Welcome to chapter 10 of 'The day Britannia fell'. I really really apologize for disappearing for the last few months. Since I'm about to enter college and migrate to Canada in just a few weeks, so I don't really know how busy I would be. But I promise you that I still have the heat in writing, and I won't abandon my fics and fans of this fics for nothing

Chapter 10: A common enemy

What was it that the humans truly loved?

Alexander was struggling to put that question out of his mind. But he couldn't.

That scene kept playing inside his mind, tickling his curiosity.

What were they truly fighting for? He asked himself. What were they trying to achieve?

It was at that moment that his closest assistant walked into his room, noticing his awkward state, his back was unusually laid back against his chair, one of his arm acted as a resting place for his cheek

"Hey, what's wrong?" She instinctively asked, as Alexander turned to look at her.

"Nothing, just thinking about something." He replied.

"About wh-"

Eris then stopped herself, reminding herself that there was no reason to ask him further. He was always thinking about complicated stuff that's all.

"For your own account now." It was Alexander's turn to ask. "What brings you here, to my office, this late in the night?"

"Well…" She rechecked her report to clarify. "Just a small scouting report."

"And it is?"

"Nothing really, aside from the fact that the human's sea route over the Atlantic has gotten pretty active, with cargo ships beginning to transport weapons to and from their newly aquired territory."

She scrolled over the report for any further information that she might have missed. There were none.

"Perhaps I have bothered you, sorry." Literally, there weren't really anything to report. But Alexander suddenly placed his gloved hand onto her head.

"No, you did not." He said, as Eris's motion jerked slightly and awkwardly. "Every report is necessary. And besides…"

"Besides?"

"We still have a personal in their list. And they will be using him against us soon."

Ah, yeah. The core X164.

Its whereabouts and status was not yet known, as it was not yet activated.

"About it, I speculate that they might be trying to test it out on one of our bases. I don't have any clues of which, but considering the fact that our own whereabouts are rather vague to them as well are a pretty solid suggestions." Alexander explained.

"So you mean that the hives are the only definite known places to them?"

"Yes. And considering the arrogance of these creatures, they will not hesitate to test it out directly on us."

Eris nodded in a sensible way, but she was still wondering. Alexander did say that he would be letting the humans use the Warlock against the Neuroi without any intervention until a certain moment. And he said it like it was nothing too significant. Did he have a plan already laid out and prepared for it?

"But I'm still wondering. How will you prepare for this? I mean…you don't seem troubled by this at all. Although this might be a serious threat if we do not defuse it in time."

Alexander laughed quietly but heartily. She surely is an intriguing assistant indeed.

"War is not just about sending troops in battle to crush the opposing side my dear Eris. It is a bloody dance. It's brutal, and gruesome, but the beauty of it came from how you manipulate each battle and execute it flawlessly. It is difficult, but that is why it is so interesting."

Again, with the so idealistic theories that he came up by himself. But still, it was what makes Alexander Alexander.

"Though I would not want to paint a fine art of it…" But then his voice suddenly lowered

"You say?" Eris asked, as she did not hear him clearly.

"Nevermind." But he dismissed it. "For your question specifically, I think I'll need Jynetta and the rest of the group to be here for briefing."

XXX

A few minutes later, all the ones he requested were present and accounted for.

"What is all this commotions about general?" Gawain asked.

"We need to discuss about the issue regarding the missing core. And what I'm about to say require very close attention." Alexander replied, as he opened a hologram. It was a few lines of ancient words that looked nothing different from a bunch of terrible handwritings. It was written in Neuroi language, but the room occupants could not read it.

"I don't understand. What does this mean?" Jynetta asked.

"I know you don't. Because this is a code written in ancient Neuroi language."

The Neurois in the room all nodded in realization, as the mentioning of the language

"I know you will not want to be lectured about this thing, so I'll be brief with you. This is the code used to enable our feelings. In other words, this allows us to think and feel like regular humans, although with limited processing power."

It explained why the Neurois were so incapable in their ability to think complicatedly, and how incompetent their tactics were.

"Is this all written in our core?" Jynetta asked

"Yes, you're correct, but with more complicated variations. This is the basic of the basics, used among troopers among our ranks."

