Editing Hagure Yuusha no Aesthetica:Volume 8 Prologue (section)

===Part 3===

"-- How is the current situation of JPN-Babel?" 

Access to the campus had been closed off, and all external communications were cut off. 

Since the campus was protected by an optical barrier it wasn't possible to perceive the current situation from satellites limiting their intelligence.

However it was limited to areas within JPN-Babel's grounds.

By observing the surrounding areas a limited amount of speculation on the current situation could be inferred.

"The special autonomous region looks to be calm. There are no observable abnormalities in Babel at the present time."

However -- Retia continued,

"There is some suspicious movement by the Japanese naval force. A nuclear-powered submarine deployed in the pacific has veered off its normal navigation route to Yokosuka's third port. At first glance it seems to be mooring at home port......"

"...... But it may be heading to the special autonomous region?"

The Japanese Self-Defense force was reorganized as the official army, since about a quarter of a century ago.

Japan's previous constitution restricted their military expansion into other Asian countries, and in respect to popular sentiment it had taken a back seat. However, measures were taken to sign cooperation agreements and set up military alliances with other powerful countries. In return Japan was able to maintain peace and their own country's military superiority.

However, around 30 years ago when people first started being summoned to alternate worlds these treaties and military alliances essentially lost all of their meaning.

Those returnees brought back technology and magic from the other worlds that no modern military could rival. Those special abilities were undoubtedly "other dimensions of power."

So in order to keep pace with other countries Japan amended the Constitution, and began to expand its armaments. 

In view of the aforementioned reasons, deployed in the Pacific was a new model of nuclear submarine equipped with a special weapon -- a cluster nuclear warhead. If it was fired, it had enough power to level Babel...... that was, wipe out the whole artificial island without leaving a trace.

However, that island was an special autonomous region of COCOON.

Destroying that artificial island was the same as the Japanese Government officially declaring war on COCOON. 

Also it meant the annihilation of Japan.

COCOON was capable of wiping out Japan at any moment.

Michael Arcwood thought that the Japanese Government unlikely to go so far as to commit such a stupid mistake.

...... But...... 

The possibility of being driven into a desperate action couldn't be ignored.

JPN-Babel's lock down on behalf of Kyouya already broken away from the normal practice.

If the Japanese government was also involved -- 

Kyouya must of took advantage of the Japanese Governments to implement some kind of plan, and then calculated to toss them aside once their role was done......

Apart from burying the evidence of their betrayal of COCOON under the rubble of special autonomous region the Japanese government had no way to help themselves. At that time, even if COCOON were to place blame on the government for the destruction, Japan could use the excuses that it was a measure to stop Kyouya's plan.

"...... What are you going to do now? You and I still have to sign the new treaty with the European Union, and participate in coordination meetings before it." 

Retia said looking for affirmation from Michael and,

"We might want to get in touch with the Chinese Dragon --"

"- No need for that."

Michael denied Retia's proposal, and stood up from his chair as he walked towards the door.

Retia immediately followed.

"Negotiations with the EU have reached the final stage. I'll wait until the meeting is over, and then go directly to Japan." 

That way, all of the problems will be easily solved.

"If anyone really intends to spoil our plans-"

Michael Arcwood's golden eyes shined.

"Even if its Hikami's cunning or the might of Japanese Government, I'll personally eradicate all obstacles."