PAX Draconia

[Okay readers this chapter is 6k words long but i wanted this long for the 100th chapter and lastly i will take a month rest and post back by the end of april i just need to think about the future chapters ahead so for the last time An Enternal Empire Watches.] -MrChess

Few months have gone by, and soon the 1st victory has begun. It's a day before the actual day of it ending, but the streets of the empire have been growing as over 500,000 people across the empire come and go, some staying until the victory parade ends, others opting to watch it by the comforts of their own home.

While the soldiers of the empire still fight across the known globe, they do it with pride and more ferociousness. Although a slight delay caused the Nordic empires' soldiers to pause, this gave enough time for the Frustora front to build up defenses, and the Muscovy kingdom also sent 100,000 soldiers to the Front in order to train and drill their soldiers and get battle-ready when they got back. Meanwhile, the Tyrell front was ordered to halt its pending operations until the conclusion of the victory parade, where Alex will give a speech not just to the people in the capital but the entire empire, and addressing the soldiers of the empire who are fighting on different fronts.

So, currently, Alex is with the Military command of the Capital, which he is talking with commanding officers representing each of the 30 active legions. There are about a thousand selected soldiers to act as the victory parade marchers, and with the 1st air group wing, they were selected to be also making some airshows. The navy, which cannot join, were requested to have a naval parade in the 1st fleet port home base of Artria, which was a naval complex constructed in the 3rd year of Alex's reign in order to house the naval personnel and their families, which has a campus of the Draconian Naval Warfare Academy, whose main campus is in Chronos, which has an artificial lake for the students to learn how to sail their first boats.

"So, currently, we are seeing a large amount of people about to be congested in this area where the Central plaza is and heading toward the northern sector to the western and southern and eastern sectors, with a final march heading towards the Imperial palace. But the air force is also going to perform once the army stops its march in the palace, and after that, the live feeds shown to every sector and district where the 1st fleet and selected task force sent by each remaining fleet will also join and do a naval parade where it will pass the Port, and the entire 1st marine corps are also standing in formation and saluting. So, all in all, we can estimate that it will take 5 hours for the entire parade to conclude," the Military organizer said, which was also done by the input of the rest of the liaison officers present from the other branches and for the special operations group and other hidden units that were listed as very confidential, only 2 companies who were newly trained and armed from the 8th special operations battalion of the 5th division 'Raider'.

Since the special operations were a public figure, except for the other Black ops units, they were allowed to join the parade, while the others were given a small token, which is quite generous for them.

"Good, I will have enough time to make a speech for everyone to hear," Alex said and soon pointed to two locations where it's going to have the Draconium Dome, where national to city-wide tournaments to large-scale announcements of celebrations are going to be held, while 2km away from it is the Imperator's Capitol, where most of the government work is going to be held since Alex will introduce the senate, and for the first 6 years, they are going to be selected with 30 seats open.

"Sir, we can expect people outside of Pangea to visit our capital," the foreign minister said, since this kind of celebration is going to be the first and largest in the history of the empire, and as police units across the empire were being transported towards the capital along with military presence of the 1st legion, it helps to secure a proper zone where people are allowed and not allowed to visit.

"I see, so we can expect the railways to be fully functional?" Alex asked, since they were also prioritized and the first electric-powered trains were transported.

"Yes, they are currently doing some trial tests, and for the no-fly zone, we are also currently making sure no one easily violates it."

"Ok, I will be heading back now and see the other progress," Alex said and left the place. As he walked on the halls, many servants rapidly moved around the palace, and his imperial guard stood along the halls with their spears brandished and waiting, and Alex just shrugged and went to his office.

Meanwhile,

Demonic Realm

A draconian Military base located 50 km away from the borders to the unknown lands, where the current general who is overseeing the operation is General Tommy Angelo, and he is commanding the 20th legion and with three other legions under him and the entire Demonic Army supporting, all he needs is aircraft to secure air dominance. Even though the Demonic army have their own warbeasts to fly the skies, he would prefer the Draconian Tech.

"Sir, Demonic king Meliodas wishes to speak with you," an officer said as he entered the Main HQ door to the strategic ops.

