Forgive the author for he is half-witted nincompoop, He has revisioned this chapter 4 times

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Formal Family Castle, Italica

April 2, 2028, 06:02 (2nd day of the Blood Moon 638)

The early morning sun bathed the courtyard of the Formal Family Castle in a soft, pale light. The air was still cool, and a row of vehicles stood lined up, their engines idling. The rhythmic hum of machinery filled the otherwise quiet morning.

Adam, Itami, Caldwell, and Kuwahara huddled in conversation near the lead vehicle, finalizing seating arrangements.

Itami: So, where are they going to sit?

Adam: Let's keep them with the four of us, plus Lelei, Tuka, And Rory. Considering Rory is a demigoddess in their Empire, it might make them more comfortable.

Caldwell nodded in agreement.

Caldwell: Good call. What's our ETA, Kuwahara?

Kuwahara did a quick check on the map.

Kuwahara: We should be there in about three hours, give or take, depending on the roads.

Adam: Now for our driver...

Adam turned and spotted Kurata chatting animatedly with Persia, one of Myui's maids. He called out to him.

Adam: Kurata! Hey, Kurata!

No response.

Adam tried again, but Kurata was still too absorbed in his conversation to notice.

Adam: Oh for—

Frustrated, Adam walked over, grabbed Kurata by the collar, and yanked him away from the conversation.

Adam: You're driving, Romeo. Let's go!

Kurata stumbled slightly but managed to regain his footing, shooting a sheepish look at Persia as Adam pulled him toward the vehicle.

Kurata: Sir, I was just talking—

Adam: Yeah, yeah, talk while driving. Get in.

As Adam and Kurata passed Andrew, Adam leaned in, lowering his voice to ensure only Andrew could hear.

Adam: Keep the kid as far away from Pina and Bozes as possible... You know why.

Andrew nodded, understanding the concern. He glanced back at Kurokawa, who was playfully interacting with Red, a wide smile on her face.

Andrew: Kurokawa!

Kurokawa looked up, curious.

Andrew: Put Red in the rear vehicle, Make sure she's not too close to the VIPs.

Kurokawa's expression shifted to one of understanding, and she gently nodded.

Kurokawa: I'll take her back there now.

She moved over to Red, kneeling to her level with a bright smile.

Kurokawa: Hey, Red! How about we go for a little adventure in the back of the convoy? You'll get to see all the cool stuff from behind!

Red's eyes lit up at the mention of an adventure. She nodded enthusiastically, reaching out for Kurokawa's hand.

Red: Yay! Adventure!

Kurokawa took her hand and led her toward the rear vehicle, making sure to keep her engaged and excited about the journey ahead.

Then, Bozes and Pina arrived, now dressed in uniforms befitting their roles as ambassadors. Their outfits, rich with imperial insignia and neatly tailored, reflected the seriousness of their new diplomatic mission. However, as they approached the vehicles, both women wrinkled their noses.

Pina: What is that smell?

Bozes glanced at her, equally repulsed. They had never encountered anything like it before.

Bozes: It's... unpleasant.

Itami, standing nearby with Lelei, Rory, and Tuka, overheard their confusion. He exchanged a look with the three girls before shrugging.

Itami: Oh, that. That's pollution.

The knights stared blankly at him, not comprehending the term. Pina frowned.

Pina: Pollution?

Itami, realizing he needed to simplify things, scratched the back of his head.

Itami: Yeah, uh... it's from the engines in the vehicles. They burn a liquid that we call "fuel", and that makes the air smell like... well, this.

Rory tilted her head, curious.

Rory: So, this "pollution" comes from your machines?

Itami nodded.

Itami: Pretty much. The stuff we burn to make them run releases gases into the air. That's why you're smelling this weird... scent.

Bozes still looked uneasy.

Bozes: And this is normal for your world?

Itami chuckled softly.

Itami: Yeah, unfortunately. But don't worry, you'll get used to it. Eventually.

Tuka nodded thoughtfully, while Pina and Bozes exchanged uncertain looks, still trying to process the idea of a world filled with such invisible dangers.

Pina: That's... troubling.

Rory, who had been silently listening to the explanation with an increasingly impatient expression, finally let out a groan and crossed her arms.

