Austronesian People's Empire, In An Ocean, Austronesian Exclusive Economic Zone, Inside A Sovereign Class Battleship, Inside The Command Room.

1st Year of God. Monday, 1st Week, Month Of David.

The day of the National Liberation War has come, and the Austronesian Liberation Military had completed its planning and logistical preparations, transitioning into the operational phase. The Austronesian Liberation Navy, in coordination with the Special Forces, was now mobilizing to capture important islands surrounding the Austronesian People's Empire.

These islands would serve as strategic points to expand naval range and establish dockyards for storing supplies that would enable operations in distant waters.

The offensive wouldn't be stopped after capturing these islands, the plan involved leaving a naval task force to defend them and another would be dedicated to patrolling the Empire's seas.

To protect the islands, a detachment of the Austronesian Liberation Marines would garrison the islands, utilizing local civilian industries to construct and, if necessary, expand the landmass into fortified positions to accommodate military structures and equipment.

The offensive would continue beyond the nearby islands, targeting enemy nations to capture strategic locations such as naval dockyards, military encampments, and vital industries. Destruction of civilian and military infrastructure was also a priority to cripple the enemy's war efforts. Operations would begin with nearby nations and gradually advance to those farther away as the infrastructure on captured islands was developed.

A key objective of the Liberation Military was to disrupt trade and communication within enemy territories. Severing supply lines and slowing information flow would ensure easier annexation and occupation to its fullest. Once strategic locations were secured, sustained air raids would target cities, villages, and areas of importance in the enemy nation with possibly carpet bombing, followed by ground invasions to bring down any remaining resistance that was left.

As for their transportation or the kinds of Brigades or Divisions they will be using, the Liberation Army planned to employ combined-arms tactics, utilizing mechanized divisions supported by airpower for rapid and effective advances.

Any surrendering forces would be accepted, but any further resistance would be immediately dealt with and neutralized. Simultaneously, the Austronesian Liberation Military, after landing in the enemy nation, would then start to contact and, if there is, a group of inferior rebels so that they could start setting up a puppet government under the Austronesian People's Empire's wing.

Because of the fact that the world they are on, there are bound to be logistical problems along with transportation problems due to the terrain that they would be moving in.

So to fix this, they added modifications to the vehicles that would soon be moving in towards the enemy nations. Moreover, because of the risk of ambushes, the Liberation Military would be moving in a non linear formation, as the Military advances while using scouting forces consisting of scout planes and some vehicles would be set forward so that they would be able to easily move in without much resistance.

However, just to be safe they would be moving in a non-single linear formation, instead they would be moving in multiple files of formation, and would be spread out throughout the area. Which means that these formations, tactics and strategies would be considered as asymmetrical warfare.

For the most part, that was basically the plan of the Austronesian Liberation Military, furthermore, when needed, they would also deploy the hardened special forces for things like rescue operations.

With a comprehensive strategy in place and concrete plan at hand, the entire Austronesian Liberation Military was fully mobilized and is now advancing towards their intended locations.

------------------------

The bridge of the Sovereign-class battleship buzzed with activity as multiple personnel were communicating and coordinating operations.

This formidable vessel, powered by eight boilers producing 220,000 shaft horsepower, boasted six geared steam turbines and six screw propellers that could travel at speeds of up to 30.5 knots and a maximum range of 35,000 kilometers.

Its armament included three triple 406mm guns, ten twin 127mm guns, twenty quadruple 40mm anti-aircraft guns, and forty single 20mm anti-aircraft guns.

Additionally, all Sovereign-class battleships had been modified to launch ballistic surface-to-surface missiles for long-range engagements. However, these advanced ships were limited in number, and so the other battleship classes lacked missile capabilities and relied solely on traditional armaments.

On the bridge, the captain of the ship was making orders and commands throughout the bridge and was being passed down to the lower decks.

This battleship led a task force, one of many within the Liberation Navy, tasked with capturing strategically significant islands.

The fleet comprised four Destroyers, three Light Cruisers, two Heavy Cruisers, twelve Utility Ships, and ten Marine Convoys carrying approximately 1,000 Austronesian Liberation Marines.

As of now, they are approaching the destination marked on their systems and they expect possible resistance. So the Sovereign-class battleships were prepared to commence shore bombardments along with the cruisers, while the destroyers would patrol the surrounding waters, while waiting for the shore bombardment to be finished.

With engines roaring and waves crashing against the hull, the fleet moved forward while being bathed in the golden light of the morning sun.

