After making the call at the his home office, President Dmitri Gorshkov sleepily went back to his room, however, before he can reach out the door to his room, he was blocked by a lady with long black hair.
"Papa, have you called the Chinese President already?" the lady asked
"Zasha, darling, I just made threats for war to the President for your amusement... now go back to your room and play games or whatever, unlike you, I need to work early tomorrow..." President Dmitri held her face softly and then tried to open the knob, as it turned, he started to step inside.
However, once again, his daughter Zasha stepped in front of the door and asked.
"And?.... Did he say he'll stop looking into my friend business?" Zasha asked while holding her waists.
"Yes, now please let me through... I'll fall asleep here in the doorway if you don't let me pass."
"One last thing... did you say the line I told you about "fate"?" Zasha asked again.
"Yes, yes.. now go away..." President Dmitri said gesturing her to step aside.
"Thanks! Papa! you're the best!" Zasha said and then kissed her father's cheeks before letting him go.
After President Dmitri went back to his bed and lied down next to his wife to continue his sleep, Zasha went back into her room giddily like a child. When the presidential security service saw her springing about as she passed by, they shook their heads.
People wouldn't expect that this 19-year old Russian woman who always walked haughtily in public would be this laid back at home. Zasha Gorshkov, the first daughter of Russia has been doted on by her father since young.
Being the only child of the presidential family, even her mother could do nothing about it when she rants about things that she wants, one may say that she is a perfect example of a spoiled brat.
As she went back to her room, she closed the door, took out her phone then pulled up an older gaming forum from her browser as she typed in and posted her message.
"RedRidingHood12: Just finished de-buffing the Tao Tei. Will be jumping in, @Admin00 ask Pythagoras to send me additional quest rewards asap."
After a few seconds of posting, another one showed up beneath hers.
"MapleTree08: debuffed Taotei as well. Hey @RedRidingHood12 meet up at pub. @Admin00 ask Pythagoras additional quest reward as well."
After the two posts appeared another one showed up.
"Admin00: Tao Tei has released aggro, others are already at rally point. @RedRidingHood12; @MapleTree08 expect delays for message due to technical issues. Initial Quest reward had been sent."
Seeing her post addressed, she checked her phone app "Selas to RMT tracker" and waited a bit until she saw 100,000 Selas had been added in the "View Last Transactions" tab. Zasha then closed her phone, started to undress and went back in the IFDVR Capsule.
When she came back in the game she woke up at a room in an Inn, after stretching her body a bit and putting her pack and equipment, she went downstairs to the pub.
The Pub is called "Raval Nur", unlike other pubs in the outskirts of the Kingdom of Reissen's Main city , this pub was owned by players and not by locals or "NPC's".
The "Raval Nur" pub is a bit special as it requires "Membership" to access and only specific players are allowed inside, aside from that, all the staff were players as well. High-leveled players in fact.
"Zasha, we've been waiting"
"Sorry Ruby, I just wanted to make sure I had my Selas credited first on my account before logging in." Zasha replied while smiling
Ruby was seated in a large circular table that has 15 seats. Thirteen of the seats had already been occupied including Ruby. These players are a bit unique as they are either the sons or daughters of the heads of different countries on Earth.
To name them:
Switzerland - Lena Meier
Japan - Kawamoto Katsumi
England - Beau Pearson
China - Xiu Chao
India - Vivaan Patel
France - Adrien Auclair
US - George Sutton
Germany - Simon Frei
Australia - Alicia Sanford
Canada - Ruby Edwards
Italy - Dafne Ricci
Brazil - Clara Alves
Russia -Zasha Gorshkov
Spain - Ramon Cordova
Xiu Chao spoke as he said. "Your parents gave my Dad quite the scare... Ha!Ha!Ha!.. I was there after he called the Defense Minister, my old man was sweating bullets."
"You should at least empathize with your Father Xiu Chao... It's not everyday that you'd receive calls from different countries demanding to put a stop on their Intelligence Agency in meddling on some trivial matters... Besides, I thought the Chinese take honor in filial piety?" Alicia said.
"They do, its just that Xiu Chao is a bit eccentric, so to speak." Simon added.
