GATE: Thus Democracy was Called [DISCONTINUED]

Chapter 6: Expedition

December 10th 2066
Alnus Hill

The outskirts of Alnus Hill were a stark landscape of destruction and loss. First Lieutenant Scott Mason, Sergeant Major Alan Jackson, and a team of Marines moved cautiously through the debris, searching for any survivors to take as POWs.

Scott knelt down, picking up a damaged bow among the wreckage. It was a relic from another time, out of place amidst the modern war machinery.

Jackson, looking over the battlefield, spoke up. "Scott, you hear about the intel report? They're saying the enemy lost about 60,000 men in this attack."

Scott stood, the bow in his hand, his expression somber. "Another 60,000..." he muttered. "That's on top of the 60,000 from the Manhattan incident. A total of 120,000 people. Why would they send so many?"

He looked at the bow in his hand, a symbol of the vast cultural and technological gap between them and their enemy. With a flick of his wrist, he tossed the bow into the air, watching it land with a soft thud in the distance.

"What country are we even fighting?" Scott exclaimed, his voice a mix of frustration and disbelief.

687 Imperial Calendar
Saderan Empire
Throne room

In the grand throne room of the Saderan Empire in Sadera, tension hung in the air as the Internal Minister approached Emperor Molt Sol Augustus with a grave report.

"Your Majesty," the minister began, his voice heavy with the weight of his news, "our latest estimates indicate over a hundred thousand soldiers either missing or dead. The defeated armies have lost all their officers and are now returning home in disarray."

Emperor Molt sighed deeply, his expression one of resigned acceptance. "This is as I expected. The threat of our neighbors, their feeble attempt to challenge the empire, has been quashed."

He paused, a cold resolve settling over him. "Issue the orders: Torch every town and village between here and Alnus Hill. Poison the wells, burn the crops. We must halt their advance and buy ourselves time to strike back."

The Internal Minister gasped, his shock evident. "Scorched Earth? But, Your Majesty, think of the tax revenue. And I fear that..."

"What do you fear?" Emperor Molt interrupted sharply.

"There is talk," the minister hesitated before continuing, "a movement led by Marquis Cassel to replace you with the head of the senate."

A chuckle escaped Emperor Molt's lips, his demeanor unshaken. "Hah! Imagine the service I'll receive from the senate once I expose this treachery. Inform the private council that I require their services immediately."

As they spoke, a voice echoed through the throne room. Stepping forward, Princess Piña Co Lada, the emperor's daughter, appeared in full armor and cape. The Internal Minister gave way, bowing respectfully to her side.

"Father," Piña addressed the emperor, "I've heard of our humiliating defeat at Alnus. Our allied armies routed just days later on Alnus Hill. The enemy is at our doorstep. We must act."

Emperor Molt smiled at his daughter, his pride in her evident. "Why not deploy the Rose Order of Knights, Piña? Let them see action beyond mere parades and color guard. Here's your chance."

The princess hesitated, weighing her father's suggestion.

"This is the perfect opportunity. Let the Rose Order of Knights prove their worth in battle. Lead them, Piña. Show our enemies the might of the Saderan Empire."

Piña took a moment, her resolve hardening. "Very well, Father. I will lead the Rose Order. We will not let our empire down."

As she spoke, the determination in her voice was clear. She was ready to take up the mantle of leadership, to guide the knights into battle, and to face the unknown enemy that threatened their empire.