Multiple modern combat soldiers readied their gear and hastily moved into their defensive positions. They set up heavy machine gun and sniper positions atop the second barrier of Hesco bastions, peering through and focusing intently on the approaching unknown element. Military vehicles on site, including tanks and light tanks, positioned themselves defensively outside the second barrier. Armored tactical vehicles took their own defensive stances outside the second barrier, composed of T-walls and Hesco barriers, with the first defensive barrier made of barbed wire and tank traps. These vehicles utilized their heavy machine guns and automatic grenade launchers mounted on top. Attack helicopters on stand by at the nearby joint Army-Air Force-Naval base in Vigan City, known as Fort Vigan.
Lt. Howard POV
Or at least that's what I'm aware of. The ETA of the approaching unknown elements was eight days away. I was bewildered when I heard about it, but when I was informed of their mode of transport, I thought that it was unusual but I remembered our current circumstances, then I kind of understood what the crazy ETA was about. What were they using? A horse. That's right, a horse. Despite the long ETA, we set up extra defensive measures, and here we are, eight days later.
I hastily ran to where my platoon was stationed. They were beside the 45th Armor "Carabao" Division, behind their Abrams, Leopards, and ASCODs, taking cover with sandbags and concrete barriers. Some of my men were behind the tanks, chit-chatting with the tank crews.
I positioned myself near the 1st Squad, crouching as I took out my binoculars. Placing them in front of my eyes, I zoomed in on where the enemy was supposed to be. Not a single sign of movement. Just a flat, sandy desert.
The sun beat down on us, and the dry heat was almost unbearable. Sweat trickled down my face, and I wiped it away with my sleeve, my eyes scanning the horizon.
I could hear the low hum of the tanks' engines and the occasional murmur of conversation among the soldiers. The sandbags and concrete barriers offered some protection.
I could hear the low hum of the tanks' engines and the occasional murmur of conversation among the soldiers. The sandbags and concrete barriers offered some protection, but the vast openness of the desert felt intimidating. I took a deep breath, my resolve steady.
"Anything?" I whispered to PFC Raf, who was lying next to me, his own binoculars fixed on the horizon.
"Nothing yet, sir," he replied, his voice barely audible over the sound of the wind.
The minutes felt like hours as we waited. Every shadow, every mirage in the distance, caught my attention. I knew my men felt the same. The anticipation was high, but we were prepared. The tension was palpable, but it was the kind that sharpened focus rather than frayed nerves.
*"Can you believe this, Lieutenant? Two days in San Lorenzo, now we're back out here. The brass sure knows how to keep us on our toes."* Staff Sgt. Amaro was crouched beside a makeshift barricade, checking his radio equipment. His hands moved efficiently, even though his eyes kept darting toward the horizon.
*"What about that purple explosion, sir? You think it's got something to do with why we're out here? Feels like we're in a bad sci-fi novel."* Sergeant Ricko was kneeling behind a row of sandbags, adjusting his M4. His brow was furrowed in concentration as he tightened a loose strap, making sure every piece of gear was secure.
"I've been reading about Japanese legends. You know, like those stories where people get summoned to other worlds—isekai-style? It's got me wondering if we're dealing with something along those lines." Private Jacky was sprawled out behind a low stone wall, using a small, battered book as a support for his rifle. His eyes scanned the landscape.
"Aliens, isekai, portals—who knows. All I know is my rifle's loaded, and I'm ready to make whatever's out there regret crossing us." Private Homer sat with his back against a rock formation, his automatic rifle propped up beside him.
"Hell, if it's anything like those Japanese stories, we'd better hope we don't get any giant monsters. I'm not keen on a kaiju fight, alien or otherwise." Private Paddy was stationed near a sandbagged bunker, fussing with his grenades to ensure they were securely fastened.
"I'm more concerned about why these things might be out here. If we're the line of defence, we need to be ready for anything, be it aliens, interdimensional creatures, or some sort of isekai scenario." Cpl. Romolo stood by a makeshift observation post, his binoculars hanging around his neck. He took frequent, slow glances through the lenses, his stance firm as he scanned the distant horizon for any movement.
