novels/036-Gate-Thus-the-JSDF-Fought-There/volumes/01-Novel/volume.txt

## 01. Novel

### 001. (GATE 1) Rory the Reaper

(The bandits just robbed a family who had been on their way to another region to escape dragon attacks.)

At dusk, the gang of bandits were sitting next to a camp-fire. In celebration of their success they were indulging themselves with the prize of their raid.

Among the victims’ belongings, there were not only valuables, but also food that could sustain the family for a reasonably long period. After filling their stomachs with delicacies, everyone was eager to lay his hands on the mother and her daughter. But even for bandits, the senior ones could satisfy their beastly lusts first and enjoy drinking afterwards, while everyone else had to wait for their turn.

"Boss, seems like they are from the Koda village. The villagers are escaping from a dragon, and are moving slowly because they have so much to carry. Sounds like an easy target. How about attacking them? There’s simply no reason not to. Let’s do it!"

Seeing his subordinate talking so eagerly, the head of the bandits smiled complacently. This isn’t a bad idea. Just do that. The head initially shared similar views. But...

"Well, we don’t have not enough folks here."

With less than twenty men under him, a caravan as large as a village is too big as a prey.

"Just spread the word and get more people to join us. We’ll then be able to clear this big job - a big job that we could never clear in the past."

This also makes a good opportunity to recruit new gang members, the bandit head thought.

With enough men under him, he would be able to attack towns and villages. If everything went fine he might even be able to drive out a feudal lord and become one himself. From a bandit to a lord. From living a hand-to-mouth existence like every other bandit, to becoming a ruler. The bandit head was indulging in a short, ephemeral dream.

A bandit known by no one. For a person to meet his end while he was having a happy dream, is this a fortune or a misfortune?

There was a heavy sound of a head hitting the ground. Rolling and rolling, the head stopped right next to the fire. With a frizzling sound, there was a unique smell of burnt hair.

Biologically, when a person is decapitated, he still remains conscious for a few seconds. If this is true, the bandit experienced the instant when his head hit the floor. With the world rotating in front of his eyes, before realizing what actually happened, he had witnessed how blood gushed out of the lump of meat that was previously his body, and how the shaking lump eventually fell onto the ground.

With his vision darkening rapidly, he saw a goddess of death with long black hair bathed in his own blood.

Anyone who sees the girl always immediately thinks of "black": dark black hair on white, porcelain-like skin, black dress, and a pair of eyes that are as black as bottomless darkness.

With a whizzing sound, the head of the bandit cut into the air.

What the girl was holding was a heavy halberd. A halberd is an axe blade which looks like a heavy piece of metal attached to a long pole. This is clearly not a weapon for a petite girl to swing around. Neither is it something fit to be held by a girl in a frilled dress. It certainly defies logic further to see it being swung by a delicate arm as thin as a willow, and fingers as tiny as ice fishes.

Resting the heavy axe on her shoulder, a voice, "heh", came out of her mouth. While at the same time dead bodies of the bandits were piled up around her.

"Tee-hee-hee... Thanks a lot for tonight, Messieurs~"

The girl gently held her skirt and gave a curtsy.

From her appearance she seemed to be around thirteen. Her elegance and grace suggested good family background. On her face was a beautiful smile. But inside her iris were bottomless darkness.

"Th~anks a lot for the generous donation of your lives. On behalf of the chief god I would like to sho~w my gratitude. The god said he is interested in your acts and love to taste you~"

"Wh... what! Who the heck are you!?"

The atmosphere was so heavy that the surviving bandits felt like their stomach were being filled up with ice. But a few of them brazenly bluffed. The mere fact that they were able to make a sound already deserves praise.

"M~e?" The girl made a cute smile.

"My name is Rory Mercury. The apostle of Emroy the god."

"Isn’t that the priestess outfit of the Emroy Temple? Are... are you one of the twelve apostles... Rory the Reaper?"

"O~h, you know that? Tee-hee-hee. Correct answer~"

Right in front of the giggling girl, the bandits ran for their lives.

