Colonia Storm Tour

"When he broke his oath and left the DEM that we created together, he also took all our visualization technology and rebuilt the Ratatosk Agency. Since we can make warships invisible in any area created by the visualization device to prevent outside observation, there is no reason why his Ratatosk Agency cannot do the same."

After much thought, Ellen realized that only the Furyfly Fleet and Ratatosk had completely aligned themselves. In order to assist this crucial ally in their evacuation, Ratatosk used a revealing device that could make all designated invisible units within range disappear. The Furyfly Fleet then concealed its tracks.

"That's certainly very possible, but it would be troublesome to install a device that produces a wide-area invisibility effect on an already built warship. His Ratatosk probably doesn't have the ability to coordinate with Foehn and install it on their warship within a few days."

Izak thought about it carefully and realized that it seemed somewhat impractical for Ratatosk to install that kind of display device on the Foehn's warship.

"Therefore, the Ratatosk Agency must have built their own warships and then had them fly close to the Foehn fleet, creating a random field that could deflect light waves, electromagnetic waves, and sound waves to achieve invisibility, thus enveloping their entire fleet. This explains why conventional detection methods failed to detect them. Even with radio communication between them, combined with Foehn's electronic jamming technology, theoretically, the United States and the European Union would not be able to detect such a perfectly hidden fleet."

Ellen's analysis sounded very reasonable and could provide a fitting explanation for the strange situation of not being able to find the Burning Wind Fleet.

It's worth mentioning here that the invisibility effect generated by changing the nature of the random field is actually quite similar to Epsilon's mind illusion technology.

Like the Soviet military's hypothesis regarding the inexplicable Epsilon attacks: Yuri was not only able to create illusions in people's minds, but he was also able to influence people's perception of reality, and he had designed a whole set of technologies for this purpose.

Based on this assumption, a defensive structure called a detection tower emerged, which could detect things that were invisible to the naked eye due to the influence of mental power.

Furthermore, it can detect bombs planted by enemy forces and disguised spies. Additionally, the spotlight at the top of the tower will identify enemy troops appearing around it, making them more vulnerable.

This building also has another useful function: it can block enemy reconnaissance abilities. The Soviet Union's enemies will be unable to deploy these abilities within the detection tower's effective range.

The random field formed by the orderly distribution of magic power generated by the display device can deflect light, electromagnetic waves, and sound waves by changing its properties. However, the magic power that forms the random field will undoubtedly be detected by instruments or people sensitive to magic power.

Their common characteristic is that they all rely on a certain aspect of power to achieve invisibility. However, Yuri's mind illusion technology also includes invisibility technology from the Allied forces that has not yet been completed, so it does not rely entirely on mental power.

Here we don't know if the cloaking technology that Yuri obtained from the Allied forces, which was still incomplete, is the Rift Interference technology, because the description of the Rift Interference technology is too similar to optical cloaking technology that overlaps with spacetime technology.

It is also possible that the Athena device was developed based on the experimental results of the Philadelphia Experiment, which was later called the "Ominous" by the United States. This device was a device that could make radar waves appear to sweep across the target's location as if they were sweeping across a flat open space and reflect the signal back to the designated radar band.

However, one thing is certain: regardless of whether it's the invisibility effect created by the random field or the mind illusion technology, these tricks will be easily detected by the Foehn wind within the atmosphere.

That's the wind analyzer on the mobile acoustic detector. Obviously, they can't just stay there or move around like real ghosts without affecting the air or causing unusual airflow disturbances.

This detection effect is truly effective for any stealth that cannot avoid disturbing airflow. Of course, if it goes into space, a wind analyzer cannot be used, and other special equipment needs to be installed to detect stealth objects.

"Hmm, it seems we need a device that can detect objects hidden in any area that has a range of invisibility."

Isaac's thinking had actually gone astray, because the invisibility technology of the Fiery Wind had absolutely nothing to do with magic.

“Our manifestation device development department has developed a special detection device. Unlike the random field that generates a range of invisibility effects, the detection magic beam or random field generated by this device can detect the other party through ‘contact’. However, because there is no place to use them, they have been shelved.”

Neither Ellen nor Isaac had ever imagined that they would be fighting an enemy capable of group invisibility, so it's normal that this device was shelved.

Although the approach was off-track, it still managed to detect objects hidden by the mind illusion technique, because the mind illusion technique never considered making magic bypass it!

"Is the size of this detection equipment suitable for installation on our CR-UNIT or automaton?"

Isaac's first thought was whether the magician and the automaton could use it.

"Currently, only our warships can carry it. If we want magicians and automatons to use it, we need to approve sufficient project funding for the display device development department to conduct further research and development."

"Irene replied."

"And they were ordered to immediately begin miniaturizing the detection equipment so that it could be used by magicians and automatons."

Isaac readily approved it.

