"News of the United Arab Alliance reported of the Hollowed Veil Military and Religious Forces entering the Arabian Regions and converted many of the Local Populace to fight alongside them. Forcing many Muslim and Arabian Forces to declare war against the Hollowed Veil Forces immediately."

The News of the Hollowed Veil Forces was surprising. Both the Defiance and Hollowed never attacked those areas for Good Reasons.

To the Defiance Forces, the resources, alongside the logistical and manpower needs are too much along with their dogmatic loyalty to Islam. Doing so will risk another Afganistan Situation, which would bury them and their crusade of Defending and Saving the Human Race.

For the Hollowed Veil, it'll be a waste of manpower, just like the Defiance. But the Great Horde's Undead would decay faster in the heat of the desert, and Harbinger's Forces and Religious Forces would be met with heavy resistance against the Local Populace. 

But, now, since the Invaders have attacked the Middle East... The Hollowed Veil followed suit and overwhelmed the Defenders, forcing many to convert to their faith. And since the Invaders have little need for food supplies, thanks to their mystical abilities to create bountiful fields and game (Meat)... Afghanistan had now fallen to the Corruption's Hands and the Hollowed Veil...

https://youtu.be/VTNi-qKL2d0

With no options... The Defiance Military Council has obliterated Afghanistan. Via a few Nuclear Strikes, alongside increasing Strategic Bombing Campaigns dramatically on the Hollowed Veil's Routes. While it only delays them... It worked well in doing so in a very long term...

However, the Radiation Fallout will be very problematic... Pakistan, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, & Kyrgyzstan... They are all affected by the Radiation, along with the Eastern Regions of China and India, the Southern Region of Kazakhstan, and the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. Along with the shock of the Defiance Forces now finally pulling no punches off.

As the 596th Purification Division of the Harbingers are purifying the affected areas for their Troops to enter... The Defiance Forces already mobilized the Forces in the Middle East.

The NPX has sent three Divisions.

The 1st North American Infantry Division, or the Big Red One. In honor of the United States' 1st Infantry Division.

896th Motorized Desert Division, the Soldiers were taught and trained by Russians Spetsnaz and US Navy Seal to deal with the Heat of the Arabian Front against the Hollowed Veil forces.

And, the 1085th African Tiger Division, specialized in Cavalry-like, lighting-fast assaults against the Hollowed Veil, and they also were trained by Ex-Islamic Terrorists and Egyptians Armed Forces, but without the Jihadist elements.

The Steel Legion, the 3rd & 4th Legion is concentrated in Israel. But due to their very hostile reputation with the Arabian Populace... They can only provide a Last Line of Defense if the Arabian Front falls, and protect their Airships.

For the Crimson Rose, thanks to Field Marshal Khayrat Karim's and Commodore Al Sadd's connections to the Arabian League, both their regional armed forces and Militias were immediately mobilized. Allowing them to immediately mobilize and defend important positions.

Which also revealed three more Pro-Defiance Nations. Egypt, Iraq, & Saudi Arabia. While they didn't like the Defiance have decided to use WMDs, they're willing to overlook it, so long they could get their troops trained and their lives protected.

As for the Hollowed Veil, the Protectorate Agitators and News were quick to denounce the Brutality and Inhumanity of the Defiance Forces for their decision to fire Nuclear Missiles at Afganistan. Declaring that...

'At least the Invaders didn't obliterate them, while the so-called Defenders of Humanity have Obliterated areas that are deemed "Lost Causes"! They're no better than the Trifecta of Evil, like Nazi Germany, Italy, & Imperial Japan! Never stop our will to Topple them, and we can end the cruel war and bring Total Peace!' #DownWithTheFascisticDefiance! #ProtectoratePeace!

Until another one from the named, Haxxor_Bunny_Terra (Bronya)... Showed the pictures of the effects and the outcome of the Corruption of the Honkai & Corrupted Objects. Along with the ruthlessness of the Sangvis Ferri and SIRENs against the Human Population, the Replacers create Replacer Monsters from Captives of the Defiance Forces with only three words.

'You were saying?' #LiarLiarPantsonFire

This caused the support that the Protectorate once had, to finally shatter. After the truth was revealed. The Protectorate tried to rebuke this Haxxor_Bunny_Terra. But they've finally lost. This led to increased numbers of Volunteers and Conscripts more willing to fight, as they now see Conscription as a Necessary Evil.

As the Harbingers are now in Afghanistan, they're now training the Pro-Hollowed Veil Militias. But also got the girls in the Muslum territory to live more freely. Winning their support, at the ire of the Islamic Fundamentalists. But due to the Harbingers' ability to summon Ancient Beast to take down the Islamic Insurgents...

