The American In Another World
Chapter 67: A Glimpse of Hope

February 20, 1640

Latan Bushpaka

The lack of technology and people in the Latan Bushpaka greatly annoyed the many people who were stationed here to defend the Annonrial facade. But for a select few, this lack of technology is a blessing; a haven of privacy, far from prying eyes. Tucked away in the corner of the Bushpaka Latan Low Affairs Office, two men spoke in slow whispers. The secrecy of this encounter is so high that nothing escapes the room, except for air particles flowing under the door and photons exiting through the window.

Leaning on a simple yet elegantly furnished wooden table, they quietly shared the news with each other.

One of them was wearing a simple buttoned shirt paired with a greenish-blue robe. His black and white wings protruded from behind, perched on each side of his leather chair. "Bromson, are you sure we'll be chosen?"

The velvet-robed winged man smiled, crossing his hands while leaning against his chair. “Yes, Zhenman. I ordered it myself.”

“Now, all the time? Why use your authority now?

Bromson's gaze was directed towards the window. He exhaled loudly before replying, “The Annonrial Empire, since its founding, is hiding itself from the outside world. Originally, our ancestors did this to protect themselves from oppressed vindictors. Outnumbered and cut off from the supplies and industry necessary to reproduce weapons and ammunition, we do not have the ability to fend off the angry masses.”

“Yes, I know all this. But it did not answer my question, ” Zhenmann said, his wings slightly flapping in impatience.

"I'm there" Bronson reached out. “After thousands of years, we rediscover what has long been lost. We regained our strength and grew it enough to be able to challenge the world and make them submit, just like our cruel ancestors had. This effort should have been made last year. After centuries of isolation, Emperor Zaratosthra finally wanted to unleash Annonrial powers on the masses, but this operation was pushed back after we detected unexplained magical marks all over the world

“Appearance of the Gra Valkas Empire and the United States,” Zhenmann said, continues to follow.

"Indeed. And recently, I heard news about reviving Zaratosthra's ambitions. But this time, he was very careful. I have used my authority to take advantage of this and investigate the reasons why he plays it so safely,” Bromson explains his intentions with confidence.

Zhenmann did not see the worry on Bromson's face, only satisfaction and determination. However, his worries did not diminish. “Did this not violate our code? Participating in such a trip can arouse suspicion from your boss!”

Bromson shrugged, his wings moved following his shoulders. “There is always the risk of arousing suspicion, but the Messiah has set it. I also feel that such a move is risky. However, the Messiah explained the risks of our mission. If we succeed, we may not need to usurp the throne ourselves.”

“Huh,” Zhenmann's eyes sparkled with hope, but he fought it, kept interrogating his partner, “And should we fail?”

It seemed like both of Bromson's wings turned black as he thought of an answer. He exuded a devastating aura of despair, evidenced by the wrinkles developing under his eyes. “Then our movement may see a bitter end. Still,” he said, changing his tone to be more optimistic, “After centuries of being unable to act. Making contact with these Americans, that's a glimmer of our hope. Hope for a brighter future for those of us with mixed heritage. Hope for us in an exiled world, and their wingless friends.”

Zhenmann nodded, smiling at the thought of that. “After such a long time.” he sighed peacefully, daydreaming about a future in which his family no longer had to suffer under the brutal caste system on the mainland, he said, which puts the pure-blooded winged people on top. "So where do we start?"

——

The USS Carl Vinson

The U S Navy Diplomatic Guards Fleet

A voice unheard for generations finally resurfaced as the slender black RHIB walked towards the wooden docking platform along the Annonrial coast. Their machines roared, cooling down into a smooth whimper as they reached a medieval-era port. The small boats were guided to the designated dock, attracting curious views from other Elysians who had traveled to Bushpaka Latan to trade. The only people who remained indifferent about the coming of America were the Annonrial itself, who instead looked down on humans without magic with the best neutrality, and outright hatred for the worst.

Some winged men helped the Americans up, providing ladders, because their docks were never intended for such a short ship. Marines and a group of Navy SEALs disembark from the RHIB, forming an escort for the Heiden delegation. After the boats were secured, delegates began to walk slowly on the unusually wide paved road.

Heiden stared at the sophistication of the Latan Bushpaka; the layout, the materials that make up its streets and buildings. He felt a slight disappointment on behalf of the entire Elysia, realizing that the so-called 'civilized countries' chose to ignore this technologically advanced threat, only so that they could maintain their own image; just so they can maintain the status quo. Practicing blatant disregard for the safety of their people and choosing to sacrifice them for pride and arrogance, civilized nations paved the way for their own downfall.

By luck, or the literal will of the gods, the Elysians are saved from the death of their own creation. The only thing standing between them and Ravernal's reconquest is the United States, a glimmer of hope whose success now depends on Heiden and the information he can extract from the Annonrials. He discussed various topics of discussion in his mind as he walked, dismissing the dirty looks of the locals.

They soon approached the Annonrial Foreign Affairs building, a large building inspired by classical architecture. Stopped by the Annonrial guards, Heiden's escort was forced to stay. Meanwhile, diplomats were guided through stairs and columns to the main lobby, where they were struck by a gust of cold air and electric lighting.