Jo... Joking... Must be joking... No way can we fight against an apostle!

Different souls give different screams. But all of them were trying their best to run from the jaw of death.

"No w~ay. Yo~u can’t escape~"

Rory jumped. Carrying a gigantic metal that could easily be as heavy as her, she attacked the bandits like a vicious carnivore. Heads were splat open like water melons, with pieces like minced meat being spread all over the place.

"HYAA... AWAHHH HIK!!"

In front of a man who lost his balance from fear stood Rory in a relaxed face. When she was trying to lift up the heavy halberd, she tottered a bit, but still managed to raise it up in the air.

Her porcelain-like skin was tainted into red by spurts of blood.

"Hehehe... The God has said~, man ultimately dies~, and can never escape from that."

The axe blade swung down. What immediately followed was a final death scream.

### 002. (GATE 2) Lelei's magic assessment

"It is truly an outstanding performance and I am short of words to describe it, Lelei. Now, tell me more about the 'truth'."

Lelei bowed politely, and started presenting the "truth" as if she was in an academic conference.

It is often said that we, the Lindon School of wizards, will be feared and rejected by the public if we openly use magic in wars. However the reality is not that one-sided.

The whole concept behind using magic in wars is to intervene natural phenomenons - a manifestation of the "Surface Truth" - in such a way usable in fights.

"Just like this."

Upon hovering the stones that she had just picked up, Lelei shot them into the withering trees around her.

As you have seen, the "Counter Truth" has just intervened the "Surface Truth" of the stone pellets being still. However, similar effects can also be achieved by arrows or catapults. Therefore, our objective is to bring in practicality to overcome such a reality.

This time, Lelei simultaneously floated over ten stones around a specific target. The stones shot into the target from every direction. What was left was a bark lying on the ground with thousands of holes.

A trick like this can never be achieved with a single arrow or a single catapult. This is the reason behind the public's fear towards war magic.

However, even if the typical audience is satisfied, how about jugglers who know alternate tricks? Fire magic is nothing more than the burning of objects. Why not simply use oil or firewood? Even for water magic, at the end of the day it is not much different from pouring water on an object.

All of these can be recreated by machines and tools. However, the effect of "Counter Truth" lasts for a short period, and is incomparable with the strength of massive machineries.

Such a problem is insignificant in the small-scale military conflicts in the past. However recently the scale of wars increases dramatically, while at the same time wizards are becoming more and more obsolete. Of course there is no point to waste such talents. That is why they are currently used for medical and indirect support - areas that are essential nowadays. Nevertheless, being a major school in magic fights ever since ancient years, the Lindon School can never be satisfied at the current situation. Just as how our current status is built up on our forefathers effort, we have to continue to move forward by advancing our researches.

But, facing the strong weapons of the JSDF such as "guns" and "cannons", it may also be true that by paying the same degree of effort we may still be unable to cope with the tide of times.

As long as we stick with using "Counter Truth" merely as a means of directly interfering the "Surface Truth," this is a problem we have to face sooner or later. The reason is that the most effective way to bring about any change within the "Surface Truth" is to work within the framework of "Surface Truth". Given enough time we will always be caught up, and eventually overtaken, by technological advances.

However, researches in regard of the "Surface Truth" are much deeper and more extensive at the other side of the Gate. Is it possible that we can achieve a better result by using magic to complement, instead of directly interfering of the "Surface Truth"? This is Lelei's focus.

For example, at the other side of the Gate, there are researches in regard of "flames".

The wise men said, burning is a result of the combination of the "burning essence" and the "object essence."

The wise men also said, explosion is a result of such burning within a short time frame. However the reason for the bottleneck of our research is that we have been mistaking the breaking of utensils upon heating as detonation.

"Lelei shall hereby present an authentic detonation."

Upon saying that, Lelei created an orb of light in the air.

"Across the Gate, the Object Essence is called Oxygen. The Burning Essence is equivalent to their Carbon, Water and a number of other materials. Oxygen is prevalent in the air. What Lelei is going to do is to draw and accumulate the Burning Essence, lock it in a force field with a suitable density, float it in the air, and release it by the use of Counter Truth."

