Eastern Wall, Anzuri City, Kingdom of Azuria.
May 7th, 1425.
10:45 AM
“Wake up, Joker. Enough shut-eye for today. Come and take a look.” Boris gestured towards the large fortress wall ahead while knocking his hand against Joker's helmet. The vehicles rumbled to a stop and Boris was the first to disembark. The ground was firm underfoot, feeling like asphalt or concrete. Other officers followed, grabbing their weapons and equipment.
“Aw fuck, not again…” Boris rolled his eyes at the alien yet somehow familiar sight.
“What’s happening, Sarge?” Joker asked his officer as he let out a loud yawn, barely awake from the short nap in the truck.
“Paperwork.” Boris answers as he walks to the back of the truck. “The wall guards want to confirm our affiliation and purpose. Making sure we’re not secretly bandits or somethin’.”
Boris looked over the detachment of LT-25s traveling with the convoy, thoughts running throughout his mind as he scanned his surroundings. “I supposed we looked threatening to these fellas, bringing automatic cannons and all.”
“I don’t think they know what those cannons even are, Sarge. I’m just guessing.” Joker gives out a chuckle, shaking his head in disbelief in what he just said.
“I’ll get the Ambassador. Sergeant, get back to your vehicle.“ Major Eli orders Boris as he walks towards the Ambassador’s LT-PC, his calm yet authoritative voice heard clearly as Sergeant Boris quickly sprints back to the truck’s cabin after giving a sharp salute and a nod of acknowledgement.
Arriving up to the armored vehicle, Major Eli calls out for the Ambassador, giving the rear doors some good knocks. “Sir, you’re up, they want to confirm your identity with the wall guard and the Royal Wyvern Corp’s Captain will be there with you. I will get the men ready.”
“It seemed like we’re here." Jonah comments, trying to take a peek outside through the infantry periscope.
Anderson stepped out of the LT-PC, taking a deep breath and stretching his arms up in the air. “That wasn’t so bad.” He thought to himself.
The flapping sounds above the convoy attracted Sam’s attention, and a wyvern touched down next to the convoy. A figure disembarks from his mount and takes off his helmet. “Good evening, sir Anderson.”
“Group Captain Marius, isn’t it?”
“Yes, indeed. We met early in the morning the day before. I will escort you to the gate. The guards will let the delegation convoy upon confirmation of your presence and purpose.” Marius answered straightforwardly. “Worry not, the guards and the Duke should already be informed of your arrival by our mana messengers.”
As the men walked towards the gate, a young man in a relatively basic yet distinct suit of armor called out for them. “Sir Marius! Is that really you?”
“Indeed, Captain Arlen! These are the esteemed delegation mentioned in the letter delivered by the messengers. Let us show them our hospitality.”
“We’ve been expecting you, Sir Anderson.” The guards bow in respect. “Quickly make way and open the gate!”
The gate’s mechanism slowly cranks open, revealing a wide road inside with people lining up on the sides to take a look at the peculiar newcomers.
“Welcome to Anzuri, Sir Anderson.”
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Anzuri.
10:55 AM
Boris revved the engine softly, edging the vehicle forward to pick up Joker. Local knights on horses led the convoy, the morning sun painting everything in a warm light as they exited the wall’s shadow. Anderson fixed his gaze outside, taking in every detail of Anzuri’s lively streets.
The bustling streets of the capital city were filled with discussions and speculations as the delegation convoy moved through the main street to the Royal Diplomatic Office, escorted by the Duke’s personal army, the Order of Kalush.
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The ride was smooth. Unlike the rugged terrain during the journey here, the roads had a solidness to them. It was made of… compacted gravel? Anderson wondered how the Azurians managed to create something so reminiscent of familiar asphalt back home. Magical lights and signs at junctions provided guidance, giving some semblance of order in the busy city. As they moved, the tantalizing aroma of baked goods, roasted meats, and herbs wafted from open-air eateries. In the distance, the rhythmic sound of a blacksmith’s hammer met Anderson’s ears, interrupted by a chime of a bell from a nearby tower.
