The American In Another World
Chapter 50: Secrets on His Bottom

13 January 1640

Albion Castle, Runepolis

A buzz echoed throughout the Mirishial Emperor's private study room, reflecting his curiosity as he analyzed the image presented to him by Director Freeman. “This.... What goals might they fulfill by hiding this information from us?” He looked at Arneus, his eyes showing that he knew very well what the answer to his question was, but denied it.

Arneus took the magazine, finding interest in the still image of the Pal Chimera hovering over the Annonrial region. "Your Majesty, it seems that the theory of the Precautions is correct."

“Thinking that those barbarians are indeed the descendants of the light-winged demon made me sick,” Mirishial thoughts on the Prevention theory that suggest abandoned Ravernals slowly evolve over time, their wings materialize as they lose magical energy and re-identify themselves as Annonrial. The fact that these barbarians showed high levels of magical energy also gave credence to the theory, while the discovery of the Chimera Pal on their land strengthened it.

Arneus nodded, “I always felt like Bushpaka Lagan felt,” he paused, looking for the right word. "Fake. The way they held back was also not suitable for the other barbarians we met, as if they were forced to play some sort of character.” As he spoke, negative opinions towards Annonrial grew. He felt betrayed, almost enraged that such evil beings had infiltrated their world, and even the world leadership conference.

“The fact that they keep their nights secret bothers me.. If they have access to Ravernal weapons, why haven't they dominated the world yet?” He scratched his head, confused by Annonrial's actions. “Their technology can even be sophisticated enough to compete with our technology, given the images shown here. Why pretend to be a barbarian and suffer global humiliation?”

"May I propose a solution, Your Majesty?" Gears began to spin in his head as he thought of the pictures in the magazine.

The Mirishial Emperor nodded.

“I believe that Americans may have more information about the Annonrial Empire. At the very least, they could definitely earn more. Could it be that Minister Phiam got some information on this matter?”

Mirishial sighed, weighing his options. He placed his hands on the table and leaned forward as he spoke. “If Americans are ingenious, they can exploit this as a bargaining chip. He scrunched his face in frustration. “Could we do surveillance using our own spy plane?”

Arneus thought about the technology Annonrial most likely possessed. “If we assume that their technology level is similar to ours, then,” he paused for a moment, thinking of an example, “Consider our own detection system. They can detect our surveillance planes. It is no exaggeration to assume that Annonrial is capable of doing the same. Therefore,” reason, “I think it would be wiser if we wait for confirmation before acting.”

"Confirmation from…?" ask Mirishial.

“From Annonrial detection ability,” Arneus reply immediately. “If no international incident has occurred between the Annonrial and the Americans, then it makes sense that the Americans have the means to spy on the targets without their knowledge. In this case, it would be better to ask for their help.”

Mirishial nodded, stroking his sharp beard. "I understand," he said, pondering on Arneus' words. "Wait," he suddenly spoke, his eyes widening. “If what you say turns out to be true, then it implies that Americans can also spy on us in such a way!”

Unfortunately, yes, Arneus spoke in a softer tone. "It seems like there's nothing we can do about it, although I doubt it'll find anything valuable from their observations."

Mirishial shook his head. “There are many valuable things they may have discovered, such as the existence of ancient weapons within our territory. The question then lies in how they decided to utilize this information.” He changed his tone, conveying mixed feelings between reluctance and jealousy. “Of course, I am grateful that they are friendly and willing to support us against the Witches, but I still have my kingdom and its people in my best interest.” He sighed, deciding that the matter was not worth pursuing. "If you can find something that can help with negotiations, let me know."

——

16 January 1640

Washington DC

Sorting through documents, Lee remained silent in his office — musing, studying. Discussions with the Mu government took place after the Christmas and New Year holidays, eventually resulting in a firm trade deal and a technology-sharing deal. Utilizing friendly relations with the Holy Mirishial Empire, Ambassador Reiker was able to obtain a favorable deal with the Muan mercantilists, who happily pulled America away from the Mirishial.