Inside the ships the brightly smiling faces of the sailors could be seen, after all they were now in fact liberating their fellow kind, which is the most pleasurable thing that they could do, as they cannot just stand by as their fellow kind gets abused in all kinds of ways.

For these sailors, the mission was more than duty, it was a moral cause, a responsibility to right the wrongs of their world.

After the engine roared, the navy started up the radio and was now being broadcasted in the entire taskforce.

The music was composed of numerous folk and modern Xihuan and Austronesian songs. These songs remind them of their homeland and were widely popular among the sailors.

Whether traditional or contemporary, the songs held a special place in their hearts and served as a reminder of the people they fought to protect and the home they longed to return to.

--Music--

"Silent night in the armory

The sea rocked the battleship gently

The young sailor rested his head on the waves

The sweet smile of the sleep dream

The sea wind blows you softly

The sea waves you shake lightly

Back to the ancestral mother's bosom

Let our sailors sleep well

Silent night in the armory

The sea rocked the battleship gently

The young sailor rested his head on the waves

The sweet smile of the sleep dream

The sea wind blows you softly

The sea waves you shake lightly

There are many sailors at sea

Until the rosy clouds reflect the sea

Look, our battleships are going to anchor again well"

"Farm butterfly, flying and flitting by,

In the middle of the road

Flapping and floating by

Thirty inches of wrap-around skirt

And an inch of sleeve

The colorful skirt

One foot dragging on the ground

And she has a hairnet Oh!

And also has a comb Oh!

Decorated underskirt

She's trying to show off

She's facing the altar

Looking at her reflections

Then she would walk teasingly With her hips swaying"

"Nipa hut, even though it's small,

The plants that grow around it are varied:

Turnip & eggplant, winged bean & peanut,

String bean, hyacinth bean, lima bean.

Wax gourd, sponge gourd, white squash & pumpkin,

And there's also radish, mustard,

Onion, tomato, garlic & ginger

And all around are sesame seeds"

"Beautiful jasmine flower

Beautiful jasmine flower

Sweet-smelling, beautiful, stems full of buds

Fragrant and white, everyone praises

Let me pluck you down to give to someone

Jasmine flower, jasmine flower"

--Music--

The music goes on and on until the moment of action finally arrived for the invasion when the fleet had reached its destination.

Soon enough, cannons and guns would be roaring which would fill the air, and numerous landing crafts would be on the move toward the shores, marking the start of the naval invasion.

Before that, however, the enemy defenses had to be dismantled, their fortifications shattered, and their morale utterly crushed.

------------------------

Austronesian People's Empire, In An Ocean, Austronesian Exclusive Economic Zone, Inside A Sovereign Class Battleship, Inside The Command Room.

1st Year of God, Monday, 4th Week, Month Of David.

The waves were crashing against the hulls of the warships as they sliced through the waves like arrows perfectly loosed from a master archer's bow.

At the center of the formation was the Sovereign-class battleship, flanked by cruisers, while the destroyers peeled away to establish a defensive perimeter around the fleet.

Behind the bombardment line, utility and convoy ships carrying the marines were positioned safely in the middle, shielded by the destroyers' protective formation. The battleship and cruisers began their shore bombardment with their heavy guns booming across the ocean, signaling the start of the assault.

Then, a giant missile erupted from the battleship, traveling towards the heavens and left a path of smoke from its path.

On the bridge of the Sovereign-class battleship, the captain of the task force was busy ordering the sailors on what they were supposed to, and the sailors were in a rush as they were all preparing for the attack as soon as possible.

Light was blinking across control panels as the alarms were blaring loudly that reverberated throughout the entire ships, as the sailors got into their positions as required.

"Missile away," announced the captain as he watched the trajectory on the monitor.

The bridge crew held their breath and watched in tense silence as the missile's bright trail streaked across the sky and headed straight for the island. The hum of machinery and the crackle of radio chatter were the only sounds as the countdown echoed through the speakers.

[Missile impact in three... two... one-]

BOOOOOOOMMM!!!

A brilliant flash consumed the screen, followed by an earth-shaking explosion that sent a towering mushroom cloud into the sky. Even from tens of miles away, the shockwave rippled through the sea and momentarily rocked the fleet.

Yes, what they had sent was a nuclear missile. Knowing the dangers of magic and the zero concern of a nuclear fallout thanks to this world's magic, the rules of holding back were no more and the Austronesia Empire never hesitated to use a nuclear bomb as a starting route.

But there are still safety precautions.

But just as the light faded, a glowing dome of energy covered the island, leaving the target untouched.

