BirdofParadise

RACC : Hearts of Darkness

@Kuchenlein

The Pherithians put their ultimatum on hold, and got into a talk with Leorolaine. They have accepted the live video call, hoping to seek a peaceful solution to the conflict.

"Greetings, Aranorians of the Aranorian Confederacy. I am Tikiyachod, the Third Cakemaster and the Emperor of Pherith. Ahh, yes, I would like to have a talk with the Aranorian Confederacy regarding this. Let's speak,"

"Thank you for accepting." Leorolaine made a brief pause before continuing. "Pherithians, and Emperor of Pherith. In behalf of my nation that I speak as, the Aranorian Confederacy aims to unite the entire region of Elias. And as such, the goal of unifying the region's economy to rebuild what Elias has lost during the catastrophe decades ago." She continued. "However, some nations prefer to be individualistic about their agendas, slowing down the reconstruction of the whole Elias. We do not tolerate such greediness, already we try persuasion, and yet they chose to ignore the calls of joining together. And so, we decided to convince them through arms." She began to be emotionally expressive.
"Despite almost uniting the entire region, a rich mainland nation intervenes in the affairs of our great national call. We wish no such war outside our home islands, only unification. However, your country violates the law of our rationale, doing so you will be ruining our goal of reconstructing Elias itself. This we ask of you, withdraw your forces." She finished.

================================================
@Lurking Shadow

A good choice, your health will benefit from it. As for your question, I was merely performing a ritual with my priests. You can see how that ended. I hold no malice for others, but any action taken against the Hive will be reciprocated. A few moments of interference will delay me a week, more humans will need to be provided and the process of preparing them for a ritual is time consuming.

As for the why… it is simply what fuels our magik. When we bargain for power, something must be offered, something must bleed. My offer stands, if you are willing to bring victims, you will be compensated. The only catch is that they must be alive. Beyond that their state of health does not concern me. If you are unwilling, it would be best to forget what you saw as you leave, you won’t benefit from knowing of me. If you need to, you may find me here for the time being. At least until I can expand my influence further. My minions will await your return…

Having said that, Nuthrix retreated into the woods with the Hive Priests back to the cavern further in. The aura of dread seeming to leave with him. The Ghasts followed shortly after, having picked the clearing free of any human remains. The only indicator of the even happening would be the stone monoliths and the faint smell of blood.

"Wellp" Edge then sighed with relief. "Glad you didn't attack them." He said to Crimson.

"Fool, I am well aware of our situation. But at least you responded right." Crimson replied.

"Heeeh? Is my bloody brothy complimenting me?" Edge amusingly and cheerfully expressed, until a knife with a shining silver steel flew passed his face, rotating and moving so fast, barely missing him and landing at a tree with its edge piercing its bark, deep enough that only the handle was left visible.

"My apologies, I did not hear that correctly. The knife was supposedly intended for those 'demented creatures', that I almost forgot." Crimson replied to him, apparently the one who threw the knife.

Turning pale with sudden sweating on his face, Edge quickly forced himself to smile jokingly after a pause, despite being humorously scared. "... ehehe, you don't say."

Crimson fetched his knife back, easily taking it out of the tree's bark, regardless on how deep it pierced. "Come on fool, I want a drink." He then started walking out of the eerie area.

"Right back at ya mate. Buut, I do like to explore these new guys' stuff left here." He replied.

"Do what you want, just don't take too long." Crimson continued until he disappeared out of sight in the woods.

Edge however, remained. Gazing the strange structures in front of him, he investigated, but not too close or deep enough to the woods of where the strange beings gone off to. Touching the rocks with his fingers, and remained silent on his actions. Perhaps, can he gain something out of this? information or clues perhaps? Or something else?

RACC : Hearts of Darkness

@Kuchenlein

Pherith's ultimatum reached the Aranorian cabinet. Seemingly un-surprised, they however, made one last chance for a talk.

In any case, a live video call was sent to the Pherithian high-command as the reply. Whether they accept this or not will be up to them. If they however accept, then as follows.