"Sure, I will meet him in the meeting room," Tommy replied, and after leaving, he saw a blonde but tall man who had a dark marking around his left eye, and he had a great sword strapped on his back.

"Good to see you again, Meliodas," Tommy said, making contact with Meliodas's eyes.

"Yes, it's been a while, Tommy."

"Ok, it seems like you have come here with a purpose, let's just see," He replied, and both began talking calmly until Meliodas questioned, "How long before we begin the attack into the unknown lands?" he asked, since he and his fellow demon kings have been training like monsters as they try to match the power of rulers in the unknown lands, for they do not know what kind of people or how strong will they face.

"In a few months, once the Airbase is completed, planes and ammunition will pour out, and the emperor will give me temporary authority akin to a Marshal since other marshals are busy and our military presence is still focused on building defenses and bastion which we nicknamed the great wall, which is already completed. We are doing joint combat training," he said, since there's no approval of an invasion, so they are using this time to do combined arms training which boosts the cooperation and camaraderie of both soldiers and even have relationships, which gave Alex silent approval.

"I see, but tell him we are ready and waiting, and I have been monitoring the other borders, it seems very quiet, and we have been mining every resource and preparing for the worst. The 1st demonic legion are also very excited to join the attack," Meliodas reported, and he just enjoyed the atmosphere of the base since most of the soldiers in the base were veterans in the recent war, and he enjoyed their stories.

"Well, come by once in a while, we can enjoy a drink or two," Tommy said, and Meliodas left, waving goodbye to Tommy, who looked up to the skies, and unlike the clear blue sky, the skies in the demonic realm is with a mix of red and purple shade.

Draconian empire overworld

Draconia

Soldiers practiced their marching formation, while on their flanks forbidden cavalrymen and tanks and vehicles finalized their formations and the speed, while in the skies airplanes practiced maneuvers. Although there's a river east of Draconia, it's not big enough to allow ships to get through.

"Come on, stand up straight! I know you hate this, but get used to it!" A Drill sergeant, whose task was to fix up their marching formation, was scolding the soldiers as they marched properly, and their synchronized footsteps and combat boots tapped on the floor, and they repeated this 100 times for the past hour, and each notable division was also flagged, and the old, current, and new generation of tanks and their were several weapons that are currently in an experimental phase but ready to be used, such as different missiles and one that can reach the capital of Muscovy at any moment, and there are about 20 silos spread around the empire, and Alex approved the development of placing such missiles in submarines.

"OK, there, your marching is far better, keep this pace up," the drill sergeant commented as he saw the soldiers.

As the hours go by, tanks, planes, and soldiers begin preparing for tomorrow. While this is all happening, train stations heading towards Draconia were sold out and full, so the empire had to bring in military trains that are not being used, and the assassins were placed on the highest alert.

Assassin X Main HQ Sub level prison exodus

"Sir," an operative saluted Axe, who wore a different attire and wore a bodysuit armor with a few medals pinned to his chest.

"So, did she talk yet?" Axe asked as he looked at the somewhat elf, but she had snow-white skin and white hair, but her face seemed battered by beatings and tortures, but she was not raped since Alex banned it and only allowed hallucinations to let her think that she was.

"Not yet, sir, but she has been trying to say some incantations, but luckily the room has antimatter plating, but after some translation, it seemed that she was trying to contact someone," the operative said as the hallway was heavily guarded with special operations and red right hand operatives.

"What's the current level?" Axe turned to her, and since he was behind a bulletproof and antimatter material glass, she just stared at the floor.

"Currently level 3, sir, why?"

"Double it and bring in extras, you get what I mean, and bring in more of her kind. I know they are going to steal items, make sure they don't leave the city," Axe said, since he still needs to discuss with the branch chief in Draconia and after leave for Muscovy to pick up Zarina.

Meanwhile,

Border outpost of the Athenian Duchy

Two soldiers were on top of a watchtower bordering the golden chaos empire, a few km by the coast. Their tasked was to keep an eye on the incoming ships or trade caravans, and they both noticed a slight build-up of forces in recent months, but they are just on orders in case something happens. Once they thought it was just another boring day, but oh man, they are wrong.

"Hey, do you see that?" the soldier said to his buddy.

