Ch8 Fate of Soroental Empire

09:15 AM | 29,9,1926 IPEA

Palace of Himeji, Former Soroental Empire, Temporary Government Hall

A grand hall once filled with the pride of a mighty empire now stood subdued. The once-mighty Soroental Empire had crumbled under the sheer might of the Wallonian war machine. In its place, a new government—one bound to Wallonia's will—was about to take shape.

Seated at the long table inside the government hall were Field Marshal Erich, Admiral Nikolovich, and several high-ranking Wallonian officials. Across from them sat representatives of the newly formed Soroental provisional government, now tasked with overseeing the dismantling of their once-great nation.

A large map of the Soroental territories lay spread before them, divided into five distinct regions, each labeled with its new name:

Nihon – The largest and most industrialized region, to be governed by a handpicked pro-Wallonian administration.

Kochi – A region rich in natural resources, placed under Wallonian economic oversight.

Tsuba – A militarily significant area, heavily demilitarized and placed under strict restrictions.

Zenia – A smaller but politically important province, governed directly under Wallonian advisement.

Usugi – The cultural and historical heart of the former empire, left as a puppet state with limited autonomy.

"This," Erich stated as he pointed to the map, "is the new geopolitical structure of what was once the Soroental Empire. The direct occupation of your lands was deemed unnecessary. Instead, your people will serve under a system of controlled governance. Each of these five states will be supervised, ensuring compliance with the treaty's terms."

Louis Paris, the leader of the provisional government, studied the map. His face betrayed no emotion, though the weight of history pressed down on his shoulders. He let out a deep breath.

"As per the agreement," Louis began, "we acknowledge the establishment of these five states and will oversee the transition accordingly. However..." He hesitated. "What of our military officers? Our officials? Will they be allowed to govern their own people under these new administrations?"

Erich shook his head. "Only those deemed loyal and cooperative will be permitted to retain their positions. We will not allow remnants of the old regime to undermine our objectives."

Silence settled over the room. The reality of their new status as a subjugated people had fully sunk in.

"Then," Louis finally said, "we shall comply."

With that, the last vestiges of the Soroental Empire ceased to exist.

---

Global Reactions: The World Stands in Shock

07:45 AM | 30,9,1926 IPEA

Gallitian Royal Palace, Kingdom of Gaion

Inside the opulent halls of the Gaionese palace, King Ferrand VI read through a classified report while his ministers stood in silence. The document detailed the complete collapse of the Soroental Empire. A transferred nation—one that had seemingly appeared out of nowhere—had obliterated one of the world's strongest militaries in record time.

"This is..." the king muttered, still in disbelief.

"A disaster," one of his ministers added. "Soroental was an essential counterweight in this region. And now, it's gone."

"Wallonia..." Ferrand said the name slowly, as if testing it. "We underestimated them."

He glanced at his intelligence minister. "I want everything we have on this empire. Their history, their leaders, their technology. If they were capable of crushing Soroental this quickly, we must know what they are truly capable of."

A silent understanding passed through the room. The world had changed overnight, and every major power knew it.

---

A Desperate Appeal: The Nagata Fleet's Gamble

02:20 PM | 01,10,1926 IPEA

Northwestern Rasudian Ocean, Near Nagata Waters

A fleet of 18 Nagata warships sailed cautiously through the misty waters. Their mission was simple: reach Wallonian territory and establish diplomatic contact before their enemies could intervene.

On the bridge of the flagship, Lady Satsuki Arisawa—one of the high nobles of the Nagata Regency—watched the waves crash against the hull. She was aware of the risks, but the fall of Soroental had opened an opportunity she couldn't ignore. If Wallonia could defeat Soroental, then perhaps they could help Nagata against its enemies.

Suddenly, alarms blared across the fleet.

"Incoming vessels! They're Osterian!"

Through the fog, the dark silhouettes of 80 Osterian ships emerged. The odds were clear—Nagata was outnumbered more than four to one.

A booming voice crackled over the radio. "Nagata Fleet, this is Admiral Vosk of the Osterian Navy. You are trespassing in restricted waters. Surrender immediately!"

Lady Satsuki clenched her fists. "We cannot afford to surrender. Order all ships to evasive maneuvers! Prepare for combat!"

As the Nagata fleet scrambled to respond, explosions erupted across the formation. Osterian shells rained down, tearing through the smaller vessels. The outnumbered Nagata fleet fought desperately, but their losses mounted rapidly.

Then—

"Sir! A massive fleet is approaching from the west!"

On the Osterian flagship, Admiral Vosk turned to his officers. "What? Who?"

A sailor stammered as he read the radar screen. "It's... It's Wallonian! 48 ships! They're closing fast!"

Within moments, the Wallonian 5th Fleet, led by Admiral Vastar, appeared on the horizon.

"This is Admiral Vastar of the Wallonian Navy," a calm yet firm voice announced over the radio. "Osterian forces, you are engaging in unprovoked hostilities against a fleet seeking asylum. Disengage immediately or be fired upon."

Admiral Vosk scowled. "This is Osterian territory! Wallonia has no business here!"

"Wrong answer," Vastar replied.

The Wallonian fleet opened fire. Their superior firepower, advanced targeting systems, and well-coordinated assault devastated the Osterian fleet within minutes. One by one, Osterian ships erupted into flames or sank beneath the waves. Those that attempted to retreat were relentlessly pursued and destroyed.

By the time the guns fell silent, the once-mighty Osterian fleet had been annihilated.

Lady Satsuki watched in stunned silence as the Wallonian ships approached. She had hoped for an audience, but never had she imagined that Wallonia would intervene so decisively.

"Lady Arisawa," a voice called over the radio. It was Admiral Vastar. "You're safe now. Welcome to Wallonian waters."

---

Osteria's Response: An Ultimatum of War

09:30 AM | 02,10,1926 IPEA

Imperial Palace, United Kingdom of Osteria

The Osterian High Council stood in an uproar. News of the Wallonian attack had reached them overnight.

"Those damned newcomers!" one minister spat. "They destroyed an entire fleet over some insignificant Nagata ships?!"

King Albrecht IV sat in his throne, gripping the armrests in silent fury.

"The Wallonians have crossed a line," he finally said. "We must respond decisively."

A council member stepped forward with a prepared statement. "We shall issue an ultimatum: Wallonia has nothing to do with Nagata. If they refuse to surrender the Nagata fleet to us, Osteria will formally declare war."

The king nodded. "Send the message."

With that, the flames of war were stoked once more.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>