TFA1 4.1 - Visiting Walluo City

  Berril Plains, Northwest of Magwurt City

  07:38 am, 7 Jun 2025

  Under the morning sun a convoy consisting of:

  3 units M1151 Ripper

  4 units M1152 Personnel Carrier

  7 units M1152 Cargo

  was crossing Berril Plains and heading west. The convoy brought only 3 units M1151 Ripper because the route was free from Black Eagle interference, as a few days ago another Tamir Air Defense System was deployed at Fort Cambia, to strengthen the unit that previously was deployed at FOC South 860.

  Each of Tamir ADS had twelve launcher vehicles, nine of which were equipped with independent radar so there was no need to stick to Command & Fire Distribution Vehicle. With the right network pattern, one Tamir ADS could cover an area up to 140 km.

  Therefore, although currently all LAV Shorad was being deployed in southern tip of Southeast Triangle, the entire Tuscan Region would still have an adequate air defense. The air defense even protruded into territories of neighboring regions.

  From the driver seat of second M1152 Personnel Carrier, Captain Rummus looked at Berril Plains in awe. Even though he was the commander of General Khartoum's bodyguard, Captain Rummus participated in the hunt for the remains of Northern Coalition a few months ago.

  So he witnessed it firsthand how TF Amethyst effectively and efficiently eliminated the hostile elements that refused to surrender, handling prisoners, or took care of thousands of scattered corpses by cremating them.

  They even called several monks from Nemo Temple to pray for the fallen from Northern Coalition, and a memorial was erected to commemorate them. After that, Agriculture Development Group cultivated Berril Plains and the areas that were handed over by Northern Coalition.

  In a matter of weeks the result was already visible. It was as if the war with Northern Coalition had never happened. Berril Plains which was previously barren with only patches of grass at some area was now completely covered with barley sprouts. Meanwhile, in several locations Tuscan Guard established outpost and watch tower.

  Two days ago after he completed the driving course, Captain Rummus received an order to guide Amethyst Merchant’s personnel who would market Amur Beer to Walluo City, the capital of Kandez Region.

  Amethyst Merchant chose Kandez Region as their second marketing location after Magwurt City due to its proximity and relatively affluent population. Moreover, Kandez Region was a producer of agricultural and livestock products that were needed by Magwurt City.

  Captain Rumus turned his gaze to Lt. Colonel Slane before saying, "18 km before we exit Berril Plains, after that we will take a 29 km long hilly route."

  Lt. Colonel Slane nodded slightly before answering, "Understood."

  Lt. Colonel Slane had studied Kandez Region for the last few days. It had very fertile land, but their territory was at an elevation where Nouel could not live. Therefore, even if its people would never faces a shortage of foodstuffs, Kandez Region would never become a dominant force in the area.

  However, Kandez Region was also nearly impossible to invade because its natural terrain did not allow large numbers of troops to enter simultaneously. At the same time, Kandez Guard was a mountain infantry adept at deploying guerrilla tactics in harsh highlands.

  A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

  Before long, the convoy entered the hilly route. Even though they had to reduce their speed, the easily devoured the steep path until finally the walls of Walluo City appeared in the distance.

  ---

  East Gate of Walluo City

  08:36 am, 7 Jun 2025

  From above city wall Captain Beust looked at 14 iron carriages that were approaching from east. At the same, he wondered how the iron carriages could move without being towed by horses.

  'No wonder the report sounds like bullshit.' Captain Beust then turned his gaze to Centurion who stood next to him.

  "I will greet them myself. Be ready to close the gate if they show bad intentions."

  "But Cap--"

  "Don't argue and just follow my order."

  Although his heart was beating wildly, Captain Beust casually descended from the city walls. He could not let the city gatekeeper who had habit to bluff and dominate, greet the guests who came by riding the magical iron carriages.

  If the guests were messengers from 2nd World Authority or even the 1st World Authority, and the city guard offended them, as the officer in charge of east wall he must be willing to put his head on the tray to make up for his men’s mistake.

  That's why Captain Beust chose to greet the incoming guest with magical iron carriages personally. Although this choice was not completely safe, at least he still had a chance to live.

  Not long after he cut through the crowd around the iron carriages that stopped at the side of the road, Captain Beust was immediately taken aback.

  'Rumus?'

  With a face full of question marks Captain Beust looked at the driver who got off the second iron carriage. He knew Captain Rumus because he had come to buy food from agricultural area on the south Walluo City several times.

  Captain Beust also recognized member of Tuscan Guard who disembarked from the third and last iron carriage, but he did not recognize the guests who got off holding oddly shaped short sticks. These people also wore unusual clothes.

  "Long time no see Captain Beust."

  "Yeah."

  Without hesitation Captain Beust shook Captain Rumus's hand, but his gaze continued to fixate on the Humvee next to him.

  "This iron carriage is a car. It’s driven by a machine so it doesn't need horse to tow it."

  Captain Beust nodded his head like an enlightened hermit, but to be honest he didn't understand Captain Rumus's explanation at all.

  "Do you come to buy food staples?"

  "Yes, but before that we want to sell beer to several bars."

  "You want to sell beer?"

  Seeing Captain Rumus nodded, Captain Beust immediately tilted his head, and then in a mocking tone he asked, "Did you guys collect all piss from Magwurt City residents and gave it yeast before calling it beer?"

  Captain Rumus chuckled for a moment before saying, "Of course not, Tuscan Region's condition has improved and we have a reliable partner."

  Captain Beust was silent while he recalled some gossips from Northern Coalition merchant. "I heard Tuscan Region allied with cursed magicians under the guise of Amethyst Merchants, and by using a cursed means Tuscan Region repelled Northern Coalition’s offensive."

  Captain Rumus sighed silently while inwardly he was grateful, because Amethyst Merchant had predicted the incitement that Northern Coalition would bring and prepared an appropriate response.

  With a smile Captain Rumus then said, "Don't tell me you believe that bullshit."

  Captain Beust immediately rolled his eyes. "Of course I don’t. No matter how I imagine it, it's hard to see a conflict between Regions that lasts for only several days will claim more than 100 thousand lives.

  I think they carelessly go too deep and create a long and fragile corridor. The Tuscan Guard then launched a high-risk attack on Fort Cambia and somehow captured it, and then crushed them while they tried to retreat.”

  Captain Rumus smiled cheerfully before saying, "I can't give you the details, but that’s how we won the battle."

  Then, Captain Rumus handed over a leather pouch to Captain Beust who instantly gasped as he examined it.

  "The entrance fee is plenty, but I still have to check your iron carriages."

  "Of course, and if we may, we'd like to park it near the city walls while we go into city.”

  Captain Beust immediately gave a broad smile. "Please choose the most convenient location."

  After once again shook Captain Beust's hand, Captain Rumus then entered Walluo City with Lt. Colonel Slane and his bodyguards, as well as a member of Tuscan Guard in charge of bringing the samples of Amur Beer.

  *****