The next day.
Lucius woke up refreshed. He and all who came with him was booked into a five-star hotel. It was nothing more than the service of a five-star hotel in the Imperium, but it was the best most can get.
Though there were complications. Yesterday was a series of incident after incident. Once he reached the hotel, there was news of the sudden temporary shutdown of the Tokyo underground railway. Then there was a fire in the Ichigaya Assembly Hall, where he was supposed to meet the representatives of Japan before it was changed last minute to the Prime Minister's Office.
There are multiple other incidents, all within the radius of the Diet building. He could only guess one thing. The superpowers of Earth are doing their demonstration. And the climax would be wherever Itami's group would be.
The thought of mankind against each other disgusts Lucius. He spites the belief of regional nationalism, it caused the millennia of warfare amongst other humans. Though it made humanity adaptable to hard situations, still the many lives and generations of humans that could have potentially made a difference to bring a change were wasted by civil wars.
He activated the holographic transmission from his arm phone, contacting someone from Helnus CENTCOM.
"Is there something wrong, Luci?" Hector asked.
Hector appears before him, looking already sharp in the blind morning.
"I just need to ask for a SITREP on the things there," Lucius said. "Is there something you want to report to me? The ones that you don't want to disclose in the Diet?"
Hector nodded, as he began relaying the actual important situation report.
"Well, the pacification of Bellnahgo is going smoothly. Unlike Bellnahgo, the magic city of Rondel is willing to cooperate in exchange for mutual partnership in terms of technology." Hector reported. "However, we did encounter something peculiar."
The Young Master's attention was peaked. Whatever it is, it certainly should be interesting.
"Really? Do tell." Lucius said as he gets in the shower.
"We were invited by the mages of Rondel to their Grand Library. So I sent a group of scientists to observe just how far the mages understand about the universe as a whole, maybe we could learn something from them in terms of Magi. But as soon as they entered, their scanners detected signs of HEL along with faint energy signatures at the main four monoliths in the center of the Grand Library." Hector reported. "It appears to be a supercomputer of some kind. The mages demonstrated how the monolith works, when they pour out mana to the monoliths, it reacted in a way the scanners read as AI. We have further evidence that the monoliths are a supercomputer through the findings of wires and cables tangled in the tiny gaps of the monoliths, however, we have not been able to decipher how it works. As we speak, the scientists there are continuing in researching the monoliths."
"Hm. Who's leading the group?"
"Dr. Isabella Kibbler Holst. She's the leading scientist of the group. With her family lineage as the discoverer of HEL, she should be sufficient and motivated enough to lead the investigation of the monoliths." Hector said. "With these turn of events, I have put on the liberty to organize an investigation. I presume there may be a powerful and much-advanced civilization before even our allies, so I have ordered to investigate the smallest readings of energy or signatures of HEL. There might be more 'outposts' such as the one in Rondel, and who knows we can study from it."
Lucius took a dry towel from the adjacent hanger. He wipes his wet face and began to dry himself off.
"As expected of you, Hector. You've done an excellent job. Keep me posted with any developments. A precursor civilization made outposts on the planet, and I want to know who and why." Lucius said as he get dressed. "In the meantime, I would like to know what the locals are doing. And by that, I mean the Saderans."
"There hasn't been a major movement, aside from that they're now enacting scorch earth policies from Helnus and Alnus to their capital of Sadera. They're trying to hinder us from advancing further inland, trying to delay us from advancing towards Sadera itself." Hector said. "They burned villages and towns down, leaving the small folk to starve to death. However, many of them migrated in the direction of either Alnus or Helnus. Many heading towards Alnus eventually stopped at Italica, where the Marchioness Myui is taking steps to house them. While at the same time, I've ordered some of the men in Italica to infiltrate the crowd heading towards Alnus. As our sleeping agent there, who knows we need to eventually go against them and sabotage them."
"And what about the ones heading towards Helnus CENTCOM?"
"Many initially heading straight to Bellnahgo or Rondel. However, Bellnahgo is in shambles and Rondel does not have the capability to house them at the moment. So almost all headed straight to Helnus." Hector said. "I talked it out with the boys. We decided to house them and make them a small, garrisoned town for them to stay. It's a great way to promote our cause and build a good view and support with the locals. How's your end? "
Lucius began to comb his hair, splitting his focus on Hector's report and looking sharp. A
"Well, it turned out pretty well. Though, I haven't got the chance to measure how much of an impact I made yesterday." Lucius said. "The government of Japan asked for cooperation with the Imperium, as expected of them. I told them we can't have any unless you're a unified entity with the entire world. I did invite them to visit us, as ordered by my father."
"Any response from the Japanese?"
"No, not yet. I don't expect them to have a response so quickly. I'd expect them to have a response sometime at the end of the week." Lucius said. "I also have a plan to visit grand ambassadors of the United States, China, and Russia here in Tokyo. Inviting them over directly, making them feel important. After that, I'm taking the Japanese's offer to an onsen in Mt. Hakone. It's been a while since I have a dip in an onsen, might as well take the offer. "
"I see. It seems you're having fun. While I and the boys are breaking our backs doing menial work." Hector said, with a tone of envy.
With him has done dressing, he turned his full attention to Hector.
"Oh don't be so jealous, Hector. Tell you what, once I'm back, you and the boys are taking a vacation trip." Lucius said. "I'll take over things in Helnus CENTCOM."
"Yeah, I'm taking that offer once those reps are done visiting. Heaven knows the amount of work that needs to be done, and you need to focus on those reps." Hector said.
"Well, that's nice of you. Anyways, I'm off to meet the ambassadors of those three superpowers, then if I got the time, might treat myself to Akihabara or Ikebukuro." Lucius responded.
Hearing Lucius's response, Hector couldn't help but stifle a laugh. Despite him being an experienced officer in the Cerberus, despite him having tasted the bitter yet addictive feeling of killing, he remain the same before he joined.
"To the holy land of weebs, huh?"
"Shut up. I wanna buy myself some vintage anime merch. Who knows, this world might have the same animes." Lucius said. "Then I'll boast it to the community back home and rub it on their face."