This filled the bridge with gasp.

"No impact registered!" a sailor called out in disbelief. "The barrier held, Captain! The nuke failed!"

As murmurs spread across the bridge, the Captain clenched his jaw and gripped the rail tightly.

"Damn it... the National Liberation War has already just begun and nuclear weapons have already failed. Their magic doesn't disappoint." He muttered before asking, "What is the status of the barrier?"

"Magicule levels dropped by 20%, sir," a sailor replied as his eyes scanned the instruments. "The barrier's weakened but still intact."

"Orders, Captain? Shall we prepare another strike?" a Lieutenant asked urgently.

The captain exhaled through his nose and shook his head. "Negative. We can't risk a second nuke. The vanguard force is already on approach and I won't risk hitting our own men."

"Then what's the plan, Captain?" asked a female Commander.

The screen shifted to show the ten assault ships closing in on the magical barrier in tight and disciplined formation. The barrier shimmered faintly, showing signs of its energy visibly flickering from the strain of blocking the earlier nuclear strike.

"We'll bring it down with concentrated firepower." The captain turned to the weapons officer. "Hard to starboard! Prepare all cannons and missile launchers. I want a synchronized volley. Don't stop until that barrier is dust."

"Aye, sir!" the weapons officer replied befor3 relaying the orders to the fleet. "All ships, ready weapons in full bombardment! Target the barrier and fire on my mark!"

The Sovereign-class battleship moved into position as it was intended by the captain, which was followed closely by the movements of the cruisers flanking her sides. Meanwhile, the massive gun turrets groaned as they swiveled into alignment and locked their targeting systems onto the dome.

This time, there would be no retreat. The fleet would unleash hell until the magical barrier crumbled to dust.

"Fire!" the captain roared.

The entire ocean exploded with light and fury. Dozens of missiles screamed across the sky as their trails illuminated the dawn like fiery comets, while the thunder of cannon fire shook the heavens like a drumbeat.

The bridge rattled as the Sovereign-class battleship's massive guns roared in unison as their recoil reverberated through the ship as a storm of firepower descended upon the target.

Almost immediately, explosions rained down on the barrier protecting the island, each impact sending shockwaves rippling across its surface and the surrounding areas.

Smoke billowed into the sky, mingling with the flashes of light from the relentless bombardment as the high-caliber shells screamed through the battlefield to its utmost effort, colliding with the unseen force and detonating with ear-shattering intensity.

Trees shook violently, and loose debris was thrown into the air as shockwaves tore through the landscape.

Though the invisible force stopped the first salvo from the shore bombardment of the warships by the Austronesians.

"Barrier integrity dropping at... 15%!" shouted a sailor with excitement creeping into his voice.

"Keep firing!" the captain ordered.

On the monitor, the dome was flickering constantly as cracks began to spider web across its surface, the flickering glow growing weaker with each successive impact. Finally, with a resounding, almost otherworldly shatter, the dome collapsed as its ethereal light dissipated into the wind like fading starlight.

"Barrier down, sir!" the weapons officer reported with a rare smile lighting up his face. "The vanguard has a clear path to the island."

"Good," the Captain said coldly. "Relay the vanguard force to push forward and secure the beachhead. Signal all ships to advance and commence bombardment of the enemy base. Let them understand the consequences of defiance."

The bridge crew erupted into action and orders were flying as they prepared for the next phase of the assault. Seeing this, the Captain allowed himself a small grim smile as the fleet moved forward.

"The elves may have their magic," he muttered, "but no wall stands forever."

From afar, sailors aboard the Austronesian fleet had observed the results of the first salvo, their confidence bolstered by the barrier's destruction. Believing nothing could stop the superior firepower, they launched a second salvo.

The second salvo was released as the Sovereign-class battleship shuddered under the force of its own massive guns, and the sheer power within it pushed the ship back slightly as another barrage ripped through the sky. The shells soared like meteors before crashing into the islands with devastating precision.

Ear-piercing explosions followed, and plumes of earth and soils sprung up violently into the air, creating craters where the shells had landed, with various pieces of steel and splintered wood spewing out everywhere in the scorched surface and wreaking havoc on the environment.

After the explosion ended, a dark soil and a few inches deep of fallen soil which could be used to mark where an explosion ultimately happened, turning the environment and the surrounding area unrecognizable.

As for the surrounding area of the explosion, there really isn't anything much to say except to describe with two words.

"Total Destruction."

------------------------

Kingdom Of High Tarxa, In An Ocean, High Tarxan Sea, Island of Arlithrien, In A Tarxan Island Outpost, Inside The Command Room.

