City-21 “Kyiv,” UNSA Protectorate, Avril Dominion
Kamil Teodoryanu, August 13, 2049
Kamil spent most of his time in a special Deep VR pod.
From early morning, he attended a mandatory appointment with the doctor responsible for his adaptation to new implants and the overall transformation of his body to meet the Red Class combat standards of the Protectorate.
This was followed by a long exam-and-testing session, one shrouded in mystery and rumors within the barracks. Rumors hinted at its importance, but no one knew the specifics, and the sergeants weren’t giving any answers.
The examination involved both learning and subsequent testing in VR scenarios. Kamil had to absorb a wealth of information: strategy, new techniques and combat maneuvers, handling the weapons provided by the Protectorate to its recruits.
And, of course, there were training battles against a variety of opponents. There were Shaiszu, some strange shapeshifter-humans with ultra-durable yet flexible bulletproof skin, and monsters that looked like highly evolved, living robots. He had to face even bizarre creatures that looked like sentient clouds of black mist.
It became clear that Shaiszu were not the only, and possibly not the most dangerous, enemies in the infinite Universe capable of turning the tiny planet Earth into a true Hell.
To Kamil’s surprise, a significant part of the training was devoted to tactics for confronting and suppressing... humans.
Honestly, it made him uncomfortable at first. He knew well that all the scenarios presented were based on real events. He had even lived through similar experiences himself. Nevertheless, the process soon captivated him. Especially after the training level, where a Shaiszu-infected child ended up killing herself and hundreds of people around her — just because Kamil hesitated and delayed his shot.
By evening, the overwhelming influx of information and the intensity of the scenarios gradually eroded his doubts. What remained was a clear understanding: in the face of an enemy, you either follow the orders and win, or you hesitate and die. Victory is the only way to save yourself and those who trust you, those you swore to protect — as a true member of the Protectorate, as its elite.
The moment of realization and accepting this truth was an epiphany for the recruit. His whole body seemed faster, stronger. Even his thoughts seemed to accelerate, allowing him to anticipate the enemy’s movements. After several frustrating defeats at the start of training, everything changed dramatically. Refusing the offered rest, Kamil stayed in the virtual world for the maximum allowed time, giving his all to exploring his newly discovered abilities. In the end, he scored the highest marks in the remaining tests, taking the top spot among the Kyiv recruits accepted into the Red Class!
However, the most extraordinary part awaited him after the exam-training ended. Later, Kamil even ended up a hundred percent sure that these Deep VR situations were meant to select the best of the best for the upcoming event.
In the early evening, his entire unit found themselves on Trukhaniv Island, dressed in parade uniforms and armed only with light firearms. The unexpected news hit like thunder. They were about to be admitted to the Sky Bastion “Queen Lamark”!
“Get ready, guys. Time for basic orientation,” their squad leader, Sergeant Holman, said with a smirk.
From the ground, the flying fortress was hard to discern. All that was visible were the massive discs glowing with bright blue flames and the dark bulk of the fortress’s underside.
Squinting against the bright sun’s rays, Kamil tried to make out the monumental complex — but it was futile. Chuckling, he recalled how Julia had ranted in their chat that these things physically shouldn’t be able to fly, and that there must be hidden some antigravity tech. Probably more than one. He pondered what Jules would say if she knew that he would be walking through its corridors today... or whatever was inside that thing...
Finally, the unit boarded the transport shuttle. To the delight of the passengers, the ship didn’t just ascend straightly but arced upward in a wide trajectory. Shortly after liftoff, part of the hull became transparent — and they saw the world from a bird’s eye view.
The sight took Kamil’s breath away. While he was somewhat prepared for the view of Kyiv’s sunlit evening skyscrapers, the magnificence of the “Queen Lamark” caught all the recruits off guard.
image [https://i.imgur.com/vRzK4tt.jpg]
The creators of this monumental structure seemed unconcerned with physical limitations and other constraints. Kamil was nether versed in all of those “neoclassicism,” “empire,” or “art deco.” But he could definitely say from the look at those majestic towers — the UNSA Protectorate was the pinnacle of power and progress. Only a great civilization could create such incredible constructions, make them float in the air, and even move across distances unfathomable to his limited mind.
How fortunate that the Protectorate came into their world!
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City-21 “Kyiv,” UNSA Protectorate, Avril Dominion
Sky Bastion “Queen Lamark”
Kamil Teodoryanu, August 13, 2049, 7:11 PM
The shuttle docking, disembarking, and formation of their unit right there — in this very Bastion! — felt like a dream. Kamil noticed that he wasn’t the only one overwhelmed by the grandeur of UNSA Protectorate. Some recruits even stumbled clumsily, finding it hard to hide their curiosity and the urge to gawk provincially around. Observing their state, the squad commander laughed indulgently:
“Hey, greenhorns, cut the shock and awe, haha. Besides, you haven’t even seen the best part yet — the Hall of Glory! The Protectorate demands much, but it gives no less! You have something to strive for, soldiers!”