Lelei bent a finger, and the orb busted.

"A material called Explosives across the Gate is equivalent to this orb."

The Old Sage nodded in response. "Um... It fits the 'truth' and can expand the scope of magic usage. Although you are clearly inspired by the researches in the other world, your achievement of fitting their theories into ours with practical results makes you deserve a doctorate degree."

"If the phenomenon of explosion can be controlled effectively, the value of magic will further increase. Not only for the military, but also for industrial and construction work, this will be very useful," Katou the Old Sage added and was about to end the assessment.

"But, there is not enough power."

Lelei looked at Katou's direction. A JSDF officer was standing there.

"Sorry. What I'm going to say will be a bit complicated. Would you mind interpreting for me?"

Lelei gave a small sigh, made a bow towards her teacher, and walked towards the officer.

### 003. Character introductions

## The Other World / The Special Region

Tuka Luna Marceau

- 165 years old, with the appearance of a 16/17-year-old. She is from a superior race of elves, with blonde hair and blue eyes, and had been living with her father in the village of Kowan. The whole village was destroyed by the attack of an ancient dragon and she was the only survivor.

Lelei la Lalena

- 15 years old. A sage and sorceress of the human race. The second disciple of Cato the elder sage. Although being a knowledgeable person with outstanding talents, she lacks emotions. Due to her petite frame, she looks younger than she actually is.

Rory Mercury

- 961 years old, with the appearance of a 13-year-old. Demigoddess and the apostle of Emroy the god. Despite of her delicate frame, she is widely known as Rory the Reaper, who will smash her enemies with her gigantic halberd with no mercy. Her gothic lolita dress is an outfit for priestesses.

Molto Sol Augustus

- The Emperor of the Empire. In order to strengthen his power and influence he even attempted to conquer Japan through the Gate.

Piña Co Lada

- 19 years old. The beautiful daughter of the Emperor. Realizing at a early stage the gap of strength between the Empire and Japan, she has been busy struggling to protect her home country. After knowing Itami, she was exposed to the otaku subculture and was strongly influenced.

## Japan

ITAMI Youji (the lead character)

- 33 years old. First Lieutenant of the Ground Self-Defense Force. Team leader of the Third Recon Team. An otaku who loves to read doujinshi and online novels. Work is nothing more than something that provides an income source for his interest.

KURATA

- 21 years old. Staff Sergeant of the Ground Self-Defence Force. Member of the Third Recon Team. The driver of Itami's military vehicle. An otaku who has a moe fetish over Nekomimi (Cat ears) and Kemono (monsters in general). On otaku topics he can chat happily with Itami, his superior.

KUROKAWA

- 23 years old. Sergeant First Class of the Ground Self-Defence Force. One of the female members of the Third Recon Team. Having a height of 190cm and being a nurse, she mostly talks calmly like a lady, but occasionally gives people a tongue-lashing.

KURIBAYASHI Shino

- 24 years old. Sergeant First Class of the Ground Self-Defence Force. One of the female members of the Third Recon Team. Having a petite frame but with relatively large busts for her body, she also has a martial arts emblem.

TOMITA Akira

- 27 years old. Sergeant First Class of the Ground Self-Defence Force. Member of the Third Recon Team. He studied astronomy through university distance learning courses and has both the ranger and airborne emblem.

MOTOI

- Prime minister of Japan. Worrying about how to repel the internal and external interventions in regard of the interests of the "Special Region", he is under a great deal of stress.

KANOU Tarou

- Defence Minister of Japan. Minister responsible for the issue of the "Special Region". His otaku interests are well known among the Japanese public. He was also an otaku acquaintance of Itami in the past.

Risa

- The ex-wife of Itami and an artist of doujinshi catered to females.

## United States

DIRREL

- President of the United States. In order to secure more interests in the "Special Region", he involves himself in a number of conspiracies.

