March 1, 2021/4018, Fourth Era.

  The Papaldia Empire, Outer Region of Original Papaldia.

  "Are there any units that haven't arrived yet?"

  Perezovski was in the assembly area talking to other subordinates. Over the past two weeks, a large-scale attack on key regions of Papaldia had been planned; in other words, the Kremlin wanted the war to end this month and could not afford any delays. The initial resources intended for this war had nearly exceeded their limits because Papaldia unexpectedly chose such a strong approach to warfare.

  By using large-scale units, the military was forced to regularly employ wide-area lethal weapons and engage in combat with the guerrilla units of the empire. Additionally, the wizards were also a very interesting force, even though the strategy dictated that they should not engage directly with entities that were not yet fully understood. But if that were the case, then everything up to this point would be considered not fully understood.

  Many of the captured weapons had familiar designs but operated on mechanisms that could be considered different from their original forms from their world; the principles of operation were somewhat different but still adhered to basic physical laws. He continued to listen to his subordinates' reports; everything was going quite well, except that Papaldia was gathering a large force to counter the impending attack from the military. He understood the purpose of this battle was to demonstrate Russia's strength to all the civilized nations through their own eyes. Therefore, the main force would be armored infantry leading the way, gradually surrounding their capital and capturing the emperor. Why?

  Because there was a certain resentment towards the empire in all the territories they had passed through. There were many military groups, and not all of them were just farmers; some had developed into armed groups and even included professional soldiers trained by Papaldia itself. It was unclear whether the Estaurant government was aware that its entire military apparatus was in a state of great instability, but the output quality was still considered acceptable. However, that did not provide an opportunity in the face of the obvious collapse ahead.

  "That's all the reports, General," the advisor standing there placed the documents down.

  "Thank you, Borin," he took the documents and continued. "That should be fine; we expect to launch the attack in three days... What is the situation in those areas?"

  "That area?" he wondered. "Oh yes, the armed groups there partly want us to supply them with weapons and supplies..."

  "Refuse immediately," Perezovski interrupted, his eyes turning cold. "Tell them that due to logistical reasons and the impending end of the war, supplying weapons is unwise. Suggest they directly rebel somewhere outside our control, or right here, and they will be provided with the captured weapons from Papaldia."

  The advisor lightly sweated upon hearing Perezovski's words, a hint of worry appeared on his face. "General, wouldn't that easily lead to dissatisfaction from them?"

  "No," Perezovski replied immediately. "They need us. If we reconcile with Papaldia at this time, while their army is still abundant and on its way here, it would be a significant disadvantage for the rebel groups. But as long as we maintain our stance of destroying Papaldia and supporting the establishment of new states, all set goals will be achieved, and our reputation will rise as a liberating force."

  "I do not deny that, but it is quite risky if those... other nations suspect us."

  "Let them suspect, and let the KPRF explain, because after all, that is their ideology," Perezovski said, thinking that this had surely been calculated by the government beforehand. Those parties could step forward to explain their statements to the media, but a good image is still a good image, with no exceptions.

  "So... we can act freely and have politicians step up to explain the army's actions positively?"

  Perezovski's gaze turned serious as he looked at the advisor. "I would not say that; rather, the army's actions must be based on moral principles and a noble ideology of a just society, and they are executing it to liberate the people here from the tyranny of despotic monarchs."

  Suddenly, a spark lit up in Perezovski's mind, reminding him of something. "Also, what is Orlov's position up to now?"

  The advisor rummaged through his memory, slowly answering Perezovski. "Still... not yet."

  "Not yet?"

  "Not yet; we lost track of him three months ago," the advisor continued. "According to the latest investigations by the FSB and SVR, Orlov and his organization have been recorded as no longer operating strongly within the territory; there is speculation that he and a large number of terrorists have gone abroad and established a base somewhere we still do not know."

  "That is a concerning issue. What can we do at this point?" Perezovski shrugged, remaining calm. "Well, let them handle this; we just need to focus on our own tasks."

  "Understood, sir," he stepped out of the hut, leaving Perezovski alone in the quiet space. He looked over at the war table next to him - a map and the position of the upcoming battle. Papaldia had, at this point, fallen into panic - only knowing to launch desperate counterattacks, but they had stopped for a while and were retreating, gathering a large force in an area far from the wide fields.

  Moreover, Papaldia had sent a challenge letter to them with no reasonable justification other than a battle to determine the possibility of negotiations.

  This was an utterly unreasonable and childish reason to think that Russia would come with a negotiating mindset? No, but they would still accept it, as information indicated that a highly reputable group of reporters from Milishial and the largest broadcasting channel across the regions was present. This was an opportunity to promote the military and strength to those powers that did not understand Russia, making them realize that any idea of war with Russia would be a foolish decision.

  Therefore, the key forces here, while other forces would gradually circle around other areas if faced with mishaps. He wondered what the soldiers would do to make the most magnificent army possible? Not sure, but certainly, the spirit of the seasoned soldiers would not overlook it.

  He continued to look at the war table, and then a few days later, right at the pre-arranged position, the royal army - the most elite and well-equipped soldiers with guns that had been secretly purchased from Civilization Area 2, along with the remaining wizards to fight while others had fled in fear of the Russian army; wyverns had also been gathered in the sky, although the remaining number was very modest - only a few dozen, as the enemy had destroyed most of this force in their attacks.

  Meanwhile, on a distant hill, a group of reporters from Sancta Vox was preparing other related equipment. Right in front of the camera, a cat-eared half-elf reporter dressed elegantly was getting ready before going live.

  "Ready?"

