Chronicles of Two Powers

Chapter 13 - Ruthless Approach

2nd imperium fleet.

Flagship Cihaz Heartstrider

Aetesian sea.

December 3, 1773.

| 3:21 PM | 15:21:00 Hours |

The salty wind from the northern Artesian Sea, icy and cold, rushed across the deck of the armoured battlecruiser. The ship pushed ahead, its steel hull cutting through towering waves as it steamed toward the meeting point designated by the joint forces of two superpowers. There, representatives of the Aetesians would meet them to discuss recent developments. Tensions were running high among the crew, and even the captain saw the diplomatic rendezvous as a cowardly gesture in the face of growing conflict.

The relentless pounding of waves made the journey gruelling, with many soldiers battling seasickness. Less affected others spent their time singing and laughing, their voices mixing with the ocean's roar. However, for most, the monotony of the voyage weighed heavily. Conversations dragged, and boredom set in as the ship pressed on.

On the open bridge, the captain and the executive officer (XO) spread the map, planning their route. The icy wind brought with it sprays of seawater that clung to their coats. Suddenly, a shout cut through the din of the elements.

"Warship! Forty degrees starboard side!" The spotter's voice came through the magical communication orb mounted above the bridge.

The XO straightened up, adjusting his binoculars. Peering through the lens, he saw a dark silhouette of a vessel against the horizon. There was no question that it was a warship. He lowered his binoculars and looked to the captain with a firm yet urgent tone in his voice.

"Sir, a warship has been sighted. Should we tell our lord?"

The captain's eyes narrowed as he considered the report. After a moment, he gave a curt nod. "Of course. I'll see to it personally."

Without another word, he descended from the bridge, his coat billowing behind him as the tension aboard the ship thickened like the gathering clouds above. From the deck into the button parts of the interior of the ship was a different change of pace; sailors passed by while the constant sound of echoing commands could be heard around and the gathering of soldiers and men endlessly, waiting for the time to pass.

Midway, he enters the captain's quarters, personally modified for the emperor to rest upon. Two royal guards watch the door, seeing the rank and being the captain of the ship. The guard shortly salutes and immediately gives him a pass, as a formal discussion can be heard from the room.

There, his advisor Draco gives out military intelligence reports to generals and admirals to learn about the recent events as they talk about the recent military operation as the unfortunate news was brought upon.

"These Russian Federation forces have successfully pushed most of the 2nd Rapid Amphibious Army out of the landing zone. Casualty reports remain undisclosed, but survivors estimate that we lost at least 3,000 soldiers during the offensive, along with several destroyers and one Imperium-class battleship. The grim news hung heavy in the air.

"As for General Fehlinger and the southern forces, they stand at the ready. Intelligence coming out of Alervon says an invasion across the mainland is pretty much guaranteed. We will see to it that it never happens..."

Prince Gourment's face clouded, listening. They'd lost so many men; it was almost unbearable. He had misjudged his enemy by overestimating himself in the first place. Being one of the last heirs to sit on the throne, he purged the nobility and the remaining scions from power in order to get rid of the potential claimants. But now he felt overwhelmed with paranoia. His twitching eyes and nervous fingers gave away his agitation.