"Yes."

Eileen immediately went to prepare the relevant matters according to Isaac's instructions.

After Elaine left, Isaac began to reflect on some of his past decisions.

That is, judging from the disappearance of the Foehn Fleet, the two organizations, Ratatosk and Foehn, have truly come together to help each other. If they were to fully unite and shake hands, they would pose a tremendous threat to DEM.

Because the enemy at that time will not be two separate entities, Foehn and Ratatosk, but rather Foehn-Ratatosk, combining the down-to-earth black technologies achieved by Foehn with even more incredible manifestation devices.

I wonder what kind of ultimate machine will be created to fight against me... Perhaps I'm being too hasty? There's no need to rush into such a grand and elaborate fight against the Burning Wind.

They were given hope that they could still destroy the Babel Tower manifestation device and the Lord of Memory manifestation device, and then the fleet was waiting for them to take the bait in Kashi, Tibet...

...Now that I think about it, the correct approach would have been to use a complete fishing scheme to prevent the fleet from attacking Keelung, but since things have come to this point, we can only continue with the plan that has already been implemented.

Having thought of this, Isaac felt relieved and began to consider other matters, namely, how to respond when the British government sent people to question him.

While DEM headquarters was bustling with activity, the UK, which should have been one of the secondary beneficiaries of this event, was puzzled.

“Victor, you’re not kidding me, are you? We gave up our ace, Artemisia, to DEM, and now you’re telling me the Butcher of the Far East isn’t dead, and he disappeared from 4V with the Foehn Wind, leaving nothing behind except food and some insignificant weapons?”

Prime Minister John Major looked at Defense Secretary Victor Krause with an awkward smile, thinking it was the most unbelievable joke he had ever heard.

“I’m not joking. This is intelligence that has been confirmed multiple times. It was relayed to us by senior executives of DEM, our partner company. Even DEM itself doesn’t understand what’s going on.”

Victor Kraus himself was also confused, but his collaborator would not pass on such easily exposed information, so it was very likely that he was telling the truth.

"We and the French nuclear-powered aircraft carriers have risked launching all available reconnaissance aircraft to search the waters surrounding the South China Sea, but we haven't found the Foehn naval fleet. This proves that they haven't withdrawn towards the South China Sea at all. According to our experts' analysis, the Foehn naval fleet is very likely fleeing towards the western Pacific or the Philippine Sea. However, what's strange is..."

First Sea Lord John Mountbatten hesitated for a moment before saying, "We have confirmed that American Los Angeles-class and Virginia-class reconnaissance aircraft have entered the East China Sea to search for the Philippines, but according to the intelligence we have received, the American search has yielded no results."

"In short, the current situation is that the foehn has vanished without a trace. But how are we supposed to explain this to the voters? We promised to bring those criminals to justice. Now, not only have we failed to catch them, but we don't even know where the foehn has gone. We simply cannot explain this to the people..."

Political consultant Cowles Fleet felt there was nothing more troublesome than this kind of news.

Actually, it wouldn't matter if the Foehn had escaped, because as long as they left 4V, they could not only proudly announce that 4V had been liberated from the Foehn, but also that the Foehn had fled in panic due to the power of the EU and US fleets. They could then tell the voters where the Foehn had fled to and that their naval fleet was pursuing them, which would be an explanation. But the problem now is that the Foehn has escaped, but we can't find a trace of them.

"At that time, the public will look at our EU fleet like they look at incompetent police officers in novels who are always late."

Victor Kraus could already foresee the types of difficulties he would face when criticized by his political opponents.

"Moreover, this time the fleet almost lost its life. Sir Westcott's plan for the entire American Pacific Fleet to enter the East China Sea to seek revenge against the 'Fenfeng' was completely futile! You must know that at that time, the Zero Domain was only a hair's breadth away from our fleet."

John Mountbatten said with a jolt of fear, "If we lose the EU's only dual-carrier battle group in the South China Sea, not only will the EU be furious, but even Queen Elizabeth II will be alarmed. This cabinet will not only collapse quickly, but will also face inevitable imprisonment."

"And Your Excellency, we have gained nothing from this operation except for military expenditure bills, Ms. Ashcroft's death notice, shock, and even attacks."

Chancellor of the Exchequer Hampton Forrest waved the documents in displeasure.

"No, Sir Hampton, there are benefits. We can use this operation to teach Sir Westcott a lesson. As for how to do it, we need to discuss and come up with a plan."

Cowles Fleet's statement sounds more like self-comfort.

“My dear Cowles, we gave DEM a hard time once before, aren’t you afraid of being harassed and retaliated against by DEM? You know, our political enemies are very willing to do things for DEM.”

Prime Minister John Major said with a great headache.

"But we can't just pretend nothing happened, can we?"

"I can't believe it," said Cowles Fleet helplessly.

