After successful negotiations, Russia established trade relations with the Mamluk Kingdom, marking a significant turning point in its strategy to expand economic influence in the New World. Russia began exporting grains—including wheat, oats, and barley—key agricultural products known for their large yields and high quality. This was not only a commercial move but also a way for Russia to assert its position in the regional market.

  However, internal economic instability forced Russia to undertake extensive reforms in its financial policy. To cope with rampant inflation and fluctuations from the floating exchange rate system, Russia shifted to a Managed Floating Exchange Rate System, allowing the government to intervene in the foreign exchange market when necessary to stabilize the value of the ruble (RUB). Previously, the floating exchange rate system relied entirely on supply and demand, causing the RUB to fluctuate wildly and be vulnerable to economic shocks.

  In a context where international financial organizations like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) no longer existed, Russia had to rely entirely on its internal resources. The government decided to peg the value of the RUB to gold—the most stable and reliable asset during financial crises. Currently, the price of gold has surpassed 200,000 RUB per ounce (equivalent to 30 grams), reflecting an inflation rate of 45%. This is an unusually high inflation rate for a developed country, putting significant pressure on strategic industries.

  In the New World, countries use a common currency system established by the Milishial Holy Empire. This system stipulates a standard common currency for international transactions, although each country still maintains its own currency for domestic transactions. Prime Minister Borum of the Mamluk explained the operational mechanism of this system in detail to the Russian delegation, helping them understand the necessity of currency standardization in trade.

  Russia redesigned its national currency system, centering it around the Solidus of Milishial (the standard gold coin). The Solidus contains 4.5 grams of gold with a purity of 99%, widely accepted in the region. With the current gold price, each Solidus is valued at 19,207.85 RUB, becoming the main currency unit for international and domestic transactions.

  In addition to the Solidus, Russia also uses two subsidiary currencies:

  - Miliarense (silver coin): 1 gold coin = 12 silver coins.

  - Follis (copper coin): 1 silver coin = 5 copper coins; 1 gold coin = 60 copper coins.

  This is the common currency system of the countries in this world as they know it.

  Standardizing the currency value based on gold helps Russia build a stable, transparent economic system that facilitates transactions with international partners. This also forces countries wishing to trade with Russia to accumulate RUB or gold, thereby increasing demand for the RUB and reinforcing its value. These reforms not only address immediate economic issues but also lay a solid foundation for Russia's long-term economic position in the New World.

  ...

  Mamluk Kingdom, Capital Eygyt.

  Prime Minister Borum is busy with paperwork—all trade reports from the past month. The main commodity is grain, but at this time, the Kingdom of Rowlia has taken unacceptable actions, sending troops to raid fields and burn them, causing a severe food shortage in the kingdom. Although this has been compensated for through imports, it still cannot meet the necessary demand, as most partners fear Rowlia's retaliation if they sell to them.

  King Calip III is in Rowlia, negotiating with King Mussolilin VI to find a peaceful solution. In recent years, Rowlia has continuously strengthened its military power through wars, gaining significant financial resources to build its army. The arrogance of this nation is increasing, causing Mamluk to feel anxious about the future.

  Prime Minister Borum reflects on the current situation, hoping that King Calip III will succeed in the negotiations. While he is negotiating with Russia to purchase food, he cannot deny that Rowlia could wipe Mamluk off the map if it wanted to. What worries him is not only the survival of the kingdom but also the brutal actions that Rowlia's army could take against his people.

  "I wonder how things are going?" he muses, still harboring a small hope. He also recalls the decision to join the CSTO organization, although he understands that the original purpose of this organization is for Russia to expand its influence. This means that the Russian army would have the legal right to operate on Mamluk territory.

  He cannot deny that this is a profound plan, combining words and actions. Russia is very patient, but for whatever reason, their presence also brings benefits to Mamluk. Just the thought of no longer having to fear Rowlia is a blessing they never thought they would have.

  As Borum is lost in these thoughts, someone knocks on the door. He looks up, hearing a voice from outside.