  The girl gently nodded, as the live broadcast began. "I am Ciltala from Sancta Vox Channel. Today I will be live-streaming the battle between Russia and Papaldia after many rapid developments have occurred. In the previous days, we have seen clearly the Russian army and how they operate here as the 'liberating force' for the oppressed people. As we know, Papaldia has a history of conquering and draining the places it passes through until nothing remains, and the accumulation of hatred in the previous nations has erupted with the needle being Russia."

  Ciltala continued: "But is Russia better than Papaldia? We currently cannot be sure; it may just be empty promises, or they may be the saints coming to fulfill the prophecy in that legend. Because there is also a very interesting similarity between the two sides, and the Church has also had contacts with Russia and has made progress in diplomatic relations. So we will ask a currently influential figure who has connections with Russia to understand this country. That is Saint Blaze."

  The scene shifted to an empty space - the interview room, where two people were being filmed live, Saint Blaze and the host - Ron, along with military expert - Chop. In a comfortable atmosphere, all three sat looking straight into the camera, and Ron began to speak:

  "Thank you, Ciltala. So, Saint, do you have any comments on the war initiated by Russia?"

  "From my perspective - someone who has seen how this war began, it is not Russia that directly started the war, but the Papaldia Empire," Seraphina calmly explained to Ron, "they chose war to implement their policy of 'Conquer and Exploit' to conquer Russia and the countries friendly to them. This is a very wrong decision for Papaldia because Russia, although not a country with a policy of conquest like an empire, has a very strong retaliatory spirit. They will not easily overlook a threatening enemy to their own safety."

  "I have a question," Ron, hearing some rather confusing points, asked: "When you say that Russia and the countries friendly to them have united against Papaldia, does that mean Papaldia has occupied an area and has been pushed back, or was there prior preparation?"

  "This question is also quite difficult for me, as the information I have is from Russian media, which only reports on the brief battle with rather sarcastic commentary. But as far as I know, Papaldia suddenly attacked a country called Tajikistan in the early morning of this year - on January 6. The initial battle took place with a slight advantage for Papaldia when they successfully attacked inland with losses from Russia and Tajikistan, but the presence of very powerful Russian weapons with subsequent reinforcements caused Papaldia's forces to fail with significant losses."

  "So why does Russia have troops abroad instead of within its territory? You speak as if these two countries have a close relationship?" Ron asked, feeling quite anxious when asked directly like this, especially when it affected the image of a country. "From what I see, Russia is a very promising country in the development of both sides, but they are showing that they do not want to promote that potential."

  "To answer those two questions, we need to look at the history and relationships of the country closest to them - the Central Asian region. First, about their world..."

  Ron interrupted because he did not understand her words, he cautiously asked. "Their world? What do you mean, they are not from this world?"

  "That's right, Russia and its allied countries come from another world, a place with a very interesting history, although we cannot delve into it due to time constraints when we first arrived in Russia, but the history of Russia and its allies is closely linked to an important period. After spending time researching the history of Russia, we can conclude that Russia and the Central Asian countries have a relatively intertwined history with their own harmonies and conflicts, but still have consensus on related issues."

  Seraphina continued, feeling excited to share her knowledge with those here and out there about Russia, Central Asia, and their world.

  "Returning to the original topic - their world, is a civilization without magic, or in other words, everything we have seen, are seeing, and will see comes from the brilliant minds that created them, but not all of it comes from Russia; however, Russia can improve prototypes into things much better than the original in a short time. Their world has a very interesting history, especially in the last three hundred years; this is the period with the most significant changes in their military, cultural, and economic power, including Russia.

  "So, these improvements of Russia are not limited to the military, right?" Ron interrupted, trying to keep up with Seraphina's train of thought. "So can we say they are undergoing a revolution in every aspect?"

  Seraphina nodded, her eyes lighting up as she continued to explain. "That's right, exactly a revolution. Russia is not only improving weapons and military tactics but also its economy, science, and technology. One of their outstanding characteristics is the ability to quickly apply inventions and advancements from other civilizations, then improve them in a more effective way. Especially when compared to countries that do not have similar technological development, their creativity and application ability are incredibly impressive."

  "It seems that Russia places great importance on independent development," Ron commented, trying to understand more about this country. "However, if we look at the current war, it seems they are not just defending but also have ambitions, right?"

  Seraphina smiled slightly, noticing the curiosity in Ron's question. "Actually, Russia is not a country that tends to invade other countries. However, they have a very strong perspective on self-determination and protecting their interests. In the case of Papaldia, they cannot sit idly by when they see a threatening force invading and endangering their safety and that of neighboring countries. In fact, if we look deeply into the history of Russia and the Central Asian countries, you will see they have a very close connection, and Russia sees the protection of these countries as part of its national security strategy."

  "It can be said that Russia's presence abroad is not an act of invasion but a protection of long-term strategic relationships. They not only want to maintain influence in the Central Asian region but also want to prevent any forces that could threaten their stability and development," Seraphina continued, her sharp gaze fixed on the camera.

  "And this is precisely why Russia is involved in the war with Papaldia," she concluded. "They cannot accept a potential threat that could alter the balance of power in the region, harming their interests. While there may be contradictions and conflicts, they clearly have a long-term vision for their development and the surrounding area."

  Ron took a deep breath, feeling the complexity and depth of the issue. "So, Russia is not merely a country looking to expand its territory, but a country with a broad strategic vision, protecting its relationships and allies, right?"

  "Exactly," Seraphina replied, nodding. "And that is why we must view Russia not just through the lens of a warring nation but as part of a larger picture, with long-term strategic moves aimed at protecting what they have built."

  Ron nodded lightly, having understood part of Russia - a country still shrouded in mystery, but when viewed from this new perspective, he still had a question worth considering regarding the connection between Russia and Central Asian countries.

