Inside the meeting room, Astraea, Yukong, and Ayato were discussing the world that Elysia was in. When I entered, they acknowledged my presence and continued talking.
-"Astraea, do you want me to be involved or leave it to you?"
-"I'm rather busy now, so can you be responsible for everything this time?"
-"I don't mind. Now that I think about it, it will be my first time representing Hold to outsiders."
-"That's true. Do you need more help?"
-"I'll be good. I just noticed that I must appreciate your work more."
-"You are already doing that. Ayato and Yukong will go there with you."
-"Happy to have you on board."
-"It's us who are glad to work with you again, Yue."
-"I fully agree with Yukong."
-"Will you take some Knights with you?"
-"I'll bring a unit to be escort for two of you."
-"Please do so."
-"True. Your Guards are not interested in working for anyone aside from you or sometimes your family."
-"Did you get any more information from the Elysia and her crew?"
-"Aside from basic information on the politics, we got a glimpse of the technology they use."
Astraea passed me a document detailing some information Welt processed and sent back to us. He detailed how the system of magic there was based on science rather than mystery.
-"Fascinating. Now I'm interested in this world."
-"I knew you would like it."
-"This kind of magic is something I'd like to learn more about. I'll take Vill-V with me so that we can learn more and maybe create a new field of research for Hold."
-"Is this truly so revolutionary?"
-"If you were to think of this as normal magic, then it is rather bad. It focused on efficiency and consistency, making it much less powerful and easy to use as a consequence."
-"Then why are you so interested in it?"
-"The consistency of magic is something hard to achieve as the understanding and the image of a spell can affect the results of a cast. If you could cast spells exactly the same way every time, you could use them as elements in many machines and technologies."
-"You mean like artifacts or enchantments?"
-"Somewhat similar to those but more like parts of circuit boards. For example, reducing friction or precisely controlling temperature. If you can do so, fields of mechanics and engineering could achieve new heights."
As we continued our discussion, my avatar outside arrived near the Astral Express, where Elysia and her crew were waiting for me. Entering inside, I decided to appear behind them as always.
-"I don't think we can do so, Himeko."
-"Why? While they are not aggressive, they are already treating us as pawns in their political game. We should show them that we are not easy to plot against."
-"Blasting them away from the orbit is not always the best choice, Himeko."
-"Pom-Pom is right."
-"Of course I'm right... Yue?! Why are you appearing like that again?!"
-"Because I like your reactions."
-"Grrr..."
-"Good that you are here."
-"Did the situation deteriorate?"
-"Sadly. We were attacked by terrorists some time ago."
-"Terrorists? Who was behind it?"
-"We don't know."
-"Then I'll take care of it. When are we to show up?"
-"The meeting is about to happen. We were only waiting for you."
-"OK. This is an official meeting, so I will walk there as Emperor. Be mindful of that."
-"I already informed them about that."
-"Inform them again. Cellinia and Sakura eliminate any danger, no questions asked."
-"Are you sure it is a good idea?"
-"You just told me that they used as pawns in their games, so it's time to break the board."
-"All your Guards will be present?"
-"Yes, but only Jingliu, Ling, Sakura, and Cellinia will be next to me. The rest will be ready to step in when needed."
-"I'll warn them again."
-"Thanks, Welt. I'll also have Ch'en find those responsible for that attack. Tomoe, Hare, and Shenhe will help her."
-"You truly don't plan to be passive."
-"No. I'm interested in their technology, but that does not mean I will tolerate actions against us. Also, where are Elysia and others?"
-"On the ground. They are exploring."
-"I see. Let them do what they want, but if anything happens, inform me right away."
-"I'll keep an eye on everything."
-"Don't forget about me."
-"Thank you for taking care of them as always, Himekos."
Soon after that, Knight under the leed of Ling descended on the surface of local Earth and secured space for us to appear on. Because our forces use armor that is closer to medieval than modern in appearance, they attracted many eyes and cameras, but it was Ling who was the focus of everyone because of her draconic characteristics.
Local leaders were rather sure of themselves, looking down on our 'uncivilized' force despite knowing that we could travel between worlds. Ling also found some soldiers hiding around but decided to ignore them for now.