  "Mr. Borum, His Majesty has returned and is calling for a meeting."

  "He has returned already?" Borum is surprised; this trip has gone faster than he expected. He is anxious about the outcome of the negotiations.

  When he enters the meeting room, a heavy atmosphere envelops the space. The light from the window cannot dispel the gloom in the room. Those present appear tense, and no one seems optimistic.

  "Your Majesty..." Borum speaks up, looking at the king, who is bowing his head to the table, his face full of disappointment. The others are no better—all are those who accompanied the king in the negotiations with Rowlia.

  "We have failed," Calip III raises his head, his eyes filled with sorrow. "Rowlia not only rejected our demands but also imposed stricter conditions. They want us to accept their control over trade routes and even our military."

  Borum feels as if a heavy stone is pressing on his chest. "But Your Majesty, we cannot let them do that! It would make Mamluk a colony of Rowlia!"

  "That's right," Calip III sighs, "but they have threatened to attack if we do not agree. They have legions ready at the border, and we cannot risk a war at this time."

  A heavy silence fills the room. Everyone feels the helplessness and anxiety for the future of the kingdom. Borum looks around, seeing anxious faces, and knows they need a solution.

  "Your Majesty," he speaks up, "we need to find another way. If Rowlia does not respect us in this negotiation, then we must seek support from other allies."

  "What allies?" Calip III interrupts, looking up, his eyes darkened from lack of sleep for a long time. "The old allies have been swallowed by Rowlia, and the outsiders are afraid of war with Rowlia. It's all meaningless; we have no allies left."

  "Your Majesty," Borum steps closer, his voice soft, trying to bring a glimmer of hope. "While you are here, a country from the North has come and established diplomatic relations with us. They are a powerful nation, and we have gained significant patronage."

  King Calip III's dark-rimmed eyes widen in surprise at this information. He cautiously asks Prime Minister Borum, "Explain."

  Borum takes a deep breath, trying to organize his thoughts before presenting. He begins to recount the negotiations with Russia, emphasizing that they are ready to provide food and military support to Mamluk. Each of his words brings new life to those present, as if they have just been resurrected from the dead.

  After hearing the whole story, Calip III appears pleased but cannot hide his skepticism. "But will they be willing to help us?" one of the officials asks, his voice full of doubt.

  "We need to prove that Mamluk is still a valuable partner," Borum replies. "They want to export their goods. As long as we can offer them enough benefits, they will help us. Or if we simply become a member of the CSTO, everything will be resolved."

  Calip III furrows his brow, his expression still doubtful. "But does Russia really care about the fate of Mamluk? They may just be looking for their own interests."

  "That is true," Borum admits, "but in the current context, we do not have many options. If we can convince Russia to join this fight, they will not only help us defend our territory but could also create a strong alliance to counter Rowlia."

  A silence again envelops the room. Those present ponder this possibility. Finally, Calip III nods, although still hesitant. "If we decide to ally with Russia, we need to prepare thoroughly. We cannot let Rowlia know our plans."

  As the meeting concludes, Borum leaves the room with a heavy yet hopeful feeling. He knows that the road ahead will not be easy, but he also believes that with unity and determination, Mamluk can overcome this challenge and find light at the end of the tunnel.

  ...

  In a place in the capital, inside an inn.

  Currently, two parties are facing each other. Borum stands before Ikannovih with a serious expression. The atmosphere is tense as Borum wants to inquire about the possibility of the CSTO supporting Mamluk in the current situation.

  Ikannovih listens to every word from Borum, understanding the current context. He realizes that Mamluk has not been honest about their situation during their first meeting. However, in the current context, he also understands that making a decision will be very difficult.

  "So, what do you think?" Borum asks, sweat pouring down his forehead.

  Ikannovih rubs his chin, appearing troubled by the situation. "It will be difficult," he says. "If we want troops here, we will face some challenges. But I will try to persuade the government."

