In a distant realm where magic thrives, ferocious beasts shake mountains and rivers with their mighty roars, and individuals wield superhuman strength capable of reshaping their surroundings. It is a magical world where the strong rules.
But rampant...
Maximo, the People's Emperor, sat comfortably in a luxurious chair that resembled a typical business seat, which the only difference from normal business chairs is that it is much more comfortable to sit at. He was, at the same time, conducting discussions with several key figures of his empire. They were the three imperial governors overseeing the three Imperial provinces, along with the president, the prime minister, and various departmental officials.
The three imperial provinces are as follows: Imperial Maharlika, Imperial Tanah Melayu, and Imperial Majapahit. These three imperial provinces were divided into their provinces and their own capital city, which means the empire has three capitals in total. These strategic capitals served as the heart of the empire, and the people of Austronesia will not lose hope as long as they hold one of these capitals and when all is lost. No matter the challenges they faced, the fervent love and patriotism of the people would never be extinguished as it would remain a source of hope and strength.
Panning back to the emperor Maximo, it utterly baffled them at what was happening throughout Austronesia. Even though the North American Empire created a technology that can control the weather, they shouldn't be able to summon mythical creatures out of the blue.
Additionally, these creatures don't exist in the world. Those creatures that are being reported throughout Austronesia are mythical or can only be found in storybooks. Surely, such things are impossible? Unfortunately, reality is a cruel mistress. What is happening to them right now is a fact and is unexplainable by science. Since the creatures came, surely it will have an explanation. Right now, what they need is to stay afloat and not capitulate into total chaos.
Not only that, there is this unexplainable lightning and thunder, this is the first time in history for such things to happen. Such a powerful storm could cause water levels to rise dangerously. Who knows how long the sewers will be able to last.
Witnesses reported a peculiar phenomenon: when lightning struck buildings, they would ignite with intense red flames. This was baffling, as red flames are typically cooler, yet these flames burned fiercely and aren't being extinguished by the heavy rain. Those who ventured too close experienced severe heat or even third-degree burns, despite being a few meters from it, especially if they are soaking wet from the rain along with the violent breeze of the wind.
Emperor Maximo raised his fist and put it down upward on the table to which he lay his head, while the other hand was stroking his chin, so he was in deep thought. While the other officials were also doing the same, albeit in unique positions as each lost in their own thoughts, trying to devise a plan to address the surreal challenges facing the empire.
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Austronesian Empire, Imperial Maharlika, Manila, Streets Of Manila.
2000, 1, 1st Week, January.
Deafening gunfire shattered the storm's roar, as thunderous thunder echoed in the surroundings. Below the sky, in the suburbs of the cities, a makeshift fortification had been hastily erected at a crossroads as various adult men and women of all ages were kneeling on the ground with their armaments in the front, holding the line against whatever threats approached.
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Meanwhile, various people were huddled together in the back where the soldiers were protecting them as they waited for rescue.
"Private, on your right!" a woman shouted.
"Yes, ma'am!"
Upon hearing the command of his superior, the private redirected his assault rifle toward his right, where more monsters were closing in. The said monsters are, are the same ones that were appearing overall of Austronesia, having reports of these creatures attacking in different cities, regions, and locations, instilling fear and chaos wherever they appeared.
"Go! Go! Go! To the left! Fire!" the woman commanded her team.
Her orders set off a barrage of gunfire that lit up the stormy night with bursts of light. The sharp smell of diluted smoke of gunpowder fills the air, mingling with the damp scent of rain. The muffled sound of gunfire blended with the storm’s thunderous crashes and flashes of lightning, as the battle raged on.
No matter how many times the soldiers shoot at the monsters, their numbers seem endless as the time where the soldiers could be overwhelmed is nearing. Shots were being fired and grenades were being thrown. Alas, to the effect of the catastrophic storm, such things weren't even making a substantial impact on the monsters.
Just when the soldiers were about to be overwhelmed, a deafening roar suddenly boomed from behind, which was followed by a blinding flash of light and a thunderous explosion that decimated the group of monsters in front of them.
When the soldiers noticed this, they turned around to their back to see a convoy of armored trucks approaching, led by a ginormous battle tank with its top hatch open.
"The cavalry's arrived, lieutenant!" a man called out from the tank.
"Just in time!" the woman, or the lieutenant, replied with relief in her voice.
After the arrival of the mechanized armor support companies, the reinforcements quickly split up and further fortified the positions they currently hold at the crossroads. The lieutenant issued orders for the wounded to be transported to the triage for medical attention.
But it might seem like reinforcements had arrived, they still have another problem, and that is the rising level of water. With heavy rainfall continuing, water had already reached an inch in depth, posing a risk to their current position. Although after the war, the Austronesian Empire focused on fortifying its infrastructure, including sewers and rainwater catchment systems where the rainwater accumulates.
Unfortunately, these facilities weren't endless, which is now in the current situation and were now pushed to their limits, struggling to handle the deluge as the waterways and storage are full to the brim.
Dozens of soldiers continued firing on the seemingly endless monsters, bolstered by heavy armor and infantry vehicle support. As the battle raged on, the troops fought not only to repel the monstrous onslaught but also to maintain their precarious position amidst the growing threat of flooding.
As time goes by, the ammunition that the reinforcements have bought is getting depleted at a rapid rate and now she, the Lieutenant, has to decide now more than ever. Their mission was to provide humanitarian aid to the people that were left behind, but it seemed increasingly likely that those people might no longer be alive.
Communication lines faltered, their radios and equipment malfunctioning and stuttering. Waiting for further reinforcements was not an option, as they were still hours away and the situation was deteriorating fast before they'd get overwhelmed by that time.
The radio and communication keeps on malfunctioning and stuttering. They couldn't wait for the next reinforcements to arrive, as it would be a few hours more behind.
However, just as when the lieutenant was about to order to retreat they heard a loud scream from behind the soldiers.
"H-Help!"
The lieutenant and her soldiers turned to see one of their comrades being ripped apart by a monster they had not noticed. The creature, displaying inhuman strength, tore him in half with its bare hands, leaving the soldiers horrified at the gruesome sight.
As soon as the soldiers witnessed their comrade's brutal demise, they unleashed their fury on the monster, emptying their magazines in a barrage of bullets fueled by a mix of fear and anger to avenge their fellow men.
"Everyone, fall back!"
Giving her final decision, the Lieutenant decides to retreat. Following their leader, the soldiers pulled back from the advancing horde, continuing to fire at any monsters attempting to close their distance. The sound of their retreat echoed through the stormy night as they fought to keep the creatures at bay.
"This is Lieutenant Silvanna Rose! We need immediate support! We are slowly being overrun by a large number of enemies on the eastern side of Manila!"