## China

TAI De-chou

- President of the People's Republic of China. He plans to secure interests in the "Special Region" by sending Chinese migrants to the area.

## Russia

ZYUGANOV

- President of the Russian Federation. Worrying that the abundant resources in the "Special Region" would dilute Russia's influence, he involves himself in a number of plots.

### 004. Prologue

20××, Summer

According to records, the day was humid and hot. The temperature exceeded 30°C, humidity was high, and due to the influence of a heat wave, the streets had turned into a scorching hell.

Nevertheless, it was Saturday. Lots of people were downtown, having fun, buying or window shopping.

11:50 am

As the sun was approaching it´s zenith, and when it looked like the temperature would reach a new record, in Ginza (central ward of the Tokyo metropolitan area), suddenly a "Gate to Another World" appeared.

Knights and infantry that, from the looks of their armor, seemed straight from medieval Europe came pouring out. And then... What came then seemed like it belonged into a fantasy story or movie: Fantastical beings like orcs, goblins and trolls.

They charged the people that, by chance, happened to be present.

Young and old, men and women, no matter the race or nationality, their objective was to slaughter everyone.

The people, used to their peaceful country in these peaceful times, had no way to resist. In this pandemonium of shrieks, they fell one by one.

The shoppers, parents with their children, tourists from overseas, one by one they were all trampled down under horse's hooves, pierced by lances or cut down by swords.

Heaps of corpses covered the streets, and the asphalt of Ginza turned the dark red colour of blood. "Hell" would have been a fitting title for the scene.

The troops of the other world stacked even more corpses on top of the piled up ones. Then, on this hill of meat, a jet black battle flag was hoisted. And with their loud voices, in their own language, they declared this place conquered and in their possession.

Although, since there was nobody to listen to them, it was a one-sided proclamation of war.

"The Ginza Incident"

This is how history will call this colliding of another world with ours.

＊ ＊

Shigenori Houjou, then Prime Minister, is giving the following answer in the National Diet:

"It should be obvious, but we have no maps of that land.

What is the landscape on the other side? What plants and animals inhabit those lands? And what kind of people live there?

What is their cultural level? What is their scientific and technological level? Their religion? We do not even know their form of government.

During this incident, a lot of criminals were arrested.

Using vague words like 'arrested' feels irritating. I used it, since our constitution and other laws weren't written with a situation such as this in mind. Thus, with this emergency at hand, our country has not decided on laws concerning the handling of prisoners of war. If we apply the current laws of our country, they are nothing more than criminals.

That being the case, at the risk of this being called far-fetched, my decision is to consider the Special Region as a part of domestic Japan. On the other side of the 'Gate' lies—so far unconfirmed—soil of our country. It can be considered to be populated. Even if a government exists on the other side, if we haven't negotiated with them, decided on national borders and established diplomatic relationships, they cannot be recognized as an independent nation. At the current stage, they are an armed group of terrorists that took the lives of innocent citizens and tourists.

I am also aware that some are of the opinion we should peacefully negotiate with them. However, to do this, we must make the other party sit down for the negotiations. But how can we do that? Realistically, we're not having negotiations with those on the other side of the 'Gate'.

We must get the powers that exists beyond the 'Gate' to sit down with us at the negotiation table. By force if necessary, even if we have to pin their heads down.

Before we can negotiate, we also require more information about them.

Regarding the arrested criminals... Since we don't have a common language, it has been slow, but little by little we managed to get some information out of them. However, there is no way we can rely solely on that. Somebody will have to go and confirm things with their own eyes and ears.

Therefore, it is necessary for us to set foot on the other side of the 'Gate'.

Still, we proceed towards uncivilized soil, and savages that massacred non-resisting civilians. We have to be prepared for a corresponding amount of danger.

In any case, going in unarmed is impossible. Furthermore, depending on the circumstances inside the Special Region, the possibility of war has to be considered. Who in that savage land is friend and who is foe? This decision has to lie, to a certain degree, with those on the scene.