Alexander then placed his hands onto his chins, and began his explanation.

"The code is inserted into our core the moment it is manufactured, but remains disabled until the core is attached to the body and activated. Upon activation, the code will enable the system to automatically take orders that is stored inside the core."

"But what does it have to do with the captured core?"

Jynetta, his personal guard, again, asked. But before Alexander had to move his lips for an answer, Eris, who seemed to have get it, replied in his place.

"So you mean you will try to enable the code so that the core will take our orders instead?"

The supreme general nodded smugly. It appeared that all the time she had spent listening to his rampants about these kind of stuff had, in some ways, lightened her mind a little bit.

"The humans do not know the extent of our core's processing power. It is one of a kind. It acts as a processor and an energy provider. Basically it gives us everything we need to maintain our form as we appear today. The humans only understands the latter's case. They are only using it for energy, for our raw strength. For all that might, they do not know the power of our mind. And that is what I want to prove them wrong."

Indeed it was a well-coordinated plan.

"Then perhaps I should prepare in advance?" The old overseer, who just barely escaped punishment from the young general, politely asked.

"That would do overseer. Make progress." Alexander gestured Lzammer to leave the room for his request. "But this leaves one question. Why is this…Maloney using the funds of the witches to build this thing?"

This left his general and two assistants in thoughts.

"Maybe it's too risky to be accepted?" Gawain voice out his own thoughts. It seemed reasonable, considering that they were up to use his enemy's technology, which could potentially be a double blade. But several things just didn't make sense. Why didn't they just take budgets from the other projects instead? Alexander could say for sure that the huge tanks and battleships they were building were pretty useless against his own armada. They were too big, too expensive and too sluggish to counter the Neuroi. Ok, they might be powerful, but the cost of making one of them was not worth the fight. While it may took a few years to construct one, it can only take a few hours, or even a few minutes to be destroyed if faced against Alexander's flagship. On the other hand, the witches were fast, maneuverable, easily combined with the human army, and more or less skilled. So far they were the only one to make significant results against the Neuroi occupation. So why would they try to lessen their roles on the battlefield?

Alexander could say for sure that the human logic wasn't so deteriorated to do such a thing. He had to admit it, but humans were smart creatures. In the course of a few years, their weapon development advanced very quickly, from a nearly harmless pistol to a devastating machine gun, from a few tons tank to a hundred tons steel monster. But there were so many things that hindered their progress against the Neuroi. One of which, one of the most common…was arrogance.

"More likely they are having something against the witches in general. Perhaps…something related to their pride."

Perhaps the fact that these girls were taking the place as the main enforcing unit against the Neurois deeply upset them. It was in their culture, for thousands of years, that men were always the pillar of support for women, while they only served as housewives, tending their husbands and children. Women were generally seen as weak and not suited for jobs that carried high responsibility. There were a few exceptions to this rules, such as Joan of Arc or Catherine the Great, but the majority was the same. It was until very recently, with the appearance of witches with mysterious powers that, for some reasons, only applied to young girls, that the equality of genders were balanced. Or rather…had a chance to.

Apparently some just couldn't accept that reality.

Alexander thought to himself. That's why their culture were so inferior to the Neurois. The Neurois, although had many male cores in their rankings, did not hinder the ambitions of female Neurois who wished to proceed in the high ranks. That was why individuals like Eris or Jynetta were present.

"But nonetheless, their course of action is considered illegal to the human governmental law, and is pretty much a betrayal to the witches." Eris said.

"So this faction isn't entirely our enemy. It's also the witches'" Jynetta added.

"And that is exactly what I am hoping for." Alexander continued. "There are full of contradictions within their command structures, forming into this kind of internal conflict. In this particular case, if my speculation is correct, they will test the weapon on us, collect the result, and then use it against the witches."

"So you're just gonna let it happen?"

Eris's question stunned him for a few seconds.

"...No. If they go too far, I will have to initiate my counter right away. It would not serve the best for my purposes, but in either cases, their failure is in our grasp."

He clinched his hand tightly in emphasis to his words. The two assistants had no objections, but his young and more impulsive subordinate general were rather doubtful.