The Griffegus representative, and speaker for the Aranorians appears on the live video. "Greetings Pherithians. I am Leorolaine Ygyslov, Prime Minister of Griffegus, and Speaker of the Aranorian Confederacy. Whether we continue this or not would leave us faced with consequences for the future of our nations. Still we shall speak." She awaits the response.

"What?" the Pherithian fleet responded with a loudspeaker of their own, "Since when did Articia become a member of the Aranorian Confederacy?!"
"Articia was fighting against the Aranorian Confederacy, no? Is this a puppet regime of some kind? We await your response. We kindly ask you to prove that Articia voluntarily joined your confederacy, without any military or economic pressure."

Meanwhile in the western Artician seas. Receiving the response, they replied loudly and confidently. "We advise you to lay anchors and wait for our high command's response!"

RACC : Hearts of Darkness

@Lurking Shadow

Both Edge and Crimson arrived at a "particularly usual" scene they always get, as they approached the eerie. Seemingly turning bloody as they glanced to some body remains of unlucky ones being chewed over by some "things". The rugged white-haired unlocks the trigger of his gun, and the other tightens his hat. Calm before their eyes the approaching wave of the creatures. Their ferocity came to a halt.

What do you hope to gain approaching this slaughter? There is little more here than death.

The voice both heard, they eagerly listened.

These fools interrupted a ritual and paid for it with their flesh and blood. As long as you don’t repeat their mistake I won’t seek you any harm and you may proceed elsewhere. Now, unless you can offer me some humans to sacrifice I suggest you leave unless you would like to feel the strength in our bite...

So? make your choice, anything to say?

Just by the sight, Crimson showed a pissed look as he raises his head. A pat on his shoulders and the whisper. "*Ahem* Let me handle this." Done by Edge himself as he approaches in front of the latter, pushing his sword back to its cover. He faces and answers the being before him.

"Our choice is we go on our own way." Edge answered politely and kindly, much to his negotiating-like tone. "But uhm, may I ask what you are doing... and hmm... why you need them sacrifices." He added, accompanied with some unnecessary hand gestures. Crimson sighed, and returned his gun back to his inner pockets.

RACC : Hearts of Darkness

Southern Wars (continuation)

The midnight of a new week, as the clock passes twelve. Within the Lanceline theatre, Lanceline's command centre was on full evacuation after the Raegalian's lightning attacks several hours ago. They took this chance to move quickly while the enemy was establishing their forward frontier. To their surprise however...

A Raegalian stratofighter dived from the skies, it was heading down vertically fast, quiet, and it dropped something down below the Lanceline command centre before it flew up again. The object that was dropped turned out to be a bomb, and exploded violently that decimated the entire base in flames.

It was then that the Lanceline army has fallen in disarray as their command lines are wiped out. By morning, the Lanceline western army has been routed after the pincer attack. The remnant army and paramilitary troops now awaits in the capital of Lire. Now to their shock, the Raegalian's messaged them peace. Yes, PEACE. They utterly took this as an insult. However, outside their capital. The Lanceline soldiers and survivors of the western army were sent back to their capital, wounded and left unarmed to walk several miles towards their city. The Raegalians told them that they will not attack anymore, however, they threatened them that any attempts of counterattacks would result in a full artillery saturation of the capital until nothing remains of it to repair.
Clearly for unknown intents, the Raegalians remained several miles outside the capital, strengthening their established frontier base. Numerous emplacements and self-propelled artillery dugged in, flying a white flag. And their skyfleet hovers miles above.

@Kuchenlein

Wary and suspicious, the city defenders remained vigilant, and prepared for counterbattery in case the Raegalians weren't true to their words. Several days, no sign of Raegalian attack, only from their scouting report that the Raegalian frontier is being strengthened. By the end of the week, still no signs of attack. By this time, the Pherithian aid had arrived at the capital. Grateful for the reinforcements, the Lanceline forces began to regroup.
However, the chain of command in the military have been wiped out. Sovereign officials were incapable of handling the armed forces. The Lanceline remnant leadership begged for the Pherithians to take command of Lanceline's army and retake their lands. If they do this however, would mean breaking the Raegalians "self-proclaimed peace", and the artillery saturation could happen. Doing it regardless, what would Raegalia have in stored for them.

