the war on narcoterrorism was very bloody and costly for our men. It was with this in mind that he conceived this project with the South Koreans."
The androids currently operate only in factories and rescue missions in society. However, Brazil, in conjunction with South Korea, will be the first countries to use androids exclusively for real combat missions.
"These androids will be the first to cross the anomaly. Their mission will be to clear a path and create a secure perimeter 5 km around the anomaly so that many more troops and logistical supplies can cross."
Another general began to speak as soon as the commander finished. "Don't worry, the androids will be the initial frontline just to push back the enemy. Behind them, infantry and mechanized cavalry will be advancing while providing support to the androids."
If this mission assigned to the androids is successful, mass production of these machines will begin. Currently, each android costs $1 million on the international market. However, with mass production in Brazil and South Korea, it is expected that the price of this new weapon will be reduced by half or even more.
Afterwards, all the officers present in the room continued planning the mission for a few more hours. The date for the incursion beyond the mysterious anomaly was set for January 8, 2030.
--- Throne Room, Hurdian Empire ---
Emperor Hurdio is not alone; in his presence are three of his most renowned generals.
General Arondir, duke of a powerful duchy to the east.
General Thalgrim, many say one of the wealthiest men in the empire due to his slave trading business.
And General Lyrio, an elf from the forest; no one knows his true age, but it is believed to be over a thousand years.
The atmosphere in the throne room is tense; so far, none of the three has spoken a single word. Everyone waits for the emperor to start speaking. And then he breaks the silence, seated on his throne. "Tell me, do you think this new enemy beyond the portal is a punishment from the gods?"
Everyone is confused by their king's question. But before they could formulate an appropriate response, the emperor speaks again. "I believe it is the opposite." They all look at each other puzzled. "The gods have sent us this trial to test us; surely they underestimate us. But they will bitterly regret it; one day not even the gods will be free from the expansion of our mighty empire."
"My emperor," Lyrio began, "I recommend we follow the Grand Master's plan. Even if it is through his actions that this situation has spiraled out of control, he is still a great sage, and if what he says is true, we must give him all necessary support so that this new enemy does not advance upon our world."
The emperor fell silent. Thousands of thoughts surrounded him in his mind. "I can immediately transfer a contingent of 50 thousand Minotaurs; they are slaves loyal to the empire," Thalgrim said, adding to Lyrio's point.
The emperor looks at Arondir and asks, "And you, Arondir. Any suggestions to enhance the defense of the portal?"
"My emperor, I support, as do my fellow countrymen, the Grand Master's plan."
General Arondir rarely directly involved himself in the emperor's decisions; he preferred to administer his duchy, which was actually the former kingdom of Kitonia. His grandfather was the last king; he was killed when the kingdom fell, and his father was also killed along with his brothers. He was spared only because he was a bastard son. Thus, he was appointed as duke of that region while still young. The emperor does not trust him 100%, but he has proven to be a loyal servant. Part of his army is assisting in the war against the Northern Alliance.
"Then it is done. I want all of you to stand ready in case it is necessary to assist the Grand Master, and General Thalgrim, your Minotaurs will be welcome in the empire's ranks; send them immediately to the defense of the portal."
The conversation continued for some time. In general, the emperor was not too worried about the situation. He believes it is something that can be controlled. At the moment, what is starting to concern him is the Northern resistance.
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