TF Amethyst

TFA1 4.1 - Visiting Walluo City

Berril Plains, Northwest of Magwurt City

07:38, 7 Jun 2025

Under the morning sun, a convoy consisting of

3 units M1151 Ripper

4 units M1152 Personnel Carrier 

7 units M1152 Cargo 

was crossing Berril Plains and heading to west. The convoy brought only 3 units M1151 Ripper because the route was free from Black Eagle interference. As a few days ago a battery of Tamir Air Defense System was deployed at Fort Cambia, to strengthen the battery that previously was deployed at FOC South 860.

Each battery of Tamir ADS had twelve launcher vehicles, nine of which were equipped with independent radar so there was no need to stick to Command & Fire Distribution Vehicle. With the right network pattern, one Tamir ADS battery could cover an area up to 140 km from the protected site, or up to twice the effective range of Tamir missiles.

Therefore, although currently all LAV Shorad was being deployed in southern tip of Southeast Triangle, the entire Tuscan Region would still have an adequate air defense. The air defense even protruded into territories of neighboring regions.

From the driver seat of second M1152 Personnel Carrier, Captain Rummus looked at Berril Plains in awe. Even though he was the commander of General Khartoum's bodyguard, Captain Rummus participated in the hunt for the remains of Northern Coalition a few months ago. 

So he witnessed it firsthand how TF Amethyst effectively and efficiently eliminated the hostile elements that refused to surrender, handling prisoners, or took care of thousands of scattered corpses by cremating them.

The monks from Nemo Temple were then summoned to pray for the fallen from Northern Coalition, and a memorial was erected to commemorate them. After that, Agriculture Development Group started cultivating Berril Plains and the areas that were handed over by Northern Coalition. 

In a matter of weeks the result was already visible, as if the war with Northern Coalition had never happened. Berril Plains which was previously barren with only patches of grass at some area was now almost completely covered with barley sprouts. Meanwhile, in several locations Tuscan Guard established an outpost.

Two days ago after he completed the driving course, Captain Rummus received an order to guide Amethyst Merchant’s personnel who would market Amur Beer to Walluo City the capital of Kandez Region.

Amethyst Merchant chose Kandez Region as their second marketing location after Magwurt City due to its proximity and relatively affluent population. Moreover, Kandez Region was a producer of agricultural and livestock products that were needed by Magwurt City.

Captain Rumus turned his gaze towards Lt. Colonel Slane before saying, "18 km before we exit Berril Plains, after that we will take a 29 km long hilly route."

Lt. Colonel Slane nodded slightly before answering, "Understood."

Lt. Colonel Slane had studied Kandez Region for the last few days. It had a very fertile land, but their territory was at an elevation where Nouel could not live. Therefore, even if its people would never faces a shortage of foodstuffs, Kandez Region would never become a dominant force in the area.

However, Kandez Region was also nearly impossible to invade because its natural terrain did not allow large numbers of troops to enter simultaneously. At the same time, Kandez Guard was a mountain infantry adept at deploying guerrilla tactics in the harsh highlands.

Before long, the convoy of Humvee entered the hilly route. Even though they had to reduce their speed, the convoy easily devoured the steep path until finally the walls of Walluo City appeared in the distance.

---

East Gate of Walluo City

08:36, 7 Jun 2025

From above city wall Captain Beust looked at the 14 iron carriages approaching from east. At the same, he wondered how the iron carriages could move without being towed by horses.

'No wonder the report sounds like bullshit.' Captain Beust then turned towards Centurion who stood next to him.

"I will greet them myself. Be ready to close the gate if they show bad intentions."

"But Cap--"

"Don't argue and just follow my order."

Although his heart was beating wildly, Captain Beust casually descended from the city walls. He could not let the city gatekeeper who had habit to bluff and dominate, greet the guests who came by riding the magic iron carriages.

If the guests were messengers from 2nd World Authority or even the 1st World Authority, and the city guard offended them, then as the officer in charge of east wall he must be willing to put his head on the tray to make up for the stupidity of his men.

That's why Captain Beust chose to greet the incoming guest in the magic iron carriages personally. Although this choice was not completely safe, at least he still had a chance to live.

Not long after he cut through the crowd around the iron carriages that stopped at the side of the road, Captain Beust was immediately taken aback.

'Rumus?'

With a face full of question marks Captain Beust looked at the driver who got off the second iron carriage. He knew Captain Rumus because he had come to buy food from agricultural area on the south side of Walluo City several times.

Captain Beust also recognized member of Tuscan Guard who disembarked from the third and last iron carriage, but he did not recognize most of the guests who got off holding oddly shaped short sticks. These people also wore an unusual clothes.

"Long time no see Captain Beust."

"Yeah."

Without hesitation Captain Beust shook Captain Rumus's hand, but his gaze continued to fixate on the Humvee beside him.

"This iron carriage is called a car. It’s driven by a machine so it doesn't need to be towed by horses."

Captain Beust nodded his head like an enlightened hermit, but to be honest he didn't understand Captain Rumus's explanation at all.

"Did you come to buy food staples?"

"Yes, but before that we wanted to sell beer to several bars."

"You want to sell beer?"

Seeing Captain Rumus nodded, Captain Beust immediately tilted his head, and then in a half-mocking tone he asked, "Did you guys collect all piss from Magwurt City residents and give it yeast before calling it beer?"

Captain Rumus chuckled for a moment before saying, "Of course not, Tuscan Region's condition has improved and we have a reliable partner."

Captain Beust was silent while he recalled some news carried by merchants from Northern Coalition. "I heard Tuscan Region allied with cursed magicians under the guise of Amethyst Merchants, and by using a cursed technique Tuscan Region repelled Northern Coalition’s offensive."

Captain Rumus sighed silently while inwardly he was grateful, because Amethyst Merchant had predicted the incitement that Northern Coalition would bring and prepared an appropriate response.

With a smile Captain Rumus said, "Don't tell me you believe that bullshit."

Captain Beust immediately rolled his eyes. "Of course I don’t. No matter how I imagine it, it's hard to see a conflict between Regions that lasts for only several days will cost more than 100 thousand lives.

I think they carelessly go too deep and create a long and fragile corridor. The Tuscan Guard then launched a high-risk attack on Fort Cambia and somehow captured it, and then crushed them while they tried to retreat.”

Captain Rumus smiled cheerfully before saying, "I can't go into the details, but that was how we won the battle."

Then, Captain Rumus handed a leather pouch to Captain Beust, who instantly gasped as he examined it.

"The entrance fee is plenty, but I still have to check your iron carriages."

"Of course, and if we may, we'd like to park it near the city walls while we go into city.”

Captain Beust immediately gave a broad smile. "Please choose the most convenient location."

After once again shaking Captain Beust's hand, Captain Rumus then entered Walluo City with Lt. Colonel Slane and his four bodyguards, as well as a member of Tuscan Guard in charge of bringing the samples of Amur Beer.

*****