Hector laughed at Lucius's remark, truly, his friend and superior is one of a kind.
"You'll bring those girls with you to the meetings?"
"Of course, I will. They already learned their place. Princess Piña and her faction will cooperate with us." Lucius replied. "She will be the governor of whatever sector we are in. I just hope that scans are completed so that we can find out where exactly the planet is. Say, any news on that front?"
"Scouting probes have been successful in determining where the system is located. Results from the probes show that the system is located on the southeastern quadrant of the galaxy, as reports from the 25th Classis add up." Hector said. "However, it is as we feared. The location of the system is deep within the Ravernal Potential Areas. Which means we're bound to encounter anything Ravernal-related. That means abandoned starbases or their automated defenses. Or maybe a more catastrophic one indeed is that-"
"-We encounter a remnant, or worse a fully-regrouped Decimator Fleet," Lucius said.
Lucius feared the worst. He fear, loath, but prepared. Decimator Fleets are a challenge that the Navy has to deal with. Their massively powerful weapons could decimate the strongest combat ships belonging to the Resufitors. Though comparing the Resufitors to the Imperium is a far comparison, the Resufitor's ships are not easy to break. A menial task, but not considered as easy. If any Decimator Fleets are still active, and if they attacked the system, he would have to call in more Classis to ensure victory.
"Have you made any precautions While I was away?"
"I did. I have given an order to the 25th Classis to be on full alert on the Tachyon Sensors given the situation." Hector replied. "I also issued a request to the Naval Command for additional Classis to be sent to the system. Given the circumstances, I feel that is appropriate."
"That would be so, but belay that order to the Naval Command. Just tell them that we need additional Classis on standby, we don't need to strain the logistics more than we should be." Lucius said. "Those additional fleets will only serve as an immediate backup, not reinforcement to hold a sector."
"As you command, Young Master. I will relay the new orders to the Naval Command." Hector replied.
"Good. If that's all, I need to go ASAP. I am not going to miss the opportunity to buy me some vintage anime merch." Lucius said.
"Of course. Have fun, Luci. "
••••••
Mt. Hakone, Sankai Roukaku Resort.
After having a field day of a shopping spree and Itami having received his next assignment, he and his group have finally arrived at the Jietai-owned resort.
While he look forward to the hot spring, he wasn't looking forward to what will come. Minister Kanou, his former superior in the JSDF before Kanou's rise to minister, has stated that the Crown Prince would also join them. This adds to the weight of the burden, as not only does he have to secure the girls from harm, he too has to secure the safety of the Crown Prince of the Imperium and the Princess of Sadera.
He found it weird and he questioned the reason for placing them under his security, which Kanou only say "It's simply to show that Japan is capable, and the only nation worthy of the Imperium's attention.". He found the reason to be illogical, however, this decision was made by the Prime Minister himself.
Somehow hearing that it came from the Prime Minister himself made sense. Motoi Shinzo, the current Prime Minister of Japan is a man hard to understand. That is, what many within the administration have testified. He's a savvy politician, but oftentimes confusing. This is one of the examples in particular.
But, he is a soldier of the JSDF. If his Prime Minister commands him to do so, he will do so. There's no other option than do just that.
After logging in and settling in their respective rooms, Itami stretched his weary legs. He has been walking for the entire day. Sure, he's been through a lot worse with his training as Ranger and S Force, but he couldn't help but whine about how he had little rest.
Just as he started to relax, the sliding door to his room opened.
"Lieutenant. We have guests in the front lobby." Tomita reported to him.
Letting out a big sigh, he stood up without saying a word. He walked out, meeting the guest of honor.
He found Lucius currently at the reception, as Princess Piña and her entourage ogle around the eccentric architecture of a Japanese resort.
"General Lucius." Itami greeted as he salute.
Lucius turned to him and saluted back.
"Lieutenant Itami. What a surprise to see you here. I take it you're here as our caretaker?"
"Originally, it was only for the girls. But, I have just been briefed a few hours ago by strategic command."
Itami realized that Lucius was with only Princess Piña and her entourage, with none of his bodyguards in sight.
"If you're wondering where are my bodyguards, don't bother. They are out there. Somewhere." Lucius answers his wonder. "Hiding. Waiting for the right moment to act, so don't bother to inform your fellow operatives outside. They won't be able to locate them."
Itami, despite the cool air, couldn't help but let out a cold sweat as he heard the response. Sure, his fellow comrades wouldn't be harmed by them, but it sure would dismantle what the Prime Minister is trying to do.
"I see. Well then, let's get you to your rooms."
Leading the guest, Itami hoped for the best and hoped that his comrades could handle the heat. Because he knows for a fact, the soldiers with Lucius will absolutely take over the situation if they deem the S Force isn't sufficient enough to handle security. Still, he wonders how they would keep themselves hidden, but it didn't matter. Maybe he overestimated, maybe not.
Lucius's room and Piña's were next to each other, and the other two will stay with Piña.
"I will have the girls pick the princess and her friends to experience Japanese Onsen. I too, will have a dip in the onsen as well." Itami said. "You're welcome to join."
Lucius set down his luggage on a corner of his room, as he turned to Itami and smiled.
"Of course, I will join you momentarily."
"Great! I will be going ahead. Tomita might already be headed to the onsen."
Itami left the crown prince of the Imperium to his solitude, not wanting to interrupt.
Later that evening, the girls all have already gone into the Onsen. Piña has to admit, the sensation of the Onsen really soothes her aching muscles.
She and her entourage are in a group of interesting females. One, Sergeant Kuribayashi. She, despite her petite physique, proves to be the toughest nut in the JSDF. And quite the looker too. Two, Rory Mercury the Emroy Apostle. Didn't think the Apostle of Death would hang around like a normal girl should. Three, Lelei La Lalena. A talented mage, with flat emotions all the way which made her adorable. Four, Tuka Luna Marceau. The only living survivor of Lodo High Elves, proficient in spirit magi. And last but not least, Risa Aoi. Which Piña was caught off guard besides the fact she is an artist that she recently liked when accompanying Lucius in his shopping spree, is that she's Itami's ex-wife.