"Anyway, how's Zhang Shan? Any news on him?" George asked as started unrolling a scroll and a taking out a makeshift pen , the others started to oull out theirs as well from their packs.
"Last I heard, our Intelligence Division from Spain mentioned that Leito has met up with Scarlette and will be going to the village of Vinkarra." Ramon answered.
"How about everyone's "Fate Engineer Divisions?" have they completed their training? Mine had and this war would be the perfect training ground for them." Zasha asked
"Mine is still working out a few maneuvers but we should be ready once the Kingdom Alliance engage the Royal Demons." Vivaan raised his hand and spoke while the others nodded at Zasha stating that theirs are ready.
Adrien then raised his hand and then spoke "My research division had completed a few more artifacts to help us out in completing our quests."
Vivaan nodded as he said "Hopefully it's not as lewd as Leito's "Signal Thrower" my research division felt uneasy when making ours. The only thing each research division needs at this time are the "Crystal Cores" from the "Babel Towers" to be completed."
"Garam is leading out the quest for the "time mage's" location as everyone agreed earlier, it seemed he's also "reeling in" another Sylvannas Pantheon Watch List in our ranks." Vivaan added.
"Who is it?" Dafne asked
"It's the Mad Alchemist, Vanessa Dobson of USA" Vivaan answered.
"I want her on my research division, tell Garam to have her escorted to the Kingdom of Falmoor after they are done with the quest" Dafne added.
"How are the trade efforts and logistics going on each area? Make sure to complie a report before Scarlette arrives at Vinkarra." Beau asked
Everyone nodded to confirm. George then asked.
"Scarlette has mentioned that the GAIA chips had been mass produced... Anyone interested?"
Everone was silent until a hand shoot up and said
"I'll crossover, but only after I see Zhang Shan, I'm not sure if he's okay with it since we have yet to complete our master list." Lena said.
Katsumi raised her hand and answered Lena.
"Wouldn't Pythagoras feel that it's unnecessary at this time? Although we already know that Gaea is real, wouldn't he need us here to make things run smoothly?"
"Well, there's still eleven of you here and a fee more coming in a year or so... I don't think he'll mind though." Lena said.
Katsumi harrumphed and said "Whatever, just don't come crying back if Pythagoras reprimands you."
Lena nodded as she kept silent.
"Well, that would only work if we have the chips... I'll make arrangements with my "Fate Engineering Division" in Beijing" Xiu Chao said.
After which, the group started to discuss how to proceed with the war. They made it to a point not to interfere too much and only work on testing how much effective are their "Fate Engineering Division" teams.
They considered the upcoming war as a training ground for future endeavors. They also discussed about the current economic status and trade volume expectations for each Kingdom.
These guys aren't exactly doing this for the first time, there had been multiple games that they have been doing these practice sessions as reference. It was extremely enticing when they heard about "ARC" a year ago and informed Zhang Shan about it the first time they heard of the game.
Zhang Shan was interested too but declined to join the first batch for various reasons. It was through different games that they met Zhang Shan and through his efforts created this group.
They mostly discuss and communicate with an older gaming forum managed by Lena's Communications Division. Now that they knew that Gaea is real, their interests had intensified to the point that they have been holding meetings and have been neglecting Leveling up for the past few days.
They only had to stop for a while due to a report submitted by Xiu Chao's "Intelligence Division" in China, they reported that the number of people trying to access Zhang Shans records and history had spiked in an upward trend for the past few hours which was an unusual for the Ministry of State Security's "Cyber Division".
Every now and then, one of them would log off to communicate on Earth with their divisions or pass messages for plans and movement in Gaea as it would be faster than travelling to different Kingdoms.
Unlike Game Masters, staff and teams, they couldn't transfer to different Avatars. That privilege was for HIVE NEURAL TECH employees alone, as such, they have to make do with such tedious work around.
By the end of the meeting, Clara spoke.
"As we end this session, make sure to remind your divisions that we are not aiming to win this war nor support any sides. as long as the positive feedback is identified from theses quests, they can retreat to their respective territories."
Everyone nodded and started standing up and leaving the Pub, only the bartender from the staff remained inside cleaning a few glasses while the other staff followed their respective leaders.