What the Americans and Soviets couldn't do, the Harbingers have succeeded.

As for the Great Horde... More Dead Bodies to muster their Forces.

And so, the three months has passed. With more Skirmishes between the two sides, and Technological Advances... The Hollowed Veil had gained territory and is purifying the irradiated lands.

The NPX has finally created the Mk.I Robotic Infantry. Allowing them to Supplement their Limited Manpower with Robotic Soldiers. Plus, they're more durable and effective than Human Soldiers, and they don't get sick, as they're machines.

Crimson Rose rejected the idea of robotic soldiers because it conflicted with their belief in an army of brave militiamen and militiawomen of Allah. However, the Steel Legion did not share this concern and developed robotic soldiers for use as assault forces only. The NPX technology allows these robots to simply assume various roles by changing their programming, making them versatile for general and specialized tasks.

And now, the Possibility of Gauss Weapons and Fusion Weapons are possible along with the rumored Exosuit for the SpecOps.

Echoes of Defiance's Military Council, United Kingdom, Glasgow, 11/07/2034.

"The Progress is not what we wanted... But, it's working for the time being." Erika, with her Battle Reports of the skirmishes and a few Major Battles that forced them to entrench in the Middle of Iran. 

"The Harbingers are now busy purifying the Irradiated Lands. While the Great Horde is still with their usual attacks. And probably summoning more Monsters and Undead to fight for their cause.'" Derrick with the additional intel from Ayoaude. "Who knows how many more Imperial Divsions they have?"

"Probably a lot, since most of the young Generations in China have either joined the Harbingers or the Jia Dynasty. And we can tell that the Initiatives have the Jia aligned with them... And guess who's also that obsessed with our Commander-In-Chief?" Fiona Ayoaude spoke...

Everyone in the Military Council could only groan or sigh... Another one. Hai Jia Ming, Empress of the Jia Dynasty, is also a Yandere for Kevin... A Surprime Shrine Maiden of the Harbingers and an Empress of the Jia Dynasty...

"Good thing for Miss Bronya Zaychik's efforts to counter the Protectorate's ridiculous lies..." Calixto added. "Even for the Civilian Administration... That was good news, that our reinforcements are highly valuable in their skills."

"Hey, at least they're helping us. Besides, your Faction's Airships are getting more advanced. So Logistics are mitigated." Domingo added. "I'm starting to think your Commander is planning big! If so, good for him."

"Either way, our war is still in a rock and a hard place. Let's improve our Logistics while letting our Eggheads and Engineers make better stuff." Alexis with simple terms. "We're on the Defense now. Waiting for our reinforcements.'

Sounds of agreement from all Defiance Officers, even the Crimson Rose agreed.

"May Allah bring us to victory then! Our rescuers are coming!" Karim.

"They better keep their promise." Amel, as he then left with her Officers.

...

"Perhaps we too can help with the Purification?" Saintess Renee, of the Holy order of Aine.

"... Sure. Just stay away from my brother." Ezra with a glare, knowing that Saintess is also obsessed with him.

The Saintess bowed with a radiant smile before leaving. Ezra then exclaimed, "By Abraham... What's with Kevin getting Yandere girls? Especially the religious ones? He's an atheist turned technocrat!"

"Perhaps some New Religious Movements believed that he was the Messiah or the Blessed one. Hence they are more willing to side with the Echoes of Defiance." Jeanette with her investigation.

Alexis scoffed and then said, "Why the hell do they believe that?! He's just a human, like us! An officer with a Shitton of Responsibility!"

"Ja. "I find it difficult to comprehend the perception that our Oberbefehlshaber is seen as the Messiah." Reinhardt agreed.

"You and me both." Derrick agreed as well...

"Well. That means us Big Three Defiance Forces aren't so gullible." Admiral Asher told everyone, with a sad smile.

"Agreed. Our Tovarishch Glavnokomanduyushchiy {Conrade Commander in Chief} is an exemplary Leader. But he's no god. He's human, that's what makes him special." Fedor agreed.

Everyone turned at Fedor, thinking he was also like the Cultists who sided with them... But...

"He demonstrated his strength through adversity and sacrifices for his well-being, striving for the betterment and survival of the human race. This dedication makes him special—a true comrade that everyone can trust."

Which every one of the Members of the Defiance's Major Factions agreed.

"Yep! That's our Commander!" Asra with her Pollyanna side flared.

