**Year 2226, Gregorian Calendar, Assadrea Main Castle, Old Morocco**
"Mr. President, I have news for you," Pavlchev said as he entered the grand hall, carrying a briefcase. The bearded man, dressed in a tailored suit, approached the table where the president sat.
"What is it, Pavlchev?" President Goran asked, his grumpy face momentarily lighting up as he prepared to toast his wine.
"President, you will love this. I am confident you will!" Pavlchev replied with a smirk, opening his briefcase and retrieving a stack of papers.
Goran, the twelfth president of Assadrea, leaned forward, his curiosity piqued. "Oh, tell me then, Pavlchev. After all, this wine tastes like a hundred-year-old vintage. Don't keep me waiting."
Pavlchev handed over the papers with a bow, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Here, these are the reports from our ground troops. The Investigations Bureau has confirmed their findings."
Goran's eyes scanned the documents, and a smile slowly spread across his face. "Ha! Pavlchev, you've done a great service. I shall raise your pay! This calls for a celebration."
Pavlchev, his spirits high, wagged his tail metaphorically. "Your Excellency, it is as it should be!"
Goran patted Pavlchev on the shoulder. "Gather all the cabinet members. Tonight, we celebrate."
Pavlchev immediately set off to carry out the president's orders.
---
**Meanwhile, in Polandia**
"Damn it! Are you all blind?" King Osios roared, flipping tables and smashing glasses. His face was a mask of fury.
"Strongest country, my ass! They retreated without telling us!"
"Your Majesty, please calm down," General Krugier implored, only to be met with another outburst.
"Shut up, Krugier! Am I not your king?" Osios spat, his eyes blazing.
"You are, my King," Krugier replied, gritting his teeth. "But we can't change what has happened."
Osios took a deep breath, trying to contain his rage. "Count the casualties and report to me."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Krugier said, bowing before exiting the room. "I need a drink tonight," he muttered to himself as he headed towards the Intelligence Division.
---
**Intelligence Division, Polandia**
"Attention!" The adjutant barked as General Krugier entered the camp. Troops assembled quickly, saluting their general.
"At ease!" Krugier ordered, scanning the area. "Where is Colonel Sanders?"
"General, Colonel Sanders is in the back of the camp, praying for the souls of the deceased," the adjutant reported.
"Thank you. Dismissed," Krugier said, making his way to Sanders.
---
Colonel Sanders knelt by a makeshift altar, incense burning and paper money offerings scattered around. "May your souls rest in peace," he chanted.
"Sanders," Krugier said softly as he approached, the sight of the dead bodies around them weighing heavily on him.
"General, you came," Sanders said, his voice thick with emotion.
Krugier clenched his fists, struggling to remain composed. "How many died in the first contact?"
"At least half of our forces, including about ten percent of our young reservists," Sanders reported, his eyes downcast.
"Half?" Krugier repeated, stunned into silence.
"Yes, half," Sanders confirmed.
For a long moment, neither man spoke.
"So this is war," Krugier finally said, forcing a bitter laugh. "May their souls rest in peace."
---
**Frontlines of Koria**
"Attack! Attack!" the Korian General roared, urging his troops to keep firing. "Hold the line!"
Bullets and explosions filled the air, the battlefield a chaotic mess. Every second felt like an eternity, the pressure mounting as the enemy's firepower outmatched their own.
"Brother, if I die, give this dog tag to our parents," one soldier said, tears streaming down his face.
"No! You won't die!" his brother replied, slapping him awake. "We can do this! Just hold on for a day! Reinforcements are coming."
"Reinforcements won't get here in time," the crying soldier sobbed.
"We have to fight! For our people!" the other soldier insisted, grabbing his gun and firing wildly. "Get that, you piece of shit!" he yelled at the enemy.
Inspired, the crying soldier stood up, joining his brother in the fight. "Awoo! Awoo!" they chanted, rallying their squad.
---
**Korian Command Tent**
"What the fuck! It's been a day! Where are our reinforcements?" the battle commander (BatCom) of the 22nd Battalion shouted, slamming his fist on the table.
"Report!" he demanded as a second lieutenant entered the tent.
"Sir, we received a radio message from the Heisenberg Expeditionary Forces," the lieutenant said, his voice trembling.
"What do they say?" the BatCom asked, his eyes narrowing.
"They were recalled, sir. They will not be providing air support as originally planned," the lieutenant reported, struggling to keep his composure.
The BatCom clenched his fists, fury and desperation mixing on his face. "Retreat! Order a tactical retreat!"
As the orders were relayed, the Korian forces began a chaotic withdrawal. Four battalions stayed behind to cover the retreat.
---
Heisenberg Military Command Center
"All Expeditionary Forces are to return immediately!" commanded the Chief of General Staff to the officers gathered in the room.
The news was promptly transmitted to the dispatched forces heading to Polandia, Koria, the Kingdom of Azarea, and Franzia.
"Sir! They are our allies, and this action will result in them cutting their relationship with us!" protested General Arie, a three-star general, standing defiantly.
The Chief of Staff replied with an angry tone, "This is the most critical situation for us! We can't send expeditionary forces that will leave us vulnerable to attacks!"
Koria Frontlines
The four battalions that had been ordered to retreat did so safely, while the remaining battalions stayed behind to slow the enemy's advance.
Minutes later, a piercing supersonic sound echoed in the distance.
"What's that?" the BatCom of the remaining forces wondered aloud, his concern evident. Was it an allied bomber or an enemy bomber?
"Sir! We should hide!" urged the Deputy BatCom, aware that no allies would be providing air support. He immediately suspected it was a bomber squad from the invading army.
"Order our troops to lie low and hide!" the BatCom commanded. The Deputy BatCom quickly relayed the order to all the remaining troops.
"Cover! Cover!" Soldiers passed the command along the defensive trenches, ensuring everyone took shelter.
Simultaneously, they radioed the retreating battalions, warning them to take cover from an impending bomber attack.
"Alpha, Alpha! This is RomeoJuliet. Do you hear me?" said the radioman, his voice tense.
"Romeo, Romeo. This is Alpha. Message received. What is your status? Over," came the reply.