I attempted to write the extent to which each country perceives Japan before the Eleven Countries Leadership Conference.

- Ishiwara

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Day 20 Month 9 Year 1640 Central Calendar

The Kingdom of Emor sends an envoy to Japan for the purpose of diplomatic negotiations.

Day 1 Month 11

The Holy Mirishial Empire sends an envoy to Japan. After an inspection tour, they request participation in the Eleven Countries Leadership Conference.

Day 1 Month 12

The Holy Mirishial Empire dispatches an envoy to the Gra Valkas Empire. They request participation in the Eleven Countries Leadership Conference at the Leifor Branch Office.

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Day 25 Month 11

Runepolis is the capital of the Holy Mirishial Empire, the renowned strongest great power of the world. This city, known as the "Magical City that Never Sleeps," boasts skyscrapers reaching 300 meters high, rivaling the great cities of the old world in its development. At its center lies Albion Castle, the residence of the nation's head of state, Emperor Mirishial VIII. However, a slight commotion was occurring within this castle.

"Hmm..."

"No, no, no, even if such an absurd report is submitted..."

"This is a civilization from the farthest reaches? That's impossible."

High-ranking government officials gathered in the castle's conference room, perplexed as they read through documents.

These documents were a report submitted by an envoy dispatched to Japan.

Normally, there would be no need for such a gathering or a report presentation in one place. However, this time, it concerned the nation of Japan, which had defeated the powerful Parpaldia Empire and ascended as a new power in the Third Civilization Area. Considering the significant impact Japan would likely have on the world, it was deemed necessary to swiftly reach a consensus on how the nation should respond as a whole, thus various individuals from different positions had assembled.

"As stated in the report, Japan surpasses our country as a superpower. Dealing with this requires careful attention, but they advocate a policy of harmony, and it's expected they will contribute greatly even in the forthcoming battle against the Sorcerous Empire."

Fearm, who served as the envoy's representative, advised.

"Hold on a moment. Certainly, there's no doubt that Japan possesses the strength to claim the title of the strongest in the Third Civilization Area, given its achievements in defeating Parpaldia. However, it's too much to ask us to believe something this absurd," the Secretary of Defense, Agra, remarked.

As it was confirmed that Japan possessed the power to overthrow great powers, he participated in this meeting to assess the level of threat.

"It was reported that the flying machine accompanying the Guernica, which you were aboard, lacked propellers and had swept wings, correct? It's inconceivable that a country from outside the civilization areas has put to practical use something even our nation has only in theoretical stages."

Not just aircraft, but the report detailed various Japanese technologies. High-performance automobiles, surpassing Mirishial's magic-powered cars, were widely prevalent on the streets. Railways capable of speeds of 300 km/h were in place. Although in experimental stages, railways capable of speeds surpassing the combat version of the floating ship of the heavens were being developed. They had put to widespread use computational devices with performance tens of thousands of times greater than existing magical computation machines.

"Secretary Agra, this is indeed factual. From what I saw, Japan has operationalized engines resembling the magical chant-powered compressed air emission engines, not just swept wings. Though the specifics are unknown, there's a high possibility that their performance exceeds the engines our country employs."

Arpana, the military officer who accompanied the envoy, supplemented.

"That must be a mistake. How much do you think our country struggled to develop that? Even with the advantage of having numerous ruins of the Sorcerous Empire within our borders, enabling us to analyze their technology, it required significant effort for us. Moreover, isn't Japan said to be a nonmagical civilization? It's understandable that there's development potential in nonmagical technology, as seen with Mu, but the reality remains that it cannot rival magic technology. I find this hard to believe."

Arpana didn't say anything in response to this remark.

"Unfortunately, it seems that Japan's technological prowess surpasses all the technologies our empire possesses. Perhaps it would be more appropriate for us to receive technological guidance from Japan and incorporate nonmagical technology from now on," Belluno, an engineer who was part of the envoy, stated.

"That's an over-exaggeration. You must have been dreaming. Besides, do you understand the significance of our country trailing behind others and even seeking guidance? Are we not the Holy Mirishial Empire, the strongest in the world?" Foreign Minister Peclas retorted sharply.

"Listen here. The reports you've brought forward are nothing but baseless fabrications. You've been duped by some obscure outside civilization country. If such a dreamlike country exists, what are we striving for every day? We have no time to humor the fantasies you're indulging in."

"Exactly. Even if you're going to boast, at least come up with something more believable. There's no chance that a newcomer periphery nation could surpass our empire."

Agra also agreed with Peclas.

"That's right. It's unbelievable that representatives of the proud Mirishial could be deceived by a peripheral civilization..."

"To be deceived by a periphery nation and still manage to come back, how bold of you."

Although they were being insulted one after another, the members of the envoy wore expressions that seemed defiant yet uncomfortable.

"Well then, we'll take our leave. Please convey our report to His Majesty."

After hearing all the insults, Fearm spoke on behalf of the envoy and they left the conference room.

"...To not even come up with a single excuse, they must have concocted quite a childish lie."

"This is evidence that the quality of our bureaucrats is declining. We need to come up with countermeasures as soon as possible, or we'll be taken advantage of by neighboring countries."

