I'm very late. Sorry!!!
- ワイアード
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Early morning
East Coast Fortress, Halidom of Alfheim
A dense morning fog blanketed the coastline. The soldiers continued their watch as always, showing no signs of urgency or concern. The fortress exuded a casual air, devoid of tension, as if lulled into complacency by the monotony of daily routine.
"Ugh... so sleepy... Man, I just want to head back and grab a drink already."
"I get it, but you need to stay sharp, or the officers will chew you out. Remember why the Exalt ordered heightened vigilance—"
"Yeah, yeah, I know. But still, you really think the Hardique Empire or any of their vassal states would attack this far out? Our country isn't provoking them either, you know."
Even if Japan initiated war with the Hardique Empire, or even if they fought alongside Alfheim as allies, few here believed the Hardique Empire would launch an attack against their lands.
'The Hardique Empire's enemy is Japan. We're in no immediate danger.'
Or so they thought...
BWOOOOOOOOOO!!! BWOOOOOOOOOO!!!
A low, resonant sound abruptly echoed across the fortress. The call of the great conch horns installed in the watchtowers reverberated through the air, shattering the soldiers' sleepy haze.
"Huh—!? The conch horn!? Does that mean... an enemy!?"
"Impossible!!! There were no signs from the outpost island!"
"What the hell are they doing out there!?"
Questions and confusion abounded, but there was no time for answers. The priority now was to prepare for battle. The soldiers quickly assembled along the fortress walls, drew their bows, and loaded massive bolts into the ballistae stationed in the outer towers.
"........."
Silence enveloped the scene as the morning fog began to lift. The soldiers' faces, tense with anxiety, grew increasingly grim as the moments stretched on.
"...There! I see them!"
As the fog cleared, a massive fleet emerged, stretching across the horizon.
"There's no mistake... that flag... It's the Hardique Empire's fleet!"
"D-don't panic! No matter how many warships they bring, they'll run aground if they approach any closer! We'll rain down every arrow we have when they try to land in small boats!"
The commander's words were true. If the ships continued their current course, they would certainly hit the shallow reefs. From the reef to the fortress, ballistae would be ineffective, and even cannons could barely reach, if at all.
"There's no need to fea—"
BOOOOM!!! BOOM! BOOOOM!!!
Suddenly, massive explosions erupted throughout the fortress. Soldiers were thrown into the air, and large sections of the walls were blown apart, leaving gaping holes.
"Gahh... Wh-what just happened—"
One surviving soldier managed to stagger to his feet. Amidst his fading consciousness, he noticed smoke billowing from the Hardique Empire's fleet.
YOU ARE READING
The Land of the Rising Sun Transfers to Another World
FantasyIn 2045, Japan is suddenly transported to another world. With the Self-Defense Forces having become an official national defense organization due to constitutional amendments, how will the Japanese government act toward this other world? Where will...