In the Artician Front (Note: Happened in the same length as in Lanceline). The morning of the new week began, as the blitz continued.

Raegalian air raids devastated Artician outposts, ports and harbors from numerous islands. Griffegus ships battled poorly equipped Artician warships to defeat, whom were on constant attack from the Raegalian air attacks. As the island defenses softened, or even shattered. The moment was ripe for the 2nd Skyfleet's penetration.

The Artician mainland quickly found itself assaulted by the Raegalian's skyfleet, and a ground invasion force spearheading it. Their defenses were badly weakened by Griffegus navy bombardment and Raegalian air raids. This was easily pierced by the Raegalian's fast-moving armor units supported by aircrafts. Reaching their command centre which was already smoking. With a knife at their throats, Articia's wounded main army surrendered, and the capital fell to Raegalia.

While Raegalia was attacking the Artician mainland, Griffegus took care of any flanking attacks the Artician made. Articia had a strong navy, but never a ground force or air. Griffegus faced challenges against their fleet around the mainland. But when the capital fell, Articia surrenders itself to the Aranorian Confederacy. But the remains of their fleet did not intend to give up, and fought on the remaining southern islands resisting Griffegus fleet. Inevitably, their resistance faltered by Raegalian air attacks, pushed back towards Glesureis.

@Kuchenlein

By the time the Pherithian reinforcement came in Articia, it has already fallen to the Aranorian Confederacy. Arriving from the west, they were spotted by a Griffegus patrol group, a few kilometers before the Griffegus blockade fleet. They warned the rest of the occupying force in Articia before they came closer. Seeing the Pherithian flag, they warned them.

"Ahoy! Pherithian mainlanders! You're in the territory of Articia, a member nation of the Aranorian Confederacy! Continue your approach or we will be forced to fire a warning shot regardless of our situation. Continue to do so, and you will have declared war against Articia, and the whole Aranorian Confederacy." A loudspeaker voice came from one of the patrol group's three cruiser frigates.

=============================================

Behind the Scenes of War

Articia's surrender led to its absorption into the Aranorian Confederacy. Its armies demilitarize or annexed. And the national leaders replaced by those who have been waiting to get their chance and supported by the Aranorian council. However, the occupied nation remained restless in the power-hungry Confederation. Contrast to Karastus' gladness to cooperate and join the Aranorians, the Articians were against being turned into one.

Raegalian and Griffegus military officers discussed.

"The plan has been going along nicely, however we are attracting a lot of competitors, especially from the mainlanders." Says one of the Griffegus.

"We are well aware of the Pherithians attempts on meddling with Elias' affairs. That's why we must annex Lanceline as fast as possible if Elias is to become one." A Raegalian said.

"Ah shite, I really hate these mainland dogs. Not that we can't handle them, but lest they fully intervene, we'll be the bad guys this time." Noah added a sigh. "Alright gentlemen. Our offensive on Lanceline shall be halted for the time being, give them a "peaceful message" if it's a must. The best thing we are to do right now is our forward frontier."

"Yes sir. But would they actually take this peace?" An officer asked.

"Unless they're stupid then they would. But their resistance are futile with their chain of command 'fully' wiped out. We need to deal with the royalist dogs right now, if I mention they closed their diplomatic relations with us right? So we can't declare war with them?" Noah says while pissed.

"*ahem* Yes we can still can, unofficially. But it would be unwise, as you have already said, Prime Minister." A Griffegus replied.

"Oh right." Noah amusingly followed, and added. "Well then, just in case, I call for a military meeting with the fifteen skyfleet admirals from northern Aranor."

*meeting ends*

============================

Shady Wooers

@Kuchenlein

The Aranorians agreed with both Peiyangese and Indian's trade agreements. They also asked what their relations with the Revital Whampoans are.

This aside, new trade routes opened, and like that of the Revitals, the economy strengthened for the Aranorians. This had great effects as well to Articia. With it being one of the Aranorian Confederacy, it was included in being open for trade, although its economy is still monopolize by the Confederacy.