"Agreed! He's not our Messiah, but our Champion!" Malka.

"Wow, Fedor coming in clutch." Al Sadd was surprised.

The meeting has adjourned, and new strategies and attack plans have been prepared. While they have successfully liberated Vietnam and established a pro-defiance government, they must remain vigilant and prepared for potential attacks from the Middle East and Eurasia.

Sapporo, Japan. Hollowed Veil, Interterrestual Research Institution, 11/07/2034.

It was an unexpected meeting point for the Hollowed Veil members to meet here. But, the Great Horde was excluded for many reasons. Hence, only the Harbingers, Protectorates, and Burmanise Accord (Pro-Hollowed Faction| India, Burma, Bangladesh, Thailand, Laos & Cambodia).

With the new Imperial Divisions and the New Units prepared to retake Vietnam back to their control... The Protectorate shows their displeasure with the Defiance Force's Haxxor_Bunny_Defiance's beating their Propaganda Games against the Defiance.

But, they've agreed to form Joint Imperial Training Centers,  to make sure the Soldiers are as good as the Defiance Forces, along with Summoning Circles and Weapons Manufacturers. As they decided that...

This is a Modern World. And a Modern War. We'll fight in the Modern Way. Hence the Rearming meeting, which was a 95% Agreement, those who disagreed were the Protectorates.

Given that the Harbingers have established this location as a Meeting Place for the Hollowed Veil, it serves as a strategic move to prevent the Undead Marshal Fei from entertaining any ideas of attack. Additionally, it marks the Island as part of Core Hollowed Veil's Territory.

"Well... Never thought that you'd have a meeting in here, Takara." Zheng was surprised... "Although thanks for not giving in to the Horde."

"How could I be so distant to my beloved step-sister?~" Takara as she hugged Zheng. "After all, you don't have to be afraid when I'm also extending my Imperial Protection to your Faction.~"

"Ah... Thanks..." Zheng was still unsure but thankful for Takara's actions.

"You may go, Zheng-Chan.~ Take care."

Zheng gave her an Imperial Bow and left. After gaining a good distance, Captain Geyeong walked next to Zheng and asked, "What do we do now? We are now part of the core Hollowed Veil Faction, as per the Supreme Priestess' decision."

Zheng sighed and replied, "Not completely. We're still under the Harbinger's Protection as a Protectorate, which means we'll have to assist them. However, our only hope is that we can relay our intelligence to the Defiance Forces, especially Kevin."

"I can tell... Be careful, Ma'am." Captain left her to continue his duties...

Zheng looked to her left and saw Minoru playing patty cake with Hanako. Which causes Zheng to sigh again...

The world seems endlessly caught in cycles of conflict and discord, making it impossible to achieve true peace. This constant turmoil deeply affected her, leaving her with a sense of pain and hopelessness as she watched society struggle with its inability to unite and find common ground.

But she was distracted and unintentionally bumped into Katsuro Hanzou, one of his Shogunate bodyguards.

"You! You dare to-" But he stopped his Guard, and...

"Leave her be. She's our host."

He just groaned and stood down...

"Thank you, Shogun Katsuro." Zheng.

He just nodded and asked, "How are you doing, Chief Researcher?"

"As usual. But I just didn't expect Takara's decision."

"Understandable. This new role may be tough for you. But I expect you to do your part for our Blessed Crusade against the Defiance Forces. And your Intellect in Technology will be very valuable." Katsuro replied to Zheng.

"So. Don't fail us, Chief Researcher."

"I understood, Shogun. May our Blessed Crusade against the Heretics be victorious." Zheng bowed.

Katsuro nodded and told her.

"You may go."

Zheng takes her leave... After being far away from the Hollowed Veil's ears... and in her room... She could only sit on the bed, and let out a long sigh...

"What to do now...? How can I explain to Kevin and the rest of the Defiance...? They gonna mistake me as a Collaborator..."

Just as she's about to drift into sleep... She noticed Takara coming in.

"Ah? Takara?"

"Hello, Zheng-Chan! I hope it's alright if I cuddle up with you tonight," Takara said with a warm smile as she moved closer to Zheng.

"W-With me!? I thought you wanted only-?!"

Takara playfully pinned Zheng to the ground and said with a smile, "I don't mind sharing with you!~ After all, you're my step-sister!~"

...

"So?~"

"Argh... Fine... Just don't surprise me again..." Zheng relented...

"Arigato, Zheng-Chan.~"

With that, both Zheng and Takara fell asleep together. Although it would make for a good lesbian story, that can wait for another day.

For tomorrow... A Major Battle is coming.