The Dream Code: Yume no Kodo [Light Novel] Vol. 2 – Page 13

Page 13

July 2035. The world had fractured, reshaped by the relentless tide of Aanza’s ambition. Nearly seventy percent of the globe now bowed to his will, a vast dominion held under his intoxicating influence. The Zoros, once the proudest nation, now served as the sharpest point of his spear, their formidable might wielded with brutal efficiency. Aanza, though not yet at the apex of his intended power, was consumed by a dizzying arrogance, his every pronouncement a boast, his every action fueled by an unshakeable conviction in his own destiny.

The global landscape had coalesced into four primary powers. Aanza’s sprawling empire dominated, with the Zoros as its unyielding vanguard. In their shadow, the Kaazkaans had carved out their own sizable domain from the remnants of the Bubbian lands, opportunistically seizing power amidst the chaos. Further afield, the Unaans, a nation of immense self-sufficiency, had retreated behind an impenetrable veil of neutrality. They maintained a quiet but firm economic exchange with Jirkunland, their vast territory lying directly behind the Jirkuns, ensuring their northern borders remained a buffer rather than a threat.

This strategic positioning allowed Jirkunland to consolidate its alliances. From the south, their forces were bolstered by the smaller, yet fiercely loyal, nations of Deccia, Bamiya, and Macan. Though their individual resources were limited, their manpower was vast, and their armies had been diligently trained and equipped by Jirkunland, standing ready to face Aanza’s unified might.

In the hushed, strategic chambers of Jirca, Mitsuru approached Master Genryu, a deep line of concern etched on his young face. “Master Genryu,” he asked, his voice barely a whisper, “how much time do we truly have?”

Genryu’s gaze, as steady as the ancient mountains, met Mitsuru’s. “Three months, at most, my boy,” he replied, his tone somber yet resolute. “Aanza is now directing his forces towards Jirkunland. He is amassing his legions in Shikkon, our neighboring land to the east. Shikkon has willingly joined his cause, offering their territory as a staging ground. He intends to strike from there.” Genryu’s eyes narrowed slightly. “I also fear the Kaazkaans will launch a diversionary assault from the west. I have ordered all our defenses to converge. Our primary weapon will be our 2750 A2 units. These are the pinnacle of artificial intelligence, Mitsuru. As head of our AI division, your duty is paramount: ensure the network remains unbroken, and every unit functions with flawless precision.”

^{Mitsuru Shinadin (as Kanzaki Tahiru) & A2 Prototype – The Dream Code}

He continued, outlining the defensive posture. “Our allies are solidifying their positions. The Unaans have pledged to hold the north, ensuring no threat emerges from that quarter. From the south, Deccia, Bamiya, and Macan are advancing to join us. Their courage will be our shield.”

October 5, 2035. The air thrummed with a palpable tension. Seventy percent of the world’s assembled army, a force of unimaginable scale, had gathered in Shikkon, Jirkunland’s eastern neighbor. Supported by the vast legions of Shikkon itself, and spearheaded by the Zoros, the most powerful fighting force humanity had ever known, they were poised for invasion. Aanza himself stood at the forefront, a beacon of terrifying power. To the west, the Kaazkaans had positioned their armies, eager to claim their share of the collapsing order. But Jirkunland was ready. From the south, the armies of Deccia, Bamiya, and Macan marched, their numbers a testament to their unwavering loyalty.

Master Genryu’s voice, calm and firm, resonated through the command center. “It is time, Mitsuru. Prepare for battle.”