Chapter 5: A New Order

A week had passed since the echoes of Operation Thunder Run faded, leaving behind a new imprint of power upon this world. The Kingdom of Felda, once towering as a threat, now bowed low, its old pride chipped away by the shadow of the nascent Federation. Its king, once arrogant and untouchable, prostrated himself before Lady Kikuchi. The silver-haired woman, now more known as a pillar of the Federation than the former Sensei from another world, gave a slight nod, accepting the king’s plea for forgiveness for his fatal error. Before his people, who watched with bated breath, he announced his greatest decision: to abdicate the throne. Thus, the heavy crown passed to the young head of Princess Vionna Angelica. The new Queen, in her tender years, began to shoulder the burden of leadership, embracing unexpected responsibilities. Felda slowly opened its gates to modernization; strange four-wheeled vehicles, rumbling softly without horses or magic, now traversed their roads, a bewildering yet endlessly fascinating sight for the local populace. Children glued themselves to the roadside, their eyes wide with wonder.

Meanwhile, in Gulmist, a city once a den of cruelty under its old king’s tyranny, had undergone a metamorphosis. After Amano executed the king, wave after wave of oppressed civilians begged to join the newly formed Gelmist Federation, a plea Amano granted without hesitation. It was there, for the first time since he arrived in this world, that Amano Hiragi saw the ocean. Clear blue waters stretched boundlessly, reflecting the sky's light, caressing the shoreline with white foam, giving him a fresh idea. "A port city," he whispered to himself, "a bustling trade hub." The ocean would become a new source of livelihood in fishing, utilizing its boundless riches. For this noble task, he chose the catfolk, with their natural agility and unmatched hunting instincts, they were the perfect choice. Yet, his ambitions didn't stop there. A far grander idea crossed his mind, a vision that would change the continent's power map: building the most advanced Naval Port for the Federation's Navy. "I plan to construct four aircraft carriers, ten submarines, and thirty destroyer-type warships," Amano murmured one night to Lady Kikuchi, his eyes radiating a brilliant vision of the future. This maritime power, he knew, would be the backbone supporting the Federation's defense and dominance in the times to come. An unshakable foundation.

Deep on the other side of this tumultuous world, far within the southern forests of Gelmist, a gigantic flower petal trembled violently. Within it, Mimika, the ancient fairy who had slumbered for thousands of years, jolted awake. The thunderous bangs from the "upper world"—faint echoes of deafening B-52 bombings and the roaring battles of Operation Thunder Run—tore through the peace she had known for millennia. The ground shook, colossal trees swayed like mere twigs, and the air hung heavy with the strange scent of gunpowder. Her clear eyes, as pure as untouched morning dew, glowed with primeval rage and profound confusion. For millennia, she had only known the rustle of wind through leaves, the peaceful song of rivers, and the whispered secrets of ancient trees. Now, these terrifying vibrations tore at the very essence of nature, leaving a gaping wound in her heart.

"What is this chaos?!" Mimika’s voice, like an angry crystal bell ringing within her, echoed through the thicket of trees, though no one heard it. "Perhaps it's another war between humans, just like in ancient times," she muttered, though there was a peculiar note in her voice—this war felt different. She saw gigantic craters and gaping holes in the forest, traces of destruction she had never witnessed, as if battles in this era had utterly transformed, becoming more brutal, more devastating than anything recorded in ancient memory.

"Truly chaotic. I don't know who did this, but I will find this person and demand accountability for disturbing my centuries of sleep," Mimika vowed, her mystical aura faintly shimmering, the flower petals around her flickering slightly.

Driven by an unbearable hunger after her long awakening, Mimika flew swiftly, like a giant firefly moving through the night, traversing the forest, searching for the source of the tremors and for food. She passed bewildering sights: tall structures reaching for the sky, flickering lights, and large metal objects soaring through the air without wings, leaving trails of smoke—not dragons, nor giant birds, but airplanes and helicopters, strange contraptions she had never imagined. Then, she saw black, horseless carriages moving on paved roads, propelling themselves as if alive—cars and trucks. All of it was utterly foreign to her, a completely new order. She also saw someone speaking inside a large, glowing box mounted high on a wall—a Videotron broadcasting the news of the past week—a sight that left her astonished and bewildered.

