The American In Another World
Chapter 53: The New Vigilance
Ragna, Gra Valka Empire
A plump man smoking was leaning against the window sill of his office as he surveyed the city below. He looked like the stereotypical American gangster of the Roaring Twenties, except for his attire, which was more akin to the sleek German style of World War 2. He sucked, grabbed his cigarette with two fingers while thinking about the video he had.
Cheap monitors and VHS players sit on a table behind him — advanced technologies that Americans consider outdated, or irrelevant enough to be entrusted to the Gra Valkans. He understands why. They wanted to prove a point and ensure that their opinions could reach a higher level of administration than the Valkan Gra government.
Their attention had a solid foundation; if he received this information through a simple report, he would not take Americans seriously. Their population and economic data looked similar to the entire Gra Valkas Kingdom, including the lagging colonies in Yggdra. The claim is unbelievable, but it gains credence as videos of the city and their industry begin to show.
The introduction of American culture was followed by an analysis of Earth culture and a timeline outlining their technology and world history. This was a segment that Cielia had been painstakingly emphasizing; a segment that brought irrationality to the generally calm and calculating officials. He remembered his plea, invoking the pacifist approach, or at least reconsideration of Gra Valkan expansionism. Even Dallas, who were usually arrogant and supremacist, began to show doubt. It's unsettling.
He remembered Dallas' brutal diplomacy with the Pagans. While they were already too foolish to acknowledge the Gra Valkas Empire as a barbarian, this prejudice was further exacerbated by Dallas' behavior. He insulted their leadership in the heart of Paganda, which led to a frenzied attack on Grade Atlaster as the delegation retreated from the palace. Tensions then escalate, culminating in a decisive Valkan Gra war and victory that triggers their already bloated egos.
And now, the balloon is getting closer to the pin. Gesta's frown deepens as he learns clips of warfare and related technologies, which seem to be on par with the weapons used at Yggdra. The images of Yamato's class appear, surprising Gesta as he analyzes the intricacies of his design philosophy. As a supporter of warship diplomacy, he was very familiar with the warships he owned. The ship in the video was very similar to a Grade Atlaster, making Gesta wonder if there were any more coincidences.
“No... that's impossible,” murmured as he squinted towards the American vehicle. “They look like weapons in the military Kain!” He gasps. “Does that mean the odds and our strategy against Cain will work against America?” He asked himself.
The video continues, explaining the course of World War 2 with a brief summary for each theater. As the Pacific Theater nears its end, quotes appear. Written in the Valkan Gra language thanks to translation efforts over the past few months, the words were clearly understood by the Gesta.
Finally, he saw why Cielia was so adamant about pushing for peace, even suggesting a non-aggression treaty with America. Finally, he saw why uranium became a priority material in his talks with the neutral Kingdom of Havur. The desperation of his government in distancing Cain's influence from Havur was not due to its strategic geographical position; it was due to their abundant supply of heavy elements. For Gesta, the flash of light on the screen is like a burning light bulb.
As he pondered over his past duties at Yggdra, he recalled the time when the Gra Lux Emperor gave him a personal order to prepare an ultimatum for the Divine Kingdom of Cain. If his kingdom really had access to weapons like this, then the war would end before it started, and Yggdra would be under their control. A thought then entered his mind. What if both sides had such weapons?
He recorded the video's timestamp, marking where the discussion of atomic weaponry took place. He also attached a note, writing, “It is clear that Americans understand the concept behind the atomic bomb. They also claim to have thousands of such weapons and have shown a willingness to use them. Recommended to be careful.”
After this revelation, Gesta felt that nothing else could surprise him. He was soon proven wrong as the video plunged straight into the Cold War and the Space Race between the Soviet Union and the United States. Ludicrous technological advances took place over the span of two decades, right after a devastating war that left most of the world's civilizations on Earth decimated. Despite being considered propaganda, the Gesta inevitably wondered just how much the truth was. Rather than hold an internal debate on the truth, he decided that he would visit the United States for himself.
——
Nivles Castle
Kneeling on cold, polished marble, a young man with blond hair and blue eyes — Aryan — trademark bowed before Emperor Gra Lux.
“What do you need, Cabal?” Lux gets to the point.
Rise up from the ground and push his velvet robe back, he spoke enthusiastically, “Dad, I have heard about Director Gesta's journey. Can I join? I want to see for myself this new land!”
Lux sighed, walking towards the pillars along the outer edge of her halfway room as she tried to think of a reason for her son to stay home. Unfortunately, he could not find a justifiable reason; the current geopolitical atmosphere was one of calmness. The situation in Leifor is under control and the Information Bureau Director Alan needs time to gather the necessary data. Seeing the joy in his son's eyes, he admitted. “You can join. Make sure to keep yourself out of trouble.
"Thank you dad!" The cabal bowed and immediately exited the room, ready to pack his things.
Now left alone, Lux returns to the small study room behind her living room. He sat down and quietly stared at the documents scattered in front of the screen, which paused for a moment about the Hiroshima bombing. He folded his hands on the table and rested, face down. His secret atomic weapons program was deemed void - useless, even - by the indifferent warnings of the Americans.
