The crisp morning air hung heavy with anticipation. The grand parade days ago, a dazzling display of Kylia's military might, felt like a distant memory. Now, reality had descended, a grim veil drawn over the capital. The rumble of hooves on cobblestones and the clatter of equipment replaced the cheers and patriotic anthems. Kylia was going to war.
Throughout the city, soldiers, clad in their signature blue and silver uniforms, made hurried, poignant farewells. Husbands embraced wives, fathers lifted children high one last time, and mothers clutched rosaries, their lips moving in silent prayers. The air thrummed with a mixture of patriotic fervor and underlying fear.
The main thoroughfare, normally bustling with vendors and merchants, was now choked with military convoys. Teams of oxen, their powerful muscles straining, hauled artillery pieces mounted on sturdy wooden carriages. Cavalry units, their horses prancing nervously, maneuvered through the throng. Infantry regiments, their rifles gleaming in the morning sun, marched in perfect synchronicity, their faces set with grim determination.
Of the ten thousand who had marched in yesterday's parade, nearly nine thousand were now departing. Only a skeletal force of a few hundred remained behind, tasked with protecting the industrial heartland of Kylia, the factories and foundries that churned out the weapons and supplies needed to sustain the war effort. The vast majority, however, were headed either out of country, to bolster the Alliance defenses against the expected Hylian-offensive, other Kylian Cities, to protect those areas in case of a sudden Hylian incursion, or towards Rosa City on the coast, where the Kylian Navy can project its power over the entire west coast of the Hylian continent.
Meanwhile, Kylia had left for the capital of the Kingdom of Rosa down south. Instead of traveling by foot, which would take months to travel the vast distance of 1,000 kilometers through the wilderness, flying can cut travel time to weeks.
Normally when she flies, her wings instinctively generate extreme temperatures, easily ionizing the atmosphere, creating a plasma sheath-an electrically conductive gas made up of ions and free electrons. By manipulating electric and magnetic fields, Kylia accelerates this plasma using the Lorentz force, just as a Magnetoplasmadynamic (MPD) thruster does. In MPD thrusters, crossed electric and magnetic fields accelerate plasma to high velocities, producing thrust. The interaction of these fields can propel plasma away from her wings, generating forward thrust and lift. This allows her to quickly accelerate up to Mach 1 in combat.
However, this way of flying is also really draining, Kylia can only fly at Mach 1 for 25 seconds before getting exhausted.
For longer flights, a different method must be used.
Unlike Rito, Lavovy and the Nihovy races that can not rise without using updrafts in the air, Valors can actually fly by their own power even without using the Lorentz Force, albeit not too well. At 1.8 meters tall, Kylia weighs a hefty 502.3361 kilograms on planet Hylia's surface. To fly, Kylia has four large blue wings covered with light but razor sharp feathers, not the kind you want to make pillows out of. Each wing measures 4 meters in length and has a surface area of 5.93 square meters for an aspect ratio of 2.7, the aspect ratio of a falcon or hawk. To lift off, Kylia must generate at least 1.44 tonnes of force, which is not much for her considering when she can exert up to 8 tonnes of force with her weaker arms. Her minimum normal flight speed is 60.5 km/h and maximum sustainable speed is 100 km/h.
Each day on her journey she would lift off late in the morning, coast for several hours above the clouds, then land and make shelter near night. This strategy allowed her to cover over several hundred kilometers a day.
Now nearing New Rosa City, Kylia soared 5,000 meters high above the rugged, semi-arid wilderness, her four great wings casting a fleeting shadow over the ochre plains and scattered tufts of hardy grass below. The land was a tapestry of rolling hills and rocky outcrops, dotted with the sparse green of drought-resistant shrubs and the silver glint of distant streams winding through dry gullies. Occasional stands of wind-bent trees clung to life in sheltered hollows, and the morning sun painted long, stark shadows across the undulating terrain.
As she neared her destination, the wilderness gave way to signs of cultivation—patchwork fields, some freshly tilled, others left fallow, their boundaries marked by low stone walls and the occasional line of poplars. Dirt roads, little more than pale scars in the earth, radiated from a central hub, converging on a walled city that rose from the plain like a stone crown.
From her vantage at 5,000 meters, Kylia could see the entire settlement at a glance: a compact cluster of red-tiled roofs and narrow lanes, encircled by stout ramparts and four imposing gates aligned to the cardinal directions. Beyond the walls, a ribbon of river shimmered in the morning light, its banks lined with waterwheels and the occasional mill. The city's heart was dominated by the soaring spire of a cathedral, its bells faintly audible even at this height, and a bustling market square where tiny figures moved in purposeful patterns.
Smoke curled from chimneys and open hearths, mingling with the low-lying morning mist. Outside the walls, clusters of cottages and barns formed a ragged suburb, home to farmers, craftsmen, and the city's ever-watchful guards. The fields and pastures teemed with life—herds of sheep and cattle, oxen pulling laden carts, and peasants bent to their morning labors.
