285: End of the War

The morning sun shone on the streets of Crossbell, but it could not dispel the gloom in people's hearts.

Last night's explosions and air raid sirens had kept most citizens awake all night, and now they were anxiously gathered at newsstands and radios, waiting for the latest news.

Mary, holding a basket of freshly bought bread, hurried towards the newsstand at the corner of the street. She saw dozens of people already gathered there, all with solemn faces, staring at the latest issue of the Crossbell Times.

"Give me a newspaper." Mary squeezed through the crowd and pushed a coin into the newsstand window.

The newsstand owner silently handed out a newspaper, and the huge headline on the front page made Mary gasp:

"Valiant Defense Force Annihilates Invading Enemy, Crossbell Wins War of Dignity!"

The sub-headline was even more shocking: "Empire and Republic Joint Forces Suffer Crushing Defeat, All Border Bases Retaken! Interstellar Peace Corporation Provides Crucial Support!"

Mary's hands trembled slightly, almost unable to hold the newspaper. She quickly scanned the report, every word making her heart beat faster.

"Last night, our nation was shamelessly invaded by the Empire and the Republic. Under the wise leadership of our President, Dieter Crois, the Defense Force soldiers fought bravely, and with the support of the Interstellar Peace Corporation, completely annihilated the invading enemy..."

A middle-aged man wearing glasses next to her suddenly exclaimed, "Is this... is this true? Not only did we win, but we also recovered all lost border territories?"

"Even the bases and passes taken by the Empire and the Republic have been reclaimed?!"

A murmur of discussion rose from the crowd, with most people's faces showing disbelief.

"Impossible, right? The Empire and the Republic are the two strongest military powers on the continent..."

"But the newspaper's report is so detailed, it even lists specific battle results..."

"Interstellar Peace Corporation? Is that the one that appeared on Commercial Street not long ago?"

"That's right, it should be that one. My son works for the consortium, and he told me that the technology this company possesses, even in the cheapest products they sell, is decades more advanced than what the consortium has."

"No way? Is this company that powerful?"

"Of course, it is. You should see their recruitment requirements and the salaries they offer. Parker's genius son barely met the passing standard. Do I need to say more about their strength?"

Just then, a special news broadcast suddenly blared from the street corner radio:

"The following is a repeat broadcast -- Our Defense Force achieved a decisive victory in last night's self-defense counterattack. According to data released by the Minister of Defense, over ten thousand Imperial armored troops were annihilated, over eight thousand Republic infantry group army soldiers were annihilated, and Republic airships were shot down..."

The broadcast echoed through the streets, and pedestrians stopped to listen. Everyone's face was a mix of shock, doubt, and a gradually rising joy.

In the President's office, Dieter Crois stood by the window, looking down at the slowly awakening city. His face showed an undisguised weariness, but his eyes gleamed with the light of victory.

"Mr. President," the secretary walked in softly, "The press conference is ready. Media from various countries have arrived, including reporters from the Empire and the Republic."

Dieter nodded: "Tell them I'll be there in half an hour. Let the Minister of Defense announce the specific battle results first."

"Yes." The secretary hesitated for a moment, "But Mr. President, won't directly provoking the two great powers..."

Dieter turned, his gaze sharp: "For a hundred years, Crossbell has survived in the cracks between the two great powers. But today, we will tell the whole world that times have changed."

"Accustomed to arrogance, they must learn a new word: 'respect'."

Meanwhile, in the Capital of the Calvard Republic, President Rocksmith angrily slammed the newspaper on the table.

"Nonsense! Absolute rubbish!" He roared at the generals in front of him, "How could our army be completely annihilated by such a small country? This must be a Crossbell conspiracy!"

"I don't believe it! I don't believe it! I absolutely don't believe it!"

A general cautiously spoke: "Mr. President, but... contact with the front line has indeed been lost. And the scouts we sent also..."

"Shut up! Shut up!" Rocksmith interrupted him, "Immediately hold a press conference to deny all these false reports. At the same time, order the intelligence department to fully block the news, it must not be allowed to spread!"

In the Erebonian Empire, Prime Minister Osborne's reaction was more subtle.

He quietly finished reading the report, subconsciously rubbed his shoulders, and then said to his adjutant: "Tell the media department not to make any statements on this matter. At the same time, strengthen border control and prohibit anyone from discussing related topics."

