As one of the top nations on the Eldoria Continent, the Ilandra Dominion Empire has always been the one bullying other countries. When had they ever suffered such a great humiliation?
But now, the Earth army from another world has truly stepped onto their territory. In just the first few days, several small reconnaissance units have started moving in all directions, mainly to explore and gather information about this world.
Meanwhile, the passage to Earth has been bustling with modern, advanced weapons and equipment like missiles and tanks, turning the entire area around the base into a fortress armed to the teeth!
The Empire is in great danger!
"Sifur, being the city closest to the portal, seems to be under a lot of pressure lately. Emperor Reider has already returned to the capital, Kyndrill. He sure ran fast! But since the Sebastian family is the local lord, they must fully assist the national army in resisting the invaders. The whole city has almost become a ghost town, and things look pretty bad..."
These days, we've been staying in the Light Elf tribe with nothing much to do. Watching the senior angels communicating with Edenmere through spiritual links, I couldn't help but sigh.
Just a while ago, we were lucky enough to see Elder Gwendolyn again. It's been a whole week since she rescued Dennis, the eldest son of the Sebastian family. As Reider ordered, the Empire's higher-ups haven't done anything to trouble the Sebastian family.
But it's the first time the Angel Legion has faced an invasion from another world. Commander Sheryl didn't expect to meet an Elder in such a place, so she quickly reported the situation to Elara.
Given that the Ilandra Dominion Empire has always been unkind to the angelic race and has often been reluctant to cooperate against the monsters, it's no surprise that the Angel Legion is not planning to help the Empire in its current crisis.
"Maybe if the Empire gathers all its forces, they might have some chance against those invaders from another world? It seems Crestvale Republic is also watching the situation closely. They've made it clear they won't attack the Empire's borders during this time, so the Empire might be able to focus on this threat," Mia speculated as she walked over to me. But she had no idea about the terrifying power of the weapons from Earth.
"Whether the Republic is being truthful or not, this battle is inevitable. But the only ones who will suffer are the local people. Besides, after a few test encounters, I don't think the Empire will win. If they lose, it might be time to warn the Sage Council in advance…"
From our observations over the past few days, everyone believes that the people from the other world can't use any magic, only strange weapons that are not much of a threat. But Adrian, who has been around me for a while, understands my worries about the unknown weapons coming from Earth.
This outcome is inevitable. The Empire, for its dignity, has no choice but to strike back early. Elder Gwendolyn informed us that the time for their attack is near. Many other lords within the Empire, after receiving reinforcements, are also rushing to the border base day and night.
"Why did you ask me not to tell them the truth for now? You know very well that in the face of Earth's weapons, except for god-level magic, Forbidden Spells, and a few top-tier fighters, the people of this world have no real chance of standing against them."
When I returned to my room alone, Reed suddenly followed me in. She had wanted to explain the true strength of Earth's army to everyone, but I stopped her at the last minute, leaving her puzzled.
"Well, uh…"
I didn't expect her to ask this, and for a moment, I didn't know how to respond. After hesitating, I defended myself. "I mainly wanted the Empire to learn a lesson! You know how excessive the Ilandra Dominion Empire is, and that Reider is no good. I thought it was reasonable to let them suffer a bit."
As a member of the Continental Human Covenant, if the Empire's invasion by foreign enemies threatens the entire continent, other nations are obligated to lend a hand, and even the angels might be dragged into the conflict. This so-called threat doesn't just refer to monsters; it also includes this invasion from another world. But other countries haven't realized the threat level of Earth's army yet, and most of them think the Empire can handle it alone.
"Do you really hate the Empire that much, or is this because of Adrian?"
Reed unexpectedly saw through my excuse and bluntly pointed out the real issue. Her gaze made me speechless, and I couldn't help but turn my head away.
I couldn't bring myself to tell her the truth—that I'm mainly worried about Adrian discovering we came from Earth. The thought of him asking about my life on Earth gives me a headache, especially considering I was a boy back then. What would he think if he found out? Just imagining it makes me want to hide. So it's better if he never finds out.
"If you still care about your past identity, I think it's better to be honest with Adrian. Long-term deception won't bring any good, and I don't think he's the type to care about your past life."
Reed didn't press me further about my concerns. She left me with this advice and then walked out, leaving me alone in the room.
"Honesty, huh…"
But will things really go as she says? Will Adrian not care? I'm not sure at all, but if Reed is wrong, then my relationship with Adrian will be over. The thought makes me feel reluctant.
Cyra has been on Earth for so long without any news. I have no idea how to rescue her, and Nicola has been missing since the incident. Galadra also can't be contacted. Could Nicola have fallen to Earth like Cyra? All these worries flooded my mind, making me anxious.
"Feliciana, we're leaving! Lady Elara has ordered the Fifth Legion to retreat first. In a few days, Serena will bring the First Legion here. She's also approved your and Reed's request to stay behind to rescue Lady Cyra and Nicola. Mia will stay with you as well!"
Sheryl came by to say goodbye. She's about to return to Edenmere to report. Since Cyra and Nicola have lost contact, Edenmere believes they might have fallen into the hands of the otherworldly people.
Given the tense standoff between them and the Empire, the angels can't directly intervene to avoid being misunderstood as allies, which would be a costly mistake. So the next step for the angels is to send a messenger to ask the otherworldly people about their situation, and Reed and I quickly volunteered to take on this important task.
"Thank you for your help. Don't worry, I'll bring them back!"
I nodded and promised, but I wasn't confident at all. After all, who knows if they're really in the hands of Earth's army? If they've ended up in an Earth city, things will be much more difficult.
But as soon as I saw Sheryl and the others off, trouble arose in the Light Elf tribe.
"The people from the other world have come! There are five or six of them, right at the village gate, in a big metal box! They're asking for permission to enter, and the village chief seems to have agreed!"
Irene ran up to me, reporting in a hurry. This startled me. The Light Elf tribe is surrounded by a large illusionary magic that even the Empire's army has trouble breaking. How did these Earth soldiers know about it?
"You'd better hide your wings to avoid unnecessary trouble if they see them."
When I met up with Adrian and the others in the village center, Reed looked at me and Mia, then suddenly reminded us.
"Huh? Do the people from other worlds know about the angelic race too?"
Mia was puzzled by Reed's words, but being the obedient one, she never thought that the so-called other world was actually the world we used to live in. She quickly, like me, hid her wings.
"Why did the village chief agree so easily to let them in?"
Soon after, a few familiar-looking soldiers entered the village. Along with them were several Light Elf villagers who had been out for a few days.
Seeing us, these Earth soldiers immediately started gesturing to the Light Elves beside them. One of the female officers even took out a notebook and, in broken Continental Common, slowly said:
"Hello, everyone... We are from... H-country... Nation... Security forces! Don't worry, we are here... just to visit... We won't take... anything from you..."