1st Year of God, Monday, 4th Week, Month Of David.

Moments Earlier...

The High Tarxans prided themselves on commanding the most powerful military in the Third Civilization Zone, rivaling even the Iron Kingdom. While the Iron Kingdom possessed advanced magical technology, the High Tarxans boasted vast resources of magical artifacts and personnel through the support of numerous allied nations and kingdoms.

Their military, the Tarxan Coalition Army, was divided into four elite divisions: the Armored Corps, the Magic Beast Corps, the Mixed Corps, and the Royal Guards. With over 500,000 personnel, they significantly outnumbered the Iron Kingdom's forces. This overwhelming might formed the backbone of their unbreakable rule.

At the heart of their defenses lay the Island of Arlithrien, an impregnable fortress straddling the eastern and western seas. It was said no force could penetrate its magical protections and rendered any invading army helpless regardless of their numbers.

Within the fortress stood a grand structure, its tallest spire housing an ornate chamber. Sunlight filtered through intricate stained-glass windows, painting the room in a kaleidoscope of colors.

In the center of the chamber was a golden-haired elf awakened from his slumber. His sharp golden eyes flickered open as a wave of dread coursed through him.

His Clairvoyance Magic rang like a warning bell in his mind. Danger was approaching, and was approaching and dangerous enough to kill them all.

Lord Caelith, the High Magister of the Tarxan Alliance, sat up abruptly as his colorful embroidered trench coat shimmered faintly with glowing enchanted runes as he reached for the magic communication artifact on his desk in an intent to summon the other commanders.

But before he could utter a word, the doors to his chamber flew open with a crash and a younger elf in the silver and blue uniform of a military officer stumbled inside with a pale face and slick with sweat.

"Lord Caelith!" the officer gasped, struggling for breath. "We've sighted what seemed to be ironclads of unknown variety. The nation who owns it is unknown as we couldn't recognise the flag that it was flying. These ships are massive, far larger than ordinary ironclads, and not a single trace of sails or wooden objects in the ironclads that we've spotted. Moreover, their numbers suggest an entire fleet. It could be an invasion force, possibly from the Iron Kingdom."

As the officer spoke, the elven general named Caelith had his expression darkened as his fear was barely masked by a thin veil of composure. The officer's description mirrored the visions that had plagued his mind moments earlier, visions of a terrifying weapon, one that could reduce even their strongest defenses to ash.

'If this is truly the work of the Iron Kingdom,' Caelith thought grimly, 'then we are no longer on the offensive. We are prey. And I, another casualty waiting to fall.'

But he couldn't afford to yield to despair. He was the High Magister, and millions of lives depended on his resolve. Drawing in a sharp breath, he met the officer's gaze.

"I know," Caelith said sharply as his golden eyes burned with intensity. "My Clairvoyance Magic has already shown me their intent. These are not envoys, they aim to annihilate us in a single strike."

The officer paled further with trembling hands. "B-But-"

"No time for debate," Caelith cut him off as he rose to his full height. "Inform the Archmages. Activate the Magic Artifact immediately."

The officer hesitated with panic written across his face. "But my lord, the Artifact... We agreed to reserve it for the Iron Kingdom or threats from the other Civilization Zones. If we use it now-"

"I said activate it!" Caelith snapped, his tone leaving no room for argument. "If we delay, there will be no one left to fight the Iron Kingdom, or anyone else. Do as I command!"

"Yes, my lord!" the officer bowed quickly before he turned and sprinted out of the room.

Alone in the chamber, Caelith clenched his fists as his mind was racing. He knew the Artifact was a last resort, a Magic Artifact of unimaginable power. But if they didn't use it now, Arlithrien's defenses, no matter how strong it was, would crumble under the sheer force of this unknown enemy.

------------------------

The chamber was cavernous, its towering stone walls carved with intricate glowing runes that pulsed in a rhythmic harmony, mirroring the energy radiating from the colossal artifact dominating the room's center.

This was no ordinary Magic Artifact, it was a masterpiece of ancient ingenuity, constructed around a massive Dragonite crystal that burned with a fierce inner fire that casted intricate shadows across the room.

Caelith stepped into the chamber, faltering his steps slightly as he suppressed his exhaustion. Surrounding the artifact were the greatest Archmages of the Tarxan Coalition with solemn faces and their mana reserves already flaring in preparation for what was to come.

"Begin the ritual," Caelith commanded.

