Year 20XX, Summer

It was recorded as one of the warmest days in history.

With the high level of humidity in the city coupled with temperatures

of over 30 degree Celsius, it felt like it was hell. However, it was a

Saturday, many people still crowded the shopping mall to shop or to

just stroll around.

11:15 A.M.

When the sun was high up in the sky and the temperature was

reaching its highest point, a 'Gate to the Other World' opened up in the

middle of Ginza district.

From it emerged numerous cavalry and infantry donned with armor

from medieval Europe. Accompanying them were fantasy monsters

such as orcs, goblins, and even giants.

They assaulted the people who happened to be there.

Regardless of age or nationality, their objective was massacring the

people. Due to it being an era of peace, the people lack means of self

defense and could only scream in terror as they collapsed under the

attack.

The shoppers, parents, and even foreign tourists. Not one was spared

from the hooves of the horses, the sharp spears of the soldiers, or the

swords that brought death. The whole area was dyed black and red

from pools of blood. If one were to describe the gruesome scene, it

would be 'Hell'.

This army from the other world planted a black army flag on a

mountain of corpses and loudly declared without any audience that

this land had been conquered by them in their own language.

'Ginza Incident.'

It was the name of the incident to this first contact of the otherworldly

people by historians.

The Prime Minister of Japan that time----Houjou Shinegori, declared in

the National Congress that "the place beyond the Gate did not exist on

any map."

"What is the situation beyond the Gate? What kind of natural

environments, human lifestyles and animal species would be

discovered beyond the Gate? How advanced is their culture? What level

is their technology at? Their religion? What kind of governmental

structure do the people beyond the Gate use?"

"During that period of time, many criminals were arrested."

"However, using the word 'arrested' would be displeasing. Prisoners of

war were out of the expectations of the law. Based on Japan's current

law, there were no such thing as prisoners of war. According to the

judiciary system, they were simply criminals that broke the law."

"Even if Japan is accused of using such flimsy argument, they would

still consider the land beyond the Gate a part of Japan."

"As one would expect, the land beyond the Gate consisted of things

that the government did not know of; such as land, human population,

or even the existence of a government."

"Even if a government exist there, without confirming the borders of

the country or even establishing diplomatic relations with it, it could

not be recognized as an independent country."

At this stage, they are just" armed terrorists who slaughtered people

mercilessly."

"Although there had been suggestions to conduct peaceful dialogue

with them, the other party had to be willing to sit down with us at the

negotiation table. But how do we do that? Practically speaking, there

was no way to communicate with them."

"We will make the other party meet with us in peaceful dialogue, even

if we had to use brute force. We will do all we can, even if we have to

grab them by their heads."

In order to gain the favorable side in a discussion, one must know

about his enemy first.

We arrested those criminals… despite the language barrier, we still

managed to glean some information from them. But that alone is not

enough. We need to send someone to investigate, and see with our own

eyes and ears."

"Thus, people must be sent to the other side of the Gate. However, they

were not allowed to harm innocent civilians while at the same time

harboring a sense of awareness against danger as they traverse the

barbaric lands."

"Also, going in unarmed would not do. Based on initial reports, there

was a chance we will need to fight. In these uncharted lands, the

judgement of who is friend and who is foe would be left to the on-site

personnels."

"Although some of our colleagues in the senate pointed out there was

no need to venture into such a dangerous place, why not render the

Gate unworkable and just demolish it once and for all. However, would

it be safe to simply close it?"

"Many citizens harboured feelings of unease as to where the Gate

would appear next. Who knows, it may just materialise in front of your

homes or family. Also, there was also the problem of justice and

compensation for the family of the victims."

"Should a government exist beyond the Gate, Japan would not hesitate

to extradite the leader and request his sincere apologies and

compensation for this incident."

"Should the other party refuse to oblige, then Japan would flex its

muscles and apprehend the one responsible for the incident sentence

him through our justice system. Should the one responsible hold any

properties, it would all be used to compensate the family members of

the victims of the Ginza incident. From the perspective of the family of

victims, this was only natural."

"Thus, the government of Japan had decided to deploy its Self-Defense

Force beyond the Gate. The objectives are to investigate, apprehend,

and demand compensations from the one responsible."

Although there had been some objections from the opposition party,

the decision to deploy the JSDF into the Gate proceeded without a

hitch. On the other hand, the government of the United State of

America had declared that it 'will not hesitate to aid the investigation

of the land beyond the Gate with its utmost strength' while Prime

Minister Houjou had replied that 'it is currently unneeded' and 'will

request for it should the situation calls for it'.