Rory: Alright, enough about the smelly air! Are we leaving or not? I'd rather not stand here all day learning about things I can't see.

She gave the vehicles an eager glance, clearly more excited about the trip than concerned with the mechanics of combustion or the consequences of pollution.

Rory: Come on! Let's get going already!

Itami chuckled, knowing Rory's restless nature all too well.

Itami: Alright, alright. We're going.

Pina and Bozes, though still mildly disturbed by the concept of pollution, took Rory's cue and nodded, signaling their readiness.

Bozes: Yes, let's... get on with it.

With Rory leading the way, the group made their way toward the waiting vehicles, the sense of urgency returning as they prepared to leave Italica behind. Adam, already seated in the lead vehicle, gave them a nod, his eyes briefly catching Pina's as they approached.

Adam: Everyone ready?

Pina glanced at the others, then at Bozes, and nodded resolutely.

Pina: Ready as we'll ever be. Let's depart.

Trails, Special Region

April 2, 2028, 08:02 (2nd day of the Blood Moon 638)

The convoy continued along the dusty trail, the rhythmic hum of the engines filling the air. Pina and Bozes, both gazing out of the window, couldn't help but marvel at the sight of Alnus already coming into view, its structures standing proudly against the backdrop of the mountains.

Bozes leaned closer to Pina, her voice barely above a whisper.

Bozes: We're almost there...

Pina nodded, her mind racing with thoughts of what awaited them. The tension in her body was clear as she observed the sight of Alnus Hill.

Up front, Itami glanced in the rearview mirror and noticed their awe-stricken faces. He smiled lightly, deciding to break the silence.

Itami: Enjoying the view, ladies?

Pina nodded absently, still staring at the horizon.

Pina: It's... remarkable. I didn't expect to see it so soon.

Itami smirked, an amused twinkle in his eye.

Itami: We could've made it even faster if we didn't have our "special guests" on board.

He chuckled softly, clearly teasing. Bozes blinked in surprise, not catching the humor immediately.

Bozes: Faster? But... we're going quite fast already.

Adam, seated nearby, rolled his eyes but couldn't suppress a small grin.

Adam: Yeah, "special guests" get the royal treatment. Otherwise, we'd be flying.

Itami gave Adam a knowing look, the playful banter easing the tension of the trip.

Itami: So, consider yourselves lucky.

As the convoy rolled steadily onward, a sudden sound crackled through the small box in front of the vehicle—something unfamiliar to Pina and Bozes. The voice coming through wasn't a report, but a cheerful and upbeat song sung in a language they didn't understand.

Perez: Cielito lindo, los corazones... Que me cantas, que me llenas de amoooor—

Pina and Bozes exchanged puzzled glances, their eyes darting toward the mysterious box as the singing continued. Adam, however, groaned in exasperation from the front seat.

Adam: Perez! Knock it off!

Perez, undeterred, continued belting out his song from the other end of the radio.

Perez: Ay, ay, ay, ay! Canta y no llores, porque cantando se alegran, cielito lindo, los corazones—

Adam reached for the radio mic with a swift motion and cut him off.

Adam: Perez, we're not running a mariachi band here. I swear, if you don't cut the chatter, I'll have you doing laps around Alnus when we get there.

The radio fell silent for a beat, and then they all heard a reluctant sigh from Perez's end.

Perez: Sí, Seargent... just trying to lighten the mood, that's all.

Adam shook his head, handing the mic back and muttering something under his breath.

Pina, still intrigued by the strange box, leaned forward.

Pina: What... what was that?

Caldwell chuckled and pointed to the box.

Caldwell: This is a radio. It lets us communicate between vehicles, or back to our base, over long distances.

Bozes looked at the box with new fascination.

Bozes: And... the man singing? He's one of your soldiers?

Itami nodded, a slight grin on his face.

Itami: Yeah, that was Perez. He's one of the guys on Adam's team. And, come to think of it, I don't think I've ever heard him speak Spanish before today.

Adam, still visibly annoyed by the impromptu serenade, rolled his eyes and chimed in.

Adam: That's because he only gets like this when he's extremely bored. Trust me, you don't want to know what happens when he's bored for too long. There is gonna be a lot of Margarita and pants will fly, and not of the fairer sex.