When they were ready, Sakura and Cellinia appeared first, followed by Yukong and Ayato. They exchanged greetings with local leaders and informed them of some things before we would officially start. Minutes later, all the cameras and journalists focused on the place where I was about to appear.
I teleported there with Jingliu, and we slowly walked forward. I was wearing my royal attire and had my tails visible, but most notably, my aura was not entirely covered as always. Because of it, nature started welcoming me, reviving and blooming despite it being the late autumn.
Knights saluted me while Sakura and Cellinia took their positions step behind me. Jingliu walked next to me and acted as my voice when it was beneath my position to speak.
It took people around a few seconds after we showed up to wake up from a stupor, and flashes of cameras started. We continued on our way, heading toward a building where our negotiations were to take place.
Before the entrance, two men and one woman were standing, and from the reverential appearance of others around, they were the ones with the highest positions present.
-"Greetings, Your Majesty. I'm Kudou Retsu, chairman of Ten Master Clans. Next to me are heads of Saegusa and Youtsba families."
-"Welcome. I'm Yue, Principle of Progress and Emperor of Hold. You already met Yukong and Ayato, who are responsible for negotiations."
-"Yes, I must say that it's eye-opening to see someone non-human for the first time today."
-"While humans are the majority of Hold's population, the number of races living there is large. But be careful as humanity to us is not just the Human race, but all races possessing human-like characteristics. Calling someone non-human may be taken as offensive."
-"I apologize then."
-"No offense taken. I can understand how differences in culture can affect communication."
-"Indeed. Please, follow me inside."
Under Kudou Retsu's lead, we entered the meeting room and sat down. After some more introductions and explanations about how our forces function, we started talking about what we came here for.
-"Before we talk about our side, we wanted to know why you seek other worlds and enter into contact with them."
-"To expand. We are not saviors who want to help everyone. We don't mind mutually benefiting, but war is something we are ready for."
-"Then what are benefits you can offer?"
-"This depends on how deep cooperation you wish to have, but we gather knowledge, technologies, and resources from many worlds, acting as intermediatory between them when needed."
-"So you can offer us those."
-"Hold has Five Principles. Depending on what you need, one will feel closer to you than others."
-"You are the Principle of Progress, if I remember correctly."
-"Yes, we focus on technologies and research, be it scientific or one of mystery."
-"I see. Can you tell us what you wish from us?"
-"Joinly researching your magic technology and taking your world under the influence of Hold as a vassal."
-"Vassal?"
-"The Hold don't try to directly control the world if there is no need. We prefer alining with the already existing government. A vassal to us is a world that cooperates with us."
-"How far-reaching is said cooperation?"
-"Agreeing to follow common laws of Hold, accepting Hold representative in government with the role of advisor and power of veto if the matter is harmful to Hold. Aside from those, there may be more placed if needed."
-"Can you give an example of a vassal under you?"
-"The world from which Principle of Duty comes is considered our vassal. Because gods there are not involved in government, we interact with them on a personal basis, mostly leaving them to their local force named the Guild. Mortal governments accepted our influence and accepted us as advisors to various local forces, except one we are in a state of war with."
-"War?"
-"A country led by the god of war didn't accept and attacked our messengers."
-"I see. Does that mean that you support some forces against others?"
-"We don't engage in politics. If one force is opposed to us, we will act against it, but we won't support one under the condition of opposing another."
-"Then what happens to worlds that don't accept your influence?"
-"Depends. If the world is too big or strong, we will just act based on exchanges between us and forces there, but if it's weak. We do have the Principle of Domination."
-"Then what do you think of our world?"
-"Your magic is not a good weapon."
This silenced the whole room.
-"Don't take it as a threat. Just know that when you move those soldiers around."
-"What do you mean?"
-"Some force is doing something shady around here."
The moment I said that, we could hear an explosion from a building some distance away.
-"This? It's coming from where the Thesis CompetitionĀ is taking place!"
-"It seems someone doesn't want us to complete this meeting."
-"Indeed, do you want us to assist you?"
-"No need."
-"Then we will only move if our people are attacked."
-"Thank you for your understanding."