  He stands up, shaking hands with Borum. Borum merely nods and then leaves with a heavy heart. Ikannovih watches him go, feeling anxious about the chances of success for this negotiation.

  After seeing Borum off, Ikannovih scratches his head, feeling the weight of pressure. He knows that Mamluk is in a dangerous situation, and persuading the Russian government to provide support will not be easy. Rowlia is a powerful force, and any action could lead to serious consequences.

  He returns to his bed, takes out his suitcase, and pulls out a satellite phone from it. He begins to call someone—Stalin answers on the other end and asks.

  "What's going on?"

  Ikannovih takes a deep breath, trying to remain calm before presenting the situation. "Mamluk is being invaded by a country on this island called the Kingdom of Rowlia. But according to Borum, Rowlia's legions are already at the border. This means we need to make a choice quickly."

  Stalin listens, his expression serious. "So, Mamluk needs military support from us? They could become a strategic ally in this region, but we also need to consider carefully."

  "That's right," Ikannovih replies, "they are in a dangerous situation and need immediate protection. If we do not act, Rowlia may attack and seize Mamluk without facing any obstacles."

  Stalin remains silent for a moment, contemplating what Ikannovih has just said. "We need to consider various factors. If we intervene, it could lead to undesirable outcomes, and you know how the 'big players' feel about war."

  Stalin continues, "Moreover, we do not need to get ourselves involved in an unnecessary war."

  "This country, while it may not seem valuable on a modern scale, is still a large island of 700,000 km2 with significant resource potential, and it could also serve as a military base abroad and a buffer zone against more hostile nations to the south," Ikannovih argues, presenting the reasoning he has gathered during this time. "Furthermore, we could require Mamluk to have an exclusive trade agreement and allow us access to other resources that we could exploit here while still providing them with sufficient benefits."

  You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

  "Is there anything else? I can relay this to the president or anyone you request," Stalin's voice on the other end has softened, appearing more at ease as he has a good reason to present, "If not, we can stop here."

  Just as Ikannovih is about to hang up, he suddenly realizes something else he has overlooked. He speaks up to continue the discussion. "Wait..."

  "What is it?"

  "There's one more thing," Ikannovih coughs a few times, beginning to explain. "That is the reaction of other countries."

  "Other countries? How could that help Mamluk's situation?"

  "Here's the thing," Ikannovih says. "Borum mentioned that countries with good relations with them are hesitant to respond to any security assistance offers due to fear of Rowlia. If... we intervene in this country, then the image of our nation will spread, making it easier to establish diplomatic relations. That would be an advantage for us."

  "While that analysis is very good, it would still be quite risky because we cannot be sure it will go according to the scenario you are predicting."

  Ikannovih nods, understanding Stalin's concerns. "I know, but in the current situation, we cannot sit back and wait. We have just arrived in this world and need a friendly nation to serve as a foundation for the government's future steps."

  Stalin remains silent for a moment, contemplating what Ikannovih has just said. "You have a point. But we need to prepare for all scenarios. If we decide to intervene, we must have a clear plan and ensure that everything goes according to our wishes."

  "That's right," Ikannovih agrees. "We need to build a solid alliance with Mamluk and other countries in the region. If possible, we should organize an emergency meeting with the leaders of the CSTO to discuss this situation."

  "Okay, I will relay this information to the president and request an emergency meeting," Stalin says. "You should be prepared for all scenarios. We need to act quickly."

  Ikannovih feels a bit relieved upon hearing these words. "Thank you, I will do so. I hope we can find a solution before it's too late."

  The call ends, and Ikannovih sits back on the bed, reflecting on what just transpired. He knows that this decision will not be easy, but he also understands that Mamluk is in a dangerous situation and needs immediate support. He decides not to let this opportunity slip away.

  ...

  Rowlia Kingdom, Capital Chora.