"What? I don't see shit," the other soldier commented as he squinted his eyes on the horizon near the coast.

"Hey, give me the scope," he said, and his buddy gave the telescope, and once he looked at the distant horizon, he immediately froze in shock.

"Hey, what is it?" his buddy asked, and when he wrestled the scope, he also froze in shock.

"Sir, we see some procession on the east of us, sir!" he shouted to his commanding officer, as the watchtower is designed like a semi-fortress which is to alert the enemies' arrival and hold the enemy down for as long as they can.

A few minutes later,

Clop Clop Clop Clop

As 5 riders set out, and as their hearts clenched and their knuckles holding the reins turned white and their eyes opened wide, the sight terrified them.

"In the name of Athena, what is this?" the officer leading said in shock as he looked at the rows of chained individuals. He saw one blinded, others not, as they are placed in file by rank. Those in the gold rank were blinded and fingerless, even their tongues are removed, while those in the silver rank were maimed and blinded, but they only speak incomprehensible words, while those in the bronze rank, the majority of them, were blinded, muted, deafened, and fingerless, but all of them were removed of their fingers in order to make them never wield a sword again and never to see again.

They can't do anything as their horses were also frozen in place, and if they do anything major, a nearby sniper team would fire on them on sight. This procession continued until they reached the capital, where the citizens were in shock and looking at the long lines of bodies, they reached the Athenian palace.

"Hey, move it, the pope is here!" one of the golden knights shouted to the other knights who looked in shock, but hearing the voice, they moved aside, and as a tall figure clad in golden armor gleamed as the energy around him fluttered little by little, he looked ahead with neutral eyes, but underneath that facade, underlying anger is rising deep within.

"Wait, is that!" one of the golden knights exclaimed, looking at a raised platform being dragged by silver knights who were also crippled, and on top of that platform lay the right-hand man of the pope, who went missing after being sent with an army a year prior, but after that, no one knew what happened until now...

The man stabbed in the chest were two golden spears, his eyes were gouged out and still bleeding as potions to keep him alive were being injected through his neck, and his mouth twitching with words still small enough for anyone to hear, and everyone was in a deep state of shock, but at the same time, Draconian fighter planes, about 20 multi-role raven fighters, soared a few hundred feet near the ground, making the nearby sand split as the knights covered their eyes.

This was not just a warning but a declaration that the empire's grudges are not easy to forget, and the pope, looking at the planes, is already cooking a plan for him to win against the empire, but at the same time, his downfall. Meanwhile, some knights read the backs of the fallen knights, which was written in their common tongue….

1 day later

Over the skies of Draconia, fireworks filled the skies, while helicopters with magical and technological combined cameras flew over, recording as the first news agency named the Draconian Chronicles was established by the behest of the Emperor. They only broadcast with semi-transparent and transparent information, with some propaganda, but it's so hard to discern, but completing the objective, and the first journalists were deployed with products produced by Draco industries.

Cameras and enchanted microphones used by the people who are now called reporters moved around the city as they recorded the celebration. Banners and flags of Draconia hung on every street, and soldiers who were preparing for the parade or part of the additional security force were seen wearing their combat gear mixed with their ceremonial uniforms.

Near the Imperial Palace

"Hey, are we still alive?" A young, average-height reporter asked her cameraman, who was fixing up the camera on a stand. Its components mixed magical and mechanical parts. With one press of a button, he gave the thumbs up, and soon the reporter put on her professional smile and spoke, "Hello, their citizens of the draconian empire! We are about a few hours away before the victory day celebration starts. We are right now not far from the imperial palace. As you can see, its tall walls have shielded all the dangers that went at it, and currently, the weather has sported no any visible changes. And also, happy victory day, citizens! Oh, and also, information about the parade is going to be handed out publicly in brochures such as this," she said as she pulled out a brochure from one of the pockets in her dress.

"This contains the parade route along with the different sights in the capital open to the public, along with the schedule of the program and many other things. Since this day, all of the military leaders of the military shall come and reaffirm their oath to the emperor, but those who cannot will be shown through a projection. And lastly, happy victory day, citizens!" she said, knowing that across the empire, many of its citizens that opted to watch it through the new colored televisions.

