Izumo-css Destroyer, United Nations Fleet

  Inside the Izumo's cabin, a row of polished tables is arranged facing each other, elegantly set for the reception of the Qua Toyne delegation on board. Two sides confront each other, with fgs borrowed from naval vessels – one side dispys the fg of Qua Toyne, while the other showcases the fgs of the United States, Japan, and the United Nations. The representatives from both sides exchange gnces, and the American side initiates the introductions.

  Ambassador Chavez speaks up, "Allow me to reintroduce myself. I am Rudolf Chavez, the diplomatic representative of the United Nations of the United States."

  Following him, Ambassador Tatsuya adds, "I am Tatsuya Kawahara, representing Japan."

  Prime Minister Katana interjects, "I am Katana, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Qua Toyne. Pleasure to meet you all," shaking hands with the Earth representatives.

  Ambassadors and diplomats are surprised to notice that Kanata has elf-like ears, but they don't pay it much attention. With the presence of Prime Minister Kanata and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Rinsui, the military personnel in formal uniforms escort them to their seats. On the Japanese and American side, Ambassador Rahm Emmanuel and Ambassador Chavez begin to sit down, observed by a dozen media outlets. Ambassador Emmanuel is appointed by the U.S. for this diplomatic mission.

  Ambassador Emmanuel speaks first, "To commence our diplomatic exchange, both sides will share the current state of their nations, providing basic information about your countries. Do you agree to this, Prime Minister Kanata?"

  Kanata nods and replies, "Certainly, we will provide within the bounds of what we can share with you."

  Ambassador Emmanuel hands over documents containing information about the United States, Japan, and the United Nations, transted into Hebrew. Qua Toyne also presents basic documents about their country. As soon as Kanata takes hold of the papers, he notices the elegance and perfection of the document he's holding, the astonishing precision of the characters. On it is the fg of the United Nations of the United States with 50 white stars and five red horizontal stripes. He begins to examine it closely.

  United States of America

  Capital: Washington DC

  Popution: 331.9 million people

  Currency: US Dolr

  Economy:

  - GDP (Gross Domestic Product): 23.34 trillion USD

  - GDP PPP (Purchasing Power Parity): 25.347 trillion USD

  - Exports: 167 billion USD

  - Imports: 246 billion USD

  =========================

  United States Armed Forces:

  - Service branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, and Coast Guard

  - Annual military budget: 877 billion USD

  - Active-duty military personnel: 1.4 million

  - Reserve military personnel: 190,000*

  - Aircraft: 13,300 units of various types

  - Warships: 484 units of various types

  - Armored fighting vehicles: 303,553*

  The United States, as a global superpower, maintains its position both economically and militarily, projecting influence on the international stage. These statistics are a testament to the nation's prowess and commitment to safeguarding its interests and promoting peace.

  Brief overview may seem straightforward as Americans and Japanese made it easy for newcomers to understand. Kanata and Rinsui initially found it challenging to grasp Earthlings' terminology, but soon they realized and marveled at the statistics of the country called the United States. The figures reached astronomical levels even though they had no idea about the value of their USD and military branches like the Space Force and Marine Corps, and combat vehicles and aircraft, but they paid attention to the navy. Especially, the popution of the United States surpassed even the Holy Mirishial superpower. Rinsui excimed,

  "These numbers... it's absurd, isn't it? How can a country have such enormous commerce and military power?!"

  Ambassador Emmanuel was not surprised when Rinsui asked this question; he promptly responded, "It's a long and arduous process for us. The achievements we have today are thanks to the efforts of previous generations."

  Additionally, Kanata was skeptical that Earthlings wouldn't show them their location on the information sheet. He asked, "If it's not too much trouble, could you show us your location on the map?"

  Ambassador Emmanuel bluntly replied, "It's a directive from higher-ups for security reasons, so unfortunately, we can't disclose your location." Kanata seemed disappointed not to know their position.

  After hearing the ambassador's response, Rinsui brushed it off and persistently asked, "So, does Japan also have figures like these?" in an impatient tone, leaving Kanata dismayed with the attitude.

  Diplomat Tatsuya responded with an unpleasant tone, "...No, sir, if you don't mind, you can read this document about Japan," then handed the paper containing information about Japan. Rinsui took it immediately and read it alongside Kanata. On it was a fg with a red dot in the center on a white background.

  Japan

  Japan is a system-based nation, composed of 6,852 isnds stretching along the Pacific coast of Asia.

