January 1, 008 N.S.E. (A.T.E 1716) 

A solitary Carrack ship, owned by the beastfolk, desperately sought to outrun the pursuing naval fleet of the Latiusan Empire. The sleek vessel, its sails straining against the wind, was being relentlessly hunted by the human ships that bore down on it.

Onboard, the beastfolk scrambled to hasten the ship's flight, each member focused on their task. At the helm, a wolf beastfolk captain gripped the wheel with determination, his sharp eyes scanning the horizon. Beside him stood a cat beastfolk maid, her paws firmly clutching the young lioness princess. The young princess, adorned in regal tribal attire, was overwhelmed with grief as she gazed at the vast ocean, a sea that had once been her kingdom's pride. The weight of the situation, the loss of her homeland to the humans, sank her spirit. The maid, ever loyal, whispered words of comfort, trying to ease the princess's anxiety amid the turmoil.

From the helm, the captain's voice rang out with authority, his command cutting through the chaos.

"Increase the wind! We must break free from the Latiusan Empire and protect the princess!" he shouted.

The crew worked with urgency, adjusting the sails and using every ounce of wind to propel them faster into the open sea. The beastfolk ship surged forward, its course set, but still, the relentless pursuit of the Latiusan Empire did not falter. What the humans did not know, however, was that their chase had brought them into the waters of Salvatia—waters they were not prepared to cross.

...

Beneath the vast expanse of Salvatia's waters, a lifeless Fishman drifted with the currents, its vacant expression suggesting its demise. Far below, a battalion of Manta Aqua fighters moved with swift precision, engaging a surging sea of enemies. A coalition of Fishmen, Naga warriors, Couatls, Anglerfish-men, and Samebito warriors charged forward, their weapons glinting in the dark depths—spears, curved knives, silver tridents, iron swords, claws, and sharpened teeth all poised for battle. But as the sea creatures swam onward, they were caught off guard by a sudden attack from the left. A much larger force, the Vindictorium Merfolk myrmidons, gray mages, and knights, tore into the fray with a ferocity that sent shockwaves through the water.

The Vindictorium forces, their weapons glowing with searing energy, retaliated with devastating precision. Laser beams and energy projectiles streaked through the water, striking down the attackers with brutal efficiency. The sea monsters, outmatched and unprepared for the Vindictorium's superior tactics, were swiftly overwhelmed.

One Vindictorium Merfolk knight, spear raised high, plunged his energy weapon into the chest of a Samebito warrior, cleaving through its body with brutal force. At the same time, Vindictorium myrmidon archers unleashed energy-infused arrows, their shafts slicing through the water and piercing the hearts of Fishmen, ending their lives in an instant. As more sea creatures charged, they were met with a relentless barrage of energy beams and projectiles. Sovereignty Knights, Elite Knights, and Hellwraths pressed forward, their weapons drawn, prepared to neutralize any remaining threat. Behind them, a fleet of submarines hovered ominously, their energy turrets locked on the advancing monsters.

The Astute-class submarines launched plasma torpedoes, but instead of targeting the smaller sea creatures, they focused their firepower on two Kelpies and a colossal Cetus barreling toward the battlefield.

"Sovereignty Knight pilot 1: Damn! New monsters incoming from the east! Two Kelpies and a massive Cetus!"

"Sovereignty Knight pilot 2: Engage!"

At the command, the Manta Aqua fighters and mecha units surged forward, readying for the oncoming assault. The Kelpies veered off to the sides, attempting to flank their foes, while the Cetus charged directly ahead.

"Manta Aqua Fighter pilot: They're trying to flank us! Split up!"

The forces quickly divided—one group to confront the Kelpies and the other to face the Cetus head-on. The submarine fleet, locking onto the Cetus, launched a full barrage of plasma torpedoes. The massive sea creature let out a horrific shriek as it was struck, its gargantuan form convulsing in agony. The Vindictorium Merfolk knights dove into the fray, their high-frequency glaives cutting through the creature's thick hide. Enhanced by magic, their speed allowed them to maneuver with supernatural precision, and in a single, fluid motion, they cleaved the Cetus in two, sending its carcass sinking into the abyss.

A desperate Kelpie charged at a Sovereignty Elite Knight, but the Knight reacted with lightning speed, drawing a beam rifle and firing a single fatal shot to its head. Seeing the death of the creature, the Knight and his comrades opened fire to ensure the creature's demise. Another Kelpie attempted to outmaneuver the Knights but stood no chance against the mecha fighters. With boosted engines, the Manta Aqua fighters closed the distance with ease, while Hellwraths unleashed missiles that struck the Kelpie with brutal force. A Sovereignty Knight, his energy broadsword gleaming, lunged forward and, with a precise strike, sliced through the Kelpie from head to tail. Its blood spread across the ocean, staining the waters red.