Alex's office

"Currently, the soldiers being assembled are at the starting point of the parade, and the air groups have been doing some final checks before the airshow. The red right hand and the new experimental unit, left hand of justice, are on standby in case any armed terrorist tries to ruin something. And for the navy, the first fleet along with different representative groups of the other three, and lastly, the imperial guard sent their 1st emperor's guard division to join the parade.

And currently, the new captain of the imperial guard, Aurelian Varkos, will be joining the oath ceremony," the chancellor Kalvin spoke, wearing his imperial robes befitting a man of his position. He was not unhappy, but happy at the same time, since Alex gave him orders that within the next 5 months, he will be leading an assault on the grand Cathay empire and Ariad empire, while a new operation called case west, leading it was marshal Ben, is to create a no man's land between the Athenian accord and draconian empire in preparation for a war.

"I see, that it's good to keep me updated. Kalvin, tell me, did it have any effect on the economy?" Alex asked.

"No, it's just normal as of now, and we are taking over 10 trillion dracs a year, and half of that funds the national budget, while the rest are put into reserves and black ops operations," Kalvin replied as he reviewed the summary file, since the empire's war machine has not stopped unofficially, but to the knowledge of the outside world, the empire is still in the midst of demilitarization, but in truth, they are focusing on external interest.

"Okay, the sentinels are gathering in the meeting room where future deployments will happen, so I want you to fix the rest of my paperwork," Alex said in a straight face, but a slight smirk was showing, and this made Kalvin irritated, but he just sighed in defeat.

"Yes, your slave shall return to my job," Kalvin said, forcing himself to walk out of the door, while Alex looked at the armor stand where his battle armor, now repaired and retrofitted and armed with the latest technology the empire has to offer, was waiting for its host to be worn again. Alex walked towards it, his fingers brushing against the armor, feeling the cold, hard antimatter plating and the rough leather patches, as he preferred protection and style. Looking closer at the breastplate, it had a cross in the middle with neon lights below it.

And for the bracers, it had hidden blades and small arms, and his boots were clad in flexible metal mixed with anti-armor and rare materials. His belt had holsters for his pistols, which can fire pure antimatter rounds, enough to kill a god, and his storage where he holds all of the arsenals of the empire and food supply that can feed a legion. Lastly, his imperial throne, which acts as a mobile army for him, since he kept feeding weapons and armor of old times with a few machine guns and rifles, which he can't summon up to a million soldiers, but that would drain his entire reserves of mana.

An hour later,

Alex exited the office wearing his battle armor, and the imperial guard followed suit, forming a contingent towards a meeting room designated for the sentinels. Currently, it was a fortress where all of the sentinels' base of operations were, while their own fortresses could be their private residences or training grounds for their private armies.

Sentinel Meeting room

Inside the large room, a large circular table was placed in the middle, while an ornate chandelier was in the middle of the table. Many of the empire's sentinels were seated in their own respective seats, others just waited for the emperor, while some who were workaholics focused on the paperwork they brought, others who didn't have much just drank from the nearest bar.

As the door swung wide open, Alex entered the room with an authoritative presence, but unless it was a normal citizen, they might have shivered in fear. But since Alex knew each one of them, they were giving knowing nods, and the contingent of imperial guard stood by the hallway, blocking anyone's access to the corridors that head towards the meeting room, not allowing anyone, even servants, to enter.

"So, everyone has gathered today, and most of the topic is about resource allocation and our future deployments to different fronts in preparation to secure more allies," Alex said in a neutral tone.

"So, let's get straight to the point, lads, we're not just relaxing for a bit, we got more work to do," Alex said and turned to Sean first.

"Okay, first, Sean, currently you're having the most manpower for this war effort, so the priority of the weapons production and development will be in priority in section Honor," Alex said and turned to Lino, who made eye contact with him.

"Okay, Lino, since you're preparing your campaign in the archipelago, so all of the magical items in storage are open for you to choose, and your arcane paladins are currently in the training phase with over 50,000 soldiers from the Draconian population, and for production, just order from the sector B that you need such equipment, and they will provide," Alex explained, and Lino nodded. Currently, for his navy, he will be assisted by the crimson legion.

