The American In Another World
Chapter 17: The Envoys of Mu

Note: the power and technology of some countries for now.

parpalldian: its power and technology were in the time of the Napoleonic wars.

your power and technology are in the age of the first world war.

Mirishial: the combined power of Magic and first-age technology of the second world war.There are some weapons that they do not have, among others, submarines and have some Secret weapons.

gra Valkas Empire: the power and technology of Germany and Japan during the second world war.

;)

Third Foreign Office, Esthirant

Kaios skimmed through the information package while the two men across the table set up some sort of folding device. He observed the device for a moment then read back about the basic statistics of the United States, from the population to the size of their territory and the average military expenditure. One piece of information that caught his attention was the large number of firearms in the United States.

“Ah, Ambassador..”.

Anders looked up and let Rodriguez continue the video setup. "Yes?"

Kaios rubbed her temples while finding the right words to express her doubts. “I'm familiar with exaggerated statements and propaganda, but 400 million firearms? Can't your government come up with more reliable numbers? Or maybe, is this a translation error?”

“Oh,” Anders said with a grin, “I agree; that number is unbelievable. To be honest, it should have been much higher, but what you see written on the package is the truth. There are no translation errors. Americans own 400 million firearms, and with a population of about 330 million that translates to about 120 guns per 100 people. And that's just our civilian population. Can imagine how complete our military is.”

"I— I understand ..." A cool breeze swept through the room, causing Kaios to shiver slightly.

Anders looked up in memory as he explained further, “As an illustration, the average firearm in the United States is around $500, with some being as cheap as $100. Meanwhile, our military spends about $700 billion a year, but this has risen to past a trillion because uh, let's just say being transferred to another world is a dangerous situation. I don't really remember how this translates into your currency, but there should be some exchange rates listed on the package.”

“Hmm, yes I saw it. One kilogram of pure gold is worth about $60,000–”

“It should be around $57,000, but recent transfers have had an impact on our economy. Many people raise the price of gold because they are trying to save their savings on something reliable.”

Kaios wondered about the American currency. “Mr Ambassador, what do you mean 'raise the price of gold?'”

“Ah, your suspicions are correct. The United States dollar once operated under the gold standard, where the gold dome supported the value of our currency. We stopped a few decades ago, and now the dollar is fiat currency.”

“Hmm,” Kaios nodded, thinking that such a change was unthinkable. He wanted to ask how the currency survived without being backed by precious metals or even any physical commodity, but held it back. He instead went back to the previous topic, telling Anders about the equivalent price of gold in the Parpaldian currency.

"OKAY. What is the Gross Domestic Product of your country? As a reference."

“I don't remember the exact number,” said Kaios, “But it should be about 13,000 kilograms of gold.”

Rodriguez chimed in, his eyes and fingers still glued to the laptop. “That's like, three times that of Napoleon's kingdom. It doubled from the British Empire in the late 1800s.

Kaios felt a hint of pride after hearing the comparison to what she considered to be a famous kingdom throughout their history. However, these positive feelings soon turned negative as Anders continued, “Oh, cool. Well, Mr. Kaios, our annual military budget is just slightly above your country's total Gross Domestic Product.

“Betapa. Thank you for your explanation Ambassador Anders.”

“When, Mr. Kaios.”

"All right," said Rodriguez. "Ready to go." He moved the laptop to the edge of the table and placed it in the center horizontally so that all three could see the screen.

Kaios rested her chin on her clenched hands, her elbows forming a triangle on the table while watching the video provided by the American ambassadors. With the new information provided by the Qua Toynians, the United States adjusted its foreign policy. Present in the video is an emphasis on American military, economic, and technological power.

The video begins with a brief introduction, detailing the basic statistics of the information package. Images of the human era on Earth, from the first Agricultural Revolution to the Industrial Revolution, are displayed while the narrator gives a brief history lesson.

Kaios raised her eyebrows, attracted by the lack of magic and other species. He was very surprised by the fact that humans were the only intelligent species on Earth; they had no demihumans accompanying their awakening. The slow technological development of mankind on Earth does not surprise him, because his own planet has a lot in common. The Parpaldian Empire itself was at the peak of the industrial revolution, whereas Mu and the Mirishial Holy Empire had experienced it.