The Archmages moved into formation and formed a perfect circle around the Artifact. In unison, they raised their hands, and streams of pure mana poured from their bodies and flowed into the crystal in a dazzling display of raw power.

The room trembled as the Artifact awakened with a deep resonant hum. Its glow intensified, flooding the chamber with a blinding brilliance that seemed to stretch beyond the physical realm.

Outside, the skies over the Island of Arlithrien shifted as a colossal magical barrier began to materialize, a shimmering dome of protective energy that enveloped the entire island.

Moments after it appeared, the heavens erupted and a brilliant flash reverberated throughout the skies by the detonation of the Austronesians' Megaton Nuclear Bomb.

Its blinding explosion turned the skies crimson and filled them with roaring flames. The shockwave rolled across the ocean, shaking the earth and the very foundations of the island as it seemed on the brink of annihilation.

But against all odds, the magic dome held with cracks webbed its surface and flickered dangerously, but its radiant energy withstood the unimaginable power of the nuclear blast.

------------------------

Resting against the cold stone wall, Caelith panted as if his very essence had been siphoned away.

Despite his status as a Transcendent Tier 1 mage, the activation of the Magic Artifact had drained his mana to the dregs, leaving his core empty and his body weak.

Around him, the aftermath was grim with several Archmages lay motionless on the chamber floor with blood flowing from their eyes, noses, ears, and mouths.

Their silent deaths painted a chilling scene towards the remaining mages who watched helplessly with horror in their faces.

The survivors fared little better. Most were barely conscious with pale faces and drenched in sweat while their bodies were trembling from the exertion.

Apparently, the artifact's cost had been steep as it consumed life-force in exchange for withstanding an unimaginable amount of damage.

Healing mages rushed into the chamber, surrounding Caelith and the others and released their restorative spells weaving through the air as they worked to stabilize the living.

"My lord," his second-in-command spoke as he stepped forward cautiously with a tense expression, "The enemy fleet has begun a second attack. Their projectiles are hammering the barrier and it won't hold much longer in its current state."

Caelith grimaced, clutching his side as a healer's magic began to mend his frayed body. "You will take command of the island's defense. Organize every available unit, mages, soldiers, artillery. Hold the line."

The officer's eyes widened in hesitation. "But what about you, my lord?"

Caelith forced a small weary smile. "I will join the front lines when I can stand again. For now, the fight is yours."

The officer hesitated for a moment, then straightened and saluted with determination. "Understood, my lord. I will not fail."

As the officer left, the rumble of bombardments outside grew louder and shook the very foundations of the chamber. Caelith leaned back and stared at the flickering barrier through the chamber's high windows with his golden eyes.

"What are they?"

------------------------

Kingdom Of High Tarxa, In An Ocean, High Tarxan Sea, In A Tarxan Island Outpost, Inside The Tarxan Outpost.

1st Year of God. Monday, 1st Week, Month Of David.

The shockwave from the explosions of the bombardment ripped through the entire High Tarxan outpost, leaving destruction in its wake.

Many of the defenders were left utterly clueless and terrified as to what was happening. Some of them went out of their tents and buildings and their eyes turned to the sky, where a blazing crimson wound of fire and smoke marred the heavens.

Because of this, panic spread like wildfire. Some whispered that the end of days had come, while the more reasonable ones realized it could only be an enemy attack, an invasion on an unprecedented scale.

Before they could fully grasp the horror, another explosion shattered the stillness. This time it wasn't a single monstrous blast but countless smaller detonations, each preceded by a sharp ominous whistling.

The defenders searched desperately, scanning every corner of their surroundings for the source of the attack. But their efforts were futile as the shells from the Austronesian Liberation Navy's massive-caliber cannons had already found their marks.

A thunderous explosion erupted in the heart of the outpost as black smoke billowed into the sky, blanketing the area in ash and shadow. When the haze cleared, the devastation was laid bare with hundreds of corpses of elves and defenders littered the ground, their lifeless bodies sprawled in the middle of the ruins of shattered tents and charred earth. The air and the surrounding environment has been tainted black ash while shimmered ominously under the stark light of the crimson sky.

The corpses of the superior were all but filled with shock and dread. Not only their limbs were all cut off from different parts of their bodies.

The grisly sight only deepened the confusion and fear among the survivors. They had no idea who their attackers were, no hint of where the deadly barrage originated. The bodies of those who were unfortunate enough to be near the point of impact were all spread out through the surroundings, their blood and flesh smeared all over the place.

Chaos, anger, confusion and fear were overly present all over the outpost like an uncontrollable tide as the outpost descended into disarray.

