Chapter 2: First Contact: Dawn of Diplomacy

December 24, 2245, 2:41 PM

Unknown Ocean

In the vast expanse of the West Ocean, a lone galley could be seen sailing into the horizon. Its mission was a critical one - to investigate their eastern maritime territory. Just the previous day, they had lost contact with one of their wyvern riders who was on patrol in the eastern region. The disappearance had sent ripples of concern through their ranks. As the ship sailed along the wind, the crew was filled with a sense of urgency and determination. Their resolve was as unyielding as the ocean they traversed.

On the steering deck stood a man known as Midori. He was a figure of authority, his hands firmly gripping the ship's wheel as he guided the vessel through the vast ocean. Adorned in a richly embroidered robe of deep navy blue, trimmed with intricate gold thread, he was a sight to behold. The gold thread caught the sunlight, adding a touch of brilliance to his attire, making him stand out against the backdrop of the endless sea. Beside him, a spotter stood vigilant with a spyglass, his eyes scanning the horizon for any signs of their lost comrade. His focus was unwavering, the gravity of their mission reflected in his intense gaze.

As they continued their journey, the spotter suddenly noticed an unusual sight. An island, seemingly made of metal, was emerging on the horizon. It was a sight that defied all logic and understanding. "Captain, there's an island straight ahead," the spotter alerted Midori, his voice laced with disbelief.

Midori stood on the deck, his gaze fixed on the horizon, his mind struggling to comprehend the sight before him. His face, usually calm and composed, was etched with shock. He was at a loss for words, his mouth agape as he stared at the strange phenomenon unfolding before his eyes. The metallic island, a sight so surreal and unexpected, had already left him bewildered. But the surprises didn't end there.

From a distance, another spectacle was emerging. Another metallic island, its silhouette stark against the backdrop of the vast ocean, was slowly coming into view. It was as if the sea had decided to reveal its hidden treasures, adding another layer of mystery to their already extraordinary voyage. The sight was so surreal, so out of the ordinary that it felt like they had sailed into a different world, a world where the laws of nature were defied and the impossible became possible.

Midori could hardly believe his eyes. The sight was so astonishing, so bewildering that it left him speechless. His mind was racing, trying to make sense of the inexplicable. He felt like a mariner from ancient tales, sailing into uncharted waters, encountering wonders and oddities beyond human comprehension. The world as he knew it was being rewritten, and he was in the center of it all, a witness to the extraordinary.

As they sailed closer, the crew aboard Midori's ship looked at the metallic island with a mix of awe and fear. The sight was so extraordinary, so unlike anything they had ever seen before, that it left them speechless. One thing was clear to Midori - he had to relay this unprecedented discovery to Headquarters. He glanced to his right where the messenger stood, his eyes alert and focused. Catching the captain's gaze, the messenger seemed to understand Midori's silent command. Without a word, he immediately reported back to HQ, his fingers flying over the communication device.

Midori turned his attention back to the metallic vessel. He wondered how such a heavy metal structure could float on the ocean, let alone in the air. It defied all laws of physics he knew. Despite his apprehensions, he decided to confront the unknown vessel. He was a sailor, after all, and the sea had taught him to face his fears head-on.

As they neared the island, it became apparent that what they thought was an island was actually a colossal vessel. Midori looked at it with pure awe and fear as he realized the vessel was much larger than he had initially thought. It was a behemoth, dwarfing their ship in comparison. He tried to identify the flag flying atop the vessel, but it was unlike any he had seen before. It was a symbol of a world unknown to them.

As they got closer, they noticed figures waving at them from the deck of the vessel. Among them was a figure in uniform, with long ears, red eyes, pale skin, and silver hair - an elf, they thought. To their side, they saw a platform descending from the vessel. Even after it stopped, it was still high above their ship. After a few seconds, the figures on the platform threw down a rope ladder, inviting them aboard. The sight was as fascinating as it was intimidating. They were about to step into the unknown, into a world beyond their comprehension.

Upon seeing the ladder, Captain Midori immediately understood the gesture as an invitation. The figures above continued to wave at them. "Captain, are they signaling us to board from here?" asked one of the knights, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword, ready for any potential threat.