After that, Alex turned to Alric, who just casually put his legs on the table and took a sip of his drink.

"So, currently, your deployment is in the demon realm, and your shadow guard will go with you and assist in the offensive to the unknown lands, and for war material, you will have a few crates for your soldiers, so tell me, your unit is known for being the shock troopers," Alex said as he looked at Alric, whose role in the war was a general and a commander leading shadow shock troopers, although they are famously known for attacking the rear of the enemy or ambushing them in their own defense.

"Of course, your majesty, this hunter will accept this deployment," he said in a sarcastic tone. He had already toured the demonic realm and knows their way of fighting, so combining with the current legions there and his shock troopers, they would be a force to be reckoned with.

"You're going to be the supreme commander of that front, while a marshal that I will assign will be your vice commander, so don't disappoint me," Alex said in an authoritative tone, and Alric nodded.

"Next, Erik, your job stays the same, but your branch will open up in order to get more veterans in your ranks. Ever since the establishment of your crimson legion corps, your branch has not been properly armed, so better check with the Head Quartermaster in order to prepare to assist Lino in his campaign. And also, old ships that are docked and decommissioned, they will return, but only a selected few will be joining your expanding fleet. I want over 2 carrier strike groups of old generation planes and carriers and 3 patrol fleets with 1 wolfpack fleet. This will be your current ranked fleet. Convene with the grand admiral. And next, your admiral Incursio, your performance is swell as of today, you're still going to be its grand admiral and lead the 1st fleet in different operations. And as for my own fleet, nicknamed the imperator's fleet, which has been receiving upgrades, so I want progress on my flagship, is it almost complete?" As Rafael waited for the answer, Erik nodded, and Incursio spoke up with much formality in his voice.

"As of now, no upgrades and renovations were done since it has been completed a month ago. And in order to maintain the experience of the fleet and its sailors so they can't be lax, is that we deploy them as squadrons or alone in different locations across Pangea and the sea region. And currently, the emperor's fleet consists of 2 aircraft carriers, 3 battleships which includes the flagship DRS Draconia, 6 destroyers, and 4 cruisers, and 10 submarines, and all ships were given new tech and power source as we slowly replace mana cores acting as an emergency backup power source, but for vehicles, we still use them widely.

And after that, we can say it's the most strongest fleet in the navy, and it's going to be part of the naval parade, sir. And by your orders, we chose practicality of color, and your flagship has a few rust-resistant colors," he finished, and Alex nodded. Soon the meeting went through war plans and their deployments for the rest of the year, and after the parade, they will enter work mode again. Alex left the meeting room and headed towards the industrial sector using a teleporter. When he arrived, he saw the tank production, and this sector has been more focused on civilian products that came out than military supply. Alex ordered that the tanks that were used in the last war be retrofitted with the new pieces of equipment such as perfected stabilizers and reactive armor and a trophy system.

And they have a better and clear night vision system with an infrared locking system. For the other vehicles, Alex told the scientific department to research for better tires that don't pop easily and can go through the mud. As it's used in the war, they had a hard time moving through magical mud, as the soldiers said. Looking through the combat data, better engines were needed, one that doesn't need much noise and also a reliable one.

And so, a new engine was developed overnight, and the battery system is a combination of electrical and mana-powered battery, and for the engine, it can reach a maximum speed of over 100 km/ph with no problem of the armor weight. The Humvee K-2 was named, and the old humvees were brought back to the factories. Previous generations of weapons ceased production, and the surplus was put on storage, but that storage is not anywhere near, but in dimensional pockets to make sure they are safely stored and are kept watch 24/7. Even the old warships were brought into those dimensional pockets.

"Sir Arthur just arrived," one of the imperial guards said.

"Ok, tell him the details of his deployment and current orders to sit tight and prepare for his replacement in the next few years," Alex replied.