We remained in the room while Kudou Retsu organized a response to the attack that just happened, but before they could do anything, shots rang out from the entrance to the building.
-"What is going on?"
-"A group of people armed with anti-magician rifles are trying to enter the building!"
-"What force are they from?"
-"We don't know yet."
We watched as the situation slowly got more out of control. I was observing everything and soon found that they attacked more places, notably trying to abduct some members of Hold, but were defeated by them.
-"Trying to attack Herrshers, huh."
-"Master?"
-"Jingliu, go and clear the hostiles."
-"Yes."
-"Your Majesty?"
-"A different group of attackers tried to abduct members of Hope."
-"Sigh."
-"We will stop attackers, and after that, we can jointly decide what to do next."
-"Please."
-"Ling, you are in command."
-"Yes."
Ling started giving orders and dispatching Knights. I used my Path of Elation to create an illusion of the city and pinpointed all enemies using my perception.
Seeing the model appear out of thin air surprised the magicians present, but they quickly recognized what this was and used it to coordinate their people.
I also kept an eye on Elysia, who was in the middle of the action, helping students evacuate. Because they were in one of the furthest points from the Knights, I teleported Dusk, Nian, and Jeanne to assist her.
I also contacted Ch'en and asked about what did she find. She told me that the aggressors were from a different country, and while most of them were part of the Great Asian Union, they received some support from the USNA.
After ordering her to capture some of those responsible, I continued to watch over the situation. The Knights, be it bullets or even rare magic attacks, were easy to defend against, and they quickly defeated most of the attacker forces. As they tried to retreat, they were cut off by the Japanese military, resulting in their rout and almost total decimation.
The Japanese military also destroyed the ship that was coordinating the whole terrorist attack by utilizing one of the strongest spells I had seen. They also decided on a retaliatory attack on the Great Asian Union, which was responsible for all of this.
As the military was preparing, all Hold personnel also returned here, and they waited for my decision on what to do next. Because the meeting between worlds became a mess, the military also joined along with the civilian government, and now we all watched a counterattack about to take place.
The same soldier who destroyed the ship before targeted the coastal military base this time, wiping it from the face of the Earth. Strategic class magic, as they called it, was the most powerful tool in this world's arsenal, so their showing it to us was a way to warn us.
-"Your Majesty, is that enough of retaliation?"
-"Don't make me into a crazed killer. But those responsible for everything are still alive."
-"Targeting them is beyond our ability."
-"You are lying."
-"This..."
-"Sigh. You showed us your power. Now let me respond in kind."
I moved to where there was little more space and performed Divination to locate all those responsible, directly or indirectly, as well as those who gave quiet approval for this by knowing about the plan to attack us but didn't do anything. Having all of them located, I called for someone raring to go for them.
~"Wolf, hunt them."
~"Hahaha! They won't see tomorrow, Fox!"
The Wolf who appeared next to me didn't hide his aura, and as most people here were experienced in combat, they know how it is to look death in the eyes. When the Wolf rushed out, they looked at me with a different look from before, understanding that they were underestimating us.
-"Benares, go and bring that country down. No need to kill everyone, just destroy their government."
Benares nodded and went outside, where she turned into her dragon form and flew toward the Great Asian Union. She was quickly traced by the satellite, allowing people present to see what was going on.
It took her bearly a few minutes to arrive in the Great Asian Union capital, where she started unleashing hell. She quickly turned everything into ash with her thunder.
Countless attacks flew at her, be it bullets, misles, or magic, but all bounced off her, leaving no mark. Even a spell that was categorized as strategic class was unable to injure her. In an hour, she singlehandedly removed the Great Asian Union from existence as a force.
After this show of power, we returned to Astrall Express, as the future talks would look much different when they understood that our strength was much higher than they thought.
Because some other countries watched what happened in the Great Asian Union, they also wanted to get in touch with us. There were also those who wanted to attack us even more, of course, so deciding to play it safe, I ordered Loufu, which was on standby in Hold, to be ready for deployment in another attack.
The next meeting will be our last attempt to establish cordial relations with this world. If it fails, we will change our approach to the one similar we had on Terra, acting from the point of superiority, not equality.