Borders of Vesna

Found in the 1st ring of Celpheus, the country of Vesna sat idly in the middle of a lake.

It was a vast one that could be seen as a sea from the shore. It was surrounded by the dark swamp of the forest.

Mists were found oozing in the environment, plummetting the temperature even further.

In Derman Town found in the southern area of Vesna. It used to be a tourist spot with its white sand. Fishing and was commonplace but since the seascape has changed the ports were closed.

The lake waters were calm yet frightening.

Three children were running around the shore. Two were a boy and one was a girl. The tall boy had a fishing rod. He was just done hauling a big catch. "Hey look at this. Ain't these fish look totally weird? It has legs."

"Hahaha, what the hell is that fish? Is that even a fish?" Said the shorter boy.

"Yeah, a fish with legs."

"We need to go back. I'm scared. What if the police find us? There's a border restriction right?" Said the girl with a worried tone.

The taller boy felt carefree. "Just be quiet. You're no fun. No one will find us here."

"But-but my mother will get mad at me if she finds me here." Said the girl.

Biting on their hook was a green fish with quadruple animal legs. It then began biting the string till it come loose. It fell off on the ground as though lifeless.

"Ah! What the hell!" They got startled so they leaped away to a safe distance.

"Mike, why don't you check it?" The taller boy said.

"You a moron? You're the one who invited us here. Honestly, the only reason why I came here is that I heard there were anime girls here. That fish is boring as shit." Said the shorter one.

The taller one sighed. "Fine." He slowly approached it. He then poked it with his fishing rod.

As soon as it twitched, it began crawling to him.

"Ahh!"

"Kyah!"

"Gross!"

The three children ran as fast as they could. Until the taller boy slammed upon an adult, which caused him to fall to the ground.

Looking at the adult, it was a VMF officer named Captain Flynn. He had a frown as he stared at the children.

"Why aren't you dim-witts back at your home?!" He yelled.

"We're truly sorry, sir." The children said in disappointment.

Flynn sighed. He looked at the other VMFs. "Hey Gab, escort these brats back to their homes. It would be embarrassing if they found out we let 3 children break through our perimeter."

"Yes sir!"

The perimeters of Vesna were occupied by the VMF, they placed borders and grids not to let anyone leaving the country. Concrete walls were also being erected.

Not even one was allowed to leave the country for the time being. The ports were closed and there were no roads nor bridges to connect over the lake to the swamp mainland.

Though most citizens have gotten used to the news that they were teleported to another world. Some were still confused yet they managed to live their lives normally.

Shops, schools, industries, and offices most facets of society were resumed for the time being. Though the defenses were now toughened up due to the anomalies outside the country.

Just after Vesna knew about the existence of magical beasts they called in civil engineers, contractors, and workers to erect a wall.

Sentries, turrets, and bases were also formed near the walls since various unknown creatures could attack the vicinity. The VMF have captured some and were retrieved back into the lab to be studied by scientists and researchers.

But at most, they were only concerned with creatures that could fly. Thus, the borders were equipped with anti-air turrets.

With infrared and RADAR technology, the creatures planning to invade their country on the air were quickly spotted.

On the borders, the VMF was on stand-by.

"A 3 meter long unidentified units resembling mosquitos are spotted at 8 o clock." Said a soldier via radio.

Captain Flynn and the VMF transferred their gaze unto that location. There were a lot of them that they looked like a cloud.

But they could rest easy since they were far. Most of all, this would be a sight to see.

T-249 Vigilante tanks were given the positions of the target. They were lining up just behind the newly built wall. They were anti-air military tanks loaded with 37 mm Gatling guns.

With an aim, they fired continuously at the giant mosquitos. Their bullets looked like glowing rain, piercing the foggy sky. Their numbers dwindled and it was only a matter of time.

Anti-air missiles were also prepared if these creatures could get through the first line of defense.

The other VMF was relieved, but Flynn wasn't. They were sure able to fend off various alien creatures, he wasn't sure when its end was.

Though Flynn noticed that the height of the lake was ascending. It was only a matter of time before it reaches the shore and flood the cities and towns in these areas

He intended to report this to his superiors later on.

***

In Sky Ford City, the capital region of Vesna. The main streets were bustling with traffic. Office workers and civilians walk to and fro on the street walks. The city was composed of tall skyscrapers and commercial buildings.

A flat-screen giant TV affixed on the building showed local news.

"Scientists have found what seems to be giant insects spanning various meters. They defy the laws of physics but for some reason, they can exist normally in their habitat. Moreover, astronomers have named new constellations...."

Mark was walking on the sidewalk. It was his off duty today so he had some free time.

He stared at the people. They were no longer panicking than they used to. "It seems the civilians have learned to adjust after getting teleported."

He then went to the National Vesna Hospital where he waited in the waiting area. The facility was the largest hospital in the country and had the most advanced medical technology.

Mark's fingers were fidgeting since he couldn't wait to talk with Princess Adelia.