Eventually, she arrived in a city. There, Mimika assumed her human form, adapting to avoid drawing attention. She was instantly overwhelmed by an aroma that pierced her senses—the truly tantalizing smell of cooked food, vastly different from the nectar or forest fruits she usually enjoyed. The thick, alluring scent made her lose focus on finding the one she sought to hold accountable. She followed the aroma to a diner, where she saw someone having breakfast.

The man was Amano Hiragi, who had just bought bread and soup. Amano had long, somewhat disheveled black hair and deep brown eyes, but strangest of all, Mimika sensed a strange magical power from him. This power was unlike any magic she knew—neither elemental nor spiritual—yet it was immensely potent and unique. Her ancient instincts whispered, voicing a bitter truth: this was the one responsible for the great disturbance. And also, this magic felt familiar, similar to the magic of heroes from ancient times she had heard about in old tales, those capable of bringing about great change, even if it meant destruction leading to a new order.

"Hey, young man over there, come here! Eat!" Mimika couldn't hold back. Her stomach rumbled, betraying her overwhelming hunger. "But what kind of energy do you possess? I feel a familiarity with it." The young man, Amano, simply watched Mimika's antics, and without much ado, bought her some food. Mimika felt deeply embarrassed as her stomach continued to growl, a clear sign of her intense hunger. Finally, she heard the vendor's voice, "Oh, thank you, Mr. Amano, are you still hungry? We offer delicious burgers and a special promo just for you." Instantly, Mimika learned the young man's name. "Named Amano," she thought, the name etched into her mind.

"Hey, Amano! Come here! I'm so incredibly hungry! Give me that food and I'll grant you any wish!" Mimika demanded, with a touch of impatience, like a child whining for candy.

Amano looked at her calmly, his expression unreadable. "Not until you explain who you are."

Mimika finally introduced herself. "My name is Mimika, I am a legendary fairy, a guide to heroes of old, and I was awakened by the loud tremors you caused." A brief conversation ensued, as usual, but Mimika persisted in demanding Amano take responsibility for her ruined forest. Amano eventually apologized and promised to immediately restore the forest. As a sign of good faith, Amano directly offered her his burger. Mimika bit into the burger and immediately felt a rush of deliciousness, experiencing a sensation she had never tasted in her entire life. "This food is truly delicious," she thought, her eyes sparkling with pure joy.

A few days later, the atmosphere in the New Gelmist Federation parliament building was far from calm. In the majestic hall that now served as the center of government, advisors, strategists, and representatives from various Federation territories gathered. At the center of the holographic round table, emitting a soft blue light, Amano Hiragi sat in the main chair, his gaze sharp and calculating, while Lady Kikuchi sat by his side, her digital tablet in hand, swiftly noting every important point.

"Alright, let's begin today's meeting," Amano's voice broke the silence, echoing against the hall's walls. "First on the agenda, the budget report and development plan. Lady Kikuchi, please."

Lady Kikuchi stood, her gaze calm and professional. "Thank you, Amano-sama. The Federation's budget shows a significant surplus thanks to the resources we obtained from Gulmist. For the construction of the Naval Port in Gulmist, we estimate it will require twenty trillion Yen and approximately three years for construction. This will include gigantic docks, advanced ship repair facilities, and modern barracks for naval personnel. Regarding labor, as Amano-sama has decided, the catfolk will be the backbone of the fishing sector and the majority of workers at the port, utilizing their natural expertise."

The hologram at the center of the table changed, displaying a 3D projection of the modern port city to be built in Gulmist, complete with large ships docked, looking so real that some attendees gasped in awe.

"Furthermore," Lady Kikuchi continued, "with Gulmist joining, we will also integrate their loyal remaining forces into the Federation. They will undergo retraining and deployment as needed. This will significantly boost our military strength."

An elderly general from Felda, now part of the Federation staff, nodded in agreement, his white beard swaying gently. "This addition of forces is crucial, Amano-sama. Especially with our ambition to build a strong maritime fleet. Four aircraft carriers, ten submarines, and thirty destroyer-type warships are ambitious projects that require massive logistical and personnel support." His voice sounded firm and full of conviction.