The defenders wanted to fight, yet they didn't know what was happening for sure. They were furious, yet they didn't know where to throw their anger into as they didn't have enough information on who was attacking.

They felt utter fear, as they believed that if it was an attack, only the scale of a highly advanced magician could cast those and moreover at a relatively short time.

Then, as if the gods themselves mocked their suffering, another salvo of shells rained down. Explosions ripped through the ground in succession. The whistling of incoming projectiles preceded each eruption, shaking the earth and unleashing deadly waves of shrapnel, flame, and crushing pressure. In the aftermath, all that remained were smoldering craters and unrecognizable remnants of flesh and ash.

Not satisfied with smearing salt on the wound, the enemy opened the gas stove and placed the salted wound into the pan and started smearing it all over the pan even more. In short, even more pain. The enemy, with a few moments having just passed, opened fire another salvo, to the shock of the superiors.

"Just how much magic could they cast in just a mere short amount of time?" Was the thought revolving all around the defenders.

Explosions came one after another, which was followed by a loud whizzing sound, to which after the ground would shake and rise, followed by many shrapnels spewing out of the point of impact along with its flames and dangerous pressure that could crush the lungs of any living beings.

Then finally a smoke would rise out of the point of impact and the only thing that would be left was just a pile of flesh and ash.

Then out of the chaotic atmosphere came from the superiors who still had a single inch of sanity left.

One of them was Lord Caelith's second-in-command.

Firstly, he tried to fix the chaotic situation as there was nobody there to lead them, and with sanity fraying at the edges, he rallied what remained of the defenders.

"Lord Caelith won't be joining us any time soon!" he bellowed. "Prepare your weapons and chant your magic! We have an invasion upon us!"

Even as the enemy's bombardment continued, the new commander moved quickly and reorganized the shattered forces. His commands brought a semblance of order to the chaos as defenders scrambled to ready themselves for the enemy attack with their spirits battered but not yet broken.

The outpost was a battlefield as its defenders caught in a storm of death and destruction, yet they held on, driven by the desperate hope of survival and vengeance.

After enduring the bombardments from the unknown enemy, the defenders quickly reorganized and dashed toward the frontline where the enemy ships had been spotted.

The new commander was sure that to claim the island, the enemy would have to land. The shoreline was their opportunity, a chance to counter the threat before the invaders could establish a foothold.

Though he has some reservations on the reports that he received, nonetheless it is still a valid report as the situation calls for it and left no room for hesitation.

Explosions continued to thunder through the air, accompanied by the violent shaking of the trees and ground with their violent force. Each blast was accompanied by the shrill whistling of incoming shells, but after what felt like an eternity, the explosions and whizzing sound suddenly stopped and tranquillity took over.

A tense stillness settled over the battlefield, the eerie quiet amplifying every heartbeat. For the defenders, it was a momentary reprieve, but for the new commander, it signaled the beginning of something far worse as his instincts screamed danger.

"They've stopped bombarding us," he muttered. "That can only mean one thing, they're landing now."

Turning to his fellow superiors, he shouted, "Quick! They're attempting to land! We must stop them from securing the shoreline!"

Realising what was happening, the other defenders quickly followed suit with great haste. After a few more moments of dashing through the underbrush and leaping over debris and dodging the remnants of earlier attacks, they finally reached the shoreline, but the sight that greeted them left them stunned.

Steel beasts, unlike anything they had ever encountered, were moving toward the shore at a rapid rate from the ocean, their metal frames gleaming ominously under the crimson sky.

It was obvious that more of these mechanical terrors were coming from the far ends of the ocean and disembarking from what appeared to be colossal ironclad ships.

With their enhanced vision, some defenders managed to spot figures operating the steel monstrosities. But confusion quickly set in, these beings radiated no mana, and their race was unrecognizable. But the sophistication of their machines suggested a civilization steeped in advanced magic or technology, possibly from the higher zones.

Realising the gravity of the situation, these were not ordinary invaders, this was a foe unlike any they had faced.

"Form up!" the commander barked. "Magical muskets to the front! Long-range casters, prepare your spells!"

The defenders scrambled into formation, feeling their hands trembling as they held their weapons and chanted their incantations. But before they could properly prepare, the steel beasts turned their cylindrical barrels toward them.

Which was followed by-

RATATATATATATAT!!!

------------------------

Bright lights are switched on across the ceiling, illuminating the interior of the massive amphibious assault ship. Rows of vehicles stood ready as their metal frames gleamed under the harsh glow.