After a quick walk through the corridors, Kamil’s group found themselves in the Group Briefing Hall. Located on one of the lower decks, near the shuttle landing zone, the hall was vast, majestic, and monumental — seemingly, just like everything created by the UNSA Protectorate. The decor — color selection, decorations, and other adornments — was strict and stylish, with numerous flags and banners displaying crests and other symbols.
In the center of this semicircular hall stood a stage for speeches, backed by a wall featuring a bas-relief of the sun spreading its golden rays, bringing strength and light throughout the Universe. In front were numerous rows of comfortable chairs arranged in a large amphitheater.
As Kamil’s squad settled into their seats, it became apparent that many other participants were present too. Nearly all the seats were taken; Kamil’s group was among the last to arrive. Considering the number of people in the hall and that only the best were admitted here, the recruitment for the Red Class was enormous, truly massive.
Muted whispers could be heard throughout the hall. The attendees behaved differently — some sat tensely in their chairs, others fidgeted excitedly, and some appeared deceptively relaxed while scrutinizing their surroundings. Yet, a shared sense of anticipation lingered in the air. The anticipation of a serious talk hung thick in the air.
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The briefing began when a sturdy, somewhat stocky man with short dark hair and a sharp gaze stepped onto the podium. His black-and-red ceremonial officer’s armor bore the insignias of numerous awards. A massive submachine gun hung from his belt, clearly not ceremonial but pretty much battle-ready.
His image appeared as a large, three-dimensional hologram, hanging above the stage, and overshadowing the entire wall.
“Eternal Sun to the Protectorate!” his confident voice echoed through the vast hall, reaching even the farthest rows of seats.
“Eternal Sun!” Everyone responded in unison.
The man began his speech, each word immediately replicated in augmented reality:
“This is Major Thomas Goffman of the Twenty-Fourth Unified Perimeter Defense Group. You have recently become members of the Protectorate, and already you have been granted the trust and great honor of ascending to the Bastion at the very start of your military career.”
“You are now part of the elite — the Red Class, which stands between the rest of the citizens and our enemies. Therefore, I now address you — the inhabitants of this world, who have taken upon themselves the heavy burden and great responsibility to defend your land alongside us. Today and tomorrow will be challenging days for all of us.”
Goffman’s eyes narrowed as he continued. “We expect another attack from the Shaiszu, possibly two. But that’s not the hardest part. There are insurgents in the city who will undoubtedly attempt terrorist acts and then try to escape.”
“I understand, for those of you who have chosen to openly and uncompromisingly fight monsters, this may be hard to believe. But there are Earth residents who want to rid themselves of the Protectorate at any cost, believing they can handle it on their own or even... negotiate with the Shaiszu!” In response to these words, a murmur rose in the hall. However, it quickly subsided when the Major cast a stern glance at the audience. Once silence fell, he continued.
“We have seen similar situations in many worlds. Pay close attention to these materials. Here are just a few examples of how this has happened and what it led to.”
The hologram of Goffman, occupying the entire space to the ceiling, was replaced by a large screen displaying chaotic battles and panic among rebels confronting the well-organized forces of the Protectorate.
With ruthless efficiency, the Red Class warriors annihilated the renouncers and crushed the resistance. In urban warfare, open fields, fortified outposts, underground catacombs — time and again, the result of the rebels’ desperate resistance was only their defeat.
“Yes, these are humans just like you. But they are enemies. And you will see why. Because our history has its dark pages, which every Red Class member must know and remember for life.”
Horrifying images unfolded on the massive screen. Destroyed streets, obliterated defense lines that once protected cities from the Shaiszu. Fallen Watch Towers, demolished segments of the Wall. Traces of orbital weapon usage, explosions, fires... and many dead people of various Classes.
“All this will happen if we allow the renouncers to win! You MUST act with utmost precision and efficiency. Because the rebels are unscrupulous, cunning, and willing to do anything, even the complete annihilation of civilians in their fight against us! Once, they managed to bring down an entire cluster of orbital satellites on a city just to breach the Wall and clear a path for their escape. That time, 24 million humans, just like them but siding with the Protectorate, perished.”
He paused, allowing the gravity of his words to sink into the listeners’ minds before continuing.
“Rebels are the true monsters. Our extensive experience in saving hundreds of worlds confirms this. Capture them alive for public execution whenever possible. This plague must be eradicated at its root! Every citizen of the Protectorate must know and see the consequences of betraying humanity.”
Goffman then moved on to practical matters and tactics. Throughout his lecture, detailed AI commentary and additional materials were sent via personal messages to all participants.
“You will work in threes, led by an experienced AI agent. Your strength lies in their constant coordination with each other. And all this is conducted under the keen supervision of the Great Father, the True Keeper of Thought, the Embodiment of the Eternal Sun.”
