The American In Another World
Chapter 59: Expansionism

February 6, 1640

Conshal Ocean, between Mu and the Central Continents

The IGVN First Assault Fleet

Grade Atlastar forcefully split the water in front as it headed towards the open ocean. The southern port of the Magikareich Community shrank further behind them, fading on the horizon as the last few destroyers were fully stocked and resupplied. As part of a series of agreements with the Magikareich Community, the Gra Valkas Kingdom was allowed to use their ports. In return for the Valkan Gra technology, the Magikareich government happily loosened ties with Mu for the sake of bonding with the Valkan Gra Empire. After enlisting the help of some locals, the fleet is now able to perform magical communication — something important for their upcoming mission.

Admiral Caesar looked back at the land and the shrinking lights, sighing as he pondered the never-ending war of his superiors. Everything has to be about dominance for them, this cycle of violence perpetuated by massive government investment into military assets. The stacking of thousands of warships, planes, and vehicles could not be left in vain. Following the principle of this guide, Emperor Gra Lux allowed these weapons — originally built to be used against the Divine Kingdom of Cloth — to be released into this new primitive world.

For those who resisted, as for some of the weaker nations that inhabited the treasured lands of the Conshal Islands, there would be a total conquest. For those who accept the generosity of the Valkan Gra, as well as the Magikareich Community, there will be coexistence and mutual prosperity. For those who remained neutral, just like Mu and the Sacred Mirishial Kingdom, there would be little time to make a decision.

Already, the War Department was devising a plan to besiege the Mu continent by securing the Conshal Islands, along with the Hytal Islands to their north. The control of this territory would increase the logistical capabilities of the Valkan Gra forces operating overseas. Planned invasions of the Mu continent could thus be arranged in various fields. The new bases built on the islands could hold valuable supplies and deter reinforcements from the Central continent. The base will also help future Gra Valkan attacks to other regions, namely the continent of Branchl — where the IGVN fleet lost — and the continent of Vestal, which began to succumb to American influence.

As part of their expansionist initiative, the Gra Lux demanded the followers of the Conshal countries. All were familiar with the victory of the Gra Valkas Empire over Leifor and his people. Most of these countries logically concluded that they could not resist, giving in to the requirements of the Valkan Gra. Some, however, are challenging. This interfered with the administration, but the Gesta department saw this state of affairs from a different point of view. Cielia's rival, Jakob Kurtz, sees an opportunity. Kurtz petitioned the IGVN's strongest fighting group to subdue the resisting primitives, enlisting the help of a propaganda crew. By making the example of the barbarians, he intended to scare the weaker countries in the civilized areas into submission.

Desperate, the barbarians banded together into the Conshal Alliance. Led by the remnants of the Leiforian Navy, the enemy fleet consisted mostly of wooden sailing ships, similar to those used by Paganda. Their number reached nearly 300 warships and a small flight of 36 wyverns. In contrast, the First Attack Fleet consisted of 6 warships, 8 aircraft carriers, 24 cruisers and 50 destroyers, along with dozens of submarines and logistics ships. It was definitely an exaggeration, especially considering that Grade Atlaster alone was capable of wiping out most of the Leiforian Navy. However, primitives are not the deciding factor in this application. The War Department wanted to move these assets permanently, assigning them to new bases closer to potential enemies.

Although Caesar felt remorse for the unnecessary slaughter that was about to happen, he still carried out the will of the emperor.

“Enemy ship seen for eighty miles! Twenty degree bearing, relative!” A radar operator called out behind Caesar.

Caesar continued to look forward, his eyes focused on the sparkling water as it reflected the sunlight. Without awaying his gaze, he issued his order. “Call aircraft carriers to deploy their squadrons. Prioritize enemy wyvern.” Caesar considered the strength of the Leiforian ships and how they were vulnerable even to Antares weapons. Considering the cost-effectiveness of using the aircraft over bullets, he continued, “After they were neutralized, the squadrons were authorized to use their weapons on board. Destroyer Squadron 1 will organize a rescue operation after all enemies have been eliminated or have surrendered. If they want to surrender, have them raise the white flag.” Caesar sat back in his chair as he continued to observe the unceasing mass of waves outside.

——

Flying under thin clouds and parallel to the main formation of the carrier squadron, an aircraft from the Propaganda Department distanced itself from the battle. It documented the battle from a distance of 20 miles, slowly circling the battle zone.

Hundreds of planes flew in groups of three, splitting the formation as they approached the enemy wyvern, which had just arrived from the inland base. The majority of the fighters continued their current trajectory, moving to intercept the wyvern. Other fighters remained with the bombers, forming a layer of defense.

Seeing a glimpse of the metallic glint in the distance, the Conshal Alliance sent their wyverns to investigate. The metallic glint grew from a speck into a large horde, but the wyvern continued forward to intercept, unaffected. They gathered together, recognizing the difference in numbers between their own troops and a swarm of Valkan Gra planes. Regardless of their strategy, they were outnumbered.