"This seems to be a very well-thought out plan, but didn't it seem to be a little bit too risky for our troops, sir? Were you willing to sacrifice lives of our own troops for that plan?"

"And have a chance to disrupt the enemy's command structure." But Alexander suddenly countered. "In a long-term war, if you let your enemy become one with your other enemies, then you'll surely lose. Do you understand that, general Gawain?"

"…" The general found himself speechless against Alexander's words. No matter how much you can argue, there were much wisdom in what the experienced and seasoned supreme general said. Gawain could not really comprehend all of it, for he was only a fair tactician, but his words had no power here.

"Yes, general." He admitted, reluctantly.

"Any other questions. If not…" Alexander gestured his hand, a sign to leave. Gawain left the room not longer after that, followed by his two aides.

XXX

Atlantic Ocean

501st base of operation

It was a beautiful day. Physically, the sun was shining hot, the clouds were mild and the blowing winds from the vast Atlantic had lifted the veils of all the witches. One could not afford to stay inside in such a weather. Well, except for Erica, that is.

Mentally, the day was also as beautiful. You don't get to see it regularly, for the constant string of defeat had been looming over the witches' for so long that they had found days like this to be a rare occurance. The battle over the Western Coast of Africa was over, and humanity had earned back a part of the said continent from the hands of the Neuroi, but with a very confusing victory. The fact that Alexander had let them take it on purpose was mysterious. It may serve as something bigger in his grand scheme, and humanity couldn't afford to let their guard down at that. But still, it wouldn't hurt to enjoy a little bit of victory.

"Here." Mio said as she handed Minna a small photo. "It's him."

The photo showed a man wearing nothing but black clothings with occasional red hexagon pattern and a peaked cap on his head. His posture straight, his two hands crossed behind him, his red eyes glowed in the camera, glimmering a shade of confidence as he looked to the left corner of the picture. The picture of the man who brought terror upon all the witches and generals in the world.

"He looks nothing different from a regular human, except for the fact that his skin is rather pale." Minna answered

"I can assure that he's the same guy I encountered in the Gallian naval battle. He's unlike any Neurois we have seen before. He's smart and unpredictable."

Shown by those unusual maneuvers.

"Now the Neuroi prediction pattern that we made up is completely useless. Our job now will be a lot more difficult, since we'll have to be on constant guard."

Minna then looked slightly away from her paper.

"But to be honest, I am a little bit regretful…"

Mio's eyes jerked up a little at her sudden statement

"Regretful?" She asked.

About what?

"About how young he is. I mean, for a man of his talent, I feel kind of terrible having to put him down."

Mio's reaction was a mixture of anger and confusion.

"Terrible? Minna, do you know what he has done to us?! To humanity?! He killed millions of innocent people!"

"Mio…" She sighed, not because she was annoyed by her, but because she could understand how she felt. The pain and sorrow that the Neurois brought to the world was simply too big to be forgiven. The commander knew it. She should be the one knowing it the best. Her lover, Kurt, died in front of her eyes. She had all the reasons to loathe at her enemies for all they took from her. And yet…

"But think about it. Wouldn't it be much better if he had become our ally?"

"Yes, but…"

"We shouldn't go out and judge people so impulsively. Maybe he isn't really a bad person."

Isn't really a bad person?

Mio could feel her blood racing. But she couldn't really go as far as screaming at the commander. After all, she could be right. Who knows.

Her fist tightened, trying to calm her angers down. But then, she began to speak with a great resolution.

"Whether or not it is correct, we must put him down at all costs! For our future. For humanity's future."

"Hmm." Minna was forced to agree with her.

XXX

Buckingham Palace

2200

Alexander was spending his time reading through Tsun Szu's book about the Art of War, something which he had already done seven times over ever since he arrived on Earth, to the point that he could recite all the critical words of this masterpiece that he deemed. And what was more surprising was that it was a mere Earthling who wrote this thing. He had never had expected that the descendants of this genius would become his arch nemesis whose destructions were considered to be one of the most difficult puzzle worth solving.

