"Their navy," Black continued, " is more modern, better organized, and strategically deployed compared to Indiana empire. They have 8,400 vessels under the Imperial Navy—ranging from riverine patrol ships and merchant escorts to capital-class arcane dreadnoughts."
"Dreadnoughts?" Admiral Ramirez leaned forward. "Clarify that."
Black nodded. "Yes. Large-class vessels equipped with reinforced hulls, layered with spirit-forged plating, and powered by a hybrid core—one part mana engine, one part geothermal battery. They possess rotary magic-turrets, capable of mid-range bombardment. Some even carry Qi-enhanced artillery shells—semi-sentient projectiles that adjust trajectory in flight."
He pointed to a specific location on the map—a crescent-shaped drydock near the city of Xiangyin Port.
"The Dynasty's eastern shipyards produce roughly twenty new military vessels per month. They're not as elegant as our Bernardian constructs, but they are durable and easy to maintain. In addition, the Dynasty maintains a full naval cultivator division—those trained specifically for shipboard combat, amphibious operations, and even underwater warfare."
"Underwater?" asked Elizabeth, skeptical.
"Yes. They employ what they call 'Sea-Walkers'—cultivators who've mastered the water attribute and can function beneath the waves for extended periods. Some are capable of launching attacks from below, boarding enemy ships through hull breaches, or even dragging vessels under in coordinated assaults."
A quiet tension swept across the room.
Carl crossed his arms. "So in short—they are not weak at sea."
"Not at all," Black confirmed. "And that brings us to their air force—arguably their most underestimated strength."
The image shifted again—this time rising above the terrain. Aerial towers appeared—tall, narrow citadels placed atop mountains and cliffs, each one connected to vast platforms anchored by elemental chains.
"The Heavenly Sky Regiment—the Malak Dynasty's aerial division. Though smaller than Indiana's beast-rider legions, it is far more technologically advanced. They field approximately 2,500 skycraft—aerial ships designed for reconnaissance, strike missions, and airborne troop drops."
He tapped again, revealing sleek, silver-hulled ships with glowing keels.
"Skycraft models vary—most use a triple-thrust propulsion core stabilized by gravity runes and directional talismans. Their weapons include mana-fused bolt launchers, spirit bombs, and alchemical smoke spreaders designed to disrupt enemy formations."
"Do they have air beasts?" asked General Marcus.
"Fewer than Indiana," Black replied. "The Malak Dynasty focuses less on living aerial beasts and more on engineered flight. However, they do maintain phoenix battalions—small elite wings riding flamebirds bred in sacred aviaries. These units are reserved for fast raids or ceremonial functions, but they can be devastating in precise strikes."
"Defensive measures?" Circe asked, her voice quiet, but sharp.
Black inclined his head slightly. "Every city of strategic value is protected by Heaven Shields—arcane dome barriers maintained by floating jade towers called Sky Altars. These towers regulate aerial traffic, repel hostile flight, and can focus lightning upon designated targets. Each altar is manned by cultivators and technomancers. Disabling one requires surgical precision."
Only now did Black step back from the projection, folding his hands behind him.
"There are more details, of course," he said. "But this concludes the threat overview for the Malak Dynasty and Indiana Empire. Now, I will address Vengal and Aurelia."
The image shifted—now showing the curved island chain of the Vengal Kingdom.
"Vengal Kingdom. Population: 9.6 million. Total military force: 80,000—plus tribal levies. Naval focus. Their surface fleet is outdated, but their strength lies below the waves."
The map shifted to glowing reef structures.
"The Meranites. A humanoid aquatic race native to the southern reef belts. Amphibious. Night-adapted. They form the kingdom's elite underwater assault corps. Traditionally loyal to the crown, but political fractures have appeared."
He tapped, and the image split—two royal portraits appeared side by side.
"Succession crisis. The twin princes—Prince Sarul and Prince Kaen—are at odds. Sarul supports the traditional alliance with the Meranites. Kaen favors mechanization and foreign trade. Their naval command is divided as a result. If this schism escalates... the Meranites may withdraw support entirely."
Defense Minister Thomas Banks nodded slowly.
"A fractured Vengal fleet would leave the western corridor exposed. We can neutralize them with minimal engagement if the Meranites break off."
Black gave a slight nod, then gestured again. The map turned North.
"Aurelia Republic," he continued. "A coastal nation with seas on both flanks. Population: 24 million. Military strength: moderate—but highly specialized. Their primary force is the Clockwork Army—automated infantry powered by alchemical cores and gear-driven neural circuits."
The projection showed dozens of silver-bodied units—marching in perfect formation.
"They have 300,000 units. Only 100,000 active. The rest require repair cycles. The army relies on Tacticians—controllers who issue commands through encrypted thought-links. These links are secure, but centralized. Severing command towers would paralyze entire battalions."
Black stepped back fully, now silent. His report was done.
The room remained quiet for three seconds—then Emperor Alberto leaned forward, finally speaking.
"Hm," he said, his tone steady. "These four nations pose different challenges—but none are invincible."
Alberto turned to Admiral Ramirez, the commander of the Navy.
"Admiral, I want the fleets deployed to the coasts of Indiana. But do not engage. Hold position. Full standby posture. No action until I command."
Ramirez straightened, then gave a crisp salute.
"Understood, Your Majesty. I will dispatch the Second and Fourth Naval Fleets. We'll anchor just outside their territorial waters. Ready to move the moment you give the word."
Alberto gave a slight nod, eyes narrowing.
"Our main focus now is Vengal and the Aurelia Republic. We need to capture the entire Ostra continent soon."
The silence that followed was heavy—until Circe spoke, her voice calm, cutting, and cold.
"Vengal is already fractured. Their naval command is split, their throne contested. If we move wisely, no war need be fought. We back the weaker heir—Prince Kaen. We feed his ambition, and let him bleed his kingdom from within."
She turned her gaze to the map, where the twin portraits of Sarul and Kaen flickered.
"A divided fleet cannot hold the sea. If the Meranites withdraw, Vengal will collapse under the weight of its own doubt." The full series lives on My Virtual Library Empire (M|V|L0EMPYR).
Admiral Ramirez folded his arms.
"By the way, these Meranites are no threat to us. Our forces have faced much tougher enemies during the war with Latvia. Depth-burst charges and our submarines can easily defeat them."
"But as Circe suggests, disruption may serve us better than confrontation."
Alberto looked over the table, then gave a single nod.
"Then it shall be done. Begin preparations"