AN: Happy belated New Year! Wow, it has been an entire month since I last posted. You don't really know how painful Writer's Block is until you contract it yourself, huh?
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“The day we cease to explore is the day we condemn ourselves to live in stagnation.”
—William I, 1st Emperor of the Cavalan Empire, 1816
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15:27 CMT, 10th of February, 1639 (10th of Memesa, 1995)
30,000 ft above sea level, somewhere over the Holy Milishial Empire
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The Neragese plane soared smoothly above the cloud-kissed landscape. Inside, a Kumiho man named Tobias Myong had just woken up from a long nap, his black ears twitching as he adjusted to the light outside the plane window he opened.
He looked around, one of his bodyguards was nodding along to music through a headset while the other was engrossed in a thin book.
"How long’s it been?" Tobias asked.
The reading bodyguard glanced up, then glimpsed at his watch. "About ten hours. We’ll be reaching the airport of the Milishial capital in a few minutes."
No shit, Tobias thought, but he didn't voice himself. He had been subject to countless regurgitations of information about the mission, how long it would take to travel, what to expect, what impression to give to the Milishials... It had honestly driven him mad with it all.
"Figured." he decided to say instead, stretching, shaking the stiffness of having to sleep in a chair from his limbs.
He wished he hadn't been assigned to this mission, first contact with people of another world should not've been given to one simple individual. But orders were orders.
He spent the next few minutes looking absentmindedly outside the window, a sprawling mass of shining spires and domes whirled past below, streets twisted and turned, sometimes disappearing into tunnels under large white buildings. It was like something out of a science-fiction novel, the only thing missing, were flying cars zipping between the towering spires.
Despite being given satellite images of the Milishial capital, it was an entirely different experience seeing it firsthand.
Then, a voice came over the intercom, announcing the plane's descent towards the Milishial airport.
The bodyguard who had replied to Tobias, Harvey, stowed away his book in his pocket while the other, Casper, removed his headset.
It ultimately took 10 minutes for the plane to touch down on the runway, stopping at an apron opposite the main aerodrome structure.
The airport was quite small, especially for a capital city. But apart from that, it was what Tobias expected from one. Well, sans the slightly unusual architecture.
Tobias unbuckled his seatbelt and got up, stretching his tail as he freed it from behind his back. He straightened his tailored suit, adjusted his tie, and made sure his appearance was impeccable. After that, he fetched his suitcase stowed away in the luggage compartment overhead.
The Kumiho couldn't help but feel a wave of apprehension wash over him, but he took a deep breath and composed himself before leading the way to the front of the plane, as his two bodyguards followed closely behind him.
"Hey, Tobias, you alright?" Harvey asked, as they waited for the plane door to open.
The Kumiho gave him a weak smile. "Yeah, just didn't expect my career to take this turn."
Before Tobias's bodyguard could respond, the aircraft door folded open, the roar of the engines suddenly assaulting his sensitive ears.
Tobias flinched, willing his ears to transform into those of humans, the sound unbearable for his native ears.
The door transfigured into a flight of stairs and Tobias descended with his bodyguards in tow. The warm afternoon itching at his skin.
They were met by a small reception party, presumably from the Milishial government, standing a few metres away.
The main person of the Milishial group - or at least, who Tobias presumed to be the main figure - approached the Neragese as they stepped onto the tarmac. He was an elf, that Tobias could tell by his knife-like ears.
It was surreal to Tobias, as elves had been extinct for nearly 10,000 years and he had only ever heard about them in the context of prehistory (or fantasy).
"Greetings, representatives of Neragon," the brown-haired elf spoke in a stiff yet cordial tone. "I am Mihail Rodotis of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and I will be overseeing your stay and arrangements during your time here in the Holy Milishial Empire. Welcome to our realm."
Tobias nodded respectfully, gathering himself to reply in the native Milishial language. "Thank you, Mr. Rodotis. I am Ambassador Tobias Myong, and these are my bodyguards, Mr. Harvey Gehring and Casper Bode." He added. "We appreciate your hospitality and look forward to our discussions."
Rodotis’s face remained unreadable so Tobias couldn't quite gauge his reaction. He merely said. "Likewise."
The next few hours passed in a blur as Tobias found himself and his bodyguards ushered through the airport, to a line of waiting, archaic-looking horseless carriages which, he thought looked as if they had been ripped straight out of the early Lumière Âge of the 1880s.
Tobias, his companions, and the elf were led to the carriage in the middle of the convey, a white antique model with gold accents and gilded edges.
