Please make sure to review this chapter. Suggestions may or may not be included in later chapters!

An event happens in this chapter. I teased it in the last chapter though, so please don't be confused.

bold and italics=a language that is neither English nor Aiden. There will only be the one used at a time, and it will be clear which language it is.

In the past Chapter, I said that the date in the Special Region was March. Scratch that, I meant June. Fortunately, the people of the Special Region use the same calendar, though, right?

Alnus Hill FOB; June 27th, 4031; 2:36:48 PM Local Time

It has been a week since the Aiden Expeditionary Force has crossed through the GATE. The land they had found has been given the name "Implexia." Fortifications such as barbed wire, trenches/foxholes, etc., had been set up on the sides of the hill. A small pad for VTOL's and helicopters was being built, and, overall, 10,000 Child-Aidenipodes had crossed through the GATE, with many more coming.

For many KAn's, however, the week since they had been let in the Special Region had been extremely tense. Most KAn's had little to no actual combat experience. REAPER was the only real unit ever deployed. Some of them had experience in some minor conflicts over the years, but deployment in another world was quite unnerving for them all.

Meanwhile, near the center of the hill, a small building had been erected. Inside, a duel with 3 people (a truel?) was taking place. KAn #1 stood, sword in hand eying his opponents, KAn #32 to his front, and KAe #15 behind him. Both were SS tier, the tier below SSS (which contained the highest-ranked students in the school).

KAe #15 activated her sword's enchantments and flashstepped towards KAn #1. KAn #1, seeing the attack, ducked under the sword as she swung and rotated counterclockwise. Then, he concentrated some Determination in his right fist. When he turned back around, he punched her, the force of which pushing her back a few yards. With KAn #1 distracted by KAe #15, KAn #32 flashstepped to his right and hit him with a spread-blast. The blast knocked KAn #1 against the wall. KAn #32 then flashstepped to KAn #1 and attempted to finish him off with his sword. KAn #1 flashstepped behind him, though, and kicked him with a Determination-concentrated kick.

Whilst the duel was going on, some elements of REAPER Squad, as well as Nathan and Valentina, were watching from the observation area.

"Dang," Nathan said as he watched. "Aiden is really good."
"Yeah," KAe #1 said. "I'm sure there's going to be a challenge for him in this world, though. An S tier threat, maybe?"

"I thought you all SSS tier." Valentina sad.

"We rank threats on a different scale," KAe #1 said. "Nobody has actually found an S tier threat before. Some think that it would be undefeatable."

"What would even classify as an S tier threat?" KAn #3 pondered. "The very thought of something that powerful is unfathomable."

"That's probably why it would be cool to watch," KAn #14 said.

"Bruh," KAn #10 said to KAn #14. "You would be a part of the fight."

"Oh, yeah," KAn #14 said. "Bruh moment."

As KAn #14 said this, KAn #1 kicked KAn #32 into a wall with extreme force. KAn #32 didn't get up.

"Ya know," Nathan said. "Whenever I see someone like that, I keep thinking that they're dead, and then I remember."

All Aidenipodes are made of pure Determination, the essence of life. Thus, they get more powerful the more they want to accomplish their objective. The downside to this is that all damage is taken at face value (a punch to the arm does as much as a punch to the chest), and their bodies turn into dust when they die.

"How do Aidenipodes survive these battles?" Valentina asked.

"The room is equipped with a wireless soul booster," KAe #3 said. "If someone's health is critical, it floods their soul with extra Determination so they don't die. The arenas at the academy work in the same way."

"Would that work for humans?" Nathan asked.

"Theoretically," Kae #3 said. "That was the original Aiden's first invention, actually. Hospitals refused to use it, though."

The group went down to KAn #1, who was eating a granola bar he had in his jacket. Unlike humans, eating wasn't a requirement for Aidenipodes. Their souls, however, turned the chemicals in the food into Determination, which replenished their health faster than normal. After meeting up with KAn #1, the group headed out of the dueling room and wandered through the FOB*, sitting down at the edge of a hill next to the lightly manned frontline.