  Inside the magnificent hall of the castle, the light from the crystal chandeliers casts a warm golden glow, but it cannot dispel the tense atmosphere. High-ranking officials of the kingdom are gathered around a large table, with King Mussolilin VI sitting on an intricately decorated throne, his expression cold but clearly harboring anger. The subject of the meeting is Russia—a strange country that has suddenly appeared from the North, breaking Rowlia's long-held plan to besiege Mamluk.

  "We have worked for years to weaken Mamluk, and we were just one step away... And now, everything has crumbled because of an unknown nation!" Mussolilin VI slams his hand on the table, his voice filled with rage.

  The officials in the room bow their heads in silence, no one daring to meet the king's furious gaze. A heavy atmosphere envelops the room. Everyone knows that failing to isolate Mamluk not only delays the unification of the island but also puts Rowlia in a difficult position as its treasury runs low due to previous wars.

  General Muha, a silver-haired man with a sturdy demeanor, is the first to break the silence. He bows his head and speaks in a deep voice: "Your Majesty, the current situation is indeed difficult, but our army is still ready. If you command, we can launch an attack on Mamluk immediately."

  Mussolilin VI looks directly at General Muha. "Are you sure? I do not want another mistake. This time, we cannot afford to fail."

  Muha raises his head, his gaze resolute. "Your Majesty, I have checked thoroughly. The troops are fully trained, and weapons and supplies are ready. We can ensure victory."

  Another official, Finance Minister Arnon, with a worried expression, speaks up: "Your Majesty, if we go to war this time, the treasury will be completely depleted. I fear we do not have enough resources to sustain a prolonged conflict."

  Mussolilin VI glances at Arnon, his voice authoritative: "Do you think I do not know? The treasury may run low, but we have no other choice. If we allow Mamluk to continue receiving aid from Russia, all our efforts will be in vain. Do you have a better proposal?"

  Arnon falls silent, secretly fearful. He understands that the king will not change his decision, but the prospect of Rowlia's economy falling into crisis makes him uneasy.

  Mussolilin VI turns his gaze to another official, Interior Minister Zarel—known for his straightforwardness. "Zarel, what do you think about this situation?"

  Zarel stands up, his sharp gaze sweeping over his colleagues. "Your Majesty, I believe Mamluk has weakened significantly after years of economic blockade. If we attack at this time, the chances of victory are very high. But I want to warn that Russia is not an ordinary nation. Their ability to provide food for Mamluk indicates that their resources are not insignificant. We need to be prepared to face them if the situation escalates."

  The entire room falls silent at Zarel's warning. General Muha frowns, breaking the silence: "Zarel, are you suggesting we should hesitate? If we do not act now, we will lose everything!"

  "No, that is not my point," Zarel replies calmly. "But we need to understand our opponent before underestimating them."

  Mussolilin VI raises his hand, signaling to stop the argument. "Enough. I have made my decision. General Muha, prepare the forces. Tonight, I want to hear that our army is ready to attack. Zarel, you will handle logistics. And Arnon, find a way to keep the treasury from collapsing during this time."

  "Understood, Your Majesty!" everyone responds in unison, then bows and leaves the meeting room.

  When he is left alone in the hall, Mussolilin VI stands up and walks to the large window overlooking the capital Chora. In the sunset, the rooftops shimmer like gold, but in his eyes, there is only the color of blood. 'Mamluk... Russia... Do you think you can stand in my way? Just wait and see.'

  ...

  Mamluk Kingdom, Town of Cuz.

  The town of Cuz, located near the border, is famous for its rare and valuable minerals. Since the people of the old countries migrated to Mamluk, the number of jobs has increased significantly due to the emergence of mining corporations. Laughter and hope fill the air, but not everyone is happy. Some locals are concerned about the encroachment of outsiders, but their voices seem to be overshadowed by the economic benefits this investment brings. For the nation, this is a very good source of revenue, but the price of this development may be the loss of culture and identity.

  Inside the town hall, a tense atmosphere prevails as military commanders from both sides discuss the situation. Lieutenant Alejandro, the main commander on the Russian side, sits across from Muhazi, the commander of Mamluk. They are discussing Rowlia's military presence along the border, a pressing issue that both sides are acutely aware of.