It was, uncomfortable, to say the least, but there was no way Tobias was going to voice that, so he tried to mask his discomfort with a neutral visage as the vehicles started to lumber silently onto the busy road outside the airport.
Milishial vehicles emitted no noise pollution, Tobias conceded, unlike the usual hum of Neragese vehicles, but that didn't mean they were a good experience to ride in. The suspension felt like a sledge sliding down cobblestones, jostling everyone within its plush seats. Tobias gripped his suitcase, suppressing a grimace, while the native driver and the Ministry man remained unfazed.
"Welcome to Runepolis," Rodotis proclaimed with a slight hint of pride as the carriage navigated through the crowded streets lined with buildings that resembled classical architectural wonders. "It is, of course, our seat of power and the largest and most developed city in the world."
Tobias was afraid he might lose his lunch if he opened his mouth. Luckily, Harvey noticed his discomfort and saved him from looking rude by replying instead. "Indeed, it's quite impressive... how high do these spires go?" He questioned, gesturing toward the towering structures outside.
The elf seemed pleased by the inquiry, launching into a detailed explanation about the architectural marvels that Tobias soon tuned out of.
After about 40 minutes or so, the convoy reached its destination, a great castle that sat on a hill in the middle of Runepolis. It was chalk-white, with floors stacked upon each other like a cascading wedding cake. Tobias imagined this would be what a tangible depiction of the medieval tales he'd heard during his childhood might resemble, but this was no fantasy.
"That is Albion Castle." The elf pronounced with a certain reverence. "The seat of the Imperial Court and the residence of our esteemed Emperor, His Eminence Milishial VIII."
"Impressive," Tobias managed to say, now that he was feeling better having endured the ride.
The carriages stopped after a while, in front of a grand archway that led into the castle grounds. They stepped out and as they did, Rodotis spoke, "Ambassador Myong, we will now proceed with your official reception. Follow me, please."
Tobias nodded lightly, and together with his bodyguards, followed Rodotis as they crossed through the archway, entering a vast courtyard adorned with marble statues and well-maintained gardens. The ground beneath their feet was paved with polished stone, leading towards a set of dark double doors at the far end, about the height of 2 stories.
Two men in simple-light blue uniform flanked the entrance. With a synchronised bow, they opened the doors, revealing to Tobias an absurdly straight hallway that seemed to stretch to the opposite side of the castle.
Tobias tried to memorise the path they took, straight a few tens of metres, left, right, left, left... and he lost count.
The corridors were adorned lavishly, unrecognisable tapestries, gilded chandeliers, portraits, and the occasional sets of windows. Finally, they reached another set of double doors at the end of a particular hallway.
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Rodotis turned to Tobias and his bodyguards. "Ambassador Myong, we have arrived at the Audience Chamber. Please wait here momentarily, and I will announce your presence to His Eminence and his court. They will be ready to receive you shortly."
"Of course," Tobias replied with a fox-like tilt of his head as Rodotis disappeared through the grand doors.
Although outwardly, he looked calm, he couldn't help but feel nervous butterflies in his stomach.
"Man, this is just jarring." He heard Harvey mutter.
The other bodyguard turned to him with a raised eyebrow, "What do you mean?"
"Well, my grandpa lived during the 1880s and 90s – it was his favourite era since it was his childhood – and he always told stories and showed me pictures of those times." He smiled wistfully. "I wonder what he would say if he could see this place."
Casper nodded thoughtfully, "Yeah, I had Grand Aunt Sylvia who was born during the '00s, I bet it would’ve been pretty nostalgic for her too here. Quite a trip back in time, huh?"
Tobias, overhearing their conversation, couldn't help but agree. But he didn't really know anyone who was from that era of Neragese history since his family had immigrated from Hanam – no – Eyoseoul, decades ago.
At that moment, the grand doors opened silently and Rodotis appeared, gesturing for them to enter the audience chamber.
The room was cold but expansive, and in the middle, was a large table draped with a patterned white cloth. On the other side sat 7 men, finely dressed in white, sometimes grey suits.
Tobias’s eyes were immediately drawn to the figure in the middle, an elderly elf, with long flowing-white beard and hair. He was the emperor, Tobias realised, but he looked more like someone who thought chanting in Alarican [Latin] was a good way of performing magic. Not that he was going to say that out loud.
Rodotis led Tobias, Harvey, and Casper to a spot in front of the table and bowed deeply. "Your Eminence, Emperor Milishial VIII, I present to you Ambassador Tobias Myong and his accompanying bodyguards, Mr. Harvey Gehring and Mr. Casper Bode, representing the nation of Neragon."