"Hey, Kuribayashi. Can you tell us something interesting? About romance or something?" Risa asked as she begins a conversation.
"Romance, huh? I think Tomita has hots for Bozes. And I think she has the same." Kuribayashi said as she spills the beans.
Bozes's face turned beet red. This piqued the interest of everyone there, excluding Lelei.
"K-Knights are forbidden in engaging in such relationships... And I have my family and position to consider... "
Her head lowers as half of her face is underwater, forming bubbles as she subconsciously mutters deep in her embarrassment.
Unable to hold herself, Piña jumped behind Bozes. Crashing herself to Bozes as she enraptures her in her arms.
"Don't say things like that! Now, tell us. I'm dying to what kind of man you like." She said as she whispers softly into Bozes's ear.
"If you confess, your punishment will be much lighter you know~." Panache join in as she and Pinã began to tease Bozes in some places.
"M-Milady! Panache! Please... Stop it...!" Bozes begged them to stop, though it fell on deaf ears.
"Oh! I can use this in my doujins!" Risa said excitedly, as she was suddenly inspired by the semi-erotic scene that befalls before her.
Pouring some of the warm water with her hands, Rory puts her attention to Risa.
"By the way, Risa. How're things with Itami?" She asked.
"Things?"
"Your divorce," Rory affirms what she meant.
"Yeah, I also want to know about that." Kuribayashi jumped in. "Why would you want to marry a guy like that?"
"Oh, that. Well, he and I have been friends since we were in junior high." Risa answered. "I knew his personality, his family, and a lot of his stuff."
"So you marry him because of that?"
"I didn't have enough money, and seeing him making money with his work was just admirable to me. So I said to him, 'Please take care of me! I'll marry you in exchange!' that's about it." Risa replied.
"Then why'd you divorce him?" Kuribayashi asked again.
"The Ginza Incident was pretty dangerous. So when I heard he was going to the Special Region, I asked him why he'd go somewhere dangerous. And he said, 'No matter what happens, there's insurance money for you. So don't worry about it.' He didn't understand anything." Risa said somberly. "Not to my feelings, or to others. I thought we need to start over."
The girls couldn't help but sympathize with her. It must be hard, to love someone that put emotions in general aside so easily.
"That's enough about me. Let's talk about others."
"Oh yeah! Princess Piña has hots for the crown prince of the Imperium." Kuribayashi spilled the beans. "I saw how you look at him."
Piña was about to dismiss it, however, somehow she was reminded of that night. That night that was supposed to be her worst nightmare, turned into a sweet and heartwarming memory. That night made her adore him, in a way that she has respect for him. Just goes to strengthen her belief that there are people out there who in nature, don't want to manipulate others for their own self-gain. Sure, any head of state would need to manipulate all the things around him or her to benefit their people. But, only a good person doesn't want to take advantage of a vulnerable person just for their pleasure. Her fond memory of him would be just that until it caught her.
His body.
Any woman would kill just to be in close proximity to such a well-sculpted body, she included. Had she wasn't being overcome with fear and sadness at the time, she would have blushed profusely all night. She even touched it, for the gods' sake! Well-sculpted, toned muscles, yet have scars that signify he's been through a lot. And they were inches apart! They could feel each other's breaths at the time. Had it been for other circumstances, she would make a move immediately.
Her thoughts made her blush profusely, she couldn't stop it. She couldn't stop how she even dare to think such things, but she couldn't help it. And what's worse, her blushing caught the attention of the rest.
"Ooh, something happened with the two of you. Something spicy, I take it." Rory took the chance.
"Can't say I'm surprised. But what I do want to know, is what happened between you two?" Kuribayashi said.
Piña could only cover her face, hiding her embarrassment at the topic.
On the other side, Itami and Tomita sat side by side, enjoying the comfort of the Onsen.
"This is bliss!" Itami groaned in delight.
"Indeed," Tomita said, as he focuses on the comfort of the Onsen.
"We're all alone," Itami said again.
"Yes," Tomita replied.
But then Tomita's eyes shot wide as if he realized something horrific. His face contorted to an emotion of horror, getting pale by the second.
"I'M INTO WOMEN!" Tomita jumped away from Itami.
"DON'T GET THE WRONG IDEA, YOU FOOL!" Itami shouted at him for the wild accusations.
Then the sliding door to the changing room opened up. The two switch their attention and saw Lucius half naked with only a towel covering him.
"What's with the ruckus?" Lucius asked.
"N-no. Nothing too important." Itami
Lucius didn't respond, only gave a small nod. After cleaning himself, he dips himself in the hot Onsen.
"This is bliss." Lucius groaned in delight.
He leaned forward to the edge, enjoying the view before him.
"You know, it's not every day I get to enjoy this. Especially in an onsen."
"Work?" Itami simply asked.
"Yeah. It's more of, an obligation as the Young Master of the Imperium. Members of Aurelius rarely have time to relax. Even if you're not the direct heir, there's always something to do as a member of Aurelius."
"Really? It must be hard." Itami sympathizes.
"Some of the time, I wish I could just have some rest. And not just me, but my family as well. My father has little time to actually rest, sometimes he gets too into work, and my mother has to drag him out of his study or meeting room just to make sure he's well rested." Lucius said. "Now, I'm a general in the Militarum and Cerberus, my sister is rising the ranks as a competent fleet commander. You might think having immense power would give you the power to just take a vacation. Not when you're Aurelian. Immense power comes with a heavy price. The price of being an Aurelian in general is to serve the people of the Imperium, the power we wield is first and foremost meant for the people. You, people, might think of us as dictators, and you're right. The meaning shifted from a man who dictates whatever is necessary for the prosperity of people to a person who dictates whatever desires they have for their own pleasure. Imperators are dictators, but we do it for the people."
Itami and Tomita let that piece of information sink in. They would never have thought that a dictator could be such
"Militarum and Cerberus, what are those actually?" Tomita asked.
