20th October, Space Era Years 101.
Zerwiscz Berlyn Schutz Palace, Capital of Berlyn, Centory.
Within the vast circular war chamber, draped in the golden-eagle banners of the Centoryan Empire, the cold light from the crystal dome above cast its glow upon a long metallic table. Along the wall, a holographic projection displayed the Kepler Union System — its stars flickering like silent witnesses to an approaching storm.
The air was heavy with tension; only the rhythmic ticking of a chronometal clock broke the silence.More than twenty high-ranking officers were seated in council, documents and tactical charts arrayed before them.At the head of the table sat Lord Aelyzabeth von Thors, the Iron Empress of Centory — her violet eyes sharp as blades of command.
Her voice, calm yet resolute, cut through the still air.
"The Kepler Union… has declared itself our enemy.They have built their fortresses along our borders,and dare to strangle our trade routes in open defiance."
A pause followed — then her tone hardened.
"They seek war… then we shall give them one —a war they will never forget."
Formation of the High Command.
After fifty minutes of heated deliberation — maps opening and closing, voices clashing over doctrine and logistics — Lord Aelyzabeth rose and delivered the decree of command.
ARMK – Armada Ruam Marine KriegSupreme Command of Centory ForcesCommander-in-Chief:Field Marshal Lord Aelyzabeth ThorsTasked with supreme operational control over all interstellar and planetary defenses.
VSM – VorwärtskommandoThe Expeditionary Army for External Warfare Commander:General Vito Vilozyver Promoted from Lieutenant General on that very day. This force would spearhead the invasion of the Keplerian frontier.
SSR – Schutz RegimentThe Armed Core of the RegimeCommander:Lt. General Siegfried SchneiderThe elite formation sworn directly to Lord Aelyzabeth, under the aegis of the SSC (Schtuam Schuztavle Cerlinkle), responsible for internal stability and the protection of the realm's leadership.
The Seven Days of Iron.
Within seven days, the entire Centoryan realm roared to life.Across Rothenheim, Silvara IX, and Thurnheim Prime, the crimson glare of plasma engines ignited the heavens.Vast fleets aligned in orbit, shimmering like blades awaiting the Empress's command.
27th October, Space Era 101 — 06:00 Centory Standard TimeA transmission echoed across every star and station:
"By decree of Lord Aelyzabeth Thors,the Kingdom of Centory hereby declares war upon the Kepler Union —to reclaim the Seven Lost Worlds of mankindand to defend the honor of our Empire!"
The Nation Responds.
The declaration shook the galaxy.In the capital of Berlyn, millions gathered in Unity Square, waving the banners of the golden eagle and chanting in one voice:
"For the Nation! For Aelyzabeth Thors!"
But in the marble halls of government, dissent stirred.President Rudolf von Escheinsen, head of the Conservative National Faction, rose before the Senate:
"The Empire is not yet ready for a grand war.We are still building — not destroying — our civilization!"
Together with old nobles, he founded the Conservative Council Faction, a rival bloc opposing Aelyzabeth's militarist doctrine.Yet she ordered no purges, no arrests.She merely smiled faintly and said:
"Let them speak…I shall let victory answer for me."
Departure and Regency.
At that time, Aerys Vilozyver, the young heir of Centory, had returned from his studies.Instead of rest, he spent his days in the war chambers, absorbing every word and motion of his mother.
From the grand balcony of Aurelia Central Base, he gazed upon the fleets rising into the violet dawn.When he saw his mother — in her field marshal's uniform — ascend the command dreadnought Stahlkrone, his heart trembled.
"Mother… I will become like you — no matter what it takes."
Thus began the march of iron and flame.General Aelaera von Escheinsen was appointed Regent of the Realm, entrusted with civil governance during the Empress's campaign.
This war — the first great conflict of Centory beyond the stars —would become the crucible of blood, steel, and honor that forged the destiny of an empire among the void.
Thus ends Chapter C-IX.