The discussion continued, delving into technical details and resource allocation. Then, Shimizuka Touya, head of the Federation's trade department, stepped forward, his expression slightly hardening. "Amano-sama, regarding our trade with allied nations, there is an important report. Trade volume has increased rapidly, especially with Felda, which is starting to open up to our technology. However, I must also express concern about the activities of Balfesta, a nation on Felda's eastern flank. Our intelligence indicates they are becoming more aggressive in their economic expansion, and we suspect unusual military movements. They might become a new threat in the future." A serious and tense aura enveloped the room, causing some advisors to exchange worried glances.

Amano nodded, absorbing the information. The potential threat from Balfesta was already on his radar, though current priorities were different.

After Shimizuka Touya finished, it was Hiyori Kushida's turn to step forward, carrying a report concerning healthcare facilities. "Amano-sama, with your support, hospitals are now widespread, even in Felda. This has greatly improved the quality of life for the populace. However, we face a severe shortage of medical personnel. To ensure optimal service and reach more areas, I request additional budget so we can recruit more doctors, nurses, and medical staff to work in the Federation's hospitals." Her voice was full of hope, reflecting a genuine need.

Amano considered Hiyori's request. The health of the people was the foundation of a nation's strength. "The budget will be approved," he declared firmly, his voice resolute, ending the debate. "We cannot compromise when it comes to public health."

However, the tense atmosphere already pervading the room suddenly grew far more chilling when the topic shifted to the latest, more urgent intelligence report, as if a dark cloud had begun to settle over the hall.

"Alright, now we move to the most important agenda," Amano said, his voice a little heavier, as if the weight of the world pressed upon him. "The report from the Zomun border."

An intelligence officer stepped forward, his face strained, cold sweat beading on his temples. "Amano-sama, reports from the front lines are increasingly alarming. The plague that began in Zomun is now spreading at a terrifying speed. News from merchants and refugees who managed to reach our border confirms the same: undead corpses roam the streets, attacking anyone they encounter. The spread is incredibly rapid, solely through bites."

The hologram on the table changed again, this time displaying a map of the Zomun region with red dots constantly expanding, indicating infected areas. Several horrific images from surveillance cameras were also shown: grotesque figures with decaying skin, empty eyes radiating mindless horror, and erratic, jerky movements. The sight made several advisors shiver, some covering their mouths to suppress nausea.

"Our intelligence has also confirmed the cause of this plague," the officer continued, his voice trembling, almost a whisper. "Zomun, in their insane attempt to create super-strong human weapons, conducted horrifying experiments on their population. However, they failed completely. As a result, those humans were instead transformed into Undead through Undead summoning magic and the involvement of a cunning Necromancer."

The room fell into complete silence, broken only by the heavy breaths of a few individuals. The meeting participants exchanged glances, their faces showing a mixture of profound horror and concern. This threat was far different from conventional warfare; this was an enemy that could not be negotiated with, could not be conquered with ordinary military strategy. This was utter destruction.

Amano stared at the hologram, his jaw hardening, his gaze piercing, filled with determination. "So, their ambition for power instead gave birth to unimaginable ruin. We cannot allow this plague to reach Federation territory. What is our plan?"

The discussion quickly heated up, focusing on defense strategies, evacuations, and possible counterattacks against the terrifying Undead threat emanating from Zomun.

"We must immediately prepare an emergency plan," Amano stated firmly, his voice resounding through the hall. "I order the construction of large-scale quarantine facilities near the border. Every refugee and survivor coming from Zomun must be strictly examined and quarantined to ensure no further spread into our Federation. Our top priority is to protect our people."

Before the meeting adjourned, as advisors began to gather their notes, Amano turned to one of the intelligence chiefs. "One more thing." His voice sounded more personal, yet no less sharp than his official commands. "I want complete and accurate information about the king who once kidnapped Princess Vionna Angelica. His location, his strength, every detail you can find. I want to know everything about that man."

Amano's request surprised several staff members, but they dared not comment. The former King of Felda had already been forgiven, but the king who kidnapped Vionna was a different matter, one unresolved in Amano's heart—an old wound he now decided to heal. Amano's command was clear, showing that personal vengeance mingled with undeniable state affairs. The intelligence chief nodded quickly. "Understood, Amano-sama. Information will be collected immediately."

After the long and exhausting meeting, Amano and Lady Kikuchi continued their diplomatic visits to neighboring countries. This time, they were invited to the Kingdom of Costra by its king. Amano had initially expected the King of Costra to be as greedy and critical-averse as the previous King of Felda, full of deceit and avarice. However, upon their arrival, he was surprised.