A map of the United States on Earth appears, followed by a map of the United States on Elysia. The narrator summarizes the events leading up to the initial transfer, including a spontaneous storm and its sudden disappearance. Later, footage from the war against the Lourian Kingdom appears. A small fleet of metal vessels formed on one side while a gigantic fleet of thousands of wooden vessels filled the ocean. A warning was given, but the Lourians ignored it. One hundred ships were destroyed in just five minutes.

Kaios immediately rethought the report given to her by Lord Aeveron, the man assigned to their activities in Rodenius. A few weeks ago, Kaios dismissed Lord Aeveron's warning as an amateur accident committed by a relatively new officer. Now, he realized that it was he who had made a mistake; he should have looked deeper into his subordinates' reports. After all, his position could only be achieved by someone who had graduated from the Imperial Academy with the highest marks.

Kaios, a little regretful that she did not listen to Aeveron, put those thoughts aside as she focused on the present moment. Now, the video features hundreds of wyvern knights swatted from the sky like — flies flying in front of wyverns. Lourian forces stood no chance, perishing in a fireball explosion as missiles hit them from miles away. Kaios analyzed the battle as best he could, comparing the Lourian army with the troops of his people and estimating whether American weapons and tactics would be effective against them. The narrator explains how the American weapon works.

After seeing the distance at which American forces detected and attacked Louria, along with the speed of their war machines, he concluded that any Parpaldian forces that faced them in battle would be annihilated. Parpaldian ships, even when equipped with the best Tears, can only move at a very small speed from the speed of a United States Navy ship. Meanwhile, the wyvern lord was incomparable to their plane. He reasoned that these Americans might be telling the truth about their unique origins and circumstances, because it was impossible for you to develop such technology so quickly.

The video then shows American weaponry: weapons he can use to exact revenge on those who would threaten his people. From armored vehicles to cruise missiles, almost everything is covered. Nuclear weapons were not disclosed, but other weapons of mass destruction, such as nerve agents, were mentioned. Kaios watched the demonstration of each weapon, looking more resigned as the video continued. The thought of nightmares disturbed his mind. With all their missiles and cannons, the Parpaldian Navy and Wyvern Air Corps could be destroyed in a single day without even firing a single shot. Their armored vehicles were resistant to gunfire, and their land dragons definitely could not get close enough to the Americans during the battle. Then, what would prevent them from releasing bombs into their magnificent cities? He shuddered at the potential of napalm; Esthirant was a densely packed city and was mostly made of wood. Just a few small bombs hitting the right area could potentially destroy an entire city, especially if their water magicians could not get there in time. Using poisonous gases and chemicals, their soldiers could march in and seize the city without having to lift a single finger.

Kaios decided to do everything in her power not to anger these Americans. If the arrogant, ignorant pretenders who run the higher echelons of the Parmaldian Foreign Affairs somehow manage to inflict the ire of Americans, then hope may be lost. In that case, the only hope they will have is if the rumors about their wartime behavior are true: the: they did not plunder the city like barbarians and even treated captured enemies with respect.

The video ends with a brief overview of American cities, featuring clips that are usually shown in tourism ads. What starts with one glittering view of the tower and the glass tower splits into four, then sixteen. All the videos play simultaneously on the same screen and Kaios has trouble following them. Yet among all the clips, he can clearly identify the same denominator: luxury. How many of these shining cities do Americans have? How rich are they?

The screen faded to black and Anders spoke, “When we return to America, we can visit some of these cities if time permits. We will definitely visit the first one - San Diego - because that's where our plane will refuel.

Kaios feels her calm diminishes as an inexplicable force is shown throughout the video. Even so, he managed to act professionally. “Thank you, Ambassador Anders.” He pulled a file from under his desk. “Should I say, everything I see is very impressive. I hope that one day, our two countries will be able to share a friendship. Unfortunately, I do not have any fancy magic videos to use, so I will give an oral presentation about the Parpaldian Empire. This file,” he said, gave it to the American envoy, “ is usually reserved for second and First class countries. In it, you will mostly find goods and services available in the Parpaldian Empire, along with basic details of our culture and people.”