The Chinese government released a statement that 'the Gate is an

unnatural phenomenon' and 'should be investigated with joint

international effort'. Declaring that although the Gate had appeared in

Japan's territory, it should not be under the control of a sole country so

that it alone can reap its benefits.

♦ ♦ ♦

"Please pardon me from being blunt, but this is way out of control.

There is an unprecedented troop loss in the history of this empire.

Does your Majesty have a plan to curb this problem?"

As a senator as well as a noble, Marquis Casel did not minced his

words as he addressed the Emperor Molt Sol Augustus who was sitting

on the throne.

With all the senators present in the hall, even if one of them speak

with such disrespect towards the Emperor, he will be forgiven. They

believed such attitude was required of them..

In the dim hall.

The main design theme of the senate hall was sombre, forsaking

elegant decorations for sturdy and serene masonry. There were around

three hundred serious looking men sitting in a circle on benches

around the centre of the hall. These said men were all senators of the

Empire.

Should one desire to be a senator, there were several paths. One such

path was to be born in an influential family. No matter which country

it is, nobles make up a small portion of the people, but it was not the

same for the capital of the Empire. If one were to throw a stone out of a

random window in the capital, there was a great chance that it will hit

a noble.

Thus, if you desire the role of a senator, it was useless even if you were

born of nobility. Only the nobles among nobles and the best of the best

could be granted such position.

Does this mean that if you were not born of nobility, then you don't

have a chance to become a senator? It was not so. Should one hold the

position of a minister or a position of general in the army or higher, he

would have a shot at becoming a senator.

In order to process the confusing and heavy work of managing a

country, the existence of bureaucracy was necessary. If one of the

common people possess the talents and abilities of a senator, with

some luck, hard work and achievements he may be granted the

position of a senator.

There were many types of Ministers; Prime Minister,Internal Affairs,

Finance, Agriculture, Foreign Affairs. The ones taking the path of

working up from a minister of an army general, once they retire, they

would be bestowed with a seat in the senate. Commoners were allowed

to hold the position of an army general as well. Being commissioned as

an officer in the army meant gaining knighthood, so it was possible for

them to rise further and become a noble.

Marquis Casel was born in a Baron family that only ranked moderate

in the hierarchy. It was only through his past achievements and his

service as a minister that he was granted the seat of a senator. He was

the hardworking type of person that tried his best to fulfill his role and

responsibility. In other words, the oppressive dominant type.

Thus, he was feared for his bold attitude and sharp tongue that was

said to be able to drive a grownup to tears.

"It was a grave mistake to dismiss the enemy as weak and spineless

after capturing just a handful of them"

"What should have been done was to scout and investigate the

opponent's power to determine their strength. Then, conclude whether

it was more beneficial to take them as friends or foe." continued the

Marquis.

It was not wrong to say that the situation now was dire.

This expedition had cost the empire 60 percent of its army. Although it

was possible to replenish them, enormous costs and time would be

needed.

With only less than half of its military power, how was the Empire

going to maintain its dominant position?

In the thirty years of Emperor Molt's reign, he had been pushing for a

militaristic governance. The conflict with the neighbouring countries

outside borders and the vassal states and tribes within was resolved by

the intimidation of force, granting peace and stability to the empire.

Before their overwhelming armies, all other nations had no choice but

to submit. Those who opposed the empire had all been wiped out.

No matter how strongly the vassals felt about the empire, in the face of

the powerful Empire armies, they had no other options other than

concealing their displeasure.

However, now that the armies of the Empire had been reduced to less

than half its strength, what actions will the vassals and foreign

countries that had been enduring the oppression take?

As Marquis Casel, the leader of Liberalism group waved his toga, he

asked the Emperor:

"Your Majesty! How are you planning to lead this country!?"

After Marquis Casel finished his speech, he returned to his seat.

Staring at the one who criticised him, the emperor shifted his body

slow and steadily, leaning forward and opened his mouth.

"Marquis… I have considered this situation. After this loss, the

superiority of the Empire's army would be weakened for a

time,however, it is useless to cry over spilt milk. Would the foreign

nations and our vassal states who had long hidden their detest for us,

form a coup d'etat and march their army into the capital? Ahh, just

thinking about that makes you lose sleep at night, correct? How

heartbreaking."