New Rosa City, home to roughly 10,000 people, nestled along the banks of the New Rosa River, a slender waterway carving its way through the heart of the New Rosa Highlands. This region, a stark contrast to the fertile lands further north, could best be described as a place of harsh compromises. Lower rainfall and higher elevation combined to create a semi-arid highland environment, a biome characterized by poor soil fertility, water scarcity, and extremes of temperature – a challenging landscape for agriculture. While this posed significant difficulties for farming, the region was blessed with a wealth of mineral deposits and ores. If only Rosian mining and refining techniques were more advanced, they would be far less reliant on imported iron and steel for even their basic farming tools to contend with the unforgiving soil.
Kylia adjusted her course, descending in a wide, sweeping arc toward the city. As she lost altitude, details sharpened: the precise shade of russet on the roof tiles, the individual banners snapping from the ramparts, the glint of swords at the gatehouses. Before reaching the city walls, she veered off, angling towards a sprawling estate nestled in the hills overlooking New Rosa City. Manicured gardens, a sprawling manor house of red stone, and the shimmering blue of a private lake marked it as the residence of someone of significant wealth and influence.
This was Rosa's manor.
With a controlled landing on a neatly raked gravel driveway, Kylia folded her wings, the sound like the scraping of a thousand knives. Two guards, clad in the crimson and gold livery of the Rosa family, snapped to attention, their eyes wide with a mixture of awe and apprehension. Valors were not common sights, especially not descending from the sky like a celestial messenger.
"I am Kylia," she announced, her voice resonating with authority. "I am here to see Rosa."
The guards, clearly flustered, exchanged glances. "Of course, Lady Kylia," one finally stammered. "Please, this way."
They led her through the meticulously maintained gardens, past rose bushes blooming in vibrant hues and fountains that gurgled merrily. The air was fragrant with the scent of flowers and freshly cut grass, a stark contrast to the grim atmosphere of the capital. Inside the manor, the opulence was breathtaking. Marble floors gleamed beneath crystal chandeliers, tapestries depicting heroic scenes adorned the walls, and priceless artifacts were displayed in opaque glass cases.
A servant hurried to announce her arrival, and moments later, Rosa swept into the grand entrance hall. Even from a distance, the resemblance was striking: the same sharp cheekbones, the same determined jaw, the same piercing eyes and even the same unyielding will. But of course the coloring couldn't be more different. Kylia's eyes, hair, wings and even clothes were all blue and the same was true for Rosa just in the color red instead.
"Kylia," Rosa exclaimed, her voice filled with surprise and genuine warmth. She rushed forward and embraced her sister. "What brings you so far south? I never expected you to come here."
Rosa hadn't seen Kylia in eight years. Not since the end of the Kylian-Rosian war, a conflict that had left a huge scar on the State of Rosa. While after the war Rosa was generally unhappy about what happened between her and Kylia, she quickly put aside grievances after seeing the Rosian economy quickly rebound thanks to Kylian investment and the Kylian-Rosian trade deal.
"The war," Kylia replied, her voice grave. "I need to discuss strategy and coordination with you. The Hylians are a formidable foe, and we need to ensure that New Rosa City is prepared for any eventuality."
Rosa led Kylia into a sun-drenched study, its walls lined with books and maps. "The Hylians are around here." Rosa pointed south of Pavo City.
"The Hylians that had broken through the choke point of Pavo City are now free to roam wherever they like," Rosa explained. "To the south is the State of Zeleny although still quite far away from the front lines, roughly 10,000 kilometers, are currently crippled from the failed defensive battle of Pavo. If the Hylians arrive at Zeleny City, possibly as early as autumn next year, the State of Zeleny is likely to only be able to field a force of 800 poorly trained and equipped men."
Kylia's brows knitted as she studied the map spread across the polished mahogany table. Her wings twitched slightly, feathers rustling with a soft metallic hiss.
"Where did you get this information?" she asked, her voice suddenly sharp. "News from Pavo City would take months to reach here, even with the fastest couriers."
Rosa met her gaze calmly. "You're right. Normally, it would. But I didn't get this from couriers."
Before Kylia could press further, the doors to the study swung open with a low groan. Heavy footsteps echoed off the marble floors. Two figures entered—tall, broad-shouldered, their presence radiating a quiet intensity.
Kylia stood, stunned.
"Viskov?" she breathed. "And… Pavo?" Her voice caught for a moment on the second name.
Her older brothers stood before her in full regalia. Viskov wore the rugged leather and chainmail of a commander, his expression weathered and grim. Pavo, once the Lord of Pavo City, still bore a ceremonial crimson sash across his chest, though it was tattered and frayed at the edges.
Kylia stepped forward, then paused, her voice quieter. "What… What happened to you both?"
Viskov inclined his head. "I wasn't at Pavo," he said, voice low but firm. "I came here a few days ago to meet with Rosa. We've been discussing the state of the Alliance and how to hold off the Hylian offensive." His eyes flicked to Rosa. "We didn't expect Pavo to arrive."