With the timely development of the magical converter Doctor Holden, new priorities have sprung up, given the integration of Mu's magic into their largely scientific civilization. Refraining from ignorance and recognizing the potential of magic, Mu developed many 'magitech' inventions using the same secret principles discovered by the Department of Magic Research. However, this discovery was largely limited to augmentation for known mechanical constructions. The engine had rune writing on it to make it slightly lighter and the planes were modified with wind magic to improve their aerodynamics. The limitations imposed by materials science are pushed a little further back, with runes making a difference.

Because of your general inclination towards science, magic is minimally integrated into their society. Wild fantasies about magic-based shield generators and illusion spells were once a hot topic among Muan scholars, but eventually died out. It seemed that only the esteemed scholars of the Sacred Mirishial Kingdom possessed enough magical knowledge to know of such a mysterious device. Then, with the influx of Americans, the Muan people experienced a new force - born of envy as there was a more advanced mechanical civilization than them. In return for access to the American electronics market, Muans opened their archives and offered their magitech prototypes.

Lee's thoughts drifted to the subject of magitech itself as he began to wonder what devices could now be made. A railgun? Magic can definitely meet power requirements and help increase projectile speed by using magic to increase Lorentz Power, but that doesn't solve the rail problem itself. If they were to use magic to increase the strength of the weapon, the rails would definitely not be able to survive, unless there was some sort of magic solution. Mentally, he put the idea aside and put forward a note to discuss it with Dr. Holden and several colleagues from BAE Systems. He could not think of a solution, but they might be able to, given the time and the growing pool of magic knowledge.

While wrapping up his thoughts on magical weapons, he heard a knock on the door. "Come in" he said, looking up.

A mustachioed man walked in, greeting Lee. "Mr President, something's up."

Shocked by the man's unexpected appearance, Lee replied, “Gordon! It's shock. What the hell's been going on?" He asked with a hint of urgency and a worried tone.

“Do you remember the satellite photos we took from the mainland in the south? From the Annonrial Empire?”

Pictures of strange magical tools and a circular alien craft flooded his mind. "Yes, I'm ready. What about them?" Lee's investment in the subject grew, his curiosity eager to find answers.

“Mirishial Holy Empire wants to know more about them. We do have a diplomatic mission planned for next week, but the package of information delivered warns of this. Apparently, there is reason to believe that the winged people of the Annonrial Kingdom are descendants of the ancient Ravernals, who also have wings.”

Lee raised an eyebrow. “Isn't that a bit racist? I mean, just because they have wings doesn't mean they're like the Ravernals of the past.”.

“I also thought the same at first. The Mirishial family understands that such assumptions cannot be made without hard evidence. Historical records show that a large number of Ravernals left behind managed to escape south. In addition, there have been several studies and experiments showing how the pure magical energy of — made from the smooth wings of Ravernals — can fuse into a material form and harden. It seems like this study was actually originally about the formation of magic gems, but some Mirishial can make connections.

Lee took the data, conflicted about his next course of action. “And I assume their unnecessary secrecy makes them even more suspicious, along with the UFO 'Pal Chimera'-looking plane they operate?”

Gordon nodded.

Gordon nodded. “You won't get in trouble from me, Mr. President. As for the Mirishials, what should we say to them?”

Lee smiled. “Hmm... Let us take advantage of this deal. We can send you all the photos we have taken, but make sure it is worth it.”

——

“We can't even consider this! What, are we crazy? Our research on magic integration?!” exciting Phiam.

Liage convinced him of manacomm. “Knowing who Annonrial really is a decent trade. If there is the slightest possibility that they still have the same purpose as their ancestors, we should immediately find out and prepare for it. Now please, accept the American deal. I will go to Bushpaka Latan myself to gather more information.”

Phiam sighed reluctantly. "Very good. Safe travel."