After hearing playful words of the emperor, the tense atmosphere in

the hall had been shaken by the quiet laughter.

"Do you remember the Battle of Akuteku 250 years ago, my dear

senators? How did our great predecessors react to the news of the

army's total defeat? Did they lament their lost valour and pride, and

negotiate for peace, which was as good as admitting defeat?"

"Is the memory of how the females of the Empire reacted to the

situation still in your minds?"

"They said: "So what if we lost 60 thousand men?! We will birth that

number in no time!"while rolling up their skirts for others to see!"

"These stories of the heroines of this country, I hope that there is

nothing to be said anymore."

"Dire situations like this had been experienced by the Empire countless

of times ever since its establishment. The Emperor of our Empire has

always worked together with the senate and citizens as one to face

these trials, that's how the empire grew so strong."

All of what the Emperor had said the history of the Empire.

For the senators, these were all stories they were familiar with.

"There is no such thing as a sure victory in a war. Should the general

take responsibility for every loss in the war, then there will be no such

thing as potential commander. Should we be playing the blaming game

while the enemy surrounds the Capital?"

The senators shook their head in disagreement with such a course of

action.

If no one was seeking the one to blame for the loss, then the emperor

will naturally be exempted from responsibility. Realising that the

Emperor had evaded his responsibility without a hitch, Marquis Casel

clicked his tongue in annoyance.

Thus, the emperor continued his speech.

This expedition's army had consisted of veteran soldiers, wise and

powerful mages, as well as carefully selected fierce orcs and goblins.

With sufficient supplies and intense training, coupled with an excellent

commander, this was a great formation.

The general took on the duties of a commander, centurions perform

the task of centurions and the rank and files did their part as well.

Despite all that, it took only seven days.

It's been only seven days since the opening of the Gate. Counting from

the day the enemy counter-attacked seriously, it took them only two

days to devastate the Empire's army.

The soldiers were either dead or taken prisoner. They could only

assume the ones making it back alive would just be a handful.

Now that the Gate had been taken over by the enemy, it was impossible

to close it with the enemy turtling around the Gate on the Arnus hill.

In order gain back the possession of the Gate, thousands of cavalry was

committed in a charge. But that only resulted in the foot of Arnus hill

being littered by the corpse of men and horses.

"Are you aware of the enemy's weapon's strength? It went Bang Bang

Bang!!! The moment the enemy from afar made these noises, the army

collapsed in a pool of blood. Never in this old one's life have seen such

powerful magic before!"

Godasen, a member of the senators as well as a mage explained the

engagement with the enemies excitedly.

The unit he led were blown away like leaves in a storm, unable to even

go past the feet of the hill. When he realized it, the surrounding was

quiet and he was the only one who could move. All he could see were

bodies of men and horses littering the blood-pooled ground.

Closing his eyes, the emperor said: "The enemies have infiltrated the

land here. Although it seems that they are now building a fort around

the Gate, they will one day start their real invasion. We need to face the

other-worldly enemy on Arnus hill as well as the hostile vassal

countries."

"Let's just wage a war with'em!"

A bald knight, Marquis Podawan stood up, made a respectful gesture

towards the emperor and suggested the idea of war.

"If cornered, the best way to fight back is to fight back with courage.

Let's gather the troops scattered around the Empire and quell those

vassal countries and rebels who dare stand against the Empire. Then,

we will turn around and destroy the other-worldly people on the Arnus

hill. To put it simply, attack the Gate!"

The senators only shrugged their shoulders when they heard his

brutish opinion, implying that 'if that was possible we wouldn't need to

go through this trouble'. If they gather all their remaining force, the

defense and peace around the Empire would fail.

With everyone giving their own opinion, the hall soon became a scene

of chaos.

Podawan replied with shocking words that by killing all the rebels and

enslaving the women and children, the cities would be deserted and

worries about another uprising... Although it may seem an unrealistic

way to deal with the problem, but there was such cases in the history of

the Empire.

Back in the days when the Empire was still a small country surrounded

on all sides by enemies, when they invaded the enemy countries, the

Empire enslaved the people, destroyed the cities, burn down the forests,

and scattered salt in the fields to render it infertile. By rendering the

area uninhabitable through scorched earth tactics, the Empire was kept

safe from threats.

"Even if we can do that, how are we going to defeat the enemies at

Arnus? If we use brute force, wouldn't it just be a repeat of the Battle of

Godasen?"