Anders and Rodriguez began to peruse the contents of the file, but as soon as they opened the first page, Kaios' assistant knocked on the door. "I'm sorry for the interruption, my Lord, but Miss Remille has summoned all the Foreign Directors for an emergency meeting with your envoy."

“Thank you, Director Kaios. Very nice, ” said the American.

“So too,” said Kaios, rising from her seat. “Raita, please look at these gentlemen to the exit. Oh, and arrange a tour around town if possible.”

——

Miss Remille, a beautiful woman in her mid-twenties and an accented figure, was pacing around the meeting room as people slowly walked in. The ambient lighting created frightening shadows as he moved, drawing dark shapes along the walls. The Director of the First State Department was the first to arrive. Elto, the man whom Kaios had long considered a rival, was in charge of international relations with the superpowers of the Middle Continent, including the Mirishial and Mu Holy Empires.

After a few minutes, the meeting is ready to begin. Remille began by conveying the edict of Emperor Ludius and his thoughts. “Your Majesty, the Emperor, has assigned me to this emergency meeting regarding the sudden appearance of a metal fleet along our coast. They were from a barbarian civilization, but it was clear that the barbarians would never be able to develop such a fleet alone. Initially, we assumed this was Mu's fleet and therefore did not attack. However, recent details have misled us from this conclusion. Now, we are not so sure that these people are from Mu, especially since they themselves are called 'Americans' from the 'United States'. Director Kaios, as the first person to meet these comers, what can you tell me about them?”

"Mrs Remille," she bowed. “The United States is the same country that thwarted the domination of the Lourian Kingdom over the continent of Rodenius. Official battle reports from the Lourian and Qua Toynian governments stated the unreasonable loss of troop numbers at the same time was absurd. Almost the entire Lourian Navy surrendered to 5 metal ships and dozens of planes - or iron dragons as locals call them, ”he said as Mu's ambassador, Mugei, raised his eyebrows. “In the meantime, two Lourian soldiers were completely annihilated by what we now know as a 'bombing' carried out by a large metal plane.”

As Kaios continued to record American military achievements, Mugei wondered if they were using mechanical war machines as opposed to the magic-driven machines of the Mirishial Holy Kingdom. The description of their tracer light arrows is magical, but it contradicts other claims that Americans do not produce magical signatures. He wondered if the arrow of the tracking light might even be without magic to guide him.

Kaios then discusses the United States itself. “The United States is a country in the northeast of Rodenius, comprising more than 330 million people, 50 states, and nearly a dozen other territories. This nation operates under a constitutional republic, and I must say that I am having difficulty understanding the complexities of their system of government.”

"Director Kaios," Remille interrupted loudly. “A country with hundreds of millions, and we are only aware of its existence now? In addition, this great country turned out to be in the most dangerous waters known to civilization?” Remille did not believe, doubting the existence of the country Kaios described. "Maybe their homeland is somewhere else?"

“The people I met, Ambassador Anders and Ambassador Rodriguez, both claimed that they were a transfer country; a nation that had misplaced its home world and been summoned here. Their report corresponds to the great storm we witnessed in the northeast sea of Rodenius.”

The other pardalians looked at each other, then began to laugh hysterically. Only Kaios and your diplomats did not laugh. Mugei shook his head due to the blatant ignorance and rudeness of the other three Parpaldians.

Laughter subsided and Remille continued, “Mr Mugei, we apologize for Director Kaios' behavior here. We don't know how that gullible fool managed to rise to this rank!

“The fool who almost took the post of Director of the First State Department, moreover,” added Elto sneering at Kaios.

Kaios was furious, thinking of a proper, yet professional answer, but she felt it was unnecessary. Ambassador Mu came to help him. Mugei spoke, “I'm not sure if you are familiar with the legend of Mu, but our people believe that we are a displaced nation as well. Almost twelve thousand years ago, we documented an incredible disturbance — disorder that moved us from one world to this world. This explains why we have weak magical talents compared to other human civilizations around us, and why we focus on mechanical technology. I'd suggest you listen to what your coworkers have to say.