"We need to reconsider our education system, and we also need to consider measures against Japan."

As words expressing concern for the country's future began to fly around, Peclas stood up.

"Well... though I'm reluctant, I must report this matter to His Majesty."

Despite not trusting the contents of the report, there was an obligation to submit it and have it reviewed, so reluctantly, they headed towards the Emperor's chambers.

. . .

A while later...

"........."

Emperor Mirishial VIII silently perused the report in his office.

"Hmm..." He muttered after finishing reading and lifted his gaze. "Peclas."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

He addressed the awaiting Peclas, who was sitting on the nearby sofa.

"Japan is situated outside the Third Civilization Area, correct?"

"That is correct, Your Majesty."

"Do you find it not intriguing that a country in an area this remote has developed to such an extent?"

His words seemed to fluster Peclas a bit.

"With all due respect, Your Majesty, is it wise to believe that a periphery nation from outside the Third Civilization Area has developed to a level comparable to our empire...?"

"It is indeed hard to believe. However, it's also a fact that Japan, despite being outside the civilization areas, managed to overcome the Parpaldia Empire. Their development likely far exceeds our impressions of countries outside our civilization areas. I doubt the report accurately portrays their level of advancement. Perhaps they were unsettled by a development surpassing their expectations and perceived Japan to be flourishing more than it actually is."

"In that case, Your Majesty, the issue remains that the true nature of Japan remains unknown."

As Peclas closed his mouth after saying so, the Emperor recalled something.

"By the way, do you know? I heard from the intelligence agency that Mu has already established diplomatic relations with Japan and is paying great attention to them."

"What, Mu...?"

Peclas widened his eyes, appearing pensive. The fact that the world's second most powerful nation after Mirishial was paying attention was something that couldn't be ignored considering its influence.

"Certainly, if Mu regards them highly, it's not something to be underestimated. However, couldn't that just be because they're both nonmagical civilizations?"

Due to the fact that Japan was outside the civilization areas, it was hard to believe that it posed a significant threat.

"Indeed, it would be easier for them to collaborate if they share similar technological forms. Until now, there was only Mu as a nonmagical civilization. But does that alone warrant such attention?"

"Sire?"

"Think about it. Mu belongs to the Second Civilization Area, while Japan is outside the Third Civilization Area. They're separated by too great of a distance. Even if they belong to the same nonmagical type of civilization, do you think they would go to such lengths to interact, given the considerable effort required for travel alone? It seems unlikely that they would garner so much attention just for belonging to the same kind of civilization."

"Then, you're saying Mu is seeking to strengthen its influence by collaborating with another of its kind?"

The Emperor sighed inwardly at his response.

"That may be one aspect, but if that were the case, Mu would only be throwing out money. Moreover, it's only up to the Third Civilization Area. It doesn't seem worthwhile. The fact that Mu is paying so much attention suggests that there are significant benefits for Mu as well."

"Indeed, I understand what you're saying, but..."

Still unable to believe that Japan could surpass their own country, Peclas gave an unconvincing response.

"At any rate, gather information on Japan and proceed with caution."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

After confirming Peclas had left the room, the Emperor let out a deep sigh.

"Truly, there are too many who do not doubt the security of our country... Regardless of their strength, it has just been proven that even the great powers are not safe if they make the wrong choices..."

The Gra Valkas Empire and Japan have overturned the world order. The sudden emergence of a powerful nation, despite being outside the civilization areas, felt like a foreshadowing of the appearance of the Ravernal Empire.

. . .

After returning to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and sharing the discussion, Peclas gathered the ministers to discuss the policy. The fact that Mu was paying attention was not something that the entire Ministry of Foreign Affairs could ignore, and they couldn't simply dismiss all the reports from the envoy as absurd. Therefore, they meticulously scrutinized the reports and decided to engage in negotiations with Japan as a counterpart possessing equivalent technological and military capabilities to Mu.

Once the formal negotiations began, they received courteous responses throughout, and the process proceeded smoothly, eventually leading to the establishment of diplomatic relations without any major issues. Although embassies were set up on both sides, while Japan actively dispatched investigation teams and business representatives, Mirishial largely ignored Japan apart from embassy staff. Soon enough, issues arose even with embassy staff, and they began repeating reports similar to those of the envoy. As a result, they had to send them back home within a short period, but the replacement staff quickly started reporting similar findings.

The returned staff were all in an almost panicked state, leading to rumors within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that Japan might be using some form of mind-altering magic. However, through information gathering, it was confirmed that Japanese people cannot use magic, leading to the speculation that Japan's culture might be having some negative impact on Mirishial citizens becoming the final conclusion of the higher-ups.

For now, this conclusion did not lead to a hostile attitude towards Japan, but for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs staff, assignments to Japan effectively became demotions in practice.

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Dragusmakira, capital of the Kingdom of Emor

In the heart of this country ruled by dragonfolk, there was confusion over a certain issue.

"Are you certain?"

"Yes, this one is certain."

In this country, a national event called the "Spatial Divination" is conducted every year. Although called a divination, it is a form of magic that consumes vast amounts of mana, with an accuracy rate reaching 98%, making it effectively a form of future prediction.