.....
On the central side of the Kingdom, it had been quite busy and was bustling with activities, Royalty from different Kingdoms have arrived and started to converge to the Main Hall of the Castle.
General Mu Zheng arrived at the main hall in a different Avatar. He came out from one of the GM stations in the city and headed directly to the Main Hall.
It was already night when every King and Queen of the Kingdom Alliances's members were accounted for. Some were new faces while others have been recently replaced by their Kingdoms War Commanders.
A while later, The King of Reissen appeared and welcomed everybody as she introduced Queen Mirlana of Sylvannas.
"I thank, everyone for coming here, more so the newly appointed Kings and the Immortal Foreigners. Before we proceed, I would like to ask any one opposed to the "Second Call of the Order of Atrusca"?" After saying this, she showed the ring in her finger.
There was only silence after she spoke those words. She then continued.
"My father has entrusted me with this ring to lead everyone to battle as he is no longer capable of exhibiting his previous dominance in the battlefield. Some of the royalty here are also the same and I will not require you nor your family members to fight. Only your armies or your brethren capable of fighting would suffice...."
She paused and looked at the people at the hall and continued.
"The Immortal foreigners have agreed to assist us in exchange for three kingdoms to manage and develop...."
As she said this, murmurs and whispering started to sound out from the crowd yet she paid no attention to it.
"General Mu Zheng of the Kingdom of Ethralia is here to provide us insight on what has transpired so far."
After which, General Mu Zheng stood up from his seat and walked at the center.
"Noble Lords and ladies, Kings and Queens, I am General Mu Zheng, the Commander of the Immortal Army from Earth. Unlike previously when we had our misunderstanding and differences, I am here to provide the heartfelt assistance and worry of our race..." Mu Zheng spoke and paused.
King Rocas of Bartran stood up and said "How can you say that when you can't die? Aren't we on an unfair disadvantage?"
General Mu Zheng answered "Although we can be reborn in a different body every time we die, our immortality is limited and finite. We too share your concerns on death in the battlefield, though in a different degree, rest assured that our proposal will be fair and reasonable..."
"In example, right now, this body of mine is a normal one, any one of your men who have battle experience can kill me without much effort, but then again, doing so will raise my ire against you and your Kingdom." General Mu Zheng added.
King Rocas of Bartran sat back down to listen.
"Currently I have sent men in the cove near the Kingdom of Ethralia to observe the Royal Demons. They have yet to make further movements and seemed to be waiting for something. From afar, we can see that the sea has parted up to the seafloor creating a passable terrain... I have instructed a few groups of our race to create camps with varying distances to provide updates should there be movement."
"Our current battle plan is to have our immortal race to experience the first wave and onslaught of the Royal Demons. In case we are breached, the Armies of the three Kingdoms under our management will take the brunt of the attack while citizens are evacuated. After this, I am hoping that everyone's armies would then follow through with reinforcement until our Immortal armies could gather our forces back into the fray."
Queen Mirlana then spoke "General Mu Zheng, the Royal Demons do not have any history of breaching... They annihilate... and Consume"
General Mu Zheng then nodded and said "I apologize for my inexperience, rest assured that our race will ensure to fight to the last... that is in case we do fail... with this at the very least we can ensure the safety of all evacuation procedures."
"However, in case we do get an upper hand, we will ensure to push them back and ensure that they stay in the cove area."
" Our races merchants and mercenaries will be providing logistics and security detail for the war efforts, I will also station personnel on every Kingdom to relay important messages, please do heed their advise and recommendations."
"How can we be sure that you will not take this war as an opportunity to take over all kingdoms?" King Tristam of Reissen asked
General Mu Zheng paused and said "Unfortunately we can't say anything that would prove it to you. At best, you can just think of it as mutual dependency, I wouldn't take it against you in case you would add extra measures to safe guard your Kingdoms".
Everyone started murmuring again, when they did,, Queen Mirlana said.
"I have already discussed this with General Mu Zheng regarding the war decisions, we will still have autonomy when it comes to our military strategies at the back, while he takes the war front. In the instance that the worst case scenario does occur, we will pull back at the eastern part of the continent to preserve our forces. Without us and our resources, their facilities would also end up in ruins causing delayed resurrection for their race. That's one reason you can hold on to, for them to keep their end of our bargain."