Only a small amount of KAn/KAe's were constantly manning the frontline, as small, long-range drones had not yet detected the Imperial reinforcements. The group looked out towards the practically untouched landscape. This world could be worth trillions of US dollars. Secretly though, a few Aidenipodes had a better idea of what to do in this world. It may be impossible, but if it isn't, this world would be worth a lot more.

"Hey," KAe # 1 said. "We all know why we were sent instead of regular army units, right?"

"Um," Nathan said. "Actually no?"

"Oh," KAe #1 said. "It's for winning hearts and minds. An army of 8-year-olds looks a lot more approachable than an army of teenagers."

"Ah," Valentina said. "That makes a lot of sense."

"I've been thinking, though," KAe #1 said. "What are we going to say to the people we come across. Are we going to be nice as people would expect, or will we lean out of our vehicles and say 'HAHA! POOR!' as we pass by?"

KAn #1 took a small bell out of his jacket and started ringing it. "Oh, DING, DING, DING! BELL OF JACKSEPTICEYE REFERENCES."

The group of KAn's and KAe's started laughing at the incredible references that had transpired, but Nathan and Valentina were not educated in the art of Jacksepticeye, and, thus, did not get the reference. Fortunately for them, no one noticed.

"That reminds me," KAn # 10 said. "When would anyone say, 'HAHA! RICH!' ?"

"Oh, I know," KAn #1 said. "When the imperial soldiers came through the GATE and saw all the defenseless people. 'HAHA! RICH!'"

"Should you really joke about that?" Valentina asked. "A lot of people died."

Everyone stared at Kan #1.

"Uhhhhhhhhhhhh," KAn #1 said awkwardly. He started ringing his bell frantically. "BELL OF DISTRACTION!"

That night

A white German Shepherd puppy with a red collar moved silently though the FOB, maneuvering through the buildings as if it lived there. Eventually, he exited the base and sat at the edge of the hill, looking up at the starry skies. Suddenly, it heard a noise and turned around and saw KAn #2. He had come through the GATE that night because he had been assigned to the Expeditionary Force. His knowledge of magic and sorcery more advanced than any other KAn, even that he had even been able to create the collar that could...

"Still using my collar, Aiden?" he asked the dog.

"It would be a waste otherwise," KAn #1 barked. It was actually barking, but the Hive Mind that Aidenipodes shared was enough to get the point across. "Good morning*, by the way."

"I heard that you have been researching species hopping," KAn #2 said. "What sort of effects does this have?" He sat down next to KAn #1.

"The Zoological Leaping effect temporarily affects both the conscious and subconscious parts of the brain," KAn #1 said. "The longer you stay as a dog, the more like a dog you will act. The effect is reversed when you change back."

"Wait…" KAn #2 said. "When I asked you to test the collar on Aidenette, you said that you were going to do that for 'personal reasons,' anyway. I always thought you meant revenge or something, but it was to confirm your research, wasn't it? "

"Yep," KAn #1 barked. "By the way, did you know I was going to be here or did you just happen to find me?"

"Both," KAn #2 said. "I wanted to see the stars of this world. When crossed through the GATE, I sensed the collar over here, but I didn't expect to find you in five seconds."

"You were always the best at finding what wasn't hidden, I'll give you that." KAn #1 barked playfully. KAn #2 rubbed his back fur.

"You're lucky the dog form the collar gives is adorable," KAn #2 said. "Because I would've taken you to the dueling arena right then and there."

"To get second place again?" KAn #1 barked. KAn #2 stopped petting him, annoyed.

"Bruhhhhhh," he said. "You know why I went inactive at the academy."

"I'm sorry, but that was just too easy to say. It came out on its own." KAn #1 barked.

KAn #2 stood up. "Imma go head to bed," he said (20/10 rhyme). "It's getting pretty late."