"If we run into something weird—aliens, monsters, whatever—I'm on it. Just don't make me handle a space virus or something, alright?" Specialist Raggy was in a shaded corner of thr sandbags, organizing his medical supplies. He checked each item with a casual efficiency, muttering to himself. "At this rate, I'm expecting a visit from a magical healer or a spaceship soon."
"What do you think—are we in an isekai scenario, or just stuck in a really bad luck cycle? Either way, we're all looking way too serious for our own good." Private Raf sat cross-legged on a piece of discarded equipment, his rifle resting across his lap. He looked around at his comrades with a grin. "Seriously though, we're like the most tense squad in history. I almost expect one of us to start casting spells any minute now.
"All this talk about aliens and magic worlds is great and all, but I'd just like to get through today without any surprises. I'm not exactly ready for a dragon fight or an alien invasion." Private Robert was crouched behind a low concrete barricade, his grenade launcher resting on the sandbags. He checked his gear with slow, deliberate movements. "If anything shows up, let's just hope it's something we can handle without too much drama."
"I'm with you on that. Right now, it's just sand, speculation, and a whole lot of heat. If we end up with aliens or portals, I hope they at least bring some shade." Private Isaac paced near a makeshift lookout, rifle slung over his shoulder. He paused occasionally to peer into the distance, his fingers twitching near the safety of his weapon. "At least this'll make one hell of a story if we make it through."
The chatter eventually tapered off as everyone focused on their positions. The relentless heat was a constant companion, and the uncertainty of what lay ahead gnawed at us. We were bracing ourselves for whatever this place had in store, but it didn't stop us from cracking jokes about our latest bizarre deployment.
The S-70 I helicopter roared overhead, slicing through the air with precision. From my vantage point, I could see the sleek, black silhouette against the clear sky. The rotors thumped rhythmically, a steady beat that reverberated through my chest. It flew low, skimming just above the treetops, as it headed toward the identified movement far ahead.
The downwash kicked up a cloud of dust, sands and loose leaves, forcing me to shield my eyes momentarily using my arm. I squinted through the debris, tracking its swift progress. The helicopter's body gleamed under the sun.
My radio crackled to life, "This is Hawk-1, we are approaching the Unidentified Element, stand by for immediate support," and not only did I hear about it, but so did the other Platoon and Squad leaders. We prepared our weapons and trained them in the direction that the Unidentified Element was coming from, while Hawk-1 would make first contact and direct them from there.
As I was staring at the distance, I heard something on my right and turned my head to see a man in the distance coming to a halt from his brisk walk; he's wearing a white suit, I believe it's a barong tagalog, and he's wearing sunglasses; he's most likely the diplomat; beside him is a man in a green formal military uniform, also wearing sunglasses; he's definitely the Brigadier General of the Brigade we're in.
I returned my attention to the dessert and imagined a variety of scenarios that may happen
1035H
Unknown POV
Horses pounded through the sandy desert, their riders scanning the unfamiliar terrain. They were on a reconnaissance mission for their kingdom, venturing into the unknown. The sun beat down mercilessly, casting long shadows on the shifting dunes.
Leading the formation was a woman in a striking royal soldier uniform. Her deep burgundy attire, adorned with gold trim and insignia, stood out against the desert backdrop. The uniform was tailored to perfection, combining practicality with regality.
Beside her rode a woman in a blue military uniform with a breastplate strapped to her chest. Her uniform was adorned with medals and insignia, indicating her rank and experience. The breastplate gleamed in the sunlight.
The rest of the riders were clad in full plate armor, marking them as the elite knights of the kingdom. Their armor, polished to a mirror finish, covered them from head to toe, with intricate engravings and the kingdom's emblem etched onto their breastplates. The sun glinted off their helmets, visors down, revealing only eyes scanning the horizon. Heavy gauntlets protected their hands, and greaves covered their legs, each piece meticulously crafted for maximum protection and mobility.