Everyone stopped and stayed silent after hearing this, seemingly satisfied with the Queens decision.
"My Queen, I have a concern that I would need to raise..." King Ulran of Hal Toria raised his hand as he stood up.
Queen Mirlana nodded in acknowledgement.
King Ulran continued as he directed his question at General Mu Zheng.
"Right now, our City of Magic has experienced an unprecedented attack, our locals have been driven out while key figures of the city had been taken. It was said that it was done by Immortal foreigners by eye witnesses... I would like an explanation regarding this."
General Mu Zheng nodded and explained.
"Like your race, sometimes we also have people who tend to create chaos or discord. Rest assured that we are currently sending reinforcements to the City of Magic in your Kingdom. I promise you that your City will be back under your control..." General Mu Zheng then paused and continued
"For the locals that had been taken, I cannot assure their safety, as we still do not know their objectives, but if it is possible, we'll ensure that they are treated well should we find them and bring them back to the city as well."
King Ulran continued to ask "Do you not have complete control of your race?"
General Mu Zheng shook his head as he answered "When we came here, we not only brought military personnel, we also brought in civilians, we cannot control their behavior all the time, but we do impose penalties and justice for those that continue to break decorum and laws... We are truthfully trying to integrate into your society and way of living after all."
Everyone kept silent as they slowly understood what this cooperation would provide them with.
After General Mu Zheng's Speech, Queen Mirlana of Sylvannas continued to provide details of their plans. After a few hours, the meeting adjourned and everyone started to head back to their lodgings.
Queen Mirlana then continued to converse with General Mu Zheng about battle plans and she was impressed with the battle tactics he had provided her. She never heard of such cunning and ferocity. After which, before they parted, General Mu Zheng passed her a book which seemed to be crafted by their race. When she looked into the name of the book she asked.
"Who is Sun Tzu? Is he your commander?"
General Mu Zheng smiled and said "No, he is more of a leader in ancient times of our world. You could say that his view in battle tactics up until today can be considered very useful... Take this as a gift from one commander to another."
Queen Mirlana smiled and said
"I appreciate this gesture..."
General Mu Zheng then bowed and took his leave.
After General Mu Zheng left, Queen Mirlana went back to her lodging as well it was a tiring day for her and as such she changed to her evening gown.
After a while, she started moving her hands to her lower body.
What came next were soft seductive moans of a woman who had long missed the embrace of a man and his masculinity.
"Aaauuuhhhmmmm" "Uhmmmm"...
This continued for a while until she was satisfied and fell asleep, she then later woke up around dawn and then felt like reading the book given to her and started to read.
As she was reading in her study when she felt something amiss. She then started to slowly move her hands in her waist in a slow and natural manner to grab her daggers when she heard a voice next to ears.
"Move further and die..."
She stopped and paused as she asked.
"Did General Mu Zheng sent you?"
"We're not part of his... I mean you no harm... I'll move back so that you can turn slowly and we can talk..."
"Okay..." Queen Mirlana said
In half a breath, Queen Mirlana slowly turned around and saw a woman with black and short hair sitting on her bed and playing around with a knife. Queen Mirlana then asked.
"How did you get in here?"
"I slipped in..." she replied as she sheathed her knife back in her waist.
"I didn't feel you at all... You must have some skills.. May I ask since when?"
"Since last night before your return..." she said nonchalantly and smiled
"...." Queen Mirlana looked at her with eyes of fury and shame
"Don't worry though, I believe that it's normal for a woman to have urges, specially one who had been widowed for some time now, Isn't that right, Blue Witch of the East?"
"What did you hear?" Queen Mirlana continued to ask as she gritted her teeth
"Having sexual attraction with an enemy, specifically the commanding general isn't something to be ashamed about... I too loved my enemy before... and now I'm serving under him." she continued to speak
"Why are you here and what is it that you want?" Queen Mirlana calmed down a bit and asked
"A proposal..." she said and continued
"My name is Red Riding Hood... One of fourteen , Our leader believes in "Fate"... Do you?"