RACC : Hearts of Darkness

@Kuchenlein

Right n no rush

RACC : Hearts of Darkness

@Kuchenlein

Southern Wars

By next week, it wasn't a surprise that war broke out between the Aranorian Confederacy and the the sovereigns of Lanceline and Articia. The trade agreement between the Confederacy and the Revital Whampoan Reich quickly changed the situation of both southern nations. They were visited, and invited by the Royalist ambassadors from the north, namely the Pherithian Empire. Without any delay, Lanceline agreed in joining the Central Powers and gladly accepted any aid against the hostile Aranorians.
Communications however, were slow in Articia. In the midst of a partial enemy blockade, they are having a hard time keeping up with the information that is being sent from Lanceline. But before the Aranorians invaded Lanceline prior a week ago, they made an alliance with Lanceline to fight against the Aranorians. Though it might take several days for their invitation to arrive with the Aranorians releasing a scaled assault.

The Lanceline Theatre

The initial landings on Lanceline were a bit slow on the Aranorian's side. Lack of ground-destroying ammunition proved that the Raegalian skyfleet needs supplies from the rear, so they settled with indirect artillery attacks. This continued for half a week, and Raegalian air raids weren't pretty much common, in otherwords, it went a bit quiet as Lanceline strengthen its defenses.
As the week is passing, air raids became frequent, and just several days later, heavy bombers are being called for a carpet bombing run on the Lanceline's defenses concentrated from the northern towards the western front. This critical bombing was highly severe for Lanceline if it was successful, so they sent their air force. However, they were actually brought to enemy's trap, their air force were ambushed by the latter's air force, overwhelmingly defeated. With crippled emplacements and air force, the Raegalians quickly landed the beaches through amphibious and air support. Using what they've learned from Griffegus, the Raegalians pierced through Lanceline's lines with armor while letting infantry troops clean the remnant defenses. Precision strikes and missile strafes from fast-flying aircrafts easen Raegalia's offensive. With quick blitz attack, the northern front quickly fell to the Raegalians. And with the breakthrough of the Lanceline lines, cut off supply lines on Lanceline's western front. This led to a pincer attack that trapped the Lanceline western troops between the invading Raegalians from the west and the tank columns from the north. With continuous air superiority from the enemy, it would seem grim for them to break out towards the north.
While the Raegalian tank columns from the north are trapping the western Lancelines forces and link up with the western Raegalians. The surplus Raegalian forces on the north focused on establishing a defensive front miles away from Lanceline's capital. This allowed the 3rd Frontier to completely landed, with their forces split from north and west while the 6th Skyfleet provides overwhelming air support.

Of course the Raegalians didn't have it smooth either, on the beginning days before the landing began, the air raids towards Lanceline beaches caused numerous losses of aircrafts and brave pilots due to ground AA-defenses. Though it provided essential reconnaissance for the carpet bombers, they too received losses. The landings from the north and west beaches on the other hand, faced Lanceline's remnant coastal defenses, which some were intact despite the bombings. Inevitably, the western Lanceline forces were routed, and the Raegalians have linked up with the north, combing their fronts and preparing for the offensive on the capital.
The Lanceline forces are now concentrating on defending their command center situated on the outskirts of the capital. They in this part, are much more prepared in countering Raegalian offensives with more anti-air in their disposal. The city was on a full evacuation, but amidst the situation, militias and paramilitary troopers were formed in facing the invader's threat. As the week passes.

The Artician Front

Before the initial invasion even began in Lanceline, on the Southern Strait.

Articians are sending some of their navy to aid the Lanceline forces on their western front in preparation for the Raegalian invasion, when suddenly they were engaged by Raegalian air force. It had seemed that the Aranorians weren't doubting Articia's participation in their war with Lanceline. They became surprised when a Raegalian skyfleet formed a blockade and met them before they even reached Lanceline's sea territory. The battle raged heavily between both sides, especially for the Raegalians as they even faced dispatched Lanceline navy with anti-air capabilities on the opposite side of their blockade. This went on for half a week with the Raegalians unable to scramble their blockade. Finally, the Artician navy were forced to withdraw when they were assaulted by Raegalian fast-flyers on the north. Successfully cutting them off from Lanceline.
The Griffegus fleet arrived from the northwest, linking up with the Raegalian's blockading skyfleet, and sealing Articia away to support Lanceline. It took days for them however to completely do this. But when another Raegalian skyfleet came from the north, they relieved the blockading skyfleet to provide support on the Lanceline theatre. The Griffegus fleet started assaulting Artician islands, with Raegalian air raids providing constant support, as the week passes.