He ended the call, got out of his office and walked to the newly established American embassy in Runepolis. Utilizing vacant office buildings as their temporary embassies, Americans are quickly adapting and modifying the area with their technology. Already, large equipment inhabits the perimeter of the building. Judging from its appearance and the various cables sticking out of its stomach, Phiam concluded that they are an important — generator to satisfy the American hunger for electricity.

The sound of construction was heard from somewhere passing by the tall buildings beside him. With an estimated completion date of several months, he wonders why Americans take the trouble to prepare their gear instead of waiting. Do they really need AC? As his eyes fell on the team of technicians working on the large platters, he ignored the question.

He walked past the bustling workers, straight towards the ambassador's office. After a short wait, she was greeted by a platinum blonde woman. “Phiam Minister, what can I help you with?”

“I want to accept the deal you offered earlier, Ambassador Snow,” said as he reached out his hand.

Snow shook his hand and smiled. "Please follow me."

He took her to his office, where a package of information was ready to be sent. Offering a thickness unmatched by any dictionary though, the package is full of high-resolution photos of everything that can be seen by satellites on the continent of Branchl, from cities and harbors to secret military bases housing ancient Ravernal weapons. Smaller stacks sit next to the package: individual photos Snow wants to analyze.

"Before you leave, Minister, I'd like you to answer some questions for me - if you're allowed."

"I'll see what I can do, ambassador."

"Big!" She smiles. While showing Phiam the first photo, he asked him, "Can you identify the object in the picture?"

Phiam analyzed a circular object with a bridge that connects to the central node in the middle. “This is Pal Chimera. Air attack unit used by Ravernal Empire.”

Snow nodded. "Do you know his abilities?"

Phiam tilted his head. "No. From legend, we know that these units can travel a little slower than a standard wyvern, but feel faster than a naval vessel. We estimate that they can travel up to 200 miles per hour.”

"What about weapons?"

“According to legend, they have a magic battery for long-range bombing. We have no estimate for the caliber of this weapon, ” Phiam replied as far as he knew. He knew that Birkanhe and Birkburn had tested the Chimeras Pal before, but did not know the details behind this secret experiment.

Snow put the photo aside and showed him the next set. "What about this?" He pointed to the row of sophisticated-looking warships parked next to the ship with slightly different designs.

"This is a Navy Annonrial photograph?" Eyes widened. "And is that the Annonrial battleship?" He asked, referring to the smaller ship.

“Yes, and we assume they are from the Annonrial because of their abundance. However, this,” he said, pointing again to advanced ships, “It seems that the number is very little.”

“If my memory is correct, it is an Orichalcum-class warship. They represent the backbone of the Ravernal fleet, along with the aircraft carrier, escort ship, and naval fortress Pal Cowne.”

Snow's smile faded as he moved on to the next set. "Then, I assume that this is a Pal Cowne unit?"

Phiam glanced at the large, box-shaped platform in the photo. Compared to its object, the Orichalcum-class battleship sailing beside it looked extremely small in comparison. "The legend doesn't say much about their performances, but I assume that this is indeed Pal Cowne."

"Is there any detail you can provide?"

Phiam shook his head. “I wish I could, but the documentation for this behemoth does not exist, or is lost due to time. I'm sorry for not being able to answer your question.”

Snow gave a nod of understanding. “Yeah, we're ready. Thank you for helping with this analysis. If you need an extra copy of the photo, contact me using your new phone system.”

“Thank you, Ambassador. I'll have my staff coordinate with you to share our magical integration data.” He ended his meeting with the American ambassador, trembling at the thought of the Annonrial weaponry image. Unless the Mirishial Emperor hid more stored units, it was clear that the Annonrial not only had more, but likely also knew how to operate this ancient device. Gone were his initial concerns about trading sensitive research for this data. All that remains is a glaring void - embodied by the fact that despite these advanced weapons, the Annonrial continues its action. They could have conquered Elysia long ago. Why stay still? Why hide their true power?