  Actual capital: TokyoPopution: 125.7 million peopleCurrency: Japanese Yen

  =========

  Economy: Ranked #3 - GDP (Gross Domestic Product): 4.941 trillion USD- GDP PPP (Purchasing Power Parity): 5.7 trillion USD- Exports: 731 billion USD- Imports: 700 billion USD

  =========

  "The Japanese Military Forces has been disbanded."

  Due to Japan not having a military, the information document does not mention that, and the Qua Toyne representatives pay attention to this issue. Rinsui is surprised that Japan, a country without a military, surpasses Holy Mirishial in popution and has such exaggerated statistics. Finding this unusual, they inquire:

  "Hmm... is this document missing information? Why does Japan only have a defense force instead of a military?"

  Diplomat Tatsuya responds, "It's because our people genuinely desire an international peace ptform based on justice and order and refrain from unching wars. Therefore, Japan has never developed an army, navy, or any other war equipment for invasion purposes."

  Kanata asks Ambassador Emmanuel, "So, how many members does your United Nations organization have, and what is the total popution, if you don't mind answering this question?"

  Emmanuel promptly responds, "There are a total of 193 countries, and most of the 8 billion people on our Earth have been transported to this world, a phenomenon that we find perplexing."

  Kanata and Rinsui are shocked by the answer. They have to calm down because never witnessed such a significant event where 8 billion people from 193 countries suddenly appear from nowhere. If they had been here for a while, the Elysians might know who they are. Kanata curiously asks:

  "Do all countries here are ruled by humans?"

  Ambassador Chavez answers, "Yes, most countries are managed by humans. However, I wonder why you care about this issue?"

  Kanata responds, "I want to know why individuals and other races don't govern their own countries but leave it to humans?"

  Ambassador Chavez is taken aback by Kanata's question but replies, "Hmm... indeed, only humans, as we know on our homeworld, unless we consider skin color... other individuals or races can only be mythical creatures created by our imagination. Does what you say mean this world has hybrid beings and mythical races??" he asks to confirm that Prime Minister Kanata is not joking with them.

  Kanata and Rinsui are surprised because, in their world, there are no mythical races, only humans. "Exactly, here we have diverse races like beastfolk, spirits, or dragons, and many other mythical races..."

  Ambassador Chavez responds, "It's fascinating to hear that from you. Anyway, we need information about your country." Prime Minister Kanata nods, and he asks Rinsui to hand over the information document about their country to the Earth representatives. Ambassador Emmanuel raises the information document, which seems a bit worn and yellowish. Kanata apologizes:

  "Sorry for letting you hold that document; we didn't intend to offend you in any way."

  Ambassador Tatsuya understands Kanata's intention and replies, "It's okay; you don't have to worry about it." Ambassador Emmanuel then begins to skim through the information in it.

  Principality of Qua-Toyne

  Capital: City of Qua-ToynePopution: 13.4 million peopleCurrency: Principro (Principality Dolr)

  =========

  Commerce- Agricultural: 28 million metric tons of food- Trade: 136 thousand metric tons of food

  =========

  - Ground Forces: Infantry, knight, Archer- Navy Forces: Wooden ships, ship of the line- Air Forces: Dragon Knights Brigade*

  After finishing the documents, he felt blurry about the information regarding the country of Qua-Toyne. They focused only on agriculture, and their military was covered as if it were a national defense secret. What he didn't know was the history of the formation of this nation. He asked Kanata,

  "What is the history of your country?"

  Kanata hesitated for a moment and replied, "Our country was formed when the Ravernal Empire used magic to withdraw from this world, and we rose to independence from them." Emmanuel was quite intrigued by the Ravernal Empire; they could vanish as if they were extraterrestrial, especially the magic part. However, he wasn't entirely surprised. He continued to ask,

  "Do you have retions with any other countries?"

  Rinsui answered, "Yes, we have hostile retions with the neighboring human nation of Louria, and our allies are the country of Qui in the war against them. Besides, we have retions with several countries in the third civilization zone of the Phides continent to the east." Emmanuel was puzzled by the term "civilization zone" and asked Rinsui about it.

  "What do you mean by the civilization zone? We are new to this."

  Rinsui replied straightforwardly, "It is the distinction between countries in the region. The first civilization zone has a world-leading power, Holy Mirishial, with advanced technology. Mu, the second zone, is a region with Mu as a superpower just behind Mirishial. The third zone is the Parpaldia Empire, seemingly inferior to those two giants, and we are outside their civilized regions."