Jonah scribbled down constant notes in between snaps of photos, mouth hanging slightly open as he immersed himself in the fantastical environment. “This place… it’s like stepping back in time, yet everything’s so… alive.”
“For real, sir.” Private Lewis slowed down as a group of adventurers walked past, ogling at the convoy just as much as he ogled at them. Ambassador could only guess how excited his driver must’ve been at the sight.
They approached a wide square with a towering fountain at its center, water spouting from the maws of a hydra carved with intricate detail. The sound of cascading water filled the square, mingling with local conversations. The unfamiliar sounds of rumbling engines attracted the attention of nearby pedestrians, who joined the mass to witness the arrival of the delegation. The squad along with the rest of the company leaned out of the trucks’ tent covers to get a better view of the surroundings.
“That lizard captain wasn’t kidding when he said this city is full of beauty.” Boris remarked.
“Shit look at the women here...” Private Richard trailed off, eyeing the locals with animal features, particularly ones with cat ears and fur-coated tails. His sentence inaudible to all but Joker.
Joker nearly did a double take. “Here he goes again.”
Richard cleared his throat, “Uh, I just hope they’re as rich in hospitality. Ahem.”
Boris steered the truck skillfully through a tighter street as the rest of the convoy followed suit, which then opened up to a wider road. “So, uh, where are we headed sir?”
Major Eli answered, “We’re heading to the Citadel of Duke Kalush ad Azuri. He allowed us to set up camp and stay in the citadel’s barracks. According to Captain Marius, there will be a welcoming party.”
The convoy approached the large fortress, passing through the numerous guard towers along the way. Many guards were on duty for the important welcoming ceremony, dorning their flashy golden ceremonial armor filled with intricate details that seemed more fitting in the fantasy book sold in Elysian bookstores.
“Now that’s a sight you don’t get to see everyday.” Private Lewis comments.
After the trucks were parked in the massive courtyard, Major Eli disembarked and gave out orders for the men to gather up their equipment and line up with the Royal Guards. Dozens of men formed up, bayonets fixed to their rifles along with the Elysian national flag, they marched into the main hallway in synchronization and stood opposite of the Royal Guard, facing them.
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Royal Citadel, Anzuri.
11:25 AM
Duke Kalush walked down the hall, inspecting the foreign men in curiosity. Although their dirty looking uniforms disgusts him as his supremely dressed Royal Guards stood in opposite, one must not judge prematurely by the look. After all, these men have strange weapons and contraptions that baffle him. They have gigantic metal ships, armor-cladded wagons that move without horses and their soldiers have strange equipment attached to their armor that he could not explain, spare for the knives attached to their weapons and the .
“My dear, I cannot detect any mana signature coming off from any of the soldiers or their armored wagons.” First Lady Nadine ad Kalush whispered to her husband, whose expression is clearly worried from the information yet his unwavering attitude stood fast in face of the unknown.
A man in a sharp outfit ascended from the main stairway, accompanied by two others. As they walked, their soldiers each gave out a salute, demonstrating their professionalism. They walked forward and gave a bow of respect to the Duke, showing no signs of hostility nor condescending reaction.
“I am Ambassador Anderson from the United Federation of Elysia.” The man introduces himself, waving his right hand to the man on his left. “This is Major Eli Harrison, who is in charge of my protection and the men under his command.”
As Major Eli gave the Duke a military salute, he waved his hand to the man on his right. ”This is my assistant Sir Jonah Norbert.”
Satisfied with the introduction by the delegation, Kalush gives the men a nod of approval.
“Welcome to my realm, esteemed delegation! I have heard far and few rumors about your people who hailed beyond the Great Sea where no man has ever returned from a voyage. Let it be known that the Kingdom of Azuria treats its guests with utmost hospitality and respect, no matter who they are!” As the Duke finished his sentence, the two hundred strong Royal Guards standing guard slammed their spears into the floor and gave out a chant. “Glory to Azuria!”
Ambassador Anderson gave the guards the nod of approval. “We come in peace, our leaders wish to establish diplomatic relations with your nation.”
“Follow me, esteemed delegation, for we have much to discuss.” The Duke answered.
“We accept your welcome.”