The engines of the amphibious landing vehicles started roaring to life, filling the hangar with a deafening symphony of mechanical power. Among them were two models of the Austronesian Liberation Navy's Naval Amphibious fleet, the Amphibious Combat Vehicle ACV-22 "Hurricane" and the Amphibious Assault Vehicle AAV-26 "Armadillo."

Despite their sequential model numbers, the Hurricane was the newer and more advanced design, while the Armadillo, though older, remained reliable and well-suited for its purpose.

Both vehicles had been revived from the navy's aging arsenal and are still functional and could be effectively used by the Austronesian Liberation Navy.

Reactivating older equipment and military assets was a necessity in their ongoing struggle, as every functional asset, no matter its age, could tip the scales in their favor.

As long as these vehicles could provide cover and firepower for infantry and marines, their service was invaluable. The navy made plans to refit and modernize them when possible, but for now, they would return to the battlefield just as they were, battle-worn but dependable.

The one modern addition to these vehicles was the AFMG-1 "Magebreaker," a devastating weapon system armed with thousands of .50 Calibre mithril-tipped rounds, specifically designed to pierce magical defenses and obliterate enemy forces.

The engines continued to hum and rumble as these vehicles started to gain enough traction for it to heat up, which is required so that the engines wouldn't suffer from failure and malfunction because of cold and from the freezing temperature from the open ocean.

Upon waiting for quite a while, the alarms blared and signaled the start of the operation. Soon, the massive door at the ship's stern groaned as it lowered and revealed the dark churning waters beyond.

As the alarms were blaring, the amphibious vehicles' engines revved with renewed vigor as they moved forward and descended into the ocean. Once afloat, powerful water jets at the rear propelled them forward with astonishing speed, while spinning tracks provided additional thrust and maneuverability.

To minimize their exposure and reduce the risk of enemy fire, the vehicles rode low in the water, their silhouettes barely visible against the waves. This tactical adjustment significantly improved their survivability during amphibious assaults.

Each vehicle was capable of carrying up to 20 personnel, typically a crew of 6 operators and 14 marines. Though they could be packed with more passengers in emergencies, such overcrowding posed a grave risk, if the vehicle were to sink, the loss of life would be catastrophic.

Across the turbulent sea, dozens, perhaps hundreds, of amphibious vehicles were traversing the open sea with their hulls battered by towering waves. The ocean seemed intent on swallowing them whole, but knowing full well the dangers of the open sea, the crew of the vehicles roared forward with their intended target which was the beachhead of the enemy outpost.

As the amphibious assault began, the thunderous barrage from the Austronesian Liberation Navy's large-calibre guns and cannons stopped firing to clear the way for the landing of its invasion force.

The vehicles advanced several kilometers into the ocean, feeling their progress steady despite the relentless push and pull of the waves.

Crew members, braving the salty spray, opened the hatches on top of their vehicles and looked through binoculars toward the distant shore.

The beachhead appeared relatively undefended, all thanks to the earlier nuclear strike. Though the island itself endured, the strike had left its defenders scattered and weakened.

But as they scanned the shoreline again, their curiosity turned to astonishment. For the first time outside the confines of their homeland, or the screens of television, they witnessed beings they had only read about in fantasy books. Elves.

These creatures, with their long, sharp ears and vibrant features, were unmistakably otherworldly.

For the first time in their lives, they would be discovering many other races from the mythologies of their past world which was Earth.

They were fascinated by its existence, but it quickly blurred as the fact that these people discriminate against other races and even in their own kind exist a caste system, so they faced and moved forward with extreme determination.

There was no room for wonder in the face of their mission. The vehicles powered through the waves, their engines roaring, and the crews readied their weapons.

As the beachhead came into clearer view, the gunners manning the AFMG-1 "Magebreakers" opened fire and unleashed a hailstorm of mithril-tipped rounds. Though the shots rarely hit their distant targets, the suppressive fire sowed chaos among the defenders and threw their formations into disarray.

While they were handling the magical machine gun, a second crew member emerged from each vehicle's hatch and observed the battlefield through binoculars to see the beachhead was now crawling with enemies.

While they were observing, they were also providing directional instructions to the gunner in front to improve the accuracy of their fire.

Now looking at the binoculars, they were able to observe that the sound of the machine guns and the shots that were landin around them transformed the already chaotic beachhead into an even greater mess, giving the attackers hope that their landing would go unchallenged.

Surely, with this chaotic mess that is called a defensive formation, would it make way to provide enough time for the amphibious vehicle to land right?

No!