  "May I ask, how long has the relationship between Mamluk and Rowlia been like this?" Alejandro asks, his tone serious.

  "It has been like this for several years," Muhazi replies, his gaze heavy. "There have always been conflicts. But since Mussolilin VI came to power, he has implemented hostile policies against us."

  The lieutenant listens, sensing Muhazi's anxiety. However, this reason alone will make it very difficult for the Russian army to intervene. Moreover, the procedures for Mamluk to officially become a member of the CSTO will take longer than expected. In the meantime, Russia will not have the right to intervene in the conflict with Rowlia unless Rowlia causes damage to existing Russian assets here. This weighs heavily on Vasha, as if they allow their ally to be attacked without doing anything, future foreign relations will face many difficulties.

  "First, I will send a request to deploy a force here as quickly as possible. But until then, Mamluk will have to stand alone, I'm afraid," Vasha says, his gaze resolute yet filled with worry.

  After the lieutenant leaves, Commander Muhazi feels a surge of anxiety. Even with a defense treaty, if Russia does not send troops in time, Mamluk will fall quickly. The country has just recovered and is focusing on addressing immediate issues. With an estimated force of 500,000 soldiers from Rowlia, he knows for sure that Mamluk, with only 15,000 soldiers, will have no chance.

  "The first thing is to build a defensive line," he decides. In Cuz, there are currently 10,000 troops, and if they can build a sufficiently strong defense system in time, they can buy time until other forces arrive. That is the best plan he can think of in this situation.

  A few days later, after Commander Muhazi orders the cutting of trees to build the defense line, everything has begun, and the current progress is relatively good. At this rate, they could finish in a few months or even shorter if they increase working hours. In the room, Muhazi is planning the defense when suddenly someone bursts in and reports: "Commander, our scouts have detected Rowlia's troops have crossed the border and are heading this way!!!"

  "What? How could it be so soon?!" Muhazi exclaims in shock, unable to believe that Rowlia would attack at this moment. There is no time to think; he rushes outside to the watchtower, where soldiers are already waiting for orders.

  Taking out his binoculars, he looks into the distance. A long line of infantry and other troops is advancing, the sky filled with flying dragons, the flag of Rowlia easily identifiable. The sight before Muhazi feels like the sky is falling. "How could Rowlia have such a large number of flying dragons?!" he exclaims, unable to believe his eyes.

  Time waits for no one; he quickly orders the soldiers to prepare for battle and evacuate the civilians. "Send communication back to headquarters immediately!" he shouts, his voice full of determination, but inside is a storm of anxiety.

  Immediately, the battle begins with fireballs from the flying dragons. Although Cuz also has flying dragons, their numbers are insufficient to counter the enemy. Fireballs rain down, incinerating everything in their path. On the ground, the situation is even worse. With air superiority, Mamluk's soldiers are simply annihilated very quickly. This is a one-sided battle, with no other options.

  In a panic, Muhazi tries to reorganize the formation, but all efforts prove futile. He is quickly captured and brought before the enemy commander.

  He is forced to the ground while the Rowlian commander stands before him, smiling arrogantly. "Oh, Commander Muhazi. I didn't expect to meet you right at the first battle. If this were a one-on-one fight, it would be more interesting, wouldn't it?" He mocks, but Muhazi simply responds with a defiant glare.

  "I don't listen to the nonsense of your beastly kind!" he growls, but inside he feels helpless.

  "That's a bit sad to say, isn't it? Aren't you a hybrid like me? Or do you think just because your human side is more dominant, you can look down on us beasts? Come on, you are a subhuman and will always be one, so just accept your defeat and I will help you accept it quickly." He orders Muhazi to be taken away, beginning the next step in the conquest plan.

  ...

  Three days later - Russian Embassy.