They were warmly greeted by many beastfolk of varying shapes and sizes, from large, imposing figures to small, agile ones. There were even rabbitfolk whom Amano had never known existed—tiny creatures with twitching long ears and innocent, sparkling eyes. The King of Costra, Ross Valentine, welcomed them with great warmth. Ross was stout, with neatly combed brown hair and a long, curving mustache—far from Amano’s image of a cruel, tyrannical ruler.

"Welcome to Costra, Mr. Amano, Lady Kikuchi!" Ross greeted, smiling broadly until his eyes crinkled, revealing clear wrinkles at their corners. "It is a great honor!"

Amano, having been mistaken, awkwardly returned the greeting, feeling a slight shame internally for his prejudice. Ross then invited Amano and Lady Kikuchi on a tour of Costra's capital, Amecon. There, just like in the Federation, they saw many people of various races trading, interacting, and helping one another, creating a lively and harmonious atmosphere. However, one thing set it apart from the new Federation: Costra still adhered to a strict caste system, differentiating between the poor and the rich, a sight that slightly disturbed Amano, reminding him of the injustices in his old world.

In the middle of the city tour, suddenly, a commotion broke out in the main square. "Come, citizens, hurry to witness the execution of the criminals!" a loud guard's voice bellowed, echoing among the buildings. Many citizens rushed to watch, a thirst for spectacle filling the air, jeers and taunts already beginning.

"What is this? Why is it so crowded?" Amano asked, observing the swelling crowd, his gaze sharp.

Ross smiled faintly, as if it were a common, unremarkable event. "You needn't worry, Mr. Amano. This is just a minor execution. It's best we pass by."

"Wait," Amano said, stopping Ross in his tracks, his eyes hardening, refusing to ignore it. "I want to see it firsthand."

At the execution platform, the commanding officer, who had just saluted King Ross, approached. "Your Majesty, what brings you here?"

"Mr. Amano is very curious about our nation's legal system. Show him what it's like," Ross commanded, his tone casual.

"Yes, Your Majesty! I will show him. Guards, make way for King Ross and Mr. Amano!"

The execution began. Major criminals—robbers, murderers, corrupt officials, and kidnappers—were executed one by one, to the cheers and taunts of the crowd. Until finally, Amano saw a familiar face among those about to be executed, a figure he knew from his past.

It was Sayuri Musashi. Her long brown hair was slightly disheveled, her green eyes radiated deep despair, and her neck was already bound by chains, ready for a gruesome fate. She was being jeered by many for allegedly killing and injuring an adventurer. Sayuri kept screaming, "I'm not the culprit! It wasn't me!" But her voice was drowned out by the heartless jeers of the crowd. Amano distinctly remembered how Sayuri always defended herself from bullies back in school. The reason for Sayuri being there was revealed: she had cut down several male adventurers who had tried to act indecently toward an Elf woman and a catfolk woman. These adventurers were indeed known for often harassing and disturbing many women, making Sayuri incredibly frustrated and unwilling to tolerate their behavior.

Without hesitation, Amano drew a pistol from its holster. The single gunshot echoing into the air thundered, cutting through the din, silencing the entire watching crowd, as if time had stopped, and the air froze amid held breaths. All eyes turned to him, shocked and bewildered.

"King Ross Valentine!" Amano declared firmly, his voice loud and authoritative, pointing the pistol at the ground beside his foot, demonstrating absolute seriousness. "I earnestly request that you pardon this woman!" Thereupon, Amano produced a pouch of rare gold coins that glittered in the sunlight, causing King Ross to gape in awe. The king's eyes widened, sparkling with avarice—their value far exceeded ordinary compensation.

Ross, impressed by Amano's decisiveness and generosity, finally nodded, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Very well, Mr. Amano, I will grant your request! Guards, immediately release that woman!"

Sayuri was freed. She stared at Amano with disbelief, then her expression shifted to one of profound gratitude, tears welling in her eyes. After that, the Kingdom of Costra and the New Gelmist Federation officially became allies. Many Costra troops began training in the new Federation, and Costra, too, would follow Felda's path towards modernization.