As the voice in hall reached his ears, Podawan gritted his teeth and

responded.

"Argh…...just recruit all the troops from the vassal countries without

telling them the reason. This way we can muster up an army of a

hundred thousand! Even if they are weak, they can still be meat shields

for us when we charge!"

"Would they be so obedient?"

"Then what reason should we use to make them muster their troops?

Tell them honestly that we lost more than half of our own troops? If we

do that, we would only get humiliated."

Marquis Casel is having a headache from Marquis Podawan's irrational

and useless suggestions.

The friction between the War Faction and Peace Faction caused the

whole hall to be filled with static electricity from their growing conflict.

"So whaddaya suggest we do, huh!?!?"

"You war maniac!"

The senators had lost their cool and was on the verge of

communicating with their fists.

Only time was wasted. Those few still with rational minds thought

fervently for a plan but couldn't stop the squabbles in the hall.

Amidst this chaotic scene, Emperor Molt stood up from his throne.

Sensing the emperor had something to say, the arguing senators

quieten down.

"Although it seems a little rough,Marquis Podawan's words was

inspiring."

Hearing these words, Podawan bowed respectfully towards the

emperor.

Before the regal Emperor, the senators calmed down and listened to

what the emperor had to say.

"Now, the problem is what do we do? Do we watch helplessly as the

situation become worse? That is one way, but I do not wish to do so. If

not, all that's left is war. Let's go with the proposition made by Marquis

Podawan and muster troops from all the vassal countries. Send a

messenger to each country and request aid from the leaders to repel

the other-worldly invaders of the Falmat Continent. An alliance army

between the countries shall be formed to attack Arnus hill.

"An alliance army?"

The words of the emperor caused the senators to be in chaos.

Around 200 years ago, in order to repel the tribe of cavalry from the

north from invading the Empire's land, many countries banded

together in battle. These countries who were constantly at war with

each other had united under the cause of "an invading unfamiliar force

is coming, there's no time to bicker about our past conflicts".

The kings and knights who were once enemies. stood together and

fought off the invading forces. This story had been passed down as a

chapter in the story of heroes to be talked about for generations to

come.

"If you put it that way, then it seems to be a just cause."

"But,it's kind of..."

He was right. Wasn't the Empire the one who started the invasion? The

emperor twisted the roles of the two parties around. Covering up the

fact that the Empire started the aggression, and telling the vassal

countries to send troops under the cause of 'repelling the other-worldly

invaders'. This was shameless… And of course, no one said it out loud.

That might be so, the Empire only had to tell the vassal countries that

the 'other-worldly invaders would not stop after invading the

Empire,but the whole Falmat Continent', they would probably send

reinforcement. Simply put, the truth didn't matter, it was the way you

said it that was important.

"Your-Your Highness?!?! The feet of Arnus hill would be littered with

corpses?!"

In response to Marquis Casel's words, Emperor Molt replied loudly.

"I wish for victory, but there are no certain victories in war. Thus, the

fate of an alliance army is unknown. It is unfortunate should they fall.

If that happens, the Empire shall lead the coalition army in battle

against the invaders."

If the surrounding nations lose their forces at the same time, the

Empire's advantage over them shall remain.

"This is thou's plan for facing this situation. Any objections, Marquis

Casel?"

The emperor made his decision.

Marquis Casel stared at the emperor with a dumbfounded expression

on his face after thinking about the fates of the alliance army.

The Peace Faction could only bow their heads towards the emperor and

started picking envoys to be dispatched.

♦ ♦ ♦

The dark night sky was lit brightly by flares.

The Kodou Rino Guwaban (Alliance army) started their attack.

The bright artificial lights and flares shone on the advancing army at

the feet of the hill.

In the front was heavy cavalry, ogre, goblins, giants, with other

fantastical creatures right behind as they covered the entire land in

their massed. They were followed by human troops holding kite shields

in formation.

In the sky were people riding on some sort of birds.

Their force numbered in the hundred thousands, impossible to count.

The forward observer screamed into his radio.

"Three tenths in reserved, seven tenths attacking. Three tenths in

reserved, seven tenths attacking!"

Hearing the words from the outpost, the 5th combat squad of the

502nd Division of the JSDF rushed through the trenches towards the

their given post and ready their guns to covered their assigned arc of

fire.