"Militarum is the military body in general. The Military of the Imperium as a whole. As for Cerberus, it's a Paramilitary Force of the Imperium." Lucius said. "Take it as the Waffen-SS of the Imperium, following and enforcing the will of the Imperator to the letter."
"I wonder. What happens now?"
Itami caught the attention of both Lucius and Tomita.
"With that's currently going on, I'm afraid of what's going to happen. The GATE showed up a few months ago, the JSDF deployed to Special Region, and now the Galactic Imperium made contact with us." Itami said. "This attention is too much to handle. I can only guess that nations would place their attention on us, especially with us being the first nation to make contact with an interstellar nation from another world."
"The higher you climb, the harder the wind blows. It's the reality of everyone who intends to rise to prominence. It's more of a matter of how you deal with the wind and not fall from it. "
"You can say that again," Itami said.
Silent befalls the three, as the only thing they can hear is the chatter of the girls from the other side. They couldn't make up what they are talking about, as they could only hear the chatter.
"Hey, Itami."
"Yes?" Itami replied to Lucius's call.
"What were your Prime Minister thinking placing us in danger here? Placing us as bait to counter the operatives of the superpowers, what was he thinking?"
Condescending it may be, he's right. Itami too, felt this plan was too reckless and foolhardy no matter how much he tries to see it from another standpoint.
"The thing that I get from the Minister of Defense himself is that the Prime Minister is trying to make Japan the responsible nation of Earth, unlike the superpowers," Itami said. "I don't see how this could make us the responsible one, with us making our guests as bait."
"Mark my words. No nation of Earth is the responsible one. Not even the ones of the known Galaxy." Lucius said. "Not even the Imperium. All that we can do, is simply do the things that will end in a result of in order. And do the things to enforce it, no matter how much you hated it. Because if the order is established, then peace will follow."
Itami and Tomita can grasp what he meant. Disorder in any kind of way will result in violence. It always does that in the end. If order is to be kept, and enforced even, violence will be gone and peace will eventually come.
••••••
Relaxing in his own quarters, Lucius felt his body at ease. His muscles relaxed and felt his body to be free of all burden.
However, as much as he wants to relax, he can't. He reached into one of his luggage and grabbed a piece of metal from it. He placed it right near his temples, and it materializes into a helmet as it enveloped his head neatly.
"All units, this is Aquila Actual. Status." Lucius calls in.
"Tango unit, standing by."
"Delta unit, ready for orders."
"Foxtrot unit, at your command."
Then the interface of his mask changed. It shows the map of the surrounding area. There are dots of red, blue, and yellow scattered across the area. The red dots are coming from three different directions, with yellow dots in the way. As for the blue dots, their location is scattered around the direction of the main entrance.
"Aquila Actual, this Tango 1-1. Hostiles have begun their skirmish with the JSDF S Force. They are taking substantial damage."
"To all Units, I must repeat to you that you're there to move in when the JSDF S Force has been overwhelmed or retreated. They will retreat, knowing the US." Lucius said. "Keep on standby, boys and girls. Your fun is about to begin. Until that, stand your ground and stay in position."
"Roger that, Aquila Actual."
Minutes pass, and what was said came to be. Through the recon probes scattered around the area, the S Force of Japan retreated from the area.
"Attention all units, the S Force has disengaged and retreated. Stand by for further orders."
As the S Force disengaged, the covert operators of the superpowers advanced forward. Only to meet other operators from other nations. Not expecting such a situation, the operators went into a panic and engaged the other.
It became a close-quarter combat. They shot at one another at the proximity of a few meters from each nation. Stray shots went into where Itami and Princess Pinã's room.
With Princess Piña's room under the hail of bullets, Lucius can now make a move.
"All units, engage! They fired shots at the Princess's room. Retaliate!"
The Cerberus soldiers hiding in the forest rushed towards the fight.
Goldman, the American operative took cover from the relentless barrage of the other two factions that just shows up out of nowhere. He cursed at the current situation he was in. Intel didn't inform them of any movements from the other nations, nor did they expect heavy resistance from the Japanese S Force.
"These fuckers just won't quit!" His comrade, Sam cursed the other two factions as he emptied his magazine.
"Keep your wits with you, Sam. We have to press the attack." Goldman said.
*Pshiw*
Goldman heard the sound that sound futuristic and alien, coming from the south. Then he saw a blue orb of light, the size of a baseball come crashing through the field and hitting an operative from one of the factions beside his. He was baffled, all of them are. Until they came to realize, it was something they hoped they didn't encounter.
Those blue orbs are energy orbs from the rifles of the Imperium. And that means the Imperium combat operatives are in close proximity.
The hostility between the three factions of the FSB, the MSS, and the CIA has ceased to exist. The other factions ran to Goldman's side, as many blue orbs began to fire away their men who were left behind and all they hear is their screeching wail of pain.
Goldman would have just ordered his comrades to take the opportunity and kill them all, however, he had the gut feeling to let them cross the field to their side, as if he had the feeling that they'll need to work together if they want to even make a difference against the combat operatives of the Imperium.
As the last of them crossed and took cover, putting aside their differences, they wait for the Imperium forces to appear. They waited and waited.
Minutes passed, and what they anticipate has come. Just, not in the way they expect. Out of a sudden, the vacant other side filled with Imperium soldiers, as if they appeared out of thin air.
"Engage hostiles!"
*Ratatatatat* *Ratatatatat* *Ratatatatat*
*Pshiw* *Pshiw* *Pshiw*
The first, albeit unofficial combat between the regional powers of Earth against the Galactic Imperium took place in Hakone. Goldman thought they would have a chance, but it wasn't the case.
Their energy orbs melt stone and burn wood. The natural covers proved useless to them against the Imperium combat operatives. Goldman steeled himself and opened fire at one of the operatives, hoping to make it even against the overwhelming power that is the Imperium. His hope shattered, as his .75mm bullets bounced off the body armor of the Imperium operatives. The operative took notice and aimed the deadly plasma rifle at him. Goldman, out of fear and survival instinct, ducked down as the rifle fired its energy projectile at him which missed, causing the trees and rocks to turn into melted mess.