  The ambassadors and diplomats were surprised by this information. The zones were numbered in order and distinguished by technological advancement rather than being named. At this point, Rinsui suddenly realized an unresolved issue and spoke up,

  "Are you the ones who attacked us st night?! Iron dragons took the lives of our dragon knights from the kingdom!"

  Everyone became surprised. The ambassadors and diplomats frowned and immediately responded,

  "Is this a misunderstanding on your part? Our forces just arrived here today; there is no way we attacked you. There must be a mix-up here."

  The people from Earth looked at each other. Emmanuel and everyone understood that only India had the capability to raid the Principality of Qua-Toyne. Because of their proximity to the Rodenius continent, there was little evidence to accuse them. From there, they realized the power of this civilization, a suspicion from the beginning that few paid attention to.

  "The issue of your countries will be discussed in the United Nations, and the country that attacked your nation will be addressed for resolution between the two parties after we establish full diplomatic retions." Rinsui quickly calmed down from then. Seeing that, Emmanuel continued the diplomacy,

  "As for the economic part, regarding the issue of your country, the establishment of our U.S. embassy in your nd will be carried out after your country meets the necessary infrastructure conditions."

  Kanata asked more about the infrastructure, "What do you want us to do to meet the infrastructure conditions?"

  Emmanuel responded directly, "Your country cks the tools for us to travel and trade with your nd, such as military ports that are too small, only suitable for small and medium-sized ships. It's difficult for our rge ships to access trade and transportation, which would waste time and increase the transportation cost of your country's food. Also, your country's road traffic is satisfactory." He then showed images of gigantic cargo ships on the computer. Rinsui and Kanata were both amazed by its colossal size in the picture.

  Kanata felt a sense of injustice, and the Prime Minister spoke up, "The reason we can't meet the requirements is that we ck the technology for constructing structures of this magnitude, such as Maihark port. We are not a superpower."

  Ambassador Emmanuel knew he had opened up an opportunity; he replied, "In that case, we, the people of Earth, will invest in infrastructure for you. However, we will use the common currency, USD. But the monetary issue will be overlooked if we know the exchange rate of Principro."

  Kanata brightened at the first agreement, but he remained cautious, "Impossible! It's strange that you don't seek a deal favorable to you! So, your common currency is called USD? Yet, Principro's currency cannot be exchanged because of its intrinsic value."

  Ambassador Emmanuel responded, "If your currency is coins, you should consider transitioning to paper money. In our community, we exchange using paper money. You don't need to worry about counterfeiting; we can assist you with paper currency issues."

  Prime Minister Kanata excimed, "It's truly miraculous to see paper currency circuting in your country."

  Diplomat Tatsuya spoke up, "In that case, you can join the United Nations and our global economic organization. It might take a few months for your acceptance, and Principro's currency will start from the lowest denomination. Proving its value will make economic activities easier for you." Kanata was about to agree, but Ambassador Emmanuel intervened,

  "Before Qua Toyne is allowed into the United Nations, we want to see goodwill supporting peace and opposition to conflicts, your war against international issues moving forward." He then presented a treaty and a pen. Kanata had to sign the agreement to join the United Nations and other organizations.

  "If our country is invaded, will you be willing to help us?"

  Ambassador Emmanuel replied, "We cannot guarantee our willingness to help you. If Qua Toyne becomes a member of the United Nations, things will be different," with a straightforward tone.

  The Prime Minister was somewhat disappointed, but he didn't hesitate to sign an agreement beneficial to him. Although he knew Louria was preparing for war in a few months, he believed in these new people to help his country. Ambassador Emmanuel extended an invitation to Kanata,

  "If you're free, would you mind to visit us in future?"

  Facing the proposal, Kanata couldn't refuse, "Although we cannot go ourselves, we will send diplomats to visit United Nations countries."

  Ambassador Emmanuel nodded and said, "Then we will send you the schedule ter. Now, we need a communication channel. Due to security concerns, we need to explore this further. Also, it's important to note that we cannot establish an embassy in Qua Toyne yet."

  Kanata wondered, "So, do you think there's a way for us to stay in touch?"

  Ambassador Emmanuel said, "Regarding that issue, we will devise a pn to facilitate early communication between the two sides. We hope you understand." Although it would take some time for these people to help them, Prime Minister Kanata hoped that the lower-ranking members of his team would harvest sweet fruits from this journey. Ambassador Emmanuel knew there were many topics left to discuss, but that was for the future.