With the three monstrous sea creatures vanquished, the remaining smaller monsters, now filled with fear, began to retreat. The Couatls, however, made a last, desperate stand, only to be torn apart by a hail of plasma projectiles. The Vindictorium forces wasted no time in finishing off the remaining creatures, cutting down the last of the fleeing sea monsters with ruthless efficiency.

A Vindictorium Merfolk knight stood tall, raising his fist in victory. "They're retreating! Our might has crushed them! Victory to Vindictorium, and to Salvatia!"

The warriors cheered, their triumphant shouts echoing through the water. Against all odds, not a single casualty had been suffered.

The Sovereignty Navy captain's voice broke through the celebration. "Alright, enough cheering. Let's head back to the hangar bays. We did well today."

With that, the fighters and submarines began to turn, their mission complete. The fleet made its way back to base, leaving behind the battlefield as the sea slowly returned to its tranquil state.

...

Sovereignty Republic of Salvatia

Office Room, Palace of Order

Xavier Salvador, now a 32-year-old man, sat at his desk, gazing out the window toward the heart of his capital city. A smile played across his face as he observed the sprawling cityscape before him, a testament to his nation's unyielding progress. The vision he had championed—a society built on enlightened progressivism—had proven more powerful than any other. It was this very philosophy that had propelled Salvatia to a strength and influence unmatched by any other nation. Thanks to his efforts, even the most distant, once-forgotten worlds in the galaxy had become thriving colonies, their growth a reflection of his people's desire to expand and prosper. His nation's population swelled with each passing year, thanks to the new generations of newborns he had cultivated. And the Grand Army of Salvatia, alongside the Vindictorium Order and the Black Death Legion, had seen their ranks swell with eager recruits from all corners of the empire.

Years of honing his powers had brought stability to Xavier, ensuring that he no longer feared losing control over his abilities. He had even introduced the Devolution Act, a move that allowed provincial states to advance in their own unique ways, encouraging local progress and sharing power with the central government. Though his authority remained supreme, Xavier had always valued his relationship with the people, and his commitment to the constitution meant he had learned to restrain his interventionist tendencies. His absolute rule was tempered by the understanding that true leadership sometimes required stepping back.

A knock on the door broke his reverie.

"Come in," Xavier called out.

The door opened, revealing Frieda, clad in the uniform of a Supreme Magistrate, her red cape draped gracefully around her. She approached the desk and paused, standing at attention.

"Hello, Supreme Leader," she greeted him, her tone respectful but tinged with purpose.

Xavier swiveled in his chair, his expression softening into a warm smile. "Hello, Supreme Magistrate Frieda. How are things progressing with the Black Death Legion?"

Frieda's eyes gleamed with satisfaction. "Things are going great. Recruitment has been steadily increasing, especially from our colonies. Many have come to believe in your vision and are eager to fight and die for your cause. And your stance on punishing those born with hate in their hearts—racists, supremacists, theocrats—has made them all the more determined to join, to carry out your will."

Xavier chuckled lightly, nodding in approval. "Good to hear. But I sense that's not why you're here today."

Frieda's expression shifted, and she stepped closer to the desk, activating the holographic computer screen. A single ship appeared on the display, flanked by a group of naval vessels in pursuit. The image showed the ship entering Salvatia's territorial waters.

"This satellite image was picked up just moments ago," Frieda explained, her voice laced with concern. "A single ship is being pursued by several others, and it's now within our sea border."

Xavier's brow furrowed as he studied the screen, the sight of a foreign vessel daring to breach Salvatia's protected waters surprising him. After seven years of isolation, the idea that someone from beyond their shores had ventured so close was unexpected. And the ship was clearly being hunted.

"Humans," Xavier muttered to himself, a wry smile forming on his lips. "I had just been preparing to announce the end of our Seven Years of Isolation, and yet here they are, crossing into our territory."

Frieda continued, "Xavier, the ship is trying to escape its pursuers, but we have no information on who they are."

Xavier's gaze hardened, his decision swift. "I see... Then we must protect that ship."

His finger pointed firmly at the solitary vessel on the holographic display. "Order the naval fleet to intervene immediately. And deploy a helicarrier for air support. That ship cannot fall into human hands. We'll give them a warning—tell the human ships to turn back, but leave that one vessel alone."

