The moment the D’Sev forces on Arcadia began to buckle, the legions, aided by the Hayato Air Force, moved in and barreled through the northern region, which encompasses the territory of the Arasuka Great Colony.

The moment the Protectorate’s flag waved above the last frozen city, the flag of the Hayato Empire was raised next to it. The tip of the flagpole was an inch lower to keep issei customs, but to ground onlookers they seemed equal.

When word came back to Sun Emperor Go-Yozei, who was staying with his retinue hundreds of miles behind the front lines, he called for an assembly of his vassals and traveled to the bombed out Arasuka capitol. Many of his chieftains were from the colonies his forces spent over a decade conquering, but the best seats were reserved for the imperial military and Diet.

“For the first and only time in our long history, the issei are one. From the equator of Tsuchi, to the vast plains of Daichi, to the tundras and forests of these alien worlds, and all the dispersed yeti clans within. But we are not yet equal. In spirit we are disunited, in matters of practicality we are uneven. But together, we will tear down the divisions between us and move into a prosperous future! Four Empires, Tsuchi, Daichi, Shokuminichi, and Hibagon, beneath on Sun!”

The Arcadian Monarch, King Agesilaus II, offered a word. “We congratulate the Issei Empire for their long efforts. We Arcadians know well the struggle of a multi-generational battle for unity and sovereignty, so we know this victory was only possible through their discipline, and the strength of their convictions. Nothing less than a complete, lasting victory could suffice.”

Many consider the King’s words a carefully disguised threat. The arcadians plan to rule Arcadia alone.