Leithanien blitzes Siracusa, capturing its capital in a single day.
Siracusa itself held little weight on the international stage—a mere autonomous territory separated from its suzerain for decades, nothing more than a useless pawn on the edge of the chessboard in the eyes of the great powers.
Yet the manner in which Leithanien crushed it was utterly unforeseen.
Victoria, Wellington Duke's fief.
In the duke's residence, the flames in the fireplace burned brightly.
He clutched an urgent report from MI6, the edges of the paper frayed from his unconscious fidgeting.
The report's title read: "Analysis of a New Paradigm in Warfare."
"One day."
The Wellington Duke spoke gravely.
"From declaration of war to the red flag rising over Montelupo, it took only one day."
"Our observers didn't even have time to evacuate from the border cities."
The head of MI6, head bowed opposite him, replied:
"Your Grace, based on our current intelligence, the Leithanians deployed at least two full-strength armored divisions and an unidentified bomber wing."
"Their war machines called tanks... our standard armor-piercing rounds failed to penetrate from the front in simulations."
"That traitor Drummond's alloy again." The Wellington Duke slammed the report on the table.
"I warned you long ago—shortsightedness in research would cost us dearly!"
"Now, that Leithanien emperor has forged an army capable of shredding any defensive line using technology we scorned!"
"Even more terrifying is their combined arms capability, Your Grace," the head added.
"Air forces precisely destroy command nodes and logistics hubs, while follow-up armored units exploit the breaches for high-speed penetration, ignoring flank skirmishes."
"Siracusa's patchwork of family private soldiers was like paper before them."
The Wellington Duke fell silent.
He thought of how he and the other grand dukes were still scheming over the power vacuum left by the king's death.
Of the endless parliamentary squabbles.
While Victoria's sleeping lion fretted over its own lice, a newborn tiger had already sharpened its claws.
"Elevate Leithanien's threat level," he finally ordered.
"Prepare a detailed report. I need to know how many of our troops can counter this... special tactic."
"Also, summon the Rothschilds. We need to discuss financial strategies against Leithanien."
Kazimierz, Grand Knight Territory.
In the Adeptus Sprawiedliwi's conference room.
Grand Knight Iolanta Russell's expression was grim: "I warned you—Lacey's ambitions extend far beyond Siracusa."
Commercial Federation Chairman Chanel lounged relaxedly, an expensive cigar between his fingers.
"Lady Russell, calm down."
"Siracusa was Leithanien's de jure territory, only independent since the Witch King's era. They're just righting a wrong and reclaiming lost land. What's our justification for interference?"
"Besides, Signora Sicilia herself signed the honors agreement and became a Leithanien honorary citizen. Why should we eunuchs fret when the emperor doesn't?"
Russell countered: "They reached Montelupo in one day. Can our knights block tank shells with lances?"
"You're worrying needlessly, milady," Chanel spread his hands with a smile.
He didn't believe Leithanien eyed Kazimierz—their campaign knights weren't pushovers.
Better to focus on more pressing matters.
"The quicker the war ends, the better for us."
"Siracusa's incorporation creates a unified market. Know what that means?"
"Our commercial agreements with Leithanien now cover an entire Siracusa! More minerals to exploit, more goods to dump."
"Real money, Lady Russell—tangible money!"
He leaned in, voice low: "Moreover, Emperor Lacey's Economy Minister Meklen has invited us to participate in Siracusa's reconstruction. That's a massive cake."
Russell stared at Chanel's greed-filled face, speechless.
Without the Commercial Federation's backing, she couldn't mobilize sufficient military funds.
Kazimierz's campaign knights remained shackled.
...
Ursus, Saint Petersburg.
Deep in the palace, young Emperor Fyodor Vladimirovich listened intently to the military observer's report.
"...In summary, Your Majesty, Leithanien's new army's combat effectiveness far exceeds expectations."
"Their 'Tiger I' tanks excel in protection and firepower."
"Their bombers outpace our Herald of Artillery in mobility and high-value target destruction efficiency."
"Compared to our standard airborne breakthroughs, their air-ground coordination is far more efficient."