  "Make way!" A man rushes toward the office of the Russian ambassador. It is Borum, the representative who has the most frequent contact with Russia. Arriving at the door, he knocks urgently. Inside, there is a brief silence, then a voice responds, allowing him to enter.

  Upon entering, Ambassador Alexandr Mikharov is sitting at his desk. Seeing Borum walk in, he speaks up. "Mr. Borum, what brings you here?"

  "Ambassador Mikharov, I need to inform you of an urgent matter." Borum says as he sits down in the chair Alexandr offers. "The information we just received is that Rowlia has crossed the border and attacked. Currently, Rowlia has taken the town of Cuz and is gradually pushing into the surrounding areas."

  Alexandr listens, his face becoming serious. "So Rowlia has attacked; the information seems accurate."

  "You mean you already knew?" Borum appears puzzled. Alexandr nods and adds, "Yes, we can monitor based on... Sorry, that's a secret. What I want to say is that the military is on its way here, and the navy will arrive first to intercept Rowlia's naval forces."

  "Rowlia's navy, based on intelligence, could have over a thousand ships of various types. Even with Mu's strength, I'm not sure Russia can handle that," Borum says worriedly.

  Alexandr sits up straight, his gaze focused on Borum. He furrows his brow, thinking. Over a thousand ships—sounds like a lot, but what really matters is the type of ships. His mind quickly analyzes the possibilities, but there are still too many gaps in the data. He needs to ask more.

  "Do you know what type of ships Rowlia is using?" Alexandr asks, his tone calm but weighty.

  The question catches Borum off guard. He pauses for a moment, as if wanting to ensure he heard correctly. The type of ship? Most people only care about the quantity—why ask for such details? But Alexandr's serious gaze makes Borum feel the importance of the answer.

  "The types of ships we can confirm are..." Borum begins, his voice slightly hesitant, then quickly lists what he knows.

  "First is the Drakkar, a long and narrow ship, ideal for fast movement on the sea. They are usually about 30 meters long, less than 4 meters wide, and have a shallow hull, allowing them to dock at any beach or shallow river."

  Alexandr nods slightly, his sharp eyes seemingly analyzing every detail.

  "Next is the Galley, also long and narrow. They move quickly and are extremely maneuverable in narrow waters. However, these ships require a lot of manpower to row."

  Borum finishes, watching Alexandr's reaction. But Alexandr shows no sign of anything other than calmness. In his mind, the strategic picture has begun to take shape. These two types of ships, while fast and agile, are all made of wood, with outdated technology. He immediately recognizes their fatal weaknesses.

  "Thank you," Alexandr replies, his voice deep and calm. "What surprises us is that Rowlia is relying solely on sea routes to deploy their troops. But rest assured, the Russian navy will arrive as quickly as possible."

  Hearing this, Borum cannot hide his joy. Financial pressures and military weakening in recent years have forced them to cut defense budgets. But now, with Russia's help, a glimmer of hope has emerged. Despite still having doubts about Russia's true intentions, who cares? At this moment, what they need most is support.

  In his excitement, Borum suddenly remembers something important. He turns to ask, a hint of curiosity in his voice: "Mr. Mikharov, how many ships does the Russian navy plan to send here?"

  Alexandr smiles slightly, his eyes gleaming with confidence. "We only need six ships. Four have been here for a while, and two others will assist in the blockade."

  Borum is stunned, almost unable to believe his ears. Only six ships? How could that be? Even with Mu's most advanced ships, they might not be able to handle such a massive fleet. But before he can say anything, Alexandr continues, his voice calm yet firm:

  "I understand your concerns. But please trust us. The Russian navy is built to deal with large fleets. With wooden ships like Rowlia's, that is not a significant threat. I know this may sound arrogant, but let me be clear: we do not consider wooden navy ships a serious opponent. In fact, they may not even meet the standards of a low-level threat. But regardless, I assure you, we will protect you."

  Alexandr's resolute voice makes it impossible for Borum not to trust him. Although doubts still linger in his heart, an unusual sense of reassurance begins to spread. Could this be the strength of a superpower?