  Ron tilted his head, his expression thoughtful. "Saint, I have understood part of Russia, but when you mentioned the connection between Russia and Central Asian countries, I wonder: Is that connection derived from the present moment, or has it existed before in the history you mentioned?"

  Seraphina nodded, her face calm and focused. "That's a very good question, Ron. To understand this connection, we need to go back to the time when Russia was still called the Soviet Union, or the USSR. This was one of the most important periods in the history of Russia and the Central Asian region."

  She paused for a moment, as if to prepare the viewers for a larger story. "The USSR was a superpower in the 20th century, established in 1922. It was not just a country but a federation comprising 15 socialist republics, including Central Asian countries like Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. The connection between Russia and Central Asia began at this point when all these countries were part of the same political and economic system."

  Ron frowned, feeling surprised at the scale of such an entity. "A federation comprising multiple countries? How could they maintain unity in such a large system?"

  "That is the special thing about the USSR," Seraphina explained. "The USSR operated based on the ideology of socialism and communism, with the goal of eliminating class distinctions and building a society without injustice. The center of the federation was in Moscow, the capital of Russia, where all decisions regarding politics, economy, and military were made. Although there were internal tensions, this system helped maintain unity for a long time."

  She continued, her voice carrying a mix of admiration and analysis. "During that period, the Central Asian countries benefited greatly from the support of the USSR. They received investments in infrastructure, education, and industry. However, this also came with the loss of a significant portion of self-determination, as Moscow had supreme control. Nevertheless, the cultural and historical ties between Russia and Central Asia became very deep, partly due to this period."

  Ron leaned forward, feeling drawn into the story. "This is fascinating, but what happened to that powerful federation? Does it still exist?"

  Seraphina took a deep breath, her gaze slightly somber. "The USSR collapsed in 1991, after nearly 70 years of existence, primarily due to internal conflicts. The overly centralized economic system, lack of transparency in management, and external pressures weakened the foundation of the federation. When the USSR disintegrated, the member states, including Russia and Central Asia, became independent countries. However, the relationship between Russia and Central Asia continued, due to historical memories and mutual economic, political, and cultural dependencies."

  She looked directly at Ron, her voice filled with confidence. "And this is why today Russia always maintains a special interest in the Central Asian region. It is not just strategic; it is also a historical responsibility that they feel they need to fulfill."

  Ron nodded, his expression thoughtful. "So, it can be said that Russia is currently the heir to the legacy of the USSR, not only in terms of power but also in terms of responsibility towards the regions that were once part of the federation, right?"

  "Exactly," Seraphina smiled. "Russia is not just a country; it is also part of a long historical narrative, where they continuously seek to adapt and develop. And their relationship with Central Asia is an indispensable part of that journey."

  Ron nodded continuously, indicating that he had understood everything Seraphina said.

  "Thank you, Saint, for enlightening me," Ron looked at Chop beside him, "However, we are not just here to talk about their history but also about the military, and here it means understanding how the Russian army operates and fights, so let's return to Ciltala to see the process."

  Returning to Ciltala, she had been watching and listening to the two from the other side through the monitor, feeling tired. She glanced behind her, seeing the Russian army lined up with many things she wanted to see more clearly but couldn't. While still lost in thought, her colleague spoke up to remind her: "Get back in shape, Cilta, it's your turn."

  Ciltala heard this, quickly adjusted herself, and continued filming. As soon as the red light blinked, she continued from the other side: "It's me again, Ciltala. Currently, the Russian army has arrived; they have many vehicles with astonishing war equipment. From here, we can see many Russian soldiers in their uniforms and... Is that their national flag? It... doesn't look like any of them are the same?"

  The camera shifted direction, zooming in on the convoy of Russian military vehicles entering the area. Huge armored vehicles, troop transport trucks, and self-propelled artillery lined up, moving like a solid and majestic steel flow. On each vehicle, besides the three-colored flag of Russia, there were many other flags with different designs and colors. Some had familiar patterns like the red star emblem, while others bore complex patterns and symbols, difficult to identify their origins.

  Ciltala, observing while explaining: "Indeed, as you can see, these flags are not uniform. We see the three-colored flag of Russia, but alongside it are many other flags that we cannot recognize. It seems that... they are not from a single country."

  She paused, her face puzzled by the strange scene. A Russian soldier stepped down from the nearest vehicle, adjusted his cap, and signaled something to his comrades. The flag on his shoulder was the national flag of Russia, but on the vehicle he was leaving, a light blue flag with a prominent golden emblem was fluttering, completely unfamiliar to her.

  Ciltala continued: "We are witnessing a special phenomenon. It seems that Russia is not only bringing its national flag but also the flags of... allies? Or perhaps symbols representing different territories?"

  "It is possible that those are the flags of autonomous regions or separate military units within the Russian army. This could be true. Russia, as we know from previous explanations, is a country comprising many different ethnicities and regions. Perhaps this is their way of showing unity while still respecting the unique identities of each territory or group."

  As the camera continued to move along the convoy, it captured images of other units. A group of soldiers walked by, wearing camouflage uniforms with clearly different color patches, next to armored vehicles bearing the emblem of a two-headed eagle. The flag above their lead vehicle had a red background and a similar emblem, highlighted with bright golden edges.

  Ciltala concluded with a remark: "This is indeed a special army, not only because of their modern equipment but also because of the way they carry many different symbols. This diversity could be the key to their strength – an army that represents not just one nation but perhaps an entire unified civilization."

  The images of the Russian convoy gradually shifted to scenes of armored vehicles taking positions, preparing to deploy forces, as a high-ranking figure stepped down from a command vehicle, beginning to signal orders. The screen shifted back to the main angle, leaving questions about the true meaning of these flags in the viewers' minds.

