Rising Rays of the New Century: Tale of the Japanese Empire

The Queen's Desire

April 16, 2199

Mars

The 3rd City Seleno Aqua, Northern Ocean Coast

Attack on the Union's Queen

The incident became breaking news and quickly spread throughout Mars. The fact that it ended in failure was also reported. The image of a young girl, apprehended and taken into custody by the local police, pulled out of the canal, soaking wet, was prominently featured in the news.

"Fuck! It's a failure...!"

In a corner of Seleno Aqua, there was an old rental warehouse. One of the buildings inside served as the headquarters for the masterminds behind this incident.

"What do we do, Leader? Now that Itsuki has fallen into the hands of the police, it's only a matter of time before this place is exposed."

A high-ranking member asked the leader, a group of radicals known as the "22nd Century Patriots," led by Genji Kawarazaki, a citizen of Suiryu. Those who had lost loved ones in the initial attack on Mars had gathered, and they were yearning for revenge against the Space Drifters Union. They had relocated to this city where the Queen had arrived and were waiting for an opportunity for revenge.

In the midst of this, the entrance of Itsuki, who possessed a "special ability," presented a significant opportunity for them. They used Itsuki, who had volunteered as an assassin, and through a stroke of "luck" that allowed them to successfully swap her with one of the security personnel and the "luck" that allowed her to approach without being detected by holograms, they had finally reached the Queen's doorstep. But just one step away, they were thwarted by the formidable wall known as the strongest witch on Mars, and the mission ended in failure.

"Once she's in the hands of the police, there's no way to rescue her. But her sacrifice won't be in vain."

Kawarazaki quickly gave up on rescuing Itsuki. Her "ability" was undoubtedly powerful, but he believed that once she was in the custody of the International Federation forces, that would be the end. However, the speed at which the IF forces were moving far exceeded their expectations. Bloody members burst into the warehouse.

"Hey, what now!?"

The man who had entered the warehouse collapsed weakly as soon as he entered. His comrades rushed to his side and held his body. The bloodied man, struggling to breathe, looked at Kawarazaki, the leader.

"...L-Leader, it's an emergency! The IF Space Forces and the police!"

"What—"

Outside the warehouse, armed soldiers from the IFSF had already surrounded it. Less than two hours after the incident was discovered, the IF forces had traced the hideout of the terrorist organization from Itsuki's belongings and launched a lightning-fast crackdown.

"Terrorists! Surrender immediately!"

Numerous gun barrels were aimed, and a warning for surrender was issued. On that day, the group that had called themselves the 22nd-century Patriots disintegrated within less than a month of its formation.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Late night of the same day

Queen's Court flagship Meenan, off the coast of Seleno Aqua

Due to the attack, Queen Riza's tour of Mars was canceled, and the Queen and her subordinates returned to the space vessel Meenan, which was floating off the coast of Seleno Aqua. With the enemy's blade approaching so close to the Queen, officials in the Queen's Court were in turmoil.