The Outbreak of War

The clash in the Kingdom of Belhart ended in a draw.

But no one in the Imperial High Command regarded the outcome as a draw.

A simple comparison showed that one side had twice as many men as the other, yet both sides suffered similar casualties. Any incompetent officers who would accept that as a genuine draw had long since been stripped of their uniforms.

That was why the Imperial Army could analyze Marezia's strength with relative objectivity.

"These guys seem pretty well prepared for modern warfare."

"They also seem to have a fairly strong understanding of modern warfare. It must be because they fought our marines on Blake Island."

Maybe that was what happened when you'd been hit once yourself. They sure knew how to hit back.

Their heavy-weapons units were organized much like ours, too. Their strategy and tactics had also changed considerably from their formerly inefficient ways.

Had what happened on Blake Island really been that much of a shock?

By contrast... the United Kingdom of Caledonia's performance had been utterly abysmal...