The staff officer of the JSDF put a lot of effort in organizing this

expedition force. They were facing enemies with great civilization

difference after all. None of the JSDF members had fought with armordonned enemies, fantasy creatures and magic that was an even bigger

unknown to them.

Thus, they looked for ideas from fantasy novels and movies.

Inside the PX(Post Exchange) there were fantasy novels,manga and

even movies on JSDF members who travelled back into the Warring

Era.

There were even cases of JSDF members lining up in book stores in

Akihabara just to purchase fantasy-related movies and anime.

The works of Director and author whose name started with M and T

were gathered in order to find inspiration.

Thus, they made a decision to muster the force of three divisions from

the units across the country.

The ranks of the commanders ranged from Captains to Second

lieutenants, as well as non-commissioned officers above the rank of

Corporal.

The reasons explained by the Prime Minister was 'in the unchartered

land beyond the Gate, judging who is friend or foe needed to be

ascertained by the on site commander. But,everybody knew it wasn't so

simple.

The equipment of the troops deployed beyond the Gate was old. Firstly,

the troops were equipped with the classic Type 64 Howa rifles. Next,

the army vehicles they were assigned with were Terrain Type 74 tanks.

These equipments were retired from the frontlines after it was made

obsolete by newer models.

"Let's just clear the storage space while we are at it."

These sarcastic words were once said by a former master sergeant.

Although that was one of the reason, there were more to this.

Type 64 rifles were chosen because the Type 89 assault rifle's 5.56mm

rounds couldn't stop the heavyweight ogres. If one were to charge the

enemy with bayonets, the jagged edge would be stuck to the enemies

armor when used to stab them.

Thus, after considering the possibility of abandoning the equipments

during an emergency retreat, it was better to use these old-school

weapons who had been gathering dust in the storage compared to the

newer generation of weapons which cost a fortune to produce.

Type 64's had standing bipods, and was aimed by using iron sights. It

uses normal ammunition and was classified as 'small arms'.

Some of them propped up the 5.56mm machine guns and loaded the

ammunition belt from its clip.

The sergeant majors and commanders objected vehemently to bringing

Type 62 machine gun along, questioning with pale faces whether high

command was intending to kill them. It was not brought into the

special region as it malfunctions frequently.

Countermeasures against the bird riders were Type 87 self-propelled

AA guns ,Oerlikon 35 mm twin cannon AA system, M42 40mm AA

guns (Duster), and other types of old-school AA weapons. Mechanical

whirring noises sounded out as they aimed their sights at the birds.

Another flare lit up the dark sky as the enemies advanced towards the

hill with quick steps.

They thumbed the safety switch on their rifle from 'safe' to 'semi'.

From the head sets in their ear, they could hear the voice of their

commander.

"Don't panic...hold your fire…"

Although they were still not used to it, but it was still not their first

time doing this.

The JSDF held their breaths and waited for the order as the enemy

closed in on them.

It was the 3rd time the enemies attacked the place named by the locals

as Arnus hill.

They had lost twice already, annihilated would be an adequate

description.

This standard weapon in this world were swords, spears, bows and

armor. Their strategy was to formed up in ranks and charged together.

They will some time use flames or explosion as means of attack (not

magical in nature), but their range was limited and quantity pitifully

low, and wasn't much of a threat.

Hence, no matter how many of them they was, they were no match for

the JSDF who were equipped with modern age firearms

In the movie [Kagemusha] by Director Kurosawa, there was a gruesome

scene where General Takeda's cavalry had faced off General

Tokugawa's musketeers in a battlefield.

The scene in front of them was just like the movie, where numerous

corpses of men and horses littered the feet of the hill.

However, the enemy still advanced, determined to recapture this hill.

The JSDF held their ground and defended Arnus hill.

This is because due to the Gate was the only way their world had

access to this. They won't allow the Gate to be taken in order to

prevent the tragedy of the Ginza incident from happening again.

With one side's motive to take back while the other side to defend,

their clash of opinions caused the third battle.

Maybe they learned from their previous two attempts, they did a night

raid this time. Without the shine of the moonlight, vision would be

obscured by night. People were prone to be careless and off guard at

night too… That was the thinking in this world, and the idea wasn't bad

too.

However, with the flare showing their every move to the enemy, their

carefully laid plan had gone to waste.

"Fire!!!"

In Tokyo and the rest of Japan, 24-hours stores were a given. With the

night as bright as day, the muzzles of the guns and cannons served as a

greeting from them to the other world