  Meanwhile, among the Russian army, the 15th Tank Company of Donskoy had also lined up, looking towards the enemy ahead - numerous - very numerous, perhaps reaching hundreds of thousands, or even millions; he did not care much but only focused on the flags that the enemy's army carried.

  The national flag, the victory flag, and the military flag, the army's insignia, created a magnificent scene like in the movie "Kingdom of Heaven" - as if fighting alongside King Baldwin IV against Saladin, only this was not their world. Donskoy thought, it was not just the generals' idleness, but also related to the prestige and image of the nation - something they were lacking here, and he understood why this was happening; just a glance to the left revealed a group of people there with quite eye-catching equipment, but the sunlight obscured their shapes.

  But he did not care much; he was only concerned with how Papaldia would win. The infantry had armored units, and the air force had Pantsir-S1 behind to eliminate those wyverns. Just that was enough to see the result even before it began.

  On the Papaldia side, General Morou - Commander of the Royal Army - with the mission assigned to win a battle with every capability he was given, initially thought this would be a good opportunity to counterattack due to the continuous failures of General Mano; he had been executed upon returning to the capital. Morou believed this was a massive and powerful force, but no, before the Russian army - those present here were more like target practice.

  His mind was working at full capacity while still staring straight at the enemy; they had not yet moved, but the oppressive atmosphere spread around as if wanting to swallow them whole. He guessed that the enemy was waiting for them to go first; if so, he might have a chance to inflict damage on Russia or, better yet, cause their formation to become disordered and thin enough to launch a direct attack. With that idea, Morou began to shout orders to the soldiers and communicate with the rear through the manacom.

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  ...

  On the Russian army side, Lieutenant General Perezovski watched as the enemy began to move; he, along with a few other soldiers beside him, was ready. He calmly raised the radio. "All units ready, be cautious of the wizard ranks behind."

  As soon as he finished speaking, it was as if a bad omen - the wizards had created a series of magical circles, illuminating an area like a light show. But then a series of spells were unleashed. Two fire and ice spells were hurtling towards them, and the crews saw that scene with great interest.

  On a T-72B with two people on it, the two looked at the spectacle above, feeling very excited to see real magic. "Look, Ivan, isn't it amazing?"

  "I think we should get inside," Ivan also felt similarly excited but did not overlook the reality; he reminded his comrade and went back inside. The other did the same.

  The rows of Russian armored vehicles stood still and did nothing, but in the rear, Pantsir-S1 was ready to defend. From the integrated radars, the Pantsir-S1 system quickly detected the strange "flying objects" with trajectories unlike any shells or missiles they had ever seen. The commanding officer quickly ordered:

  "Anti-aircraft artillery, prepare to fire! Lock on target!"

  The 30mm cannons on the Pantsir system began to roar, spitting out rounds at a terrifying speed. The bullets flashed in the sky, heading straight for the fireballs and ice beams approaching. Upon impact, a small explosion occurred, and the magic was neutralized right in mid-air.

  Meanwhile, the Pantsir's anti-air missiles were launched. A large fireball was pursued by a missile and exploded, leaving small fading sparks in the sky. The ice spells, when meeting the 30mm shrapnel, shattered into pieces, falling to the ground like snow.

  Inside the tanks, Ivan and his crew watched intently through the internal screens. "Unbelievable!" Ivan exclaimed. "These things look like they came out of a fairy tale, but Pantsir shoots them down like usual!"

  "Just some toys, when Pantsir gets involved, nothing can fly through," his comrade replied, a self-satisfied smile on his face.

  While they were still celebrating the event, the wyvern squad of Papaldia charged in as if they had been waiting for this moment.

  The roar of the wyverns echoed throughout the sky, their massive wings flapping fiercely, creating violent gusts of wind. The flock of wyverns resembled a black cloud, swiftly heading towards the Russian tanks, each carrying a wizard on its back, wielding a flaming staff. The aerial assault was not only a challenge for the tanks but also a formidable tactic from Papaldia.

  Ivan felt the change as the dazzling light of the ice and fire magic was now obscured by the shadows of the giant wyverns. The T-72B tanks remained still, but the crews inside each vehicle were ready, their eyes glued to the radar screens. "We need to move now, Ivan! These things are no joke," his comrade said, gripping the controls tightly.

  Meanwhile, the Pantsir-S1 system continued to operate but could not stop the aerial attacks from the wyverns, especially when the wizards controlling them created strong magical shields to protect each wyvern. Each wyvern carried a magical bomb, ready to dive down and destroy every target on the ground.

  "Defend!" the Pantsir commander shouted over the radio, ordering the crews to focus on shooting down the wyverns before they dove down.

  But just as they fired off anti-air rounds, the wyverns began to change their tactics. They no longer dove straight down simply. Instead, they started flying in serpentine trajectories, dodging the shells and missiles, making it harder than ever to hit them.

  One of the wyverns, leading the pack, stopped mid-air. The wizard on its back waved his staff, and immediately, a massive stream of fire erupted, aimed straight at the Russian tanks. The fireball hurtled down, poised to incinerate everything.

  "Run!" Ivan shouted as he saw the fireball preparing to descend. The tanks began to move at maximum speed, creating plumes of smoke as the treads tore up the ground. But it was still too late; the fireball descended, exploding in a blinding blast, sending debris flying. Some tanks in the front were affected, but their armor systems still held up, though severely damaged.

  At that moment, the Pantsir anti-air systems opened fire again, targeting not only the wyverns but also the wizards on their backs. A barrage of 30mm shells erupted, hitting one wyvern, causing it to lose balance and crash to the ground in a cloud of smoke. The other wyverns reacted immediately, changing their tactics, lowering their altitude, and charging straight towards the tanks, determined to launch a direct assault.