@Kuchenlein

Hostile Response

The capital embassy were having numerous meetings with delegates after the trade agreement with the Whampoan Reich, but they definitely received critics from "certain nations" just because of that treaty. However the embassy ignored, and even bashed them, for sticking their noses in the affairs of Elias and the Aranorian Confederacy.
Receiving words of hostile intent from these countries, such as the Pherithians of the mainland. Griffegus, in charge of homeland defense, are inspecting numerous sea routes in Elias, especially around the islands of Gryphthon the former capital island. Forming navy patrols in case they would try to aid the two nations from the south of Elias.

While on Erecellia, no doubt even the Raegalian Prime Minister and his united cabinet heard of the embassy's news. Though lack of a strong force, they however monitored Lanceline's eastern sea route.

@Kuchenlein - You have chosen to provide aid with Lanceline and Articia using Pherith. However, sending two sky fleets and three navy fleets in each nation would need you to choose a route in order to not meet up with Aranorian forces, unless you want to declare war against them in any case an actual direct encounter, or face consequences provided by that route:

Lanceline Reinforcements

In the Lanceline theatre, you can use Lanceline's mainland sea route which leads from Ospia (the mainland) towards the east of Erecellia (The Raegalian former home island) and within eastern Lanceline, prior to Raegalia's invasion on Lanceline, the reinforcement fleet will arrived at the capital the same time the Raegalians' secured their landing. Of course this route isn't safe and has its own consequences. You can try for the alternative sea route which leads from Ospia, towards the outskirts of Hopen's sea territory and then to rear of the Lanceline islands, this would take a lot more time and fuel resources to reach Lanceline than it would reach on the latter route. However it is much safer. The choice is up to you.

Artician Reinforcements

The closes route you can try to reach to Articia is by passing on Griffegus' western territory, however, this isn't safe. An alternative is passing through the Mesozian Ocean, but this would take a lot of time and resources to reach Articia. Inevitably in the end, once you've reached the territories of Articia, you will be faced by the Griffegus blockade, unless you want to head further south towards Articia's backdoor, which will take even more time. Your response to them depends on you, but doing so in an hostile intent will lead to war.
You can however, band them with your Lanceline reinforcements, using their desired route.

Shady Wooers

The ambassadors from China were welcomed, and brought to the embassy to do their work. Arriving at a section of the Aranorian Embassy in Harebon. The Aranorian ambassadors greeted them evenly.

"Welcome visitors from Peiyang. What words shall we be exchanging today?" One of the ambassador asked.

For the Indians, they were also welcomed, and brought to another section of the embassy in Harebon.

"Greetings, visitors of Terra's India. What words of diplomacy may you be asking today?" One of the ambassadors said.
============================================================
@Lurking Shadow

Wrong World

"H-hey, stop messing with the coor-- shit!"

Suddenly, in a blink of an eye, two individuals appeared out of nowhere. As they fall down rolling on the dirt, the other one rose up and kicked the other who is lying on the ground.

"Damn bastard, how many times do I have to tell you!?" The guy covered in a rugged black cloak angrily yelled at the other one, who was also covered in a rugged cloak.

"Aw! sorry. But it's no fun if we just directly head for our destination, come on, how about we drink ourselves cooling some steam from that last job eh?" The other guy stands up, patting his cloaking from dirt and amusingly replied.

The latter sighed. "Fool. very well, the last one was irritating. But, drink?" He questioned.

"Aye. I should mention I changed our course to Terra. Best drinks around if you would agree, Crimson." The other answered happily.

"Right... I can think as much, the trees are familiar. Though it appears it had been... centuries since we last visited." Crimson, the one with the silver hair, analyzes the surroundings.

"Yeah. We don't know the exact location, so how about we split?" The other one, who is Edge, added.