"Your majesty, currently our military output here and Draconia is half of the production output in Nova Chronos. Currently, we produce 100,000 rifles a day, 5 million rounds of ammunition, 5,000 tanks, 10,000 APCs, 20,000 trucks and half trucks, 100,000 combat uniforms, 50,000 of different military-grade radios and military rations, while the other sophisticated equipment is being produced in other cities and Nova Draconia, our main military hub," the head of the military production center in the city said, and Alex knows that managing a large military war machine needs a good central information system, and luckily, Alex ordered a new priority order to create a system in having a central tax system and information system, and currently, it's in its testing phase.

"I see, for now we will focus on retrofitting and putting some things in the war memorial museum that it's going to be finished in the next 4 months," Alex explained and soon left the area, looking at the hardworking workers as they assemble and knowing the long-lasting benefits that stay within them and their families. Soon the University of Draconia is going to be complete, and the school year started, except those who are in college level.

"Good, let's get this parade started," Alex said with a smirk, and soon the large military band began playing the song "The Empire Rises," and soon a long line of Draconian Soldiers began forming up as their polished shoes gleamed under the sunlight.

Many cameras were set up, some were flying thanks to the wizards that came to help, and as the soldiers began marching with much more discipline, many citizens and visitors watched in the streets as police created a barrier to make sure they don't disturb the march. From the 30th legion to the 1st legion, and after that was the forbidden cavalry, as their spears pointed upwards and their gleaming anti-armor made them intimidating. After that display, next were the marines and their sea camo with scarred faces made them known to the entire empire that not only the legions fight, but the marines, and they were the 1st corps 'Sea wolves'.

And after that, the armored divisions were next in line, and as the engines roared, this made the foreigners shiver in fear, knowing that they did not poke the sleeping giant. The foreign agents that Assassin X let them live, since they want to send a message to future allies and enemies that the empire is ready for war at any moment. As the parade continued around the city, following the directions, they heard rumbling sounds up in the skies, and when they looked up, they saw propeller bombers and transport planes that were set to be shipped to the Alkemia continent, hundreds in the formation with helicopters flying in low altitude as they maintained formation, and soon the fighter aircraft flew above in formations that terrified most people, but others were in awe.

As the planes passed, their shadows left a mark in the city, and during that time, the navy was also prepping for their parade, and the legions were about to finish their march and reach the central plaza, and as the citizens and tourists headed towards the plaza, which was turned into a stadium.

Draconian Air Force traffic base

"Task force red, maintain your direction. As for the choppers, prepare to head towards the base once you finish the route. As for the bombers, prepare for another run, and lastly, strike force delta, maintain your speed and altitude and exit the airspace for refuel," the communications officer said as he watched the radar.

"Sir, no problems or any interference," one of the officers said to the air marshal.

"Good for now, maintain surveillance over the capitol airspace," the air marshal said as he looked at the radar across the room where they watched the developments of over 250 aircraft over the airspace, but he chose specific men who will be manning the aircraft, even Assassin X did last-minute 'loyalty' checks before giving the approval.

Currently in the Naval base of the 1st fleet Anchorage

"All ships are prepared, sir, including the emperor's fleet," the vice grand admiral Everheart replied as he was stationed in the Flagship of the 1st fleet, the battleship Leonidas.

"Good, make sure everyone is dressed up for the occasion, so don't mess it up," Grand admiral Incursio said as he stood not far from the ornate chair where the emperor should seat, and he was on the emperor's fleet flagship Draconia. Not far from the battleship were the sister ships Alvos and Carmine, which have their own firepower in their own right, and the 2 carriers not far from the battleship, and the long line of destroyers on the flank with cruisers taking the rear and lead. They are not far from the 1st fleet, who are composed of the different task force fleets as they join the naval march, and sailors dressed in their parade attire, since Alex prefers practicality and style, and the uniform is not like the combat attire they have, since this one has a preference during their holidays or special occasions.

"Prepare to stand at attention, sailors, we are about to pass over the port," a sailor said over the speakers, and the sailors and officers stood at attention, while the coast guard made sure there's an exclusion zone around the naval march. Different naval vessels from neighboring countries tried to get a close look, but the coast guard, now having an old generation battleship, made them stop the advance and opted to shadow their movement, but a warning from a bomber forced them to retreat back. But during this time, an attack from the Thanatos empire happened, with over 200 ships tried to raid the military shipping lanes of the Draconian empire heading towards the Frustora front, but they failed on the way.

