Chapter 117: Demi-Humans
Eric laid out ten pictures side by side. His hand was in his pocket as he pointed to the first picture.
"Here is the first generation of Llrathels we faced after the battle for Esponia. As you can see, the turret was a small cannon. The vehicles moved slower, and none of them had mana shields."
Nieto’s cabinet mbers began taking notes as Eric conducted the brief.
"After our first engagent with the first generation, Cartharic brought out the second iteration of Llrathels. It is clear that Cartharic has been trying to implent our designs. These Llrathels have a larger turret. We studied a few of the captured units. It beca apparent they learned how to rifle their barrels after studying the schematics from Lockheed Martin. These Llrathels had mana shields. The shields were comparable in strength to modern tank armor, although still much weaker."
Eric paused to let the leaders take notes. Remory looked up from his notepad.
"What changes did the rifling bring?"
Eric reviewed his notes.
"Rifling increases velocity and accuracy. Before, the first generation would affect an area roughly ten ters in size. The second generation can now target with precision. We currently have no data on the third generation. We know they have over ten of these vehicles. No further analysis has been able to confirm capabilities or numbers present."
Nieto crossed his arms, and Remory stopped writing. The king looked up. "Not even the captured hero has information on the third generation?"
"Correct, Your Majesty. I assu that Cartharic began working on their newest technologies after the Hero left."
Tryasche narrowed his eyes.
"It appears that they are learning rather rapidly. In the span of six months, they learned many techniques from 6-8. Is it possible for them to complete their quest of replicating your technology?"
Eric shook his head.
"It is highly unlikely. Their technology can at most replicate our technology from roughly around seventy years ago. We have captured a few of their newer generation Llrathels, and have confird that even those units still relied on human mage presence to detect and engage enemies. Our systems can target enemies from miles away. We don’t have to ’see’ our enemies."
There was another pregnant pause in the room as the world leaders digested what Eric was saying. Remory leaned forward. "You said newest technologies, do you an to say they have more than just the Llrathels?"
Eric sighed, pointing to the next set of pictures.
"As you can see, these are the launchers that were used to engage a large portion of our forces during the siege. They appear as tube-like structures. They were easy targets for our forces because they were stationary."
He pointed to the last three pictures.
"These new launchers do not appear to have that vulnerability. They have wheeled and tracked systems now. I am assuming that their ’hero’ has had so influence on their most recent projects. What I believe these will be able to do is shoot their payload, and then move to another location. That is what our modern systems do."
Nieto frowned, rubbing his face.
"Do we know where they could deploy these new artillery systems?"
"No sir."
The room went silent again. Nieto leaned back in his chair, fighting the urge to stare blankly at the ceiling.
"Do you think they will move towards Esponia again?"
Eric shook his head.
"No sir. I do not believe so. I think they will take a ’defense in place’ approach. Given that the Hero on their side is familiar with our doctrine, I think they will fortify areas around Brishan City."
Tryasche sighed.
"I do not agree, Master Sergeant. While I do agree they will not push for Esponia, they will likely begin to fortify their strategic assets. Around four hundred years ago, the Empire was approximately the size of Riemskin. There were many countries they had yet to conquer. After their initial invasions, they were pushed back to their territory. It was then that Mithrael first appeared as an avatar. What he did at the ti was to consolidate and secure his strategic assets. They built up their forces, and then began to work on their mana suppression circles. I imagine they will do sothing similar. They will likely secure their strategic assets with their new technology. From there, Cartharic will build more of their capabilities before moving forward to reclaim Esponia."
Eric looked towards Tryasche.
"Your Majesty, do you think they will try the sa thing they did in the past, even knowing we are superior to them technology- wise?"
Tryasche nodded.
"You are technologically superior now, but they are catching up. And at too rapid of a pace to ignore. Ever since the Empire began its plans to conquer, the Empire has adapted to the superpowers it has faced. The introduction of the world fractures has assisted them gain power faster than before. The technology they have been able to produce would never be possible before the world barrier broke. They outclass us in manufacturing, manpower, economic prowess, land size, and logistical capability. If we wait too long thinking they will fortify on their side of Esponia, it will be our extinction."
Eric stood over the docunts, looking at the Dragon King.
"What do you propose then, Your Majesty?"
The Dragon King pointed towards the map, his fingers tracing an area near Esponia.
"Demi-humans are all centrally located within a province called ’Dresken’. I suggest we liberate them."
Eric looked up. "Demi-Humans?"
"Yes. Demi-Humans include races such as Dwarves, Elves, and those of animalistic features such as races like Nekodamia."
Eric nodded. "I see."
Tryasche continued: "I have been made aware that you need assistance in maintaining your equipnt. Your rchant is currently the only one capable of doing so. We all know that man to be a snake in sheep’s clothing. He has even poisoned our young dragons with values from your world. I will look past that. The youth will act as youth always does. Far be it from
to limit their growth. If we free the Demi-Humans, we can provide for their needs. This may make them wish to work for us."
Eric looked up from his notes.
"Won’t they refuse? They have already been mistreated by the Empire. What will make them think we will be different?"
Tryasche shook his head.
"I will negotiate on behalf of the alliance. If the Demi-Humans realize that they have the backing of a technologically superior world, they may offer their support. Their people have endured four hundred years of enslavent."
Mia stepped forward, her eyes on the Dragon King.
"Your Majesty, with all due respect, I disagree. I do not think the Demi-Humans will wish to work with humanity. Even if the Dragons are backing humans, they have still been enslaved by humans for four hundred years. My people took over one hundred and fifty years to trust Riemskin once we escaped the Cartharic Empire. It will be worse for the Demi-Humans in Dresken. I have an asset that regularly reports from Dresken, and the conditions there are deplorable."
Tryasche folded his arms across his chest.
"Mia Dryer, you have grown up well. I believe you are wrong. These Demi-Humans will work with humanity again. You forget one motivator that is powerful. Hope. These Demi-Humans have had no hope throughout the entirety of their lives. They have suffered at the hands of their oppressors. If they choose not to believe in our words, we simply show them 6-8 weapons."
Mia shook her head.
"Would that not send the wrong ssage?"
Tryasche gazed towards the mountains.
"I see. Yes. That would send the wrong ssage. Very well. We will offer them the choice. If they choose to work for us, they will co with us. If they do not, their fates will be in their own hands. Offering them that choice will be their hope."
Eric stepped forward, his eyes drawn to the map. "We move towards Dresken then. Your Majesties, President Nieto, do you have any further questions or objections?"
Remory looked up. "The area surrounding Dresken is open plains with very little cover. What will stop them from bombarding the area with their new capabilities?"
Eric shook his head. "Your Majesty, the next nearest city is nearly fifty miles from Dresken. If they set up their equipnt to bombard the area, we will have air support to ensure that it can’t be used for that purpose."
Remory nodded. "I see. So they will let us... Take it?"
"No. They will still try to hold it, but their hero knows our capabilities. Once it is clear they will lose an engagent, he will likely pull his forces back. He also knows we have air support and the Dragons. He will have no choice but to cede Dresken to us."
"I see."
Nieto closed his notepad, looking at the other leaders. "I say we proceed. Dresken seems to be a good target."
Remory nodded. He stood up and looked around the room.
"I agree as well. For too long my nation has been waiting for a final strike. Let us start building the road towards the day we no longer have an overlord threatening our existence."
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