"Suit yourself!" KAn #1 barked. "We don't have to sleep, remember? I'm gonna go for a walk."

"Ok, Aiden," KAn #2 said. "See you tomorrow!"

KAn #1 barked a goodbye and then headed down the hill, across the plains, and into a nearby forest. He preferred his walks in wooded areas. He wondered through the woods for a few hours before getting a bit tired. "Oh, yeah," he thought. "The dog form does have to sleep. I guess I'll head back, then." He went back to the FOB and back to his room without any troubles. Without being bothered to take off the collar and change back, he walked past his dogs, who were sleeping, hopped onto his bed, and went to sleep.

_ Aiden Industries POW Camp; January 14th, 2029; 8:27:32 AM

The POW system that Aiden Industries was rather unorthodox when compared to that of other nations. Prisoners had dynamic ranks with different privileges. Most prisoners saw rather lax security (though the perimeter was heavily guarded) and had access to all news and technology of this new world.

The problem for some of the prisoners, though, was that there was no separation of "monsters" and humans. The only thing in the way of the prisoners from rioting was the well-equipped guards that were quite prepared for potential conflict. The guards expected fights and were armed with pepper spray, tear gas, tasers, and even polybangers (advanced flashbang).

For breakfast, the prisoners were at the camp's buffet (Aidenipodes recognized how amazing food was and gave the prisoners a buffet). During breakfast, guards patrolled around the perimeter of the canteen and blocked the doors, but stayed away from the center in case of a riot. Fortunately for everyone, nothing of note happened during breakfast.

After breakfast ended, everyone headed back to their designated cell blocks. There were 5 different "levels" a prisoner could be at. The prisoners started at level 3. Higher levels had more freedom in their regimes and better technology in their lounges. Lower levels had stricter punishments, with level 1 utilizing solitary confinement.

Count Formal was a level 4. He was rather considerate of demihumans when others were not. He even reported some potential fights to the guards that were in the area. Count Formal was sad that many soldiers were in much lower levels, but the benefits of level 4 made up for that. He liked hanging out in the Level 4 lounge, reading books, and encyclopedias, both online and off. He loved learning about the new world that they were in.

Personally, he did not approve of Sadera (The empire) subjugating other nations. His family had personal experience of how much that sucked. The information that he got from this world, however, showed how far the empire was outclassed. On one hand, he was happy that the empire was about to be destroyed, and that his people may finally be free. On the other hand, he feared what would happen when they reached Italica. What would they do to his city? His family? His daughter…

How were things in Italica? His daughter, Myui, was only 8 years old and had no experience in ruling a city. According to what he learned, once the war was over they would all be able to go home with needing a ransom. Hopefully, Italica will be fine in the meantime…

Suddenly, a guard (btw all the guards are KAn's and KAe's) walked in.

"Count Formal," he said. "We have reevaluated your rank. Congratulations, you're the first prisoner to get to level 5."

Alnus Hill FOB; June 28th, 4031; 7:59:40 Local Time

KAn #4-00013 walked to the top of the FOB's roof. There, there was a bell about the size of the Liberty Bell in Pennsylvania. High Command thought that this would be funny, so…

He grabbed the rope below the bell and grabbed his microphone. Speakers had been placed all over the base. Then, the clock struck 8 AM. He rang the bell as hard as he could twice and then screamed into the microphone:

"DING DONG! BELL OF TOP OF MORNING!"

He looked down over the base. Hundreds of KAn's were exiting their barracks, slightly dazed by the loud noise. Some of the KAn's were amused by the reference, but, regardless, they all made their way to the center of the base for morning activities.

The first, and arguably the most important activity was the flag ceremony. Because Aiden Industries was only semi-autonomous, it was still technically part of the US and the state of Texas. Thus, the flags of which were included in the ceremony.