Fearing the threat of nuclear retaliation, his plans for conquest were halted. The territory of the Third Civilization, which included the continents Philades and Rodenius along with other lands to the east, was essentially off limits. The intelligence gathered during the American-Parpaldian wars corroborated their level of technology. Fortunately, they seemed rather benevolent, more so than Gra Valkas on his newly acquired subject. As recommended by one of Gesta's subordinates, he was able to approach America with a non-aggression treaty, thus allowing free conquest of the First and Second Civilization Regions.
He smiled in relief, thinking that he had managed to evade the American threat. Once he secured all the resources within the region, he could prepare a final assault against the eastern continent and bring the Americans into line. Alternatively, he could propose a joint ruling, in which a new American-Gra Valkan alliance was formed. If they do not agree to this alliance, then he can return to a non-aggression treaty with America.
——
The Information Bureau Gra Valkan
Director Akkan sat in a brightly lit room, empty except for a round table in the middle and a dozen chairs. People were funneled into the room: sub-directors in his own bureau, Deputy Secretary Parguerre of the Gra Valkan State Department, and officers from the military, including two legends.
Refreshing the room with his confident and inspiring presence, Admiral Caesar was decorated with medals from a long-ago war — of victories so numerous that he could not even count them back. Behind her follows General Mirkenses, a woman who defies gender stereotypes, in such a way that she climbs the hierarchy of a profession generally dominated by men. The two geniuses found themselves in unsettling predicament, stunned by the untimely loss of the submarine fleet.
"It seems like everyone is here" Akkan said. "Admiral Caesar, General Mirkenses, I'm glad you could come to this meeting."
The two officers gave a silent affirmation, nodding while Akkan continued to speak.
“So,” Akkan cleared his throat. “Our goal today is to investigate the cause of the loss of the 12th Submarine Fleet. Mr Wagner, can you submit your report on the maritime conditions of Branchl?”
A thin young officer from the Information Bureau stood up from his seat and began to tell the history of the region, as described by the Elysian natives. “After consulting our subject in Leifor, along with readings from Muan's library, we found that the southern Branchl continent was home to the Annonrial Empire. Most of our contacts refer to them as barbarians, and rightfully so. The inhabitants of this continent mainly consist of — maybe even exclusively — humanoid with wings, similar to angels. One wing is black, and the other wing is white. Access to the region is said to be difficult, as most ships entering the region are lost to 'sea monsters' or storms.”
Will nod. “In addition, their level of technology is claimed to be medieval or pre-medieval, although we suspect this may not be the case due to industrial pollutants and electromagnetic signals emanating from their landmass. Their landmass is also known to be inaccessible to outsiders, although outsiders have never tried to enter the mainland because it is considered primitive from the Annonrial. With this in mind, it is possible that the 'sea monsters' lurking in their waters are actually enemy submarines using guided torpedoes or perhaps some sort of water magic.”
The prospect of a country hiding its true capabilities is troubling, especially in this arrogant world where there may be a right. Caesar proposes, “This hypothesis can be confirmed, albeit at great risk. If this Annonrial is an empire of our caliber, we might risk triggering an international incident by attacking their waters.”
“Not necessarily,” reply Akkan. “If it really is a sea monster, we need not worry and can only avoid that area. If it is an advanced civilization, we can deploy a reconnaissance aircraft launched from an aircraft carrier to ascertain our suspicions, and then proceed with it.”
“Can't we send them a message over the radio?” Mirkenses.
Akkan shrugged; he had thought about it, but rejected the idea because it was a dilemma for Overseas personnel. “Annonrial should have detected our signal by now. Either they don't want to communicate with us, or they rely on magic-based communication like the other natives of this world.
Parguerre builds on Akkan's statement, suggesting, “I can arrange a communication request with Annonrials. If they respond, I can guess what they might say.”
"What's that?" ask Emperor.
“They will direct us to their Bushpaka Latan gate, or warn us to avoid the waters because of monsters. Maybe both,” answered Parguerre simply. “Maybe it is better if we leave them alone for now, and continue the observation before we make a decision about them.”
Caesar and Mirkenses agreed. As strategists, they find value in sitting, waiting for intelligence before moving. However, the way intelligence is also important. Voicing his concern, Caesar spoke, “Passive observation is indeed safe, but it would be better for the budget if we could make a decision faster. Maintenance of our Grand Fleet is expensive, especially if no one uses it. Unfortunately, war is an inevitability. His Majesty's ambition will not be stopped easily, so I suggest we move to conduct reconnaissance in the region, if allowed by the State Department.”
Understanding Caesar's perspective, Parguerre analyzed several possibilities before succumbing and granting Caesar permission. “I will allow it, as long as you respect international boundaries. I will send a team to try to communicate with Annonrial. If this proves impossible, keep fifty nautical miles off the coast; this is further than standard at Yggdra, but I don't want to take any chances,” he gave a warning.
"Understand, Mr. Secretary," said Caesar.
With the issue of diplomacy and reconnaissance, one burning question still lingers in Akkan's mind. “What if there really is a sea monster in those waters? That won't be too far-fetched, considering we've found some kraken.”
"Simple" Caesar answered. "We killed them."