Despite the situation being FUBAR, and him being terrified of the Imperium's capability, they hold on and fight, which unbeknownst to them, the Imperium operatives have to give them the credit where it is due.
Amongst the chaos, Goldman saw a figure wearing only hotspring robes, and by then his instincts have guessed who it was. It was the "Crown Prince" of the Imperium himself, Lucius Aurelius, only wearing hot spring robes and the same helmets the operatives had.
An operative from another nation tried to exploit Lucius's vulnerability as he began to fire at him, he'd soon found out along with the rest that the Young Master of the Imperium is never vulnerable, even without proper body armor and weapons.
The bullets... Stopped mid-air.
It brought Goldman and all of the rest to a complete shock. The hail of bullets stopped mid-air, like in those animes. Not just the hail of bullets aimed at him, but everything else, including the plasma orbs. All stayed in motion, and Goldman is willing to wager it was because of him.
"It would be wise for you to surrender."
The chilling voice from his modulator gives him and the rest the creeps, even though they knew it was artificial.
"I am going to give you one chance. And one chance only. Drop your weapons and surrender."
Goldman looked to the sides, tense and afraid is what Goldman sees in the men. They were supposed to be the best in their respective nations. But now, it's like they're just a bunch of privates fresh from boot camp.
"Fat chance, prince! We never surrender!" Goldman said as he fix his posture as he aims right at Lucius.
Seeing Goldman taking the lead, his comrades do the same. Oddly enough, the other operators followed suit.
"Very well. Your choice." Lucius said. "I want one alive from each nation. Kill the rest."
The battle resumed, and it turns for the worst for Goldman and the rest of the operators. Every two seconds, one of them dies. They can't do any damage to the Imperium operatives, as their armor is nigh impossible to get even a scratch on.
"Shit...! Fall back! Fall back!" Goldman called out.
He and his men retreated and ran away, and the rest followed as they ran.
Goldman ran as fast as he could with what remained of his team. He heard screams of pain and men begged for mercy, but he just kept running and running. His chest started to ache, he was running out of breath.
"Alpha to Gold! The mission is a failure! I repeat the mission is a failure! We're under ambush by agents from the other two nations, along with Imperium soldiers!"
Goldman ducked down as a plasma orb almost got him. It did get his comrade who was behind him, as he lost his head and shoulders in entirety. He continued to run and now in a zigzag pattern, trying to avoid those plasma orbs.
"The Imperium operatives are slaughtering us! We can't kill them and they just can't stop killing us! The mission is FUBAR, I repeat, the mission is fu-"
A sharp pain was felt, as he stumbled uncontrollably to the ground. He felt numbness in his left leg, and he saw that his left foot was completely cut off, leaving only a cauterized stump. He saw not far from his position, his severed left leg.
"Goldman!" One of his comrades came to his aid.
"James! Run you idiot! Run!"
Hesitant at first, leaving a comrade behind is something that James didn't find well with him. And Goldman hoped that James did what he said and abandon him, and not just ended up having his head completely vanished leaving only burned stump.
Goldman looked to where they were running from, and he saw the coming Imperiums heading his way. Not wanting to get captured, he quickly went to his secondary handgun with the intention to kill himself.
However, he saw a bright flash passing on his right, along with a sharp pain in his right arm. He looked to the right, and with horror and pain, screamed as he saw the burned stump on his right shoulder and the severed hand on the ground. Before he even recollects, he was stunned by a Taser.
Itami had quickly gathered all of the girls and the Princess through the orders of Lucius. Lucius had ordered him to secure the rest and took cover, and under any circumstances, anyone from his group should intervene, not even Rory, much to the dismay of the demigoddess. Thankfully, everyone is okay.
He and the rest took cover until finally, the battle is over. Itami took the initiative to look outside, only to find charred yet dismembered corpses littered around the complex and Lucius's men that patrolled around. He looked to the backyard and saw three mutilated, yet alive men kneeling before Lucius who was observing the three while he cross his hands. Somehow psychic, Lucius turned to where Itami was.
"Gather what weapons and ammunition you can carry. And tell the rest to pack. We are returning to Falmart now." Lucius commanded.
Itami only nod and left to relay Lucius's orders. Whilst they were packing, they heard the high-pitched noise of the plasma rifles belonging to the Imperium. Three of them, to be exact. Itami could imagine, Lucius must have killed them off after interrogating them.
As soon as they are ready, they walked to the front entrance and saw military lorries parked in front of the entrance. Along with one minibus.
"So, is everyone ready?"
That caught Itami and the group off guard, as they saw Lucius already in his neat uniform.
"Yes, we're ready," Itami said.
"Excellent. Come, we have to go now. It's clear that Japan is not safe at the moment." Lucius said.
Not wanting to waste time, nor potentially anger the Young Master of the Imperium, they all got on the minibus, with Lucius sitting on the front passenger seat and the rest having to manage the tight spot.
They all drive away, with one lorry in front and the minibus in the middle of the convoy.
"Young Master Lucius, can I ask you something?" Piña said in the middle of the car.
"Ask away."
"What happened back there? Why were we under attack? Why are we running away?" Piña asked.
"Yeah, I want to know about that too." Kuribayashi jumped in.
"Simple. Politics." Lucius said. "Those attackers were agents from three different nations. The United States of America, the Federation of Russia, and the People's Republic of China. This, this is their way of show force, and their way of show force is to kidnap the three known visitors from Falmart and bring them to their home nation."
"Why would they do that?" Kuribayashi asked again.
"To instill a more supportive view of their nation, and in an attempt to persuade the Japanese government of giving access through appeasement of the otherworldly visitors," Lucius explained. "If they can instill a pro-view of their nation, their culture, and ideology, they can use that as leverage to gain access to the GATE. If the otherworldly visitors are made impressed by all the things they showed, the rumor will spread that they are better than the Japanese, and supportive views and opinions would surely demand the Japanese give access to their respective nations.