After morning announcements (none of which were of note), everyone headed over to the cafeteria for breakfast. The cafeteria, like that of the POW camp, a buffet. Unfortunately, breakfast only last 1 hour, so at 9 AM, everyone went off to do their own things. Little did they know of the developing situation.

Inside the FOB, the high-command of the AEF (Aiden Expeditionary Force) was looking at the feed from a short-range drone. The footage showed what everyone feared was coming. Approximately 80,000 imperial soldiers marched down the main road that leads from a city called "Italica." The imperials would arrive in mere hours.

"We have to put together a QRF!" A general said. "REAPER Squad can be stationed on this road." He pointed to a road on a map.

"You're talking about an army of 80,000," another general said. "Even REAPER could not hold out against that many for long. We need a larger unit!"

An E1 (Private)* walked into the room. "Excuse me," he said. "Someone requested the ranking of SSS tier students at Aiden McKnight Academy."

2 hours later, 1 a mile from Alnus Hill

"Why do we have to act as a delaying force, again?" KAn #5 asked no one in particular. A platoon's worth (~50) of SSS tier KAn's and KAe's were put in a blocking position along the road that leads to Alnus.

"Probably to test the power of Imperial mages," KAn #10 said.

"Maybe also because the defenses of the hill aren't ready yet?" KAn #3 said.

"Y'know," KAn #2 said, ignoring him. "This world's magic concentration is extremely high. I don't know if that'll make their mages better, or if that just means that people are used to magic. Either way, it's pretty cool."

"Guys," KAe #3 said, looking through a rangefinder. "They're here."

The platoon, given the callsign Halo, all summoned their swords. Despite being outclassed by spears in most aspects, KAn's use swords more often. This was due to their effectiveness at close range, and superior ability to focus abilities.

The imperial unit stopped about 300 yards in front of the platoon. They seemed somewhat perplexed about seeing about 50 young children wielding swords to be blocking their route to Alnus Hill.

There was a brief exchange between both sides. The imperials telling the KAn's to get out of the way, and the KAn's saying… no. Losing his patience, the Imperial General ordered his soldiers to move the children with force. A group of imperial soldiers moved towards Halo Platoon.

Unnerved, the platoon stood in defiance of the imperials. For a few tense moments, the two sides faced each other, not daring to interrupt the silence. Then, bored with the slow pace of development, KAn #1 focused his Concentrated Blast ability through his sword and blasted the group advancing towards them. However, the quick reaction of a few imperial mages saved most of the group by summoning a barrier.

KAn #1 was, for a lack of a better term, impressed. Only B-tier and higher students were able to conjure a shield strong enough to withstand such a blow. His amazement, though, was soon interrupted, as Halo decided that was a good cue to attack in full force. Everyone activated their since passive sword enchantments and rushed towards the imperials.

The pure skill and raw power, even, that was displayed in such a short time astonished the imperials. However, they weren't about to lose to a small group of children. The imperials met the force of the KAn's with their own, their soldiers being fairly well trained, and a decent match for the Aidenipodes.

KAn #1, though, got bored of the 1-1 fighting that the imperials wanted, and flash-jumped above the imperials. He kicked the center of a small group of them with a Determination concentrated kick. The shockwave neutralized the soldiers nearby. Then, he spotted a mage in front of him. He had a classic mage appearance: robe, staff, etc. The mage charged some sort of spell with his staff. In response, KAn #1 activated his sword's 3, high-end enchantments, infernus, bouncy, and shocker (keep in mind, a group of children named these enhancements). The mage was shocked.

"3 enchantments?" he asked.

KAn #1 held up his sword, the flames coating the sword lagging slightly. "Oh, cool. You noticed." He then quickly rushed and sliced through the mage's torso, the flames immediately cauterizing the wound, leaving no trace of blood anywhere. The two halves of the body fell to the ground, completely lifeless.

Unfortunately for Halo, the imperials were bringing their numbers to bear, and they were getting overwhelmed. KAn #1 knew that they could not defeat them all. He reached for the radio near his left shoulder.