"Perhaps," replied Midori. "But let's not keep our hosts waiting. We still need to investigate this. I want two of you to accompany me." He then turned to his first mate and instructed, "Take command in my absence. I will be boarding the ship." The first mate nodded in understanding, his face a mask of determination.

One by one, they began to climb the ladder. Midori went first, wary of a potential trap. Upon reaching the top, they were surprised to see that the figures looked different from the elves they had assumed them to be. The figure in front of him had red eyes, silver hair, and pale skin. They were not elves, but a race unknown to them.

Once they were all on the platform, it began to lift. "Are you the captain of this vessel?" Midori asked the figure they had assumed was an elf.

"No, I am not the captain. I am merely a recruit. But you will meet him soon enough," the figure replied as the platform continued to ascend. Within a few seconds, they reached the top deck of the vessel. Looking around, they were awestruck by the sheer size of the ship from the deck. It was truly a sight to behold.

Midori looked around in disbelief. The deck was so vast, he thought, 'You could host a jousting match here.' His companions shared his shock, their mouths agape. As he surveyed the scene, he noticed the high quality and unique style of the clothing worn by the figures around them. He surmised they must be nobles or something of the sort. This was a world far removed from their own, a world of wonders and mysteries waiting to be unraveled.

The ship was so large that it made their own vessel seem like a toy in comparison. It was a humbling sight. The crew was filled with a sense of dread and awe. They had no idea what to expect from this encounter.

Midori's thoughts were abruptly interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps. Turning towards the source of the noise, he saw three figures making their way towards them. Their attire was distinct and unlike anything he had seen before. The first figure bore a striking resemblance to a bear, its body covered in thick fur and dressed in clothing that was unfamiliar to Midori. Standing beside the bear-like demi-human was a figure that bore the unmistakable features of a demon, a sight that sent a jolt of shock through Midori. Demons were known in folklore for their relentless pursuit of chaos and destruction, yet here one was, standing side by side with the bear. The third figure, standing in the middle, looked like a demi-human but had an actual rabbit head and was covered in soft fur.

As they reached Midori and his companions, they halted. The rabbit-headed figure stepped forward and introduced himself, "Greetings, I am Reginald Hopsworth, one of the custodians and also an acting diplomat." He then gestured towards the bear-like figure and continued, "And beside me is Theron Wildclaw, also a diplomat and my acting assistant."

Once Theron was introduced, the demon stepped forward. His voice was deep and resonant as he introduced himself, "I am Asmodeus Netherbane, the captain of this vessel. Welcome to the Celestial Vanguard carrier." The introduction left Midori and his companions in awe of the extraordinary encounter they were experiencing.

"I am Midori, Captain of the 2nd fleet of the Qua-Toyne Principality. Could you please share your vessel's affiliation and destination?" Midori asked, trying to gather as much information as possible.

No sooner had Midori finished speaking than Reginald responded. "We hail from the Solstice Empire and are here on a diplomatic mission under Her Majesty's orders. We would also like to apologize if any of our merchants may have inadvertently trespassed on your territory," Reginald said, his voice calm and composed.

Midori was taken aback by this revelation. They were unaware of any trespassing by this unknown empire. All they knew was that one of their wyvern riders had gone missing in the east. But before he could voice his thoughts, Reginald interjected.

"Captain Midori, do you have any information about the wyvern that was being ridden?" Reginald asked, his gaze steady on Midori.

Midori was taken aback. He surmised that the disappearance of their rider might be connected to this country, which claimed to be from the Solstice Empire. "Yes, it could be ours. Can we expect him to be returned to us?" Captain Midori asked, hope flickering in his eyes.

"Unfortunately, we can't. It started attacking us when we tried to establish contact, so we had to take it down in self-defense," Reginald explained, his voice filled with regret. Midori was furious, his hand instinctively reaching for the hilt of his sword.

The Solstice marines on board immediately sprang into action, pointing their weapons at Midori, ready for any aggressive move he might make.

Midori, seeing this, was confused about the weapon they were aiming at him. He assumed it must be a staff for mages. Not wanting to escalate the situation with a country capable of building a metallic vessel, Midori calmed himself and let go of his sword.