  Emmanuel and Ambassador Chavez with Tatsuya stood up, and Emmanuel said, "That is what we achieved in this establishment. We, humans, are honored to establish ties with you," and the human diplomats extended their hands, as at the beginning of the meeting.

  Kanata and Rinsui stood up and replied, "We are truly gd to establish diplomacy with you," with a smile, quickly shaking hands with Ambassador Emmanuel. Then the media cameras started fshing, capturing the historic moment of the first encounter between Earthlings and extraterrestrial beings. The people of Qua Toyne shielded their faces from the brightness of the cameras. Ambassador Emmanuel and Diplomat Tatsuya went to the prepared podium; Prime Minister Kanata was led to the ptform where the Qua Toyne fg and the fgs of the United States and Japan, along with the UN fg, were dispyed.

  Ambassador Emmanuel decred, "Today will mark the greatest milestone in the history of humankind. It signifies the first time humans and extraterrestrial beings have met and interacted. Today, the United Nations United States and Japan, based on the UN Charter, have established diplomatic retions with an extraterrestrial nation—Principality of Qua Toyne.

  All three nations have passed significant agreements in trade, commerce, and education. Due to the technological gap between Qua Toyne and the United States and Japan, we will support Qua Toyne in building infrastructure and technological development. All three parties agree to seriously enforce policies to protect human rights and ensure human rights. We hope all three parties will have a good retionship."

  Naval Base Kitsap, Inside the Command Tent

  As the CIA team entered the command tent, they encountered an FBI operative. The operative welcomed them with a mocking tone, "Well, well, what could possibly make the CIA so uneasy that they bring along SAC personnel? They should be out in the field gathering intelligence instead of causing a mess here."

  Reyes' team frowned. Cirilo Virgen confidently retorted, "We're just here to clean up the mess caused by you and the NSA. If you didn't stir up this damn pce, we wouldn't have to drag SAC agents along," gesturing towards the chaotic tent with scattered documents and a few NSA and FBI personnel. The FBI operative chuckled and said

  "Do you believe that general of yours? Anyway, looking for the New Worlders, right? They're in the room next door. By the way, I'm Special Agent Karl Tran, in command here," saying this, Agent Tran shook hands with Virgen and Reyes, then gestured towards the tent connected to theirs. On the other side was people dressed from the 20th century, enjoying military-issued food. Alfie Reid instructed the SAC agents to leave. The room became quieter. Agent Alfie Reid spoke up, "I presume you've gathered quite a bit of information by now?" in a calm tone.

  The FBI guy responded, "Well... a lot has happened. They cim to be from a country called Mu, an industrialized nation. Not entirely sure because they talk about having some countries under them in a civilization of magic. We checked their backgrounds and attitudes. All of them are sailors, with only two being former navy, and they seem quite surprised by our creations like the Arleigh Burke or Nimitz." Alfie and Cirilo found themselves intrigued by these individuals. Cirilo Virgen excitedly responded, "God damnit, have we been transported to a fantasy world? What does your FBI know about these magical nations?"

  Agent Tran replied, "We haven't initiated an interrogation on that topic yet. Maybe you should give it a try first," handing Alfie a basic information sheet about the sailors. Faced with this situation, Alfie Reid and Cirilo Virgen concurred on the interrogation.

  Subsequently, the two entered the tent next door. Before them were bearded men mostly resembling Europeans, and there were two guards at the room entrance. The room had 17 beds for the Muan people and a few empty beds. Cirilo Virgen looked around and wondered, "Who should we interrogate first?"

  "I suggest we talk to the captain rather than the sailors; he seems to have experience with these nations, that's my estimation," Alfie proposed. Cirilo agreed with Alfie's suggestion. The two sent a soldier to escort the ship's captain to the interrogation room. When the man saw the soldier approaching, he asked, "What else do you want me to be? I need to sleep; today has been exhausting." gnced with dull eyes

  Soldier responded, "I need you to come with me to the interrogation room. If you don't cooperate, I'll have to resort to force to bring you in. I hope that won't be your choice." The man hesitated for a moment, reluctantly accepted, and entered the interrogation room, where Alfie Reid and Cirilo Virgen were waiting. When he walked in and sat across from the two CIA agents, there was no need for a transtor as they shared the same nguage. The room was not dimly lit and had only three chairs and a desk with a computer. Alfie whispered to Cirilo Virgen before the ship's captain's gaze.

  "How should we interrogate him?"

