October 17, 1973, 02:13 — Lonternianpolis A cold autumn rain blankets the capital. At an hour when most citizens are asleep, only the National Security Supreme Command and Control Center is brightly lit. Suddenly, an alarm blares. A Lonternian strategic reconnaissance satellite has detected an unidentified Perlia military facility in Srantica. Analysts report a high probability that it is a medium-range nuclear missile launch facility. It has not yet been confirmed whether nuclear warheads have been mounted on the missiles. Upon receiving the report, Veron II rushes to the command center. The usual composure vanishes from the face of the young Emperor, who ascended the throne just a year ago. "Are you certain?" The officer hesitates for a moment before answering. "It is not 100% yet, Your Majesty. However, movements of the Perlia Strategic Forces have also been detected." Veron II stares at the situation board in silence. Then, he slowly picks up the receiver. "Issue an emergency alert to LATO. And prepare a hotline to connect with Cassel V." At the same time, thousands of kilometers away in the Perlia Empire, Cassel V also awakens from his sleep. The fates of hundreds of millions begin to hang on the judgment of the two Emperors. And you, too, are in the middle of this crisis.