Frieda's eyes narrowed. "And if they refuse to comply, or become hostile?"

Xavier's voice turned cold, his smile a mere flicker of menace. "Then you have my permission to destroy them. It's time to welcome these uninvited guests with a reminder of what happens when you trespass in Salvatia."

...

The Beastfolk ship continued its desperate flight, pursued relentlessly by the human navy vessels closing in on it. Arrows rained down from above, their sharp tips cutting through the air as the Beastfolk crew scrambled for cover. Amid the chaos, some were not so fortunate and fell victim to the barrage. A young Beastkin lioness, her fur golden and wild, was shielded by the body of her maid, the princess' servant holding her close, using her own body as a shield against the falling arrows, protecting the child with unwavering resolve.

Behind the fleeing ship, the human fleet pressed on—Carracks and Galleys cutting through the waves as they steadily closed the distance. Among them, the flagship, a formidable Galleon, led the charge, its sails billowing like a storm on the horizon. Onboard the flagship stood Admiral Xarvno Sevso, a Latiusan officer with a cruel gleam in his eye. He watched the Beastfolk ship with a growing sense of triumph, knowing that he had been tasked with capturing the princess aboard and exterminating the rest of the Beastfolk, who had dared to invade the Kingdom of Dyria and overthrow the Beast King. A twisted grin spread across his face as he fantasized about what he would do to the princess once she was in his grasp—using her as a plaything before delivering her to his emperor.

As the ships gained on their quarry, a knight approached Xarvno with a report.

"My lord, we are closing in on the animal ship," the knight reported, his voice steady yet tinged with urgency.

"Good," Xarvno replied, his voice dripping with anticipation. "Prepare the soldiers to board. I want that princess alive, but the rest... eliminate them."

"Yes, my lord," the knight responded, his posture straightening with obedience.

The human fleet surged forward, its ships racing toward the Beastfolk vessel, which could now be seen clearly ahead. The soldiers were primed for action, eager for the upcoming boarding. But just as the distance between the two fleets closed, an unexpected catastrophe struck. Two blinding light projectiles shot from the distance, striking down two of the Latiusan frigates in a single, devastating blow. The ships exploded in showers of fire and debris, leaving the remaining fleet in shock.

Xarvno stood frozen for a moment, disbelief clouding his thoughts as he stared at the wreckage.

"What! What just happened?!" he roared, his voice rising in confusion and fury.

The knight, equally stunned, quickly regained his composure and shouted back, "Sire! We are under attack!"

"I know we're under attack!" Xarvno bellowed, his temper flaring as he turned on his subordinate. "But tell me—why were my two ships destroyed?!"

...

High above the clouds, a Salvatian Helicarrier soared through the sky, its massive form cutting through the air as it flew above the Latiusan fleet. The carrier's mission was clear: prevent the enemy from boarding the Beastfolk ship, and it carried out its task with precision, launching two deadly strikes to eliminate the pursuing vessels. At the helm of the Helicarrier stood a Draconic Kobold captain, his air force uniform crisp and sharp, his eyes scanning the scene below. One of his crew members approached, offering a report.

"Captain, two hostile ships eliminated," the crewman announced, his voice steady.

"Good," the captain replied with a nod. "Contact the navy. We remain on standby until further notice."

"Yes, sir!" the crewman responded, swiftly turning to relay the orders.

...

Below, amidst the vast expanse of the sea, the Beastfolk ship came to an abrupt halt. The crew had just witnessed the destruction of two Latiusan ships by an unknown force, and the sight left them momentarily stunned. One of the Beastfolk crew members, his eyes wide with shock, pointed at the approaching Salvatian navy ships.

"What is that?!" he cried, disbelief filling his voice.

"Are those ships? Iron ships floating on the water?" another Beastfolk questioned, his tone filled with confusion.

"That's impossible!" another Beastfolk added in astonishment. "No iron can float on water!"

A Wolf Beastfolk captain, standing alongside the Beastkin princess and her maid, shared the same disbelief. They watched, eyes wide, as the iron ships continued their approach. The sheer impossibility of the sight shook them to their core, for they had never seen such a thing—iron ships that moved upon the water without sinking beneath their weight.

The Latiusans, too, were struck with disbelief as they saw the unfamiliar ships emerging from nowhere, heading directly toward them. These vessels bore no sails, no means of propulsion that could be understood, and yet they moved with purpose across the sea.

"What the hell...?" Admiral Xarvno muttered, his voice laced with confusion and growing apprehension.

