February 13, 2021/4018, Fourth Era.

  Vanguard Republic, Capital Pegaris.

  After relocating to the new world, the Vanguard Republic fell into crisis due to the loss of all trade partners. This was particularly severe as the country was still in the process of recovery. Fortunately, the shortage of goods lasted only a short time, causing no long-term consequences.

  However, relying on Russia for imports was not an optimal solution. This became even more concerning when Russia declared war on a country called Papaldia. So far, this has not shown any significant benefits for them. Russia's actions could be considered aggressive, but there is clear evidence that they have the right to carry out a retaliatory attack, regardless of its form.

  Some officials believe that Russia needs to restrain its actions and engage in negotiations, but what they received was confirmation from Russia that they would take necessary peaceful measures, although now is not the right time due to some communication issues with Papaldia.

  Despite actions that do not align with their self-proclaimed image, it also shows that this is not a country easily bullied, contrary to initial impressions. However, it remains difficult to assess the military capabilities of Russia—there is simply no useful information to make a real evaluation.

  Only a few fortunate spies have managed to infiltrate Russia successfully, while others have mysteriously disappeared—suspected to have been discovered and captured by Russia; there is no alternative but to use such measures to understand Russia, as they are a beast that needs to be studied to find ways to avoid being attacked. Their interests must be ensured first, while they themselves are undergoing a powerful industrialization process and have made significant strides in the industry and chemicals, which will lend weight to their future decisions.

  Prime Minister Merica set down the documents about Russia and rubbed his temples with his thumbs to relax. The recent period had been incredibly stressful—like working in a steel factory but having to be under the furnace for repairs when something went wrong, utterly exhausting.

  He looked around his office—it had been renovated to meet the needs of paperwork; currently, it was overflowing with processed and unprocessed documents. Just looking at it made him feel distressed.

  "This is still too hard to believe," Merica muttered, staring at the ceiling; still thinking he was in a dream, but unable to forget this reality, "I wish I could just wake up."

  He paused all thoughts; lightly slapped himself twice and lifted his spirits. "There is still much to do, and we cannot afford to stop."

  He grabbed a stack of documents and began working. Before fully concentrating on his tasks, he glanced at the map that Russia had gifted to Vanguard as a present. It displayed various territories, including theirs—Vanguard located in the southeast of Russia but also near an area called Civilization Zone 2.

  There were many other lands, but nothing particularly familiar. The technological gap in Civilization Zone 2 compared to theirs was usually not large—but only Mu was like that, while other countries remained quite backward and had not achieved much; thus, there was a bit of luck in restoring trade. Many goods would soon be exported to ensure employment for as many as possible.

  Moreover, Russia had also invested in his country with specific projects like Project 231; building a commercial port, constructing a railway directly to it, and establishing hospitals and schools. This means Russia was creating a new settlement for trade purposes between the two nations. However, this was not entirely beneficial for Vanguard, as apart from land taxes, corporate taxes, and consumption taxes, almost nothing was imposed on Russia.

  All of the above would only be applicable after completion; before that, it remained to be seen how these Russians would proceed; it was also a way to enhance relations and create jobs for the local population and from farther places. This was a large project, but the funding was not entirely independent, so there was still hope for the government to avoid dependence on Russia. According to estimates from the finance department, the estimated number of workers to be sent from Russia and Vanguard would be 28,700 and 12,300, respectively, with a preliminary calculated amount of 280 million Crown*.

  (*Crown - Currency unit of Vanguard: 1 Crown ≈ 500 RUB ≈ 6.24 USD. Correspondingly: 140 billion RUB and ≈ 1.7 billion USD)

  Most officials expressed a rather negative view of Russia, but they also found it hard to abandon such long-term economic interests. Although their current geographical position was not favorable for that. No one could deny that Russia was still a completely reliable partner.

  Merica quickly shifted his gaze from the map back to his work; the nation does not wait for anyone, not even him. He took a deep breath, picked up a pen, and resumed his unfinished work.

  ...

  Capital Moscow.

  The meeting began on a cold spring morning at the Russian State Duma. Senior officials from major political parties and smaller parties gathered in the hall. They would discuss one of the most important decisions of this period: the war with Papaldia.

  The leader of the United Russia Party (ER), Dmitry Medvedev, opened the meeting. He looked around, his expression serious.

  "We cannot allow this war to drag on too long," Dmitry Medvedev stated, his tone resolute. "Prolonging this conflict brings no benefits to Russia, although I will still say that this military action has achieved the necessary successes to officially showcase Russia to the world."

  The officials in the room fell silent, listening intently. The leader of the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia (LDPR), Zhirinovsky, was the first to respond.

  "Indeed," Zhirinovsky nodded vigorously. "Russia needs to set an example. Not only to assert our position but also to take revenge; to show Papaldia that we are not merely a paper tiger but a true power. We must defeat them decisively and swiftly."