Long swords hung at their sides, and shields bearing the kingdom's crest were strapped to their backs, ready for combat. The horses, equally well-armored with barding that matched their riders' armor, snorted and huffed, their hooves kicking up clouds of sand as they moved steadily forward.
Horses pounded through the sandy desert, their riders scanning the unfamiliar terrain. They were on a reconnaissance mission for their kingdom, venturing into the unknown. The sun beat down mercilessly, casting long shadows on the shifting dunes.
Leading the formation was a woman in a striking royal soldier uniform. Her deep burgundy attire, adorned with gold trim and insignia, stood out against the desert backdrop. The uniform was tailored to perfection, combining practicality with regality, and she rode her horse with confidence and authority.
Beside her rode a woman in a blue military uniform with a breastplate strapped to her chest. Her uniform was adorned with medals and insignia, indicating her rank and experience. The breastplate gleamed in the sunlight, a testament to her readiness for battle.
The rest of the riders were clad in full plate armor, marking them as the elite knights of the kingdom. Their armor, polished to a mirror finish, covered them from head to toe, with intricate engravings and the kingdom's emblem etched onto their breastplates. The sun glinted off their helmets, visors down, revealing only determined eyes scanning the horizon. Heavy gauntlets protected their hands, and greaves covered their legs, each piece meticulously crafted for maximum protection and mobility.
Long swords hung at their sides, and shields bearing the kingdom's crest were strapped to their backs, ready for combat. The horses, equally well-armored with barding that matched their riders' armor, snorted and huffed, their hooves kicking up clouds of sand as they moved steadily forward.
The group moved as one, each rider attuned to the others, ready to react at a moment's notice. The desert stretched out before them, vast and mysterious, as they pressed on into the unknown.
Suddenly, they came to a halt, ears pricked at a loud thumping sound from the distance. A silhouette appeared on the horizon, resembling a bird, but with something spinning above its head. The rhythmic thumping grew louder, emanating from the strange figure. The knights exchanged wary glances, their hands instinctively reaching for their weapons.
"Do you hear that?" the leading woman asked, her voice steady but tinged with curiosity.
The woman in the blue uniform nodded, squinting at the distant shape. "It's like nothing I've seen before. What could it be?"
One of the knights shifted in his saddle, his armor clinking. "It's coming closer. Should we prepare for an attack?"
Another knight tightened his grip on his sword. "It looks like a bird, but no bird makes that kind of noise. And what's spinning above it?"
The leading woman raised a hand, signaling for silence. "Hold your positions. Let's observe and see what it does."
"Princess Aleana, Her Highness, should we prepare for battle? It's getting closer and approaching very quickly," the woman in the blue uniform inquired, her eyes fixed on the rapidly advancing silhouette.
"We should, your weapons ready! Don't get scared of it, retreat only if necessary!" Princess Aleana replied and barked out orders.
"Formation!" Princess Aleana commanded. The knights swiftly arranged themselves into a V formation. The front row raised their iron shields, positioning them to deflect any incoming threat, while their spikes were visible and ready. At the back, the archers nocked their arrows and drew their bows, preparing for a ranged assault. The swordsmen positioned themselves between the archers and the shield bearers, ready to engage in close combat if needed.
As the strange object drew closer, its image became clearer. It wasn't a creature at all but a peculiar iron contraption. The device was cylindrical and metallic, with two figures visible through its transparent sections, their movements barely discernible. Above the contraption, something is spinning at very fast speeds, creating the thumping noise that had alerted them.
The contraption's speed gradually decreased until it came to a complete stop, just a short distance away. Its body then began to shift, spinning to its right and presenting its side to the knights. Through what appeared to be a glass window, more figures became visible inside. The sight was both fascinating and unsettling, as the knights peered at the strange, mechanical device and its occupants.
The contraption suddenly emitted a voice, startling everyone. "This is the Philippine Air Force. State your identity and your reason for entering our territory. Failure to comply will result in the use of lethal force."