This year's Spatial Divination revealed the resurrection of the Sorcerous Empire, the ancient civilization known to all inhabitants of this world. Formally known as the Ravernal Empire, this country was ruled by winged people in distant ancient times, dominating the world with their overwhelming technology and abundant magic. When we say domination, it was not governance in the sense of the current civilization, but rather, they treated other races as livestock.

Their arrogance led them to even attempt to challenge the gods, and when they were about to be hit by a massive meteorite, they transcended to the future along with their homeland, the Latistor continent. Although it is now recognized by the majority as a fairy tale, the relics of the Sorcerous Empire exist in various places, and those at the governmental level do not doubt their existence. And in those records, it is stated that the Sorcerous Empire will return to this world someday. Indeed, this coincides with the result of the Spatial Divination, and if it were to happen, the existing civilizations would once again be reduced to livestock.

However, the divination also revealed a key to opposing the Sorcerous Empire: Japan.

Why would a nation of humans, with lower magical aptitude compared to various other races, become the key?

Many were puzzled by this, but the result of the national event, the Spatial Divination, could not be ignored. Hence, they decided to dispatch an envoy to Japan to gather information and initiate diplomatic relations. The representative of this envoy, Moriaul, has returned and is now reporting to the Dragon King, Wagdran.

"Japan has shown an unprecedented level of development despite being outside the civilized world, but they completely lack magical aptitude."

The surrounding ministers murmured in unrest.

"Is it possible for them to have absolutely no magical aptitude, even if they are of the human race?"

"Moreover, what can a mere human race do against the Sorcerous Empire?"

"There's a possibility that it was a mistake after all—"

Wagdran silenced his murmuring subordinates with a stern gaze.

"Continue, Moriaul."

"Yes, I spent over a month touring various parts of Japan to find any potential key, but unfortunately, there was nothing significant..."

The disappointment was palpable among everyone present.

"However, it's impossible to cover everything in just a month. There might still be something in the places I haven't visited yet. However, it would be difficult without establishing diplomatic relations."

"What do you mean by not establishing diplomatic relations?"

It was indeed impossible to immediately establish diplomatic relations with a newly acquainted partner whose situation was not understood, and the Japanese side had promised continuous negotiations towards establishing diplomatic relations.

Moriaul and the others expressed their dissatisfaction in no uncertain terms, but since the Japanese side didn't yield, they reluctantly gave up and returned home. However, the fact that Moriaul was able to tour various parts of Japan over the course of a month was at least a gesture of consideration from the Japanese side.

"Impudent humans!"

"Despite us going to them, they refuse to comply with our demands! How arrogant can they be!?"

"What audacity for flawed humans who can't use magic to act like they're equal!"

Jeers came from all around.

Emor had a policy that if someone wanted something, they had to come on their own, and they wouldn't entertain them otherwise, a stance that was usually unimaginable. Additionally, they had strong discriminatory beliefs and a sense of superiority, looking down on everyone except for exceptionally skilled individuals, especially those without any magical ability like the Japanese.

"If there's a chance to repel the Sorcerous Empire, we mustn't let it slip away!" Moriaul retorted, ignoring the assembled ministers.

"Then, they should present whatever that key is! Are you losing the pride of the dragonfolk by bowing to mere humans!?"

"That's right! We should immediately order Japan to submit whatever is necessary!"

"SILENCE!"

Wagdran's roar silenced the room.

"Everyone, cease your senseless prattling! If there's a key that can repel the Sorcerous Empire, it must also work against others besides the Sorcerous Empire!"

In the past, there existed a country called Infidragoon in this land. This country was the precursor to the Kingdom of Emor and was a country of dragon gods, existing at the same time as the Ravernal Empire. Their power was extremely formidable, and they were said to have been on par with the Ravernal Empire, which was considered the strongest in history. However, they were annihilated by Core Magic, and the dragonfolk were scattered, resulting in the current Kingdom of Emor not possessing the same level of power as Infidragoon of yore.

Nevertheless, if there is something that can stand up to the Ravernal Empire, even though Emor doesn't possess it, then it would lead to a terrifying outcome if that power were to be used against anyone else.

At Wagdran's suggestion, everyone gasped in surprise.

"Honestly..."

He sighed at the shallow-mindedness of his subordinates.

"Moriaul, continue the negotiations as they are and establish diplomatic relations with Japan. You will go as an ambassador to Japan and must find the key to repelling the Sorcerous Empire by any means necessary."

"Understood. I will definitely find it."

. . .

Days later, the Kingdom of Emor reached diplomatic relations with Japan. However, since it was primarily for countering the Sorcerous Empire, while they actively exchanged information related to the Sorcerous Empire, there was virtually no other interaction.

During this time, Moriaul actively toured various parts of Japan in search of the key, but his efforts yielded no results. His searches mostly led him to historical sites like shrines and temples that seemed to be related to magic, but he showed little interest in modern developed places. Despite being impressed by their development, due to his prejudice and lack of understanding towards science and technology, he couldn't believe that they could counter the Sorcerous Empire.

Time passed without any progress, and the sense of urgency gradually grew