He smirked, glancing over at Itami, who couldn't help but chuckle.

Itami: Sounds like there's a story there.

Adam: Trust me, Lieutenant, that's one for the "never mention" file.

Pina and Bozes exchanged curious glances, trying to comprehend the kind of life the soldiers led.

Pina: So... this is what your military life is like?

Itami shrugged a grin still on his face.

Itami: Nah, Just another day with Yanks. You get used to it... eventually.

As the convoy drew nearer to Alnus, a peculiar sight caught the group's attention. Marines and JSDF soldiers were sitting in a circle, their focus drawn to a man wearing sunglasses and a ball cap, who seemed to be instructing them. The way he moved, how he spoke, it all felt familiar.

Lelei furrowed her brow in curiosity. Her keen eyes darted between the man and Adam. There was something about the instructor's attire—subtle, yet distinct—that resembled Adam's style of dress.

Lelei: Adam, that man... his clothing is quite similar to yours.

Adam followed her gaze and a small smile formed on his face.

Adam: Yeah, that's because he's one of us—Bravo Squadron. Looks like Jordan's out there teaching them a thing or two.

Caldwell, overhearing the conversation, leaned back in his seat.

Caldwell: Yeah, after they got back, Jordan's team was running drills in the shoothouse when some JSDF soldiers started watching them. Next thing you know, Jordan offers to train them a bit... and well, it kinda snowballed from there.

As the convoy continued to move, their attention shifted to two more figures standing among the soldiers. One of the men was dressed in casual red clothing, while the other sported a shirt with a distinct pattern that resembled a mix of crisscrossed lines forming a plaid-like design. The duo stood confidently in front of a small group of soldiers, seemingly demonstrating a particular set of techniques.

The soldiers watching them were captivated, their eyes fixed on every movement. The casual nature of the two instructors contrasted with the military rigidity of the troops around them, but their presence exuded the same command and expertise as Adam's own team.

Lelei noticed the shift in attention and leaned closer to Adam again, her voice curious.

Lelei: And those two? They seem... different from the rest, yet everyone is paying close attention.

Adam, glancing over at the duo, smirked.

Adam: That's Pete and Cole—more of Jordan's team. They may look laid back, but trust me, those two know exactly what they're doing. When it comes to close-quarters combat, they're some of the best.

Caldwell chimed in, the grin never leaving his face.

Caldwell: Yeah, those clothes look doesn't exactly scream 'elite' but don't let it fool you. Pete's probably walking them through urban fighting while Cole's teaching improvised breaching. Those two love to get creative.

Tuka, who had been silently observing the scene, tilted her head, her golden eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Tuka: They don't wear the same clothes as the others. Is that normal?

Adam nodded, his gaze still on Pete and Cole, who were enthusiastically instructing the gathered soldiers.

Adam: It depends, the dress code thing is entirely up to the commanding officers of each squadron. Some are stricter about the dress code while some are less.

Itami, who had been listening in on the conversation, couldn't help but express a hint of jealousy.

Itami: Man, you Americans have it easy. I wouldn't mind ditching the uniform every once in a while.

Kuwahara, hearing Itami's remark, interjected with a firm but understanding tone.

Kuwahara: There's a reason for the uniformity in the JSDF, Lieutenant. It's about discipline, about presenting a unified front. When everyone looks the same, it fosters cohesion and order. It's not just about appearance—it's about mentality.

Itami sighed, a little deflated but understanding the point.

Itami: Yeah, I know... it's just, sometimes it feels like we're all trying to look like clones.

Pina and Bozes, who had been quietly listening to the conversation, exchanged glances. The JSDF's mindset of discipline and uniformity made perfect sense to them. It mirrored the teachings of the Imperial Army, where discipline was paramount, and appearance was a reflection of strength and order.

Lelei, who had been quietly absorbing the conversation, tilted her head in thought. Her curiosity got the better of her, and she spoke up.

Lelei: Adam, I've been wondering... you mentioned being part of something called the 'U.S. Army,' but it seems like you and your team identify more with 'Delta Force.' Why is that? Why not just say you're part of the army?