The knights exchanged bewildered glances, confused and alarmed by the machine's ability to speak.
Princess Aleana stepped forward, her voice resolute as she yelled, "We are the Elite Knight Reconnaissance Division of the Kingdom of Lasia. We are here to conduct reconnaissance in these unknown lands!"
She fixed her gaze on the contraption, waiting for its response.
The object remained still for a moment before speaking again,"Copy that. Please follow us; we understand you may have further questions, which we can address later," the contraption's voice responded. It then turned its body back towards its original direction and began to move slowly forward.
The woman in the blue uniform turned to Princess Aleana, her voice tinged with concern. "Is this safe, Your Highness?" She glanced between the princess and the contraption.
"Well, we need answers," Princess Aleana replied, her gaze steady on the woman in blue. "We can't return without understanding what's happening here."
1040H
The knights followed the strange contraption, which slowed its pace to match the speed of their horses. They arrived at what seems to be a border wall, its height not that high and also not that low before them were lined with soldiers in unfamiliar clothing. These soldiers stood or crouched behind of what seems to be small barriers for cover, their attire markedly different from anything the knights had seen.
Nearby, several large, green iron contraptions, resembling elephants, were positioned. The machines were bulky and intricately designed, adding to the surreal atmosphere of the scene.
In the center of the area, before a large black iron gate, stood two men. One was dressed in white clothing with what seems to be a flag that they have never seen before and wore shades over his eyes. Beside him was a man in a green military uniform, adorned with medals on his chest. The green-clad man's attire with the same colors and shape of an unknown flag, suggested a high rank or significant role within their organization, judging from the rectangular multiple colored medals itself. Both men observed the approaching knights with keen interest.
Both men stepped forward. The man in white stopped just within arm's reach and cleared his throat before extending his hand. "Nice to meet you," he said with a smile after removing his shades. It seemed he was offering a handshake, so Princess Aleana leaned forward and reached for his hand.
"Nice to meet you too," she replied, gripping his hand firmly.
"I am Ambassador Tom Gard. I'm the diplomat representing the Republic of the Philippines. It's an honor to make your acquaintance," he said, smiling warmly. "Next to me is the Brigadier General of the 181st Airborne Brigade Combat Team, who is in charge of the Airborne units deployed at this border." He extended his hand, gesturing to the man beside him.
"It's nice to meet you. I'm Brigadier General Ricky Alfonso of the 181st ABCT," the general introduced himself, offering a handshake, which Princess Aleana did not deny.
"It's nice to meet all of you," Princess Aleana said, clearing her voice clear. "I am the 2nd Princess of the Kingdom of Lasia, Princess Aleana Lasia." She nodded respectfully to both men as she introduced herself, she also extended her hand and gestured to the woman behind her,"She is Lady Eleanor, a trusted companion, knight, and protector to myself," Princess Aleana continued, gesturing to the woman in the blue military uniform. "Not only that, but she is also the leader of the Knightmaidens, composed of female knights." Lady Eleanor nodded in acknowledgment.
"It's nice to meet you," Lady Eleanor said, extending her hand for a handshake. Both men accepted without hesitation, shaking her hand firmly in turn.
Alfonso looked back at both women. "Shall we continue our formal talks inside a building to combat the uncomfortableness of this heat?" He pointed his thumb towards a nearby structure, its rooftop just visible behind the towering T-walls.
Alfonso noticed the hesitant expressions on both women's faces. "Uhh, don't worry, we won't do anything to you. You can also bring your other soldiers with you inside," he reassured them.
Both Aleana and Eleanor exchanged a look and nodded which seemed like a nonverbal sign of agreement. "Very well, then. I'll order my men to accompany me," Aleana replied to Alfonso, her voice still carrying a hint of hesitation.
Lady Eleanor turned to the knights. "Prepare to move inside," she commanded. The knights behind them nodded and began to form up, ready to follow their leaders into the building.
Aleana whispered to eleanor if they have ever seen the flag they were carrying.