...

Salvatian Sea Navy POV

Captain Parker Amintos, a middle-aged Neohuman, stood in his quarters aboard the Salvatian Sea Navy flagship, his gaze fixed on the horizon through the large window. His sharp eyes tracked the Beastfolk ship ahead, his thoughts racing as he observed the enemy vessels—Carracks and Galleys—a relic of a more primitive age. His voice was steady, though laced with a hint of disdain as he muttered to himself.

"So, there are Galleys and Carracks, navy-type ships. They are truly primitive in this world, even with their magic," he mused, shaking his head slightly in disbelief.

At that moment, a Salvatian Navy officer—a Neotype Half-Orc—approached, standing at attention before speaking.

"Captain, we are ready. Awaiting your orders," the officer said, his voice respectful yet firm.

Parker Amintos turned his attention to the officer, his expression resolute. "Tell the others to ready the cannons," he instructed. "If they refuse to leave our waters and turn hostile, you may open fire."

"Yes, sir," the Half-Orc officer responded promptly, his words carrying a weight of understanding.

As the officer moved to relay the orders, Captain Amintos stood still, his eyes still locked on the advancing ships. He knew this would be the first time his fleet encountered such a situation beyond their own continent. History was on the brink of being rewritten, and he could feel it in the air.

"This will change the course of history today," he muttered to himself, more to confirm his thoughts than to speak aloud.

...

Meanwhile, as the Salvatian Navy fleet came to a halt, Captain Amintos's voice rang out across the water, transmitted through the radio speakers of the Latiusan ships.

"Attention, unknown vessels," he said with commanding authority, "This is Captain Parker Amintos of the Salvatian Sea Navy Fleet. You are entering our territorial waters and pursuing that innocent ship ahead. That ship is now under our protection. I advise you to turn your vessels around and never return unless on a diplomatic mission."

The Latiusans, still reeling from the unexpected appearance of the iron ships, were stunned to hear a voice speaking their language from such a great distance. The shock rippled through their ranks, but Admiral Xarvno, standing on the deck of his flagship, scoffed at the warning.

"I don't know who they are or how they are able to speak to us from so far away, but we're not letting them take those animals," Xarvno snarled, a dangerous gleam in his eyes. "Those creatures are mine! Order the ships to rush toward them. Those iron ships will make a fine addition to our glorious navy."

A Latiusan knight, standing at attention, hesitated for a moment before asking, "What about the animals on that ship, sir?"

Xarvno's lips curled into a cruel smile. "I'll deal with them myself. It's just one ship after all. Order all vessels to attack and capture the iron ships ahead."

"Yes, sire," the knight replied, saluting before turning to relay the orders.

With a flurry of activity, the Latiusan fleet began its advance toward the Salvatian navy, leaving Xarvno's flagship to handle the Beastfolk ship. The stage was set for a clash that would reverberate across the seas.

...

Captain Parker Amintos stood at the helm of his ship, his sharp eyes peering through a pair of binoculars. He watched with growing disdain as the Latiusan fleet ignored the Beastfolk vessel and came barreling toward his position, their sails billowing fiercely in the wind.

"So, they've decided to attack us," he muttered to himself with a slight sneer. "What a shame... for them."

Without hesitation, he issued the command. "Open fire."

At his order, the Salvatian fleet sprang into action. The cannons of the iron ships swung into position, their barrels pointing toward the approaching enemy. Latiusan Galleys and Carracks charged forward at high speed, their archers ready to unleash a volley of arrows once within range. But they had not prepared for the swift and devastating force of the Salvatian navy.

The deafening roar of cannons filled the air as the Salvatian ships unleashed hell upon the Latiusan fleet. MK.45 Caliber Lightweight guns fired in rapid succession, tearing into the wooden ships. Torpedoes and Naval Strike Missiles (NSM) launched from the Salvatian vessels, striking the Latiusan ships in both the water and the sky. Marine gunners, stationed on the decks, opened fire with their machine guns, cutting down enemy sailors with precision.

Within moments, the entire Latiusan fleet was decimated. The ships, once mighty, were reduced to splinters and wreckage, their crews eliminated without mercy. No survivors remained.

Onboard Xarvno's flagship, the admiral stood frozen in shock, his eyes wide with disbelief. His once-proud fleet had been utterly destroyed in an instant by these unknown, iron ships. The realization of his fleet's annihilation gripped him like a vice. Sweat beaded on his forehead, and his body shook uncontrollably, unable to comprehend the destruction unfolding before him.