Seeing this, Reginald spoke up. "I can assure you that the Empire harbors no hostility. This is merely a misunderstanding," Reginald said, his voice soothing and reassuring.

Midori signaled his companion to report their encounter to HQ. He understood the importance of notifying the higher-ups about this startling encounter.

The crew member nodded and immediately contacted their HQ. Midori turned his attention back to the figures before him. He was still trying to process everything that had happened. He had never imagined that he would encounter such beings in his lifetime. He looked at the figures before him, their appearances so different from his own.

As he was lost in his thoughts, he was brought back to reality by the sound of Reginald's voice. "Captain Midori, we understand that this is a lot to take in. But we assure you, we come in peace. We have no intention of causing any harm," Reginald said, his voice calm and reassuring.

Midori nodded, appreciating Reginald's understanding. He knew that they were in uncharted waters, facing a situation they had never encountered before. But he also knew that they had to navigate this situation with caution and diplomacy. He looked at Reginald and said, "I appreciate your reassurances. We also have no intention of causing any harm. We are just trying to understand the situation."

Reginald nodded, appreciating Midori's diplomatic approach. "We understand, Captain Midori. We are also trying to understand the situation. We hope that we can find a way to coexist peacefully," Reginald said.

Qua-Toyne Maihark Headquarter

In the heart of the Maihark Naval Fort Headquarters, nestled within a spacious office adorned with maritime memorabilia, a man of authority was engrossed in his thoughts. He was seen leisurely puffing on a cigar, the smoke spiraling upwards, creating a hazy atmosphere. His eyes, however, betrayed the calm demeanor, reflecting the weight of responsibility he carried.

Suddenly, the tranquility of the room was shattered as the door was flung open with a loud bang. All eyes turned towards the entrance, where a breathless man stood, clutching a scroll tightly in his hand. The urgency in his eyes suggested the scroll contained information of utmost importance.

"Commander Nouka," he gasped, his voice echoing in the silent room, "we've just received a priority transmission from the 2nd fleet!" His announcement sent a ripple of surprise through the room, startling the commander.

Nouka, slightly annoyed by the interruption, composed himself and commanded, "Compose yourself and read it aloud!"

The messenger, catching his breath, began to read, "A metallic floating vessel has been spotted coming from the east. It was accompanied by another similar vessel. An official on board claims they are affiliated with the Solstice Empire and wish to establish communication with our country."

The news of the floating vessel took Commander Nouka by surprise. As the messenger continued, he added, "They also wish to apologize for their merchants trespassing yesterday and for shooting down one of our wyvern riders in self-defense."

Nouka, struggling to comprehend what he had just heard, took the scroll from the messenger and read it himself. As he absorbed the content, he could feel a cold sweat trickling down his forehead, and his face turned pale.

The report stated that the vessels had come from the east, about 2,000 km away. They were also responsible for the disappearance of their wyvern rider. They claimed to have come from another world, a concept only known to them through fairy tales.

"Despite our ignorance, we had been trespassed by an unknown empire. The startling truth came only with their confession. They had infiltrated our borders, and we had been completely unaware until their admission. The audacity of their confession, admitting to shooting down one of our own, was startling. Yet, they had the gall to offer an apology..." Nouka murmured, rising from his seat to relay this shocking news to the higher-ups.

His assistant, taken aback by the sudden movement, asked, "Commander, where are you going?"

Nouka turned to his assistant and said, "To the capital. There's a government meeting being held there. They need to be informed about this matter." With that, he left the headquarters, leaving behind a room filled with stunned silence and a sense of impending change. The news of the unknown empire and their audacious confession was bound to send ripples through their nation, forever changing the course of their history.

Qua-Toyne Solstice Empire Conference Room

Located in the serene heart of the Lotus Garden, the Qua-Toyne Solstice Empire Conference Room was a bustling hub of activity. A high-stakes meeting was in progress, the air thick with anticipation and tension. The topic of discussion was the impending war with Louria, a matter of grave concern that had drawn the attention of most government officials to the conference.