"I don't think so. The moment my 'eye' slip from you, you're probably doing some sort of chaos again. That cannot happen." He faced Edge in an annoyed look.

"hehe... I smell blood." With Edge responding with his funny look shifting towards a serious one.

"Indeed." Both armed themselves in preparation. Edge partially draws his sword, the faint sound of steel can be heard, and Crimson putting his left hand inside the inner pockets of his coat, the sound of a trigger unlocked, seemingly drawing a gun.

They try to approach close to a certain area, smelling blood and an unholy aura. With intents to answer their suspicious guesses, only to check it out were their choices. What awaits them?

RACC : Hearts of Darkness

"*Ahem* So I'm gonna introduce myself, I'm--"
"Shut it and do this properly."

Name: Edge
Age: ?? appearance at mid-30s
Sex: Male
Notable Visual:

• Red Eyes
• Dull-grey Hair
• Black rugged longcoat and black pants
• Brown hat covering his right eye.
• 179 cm tall

Name: Crimson
Age: ?? appearance at mid-30s
Sex: Male
Notable Visual:

• Red Eyes
• Silver-white Hair
• White double-breasted coat and black pants
• Eyepatch covering his left eye
• Red scarf around his neck
• 175 cm tall

WHO WE ARE: Both Edge and Crimson are known as the Wandering Crows. They go through worlds minding their own business, and sometimes mess with them for amusement. Edge is an optimistic guy with a high heart for an individual and is friendly, however he is unserious, rarely gets angry, and has some sort of a screwed head that makes him unstable... or dangerous. Crimson in opposite, is a cynical pessimist, he can't even trust Edge for doing his job smoothly and he had to clean his messes, this made him actually responsible, calm and collected, seldom he has a forgiving kind heart. Although he is a hot tempered one. Both are not normal beings, in fact they can't be considered mortals. They are not affected by age, and is immortal against sickness and ailments. They posses abilities, dangerous ones, having bloodthirsty auras in cases they are engaged. Their goal is unknown, but they do affiliate themselves in the world's affairs, both choose individually want they want to do, and even antagonize one another.

RACC : Hearts of Darkness

Oy @Kuchenlein, this reinforcements you are sending to Lanceline and Articia, have a Pherithian "trademark" yes?

RACC : Hearts of Darkness

@Kuchenlein

Another moment of talk between the Aranorians. "Ambassadors of the Whampoan Reich. We would have a day before a formal opening can begin, to where, all the involving nations can hear. However, our declaration for cultural and economical trade shall be, decided by the council of the Aranorian Confederacy, henceforth, established and open." Replied one of the Union's delegates.

Once the Whampoan ambassadors are done with their finishing comments. Another delegate stands up to say, "Here concludes our today's events. Good afternoon ladies, and gentlemen." Said a speaker.

By the next day. The media aired a news of established trade routes between the Aranorian Confederacy and the Whampoan Reich. It showed the Aranorian officials handshaking the Whampoan ambassadors eagerly smiling for the trade alliance. The scenes transferred towards ports and harbors of coastal cities beginning to open new divisions in their commercial sectors. New merchant ships docking, and the flag of the three nations. In later future days, the stock market would start booming with Whampoan materials, and perhaps the same could be said with the latter. Having Vestroyans and Terrans trading to each other isn't as common as it was.

Perhaps, it would last long, or short lived, will depend on what fate could bring.

==============================

Next On The Conquer List

After the trade agreement, the Aranorians, both Raegalians and Griffegus, assembled in a meeting to discuss about the trade and some political matters. It involves about (boring) local control and repressions from areas not satisfied or refusal from the Confederacy's government. This included the recently conquered nation of Karastus, whose forces were decisively defeated with a combined force of the Aranorian's shock and awe and air dominance.

Then after the meeting concluded, the Raegalian military high officials started their own meeting.

Long Planning Conversation

The Prime Minister Constantinoah, and a number of commanders and directors from respective divisions and frontiers, are currently in the skycarrier Caliber, of the Erecellian Expeditionary Skyfleet, otherwise called the 11th Raegalian Skyfleet.

"|Ok done with the introduction, let's get to it then.| *Ahem* Aine get's hotter as everyday passes." A flirty Noah said after the meeting screen turned off.