  "Yes, but we cannot forget that a prolonged war could threaten domestic stability," Mironov, the leader of the Just Russia Party (SR), countered. "If the war drags on too long, it will cause significant losses to the economy, affecting the lives of the people. We cannot focus solely on victory without considering the long-term consequences."

  Zhirinovsky shot a frustrated glance at Mironov but did not respond immediately. Instead, he turned to Zyuganov, the leader of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation (CPRF), who had been sitting quietly. Zyuganov, who had been observing the debates from the beginning, finally spoke up.

  "We need to consider the price of war," Zyuganov said in a calm yet weighty voice. "Russia is not a military empire, and we cannot allow a war to drag on indefinitely without just cause. I do not oppose defending the country, but we must avoid falling into a conflict without a clear resolution."

  Medvedev glanced at Zyuganov but maintained his composure. "We cannot ignore the need to protect national interests. If we do not act decisively, Russia will be seen as weak. The price to pay is unavoidable in any war. But victory will elevate our standing on the international stage."

  Mironov, always inclined to defend social interests, added: "Medvedev, I understand your concerns about national prestige, but we must also think about what is happening domestically. This war could lead to unemployment, economic crisis, and increased discontent among the people. A prolonged conflict could cost us public support, which is unacceptable."

  Zhirinovsky continued to press: "Let's not forget that Papaldia is a militaristic empire. They are not just a direct threat but also a bad example for other nations. We must be strong, not let countries in the region think that Russia can only negotiate and lacks the capability to strike when necessary."

  This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

  Zyuganov firmly opposed: "Oh, so you think we should just bomb the heads of a nation that may not even know what a radio is? Like the way the United States did with them—Vietnam and the Domino Theory? I still remember the war in Afghanistan, a conflict that cost us dearly without achieving anything. This war could end up the same way. Papaldia can be defeated, but the consequences of war could plunge Russia into a prolonged crisis, affecting the economy and political stability."

  Medvedev surveyed the room, unable to hide his disappointment. "But we also need determination. The longer the war drags on, the greater the risk of other countries intervening in our internal affairs. This will weaken Russia's position."

  Leaders of smaller parties began to voice their opinions as well. Andrei Zhuravlev, representing the Russian Renaissance Party (a minor party), emphasized: "I agree that we need determination, but it is crucial to carefully consider the long-term damages. Wars are not only costly in terms of resources but also create deep wounds in the hearts of other nations."

  Zhirinovsky disagreed, but Zhuravlev continued: "If we fight and win, that's good. But if the war drags on too long, it will tarnish Russia's image as a strong nation. Our image will be affected not only by the war but also by the consequences it brings. Loss of life, economic failure, and international pressure could cost Russia dearly."

  Zyuganov nodded, adding: "I do not deny that we must protect national interests, but we must also think about building a sustainable peace. War should only be a last resort, and if possible, we need to find diplomatic solutions."

  Medvedev listened but remained firm in his stance. "Diplomacy will only be effective if we demonstrate our strength. If we do not defeat Papaldia, not only will regional countries look down on us, but even larger adversaries will do the same."

  The debate continued to heat up. Opposing parties and smaller parties all opposed a prolonged war, while pro-war parties like ER and LDPR defended their positions. Each side had its own reasons, and finding a common solution became increasingly difficult.

  Medvedev continued to clarify his viewpoint. He stood up, his sharp gaze directed at his colleagues. "We are talking about the future of this country," he stated. "If we do not demonstrate strength and resolve, we will become a nation that is looked down upon. We cannot allow history to repeat past failures. Papaldia may not be an immediate threat to Russia, but it is to the entire region. We need to end this war quickly and decisively. We must set an example for other nations, showing the world that Russia is not only a military power but also an unconquerable force."

  Mironov argued for Medvedev to consider: "No one denies that we need to protect our country, but we must consider where this war is headed. We cannot forget that a military victory is not enough to safeguard long-term interests. If the war drags on, we will face immense economic pressure, financial crises, and, most importantly, a loss of trust from the people. Our leaders must be cautious and deliberate before making decisions."

  Zhuravlev, more cautious, added: "A prolonged war can lead to military losses and economic harm. Inflation will rise, taxes will increase, and the people will feel the burden. Sometimes victory does not mean defeating the enemy but knowing when to stop. We may win this war, but if it lasts too long, the consequences will affect the long-term stability of the country."

  "So what should we do?" Zhirinovsky asked, his tone laced with sarcasm. "Should we sit idly by and wait? Should we allow other nations to mock us for our indecisiveness? No, we must act now, or we will lose our opportunity."

  Zyuganov, undeterred, continued: "Action must be accompanied by thought, and thought must stem from the long-term interests of the country. We cannot act solely for immediate gain while ignoring the consequences that war may have on the economy and political stability."

  Medvedev dismissed all counterarguments. "Consequences are something every nation faces when engaging in war. But I believe that victory in this conflict will enhance our standing. Not just in the region but globally. Nations will look to Russia as a strong country, one unafraid to face challenges."