“Prepare yourselves to face operations in dense urban areas, where the insurgents will try to use the terrain for cover or escape. They tend to know the surroundings well, sometimes being bandits and other scum with knowledge of details not on official maps. This makes the battle dynamic and unpredictable. Of course, our intelligence minimizes the risk, but you must be ready for shifting battlefield conditions.”
“It’s crucial to understand that you will be remotely supported by the best Blue Class engineers. Not just as expert consultants, but their equipment will also be on standby. They can collapse a bridge or building floors, quickly dig a tunnel, block and drain a sewer segment... Such terrain manipulation can be decisive for your success! Your AI agents are always in touch, so engineering help may arrive before you even request it.”
“And remember, this is combat. Various situations can arise, but the Protectorate never abandons its people to certain death! In extremely critical situations, a retreat order will be given. Locations of dangerous criminals that cannot be stormed will be obliterated with tactical nuclear weapons.”
Next, the Major continued, explaining that most rebels choose the TACTA Drone summoning as the starting point for their escape.
“TACTA has been our long-time adversary. Perpetual insurgency instigators who shamelessly sell weapons to any scum and incite ordinary citizens to venture beyond city walls — to certain death... or for the Shaiszu predation. They don’t protect people, nor help organize defenses. They only sow chaos and destruction with their actions, encouraging and gathering criminals and traitors.”
“Their Drones provide cover for the renouncers... but only temporarily. TACTA rarely takes responsibility or provides real help. Eventually, they fly away. And that’s the best moment to strike, so act immediately. Every moment after the Drone’s departure, the insurgents use to maximize the effectiveness of TACTA’s weapons — and they will have those, you can be sure!”
“Expect a tough fight and prepare for the worst. Study the list of TACTA weapons you have just received. You have comprehensive information on counteracting it, so be ready.”
“Rebels will likely have secured, interference-resistant communication, even underground. You’re using it now, but so might the insurgents.”
“Don’t rely on electromagnetic weapons. In most worlds, renouncers are prepared for this and have the corresponding protection. Still, we’ll attempt several powerful EMP strikes at the start of the operation since our equipment is resistant, and it won’t harm you.”
“Be ready for encounters with combat robots. Some rebels might have retained their AIs. In such cases, you’ll face not just opponents with individual drones, but entire drone swarms capable of deep tactical interaction on the battlefield.”
“Chemical weapons, toxic agents, weapons of mass destruction… prepare for anything.”
“Unfortunately, despite all our efforts, the slyest and craftiest rebels will escape thanks to unique TACTA equipment like stealth modules. Don’t expect get them all.”
“Focus on mass capture or elimination. Your main goal is to catch or kill as many insurgents as possible and destroy their bases, leaving no place for them to hide and regroup.”
“Capturing is not a whim! Every prisoner, before their execution, always reveals the Internal Security Service everything they know, knew, and will know. Understanding rebel tactics and methods makes us stronger and ready to counter them on other worlds!”
“Once again, be ready for anything. They will be armed, cunning, and as desperate as cornered rats. They will be ruthless and unyielding.”
“But it won’t help them!”
“We are the Protectorate!”
“We always prevail!”
“Our strength lies in our warriors, and you are our warriors, so you will triumph!”
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After the briefing ended, Kamil’s team exited the hall along with the other recruits. The crowd was buzzing with quiet whispers. It was clear that the attendees had mixed feelings. Many had come expecting battles with monsters from another world... But instead, their first mission was to fight their own, local monsters. What else could you call humans who chose the path of rebellion and terror in such dire times?
“Did you hear what Goffman said? Looks like things are going to get intense soon,” murmured a guy from their group. He was a red head, broad-shouldered, with intelligent gray eyes. Since joining the Protectorate, Kamil had spent all his free time in virtual reality and hadn’t even learned the names of his team members. Only now did it stroke him — tomorrow, on a real mission, they could be linked together. Not just their careers, but their lives would depend on each other.
“Damn. I really need to learn his name... and the rest of the team’s too...”
He continued to observe the excited crowd, as they headed back to the shuttle boarding area.
“These days will be a test for all of us. It’s not just about our combat skills. I understand why the Protectorate does this. Our resolve to go to the end is crucial. To fight and win, no matter who the enemy is — Shaiszu, some strange black shadow, a robot, or... a human. Maybe even a familiar face from yesterday.”
“The Major is right — we are now the elite of the Protectorate, and we can’t afford mistakes. The enemies are strong and cunning, but we must protect the civilians and defend our city. I won’t let the horrors that rebels or alien monsters can unleash be repeated in Kyiv. To do that, I need to become stronger. To go further.”
Ahead lay preparations for the operation — in real life, not just virtually. Returning to the base, receiving weapons and equipment, joint training, tactical drills, and practicing coordination in combat. There was a lot of work, even after they defeated the damned rebels. The Shaiszu hadn’t gone anywhere!
But at that moment, Kamil had one single thought — a decision, perhaps the most important in his life.
“I won’t stop until I become a Templar Knight, even if it’s incredibly hard. Even if it costs me my life.”
“Eternal Sun to the Protectorate!”