  "We can't let them get close!" the Pantsir commander yelled over the radio, ordering nearby special forces to increase firepower. The Ka-52 helicopters began to unleash missile fire on the wyverns, but they continued to dive in, like ghosts of war, without hesitation.

  In the midst of the chaos, a deafening roar echoed from the sky. A Su-25SM3 swooped in at high speed, the light from the air-to-air missiles under its wings flashing. The pilot received orders from command and immediately joined the fight.

  "The air defense can't handle it all; I'll wipe out these wyverns!" the pilot's voice rang out with determination over the radio.

  The Su-25 quickly locked onto its targets. A pair of leading wyverns were struck by the R-73 missiles. Two streaks of light shot up into the sky, piercing through the magical shields created by the wizards. The explosion shook the air, the remains of the two wyverns igniting and falling like burning torches. The wizards controlling them had no time to react, vanishing in the smoke and flames.

  The remaining wyverns began to panic. The lead wizard shouted, regrouping the ranks, ordering them to concentrate all their power on destroying the Su-25. Fire and ice erupted into the sky in bursts, like a rain of death aimed straight at the aircraft.

  "They're locking onto me!" the pilot warned, but his skilled maneuvers turned the Su-25 into a fish weaving through a raging river. Each roll, each sharp turn made it impossible for the magical attacks to hit. "Do you think your magic can hit this guy?" he muttered, while locking onto another target.

  Below, the Pantsir units continued to fire, taking down several more wyverns. However, a small group of wyverns had slipped through the fire net, diving straight towards the Russian tanks at the front line. One wyvern, twice the size of the others, led this assault. The wizard on its back cast a glowing red spell circle, creating a fire spear that aimed directly at a T-72B3.

  "Watch out from above!" Ivan shouted over the communication system. The T-72 immediately activated its Arena-M system, one of the most advanced active defense systems. The fire spear barely touched the tank's range before being intercepted by a series of small explosions from the Arena system. The magical spear disintegrated mid-air, leaving bright sparks like fireworks.

  The lead wyvern, furious, opened its mouth and spewed forth a massive stream of fire. But the Russian tanks, with their complex Relikt armor, withstood the heat. A 125mm shell from the T-72B3's cannon fired back, hitting the wyvern squarely in the chest, tearing apart its front body and sending the wizard on its back plummeting to the ground, obliterated.

  The remaining wyverns, witnessing their comrade's demise, began to panic. Some turned to flee, but the Ka-52s above gave them no chance. Ataka missiles from the helicopters were fired, taking down each one, leaving no resistance.

  Lieutenant General Perezovski on the ground ordered over the radio: "Continue to hold your positions! Do not let anything approach!"

  In the distance, the large magical circle that the Papaldia wizards were preparing continued to glow, becoming brighter than ever. This was what they were betting on to turn the tide. A final blow, deciding everything.

  The large magical circle of the Papaldia wizards continued to shine brilliantly, ancient characters spinning faster and faster. The source of magical energy concentrated at the center, creating a massive beam of light, ready to strike down on the Russian army's formation. This was the ultimate attack they hoped would crush the enemy, but the Russians quickly recognized the threat.

  In the air, the Su-25s and Ka-52s immediately changed direction, targeting the area where the wizards were casting spells. The pilot of the Su-25, after receiving coordinates from ground forces, calmly released a pair of guided KAB-500 bombs from a safe distance. "Take them out before it's too late!" his voice rang out over the radio.

  The guided bombs glided with absolute precision, heading straight for the position of the magical circle. The Papaldia wizards realized the danger but had no time to react. A massive explosion tore through the center of the magical circle, instantly dimming the magical light. The shockwave from the explosion swept through, blowing away the surrounding wizards, completely interrupting their attack.

  On the ground, the T-72B3 tanks opened fire in unison. The powerful 125mm shells pierced through the enemy's defenses, annihilating the remaining groups of wizards trying to reinforce the magical circle. The Pantsir-S1 continued to take down any remaining wyverns in the air. The 30mm anti-aircraft system and guided missiles quickly turned the wyverns into charred remains falling to the ground.

  One final wyvern, attempting to dive bomb a T-72, was intercepted by a barrage of missiles from the Ka-52. It exploded mid-air, debris raining down on the battlefield. All the wizards and wyverns of Papaldia had been completely wiped out.

  "The battlefield is clear!" the Pantsir commander reported over the radio.

  On the radio, Perezovski's voice rang out decisively: "Good, everyone hold your positions and survey the battlefield. Do not leave any threats behind."

  ...

  Behind Morou, the battlefield had turned into a massive graveyard, covered in the charred remains of wyverns and wizards. No more shouts, only the gasping breaths of the dying. General Morou stood on a small mound, his hand trembling as he gripped the useless sword at his side. His eyes widened, pale, staring at the columns of black smoke rising from what was once the most elite force of the Papaldia Empire.

  The truth was painfully clear. The wyverns and wizards—the pride of the royal army—had been obliterated without even inflicting any significant damage on the enemy. But even so, he still could not accept defeat.

  'I still have the infantry!'

  "Infantry, advance!" Morou shouted loudly, his voice hoarse, as if he himself did not believe in his own command.

  The fire mages, trembling, clutched their magical weapons and shields, reluctantly forming ranks as ordered. They had lost their fighting spirit, but they moved forward because the fear of the enemy was greater than the fear of their commander. The sound of their footsteps echoed, but no one dared to look up—they had all seen what had happened to the wyverns and wizards.

  Then came the roar.