At that, the men at the other side of the table except for the emperor all stood up, and bowed shallowly. Tobias and his bodyguards returned the gesture.
The emperor studied the newcomers with a neutral gaze. "Welcome, honoured guests from Neragon," he spoke in a baritone and measured voice. "It is a pleasure to receive you in our realm. Please, take a seat," he gestured towards the empty chairs arranged for Tobias and his bodyguards.
"Thank you for your hospitality, Your Majesty," Tobias responded, inclining his head respectfully. As they took their seats, he couldn't help but feel out of place, surrounded by the unfamiliar Milishial court.
Emperor Milishial VIII leaned back in his ornate chair, his piercing gaze still fixed on the Neragese delegation. "Ambassador Myong, we are eager to hear about your realm and the purpose of your visit. Now, I believe a few introductions are in order," he gestured towards the other men who sat at the table. "We have Prime Minister Silas Anthak, Minister of Foreign Affairs Iason Perclas, Director Arneus Freeman of the Royal Intelligence Bureau, Director Theodore Birkburn of the Ministry of Countermeasures Against the Sorcerous Empire, Minister of Military Affairs Schmill Pao, and Director Agra Brinston of the Ministry of Defence."
Tobias nodded respectfully to each of them as their names were mentioned. "It is an honour to be in the presence of such esteemed leaders."
"The pleasure is ours, Ambassador Myong." The emperor replied, "Now, enlighten us about your country. How have you brought yourselves to our realm and what aspirations do you harbour for the future relationship between our nations?"
Tobias straightened his posture, pausing for a moment to clear his mind a bit, "Your Majesty, and distinguished members of the court, our nation was transported here due to a freak accident related to experiments in regards to Portal Magic conducted by an organisation known as the Union of Realms Organisation for the Containment of Magical Anomalies. However, what details there are about this experiment remain classified. As for our goals, we hope to seek peaceful coexistence and trade between us that can benefit both the states of Neragon and the Hold Milishial Empire."
The emperor nodded; his expression thoughtful. "A commendable goal, Ambassador Myong. However, the sudden appearance of a foreign nation in our world raises... concerns. What assurances can you provide regarding the intentions and actions of Neragon in this world?"
"We understand that our sudden presence might cause some... misunderstandings. To address this, we are prepared to share information about Neragon's history, culture, and our capabilities. Misunderstandings can be inevitable, but we would do our best to mitigated them."
The emperor half-frowned half-nodded." Of course." He simply said.
"And can this information be shared now?" Another man interjected (Director Freeman – Tobias recognised).
The emperor sent the director a warning look but Tobias replied. "Yes, I— we plan to. If you allow me, your majesty."
The emperor gave him a faint nod. "Proceed, ambassador."
Tobias got up from his chair and produced an oak wand from his pocket. Grabbing his suitcase and placing it in front of the Milishial court but behind Tobias's seat.
He pointed his wand at the suitcase and mumbled, "Out." As soon as he said that, the suitcase opened in an instant and a white board and microwave-sized projector shot out.
The white block unfolded, turning itself into a white screen with two black legs while the projector moved towards the centre of the table, facing the screen. The use of magic seemed to have surprised some of the Milishials, while the emperor remained unfazed.
The projector turned on with a flick of Tobias's wand, casting a clear image of a map on the white screen.
"The mainland of Neragon is located just south east of your realm, however we also possess 6 territories that have been scattered around the known world" - several outlines manifested on the screen - "as well as 2 research stations on one of the moons."
At that, one of the members of the Milishial court, Minister of Foreign Affairs Iason Perclas, raised an eyebrow. "Moon research stations? You have a presence beyond the atmosphere?"
Tobias nodded, "Yes, we have achieved a level of technological advancement that allows us to explore and utilise space."
Emperor Milishial VIII leaned forward, his curiosity evident to Tobias. "Your technological capabilities – if they are true – are impressive, Ambassador Myong. Please continue."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
And now, the map turned into a picture of the skylines of Wilding...
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2:17 WT, 10th of February, 1639 (10th of Memesa, 1995)
Place Unknown
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Pitch black, that was what the man woke up to, like the void of endless midnight or the bottomless depths of an abyss that held no compassion. Yet, he could still see himself, his hands, his features... A faint tune in the background seemed to echo through the emptiness. It seemed almost, melancholic.
But the man ignored it and tried to move through the inky darkness. He reached his magic out like invisible tendrils, seeking purchase in the temperature-less void. Yet, he felt nothing.
The man frowned, though he did not stop moving. His steps on the unseen floor create no sound.