  The meeting remained heated. Differing viewpoints, the clash between major and minor parties made reaching a consensus nearly impossible. Nevertheless, it was clear that each party had its own rationale for defending its stance: one side emphasized military strength and the urgency of a swift victory, while the other raised concerns about the long-term repercussions of war, its impact on the economy, and political stability.

  The conclusion of this meeting would not be easy. Clearly, the issue of war with Papaldia was not just a military conflict but a complex equation involving national interests, international standing, and domestic stability. Every decision would have far-reaching consequences and affect Russia's future in this new world.

  ...

  Presidential Office.

  President Putin sat in his office, skimming through a series of documents related to the war and ongoing projects. Thanks to the nationalist spirit of the LDPR that had spread across the country in response to Papaldia's hostility, there was a pressing need to conclude the conflict as soon as possible to avoid undesirable repercussions.

  This war had not yielded many benefits thus far. Russia had garnered significant attention from various nations in Civilization Zone 3 due to its bold actions. However, most of them expressed concern as their major partner was waging war against a superpower, which did not bode well for their interests.

  Many had declared the cessation of diplomatic relations and were demanding that all Russians leave their territories. This was a completely understandable action—they were underdeveloped in many aspects and had an unfriendly neighbor in Papaldia, so it was reasonable for them to choose to appease Papaldia, which also helped him understand how to manipulate the entire region.

  Despite the poverty of Civilization Zone 3, it presented a perfect opportunity to stabilize the economy and ensure that the national budget could support development projects that would provide jobs and stable supplies for the people.

  In addition to this, Project 231 was also a critical point of focus, as most of the funding would come from Russia, which would have full rights to utilize the area to recoup investments and potentially profit. Meanwhile, Vanguard would serve as the land leaseholder and provide legal conditions to avoid inciting public unrest over fears of job losses or even nationalism.

  Experts estimated that this project would take at least four years to complete fully. However, if only the railway and commercial port were considered, the timeline could be significantly shortened while residential areas would be constructed simultaneously—this was the part that Vanguard would occupy the most. Such a large project needed careful consideration; however, the Pacific Fleet required a stable operational area, and inadvertently, Vanguard lay within that zone, limiting many military activities.

  This project was the best way to address that without affecting other plans. Yet, he was also troubled by the fact that this project was indeed very large compared to the current budget. Ongoing attacks were systematically draining the budget. Putin estimated that by the end of March, this conflict must reach a conclusion and could not be allowed to extend further.

  He reviewed each report related to the situation; a significant area of land had been captured, but Papaldia was quite slow in deploying its navy; for whatever reason, this was not a wise decision. Combining various military branches would help the war proceed more favorably for them. He could not understand the intentions of these people, but it was a benefit for Russia.

  The emergence of media from more civilized nations had allowed Russia to showcase itself to the world. A navy fleet from an unknown nation defeating the navy of a superpower? An idea no one could have imagined.

  He leaned back in his chair, picking up another document, his gaze satisfied with the text. It detailed the success of two military groups in infiltrating Papaldia. Initially tasked with reconnaissance and area exploration, the two groups had gained some reputation in the region, thereby earning the goodwill of the Papaldian government and were currently operating under the guise of honorary knights.

  This was a good way to monitor every move of Papaldia, but it also raised questions about the safety of that group, as their attire would surely be the first thing to attract attention. However, they likely had planned ahead and were still sending regular reports back to headquarters via GLONASS.

  This report was about Papaldia's intention to launch a naval battle along the coastline they controlled. Initially, this conflict had been incredibly slow, so the naval forces deployed were quite limited, consisting only of a few patrol and escort ships.

  It was clear that this attack had been planned in advance, and there was a preliminary assessment of Russia's navy in the area. However, the details of this report did not specify the exact number but only estimated between thirty to one hundred twenty ships of various types—most notably, a type of ship referred to as the Dragon Aircraft Carrier. According to the description, it resembled a sailing wooden aircraft carrier but had a long flat surface on both sides. The size of this ship was comparable to a helicopter carrier.

  This was a significant advancement for a country with such low technological standards like Papaldia, greatly enhancing its military strength. Thus, reinforcing the navy would be crucial in determining whether this war would end soon or drag on. However, for him, it needed to conclude quickly, so a blitzkrieg strategy was to be applied in this case.

  Nevertheless, Papaldia had a very slow response time, and this could be a trap to catch the military off guard. With such predictions, Putin understood that no matter how underdeveloped a country might be, as long as guerrilla warfare was employed skillfully, even a nation like Russia could suffer defeat.

  Lastly, there was Milishial. There were still many aspects that Russia needed to pay special attention to regarding this nation. So far, Saint Seraphina had maintained contact with Moscow, but their attitude seemed to have changed; they were more cautious now, which was a positive signal, as it would make diplomatic activities easier to navigate.

  President Putin picked up the phone, dialed the number, and called directly to the Ministry of Defense. As soon as the connection was made, he spoke first.

  "This is the President; I want to speak with the head of the department."