  The diesel engines thundered, treads crushing the earth beneath their cold steel weight. The Russian armored convoy appeared on the horizon, the T-72B3s and BMP-3s looming like invulnerable monsters. Above, the Ka-52s circled like death birds watching their prey, ready to unleash their wrath.

  Morou swallowed hard.

  "Fire! Fire now! Fire for me!"

  Hundreds of magical weapons fired simultaneously, beams of light shooting from their barrels, painting the sky with a hopeful rain of bullets. But that hope shattered quickly.

  The magical projectiles were absorbed by the complex ERA armor of the T-72B3s, vanishing like raindrops on a rock. The shots that struck the BMP-3s left only a few scorch marks on the steel armor, as if throwing stones at a giant beast.

  The steel monsters continued their advance.

  Then the cannons roared.

  "Fire!"

  The 125mm cannons from the T-72B3s fired in unison.

  The sound of explosions shook the ground.

  The HE-FRAG shells tore through the air, heading straight for the Papaldia infantry.

  One second, they were still warriors. The next second, they were nothing but flesh scattered across the blood-soaked earth. Craters formed in their ranks, bodies blown apart, no longer resembling humans. The screams turned into a horrific symphony of death.

  From above, the Ka-52s screamed like hunting beasts, deploying S-8 rockets onto the panicking Papaldia troops.

  Explosions erupted continuously, the ground shattered, bodies flying like marionettes with severed strings.

  Morou, still standing on the mound, could only watch in horror as his world crumbled. His army—the pride of the Papaldia Empire—was now nothing but a pile of charred corpses, crushed under the treads of tanks.

  He felt nothing. Only one thought echoed in his mind:

  'We... never had a chance.'

  And then...

  BOOM!

  A shell from a T-72B3 struck his position directly.

  Morou's world exploded in a blinding flash of fire.

  The battlefield fell silent.

  No more screams. No more resistance.

  The last infantry of Papaldia had been wiped out.

  The T-72B3s continued to advance, their treads grinding through the remnants of the defensive line. The BMP-3s deployed mechanized infantry, Russian soldiers quickly seizing tactical points.

  In the distance, the surviving Papaldia soldiers fled. They dropped their weapons, armor, even their comrades.

  But the roar of the Ka-52s echoed from above.

  The Papaldia soldiers looked up, their faces pale.

  There was no escape.

  The S-8 rockets continued to scream, the 30mm cannons tearing through the fleeing formation.

  The final cries of an empire echoed in despair, then faded into dust.

  The Russian commander, standing on a BMP-3, surveyed the entire scene through binoculars. His voice rang out over the radio:

  "The battlefield has been secured. Proceed with search and cleanup. Ensure no threats remain."

  The Russian mechanized infantry units deployed in small teams, scouring through the hilly areas and wooded regions to ensure no remnants of Papaldia's forces were left. Captured prisoners were gathered in one area, guarded closely by Russian soldiers. The rest had been eliminated or completely disbanded.

  As the evening shadows fell, the battlefield was shrouded in a heavy silence. The smell of gunpowder and death mingled in the air, creating a somber atmosphere. But for the Russians, this was a resounding victory. Their forces had demonstrated overwhelming strength against an army once considered invincible in this world.

  "Report to command center. Mission accomplished," an officer reported over the radio.

  The Russian armored convoy continued to advance, leaving behind the blood-soaked battlefield. Their march was not just a military victory but a testament to Russia's unshakeable dominance in this new world.

  Lieutenant Donskoy stepped down from the turret, his eyes wide as he took in the gruesome scene around him. It was worse than what he had seen in Chechnya; this had to be compared to the terrorists in the Middle East to be sufficient. His tank rolled over the corpses of Papaldia soldiers with a crunch that made him uncomfortable, and he muttered, "Damn it, I'm going to need a psychologist after this."

  The armored vehicles continued to advance, crushing whatever remained on the battlefield. Lieutenant Donskoy, after emphasizing his bitter remark, ordered over the radio:

  "All units, proceed with area clearance. Leave no resistance behind."

  Inside the vehicle, the crew remained silent. Although they were accustomed to war, the brutality of this confrontation left a deep impression on each of them. The roar of engines and the grinding of tracks on the ground only intensified the heavy feeling in their hearts.

  Sergeant Ivanov, the gunner on Donskoy's T-80UK, spoke up: "Sir, I think this is the first time we've witnessed an army that seems to have both tactics and technology that feel like they've stepped back in time."

  Donskoy nodded, his gaze still fixed on the horizon filled with smoke. "Yes, but don't underestimate them. Desperation can turn the weak into the most dangerous beasts. Stay alert."

  In the distance, a group of Papaldia soldiers cornered in a thicket were trembling in hiding. A young officer among them, his face pale, tried to regain his composure.

  "We can't surrender. If we return in defeat, our families will be executed. We must fight to the last breath!"

  But before they could move, a barrage of rockets from the Ka-52s screamed overhead, exploding right in the thicket, obliterating everything in an instant. The remnants of Papaldia had no chance to resist.

  Donskoy lifted the radio, his voice filled with determination: "Command center, the area is secure. No signs of resistance remain. Requesting further orders."

  The radio responded immediately, the voice of a superior clear and firm:

  "Continue advancing; the objective is to seize the main port city of Papaldia. This will be the final blow to this empire."

  Donskoy sighed, closing the turret hatch and turning back inside. He knew the journey was far from over, and the images from today would repeat many times. But he also understood that this was their mission – to carry the strength of Russia to establish a new order in this strange world.

  Returning to the position on the hill, Ciltala was incredibly excited as she witnessed the unfolding events. With an enthusiastic tone, she addressed the audience:

  "Dear viewers, look! This is the moment when history is being changed right before our eyes! The might of the Russian army, a weapon seemingly unstoppable, has shattered every pride that Papaldia once held!"