When they are successful, they will gain leverage in the United Nations, and use that as a means to forcefully give them access. When they get access, they will have the ability to exploit every available resource they can get their greedy hands on and make themselves rich without any regard to the native population."
"Who was their target?" Itami asked. "I take it hard to believe that they would do to such measure to just kidnap Tuka, Lelei, and Rory. On second thought, maybe it was appropriate considering Rory is a superhuman herself."
"They should be! I am, a demigod after all." Rory said proudly to herself.
"It was everyone except you, Kuribayashi, Tomita, and me. One, as I said before to instill a supportive view of their nation." Lucius answered. "And two is to attempt negotiation with not only the Japanese government but also Sadera. In other words, they wanted to negotiate with Pinã."
"Me? How did they know about my presence here?! I thought my whereabouts along with Bozes and Panache are secured?!" Piña retorted, out of shock that she was specifically targeted by what the Japanese called a superpower.
"It seems some people had given them the tip-off. I'm not surprised, really. Money can get you a devoted officer of the state, turn into a good-for-nothing corrupt official." Lucius said. "Now, we need only to focus on getting back to the other side of the GATE."
The convoy kept on going straight to Tokyo. It was silent in the minibus, no one said anything, especially being that close to danger. Well, almost all except Risa are well accustomed to danger, they're just not in the talking mood.
"Tomita, pull over to the mini market. We'll rest for a while there." Lucius commanded.
"Understood."
"Convoy, pull over to the minimarket. We'll take a half an hour rest." Lucius talked to his men in an earpiece.
The convoy pulled over to the mini market, as soldiers jumped off the lorry, securing the area for their Young Master.
"Rory, Tuka, Lelei, Bozes, Panache. Can you be so kind and buy us all something to eat or drink?" Lucius asked.
"Hm, very well. Since you asked nicely." Rory said.
Risa pulled out some money from her purse, and pass it over to Lelei.
"Here. Buy anything you want." Risa said.
As the five girls walked away, Lucius turned to Risa.
"Risa. I hear you're a BL doujin artist, am I right?" Lucius asked.
"Y-yeah... It's quite embarrassing work to talk about, but at least I have made money from it." Risa sheepishly said.
"No, I'm not judging you. Since you are a well-known Doujin artist, it means you have got yourself quite the following, yes?" Lucius asked again.
"W-well, I do. But, what do my followers have to do with anything we currently have going?"
"I need you to use that well-built following to good use," Lucius said. "I need you to announce that Rory, Lelei, Tuka, and myself are planning to visit and pay respects at the Ginza Memorial this afternoon at 2 PM. As the Young Master of the Galactic Imperium, I make this request to you, can you do it for me?"
"S-sure! I'll post it on every social media site I'm on!" Risa replied excitedly.
"General Lucius, what are you planning?" Itami asked.
"We need to make a natural cover for us to safely pass through the GATE. And what better way than doing it with people in this current situation." Lucius said. "If we get at least more than a thousand 'friends', we should go to the other side with relative ease. Of course, I will have my Cerberus soldiers keep on high alert. Those agents wouldn't risk making a move in the bustling crowd of Ginza, lest they get international attention and it will trace back to their country of origin. Even if they did make a more rash move, my men can handle whatever they throw at us."
"I see... You've thought of this in a matter of few moments. Guess you aren't a General for nothing." Itami said. "Then again, you are 289 years old."
"I will need you three to be in security detail as well. At least JSDF's reputation will remain intact with some of their members being a part of my security detail." Lucius said. "Although, I have to force upon you one thing. If anyone approached our group in a threatening way, don't hesitate to put them down. If it's media, let them be. We'll accommodate them as we would, just to show everything as usual. Is that understood?"
"Yes, sir!" All three responded.
••••••
It was hoped. Well, more than Lucius had hoped. The information that was spread by Risa proved to be working, although it was working too well. He had taken the convoy to rest a bit while longer, assuming the girls needed their rest and congestion would not be much of a problem.
He was wrong.
At this moment, he and the rest are now stuck in the middle of a congestion, due to cause of Ginza being completely closed with so many people gathering to meet them. The worst part of it all is that they're only a few hundred meters away from the GATE.
"We need to get to Ginza fast. We ditch the car and proceed on foot." Lucius said.
"Are you crazy?! You don't know what dangers lie out there! We could be ambushed by them!" Kuribayashi protested.
"Well, it's now or never. If we chicken out now, we might not get another chance like this again." Lucius reasoned.
Just as Itami wanted to protest as well, Rory jumped out from the minibus with a bouquet of flowers in one of her hands.
"Hey! Rory! Get back inside!" Itami called her out.
"Oh come on, cut a girl some slack," Rory said.
Walking towards the sidewalk, Rory approached a random passerby.
"Hey, can you point me to where Ginza is?"
Caught off in a trance, the man realized and shouted at the top of his lungs.
"M-MISS RORY MERCURY?!?!"
His shout caught the attention of other passersby who in fact, are fellow fans of the otherworldly guests who are patiently waiting for them. And of course, it spread like wildfire as the news of their arrival reached the ears of many.
Many shouted in adoration, snapping a picture and a video of Rory. The other jumped off, making the cheers all the more wilder.
"There's no turning back now. We do this now." Lucius said.
Lucius jumped off the mini. And by the Shroud, did the cheers got the wilder. They're practically screaming at the top of their lungs. Especially the fangirls.
They already have merch of hand-fans of his face, and cardboard writings of worship to him.
Right... I forgot just how annoying fandoms are...
Trying to appease the gathering fans, he did what all celebrities do, waving and greeting their fans. It went on for some time until his men came to reinforce Lucius and formed a perimeter around him and the group.
The group marches ahead, as Cerberus soldiers that were tasked to guard them flank them from the side, while Itami and Tomita took the front and Kuribayashi takes the back. His Cerberus was more than enough for his security detail, but then it would damage the dignity of the SDF, which is why Lucius brought Itami and his men to assist. With him as the heralded "Hero of Ginza" from a tabloid he discovered, it might just be enough to maintain the dignity of the JSDF.