  "Torture isn't my style; we should handle him gently as pnned," Cirilo suggested. The two then turned their attention to the ship's captain. Cirilo began, "Good evening, Captain Robert Tourneur. We need to have a conversation with you about some matters that we find intriguing," with a cheerful tone.

  Captain Robert Tourneur calmly responded, "Alright then... speak, young man."Alfie asked, "Could you tell us about your military capabilities? Does Mu have tanks, jet pnes, and submarines?" The question puzzled Robert Tourneur.

  "Tanks? Jet pnes? Submarines? What are you talking about? Why would you be interested in our military hardware? And jet pnes, submarines? I don't understand what you're saying." Saying this, Agent Reyes handed a tablet containing videos of tanks, jet pnes, and submarines to Captain Tourneur. The video shocked Tourneur. He responded to the two agents, "What you've shown me is beyond our understanding, and our current knowledge cannot produce such things.

  While Mu may not have magic, we are confident that our propeller-driven airpnes and surface fleet are more than capable of competing with the armored battleships of Mirishial, making us the second-strongest nation after the Holy Empire of Mirishial." Before this answer, Alfie and Cirilo realized that this nation of Mu had no tanks and submarines, only regur propeller-driven airpnes. Satellite observations only showed battleships from World War I and bipne aircraft. And they were considered the second-strongest nation after the Holy Empire of Mirishial. Alfie made notes and moved on to the next question.

  "What is the retionship between Mu and Mirishial? We need detailed information."Captain Tourneur replied, "Although we normalized retions a decade ago, we still confront each other due to differences in technology and magic." Continuing, Alfie delved into the Holy Empire of Mirishial. "What do you know about Mirishial? Politically, militarily, culturally...?"

  The captain pondered for a moment and replied, "The capital of Mirishial is Runepolis, headed by the eighth emperor of Mirishial, located in the region with the most advanced civilization and a nation that worships holy deities. The majority of the popution is elves, and their military leads the world with propeller-less airpnes and colossal armored battleships. Although I don't know the extent of your capabilities, don't turn them into enemies of your nation, even if you possess steel ships like theirs." This would change when Elysia learns the current technology of Earth's humans. Alfie turned to Cirilo and whispered.

  "Based on satellite images, I can analyze that this country is only at the stage after World War II and the beginning of the Cold War. Their battleships don't have VLS, and there are no submarines in their fleet. Maybe they have different ship designs and strategies from ours."Cirilo, with a twisted face, replied, "I wonder if they follow Earth's tactics or rely on other supernatural abilities to change the strategy of this world. Anyway, we're about to have enough information; we can't expect much from a captain about to retire." The two started to return to the conversation with the captain, who paid no attention to their private conversation. Alfie began to ask again.

  "How many stages of technological development has your nation gone through since when? Details if you can."

  Captain Robert Tourneur said, "Since we abandoned gunpowder, it could be about 120 years ago. Since then, we Muan people have focused on technology. What we've achieved today, like the Marin propeller-driven airpne and the La Kasami battleship, is a source of pride." The captain was not shy about boasting the achievements of the Mu nation and demonstrated his understanding. Seeing this, Alfie and Cirilo smiled, which made the captain curious.

  "What's amusing, gentlemen?"Cirilo Virgen responded, "Of course not. We have one final question for you." The captain, in a half-asleep and half-awake state, said."Speak, I'll answer right away."

  Taking a deep breath, Cirilo Virgen asked, "Has your nation ever experienced a shift?"The question puzzled the captain. He replied, "I don't know what you're talking about, but the notion of a nation shifting only exists in the mythical tales of our country."

  After hearing the answer, the two felt a bit disappointed with his response, hoping for a more satisfying answer. Nevertheless, they moved on, and Alfie replied.

  "Well... thank you for cooperating with us. Have a good evening." The soldier then began to escort the captain out. Left alone in the room, Alfie started sending the gathered information and audio recordings from the captain to the higher-ups. They began to leave the tent after their retively short interrogation. Cirilo felt bored.

  "We could have gotten more information if it weren't for that damn order."Alfie nodded in agreement, "Anyway, that's a higher-up directive. It seems they are more focused on Mirishial than I thought."

  On the other side, Director William J. Burn read the report sent by the two. He silently thought,"A considerable amount of useful information gathered in a day. I need to send these urgently to the Pentagon. We need to gain an advantage over Russia, China, Iran, and the other countries."In contrast to the global crisis, it brought immense potential and advantages for the major powers in the face of the transition to a rger pnet. Major powers were beginning to engage in a race to establish their positions in this new world.