A few hundred Km away from the Frustora region

A carrier strike group and 2 patrol fleets from the 3rd fleet that is patrolling north of Pangea and keeping the shipping lanes from the Frustora front and the empire, and commanding this task force is rear admiral Cedric Holloway.

On board the carrier DRS Sparrow

"Your excellency, over 200 ships are spotted a few nautical miles northwest of our task force. It seems they are heading towards a convoy of supplies filled with ammunition and old generation weapons," his chief of staff said as he handed a document containing the information and reports.

"All right, turn course to intercept them. I want our heavy firepower to take the front and launch all available planes with anti-ship weapons, and for our submarines, I want them to shadow them for a while and find their flagship and destroy it," Rear admiral Holloway said.

"Let's show them what true firepower looks like," he said with a bloodthirsty smile, and everyone in the bridge of the carrier also felt the same way.

Back to the naval march

"All right, maintain the optimal speed," the grand admiral stated and looked at the radar officer who replied, knowing the glance.

"As of now, no unidentified aircraft has been spotted," the radar officer replied, looking at the radar.

"Good, smile for the camera boys," Incursio cracked a smile, and everyone chuckled a bit.

Soon as the ships passed on the horizon, many of the families shouted and waved, while camera crews were seen focusing their sights on the Flagship of the navy. Many of the young boys were in awe as it cut through the waves, and those sailors serving on board the Draconia were filled with pride as they heard the distant shouts and cheers. In response, the ship's horn blared loudly, and other ships followed.

"What a beautiful sight it is," a photographer said as he pulled out a new version camera which is far portable and has great specs, like it can capture photos in 3k. As he took the photo, this photo is going to be placed as one of the key photos of the development of the Draconian navy, which is going to be placed in the Naval museum.

And after this naval march, back to the Central where all of the troops assembled saw the Live video, and everyone was in awe, since not just the army and airforce that helped in the war, the main contributor for shipping supplies and keeping the sea safe is the navy and has the second largest concentration of manpower after the army.

And on the large podium, Alex stood proud wearing his combat attire. He has a crown, but now only wears it unless he's in the throne room, but his mask signifies his crown as the emperor. His eyes looked around, seeing the soldiers looking up to him with stoic faces, and the citizens on the stands with anticipation seen all over their faces. Behind him, the sentinels stood proud with their combat or formal attire as they waited for Alex to speak.

"Hello again, citizens of the empire. Today is not just for celebration, but to honor the fallen comrades during the course of the war. And I hope we're not the only ones celebrating this victory, but to our allies, this victory was paid in blood and professionalism to our soldiers, not just the army, but all branches in the Imperial Armed Forces of Draconia, including the citizens themselves, for your dedication in the war effort was also noted down through donations and working in the factories and shipyards. All of you, even though you're just sitting on your couches, you have my greatest gratitude in my heart. Now, just to end this speech and continue the festivities, I hereby declare PAX Draconia across the empire, for we shall rebuild and lick our wounds for future crusades, my citizens," Alex stated loudly, raising his sword up high, and everyone roared, and the soldiers were also cheering loudly, hearing his speech. Soldiers deployed in different fronts also cheered, knowing this crusade is in the making.

Meanwhile,

Grand marshall Dimitri looked on the TV screen, hearing the key words that Alex said. When he meant crusade and PAX Draconia, he gave the order to begin the operation crusade and also approve the naval invasion of the Novoros marine corps supported by the Draconian navy.

"Send word to all theater, army commander, and division level officers that the crusade is a go," Dimitri said as he breathed a sigh of contemplation, knowing the casualty count.

"Yes sir, should we tell the marine corps to begin the operation?" the communications officer asked.

"Yes, and make sure our supply lines run 24/7, and also tell Graves that he has a mission," Dimitri said and looked at the map of the frontlines. Months of planning, including the extra months, have been dedicated to this all-out attack.

"And so it begins," he muttered before heading towards the table where all of the assembled Draconian and Novoros officers were.

And across the frontlines, the roar of engines and shouts of the officers resounded as the infantrymen did small prayers to Alex, since he's the only god to them, so their only motto is "For the Empire!"

To be continued