As the deliberations continued, the room's heavy wooden doors swung open, and a new figure entered. It was Admiral Nouka, the commander of the 2nd fleet assigned to Maihark. His presence was as commanding as his reputation, and his cigar, a constant companion, was held firmly between his fingers, its smoke adding to the room's tense atmosphere.

An elf, acting as a guard, stepped forward, attempting to halt Nouka's progress. "Sir, you are not authorized to enter the meeting," the elf stated firmly, his voice echoing in the silent room. Nouka, however, was not one to be deterred. He brushed past the elf and strode into the room, his entrance drawing the immediate attention of the attendees.

"Admiral Nouka of the Second Fleet, what do you think you're doing!?" an official bellowed, his voice filled with indignation. Nouka turned to face the official, a smirk playing on his lips.

"Well, if it isn't Foreign Minister Rinsui," Nouka replied casually, his nonchalance further fueling Rinsui's anger. Before Rinsui could retort, the Prime Minister intervened.

"That's enough, Foreign Minister. I presume this is an urgent matter," Prime Minister Kanata said, his calm demeanor contrasting with the tense atmosphere. "Please state your report, Commander," he continued, his gaze fixed on Nouka.

Nouka bowed his head in acknowledgment. "Reporting. Currently, an enormous vessel is under investigation by the 2nd fleet. It identified itself as the Solstice Empire and claims to have come from the east, 2,000 km away from Maihark. They also apologized for their merchant's trespassing and for shooting down one of our wyvern riders," Nouka reported, his voice steady despite the incredulous stares he received from the officials.

One by one, they voiced their thoughts. "That's absurd, there has never been a country from the east!" "The Solstice Empire, we've never heard of it, Is it a newly found country!?" "They had the audacity to apologize after shooting down one of our wyvern riders. Just turn them away!" the high officials exclaimed, their voices overlapping in a cacophony of disbelief and outrage.

Seeing this, Nouka decided to intervene. "Allow me to explain the situation of our surrounding countries. Quila, our ally, lacks wyverns to fend off air attacks and is located in an impoverished land. However, they have natural terrain and mountain ranges, and the beast people living there possess high agility, making them almost impossible to defeat in ground battles. Then we have the Kingdom of Louria, which has been expanding its military strength and pressuring our country's borders with its recently strengthened navy. With our current strength, we are being left behind. So, our country's army does not have anything to spare to deal with the Solstice Empire," Nouka stated, his words silencing the room.

"What is your decision, Prime Minister?" Nouka asked, his gaze meeting Kanata's.

All officials turned to Prime Minister Kanata, awaiting his decision. "If that is our situation, then we shall accept their apology and engage in bilateral talks with the Solstice Empire," Kanata decided, his words effectively ending the meeting.

After a few hours, Kanata was on his way to meet the Solstice Diplomat. 'I wonder what their objectives are. I must be present at the conference to decide,' he thought, his mind filled with questions and apprehensions about the upcoming encounter. His journey to the conference was filled with a sense of foreboding, as he knew that the decisions made there would shape the future of their nation.

Qua-Toyne Solstice Empire Conference Room

The grand conference room, a testament to the architectural prowess of its creators, was adorned with intricate designs that told tales of ancient civilizations. The room was bathed in the soft, ethereal glow of chandeliers, their light dancing off the polished marble floor and casting long, dramatic shadows. The air was thick with anticipation as representatives from two nations, the Solstice Empire and Qua-Toyne, gathered for a historic meeting. As they settled into their plush seats, the murmur of conversation, the rustle of silk robes, and the clink of jewelry gradually subsided, replaced by a palpable silence.

Reginald, the dignified representative from the Solstice Empire, was the first to break the silence. His voice, steady and resonant, echoed in the vast expanse of the room. "We would like to express our profound gratitude for accepting this discussion. On behalf of the Solstice Empire, we extend our deepest apologies for the unfortunate incident involving your esteemed wyvern riders," he said, his words carrying the weight of sincerity.

Prime Minister Kanata of Qua-Toyne, a man known for his wisdom and diplomatic acumen, nodded in acknowledgment. "We accept your apology. However, our interest lies beyond past transgressions. We are keen on learning about your country," he said, his tone reflecting his genuine curiosity and diplomatic tact.