They were lucky that the Japanese as a whole are very disciplined people, without the need for the heavy presence of the police, they themselves made way for the group to advance. That, or they are horribly terrified of the guarding Cerberus soldiers.
They marched with relative ease, as each girl and Lucius were carrying the bouquets that they have bought to present. All the while, the gathering crowd took pictures and videos to share on their social media.
"Sis?"
"Who's there?!"
Kuribayashi's instant reflex was triggered at the same time as the reflexes of other Cerberus as they aimed their rifles at the person calling. The person was a female, holding a microphone. She wore a long black skirt, a white T-Shirt, with a pink overcoat.
"Eh? Nanami?" Kuribayashi lowered her guard.
"Sgt. Kuribayashi, is the woman your acquaintance?" Lucius stopped as the entire situation caught his attention.
"She's my sister, she works for a TV News as a rookie broadcaster." She said.
"I see. Well, I guess it can't hurt for a few minutes interview."
Lucius approached the rookie broadcaster, most of his Cerberus followed suit to Itami, while five of them stayed. Three of them spread out to form a perimeter, and the other two stayed by Lucius's side no matter what.
"T-thank you for making time!" Nanami said happily, she finally shines as a broadcaster with this interview. She turned to the camera and began her work.
"T-This is Kuribayashi, reporting live from Ginza! H-Here with me is the Young Master of the Galactic Imperium, Lucius Aurelius!" She said as she turned to Lucius. "Y-Young Master Lucius, I say again, t-thank you for making time!"
"It is not a problem, Miss Kuribayashi," Lucius said with a warm smile.
"P-Prime Minister Motoi just abruptly resigned as of last night. W-what are your thoughts on that?"
"I hear that the Prime Minister was suddenly omitted to a hospital. His resignation was admirable, though we cannot be certain of what his disease is, he resigned to give a better person the chance to govern Japan in his absence. I can only give my best regards and wish all the best, and wish him to recover." Lucius said. "Though, his resignation, accidentally is a well-played politic maneuver. I have to admit, the timing was rather perfect."
"H-huh? How so?"
"Well, unknown to the general populace, We have been chased away by unknown people for the last few days. It was rather annoying. And thanks to these certain nations, they were responsible for the many suspicious events happen that forced us to lay low somewhere else." Lucius said. "It gives me annoyance, as my original plans to stay more than a week were cut short by these constant harassments. I was hoping to visit more of Japan, but it appears fate says otherwise. And to my delight, the resignation of Motoi clearly stops these people from doing more damage."
"A-ah! I-I see! W-well, that is something." Nanami tried her best to regain composure, what Lucius has said was clearly sensitive information. After all, it was what he meant to do.
He looked behind the news crew, and he saw two foreigners that weren't from Japan standing behind the back of a black van, albeit leaning slightly. Lucius smirked, and he made sure those two noticed it. The two went sour-faced, and if looks could kill, they would have killed Lucius. But Lucius paid no mind and returned his attention to the news crew.
"O-on another question! I-is there any plans made to visit other countries as well?" Nanami asked.
"No, I won't be visiting other nations. If other nations want to make an audience with the Galactic Imperium, they can ask the government of Japan to grant access. Not that I am not interested, it's more to that I do not have the luxury of time to do so." Lucius said. "But, there is a direct request from the Imperium to the government of Japan and other nations of the world."
"O-Oh! W-what is it?"
"I have already given this request to the previous Prime Minister, but I will say this again. The Galactic Imperium wishes to invite all able nations to visit the Capital Planet of the Imperium, Terra, or Earth." Lucius said. "All nations can bring as many people as they want to visit. A hundred, a thousand, a hundred thousand, we can facilitate and accommodate your visit through the Imperium space and to Terra."
A piece of massive news, and Nanami was shocked and at the same time, delighted that she gets an amazing scoop of news.
"I-Is that so? W-Would you mind telling me what the purpose of the invitations is?"
"Of course, it is to motivate you all of the importance of unity. What can be achieved if everyone is united to the same cause? That is the purpose of the visit. And I do hope many are able to make the journey with us."
"T-That is great! W-would you mind telling us the details of the journey?"
"The details are not yet finalized, but the main attraction would be a visit to Terra, the cradle of Mankind and the center of the Galactic Imperium," Lucius said. "There might be plans to visit other places as well. Maybe there will be a visit to one of our Resort Worlds, but that is still yet to be decided. But I can say this, the visit would be more than a week."
As the bell rings, one of the soldiers whispers to him briefly. With that, he turned to the young reporter.
"While it is a pleasure to talk more, I'm afraid this is where we must end the interview," Lucius said. "It's nice to talk to you, Miss Nanami."
"Y-Yes! T-Thank you again for the interview."
With that, Lucius left the crew, while Nanami was blushing profusely, she was not expecting to be called by her first name.
Lucius returned to his men, as it was their turn to pay their respects. They arrived at the memorial, where people mourned for their losses in the brutish attack done by the Saderan savages. Lucius stepped forward and placed the bouquet of flowers he has been holding the entire time. As before, the crowd went silent as Lucius paid his respects of silence, with his service cap placed on his chest. After two minutes or so, Lucius wore his service cap once more.
"May their souls rest in peace. May their deaths be remembered, and their existence reminded fondly by all." Lucius said loudly, as to make the people watching hear.
"To the courageous fallen! To the victims of War! Cerberus! Salute!!"
Lucius saluted the memorial, as did his men. The actions brought a frenzy of snapshots of pictures, and it lasted until they were at ease. Once it was done, he and his men regrouped with Itami and the rest. The gates then start to rise, and as it does, so did the cheer and farewells of people. It brought everyone to a state of surprise, to see so many Japanese have much enthusiasm for them was mind-boggling. Lucius can only hope that this amount of enthusiasm could be used to sway the opinion of the public of Japan and to persuade them to join the Imperium as a whole.
••••••
Three Days Later...