Pavo gave a wry, hollow chuckle. "Neither did I," he muttered. "I was sent by our mother to report the situation to Rosa. But I found Viskov first instead."
He turned to Kylia fully, the weight of failure etched into every line of his face. "The Hylians completely overpower us, we were no match. Worse, their king—Atari—critically injured our father, he's being carried by the survivors of the Pavo/Zeleny army."
"And Zeleny?" Kylia asked, voice tight.
"Couldn't come," Pavo said, glancing down at his bottom left broken wing. "Broke three of his wings. He's grounded for months."
"Mother?" she asked.
Pavo hesitated. "Leading what's left of our forces in a retreat to Zeleny City. Maybe a hundred scattered survivors from Pavo and Zeleny. She refused evacuation."
Of course she did, Kylia thought. Valeska was the kind of woman who'd rather go down with her sword drawn than be carried away.
"Back to the war situation." Rosa coughed. "Although it is unlikely that Hyrule would send its full force of 5,600 to such a weak and far away target. I believe that Hyrule would likely split their force into two, a smaller force would head towards Zeleny to finish the job while a larger force would target New Rosa City, which is less than 8,000 kilometers away from the frontlines. Still quite far away, but also a far more desirable and challenging target."
"So you think that the Hylians want to occupy New Rosa City to act as a springboard for an advance into Kylia?" Kylia caught on.
"Exactly!" Exclaimed Rosa. "New Rosa City is strategically located near the New Rosa River, providing a vital water source and a relatively easy route through the highlands. Taking it would give Hyrule a significant foothold in the region and a clear path to the west coast." Rosa gestured towards a map of the New Rosa Highlands, detailing the terrain and key locations. "And with our mineral wealth, Hyrule could replenish their war effort by trading and selling the resources from New Rosa City. With the Geography of the Highlands, the Hylians can threaten your southern border, which includes Rosa City, Rishka City and your Capital. At the same time New Rosa City is easy to defend, New Rosa must not fall."
Viskov frowned. "The situation is as dire as I anticipated. We need to strengthen New Rosa City's defenses immediately. How many soldiers do you have stationed here?"
"Currently, we have around 500 well trained and equipped men, " Rosa replied, a hint of worry in her voice. "It's enough to maintain order and deter monsters, but against a seasoned, thousand strong Hylian army? It won't be enough."
Kylia exhaled slowly, her wings folding tighter against her back. "Then we have no time to waste," she said. Her voice, once warm and familial, shifted into the firm cadence of command. "I've dispatched 4,000 Kylian troops to reinforce Rosa and another 4,000 to Viskov. They'll arrive next year by ship and march."
Pavo's eyes widened. "Eight thousand troops? That's nearly the same size as the Hylian Army. But…" he glanced at the map, then back at Kylia, "New Rosa can't support that many soldiers. Not for long."
"That's the problem," Kylia said, her tone growing grim. "The Alliance's infrastructure is simply too weak. Your roads can't handle the convoys. Your granaries are nearly empty. Your blacksmiths are still hammering tools by hand. The arrival of Kylian troops will strain your systems to the breaking point."
Rosa nodded slowly. "We can't even field enough wagons to supply half of them. Our industry's been stagnant since the last war. If the Kylian reinforcements are to be effective, we'll need immediate logistical support—grain shipments, forges working around the clock, repair crews to strengthen roads and bridges. Otherwise, they'll arrive only to starve or sit idle."
Kylia paced slowly, the floor creaking softly beneath her armored boots. "Then we move fast. Rosa, I'll need you to draft a supply requisition. Prioritize staple grains, blacksmith tools, wagon axles, and steel shipments. I'll arrange a supply line through the Mouth of New Rosa River, escorted by the Kylian Navy. It'll take time, but it's better than nothing."
Viskov stepped closer, voice low and calculating. "We should start conscripting. Train locals to man walls, run supplies, and hold fallback points. Even if they can't match the Hylians in strength, they can buy us time."
Pavo let out a breath. "We'll need trainers then. Old soldiers, veterans from wars hundreds of years ago. Some still live in New Rosa City. I'm not familiar with New Rosa, but I can lead efforts to find them."
"Good," Kylia said. "And Rosa, one more thing—we must prepare your city for siege. It may not come this year, but if the Hylians are as methodical as I suspect, they'll test your defenses before committing to an all-out push."
Rosa nodded again, now fully in her role as ruler. "We'll start immediately. I'll double shifts on the wall repairs, and we'll keep rationing stores to stretch our reserves."
Kylia paced toward the window again, mid-sentence. "If we reinforce the southeastern—"
BOOM!
The explosion thundered through the air, rattling the windowpanes and silencing the room. A dark plume of smoke rose beyond the city walls, curling into the clear morning sky.
Everyone froze.
"That wasn't inside the city," Rosa said quietly, already moving.
Kylia's eyes spun, her body tense. Out beyond the hills, she saw silhouettes dotting the sky, partially hidden by the smoke.
Her eyes narrowed.
"Йоб твою мать…"