“Hmph-deep. Kaios, continue.”

“Americans gave me useful information about their homeland. It was also written on the best quality parchment I have ever seen, ” he said while taking out the package of information he had obtained earlier.

Everyone crowded around the document, standing on it as they slowly read it. The details of commercial products such as cars and planes are astounding, especially the sheer number of products available in the United States. Mugei is most surprised about this, and soon realizes their economic and technological superiority over Mu, if this information is true. Later, they saw many weapons used by the Americans. The strength of each weapon is quite detailed without revealing sensitive data; most weapons are described with approximate range (in kilometers), power output (in joules), and rate of fire if applicable. Clearly, the rifle far surpassed the capabilities of the Parmaldian rifle and Mu machine gun.

The naval vessel described in the document had a main weapon other than a cannon: a missile. Remille walked away in surprise, obviously in disbelief. “A guided bomb that can fly and move faster than sound? Even the Mirishial Sacred Empire did not possess such a weapon! Kaios, please tell me that you are not fooled by such blatant propaganda.”

"Mrs Remille," he replied, "Surely have you seen their planes fly over their fleets?"

"Why, I have."

“Then, you have also witnessed their speed. Everyone in Esthirant heard a deafening bang as it exploded beyond the speed of sound.”

Remille looked at Kaios as she pondered her words. Kaios stared back, accepting her challenge. Eventually, Remille decided to accept the man's explanation, albeit at a heavy price: he admitted that he and Emperor Ludius' world domination plans now faced considerable obstacles.

Meanwhile, Mugei continued to concentrate on the given details, memorizing as much as possible. In the entire history of Mu in Elysia, they have not found a mechanical civilization like theirs; everyone believes magic is superior. The existence of the United States, for him and Mu, represents a unique opportunity for learning, perhaps even economic growth.

On the other hand, the Parpaldians looked at the new country with fear and suspicion. Kaios helped alleviate some of the concerns of fellow Foreign leaders. “Director, Miss Remille, I was also offered a trip to the United States. They had anticipated that we would be skeptical about the validity of their claims, so they wanted us to see it for ourselves.”

“Hmm,” thought Remille. "Very good. Kaios, if you want to indulge yourself in barbaric propaganda, go ahead. Ambassador Mugei, as the representative of the only mechanical civilization in the Central Continent, what do you think?”

Mugei scratched the back of her head as she replied awkwardly. “Well, Madam, my staff at the embassy have received several radio transmissions and we have started talks with these Americans. I'm actually in the middle of a conversation when you call for this meeting. Regarding their technology, I do not know how advanced they are.”

Remille looked at Mugei closely. “Hmm, sounds like you're testing a weapon; waging a proxy war on Rodenius by sending a new army to fight Louria.”

Mugei raised her hand. "No, not at all! I guarantee you I know nothing about fleets outside your city, or the country they represent.

“How cunning ..” murmured Remille. "Time will speak. Let me be clear, Ambassador. We will not be disrespectful to our influence over the region. In fact, I'm quite relieved that you are not in charge of these warships; it means that they are alone and will not have the support of your motherland. I doubt about this. transference being real. He walked towards Mugei and stood nearby in an intimidating manner. “I feel quite comfortable if you use this 'displacement' reason to justify the existence of this fleet. Eventually, you will run out of comfort, and we will discover your intentions. Do you understand?"

Mugei wanted to deny his accusations and explain that he was completely unaware of the identity of this American, but his intimidation was successful. He obediently replied, “Yes, Miss Remille. You won't get in trouble from me.

"good. Kaios, you are a good director. I implore you not to give in to madness; it will be very troublesome to find a successor.

Kaios shrunk in her chair. “I— I understand Miss Remille. I will cancel my trip.”

"Good! I know I can count on you. Now, go ahead and continue your work at Fenn. We are hungry for new land to exploit. Ambassador Mugei, thank you for attending this meeting. I hope you won't cause trouble, ” he said in a threatening tone.

"Of course" said Mugei. As he leaves the building, he vows to find out the identity of these Americans and unravel the veil of mystery that surrounds them.

;)