Dimensional Travels: World at War-Chapter 101: Starting the push

Justin looked up at Erica as she entered his room. Gone were the heels and dress she usually wore, now she was wearing a tight travelers cloak with leggings and boots.

He had thrown away his own armor and sword, choosing instead to grab a mana weapon and his own cloak. His three guards lay crumpled against the wall, tied up and gagged.

She looked at the guards, exhaling sharply while pinching the bridge of her nose.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" He asked calmly, regarding the guards warily. "It is not too late for you to turn back and continue your life."

She hesitated, looking out at the moonlit mountains. "Serving the empire was something I always dreamed of. When I was a little girl, I sided with the men beating up on the slaves. I relished in the torture of demihumans. Janea showed me how wrong all of it was. My father disowned me after I yelled at him for using an elven slave after my mother passed away. The man whom used to read me bed time stories became a drunkard. He was eventually killed in a battle against a man named Kamer. This Empire has taken everything from me. And I let it do so. The longer I stay here, the more I betray Janea’s memory."

"So...."

"Yes. I am ready to leave this accursed place behind."

Justin nodded. "I know how it feels to realize what you thought was reality was actually a fantasy." He murmured.

He did one last functions check on the mana weapon before turning to his gear. Seeing tha he had everything ready, he turned to her. "You said there is no one currently patrolling the east wing, right?"

"Yes. What of it?"

He looked at his notes. "I know it is the ammo depot and kitchen area. If we blow that up, it should allow us some time to escape."

Erica rubbed her hands together, her eyes closing as she thought of the route they would have to take. "We will likely have around a one to two minute window."

He nodded. "That works for me. Lead the way."

"Okay."

The pair made their way slowly down the hall, Justin checking each corner for guards. Once a section was clear, he would motion for her to follow.

Josh sat with the generals and Mithrael. He sat back in his chair as he ate a pizza like food. He had been telling the chefs about some foods they could start cooking here, and even showed them recipes. So far, he was impressed. As he ate, he looked up at the map. "Lord Mithrael. If the other world fully crosses over I must be frank. The empire has absolutely no chance in ruling them."

The generals looked up in shock. Their eyes were wide as they reached for their weapons. Mithrael raised his hand, easing them. "What makes you lay a claim such as that?" The god answered, his face tilting in a smirk.

"Sire, you have seen what that one unit can do. The country I come from has 100’s more. They also have capabilities that make the Brios look like a gentle brush of wind. I think ruling the world is unattainable. I say we crush Riemskin once and for all, make the otherworld soldiers submit, and then start pushing for peace treaties as more of the other world countries cross over."

Mithrael paused, considering Josh’s remarks. "And if we attempt to repurpose some of their technology?"

"Sire, that would be like attempting to bandaid a severed wound."

Mithrael tapped his fingers on the desk as he looked at the young man. "I suppose that ’breaking their will to fight’ as you call it may be in our best interests. I have seen the power of the weapons from your world, and I agree. Very well. You may proceed as planned. If you believe the best-"

A torrent of air interrupted him. He looked up, his eyes narrowing. "The other hero."

The building shook as a massive explosion lit up the night sky. "Send all available guards to the East Wing. The other hero is the cause of that explosion. Bring Erica here. I want her to inform me as to why the hero was allowed out of his quarters."

Boots stomped against the ground as his orders were carried out. Soldiers rushed down the aisles of the chamber, heading towards the east wing in columns.

"From here on out, the Hero Justin is to be placed under lock and key. He will no longer be allowed freedom." Mithrael ordered his generals "I want him bound and back in his quarters by morning."

Justin followed Erica through a path outside of Brishian city. Smoke billowed out from the site of the explosion, covering their tracks. They heard loud shouts and orders between superior officers behind them as they slipped into the forest. The voices disappeared shortly thereafter, and they stopped to catch their breath. Justin slumped against a tree, groaning. "I don’t think I’ve run that far that fast since selection."

Erica followed his lead. She groaned as she took a few sips of water. "We must hurry if we are to warn the other side. It will not be long until they find out we have left Brishian city completely."

Justin nodded. "How long will it take us to get to the border?"

"At least one week. We just have to pray they do not target that city in the mean time."

Eric and Mia sat down with Milano and Miher. It had been nearly ten days since the last engagement. They had been meeting up daily.

"I think we need to start pushing inwards." Eric said as he traced along the phase lines with a pen. "If we let them keep their forward momentum, we lose. They have used the Brios in every major campaign thus far, and I don’t think that changes now."

Silence answered him as each leader contemplated the map. Milano sighed as he pulled out a cigarette. "We can’t. They still have those missiles, and their Air Defense is still enough of a threat that we can’t just send the FA-18’s in. Furthermore, more fractures keep coming. Soon, we will be stretched too make a major push."

Milano tapped the map where 6-8 was currently staging defensive measures. "We will not act rationally. We will consolidate forces here at Phase Line Mike. We will hold this ground until we are once more fully mission capable."

A Soldier ran up, standing at attention. The leaders turned to him, their eyes narrowing. "Sir! There is a young man and woman at the Eastern sector of Phase Line Mike. They say that they have an urgent report."

Mia looked over at Milano, and the General nodded to her before Tryasche interrupted them. "Tread carefully, otherworlders. I sense a mana signature matching that of the hero summoned one month ago."

Silence answered the Dragon King. Each leader looked at each other. Eric looked at Mia, and she shook her head.

"The Empire never sends it’s heroes out to simply talk." She said. Her voice was barely audible over the wind.

Milano sighed. "Alright, have a team of soldiers apprehend him. Do not engage. Take the woman and man here, and we will hear what they have to say. Dryer, you take point. We will hold the interrogation here."

Eric nodded, looking at Mia. He kissed her head, and then went to go gather the team. "Michael, Jessica, Liam. Gather teams Alpha and Bravo." He called over the radio.

As he met with the two teams, he had them all gather. "Alright, team Alpha, you will be in charge of apprehension. Bravo, you will be on overwatch. Each soldier should be accompanied by a dragon. Do not let yourself be complacent. This is a hero. He came here of his own, but we have no idea what he will do. Jessica and Michael, you are to stay on the outside in case anything goes wrong."

The soldiers move silently. Each person checking their magazines and loading their weapons. Safeties clicked as they turned to Eric, forming up. No one spoke. Their faces grim as they answered:

"Roger."

Eric counted the soldiers, making notes in his notepad as he jotted down the names of each soldier with him. He took the chew out of his mouth and looked forward. He shared a brief glance with Jessica.

Her hands were trembling.

"Lets move."

Eric lead the way to where the hero was waiting. He looked up at the man, noticing his clothes that were little more than rags. As for the woman?

"Someone get her a jacket!" He growled. A soldier handed the woman a jacket, and she stared at him with arched eyebrows. "Thank you."

Eric nodded. He turned to the hero. "I am aware you are from our world, and I am sure that you could potentially be charged with treason. Even knowing that, you came here. What is it that you wish to tell us?"