  She gestured towards the battlefield, where smoke still lingered. The Russian tanks and armored vehicles continued to advance, crossing through the enemy's former trenches without pausing.

  "The Papaldia soldiers – they fought with everything they had, but it yielded no results. Their magical weapons, fire and ice spells, and even wyverns – all proved useless against modern technology."

  Ciltala paused for a moment, allowing the camera to focus on the groups of Russian soldiers advancing into the distant city. The surviving Papaldia soldiers were being escorted in long lines, their faces weary and fearful, clearly visible on the screen.

  "You can see this, can't you? The Papaldia Empire, once the ruler of the region, is now nothing but ashes. But what is even more astonishing is how the Russian army has executed this campaign – swiftly, accurately, and completely overwhelming."

  She turned back to the camera, her eyes ablaze: "Remember this name, dear viewers. Russia – a name that will be etched into the history of this world."

  The surrounding scene returned to the three individuals, Seraphina, Ron, and Chop. Up to this point, their eyes were glued to the events unfolding on the screen, and it could be said: this was something unimaginable but viewed from a civilization entirely different. Military expert Chop initially had no interest in the conflict from lower civilizations, but after witnessing enough, a strange excitement had arisen within him as he observed the Papaldia forces being decisively and ruthlessly eliminated.

  "This is truly fascinating," Chop said quietly, but still loud enough for the other two to hear. "This is beyond imagination. Saint, how could you approach a civilization like this?"

  Seraphina hesitated. She had never assessed Russia's military strength at this level; everything had always been at a level sufficient for self-defense, as when the information about the war first began. "I could not have anticipated this."

  Her face glistened with sweat as she recalled Mishustin's statements, the declarations of that man about his country were now vividly before her eyes – not to be manipulated or used as pawns by any force. But she had never thought Russia would have the audacity to do something that crossed the line like this. Russia, in her mind, could not yet be considered a force capable of waging war at this intensity. This was clearly the behavior of an empire, but the history of Russia – had always been like that, in positions that not every country could or wanted to occupy.

  She gently continued her words: "I had never seen the Russian infantry or their air force; the navy,

  I had only seen one fleet among the four that still existed. Many terms that I find difficult to analyze."

  Chop frowned, his voice tinged with curiosity mixed with concern. "You have studied their history, right? So tell us, Saint, what are Russia's goals? Are their actions in Papaldia merely to assert power, or is there a deeper agenda?"

  Seraphina fell silent for a moment, her eyes reflecting the grim images from the battle. Finally, she replied, her tone growing somber, as if she were speaking to herself. "In the documents I have read from their archives, Russia is not a country that initiates war without cause. But once they feel threatened, or once they have taken action, their enemies have no chance of turning back. They will not stop until the threat is completely eliminated. This is similar to what Napoleon and Hitler did."

  Chop leaned back, clearly dissatisfied with such a brief answer. "Complete annihilation? That sounds extreme. But why? What has created a nation with such behavior?"

  Seraphina took a deep breath, her gaze becoming serious. "To answer that question, you must understand the history of Russia. The greatest wars they have ever faced not only shaped their nation but also changed the world. The first invasion by Napoleon, with over 600,000 soldiers—the most powerful army in the world at that time. But fewer than 30,000 returned alive."

  Ron furrowed his brow, feeling astonished at such a figure. "600,000 soldiers? That's a crazy number. But how could that happen? What did they do to defeat such a large force?"

  "They destroyed everything—homes, fields, food supplies—turning vast lands into deserts. And winter did the rest," Seraphina replied, her voice calm yet heavy with the weight of history.

  Chop frowned. "A scorched earth tactic. That's devastation, not just for the enemy but also for their own people. What price did they pay for that?"

  Seraphina sighed. "That price cannot be measured. But if you think Napoleon is all there is, then listen about Hitler—a dictator with an army even stronger by many times."

  Ron still couldn't hide his surprise. "Hitler? The dictator? Who is he, and what does he have in common with Napoleon?"

  Seraphina's expression turned somber. "Hitler was another dictator who caused an even more horrific war. In the Great Patriotic War—how the Russians refer to their fight against him—over 27 million Russians lost their lives. That is an unimaginable number. They fought in every village, every city, every road, despite immense losses. And in the end, they pushed back the enemy, shattering Hitler's fascist regime."

  "That's a... number that can't be counted," Ron said, feeling shocked by the information, making him believe it was a lie. But in front of him was the Saint—representative of both the Church and the Holy Order—there was no way she would lie. "So what about the fascist regime? What kind of regime is that?"

  Seraphina looked into Ron's eyes, her gaze serious yet resolute. She knew that to explain the fascist regime clearly, she needed to elaborate on what had happened in Russia's history.

  "The fascist regime," Seraphina began, "is a dictatorial system where power is concentrated in the hands of one individual or a group, and the interests of that individual or group are placed above everything else. In Hitler's case, he established a brutal government, full of ambition, with the goal of dominating his continent and creating an 'Aryan kingdom'—a superior society based on race."

  Ron frowned, trying to grasp what Seraphina was saying. "So what did they do to achieve that?"

  "Hitler and his regime initiated a brutal war, World War II, with the aim of occupying other nations and expanding German territory. They not only invaded countries but also carried out a genocide campaign aimed at exterminating those they deemed 'undesirable,' including Jews, Slavs, and many other groups. They built concentration camps where millions were killed, including women and children. This regime had no mercy, only cruelty and oppression."

  Ron remained silent for a moment, trying to understand her words. "So why did Russia have to pay such a high price? Why sacrifice 27 million people?"