Mark knew he was in a different world so this woman would be very important. Is it even possible to be friends with her?

He waited for her to wake up from a coma for almost a week now. If he's lucky, her release might be this afternoon or tomorrow. He heard she was already conscious a few days ago.

Coming from the entrance, he saw some people. It was Tyberson, the royal guard of the Princess, and Zan, the veil spider scholar. They were accompanied by Lieutenant Mars, a beautiful woman, and some of the VMF.

Lieutenant Mars saw Mark sitting, so he called him. "Private, you're off duty today. What business do you have here?"

Mark stood firmly and saluted. "Lieutenant, sorry for the unannounced visit. I was just here to check the victims."

Varg laughed. "No need to lie, Mark, I can already see through you. You want to meet the Princess right?"

Mark blushed slightly. He then chuckled nervously. "No, no of-of course not."

"Haha, I don't need my glasses to see through your BS."

Mark sighed. He was annoyed with him but he already got used to it. He shifted his attention to the beautiful tall girl with them wearing a suit. She looked formal and could even be a celebrity. "By the way can I ask who is this person?"

Varg felt insulted. "Huh? Are you living under a rock? This is Miss Jessica Reyes, a reporter from the VNN World's News and also the host of Daily Lives of Vesna."

Mark knew it was the most popular TV channel watched by the masses. But he didn't subscribe for cable since he was already satisfied with watching anime. He felt embarrassed. "Pardon me, Ma'am, I'm truly sorry."

Jessica laughed quietly while hiding her lips with the back of her hand. Even when she laughed she had some grace.

"It's fine. So you were the one who found Princess Adelia right?"

Mark nodded.

Jessica beamed a smile. "Alright, can you also come with us for an interview in our studio? We will be coming live this night."

Mark gulped. "Eh?!"

Varg explained. "Mister Tyberson, Princess Adelia, and Zan will be the guests of tonight's TV show."

Jessica gave a nod. "You will also come with us on behalf of the VMF."

The Lieutenant agreed. "Hmm, that could work." He then patted his back. "Alright, Private Mark we will be counting on you."

Mark's eyes went swirling from anxiety since he was an introvert. The thought of being watched by Millions was enough to give him some chills.

Tyberson was just watching confusingly on the sidelines. They were wearing a modern black suit given by the VMF. Even he was allowed to have his sheathed sword draping on his waist.

Zan was impressed with his suit. "This suit looks stylish and formal. I want to bring this back home. On second thought, forget going home, I'm staying here."

"Vesna is truly a different place. They healed my wound in no time and I feel fine as ever. I'm impressed with their magical technology."

"It's more surprising for me that they found an antidote for veil spider's poison." Even though Zan was impressed, he had some disappointment on his side. Even his father couldn't even concoct it during his lifetime. Yet these people have it. He could have saved more lives if he found this country earlier since many died from malnutrition due to the spider's poison.

Most of all everything about this country was impressive.

When they just came here, they were baffled by the tall buildings and structures. How could humans spend that much time and money to build them. It must have taken a very long time.

Not only the buildings mystified them but also artifacts and devices. When they entered the door, it opened automatically, it baffled Tyberson as to what magic could be behind that door.

There were also iron carriages moving across flat pathways without a horse. They were called vehicles and riding on them could make traveling very convenient. The roads were also flat and smooth, thus ideal for transportation.

"We had no idea that a grand country like this could exist inside the first ring of celpheus," Zan said.

Tyberson however was nervous. "Can you imagine what type of King could be ruling this country? I imagine he might be a monster. The truth is I trust none of them but I trust that young man. How about you?"

Zan was thinking for a moment. They were foreigners in this mysterious country. It was even said that the unknown invites fear. But for him, it only piques his interest. "I just find the things I'm ignorant about baffling. I don't really give a hoot about politics and that deep stuff. All I want is knowledge."

They were told to stay close for a moment and not stray far. They were worried that there might be dangerous entities in this country. They were told to be wary of the media. He could only hope that the media wasn't an assassin group.

Afterward, they were heading to Princess Adelia's room.

***

Princess Adelia slowly opened her eyes. She felt she was lying on a soft bed. Then she started to remember what happened to her before.

She used to live on the remote plains near the 1st forest ring of Celpheus. There weren't any towns or villages nearby. Tyberson and her maids took care of her ever since she was a child.

Her father claimed to have loved her but he never visited her, not even once. She never saw his face.

For her Tyberson became her father figure. Tyberson taught her how to read, draw the sword and even told her bed time stories so she could fall asleep faster.

She was never aware of the conflicts between the beast men and humans. Tyberson hid it from her.

When she became a young woman, she was dazzling in beauty. For Tyberson it seems as though time had passed by quickly. Living on a remote location without any war or fighting, it was ideal situation for his retirement.

But at that day, it was Adelia's birthday. And because of what happened, she no longer wanted to see Tyberson.