"Just question Sir Westcott according to the normal procedures, and try to get as much benefit or compensation as possible. At the very least, it shouldn't be a pointless armed demonstration."

John Major, the prime minister, also had no good solutions for DEM, a huge company that controlled the lifeline of display devices.

The UK government's strategy has always been to subtly win over and divide the top echelons of DEM in order to undermine Isaac and Karen, who hold the best positions in DEM, and drive them out, rather than engaging in direct confrontation.

"Well, it seems like this is all we can do."

Cowles Fleet also understood how much trouble his suggestion would cause.

"Wait, there's something here. Since Ms. Artemisia has already died in battle, and since she has no direct or collateral relatives living in the world, then her death compensation was used for other purposes by our Ministry of Finance, and there are no relatives or friends who can attend her funeral."

Hampton Forrest reminded everyone.

"I remember that kind lady mentioned that if she died, please give the death benefits to three ladies: Ashley Sinclair, Leonora Hills, and Cecilia O'Brien?"

Cowles Fleet reminded him of something.

“From a legal perspective, this is misappropriation, because she did not obtain any legally valid notarized documents; she only said it verbally.”

Hampton Forrest spoke in a rigid manner.

"David will definitely get angry when he hears this, and he'll give him a good scolding and a lecture on legal knowledge."

The David that Prime Minister Major is referring to is David Bliss, the Chief Justice and Justice Secretary in his cabinet.

“I just want to use her large pension to pay for a cenotaph for her in the church cemetery and to hire a pastor, and then give the rest to the three ladies. We are now just one step away from a budget deficit.”

Hampton Forrest explained his thoughts.

“I’ll cover the funeral expenses for that poor girl, Hampton.”

Prime Minister Major glanced at the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

"I have witnessed your kindness once again, Major. Please remember to make your payment on time."

A smug smile spread across Hampton Forrest's face.

“Hampton, I know your Treasury is overwhelmed by the fiscal deficit, but Miss Artemisia Bell Ashcroft was killed in the line of duty. What you’re doing will discourage other magicians. It’s practically pushing our SSS forces toward DEM. I don’t want the trend of privatization to spread to our national security system.”

Prime Minister Major warned this money-grubbing Chancellor that whether the money actually came out of his bank account was another matter entirely.

In 2012, the UK made headlines with the shocking news of outsourcing police operations in the West Midlands and Surrey. Then, there seemed to be an even more astonishing reform plan: charging the caller a fee for every call made. Poor people are doomed, but this world is clearly going to have to deal with it.

Then, even more absurdly, in order to save costs, the Japanese adult video industry used female students and housewives as extras, forcing professional actresses to come to China to seek development opportunities out of necessity...

However, this is not the first time China has done something like this. Shenzhen once learned from the British experience in service outsourcing reform and outsourced urban management work to private security companies for five consecutive years. Those people were gangsters or thugs... Why did they have to learn from the British? Fortunately, they didn't do something like that and got themselves killed.

“Yes, Prime Minister.”

Hampton Forrest smiled.

I think those Western countries are rushing headlong down the road of privatization and can't stop. The final result... will be that corporations will replace the state, shrug. At that point, they probably won't even need a fig leaf anymore.

There will be one more update, to be released before 8 PM. Subsequent updates will also be released before 8 PM unless otherwise announced.

Chapter Three: Counterclockwise Rotation (I)

Chapter Three: Withershins

On the flagship of the Ratatosk Agency, the Ulmus, Elliott Baldwin Woodman, sitting in the captain's seat, received some very bad news from Karen.

“Elliott, our research facility on Jostvandal Island has been exposed. Our intelligence agents just captured and interrogated the perpetrators and obtained this information.”

"So it was exposed after all..."

Elliott was not surprised by the exposure of research facilities in U.S. overseas territories; it was only a matter of time.

"I'm afraid DEM will soon join forces with the U.S. Atlantic Fleet to send magicians and Bondsky troops to attack. The magic turret positions and magician garrison alone will not be able to withstand such a large number of enemies, Elliott."

Karen is certain that since they've almost lost their entire fleet at DEM in Keelung, they'll definitely use the US Atlantic Fleet as a temporary substitute.

Initially, as a precaution or to prevent a possible invasion, they installed a large number of dual-purpose magic turrets on Jost Vandak Island and deployed a garrison of 30 magicians, as well as some rigorously selected mercenaries. However, this defensive arrangement was designed to deal with a possible joint attack by magicians and Bondsky, and never took into account the possibility that the US Navy fleet would also join the battle, which would have left them with insufficient resources.

"Is it still possible for us to reach Jostvandak Island in time for a rescue operation?"

Elliott could not simply destroy the facilities and data on the island and evacuate everyone, because their Fraxinus was almost finished. In order not to destroy all their hard work, he needed to mobilize enough troops to defend Yostvandak Island in time.