"Urk!? Sir, I suggest you pay attention now." The Director Hemming scolded his superior.

"Uplink towards the entire Frontier high command centres ready. Outside interception blocking security at full. Live, 3, 2, 1..." An officer announced.

After the countdown, the giant screen showed multiple high-ranking Raegalian military personnel, whom each represents their division of the Raegalian Armed Forces. This included those high-ranking officers within the Caliber.

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, of the our proud nation, the 'Raegalian Republic'." Noah said, followed with a sigh. "Maybe we should ch-"

*Ahem* A four-star general interrupted. "Fellow Raegalians, Commodores, Generals, Admirals, Directors, and to our Prime Minister, Good evening. While today we aren't discussing the 'Republic' term, we shall be focused now on the next task we have and to our Grand Marshal in mind. We give our congratulations towards the 4th Skyfleet and the 7th Frontier, may your victory honor those that have fallen." *Ahem* "After the successful combined-arms-doctrine between Griffegus at the battle in Aincrad, Karastus, we shall now be targetting Lanceline." He added.

"-ah right." Noah responed. "So-"

"The second step in uniting Elias into the Aranorian Confederacy, this is our current and main task, conquest and subjugation. Therefore, raising the national fervor of our nation, in the step of globalization. Within the Raegalian Armed Forces, the nearest in the territory of Lanceline will be the 6th Skyfleet and the 3rd Frontier. Without delay and in accord to the schedule, Commodore Elmis, Admiral Ronaldion." Director Hemming stepped in to comment.

"Already under way ladies and gentlemen. My fleet is currently passing the Egorigas straight aboard with it the forces of my partner's frontier. But, we are underhanded with ammunitions for strike-assault aircrafts and artillery. Notably our Hawkings have limited air-to-ground arsenal, so they will be vulnerable to anti-air, and incapable of supporting ground forces. We ask 3rd Fleet dispatches a support squad of skyships with the resources and units needed." Replied one of the Admirals.

"Agreed. But, that along with Griffegus aid, as predicted, will be delayed in their approach from the west, due to long distance travel. So in the coming several days during the assault, you will be on your own commanders. We will do what we can from the 3rd Fleet to send the fastest squads as possible." Followed by another Admiral.

"That is to say, supply lines will be established on both the planned fronts once the landing assault has secured the points. The main task of this campaign is to secure the enemy command center, which lies at the outskirts of their capital. Ladies and gentlemen, unlike Karastus, the Lancelines have already suspected them being next. So the theatre will be heavily defended." A director commented.

"Perhaps we're not taking into account another possibility here, fellow commanders." Noah joined again. "Lanceline are currently anticipating us, and we know that too. But, do we know that nothing can go wrong with our prepartion?" He added a question.

"I think for certain sir, that we have." Replied a commodore.

"Yes. Articia will be preparing for us as well. The unlikely rapid news of Karastus' downfall will provide both Lanceline and Articia the reason to band together. So we will not be fighting two fronts in Lanceline, we will be fighting two theatres in south Elias." Noah seriously says.

"The Grand Marshall is right. Very well, I shall mobilize the entire 3rd Fleet. Our initial objective is to get the Griffegus forces to their respective front. However, we are going to still be vulnerable to aerial flank raids, as my forces cannot stretch the entire southern line. The raids could dangerously cripple our forces in the Lanceline theatre."

"We have some few weeks left, delay further and our enemies will take their chance to attack us first which we are at our weakest, while the Griffegus 3rd Army is under way. And ours from the north. Hmmm..." Noah ponders. "Very well, it shall be decided, the 2nd Skyleet will join in the campaign."

"Eh? Sir" Director Hemming, and along with the others got shocked. "The 2nd Skyfleet sir? But that's our main force in Erecellia? We cannot plan on leaving it in the minor fleet's defenses, that include us within it." He ranted.