Karl Krunch stood in the middle of the room, his hands behind his back. “Welcome, American, in Bushpaka Latan. I'm Ambassador Karl Krunch, the main intermediary between His Majesty's government and all outside parties.”

“Happy to meet you, Ambassador Krunch. I'm Secretary Gordon Heiden, of the United States Department of State. I supervise all the affairs related to our foreign affairs, ”he extended his hand to shake hands.

Heiden pulled his hand back, hiding his irritation at Krunch's patronizing tone. She expertly replied with class, “I'm sorry. We were under the impression that the Annonrial was a primitive society with no knowledge of advanced technology. You must forgive us, but this is the information we receive from all over the world.”

"Well," said the winged man, putting more emphasis on his words, "They are wrong." He dropped the topic. "Come with me. We'll discuss it in my office.”

Krunch's large office stands in stark contrast to the main lobby. It is equipped with a refrigerator, microwave, and an integrated radio-manacomm system. Instead of — wooden furniture like the one in the lobby — Krunch office is filled with high quality fabric chairs. "Please sit down," he beckoned the American while sitting down.

The American sat down.

Krunch got to the point. “What brings you to Bushpaka Latan?”

Heiden replied, "The United States wants to establish official relations with the Annonrial Empire, including the installation of a joint embassy and hopefully, a deal."

Krunch held out a hand. “I believe you are progressing too fast. My government recently gave up its isolationist policy. I cannot authorize anything other than the opening of diplomatic channels between our countries. We also do not want to plunge into relationships with the community that we hardly know.”

“Then,” said Heiden, “I can offer a tour for the Annonrial delegation to the United States. I also brought educational videos about my country and its people, along with information packages for future review, ”he gave a hand gesture to Emily, who pulled the laptop out of the briefcase. He took it out and gave it to Heiden, who prepared a presentation while he handed the documents to Krunch.

The video is similar to that shown to other Elysian countries, albeit with slight modifications. Just like the other videos, this one explains the basic details from American economic statistics to the history leading up to modern times. After discovering that the Annonrials had access to the — guided missiles as evidenced by their attack on the Gra Valkan reconnaissance fleet — the State Department decided to integrate propaganda showing the American laser system instantly destroy missiles in the air.

Krunch did well to maintain his indifferent behavior, his eyes twitching slightly as he watched hundreds of cruise missiles being destroyed by three destroyers. He turned his gaze from the screen to analyze Heiden, who seemed to be staring into his soul. The two then locked themselves in a kind of staring challenge, no one wanted to retreat. "So," said Krunch. “Why show us your military capabilities? It looks like a state secret, ”dia urged Heiden to get an answer.

Heiden replied honestly, “We have met two foolish countries that are at war with us: Lourian Kingdom and Parpaldian Empire. We want to make sure that everyone we meet is properly informed; we don't really like wasting time wiping out the stupid aggressors who seem to dominate Elysia.”

Seeing nothing more to be gained from this question, Krunch continued. “Then, if you have all these powers, why not claim the world for yourself?”

Heiden grinned, raising an eyebrow. “I can ask you the same thing about you. For the United States, it goes against our morals to plunder and conquer, as the former Lourian Kingdom and the Parpaldian Empire have. So, why did the Annonrial Kingdom choose to give up world domination?”

Thinking quickly, Krunch replied, "We saw their savage ways and didn't want them, therefore we were isolated."

"What's changed?"

Sticking to the lies he develops, Krunch builds on them. “We saw a huge fluctuation in magical energy, and wanted to investigate it. Shortly thereafter, our people came back with a report about a technologically advanced country that taught equality and forced a superpower to surrender within weeks.”

"That sounds familiar," Heiden smiled.

Krunch ignores the American's humorous efforts. "Do you have any other issues or topics that you would like to discuss before we proceed to schedule our examination in the United States?"

“Hm, yes. There's one thing I want to ask you.” Heiden produced satellite photos taken of Ravernal artifacts active in the Annonrial region. "What do you know about this?" he pointed to a photo of some Pal Chimerae.

Krunch wanted to be surprised to see the pictures, but suppressed his feelings. Trying to ignore his shock and disbelieving curiosity about how these photos came about, he answered Heiden's question. “It was an ancient structure left behind by the long-lost Ravernal Empire. Discussing further details would be a breach of conduct, so I'm afraid I can't say much more. I assume that we are not the only ones who have excavated the Ravernal ruins. Maybe you can ask them?

Heiden's warning bell sounded as soon as Krunch referred to the Ravernals as it was. Generally, Elysians referred to them as 'Sorcerer' or 'The Ancient Sorcerous Empire', as their names were considered taboo. Krunch, on the other hand, instead called out their names with respect, though his tone barely changed. He noted this for future reference before replying, “I understand. I will consider that suggestion.” Seeing as Krunch was unlikely to speak of any more Ravernal artifacts, he kept the photos.

"Is there anything else?"

“We can continue scheduling now, Ambassador.”

Krunch. “Then, my government can prepare a delegation as soon as tomorrow.”

“Excellent,” Heiden beaming. "I'm sure this trip is enlightening for you."

Krunch pretended to smile politely, hiding a trail of evil grin underneath. “Oh, yes, Mr. Secretary. I'm sure it will happen.