Italica has gotten through massive changes. A good change and Myui was glad she made the right choice. The homes of the people now have electricity, and now can enjoy the necessities of a lightbulb and will not have to worry about changing the oil in their lamps ever again. Sophisticated services such as Hospitals, Administration Centers, Fire Departments, Police Stations, Civil Guards Outposts, and Schools were made. Of course, they needed to take down unused and abandoned buildings to fit these services.
The Imperium also built what they called, factories. They have built a small Mineral Purification Factory, a Synthetic Crystals Plant, and several Civilian Industries to make consumer goods for the city. These factories have created a massive surge of job vacancies and workforce employment in the populace, making the livelihood of the citizens more than just bearable. They also enjoyed new necessities and goods introduced by the Imperium through their Civilian Industries, which also bring forth new products to sell, and not limited to the city as long it's not technology related.
As the Imperium has promised, they intend to make the people of Italica prosper. For the last six days, the Imperium has begun its campaign of Genetic Splice for the citizens of Italica. The people were graced by the gift of Genetic Splice, they felt great, and they look great. It made the populace even more loyal to the Imperium and by the accounts from the representative of the Imperial Health Ministry, the Genetic Splice made them live longer than most humans of this world, or any other creatures or races. She too, received the genetic splice. And she herself, she never felt so great before. And somehow, she felt extremely smart. She can swear to the gods, she was rarely exhausted during her extensive studies after receiving the splice when before she got tired mentally when she only just went through half of what the tutors are about to give her, she can now go through it all and still have the stamina to do more.
Her workload as local leader of Italica was lessened with the help of the Administrators, and the Judicial force that was sent by the Imperium. Now, the hearing of the people is now mainly placed in the hands of the Judicial force, although she gets to help sometimes.
Today is her day off. For the whole day, she can have it for herself. While so, she decides to take a walk in the city and sightsee the daily activities her people do. And while many nobles of the Saderan Empire would care less, she would not. She cared about her people, cared about their prosperity and safety. It just so happens that the Imperium also cared about their common folk, which is something Myui can work and cooperate with.
Seeing the happy and content smiles of her people brings her joy. Truly, it was the best decision in the history of her family. And she felt pride to make such a decision, and glad that it came to what she hoped. She spends her day talking to the people. Greeting them, and hearing their complaints even though it almost never happened ever since the administration and judicial force from the Imperium did their job extremely well.
She received praises and wishes for her good health, she responded the same as she kept on doing her sightseeing under the protection of maids and the soldiers of the Imperium.
The buzzing sounds of one of the Imperium's aircraft flew right above the city. It annoyed her, she thought she had made it clear that Italica's airspace must be cleared of any aircraft whatsoever. But when she was about to voice her displeasure, she saw the soldiers with her looking at the sky with curiosity.
"Was that..?"
"I think it is..."
Curious, she asked.
"What is it, soldiers? Do you know whose aircraft that was?"
"Well, since you have commanded to keep the skies cleared, there's only but a few kinds of people that could bypass your orders." One of them began to explain. "The closest one would be a Governor, but then again, there aren't any new governors that assumed command on this planet. That, and also the planet is still considered unpacified and goes in the direct command of the Imperator. But then if it's under the direct command of the Imperator, it means th-"
"-That the Young Master has made a sudden visit," Myui concluded. "I wonder what importance he has, it must be a very important business. Come, let's return to the palace."
Myui and her group began their way to return back to her palace. Once she arrived at the front gates, her conclusion was confirmed when her Head Maid informed her of the arrival of the Young Master at the receiving chamber.
Making her way, she navigates through her palace, and with haste. Whatever the Young Master wants, it must be important. She opened the door to the chamber and saw him all alone sitting on the sofa comfortably.
"Ah, Marchioness Myui! It's good to see you. I am sorry if my visit was rather sudden." Lucius greeted her.
"It is fine, Young Master. In fact, what can I do for you?" She asked as she sat across.
"Well, I hear reports about your ingenuity to the people and how you are a born prodigy even after you were spliced," Lucius said. "It brings me pride and joy that Italica is progressing at a desired pace. I want to congratulate you on that."
"Thank you very much, Young Master. Your words flatter me." Myui said with a warm smile and a little bow. "But then, I assume you're not here simply for that?"
Lucius smiled, smirked even, amused by how she was able to perceive things at a rate where many of her age would be very much confused.
"You are a prodigy as your tutors reported, amazing," Lucius said. "You are right, that's not what I am here for."
"I came to tell you that Princess Pinã Co Lada has joined us. And if given the opportunity, she will swear an oath of allegiance to the Imperium when her opposition has been taken care of."
"I see, I had hoped that she is to see the truth and accepts the Imperium. It gladdens me so that she had done just that."
"Yes, but it's not just that," Lucius said. "Once everything is set and done, she will be made Governor of this planet. But with time, the sector will grow and eventually have more planets and star systems under her. Her attention will be divided with all the worlds she will be responsible for. Which, this is where you came in."
Lucius stands up, and so did she.
"Myui Formar. By the Will of the Imperator, the Imperial Senate, and the People of the Galactic Imperium. I, Lucius Aurelius, named you Planetary Leader of Falmarra Prime."
Myui was beyond shock. By her teachings from her tutors, a Planetary Leader is a person that is to rule the planet of their designation in the stead of their Governor. In other words, she, an 11-year-old, is now in charge of the entire planet aside from the Princess and the Young Master.
"You will answer only to your Governor, which will be Princess Pinã Co Lada, the Young Master which is me, and the Imperator who is my father." He said. "This decision was made with the support of the fact of how you are a prodigy and currently have the characteristics equivalent to that of a Governor."
Myui knelt before him, honored and anxious. So did her maids, her head Maid, and many of her retinues.
"I, Myui Formar, shall accept this responsibility and will do everything in my power to serve the Imperator, the People, and the Imperium as a whole."
"Good. Now, I must be on my way to Helnus. I have a lot of things to do." Lucius said. "Go above and beyond, little Marchioness. The Imperium will be watching your career with great interest. Who knows? You might just be ruling a sector of your own."
Lucius left the room. Myui stood up and is immediately showered with praises and congratulations. She was rising up with great speed. And she was anxious about it.