April 15, 2056

Two days have passed since the Federation's attempt at an Invasion on Tyran and there's not a single person who hasn't heard of it by now.

It's practically being discussed twenty-four-seven on every news channel. Almost all of them, however, have very clear distinct agendas they're trying to push onto the general public.

The first Nation to officially make a broadcast on the situation was Tyran and let me tell you... they did not hold anything back on air. A total of five gates were attacked with the one I was stationed at being the most destructive. The numbers are still being counted but the general consensus is that around four hundred Feds were killed in the attack, with a further eighty Tyranians and twelve Guardians.

From what I understand, The Feds didn't get far once past the wall and were quickly routed with the help of nearby QRF bases. Whatever end goal they wanted to achieve that day is a mystery but what they did accomplish was angering just about everyone in Tyran.

One of the main issues that came with the attack was not just the total carnage it caused, but the aftereffects of it all.

You see, Tyran is a Nation that see's themselves in a better light than most others. They're people that come from Nobility and righteousness. As a result, they still hold on to the belief that their society is more refined or sophisticated compared to others. So, when word got out that their sacred wall was tarnished, and their soldiers killed, a wave of outrage surged throughout the Nation.

I'm a soldier first, not a politician, so I can't say for sure what Tyran's National Security Council's take on the issue is. What I can infer is that an attack on Tyran would also be a direct threat to the Queen. They would surely be discussing about plans to retaliate, not just because out of spite, but to also snuff out any talks about weakness. I would feel quite embarrassed too if I allowed mere 'Ofrälse' to step foot onto my Divine land.

As of yet, no word has come from the Queen, but I did hear that later today she would make an appearance to confront the ongoing issue.

Switching to Rambell, it was more or less the same propaganda they've been using to portray the Federation as a group of extremist separatists. What was strange however was the lack coverage on the incident itself. Although Rambell is known for censoring certain topics, I can't seem to find a reason why they'd want this to be seen as little as possible.

Not only that, but it gets weirder when you delve into the online aspects of all of this.

After the attack, there has been a rather... increase of Federation support on certain forums and media platforms. Influencers that had before been indifferent on the topic have had a change of heart and have even debated on the true intentions of the Feds.

Disgusting. There's nothing worth debating about sending hundreds of people to their deaths. And there's nothing that justifies the deaths of those Atlis soldiers and Ambassador. How can someone openly support terrorists?

Anyways... moving on to Atlis. There's not much to say really. The people of Atlis could probably care less about the conflict happening thousands of miles away from homes. The one thing that is up for discussion would be that Atlis is suggesting more intervention to be done, which includes the introduction of counter-insurgency operations within Federation controlled provinces.

Not surprising, but considering Atlis's past interventions, I don't think that'll end well.

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

With a sigh, I take sip of my lemonade juice and rest my head on the back of my chair with my eyes shut.

"So, tiring..."

With the recent events, Atlis has decided to relocate us onto the AS Vogelnest, an aircraft carrier off the western coast of Rambell and Tyran's border. As of now, we've been placed on standby as they assess our next course of action.

I'm not complaining. With a broken arm and a fragment of Black Shard sustaining injuries there's not much we can really do at the moment. A few of them, including Alice, were even flown back to Atlis to treat their injuries.

Alice...

I should've protected her, yet I allowed her to get hurt because of my inability to act. And I hate myself for that.

Why must I be cursed with Divinity I can't use, less I turn into a monster?

Before delving too deep into my train of thoughts, a creak from the doorway of the recreation room makes me jolt up to see Macy leaning against the frame.

"Sorry, were you sleeping?"

"No, you're fine. Did you need something?"

She takes a step in before settling in a seat next to me.

"Just checking up on you, that's all. How's your arm healing up?"

"Fast actually. The doctors said that I should regain full motor functions within the next four days."

"Wow, that's impressive. But I guess that's the charm that comes with Divinity Healing." She laughs before switching to a more serious tone, "Besides that, how are you feeling?"

"...I'm alright," I say. I already spent an entire day with Frost discussing about that day and that in itself was draining to say the least.

Looking back at her, I see her hesitate before eventually sighing and leaning back into her chair. Thankfully she gets the message and just nods which is good enough for her. It's time like this when I appreciate Macy being able to not pry too deep into things and just simply move on.

"That's good to hear. Just as long as you're talking to someone about it that's all I really care about." She smiles. "Oh yeah, here's your replacement."

She hands me a new amulet which I take with gratitude. I had almost forgotten that I completely shattered my last one.

"Thanks. By the way, do you know how Alice is doing?"

"She's doing fine. Stop worrying so much. You're beginning to sound like-"

"Captain!"

A voice interrupts her as the both of us turn the Shard standing in the doorway.

"Yes? What is it?" She stands to meet him.

"Turn on the TV! You have to see what's going on!"

A sense of dread soon starts to come over me as Macy orders a few other seamen that were in the room to switch on the television. They do so a second later the screen comes alive, displaying Her Majesty in all her glory. Her striking blonde hair and regal poise immediately stand out along with her quite young demeanor. She is a woman of grace and patience... so why don't I see that in her right now?

<<-yet still insists on harboring these vile savages that have disgraced our Nation's land! As your Queen, I cannot overlook this!>>

"What the going? What is she talking about?" I turn to the shard.

"She wants to declare war with the Federation, but she states that Rambell is preventing them from doing so."

"Wait what? Why?" Shouldn't the two of them now have a common enemy? I don't understand.

"The Federation isn't a recognized Nation," Macy now begins to explain, "The provinces they hold are still well under Rembell sovereignty. Declaring war would be intervening in internal affairs and I certainly don't believe for a second that Rambell would allow another Nation to commence special operations in their regions. Especially Tyran."

Her face begins to quiver when I return to the broadcast.

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Wait a minute... what's happening? There's a twisting sensation in my stomach that continues to grow intensity the more I listen on. What is she saying?

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Stop! Don't do this!

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The screen fades to black as an alarm begins to blare all around us.

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