As Aleana prepared herself, she whispered to Eleanor, "Have you noticed the flag embroidered on their strange clothing?".
"Yes, Your Highness," Eleanor replied to the curious princess. "Although I don't recall any country with such symbols on their flag."
Aleana nodded, "I see".
Both the knights and Princess Aleana, along with Lady Eleanor, walked through the gates and walls, following the pace set by the two men leading them. As they moved, they couldn't help but notice the stares and glances from the soldiers around them.
"What kind of place is this?" one knight murmured, his eyes wide with amazement.
"I've never seen buildings like these," another knight added, craning his neck to take in the sights.
Princess Aleana whispered to Eleanor, "The architecture here is so different from what we know. Look at those iron elephants."
"Yes, Your Highness," Eleanor replied, her tone equally filled with wonder. "It's as if we've stepped into another world."
One of the knights nudged his companion. "Did you see those green machines? They look like something out of a blacksmith's wildest dream."
"I'm not sure if they're weapons or something else," his companion responded, eyes fixed on the contraptions.
Lady Eleanor glanced around, then leaned closer to Aleana. "Their technology is far beyond anything we've encountered. We must tread carefully and learn as much as we can."
As they continued to walk, the strange-clothed soldiers also seemed curious, their eyes following the knights with equal fascination.
Lt. Howard POV
The alerts were lifted up from Red to Blue, after the interaction of the guests and the top Brass just outside the gates. I guess it went okay for now, since they let them in but were ordered to remain in our positions and stay cautious. That was my first time seeing a natural silver hair girl with an armor that looks like a knight, and next to her was a blonde girl with practically the same armor but different colored clothes.
Private Isaac sat down in the shade, leaning back against a tree, exclaiming with amazement, "Wow, that girl with blonde hair was really pretty!"
PFC Jacky, sitting cross-legged nearby, glanced over and chuckled, "You mean the one who passed us? Yeah, she was something."
PFC Homer, standing a few feet away, grinned. "Keep dreaming, Isaac. We're here on duty, not for sightseeing."
Private Paddy, reclining on his pack, laughed and shook his head. "Isaac, you've got a one-track mind. Focus, man. We've got more important things to worry about."
Cpl. Romolo, standing with his arms crossed and surveying the area, smirked but kept his tone serious. "Alright, lovebirds. Eyes on the mission. We've got a job to do."
SPC Raggy, kneeling beside his medical kit, added, "Stay hydrated, Isaac. And everyone else, too. It's hot out here."
PFC Raf, leaning against a nearby boulder, gave Isaac a playful nudge with his foot. "Don't worry, Isaac. Maybe you'll get a chance to say hi when we're off duty."
"WHAT?! I was just admiring" Isaac argued.
"Yeah Yeah whatever" everyone else shrugged off the argument.
"OI!" Issac said aloud, while the others smiled and chuckled.
This is truly another world, but who knows, they might just be cosplaying. But I guess there are no insane people crazy enough to mess with the military… wait, Earth is full of people like that. Well, whatever, this is my job anyway.
1607H
I am sitting down on the ground while using the back of M4A2 P Heavy Abrams, getting a rest from walking down and back, as the blue alert was lifted to white alert.
"All units, this is Base Commander. We have received a visual report of an unidentified element approaching from the east. A possible knight on a horse, it's moving steadily towards our position. Over." my radio crackled to life, almost making me jump.
"60 mikes ETA, stay cautious, Over" the man in the radio added.
I sighed and stood up, "Alright Everyone!" I yelled, my platoon turned their heads to mine, "We have a land bogey coming to us, 60 mikes out, be prepared and stay cautious" I relayed to the rest of the platoons
I walked beside the tank, and took a seat on a jerry can which was just beside the tank.
1707H
A silhouette of some sort of animal came running towards our direction with dust of sands flying behind it. As it closed the distance between us it became more apparent that it was a horse with an armored man riding it, especially when the spotlight from the base stared and locked in on them. It stopped from its tracks after being shoned by the spotlight.
To be continued…