Conservative grand duke Begar frowned: "Your Majesty, we must be vigilant. Leithanien's rise harms imperial interests."
"A strong Leithanien blocks our southern advance."
A bearded general laughed: "Duke, you're senile! Think Leithanien dares challenge us?"
"Best if they clash with Victoria—we'll have time to handle domestic issues."
"I hope they bog down in Siracusa," another staff officer added.
"Siracusa's families are entrenched, folk fierce—not easy to rule."
Most dismissed Leithanien's military reforms.
To Ursus officers, those tanks were toys against the empire's hundreds of thousands of heavy troops.
Could they withstand a shield wall charge?
As Terra's leaders reacted with shock, fear, or glee, an unexpected guest arrived in Trullinczentyr.
A silver land-vehicle pulled into Trullinczentyr Central Station.
Stepping out was Brandon Hawke.
Chief technology advisor to Columbia's president and board member of private military giant Blacksteel International.
Lacey received him atop the Twin Towers.
Meklen and Serafina attended.
"Your Majesty, allow me to convey the Columbia Federation's warmest congratulations on your brilliant achievements." Hawke got straight to it, smiling.
Lacey smiled, gesturing for him to sit: "Mr. Hawke flatters us."
"No, Your Majesty, you're too modest." Hawke waved it off.
"We Columbians respect strength above all. Yours is precisely the power we admire and crave."
He leaned forward: "Columbia boasts Terra's top military tech, materials science, and finance."
"But we lack matching international status and military prestige!"
"We're like a smith who forged a divine weapon but knows not how to wield it."
"Leithanien, Your Majesty—you and your army showed us the way."
"But frankly, you're behind in some areas." Hawke was candid.
"Fire control, comms, computers... all outdated."
Lacey's brow arched; he didn't deny it.
A valid Leithanien weakness, though he was addressing it.
"Thus, I bring our president's proposal." Hawke drew a document from his briefcase.
"We seek a comprehensive strategic partnership with the Third Holy Leithanien Empire."
"A new axis." Hawke's voice was seductive.
"With Trullinczentyr and Max Columbia as twin poles—a new era's axis."
Meklen's breath quickened.
Hawke detailed: Columbia would open military tech fully; provide interest-free loans and aid for Leithanien's high-end industry.
In return: Tiger I and Stuka production lines, plus military observers to study Leithanien tactics.
"Moreover."
Hawke added: "We note your historical colonial interests in Bolivar remain."
"Complex there—Xingar government, joint gov, guerrillas..."
"If needed, Columbia aids securing your legitimate rights."
Subtext clear: Columbia helps stabilize Leithanien's northwest enclave, gaining an ally in geopolitics.
After Hawke left, silence fell.
"Your Majesty! A godsend!" Meklen burst first, flushed.
"Money! Tech!"
"I oppose."
Leinia entered, having overheard.
"No free lunch. Columbia capitalists greedier than Victoria's."
"Their aid leaves us dependent in cores."
"Bolivar?" Leinia adjusted glasses.
"Frankly, it'd drag us into endless quagmire, chestnuts from fire for their hegemony."
"Shortsighted!" Meklen retorted.
"Can't shun opportunity from fear! Sole tech leap path!"
"Sovereignty-selling shortcuts lead to cliffs!" Leinia held firm.
"Enough." Lacey halted them.
His gaze swept the ministers.
"Principle: cooperate, but bounded."
"License tech, but core 'Drummond No.1 alloy' and engines stay ours."
"Import Columbia cutting-edge, but build our R&D/production—not mere factories."
"Bolivar." Lacey's lips curved.
"See their intent. Colonial interests? No foreign meddling."
To Serafina: "Handle talks. Know our line."
Serafina smiled: "Understood, Your Majesty."
...
Three days later, the "Trullinczentyr-Max Columbia Friendship, Cooperation, and Future Outlook Joint Communiqué" issued.
Vague rhetoric of peace and development.
But "deepen all-domain strategic collaboration" alerted Terra's politicians.
A new axis formed quietly.
One pole: rising industrial-military power.
Other: tech-finance behemoth.
________________________________________
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