Adam glanced at Lelei, clearly impressed by her perceptiveness. He gave a small nod before answering.

Adam: That's a good question. Technically, we are part of the U.S. Army, but Delta Force is a very specific unit within it. We're still soldiers, but Delta is... different.

Adam took a moment to gather his thoughts, then continued with his explanation.

Adam: The U.S. Army has about two million active personnel, a huge force with all kinds of roles like infantry, artillery, and logistics. But Delta Force? We're only about 2,000. We might have less firepower than the entire Army, but we're highly specialized. Think of the Army as a hammer—big, heavy, and great for general tasks. Delta's more like a knife—precise, specialized for situations where brute force isn't always the answer.

Rory chuckled softly, her eyes gleaming with amusement.

Rory: Less firepower, you say? Maybe compared to your own army, but with what I've seen, you and your team could probably take down a small kingdom here on your own.

Adam smirked, shaking his head.

Adam: I guess compared to the armies of this world, yeah, it might look like we're packing more heat. But back home, we're just a small part of a much bigger picture. Everything's about scale.

Rory raised an eyebrow, her smirk playful.

Rory: Well, I'd still like to see anyone try to take you on.

As the banter between Adam and Rory continued, Pina found herself lost in thought. The casual way Adam spoke about their immense power, and Rory's playful yet confident response, sent a chill down her spine. The sheer difference in scale between the armies of her world and these soldiers from another was becoming more apparent by the minute.

Pina: Firepower? They talk about it as if it's nothing...

Her eyes drifted to the scene outside, where the two instructors were now demonstrating tactical movements to a group of soldiers. They moved with precision, clearing a mock room with their strange-looking "staffs" in hand. Pina shuddered again, her mind trying to comprehend.

Pina leaned closer to Bozes, her voice low and trembling.

Pina: They've somehow created an army full of mages... how is that possible?

Bozes, equally unsettled, nodded in agreement, her eyes glued to the demonstration. Before either of them could make sense of it, Lelei, who had been listening quietly, spoke up in her usual calm, matter-of-fact tone.

Lelei: It's not magic.

Both Pina and Bozes turned to Lelei, startled by her sudden interjection.

Lelei: What they're using aren't staffs or magical tools. Those are weapons that they call rifles. These "rifles" launch small projectiles at high speeds, and that's what gives them their power.

Pina's mind raced, struggling to absorb this revelation. The idea that such power could come from science alone, without the use of magic, was staggering.

Pina: So... all of their soldiers can wield this power?

Lelei nodded.

Lelei: Yes. Every single one of them.

Pina's tension eased slightly as she considered Lelei's explanation. If these "rifles" were simply weapons, then perhaps the Empire could eventually learn to replicate them, equipping their soldiers with similar power. The idea gave her a sense of hope.

But Lelei, noticing the shift in Pina's demeanor, spoke up again, her tone more serious this time.

Lelei: That's not the only reason they're so powerful, Princess.

Before Pina could respond, a low rumbling could be felt. The sound grew louder, causing everyone to turn toward its source.

And then they saw it.

What Pina and Bozes could only describe as "armored elephants" appeared—massive, hulking machines made entirely of metal, moving forward with a terrifying presence.

Pina's heart raced as she stared, her earlier thoughts of copying rifles immediately replaced by the sheer awe of this new sight.

Pina: What... what is that?

Lelei remained calm, though her voice carried the weight of the realization.

Lelei: That is a different kind of power altogether...

As they watched in awe, the rumbling of the massive machines rolling past felt almost surreal to Pina and Bozes. Lelei, however, was the only one who seemed unfazed, her expression thoughtful.

Lelei: The Empire has stepped on the griffon's tail... and there's no turning back now.

Her words carried a dark undertone, one that didn't go unnoticed. Bozes, still shaken but ever loyal to the Empire, snapped at Lelei with a sharp tone.

Bozes: How dare you speak like that! If you were truly an imperial citizen, you'd be ashamed to say such things. We must remain steadfast, and not give in to fear.

Lelei's eyes, normally so serene, grew cold as she turned to face Bozes. Her voice, though calm, cut through the tension like a blade.

Lelei: I am not an imperial citizen. I come from a nomadic tribe. We do not serve the Empire, nor do we live by its rules. I am here because I choose to be. I owe the Empire nothing.