"I think we can safely defend Erecellia just right. What's important here is that the 2nd Skyfleet will be heading to Homebase, there they with the 5th and 6th Frontier, will lead towards the Artician Front, full speed as possible. While the 3rd Skyfleet and the Griffegus army will do with what they can in creating a joint naval-sky line against the Articians until reinforcement's arrival. 3rd Fleet will be relieved once they arrived, the latter will then provide relief and support for both the theatres. Our forces in Lanceline will link up with the Griffegus forces from the southwest, performing the joint combined-arms tactics supported by airborne assault. And here's the plan for the Artician theatre, they will not be on the defensive. Aye, the 2nd Fleet are gonna perform a breakthrough and reach Artician home ground, securing their route, 5th and 6th Frontier will be the landing ground forces in charge of assaulting the Artician command center. While they are at it, Griffegus naval forces will be aiding 2nd Fleet in wiping Artician navies. Shock and Awe and Air Dominance mates, the tasks of both theatres, is wipe out their central command." Noah explained.

"A combination of military tactics. A Forward Frontier. A sound tactic." They slightly nodded.

"I know I'm asking much. This will require any defense on Erecellia to be thinned. This will require hardship, blood, and lives of brave soldiers. As such we don't need defenses in areas that are not even in the reaches of war. Ladies and gentlemen, this is not just our traditional conquest that we all Raegalians have in our desire of warfare for unity, this is a decisive war we must win. Because we are Raegalians, already we are powerful with the gift of air dominance. With Griffegus beside us, we are unstoppable. We shall recreate the might of the ancient Aranorians that was the first to unite the entire Elias as one. So here I command, and, I order you all, to follow my orders." Noah seriously stands up in his speech, gaining the acceptance of the commanders. Then *Ahem* "And also revamp this plan to make it clearer to understand." What he added humorously ruined what he just said in his speech.

"For Raegalia! Our great nation, we will make it greater." Noah finishes the scene with the patriotic words, which followed by the commanders saying the same. "|Well that was dramatic, but in reality, we are still gonna be seriously talking about a more better strategy but we'll not include that here|"

And the meeting continued...

The meeting was the start of the mobilization of the Raegalian army towards the southeast nation of Lanceline, their next target in the conquest. At the same time, the Griffegus naval fleet have began sailing towards the southern straight, just further miles north of another nation, Articia. The Articians are likely to become hostile towards the Aranorian Confederacy after the downfall of Karastus, and is willing to ally with Lanceline.

This turmoil between the nations of Elias will become modern warfare in the coming weeks. As Raegalia assaults northern Lanceline...

RACC : Hearts of Darkness

Sithou Ahmad then continued elaborating on the economic ties, "Our nation would like to trade your Alphanites in exchange for our mass industrial goods in great numbers, along with plentiful supplies such as wood and food. Our market is also very huge with lots of potential, owing to our huge population along with our politics. We can make very great use of your skyships, for example."

Then he continued, "We need some political and cultural ties to better keep our mutual foes in check -- especially the Pherithians and the banksters. We believe an intellectual and cultural exchange will benefit both nations greatly too. Not only this will boost our technologies faster, but this will also stimulate more trade and cooperation between our nations."

Ahmad then resumed his talk with the Aranorians, "Looks like there are some clays soon ripe to be conquered. If you are interested to expand your reaches to Terra, look no further and cooperate with us. But we have to be as quick as possible. We need some of your warships and magiks for this conquest, and we can bring your ships through our portals. We will divide the clays between us after we have conquered it. We can talk about the details later."

@Kuchenlein

The council discussed each other through a minute before deciding.

"Gentlemen, as much as we would like to establish this trade agreement. We will decline the offer of exchange with military assets, as such the technologies of our skyships and the limited resources of Alphanites that we barely produce. That we would regret to inform you." Aine added. "Perhaps we are even wondering where have you gotten such information in the first place."

*Ahem* The Raegalian Grand Marshal joined. "We simply cannot jeopardize our laws regarding about our military, good sirs. However, we believe resources of economic and cultural exchange is a good offer. The harbors of our coastal cities are always open for available partners in trades." A straight friendly words from the man. "To add more in our reply. The sound of expansion towards the other world is a bit, too exhausting for us as the Confederacy are still developing in its assets. Perhaps we shall take the offer on another moment."
Noah finishes his words with the agreement of the nodding delegates.