"Going into a dangerous place on purpose is not necessary. Rather, it'll be fine, if we destroy the 'Gate' to prevent it from ever opening again". I know that a part of the opposition holds such views. "If we just close the gate, we are safe", is what they are saying, right?

From now on, the Japanese citizens will have to live their lives embraced by the insecurity of where a similar 'Gate' might appear next time. Maybe this time the 'Gate' will open in front of your house, in front of your family? Furthermore, there's also the question of how to compensate the victims and the bereaved.

If there is a government in the Special Region, and somebody there is in charge, as the government of our country we must firmly demand from it a sincere apology, reparations, and the extradition of all personnel responsible.

If the opposing party doesn't comply, we will capture the masterminds with our own hands and bring them to justice. If they have assets, we will seize them, even by force, and use them to give reparations to the bereaved families. This is, also when looking at the feelings of the victims and their families, natural. Therefore, we, the Japanese government, have decided to dispatch the JSDF to the other side of the 'Gate' as necessary. The objective is to investigate, search and apprehend the mastermind behind the Ginza Incident, and to forcibly execute the acquisition of reparations."

While parts of the opposition objected, both houses of the Diet approved the Special Region JSDF Dispatch Special Bill.

Furthermore, the government of the USA announces: "Regarding the investigations inside the "Gate", you have our full cooperation." To this, Prime Minister Houjou's replied: "Presently, there is no need for your assistance, but depending on the circumstances, it is also possible that we might request your help. In that case, we'll get back to you."

Additionally, the Chinese government considers it most appropriate if the supernatural existence called "Gate" is put under international control. "Just because it appeared in Japan", they say, "Japan shouldn't have sole control of it. Least of all", so their comment, "can anyone be allowed to monopolize the profits gained through it."

＊ ＊

[Here are the 10th and 11th pages. I´m pretty sure they can use some editing here and there] -- Sinon ( talk ) 01:14, 8 December 2012 (CST)

“I will dare say this has been a big fiasco. During this unprecedented havoc, what kind of measures are being taken? We want to hear your thoughts, Your Majesty."

Senator Marquis Casel, one of the aristocrats, was speaking towards the emperor, Molto Sol Augustus, while standing at the center of the parliament.

The senator believed that, if they are said within this chamber, then these questions can not be left unanswered, even by the one who occupies the emperor's seat.

薄闇の広間。

The parliament building, its stones carved with decorations, lost its solemn, stately and serene atmosphere. The terrace aligned along the circular wall, was full of men sitting on it with stern looks, while one of them stood in the circle clearing at the middle of the room.

Their number was about three hundred people. Senators represented the ruling class of the empire.

There are several routes to becoming a senator in this country. One is to be born in a house with authority. It's said that in the capital of this huge empire, if you were to throw a stone somewhere, you'll probably hit a noble. Thus, just being born a noble is not enough to get you a senator's seat. One must first gain recognition among the aristocracy, to even hope gaining access to the senate.

Aristocrats who were born in a prestigious house can usually occupy their position forever. Whether it was a position as a minister in the senate or a general in the army.

The bureaucracy is essential for the administration of the enormous, complex existence that is the State. If a person was gifted with enough standing, then he or she could choose between the path of the bureaucracy or the military. The deciding factor between military or bureaucracy was usually practical skill. Even for the third son of titular nobility, it was still possible to attain good position this way, as long as they had good luck, talent, and work ethic.

There are six jobs inside the palace: Minister, Prime Minister, Interior, Finance, Agriculture, and Foreign Affairs.

Those who chose to become a bureaucrat or soldier, and reached the rank of general or minister, were guaranteed to automatically receive senator position after retiring from their job. This way, even a commoner had a chance to receive a high position. The knights often compete in tournaments, as it adds renown to their names, helping to advance their status.

Marquis Casel was the son of a noble sire with the title of Baron, which isn't a particularly high rank. From there, he got his senator seat after serving as a minister. Senators who had to work for their position, usually had a tendency to take its responsibilities very seriously. As a result, they often appear as too enthusiastic to their peers.