As Pina stood in silence, still grappling with Lelei's cold words and the imposing presence of the "armored elephants," Kurata's voice suddenly broke through the tension.

Kurata: We're here!

The convoy began to slow down, coming to a halt as they reached their destination. The soldiers started dismounting, ready to get back to base operations.

Pina saw this as her chance. Her heart raced with urgency. She needed to talk to someone, anyone, who could sway the decision about going to war. She spotted Itami and quickly called out to him.

Pina: Itami, wait! I need to speak with you about—

Before she could finish, Itami waved apologetically as he hurried off, barely looking over his shoulder.

Itami: Sorry, Princess, I've got something to handle right now!

Frustrated, Pina turned and saw Adam next, stepping down from one of the trucks. She quickly approached him, hoping he might hear her out.

Pina: Adam! Please, can I—

But Adam, though more polite, had the same urgency in his movements.

Adam: I'm really sorry, Princess, but I need to be somewhere right now.

Pina stood frozen, unable to comprehend what had just happened. In all her life as a princess, no one, apart from her family, had ever refused her requests so directly. Her shock lingered as she watched Adam disappear toward the back of the convoy.

Before she could fully gather her thoughts, a soldier in more formal attire approached her. His bearing was rigid, with a professional air that immediately caught her attention.

Soldier: Princess Pina Co Lada? And Lady Bozes?

Pina snapped out of her daze, straightening her posture.

Pina: Yes, that's correct.

The soldier gave a respectful nod.

Soldier: General Hazama is waiting for you, Princess. He would like to speak with you both.

Pina glanced at Bozes, whose expression mirrored her own uncertainty. They exchanged a brief, silent understanding before turning back to the soldier.

Pina: Very well. Lead the way.

Meanwhile, at the back of the convoy, Adam and Caldwell found Andrew, Kurokawa, and Red. The small girl was peacefully asleep again, her head resting on Kurokawa's lap. Both men couldn't help but smile at the sight, the brief tranquility contrasting with their usual world of chaos.

Caldwell glanced at Andrew with a deadpan expression.

Caldwell: Well, she's your responsibility now.

Andrew blinked, taken aback.

Andrew: Sir?

Caldwell crossed his arms, his tone firm but not unkind.

Caldwell: I heard from Adam what her situation is. It's awful, no doubt about it. But that doesn't change the fact that it's now your responsibility.

Andrew's expression shifted, a mix of sympathy and reluctance.

Caldwell: You're going to stay here and handle the paperwork with Kurokawa. Red needs someone she can rely on, and that's you now. You're not heading back to Japan with the rest of us.

Andrew wanted to argue, but the weight of the situation and Caldwell's firm tone left little room for protest. He simply nodded, swallowing back any complaints.

Andrew: Understood, sir.

Caldwell clapped him on the shoulder before giving a small nod to Adam, signaling for them to leave Andrew and Kurokawa with the sleeping girl.

Caldwell: Good man. Just make sure she's taken care of.

As Caldwell and Adam walked away, Andrew felt the weight of his new responsibility settle heavily on his shoulders. He could see Kurokawa watching him, her expression a mix of understanding and concern.

Kurokawa decided it was time to wake Red, who was still snoozing peacefully. She gently shook the young girl's shoulder, coaxing her awake.

Kurokawa: Red, sweetie, it's time to wake up.

Red stirred, blinking her eyes open slowly. She looked around, confusion etched on her face.

Red: Where... where am I?

Andrew met her gaze, trying to keep his tone light and reassuring.

Andrew: You're in our base Red. Want to go sightseeing? Just to you know? take a little break from everything.

Red rubbed her eyes, still shaking off the sleepiness.

Red: Sightseeing?

Andrew nodded, attempting to keep the mood light.

Andrew: Yup! Just a chance to see some interesting places and maybe have some fun. Sound good?

As Red slowly began to understand, a small smile crept onto her face, but there was still a hint of uncertainty in her eyes.

Red: Okay... but will you stay with me?

Andrew exchanged a glance with Kurokawa, who gave him an encouraging nod.

Andrew: Yeah, I'll be right by your side.