Reginald responded with a nod, "Very well then, allow me to share some insights about our empire." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a device that resembled an orb. As he placed it on the table and pressed it, a holographic map of the Solstice Empire materialized in the air, its vivid details leaving Kanata and Rinsui, another high-ranking official from Qua-Toyne, in awe.

"This is the map of our empire, with a landmass of 102 million square kilometers and a thriving population of 826,069,282," Reginald stated, his voice filled with pride. The revelation left Kanata and Rinsui shocked. They had never imagined a mega-continent to the east, consisting of a single country with such a large population, overshadowing all three civilized areas of their known world.

Rinsui, unable to contain his disbelief, exclaimed, "Don't lie to us! I have never heard of a country in the eastern sea, especially one with such a massive landmass and population!"

Reginald, maintaining his composure, calmly suggested, "If our words do not convince you, how about sending an envoy to the Empire to confirm our claim? We would gladly provide the necessary provisions for transportation."

Kanata contemplated the proposal, his eyes reflecting deep thought. After a moment, he agreed. "I allow it. However, we would like to know why we didn't discover your country earlier, despite sending numerous explorers to the eastern ocean?"

Reginald replied, his tone steady, "That's because we weren't originally from this world. You could say that we were a transferred country to this world." His words sent shockwaves through the room. They had never heard of a 'transferred country.'

Rinsui, taken aback, exclaimed, "Stop with these nonsensical fictional stories!"

Reginald calmly retorted, "That's why we suggested sending an envoy to confirm it, isn't it?"

Seeing the tension escalating, Kanata decided to intervene. "It's fine, Foreign Minister. Their words seem sincere, and they possess a massive Iron vessel yet pose no threat," he said, his gaze meeting Reginald's. Unbeknownst to them, their shadows shifted slightly as Kanata and Reginald shook hands to finalize their decision, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their nations' histories.

In the aftermath of the historic meeting, Reginald, the esteemed representative of the Solstice Empire, took his leave. His departure marked the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. He left behind Theron Wildclaw, a man of great wisdom and diplomatic prowess, to serve as the Diplomat for Qua-Toyne. As Reginald's footsteps echoed in the grand conference room, a sense of anticipation and uncertainty filled the air. The future was a vast, uncharted territory, and they were on the precipice of exploring it.

As the echoes of Reginald's departure faded, the room was once again filled with a palpable sense of anticipation. The air was thick with the weight of the decisions made and the potential consequences that lay ahead. The room, once buzzing with conversation, was now silent, the quiet punctuated only by the soft rustle of papers and the occasional clink of a glass.

Prime Minister Kanata, a figure of authority and calm amidst the sea of uncertainty, rose from his chair. His gaze swept across the room, taking in the faces of the other officials. Each one, a specialist from their respective ministries, held a crucial role in the delicate dance of diplomacy that was about to unfold. Their faces reflected the gravity of the situation, their eyes filled with determination and resolve.

"Gentlemen," Kanata began, his voice echoing in the silent room. His tone was firm, yet carried an undercurrent of reassurance. "You are our delegation to the Solstice Empire. Each one of you has been chosen for your expertise, your dedication, and your ability to represent our nation's interests."

He paused, allowing his words to sink in before continuing. "From this moment forward, each of you is given full authority in your respective roles. You are empowered to negotiate, to make decisions, and to act in the best interest of our country."

His gaze hardened, underscoring the gravity of his next words. "Our trade with the Solstice Empire has the potential to become a pillar of our country's strength. It is a bridge that can bring prosperity to our people and solidify our position on the global stage."

Kanata's words hung in the air as he concluded, "Let us move forward with resolve and unity, for the future of our nation depends on the success of this mission." With that, he nodded at the officials, a silent signal of his trust and confidence in them. The room buzzed with renewed determination as they prepared to embark on their diplomatic mission to the Solstice Empire.

As the officials left the room, they carried with them the weight of their responsibilities and the hopes of their nation. The grand conference room, once filled with voices and activity, was now silent. But the silence was not empty. It was filled with the echoes of the decisions made and the promise of a new beginning. The future was uncertain, but they were ready to face it, united in their resolve and guided by their shared vision for their nation.