But as the destruction settled, a louder sound—a roar from the heavens—reached his ears. Xarvno looked up in fear, his heart nearly stopping when he saw it: a massive flying iron fortress, a Salvatian Helicarrier, soaring above the clouds. Its monstrous silhouette cast a shadow over the battlefield. His men, witnessing the sight, were overcome with horror, their composure shattered. The sight of such a thing defied all logic, leaving them paralyzed.

"F-flying i-i-iron f-fortress?" Xarvno stammered, his voice shaking with terror.

The Helicarrier's triple-barrel heavy cannons activated, pointing directly at Xarvno's capital ship. The captain of the flying fortress, unmoved by the chaos below, issued the order to fire. The projectiles descended from the sky with terrifying speed. Xarvno's eyes widened in horror as the shells struck his flagship, obliterating it in a devastating explosion. The shockwave tore through the ship, leaving no trace of Xarvno or his crew.

Meanwhile, the Beastfolk watched in stunned silence as the human vessels—no, the iron ships—destroyed their enemies with ruthless efficiency, never giving them the chance to engage in close combat. Their horror deepened when the Helicarrier descended, its enormous form casting a shadow across the battlefield.

Among the Beastfolk, Princess Shalina, a lioness with regal bearing, watched with a mixture of awe and fear as the Salvatian fleet advanced toward them. Two Aslak-class destroyers flanked their ship, with a Razorshark-class frigate positioned ahead. Onboard, Captain Parker stood at the edge of his vessel, flanked by two Beastfolk marines. These soldiers, their animal ears visible beneath their helmets, stood alongside him, their loyalty to the captain unmistakable.

The Beastfolk crew stared up in astonishment. At first, they assumed the captain was human, but their surprise grew when they noticed the Beastfolk marines standing by his side, their weapons unfamiliar yet imposing. It was clear that these were not just soldiers—they were part of something much larger.

Parker Amintos spoke, his voice carrying over the water. "Hello, everyone. My name is Parker Amintos, captain of this ship. You are entering the waters of our nation, Salvatia. I wish to speak to whoever is in charge of your vessel."

Before any Beastfolk could respond, Princess Shalina, her regal presence commanding attention, stepped forward. "I am Princess Shalina, the last member of the royal family of Dyria," she declared, her voice firm and dignified. "Captain, I wish to speak to the leader of the nation you represent."

...

Sovereignty Republic of Salvatia

Office Room, Palace of Order

Xavier sat at his desk, a thoughtful expression crossing his face as he processed the information before him. "So, they found a ship filled with Beastfolk, and among them, there's a princess?" he mused, his eyebrow arched in curiosity.

Frieda, standing at attention nearby, nodded. "Yes. And according to Captain Amintos, they're being taken in as refugees. We've set up camps to provide them with medical aid, food, and water."

Xavier leaned forward slightly. "And the princess? Where is she now?"

"She's staying at a private hotel," Frieda replied. "And she's not alone. She has a maid with her."

Xavier's gaze sharpened. "Anything noteworthy about this maid?"

Frieda shook her head. "No, nothing of interest."

"Hmm," Xavier hummed, considering the situation. "In that case, bring the princess here. I'd like to meet the first foreigner to step foot in our land since we lifted the isolation, after seven long years."

Frieda nodded. "What about the humans who pursued them into our waters?"

Xavier's expression hardened. "Unfortunately, they're all dead. There's nothing more to learn from them. But the princess... she's still alive. She might have the answers we need. In the meantime, I want to reinforce the sea navy fleet's patrols along the borders, especially around our waters. No one gets through again. We'll also deploy helicarriers to keep an eye on the skies. If there are any flying creatures—or foreign air forces—we need to be prepared."

Frieda gave a respectful bow. "Of course. I'll bring the princess here. I only hope she's cooperative, considering her age."

Xavier smiled, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "She's royalty. Whatever challenges lie ahead, she'll face them with a political grace. Let's see if she's ready to stand as a crowned princess."

Frieda agreed with a nod. "That we both agree on."

As she exited the room, Xavier turned his chair toward the large window that overlooked the capital city. He stared out at the sprawling streets, his mind racing. This was a momentous occasion—his first personal meeting with foreigners stepping into Salvatia's domain. It wasn't the encounter he'd expected. The princess and her people, pursued by unknown human vessels, was a twist he hadn't anticipated.

Xavier clasped his hands together, a satisfied smile forming on his face. History was about to be made. The course of the world was changing, and he was at the heart of it.

"Now, this is getting interesting..." he murmured, his voice filled with anticipation.