He tried to think of some way to remove the darkness, or at least, to exit this lightless expanse. But his mind did not seem to want to cooperate.
"Back again I see?" A distant female voice echoed in the abyss.
And suddenly, the man's mind seemed to clear, like waking up from a long dream. his eyes focused on the speck of light far away, as it got closer and closer.
Now, the man remembered why he was here, and he had seen this scene play out countless times.
"You say that as if I'm here all the time." The man retorted blandly. He watched as the approaching light transformed into a white silhouette a hundred meters away, and soon a figure emerged, a woman adorned in black robes that seamlessly transitioned into white sleeves and a flowing gown.
She did not say anything for a moment, simply staring at the man. "To be direct," she eventually remarked, she spoke softly but the man could still hear her, "I hadn't… anticipated the fact you still have the ability to materialise in this realm."
"The feeling is mutual, A—"
"Masgi."
“I beg your pardon?”
"My name is Masgi now." She said simply.
"Enasan for dream." The man muttered.
The woman ignored him. "So, how did you find me?”
“The standard procedure,” the man said as if he couldn’t believe what he was saying. “I did not expect it to work, but here I am now.”
He was now pacing towards the woman, his steps silent in the void.
Masgi changed the topic of the conversation. "So, tell me, what is it like over there?"
The man seemed to think for a second, "It is... backwards, compared to our world. But the civilisation with the highest technological level that we know of seems to be in the 1910s to '50s so that might not be accurate for long."
"Technological growth does not equivalate societal advancement," Masgi pointed out.
"It does not." The man agreed.
By then the man realised he was now sitting in a white armchair across from the woman. He did not know how he hadn't noticed that, but it had happened before so he did not react externally.
"And what has happened since Neragon’s displacement?" The man questioned.
Now it was Masgi's turn to be silent for a while. "From what I could gather, a lot of things have happened, the world economy is in shambles, riots have broken out across major cities, stranded Neragese…” she trailed off as she realised something.
The man closed his eyes for a moment. The distant tunes seemed louder now.
The woman sighed, "I don't know how to bring you back." She spoke.
"Hmm?"
"Is that not why you tried to contact me?"
Now the man smirked. "Can't one visit an old friend without a grand design? But yes, that was why I contacted." He shrugged. "It was worth a try, but at least I know we can still contact our world in some way."
Masgi observed him with a scrutinizing gaze. "Calling us friends is a... questionable affiliation. And your sporadic visits seldom bring comfort." She spoke stiffly.
The man stared at the woman for a few seconds and thought of how she would've reacted when she heard of the displacement of Neragon and by proxy, himself. And then he burst into laughter that echoed through the darkness.
"Are you still here just to torment me in my own home?" She inquired neutrally.
His laughter gradually subsided and he spoke. "My apologies Ali— Masgi, but the mental image of you celebrating my departure was too funny for me."
Masgi's expression remained stoic. "Are you normally this annoying or is it a recent development."
The man leaned back in the armchair; his amusement replaced by a contemplative expression. "Perhaps recent events have driven me insane."
Then, he recalled something. "Oh... I nearly forgot about another thing I came here to tell you. Have you ever heard of I-01?"
"It was an alien entity, correct?"
The man nodded. "Yes, and she seems to have appeared in the world we found ourselves in."
Masgi's expression hardened. "How." She demanded sharply.
"We do not know, but a team is already observing her."
A bemused countenance settled on her face. "Well, this will be interesting."
"Now you know why I want to find a way back to our world."
"Besides the fact your country found itself in a new one?"
The man snorted. "Yes, besides that."
They stayed in silence for a while, the distant melancholic tunes overtaking the man's ears.
Masgi broke the silence. "Well, I would love to help, but I am, unfortunately, unable to."
"Hmm... There is one thing you can help me with.”
"Oh?"
"Can you deliver me a message to one Kitakaze no Haruhime?"
A look of realisation seemed to dawn on her face and she smirked. "It will be my pleasure, Nott."
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Subject: Japan
Date: 9 Memesa 1995, 10:09
From: VROEMG Public Inquiry
To: Satoru Miyaguchi (SatMiy)
CC: Evans Nott, Anna Oyuun James
Hello Satoru,
We have received your email in regards to the “Japan” region.
Indeed, it seems they resemble a lot like the original geographic layout of Japan from maps provided by other displaced individuals.
VROEMG is taking this seriously, and we appreciate your diligence in bringing this matter to our attention.
If you have further inquiries, feel free to ask.
Best Regards,
Amanda Merritt
VROEMG Public Inquiry