After seeing Sayuri join, Amano and Lady Kikuchi did not immediately return. They were curious to see what the famous Adventurers' Guild in Costra was like. Inside the Guild, the atmosphere was noisy and bustling with adventurers' chatter, clinking mugs, and loud laughter. In a corner of the room, separated from the general commotion, they met a stout man with dark brown hair who looked gloomy and had just been released from the Guild's prison. It was Hayate Touma.

Hayate, a Tanker who was once part of a hero's party, had been dismissed after failing to protect the Hero from an enemy attack in a dungeon. Disappointed and feeling unfairly treated, he vented his frustration by getting drunk and causing a ruckus in the Guild, upset by the racist treatment he had endured from other adventurers who looked down upon his Bearfolk race—a powerful but often misunderstood race, often seen as crude and dim-witted.

Hayate was startled to realize that the two strangers talking nearby were figures he knew—not just from news, but also from his past. They were Amano-sama, the leader of the Federation whose name now resounded across the continent, and Kikuchi-sensei, the teacher who had once taught him the basics of combat. "Amano-sama... and Kikuchi-sensei!" Hayate exclaimed, his eyes widening in disbelief. As an old student, Hayate didn't hesitate to address Kikuchi with respect, a habit hard to break.

Kikuchi, with a faint smile, replied. "Yoo, Hayate. So you're here too. You look drunk?" Her tone was slightly amused.

"Actually..." Hayate began, his voice filled with disappointment, his shoulders slumped. He explained that he had been dismissed from the hero's party because Kanzaki Onedera—the Hero—had been chosen as the new Hero and had become more prominent. They had split after failing in a dungeon's 5th floor because Kanzaki had been too hasty in making reckless decisions. Ultimately, after their failure, Kanzaki blamed the human of another race who carried their equipment bag, accusing him of being too weak. A fierce argument ensued, leading Kanzaki to report Hayate to the Guild as a useless adventurer, and he was thrown into the Guild's prison. Hayate paused, taking a heavy breath, the weight of his past feeling palpable.

Amano listened intently, his expression showing clear sympathy. Seeing his condition, Amano once again used his influence and discussed with the Guild master to fully release Hayate and clear his name.

"I know you have potential, Hayate," Amano said, his gaze sharp, piercing through Hayate's despair. "Your dream is to become a police officer, isn't it?"

Hayate's eyes widened, surprised that Amano knew his hidden ambition. "How do you know?" he asked, his voice a little hoarse.

Amano offered a faint smile. "Our New Federation is building a strong police system. We need people like you, with strength and a desire to protect. Would you like to be part of the New Federation's first Police Force?"

Tears welled in Hayate's eyes and spilled down his cheeks. This was a second chance he never expected, a new path opening in the midst of his despair, a dream he could now reclaim. Without hesitation, he accepted Amano's offer, nodding repeatedly. With Hayate's recruitment, Amano felt the Federation growing stronger, with resilient and loyal members who would become pillars of his "New Order."

Finally, Sayuri and Hayate were brought to the New Federation, to Gelmist. The city once dubbed a poor nation had now transformed drastically, soaring high with modern buildings, bustling streets, and vibrant energy, becoming a superpower on this continent. The next day, Hayate, now donning a smart new police uniform, stood tall at a street intersection, beginning to direct his subordinates to manage the now-busy traffic, ensure the safety of the smiling citizens, and receive complaints and reports from the people who flocked to them, seeking justice under his new leadership.

On the other side, Sayuri, in an elegant yet functional black special forces uniform, came before Amano, who was discussing reports regarding Zomun in his study. She bowed deeply, in the respectful style of a samurai that transcended time.

"Amano-Dono, please give me your first command," she said in a firm tone, full of dedication, her sharp eyes fixed on Amano.

Amano looked at Sayuri, a faint smile gracing his lips. It was time for a crucial mission. "Your first mission is to go to Zomun. Gather information about the king responsible for that chaos, and also about the undead corpses we now call Zombies." His voice was calm, yet carried great weight.

The story concluded with a scene showing an older sister and her younger sibling desperately trying to escape the horrifying Zombies, their steps stumbling on the ruined streets. They managed to enter a dilapidated house, gasping for breath, thinking they were safe. However, they were unaware that the place was being closely watched from the shadows, by a Necromancer whose dark presence enveloped the gloom. A new, far darker threat had just begun, waiting to strike.