Summoning Earth [Hiatus]

Chapter 21: Shadows of Conflict and the Dawn of Diplomacy

April 8th, 1639 — Imperial Palace, Esthirant, Parpaldia

The grand halls of the Imperial Palace were unusually somber as the highest-ranking officials of Parpaldia gathered for an emergency meeting. The lavish decor, with its towering columns and intricate tapestries, did little to alleviate the tension in the room. At the head of the long table, Emperor Ludius sat, his expression severe, his fingers tapping impatiently on the armrest of his ornate throne.

The air was thick with anticipation as Supreme Commander Arde entered, his face pale, and his posture stiff. He carried a collection of reports under his arm, each document a grim testament to the disaster that had unfolded on the eastern front. As he approached the emperor, a hush fell over the room.

"Arde," Emperor Ludius began, his voice low but edged with a steely authority. "You stand before us today to explain how two regiments of our mighty army were obliterated by an enemy we scarcely understand. Speak, and speak plainly."

Arde swallowed hard, placing the reports on the table. His hands trembled as he began to speak. "Your Majesty, esteemed councilors, the reports from the frontlines are... dire. Our forces encountered a technologically advanced enemy equipped with weaponry far beyond our current understanding. Our muskets and cannons were no match for their armored vehicles, rapid-fire weapons, and... flying devices that rained destruction from above."

A ripple of unease spread through the council. Murmurs of disbelief and fear filled the room as the gravity of Arde's words sank in. Emperor Ludius leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. "You mean to tell me that two full regiments of our esteemed army were defeated by machines?"

"Yes, Your Majesty," Arde confirmed, his voice strained. "The enemy's tactics were beyond anything we have encountered. Our soldiers were brave, but they were outmatched. The survivors report heavy losses, and the few prisoners we had captured have not returned. Our forces were overwhelmed."

The room fell into a stunned silence. Councilors exchanged worried glances, their confidence in Parpaldia's military supremacy shaken to its core. Emperor Ludius's fist slammed onto the table, silencing the murmurs. "How could this happen? How could our intelligence have failed so completely?"

Arde bowed his head, the weight of responsibility pressing heavily on his shoulders. "We underestimated the enemy. We believed them to be primitive, but they possess technology akin to the rumored advancements of Mu, perhaps even beyond Holy Mirishial. We were unprepared for such an encounter."

At this moment, Prime Minister Kaios rose, his expression grave but composed. "Your Majesty, if I may." He turned to the gathered officials. "In addition to the loss of our regiments, we have received concerning reports about the arrival of a foreign navy. An Indian fleet has been spotted in the Altarasian Sea. They have docked in Altaras, and preliminary information suggests they possess significant naval capabilities, including aircraft carriers and they said they have something like advanced missile systems."

The room erupted into a new wave of murmurs, the mention of a foreign navy in their waters heightening the tension.

"India?" Ludius questioned, eyes narrowing. "What do they want, and how do they factor into this conflict?"

Kaios continued, "Their diplomats have provided us with intelligence regarding a group they call 'ISIS,' the same enemy that defeated our regiments. According to the Indian reports, ISIS is a well-armed and highly mobile force that relies on modern vehicles, automatic firearms, and they mentioned the explosive "drones", which is flying vehicles but smaller and far advances. They are a threat not just to us but to the stability of the region."

The emperor's gaze hardened. "Why were our forces defeated so easily, then? What is the state of our military, Kaios?"

Kaios sighed deeply. "Your Majesty, the regiments we deployed were from the eastern provinces, equipped primarily with outdated weaponry—muskets, cannons, and limited mobility. They lacked the vehicles and enhanced firearms available in the capital and major cities. Our elite forces in Esthirant are equipped with more modern rifles and artillery from Muan, but these advancements have not yet reached our frontier units."