"Hey, Eris-san…" The transferred Empress's bodyguard apparently found this hobby of his a little bit strange. It wouldn't have been so if he hadn't spent a total of six hours reading non-stop. The Empress in her free time also read, but not as common and hardcore like he did.

"Don't stress it." On the other hand, Alexander's little adjutant over here had been stuck with him ever since…what…forever. She met him on her first mission to Jupiter and was immediately assigned to her current position. Her job was pretty dull, and her interaction with him was rather awkward, mostly on his part. But eventually, you would have to get used to it.

"Say…Jynetta-san, I didn't have many opportunity to get to know you ever since you got here. Are you really the former Empress's bodyguard?" Eris asked, wanting to both get acquainted with her and to kill her time, since her master was busy elsewhere with his beloved book.

"That I am. But she treated me more like a close friend than a mere bodyguard." Jynetta replied. "Those were good times. We usually spent our leisurely times together, talking about…you know…stuff. How about you?"

"Me?" Eris chuckled bitterly. "Yours are better, much better than someone who doesn't react to anything at all." She glanced at the supreme general, who was still hyper focusing on his book. "He's an extremely smart person, but smart people are usually weird unfortunately."

"I can sense." Jynetta replied. "I wonder if he is hearing us secretly…" She said as both glared at him dangerously.

What the hell?

What are they talking about that concerned him so much?

He shouldn't know.

It was at this moment that the holographic tablet next to Alexander suddenly notified him. Incoming direct transmission. His eyes widened considerably. The supreme general instantly turned to his two aides, closing his book, his countenance serious.

"You two, please. Clear the room." He said.

The two girls looked at each other confusedly, but were forced to comply. Something serious must have been going on.

They left the room immediately. And once they had already filed out, Alexander pushed the accept call button.

All of a sudden, a calm yet cold and merciless voice came from the tablet. Much more diabolical and relentless than the young Alexander. A voice that could struck fear in all who stands, those that never should. A voice that the general knew very well.

"Supreme general Alexander Kherol…"

The voice addressed the supreme general slowly.

"Report to me the current situation on Earth"

"Yes sir. The enemy in North Western Europe has been completely routed. Britannia is ours." Alexander replied.

"Good…Very good…"

"But after the strike on Britannia, the humans have organized a counter attack on West Africa. They have taken a part of it, and are holding it there."

"..."

The voice suddenly turned silent. His non-restraint and straightforward admittance of his defeat in West Africa left him baffled, yet not surprised.

"You…said it so…straightforward…I…sense in it…something more than a simple defeat…Is it part of your grand scheme?"

Alexander was also impressed by how he was able to sense it so easily. But he wasn't too surprised by it, for he wasn't any normal Neuroi.

"Yes sir. Everything is going accordingly as planned. Soon, Earth's defense forces will be nothing but flora organics…Or perhaps there is something that I did wrong?"

Alexander asked the voice back in tow, not in a manner of questioning, but rather…challenging.

"Hmm…" The voice took a few moments to reply. "Depends on how each individuals see it…As long as results manifest…nothing is wrong. Also…"

"Yes sir?"

"There is…a disturbance in the central core control…what has happened, supreme general?"

"A core theft, sir. It is a part of the human's plan to counter attack us…"

"Theft you say…and how will you dealt with this?"

"All prepared. The core will be our asset to the human's destruction. Do you need to hear the details of it, sir?"

"None required, general…Hmhmhm." The voice laughed with his mouth closed.

"Do you have any further instruction, sir?"

"Just the usual, general Alexander…your goal is to bring terror to the citizen. Destroy cities, towns, villages...Anything to bring these puerile creatures to our knees…Fear of our military…and fear of our empire…will keep them in order."

Just the usual…

Alexander bit his lower lips secretly and quietly, his eyes flickered in hesitation at the order that the voice deemed usual. The thought struggled to get through his mind.

"I require an answer general…"

The voice asked again, realizing the hesitation, but not the train of thoughts inside Alexander's head.

Screw this…

No time to think this twice. He had to answer him.

Mustering all his possible honesty, Alexander returned the voice one final time.

"As you wish, my Emperor…"

With this, the transmission ended, leaving the general in deep thoughts.