Just at that moment, a high-speed ball of fire moved from the beachhead and the fiery projectile streaked through the air, its trajectory unerringly toward one of the amphibious vehicles. The crew barely had time to react before the fireball struck its target.

BOOOOOM!!!

A deafening explosion shattered the assault's momentum. Flames erupted skyward, towering as high as the clouds and consumed everything within a 20-meter radius. The amphibious vehicle, once a symbol of strength, was now a burning wreck sinking into the depths of the sea.

The remaining crews watched in stunned silence as the inferno subsided, leaving nothing but charred remnants and rising smoke.

Twenty lives, crew and marines alike, had been lost in an instant, and their vehicle sank into the abyss along with their hopes of survival.

They were all dead.

The brutal reality of the invasion set in. The risk of death had risen dramatically, but there was no turning back. The assault would continue, no matter the cost.

The mission had grown far more dangerous after witnessing the devastating power of the enemy. With no room for error, the crew members pinned their hopes on the drivers of the amphibious vehicles, who now carried the weight of their survival.

Feeling the immense responsibility of the lives of its crew members, the drivers abandoned their earlier linear formation and maneuvered in a disorderly fashion to reduce the likelihood of being struck by enemy fire by an astronomical value.

The loss of a single vehicle had raised the stakes considerably, igniting a fierce determination among the marines and operators. Blood had already been spilled and there was no turning back now at this point.

To improve their chances of survival, the gunners and spotters with binoculars doubled down on their efforts by scanning for vulnerable points in the enemy defenses. But with the vehicles weaving unpredictably, maintaining stable firing positions became a daunting challenge. Constantly adjusting their aim, the gunners fought to keep their targets in sight as the vehicles moved forward.

Suddenly, a massive high-speed magical arrow tore through the air and waltzed past the convoy, luckily none of them were hit.

It was only the first in a series of magical attacks as another one came and another one after another, ranging from [Fireballs], [Water Bullets], [Earth Spikes], [Wind Blades], to more, each faster and deadlier than the last.

The increasing barrage tested the gunners' skill and endurance as they struggled to fire back effectively in the middle of the chaos.

Then disaster struck again when a bolt of magical lightning, crackling with immense power, slammed into one of the vehicles just as it nears the shore. The resulting explosion sent flames and debris soaring into the sky and was thrown adrift into the sea, claiming another 20 lives.

Despite the mounting losses, the convoy pressed on while marines braced themselves for the hardest part: landing ashore.

Stories of the harrowing battle at Omaha Beach, the marines knew the dangers but they steeled themselves for what lay ahead. The vehicles would not stop as they had to disembark under fire and engage the enemy immediately and provide supporting fire as soon as possible.

As the convoy approached the beachhead, now just a few hundred meters away, were now able to shoot at a stable rate, being able to fire accurately while the vehicles wiggled around.

But at the same time, the enemy's accuracy improved as well as explosions were happening all around the shoreline, throwing seawater and sand into the air.

Finally, within mere dozens of meters of the shore, the vehicles entered shallow waters. The rear doors of the amphibious vehicles slammed open, and the marines began leaping out while the vehicles sped forward.

Years of intense training paid off as they landed on their feet and advanced toward the beach in tight formations with their assault rifles at their hands while continuously firing it.

In each team, the commanders and three other marines led the charge, wielding advanced magical weapons like the AF-1 "Magelock" and AF-2 "Magespitter" magic rifles. Some wore the imposing MK-I armor, designed to withstand both conventional and magical attacks. Meanwhile, ten other marines in their rear only possessed conventional guns and equipment due to the limited amount of magical weapons.

Sooner than later, the amount of defenders were dropping like flies. Running out of a source of their magic, their ranks thinned under the assault. Inch by inch, the marines and their amphibious support vehicles gained ground and pushed through the enemy's chaotic defenses.

After a while the defenders finally abandoned their position and retreated into the forest behind them.

Finally, the defenders broke. They abandoned their position and retreated into the dense forest beyond the beachhead, leaving the shoreline in the Austronesians' hands.

The beach was won, but at a heavy cost.

The victory was bittersweet. The Austronesians had lost hundreds of lives, as they were taken aback by the power of the enemy, because many of their lack of understanding of magical combat is painfully evident.

Though they had won and claimed a foothold, for them it was a setback and a sobering reminder of the challenges ahead. This was only the beginning of their war against magic, and much remained to be learned.

*

*

*

*

*

A/n: I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter!

Music Credits: Night at the Naval Port Jasmine Flowers NiPa Hut