However, the more it was suppressed, the faster the news spread.

In Grancel City of the Liberl Kingdom, the Queen was presiding over an emergency cabinet meeting.

"According to the intelligence we have," the Minister of Defense said solemnly, "Crossbell's report is largely true. The border troops of the Empire and the Republic have indeed mysteriously disappeared, and their border bases now fly the Crossbell flag."

The Minister of Defense added: "Also, according to a relatively reliable source, the Republic's newly formed and proud airship fleet seems to have been completely wiped out. We have several eyewitnesses who claim to have seen a large amount of wreckage falling in the border mountains."

The Queen sighed softly: "It seems the continental landscape is about to undergo a major change. Immediately prepare a formal congratulatory message, congratulating Crossbell on its victory."

"In my name."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

The news spread like wildfire across the continent.

In the Remiferia Principality, people gathered in the square, excitedly discussing the astonishing news. In the Lehman Autonomous State, merchants began to re-evaluate their trade relations with Crossbell.

What troubled the two governments most was that more and more first-hand evidence began to surface.

Some reporters who ventured into the border regions photographed the Crossbell flag flying over Imperial and Republic military bases. Even more, photos of the Republic airship fleet wreckage also began to circulate on the black market.

"Look here!" In an underground bar in Calvard, a merchant mysteriously displayed a photograph, "This was taken by my nephew at great risk. The Republic's most advanced airship is now just a pile of scrap metal!"

"Just this one photo is worth a gold bar in the intelligence black markets of the Empire and Liberl!"

The onlookers gasped. The photo clearly showed the wreckage of the Republic airship, as well as unidentified individuals secretly dismantling the remains.

Similar scenes played out in the dark alleys of various cities. Although the two governments vehemently denied and suppressed it, the truth, like seeping water, gradually spread.

The Empire and the Republic had to take more extreme measures. They began to massively adjust military formations, covering up the losses caused by the defeat under the guise of "military reform." Strict curfews were imposed in border areas, and anyone discussing the war could be secretly arrested.

But these measures only deepened people's suspicions. Why were the two countries suddenly so tense? Why prohibit people from discussing border matters? Why suddenly carry out large-scale army reorganizations?

The answer seemed increasingly obvious. It's just that if you can't deal with the enemy, can't you deal with your own people?

A week later, Dieter Crois stood on the podium of the Presidential Office's press conference hall, facing reporters from all over the world. Flashlights flashed, making his figure particularly striking.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Dieter's voice was steady and powerful, "For some time now, various rumors have filled every corner of the continent. Some are true, some are false."

"Today, I stand here not only to put an end to the spread of rumors but also to declare the arrival of a new era."

He surveyed the room, his gaze like a torch: "For a hundred years, we have endured too much humiliation and injustice. But, dawn has arrived.

The sons and daughters of Crossbell have proven with blood and courage that even small nations have dignity, and the weak can overcome the strong!"

Warm applause erupted below, and many Crossbell reporters were moved to tears.

"The Empire and the Republic thought they could bully us as they pleased, as in the past," Dieter continued, "But they were wrong. Today's Crossbell is no longer what it once was. We have the determination to defend our sovereignty and the ability to protect our homeland!"

When Dieter displayed photos of the border bases and battle result statistics, the Imperial and Republic reporters below turned pale, while reporters from other countries frantically recorded every detail.

After the press conference, the news spread like wildfire across the entire continent. Almost everyone realized one fact: the landscape of Zemuria had changed forever.

Smaller nations began to quietly contact Crossbell, hoping to learn from their experience. The three great powers fell into contemplation, re-evaluating this suddenly rising new force.

Many ambitious individuals had already begun to send their trusted subordinates to reside in Crossbell's Commercial Street, seeking opportunities to 'accidentally' encounter Interstellar Peace Corporation executives.

And at the headquarters of the Interstellar Peace Corporation, Aventurine was leisurely watching the news report, a meaningful smile on his lips.

He turned to look at the sky outside the window, his right hand moving through the air. Subsequently, an email suspended in the air extended a virtual small hand, 'breaking through the void' before entering it.

A prompt popped up, "Sent."

"Alright, the market is settled. The rest is up to the boss."