  Seraphina took a deep breath, her eyes reflecting the weight of her thoughts. "Because the fascist regime was not just a threat to their country; it was a threat to humanity. When Hitler attacked the USSR—what would become Russia—he was not just attacking a nation; he was attacking the very idea of a political system that he wanted to destroy. The USSR was a symbol of resistance, and invading Russia was his way of eliminating a system he viewed as hostile."

  She paused, gathering her thoughts. "When Hitler launched Operation Barbarossa in 1941, he was not just seeking to conquer territory; he aimed to annihilate the very essence of the USSR—an ideology that represented a challenge to his vision of supremacy. The USSR, for him, was a threat that needed to be eradicated, and the invasion of Russia was a means to eliminate a system he deemed adversarial."

  Ron frowned, still grappling with the enormity of the situation. "But if the USSR was so powerful, why couldn't they prevent the initial losses when the war began? Weren't they a major power?"

  Seraphina sighed, her expression becoming more serious. "The USSR, despite its military strength and robust production capabilities, had many vulnerabilities. After the October Revolution in 1917, Soviet society was deeply divided, and the country faced numerous internal challenges. When Stalin rose to power in the late 1920s, he implemented a brutal policy of purges and purging those he considered threats. This severely weakened the military's effectiveness in the early stages of the war."

  She continued, her voice steady. "Additionally, in the years leading up to the war, the USSR was somewhat isolated by Western nations due to their opposition to communism. Meanwhile, Hitler took advantage of the USSR's weaknesses to prepare for a large-scale attack. Although the USSR was powerful, they were not fully prepared for an assault of such magnitude when the war began."

  Chop, still curious, pressed on. "So after all those initial difficulties, how did the USSR manage to turn the tide?"

  Seraphina smiled slightly, her eyes shining with determination. "The most important thing you must understand is that the true strength of Russia lies not only in its military but also in its spirit. When Hitler attacked the USSR, they were not just fighting to defend their territory; they were fighting to protect something greater: freedom, their nation, and their ideals. The USSR had to endure significant initial losses, but they gradually regained the initiative. A crucial part of their victory was the ability to mobilize the entire nation for the war effort."

  Seraphina looked at Chop, her gaze resolute. "The USSR demonstrated that when pushed to the brink, they could not only defend their homeland but also fight with a strength that the enemy could never anticipate. It was during those darkest hours that the USSR affirmed its power."

  Chop pondered for a moment, then asked, "So the victory of the USSR, despite the heavy losses, is a lesson for all of us about resilience?"

  Seraphina nodded, her expression serious. "Indeed, Chop. The greatest lesson from the USSR is resilience; never giving up, no matter how dire the circumstances. And that is also a reminder that when faced with brutal enemies, only an indomitable spirit can help you overcome all challenges."

  Ron, feeling the weight of Seraphina's final words, realized the depth of the conversation. The atmosphere in the room felt heavy with the implications of their discussion, and they all understood that the lessons of the past would shape their future decisions.

  Chop finally grasped the significance of Seraphina's insights. "So, if we are to face Russia, we must be prepared for their unwavering resolve and the lessons they have learned from their history."

  Seraphina's eyes sparkled with determination. "Exactly. If you wish to engage with Russia, you must understand that for them, war is not merely a choice—it is a matter of survival. And once they begin, nothing can stop them."

  As the conversation continued, the three of them began to contemplate the implications of their discussion, realizing that the past was not just a series of events but a guide to navigating the complexities of the present and future. "Understanding the past is crucial for making informed decisions in the present," Seraphina emphasized, her voice steady. "The lessons learned from history can provide us with the tools we need to navigate the challenges we face today."

  Ron nodded, absorbing her words. "So, if we want to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past, we need to be vigilant and proactive in our approach to international relations, especially with a power like Russia."

  "Exactly," Seraphina replied. "We must recognize the patterns of behavior that have emerged from their history. Russia's actions are often driven by a desire to protect its sovereignty and assert its influence. If we can understand their motivations, we can better anticipate their actions and respond accordingly."

  Chop interjected, "But what about the other nations? How do they fit into this equation? Are they simply pawns in a larger game, or do they have agency in shaping their own destinies?"

  Seraphina considered his question carefully. "Every nation has its own interests and motivations. While some may align with Russia, others may oppose it. The key is to recognize that alliances can shift, and nations may act in ways that are unexpected. It's essential to remain adaptable and open to dialogue, even with those who may seem like adversaries."

  Ron leaned forward, intrigued. "So, you're suggesting that diplomacy is just as important as military strength?"

  "Absolutely," Seraphina affirmed. "Diplomacy can often achieve what military might cannot. Building relationships, fostering trust, and engaging in constructive dialogue can lead to more stable and peaceful outcomes. However, it requires a nuanced understanding of each party's interests and a willingness to compromise."

  Chop nodded thoughtfully. "It seems like a delicate balance. How do we ensure that we don't appear weak while still pursuing diplomatic avenues?"

  "That's the challenge," Seraphina acknowledged. "It's about projecting strength while also demonstrating a commitment to peace. A nation can be strong and assertive without resorting to aggression. It's about finding the right approach for each situation."

  Ron glanced at the screen, where the aftermath of the battle was still visible. "The consequences of failing to strike that balance can be dire, as we've seen today."

  "Indeed," Seraphina replied, her tone somber. "The cost of conflict is often borne by the innocent. We must strive to find solutions that prioritize human dignity and security."

  As the discussion continued, the three of them delved deeper into the complexities of international relations, exploring the interplay between power, diplomacy, and the lessons of history. They recognized that the path forward would not be easy, but with a commitment to understanding and collaboration, they could work towards a more stable and peaceful future.