The two sides clashed in an anticlimactic battle. With superior accuracy, weapons, range, and numbers, the Valkan Gra warriors easily destroyed the wyverns in one fell swoop. The ease and efficiency of the attack that occurred was no different from hitting a fly. No survivors were left as the challenging wyvern flight was reduced to red clouds; a rain of carrion and blood mist slowly drifted downward towards the sea. Carnivorous sea monsters quickly swarmed the remains, filling them as the voracious plane above set their sights on the helpless ship below.

The 7.7mm and 20mm cannons tore through the iron layers of Leiforian leading ships, dropping them into the watery grave. In a futile effort of resistance, they fired cannons and any rifles they could point at the sky, with the Conshal primitives following in the same way using arrows and balistas. Most projectiles just land in the ocean. Some rare ones who managed to attack their targets did not cause any damage, their speed was — and thus stopping the power of — to be negligible by the time they reached the height of the plane. The lucky musketball managed to damage the chassis of a low-flying dive bomber, doing nothing to stop or hinder the assault of the Valkan Gra weapon.

——

A nearby explosion rocked his ship, sending several rig officers crashing into the equipment and surrounding walls. Admiral Ma'shi Va looked around in defeat as he held the table, his heart crying out to him. Before the battle began, his fleet received manacomm from the Valkan Gra fleet, detailing the terms of surrender. Of course, he refused, reaffirming the firm and unwavering attitude of the Conshal Alliance.

"We will fight until the last man!" He had boldly stated before.

Now that the current battle was raging around him, he remembered the rumors about the Gra Valkans — rumors that the Leiforian had underestimated. The story of the advanced plane that was equivalent to the weapons of the Holy Mirishial Kingdom was no longer a fairy tale, but a sinister and unforgiving truth. He kicked the table as warm tears streamed down his cheeks, lodged in his beard. “God, why?” He complained softly. Guilt and regret tormented him, causing his head to hurt.

"Admiral!" The ship's captain called out to him, recovering from the explosion. "Are you okay?" He noticed tears streaming down the face of the admiral's depression and his stooped defeat. "Admiral? Your order?"

Admiral Va acknowledged the captain's words, descending further into madness. Leiforian takes revenge, and appeals to the Conshal Alliance's ignorance to strengthen their own forces. He realized that he and his men were nothing more than cannon fodder, intended to be sacrificed in order for some Leiforian ships to land a blow. The tragic situation made him smile a little; despite Leiforian's best efforts, even they couldn't land a single blow. They were mercilessly cut down, like last year.

As the last Leiforian ship succumbed to the light bullets of the Gra Valkans, Admiral Va was relieved. It creaked and groaned, the wood breaking as the ship was torn apart by the fierce waves that hit it. The structural integrity of the ship is reduced with each shot, until there is absolutely no more. Va watched as the Leiforian sailors struggled to catch the debris, some of the lucky ones managed to survive on a large piece of bow while others were dragged down the waves by hungry beasts.

Hit by catharsis, she realizes she is free. Given the terms of the surrender, he remembered that he and his men would be guaranteed his safety if he raised the white flag. He debated this decision, weighing his duties as admiral to the Conshal Alliance and his duties as admiral to his men. With the loss of all Leiforian ships, the Valkan Gra began to target its fleet.

Every second he delayed could result in the death of a hundred more people. "I'm sorry" he said softly, apologizing to his countrymen back home for failing to defend them. “Captain, waving a white flag,” he said in a trembling voice, still looking down at the table while tears littered his shirt. He closed his eyes and sighed, feeling like a weight was lifted from his chest. "I'm sorry" he said again.

The order to surrender was announced. One by one the wooden ships raised their white flags. By the time of their surrender identified by the Gra Valkans, ten more ships had fallen. The battlefield suddenly became peaceful; the deafening roar of gunfire stopped and only the sound of propellers hitting the air remained.

——

The IGVN First Attack Fleet

“All squadrons back, sir. The enemy has officially declared their surrender,” reported an officer.

"Thank you, Lieutenant," Caesar said calmly as he stared at the smoke pillar in the distance. “The whole fleet is moving forward. Destroyer Squadron 1 will carry out cleaning and rescue operations. Send a message to the Conshal Alliance; inform them of the surrender of their fleet and remind them of the terms of defeat.

“Of course, Grand Admiral,” the officer bowed before leaving.

After a moment of silence, a man behind him spoke up. His voice was filled with excitement. “So, Grand Admiral, will we besiege their cities, as we did with Leifor?”

The emperor sighed. He did not want to cause further suffering and destruction. However, the orders from the War Department were as clear as possible. At least one city should be punished. At least one city should be used as an example, so that the Propaganda Department has more materials to work with. Is the Leiforia bombing not enough? Apparently, no, as evidenced by the defiance shown by the Conshal Alliance. Caesar only hoped the primitive people would finally know their place after this. "Yes, we will do it" he replied solemnly. “Captain Luxtal, you can coordinate fire with other warships and operate at your discretion. Just... try not to spend too much ammunition.” Without looking back, Caesar could already feel the man smiling.

With a perverted grin, Luxtal responds. “By pleasure, Mr.”