"Everyone, retreat to the hill. I say again, fall back, over."

The platoon initially questioned the order, but then realized what was waiting back at the hill. Everyone flashstepped/teleported away from the combat, and then grabbed the scooters of their backs, speeding back towards Alnus Hill.

With the sudden the retreat of the KAn's, the imperials had a sudden morale boost. The chased after the retreaters as they headed back towards the hill.

"Gate control, this is Halo 6. We're coming in, open the gate." (the FOB gate, not the GATE).

The platoon quickly sped through the opening in the defense, which closed being them. The imperial soldiers, however, did not attempt halting their charge.

"All frontline units, this is Command. Engage all hostile forces approaching the hill, over."

The radio then filled with remarks of confirmation as the sound of rapid gunfire filled the and around the perimeter of Alnus Hill. Small arms, gattling guns, grenade launchers, and everything in between began opening up at the soldiers charging at the hill. The imperials stood strong in their attack, though, and some sectors had it worse than others. In one area of the frontline, a single squad attempted to hold out against over 5000 imperials.

"We need fire support!" Corporal* KAn #3-00028 said to his sergeant*.

"Affirmative," he responded. "Get on the radio and call Anvil team."

"Yes, sergeant!" the corporal said. He grabbed his tactical radio.

"Anvil, this is Hotel 3. Requesting fire mission, over."

Only static could be heard.

"Anvil, this is Hotel 3. Do you read, over?"

Still static.

"All units, this is Hotel 3. Does anybody copy, over?"

Again, static.

"Sir, I'm not getting anybody on the radio."

"What?" the sergeant asked, confused. "These guys don't have radio jammers! Did you break the radio?"

"No, sir!" the corporal responded. "It's definitely some radio interruption. "

Everyone was perplexed for a moment. Surely this primitive military did not have radios, much less jammers! A specialist* looked out onto the battlefield.

"Guys, look!" he shouted to his squadmates. Out on the field was a mage. He was quite clearly casting a spell, seen by the bright glow of his staff, but no visible magic was seen.

"He's probably casting some sort of spell that interrupts EMR signals!" Corporal KAn #283 concluded. "Specialist Aiden, take him out!"

Another specialist in the squad grabbed his MPR and set the fire mode to single-shot and activated the dual part of his dual sight. After a few seconds of aiming, he took the shot.

"Anvil, this is Hotel 3 transmitting in the blind. Do you read, over?"

"Hotel 3, this is Anvil 2. We read you Lima-Charlie. Interrogative*, comms in your area briefly went down, do you know the cause, over?"

"A mage in our AO was casting a spell that interfered with our radios. We took him out."

"Corporal!" the sergeant exclaimed in annoyance. He gestured towards the battlefield.

"Oh, right. Requesting fire-mission in sector Echo-Whiskey-3-3-4-9, over. "

"Solid Copy, Hotel 3. Coordinates confirmed, over."

"Much obliged, Anvil. Fire for effect, Hotel 3 out. "

The squad looked towards the battlefield. It was absolute carnage. The imperials were less than 200 yards from the barbed-wire. The 21st-century weaponry was shredding through the imperials, but the casualties seemed to not have the desired effect. Suddenly, a screeching noise was heard, followed by an explosion right next to a group of Imperial soldiers, eviscerating them. More and more artillery shells continued to land. The intended physiological effects were reached, however, as the imperials broke rank and ran away from the hill. Victory had been achieved.

2 Days Later, FOB HQ, Alnus Hill

The day after the battle, Aiden Command decided that it would be best to make Halo Platoon a permanent organization. Despite the fact that REAPER Squad was, on average, higher-ranked with majors and captains, Command decided that they had to put them somewhere, and put them in the elite Halo Platoon. Fortunately for them, no one decided to interject.

KAn #2, KAn #3, and KAe #3, the most experienced sorcerers in the platoon, decided that they needed a special marking to show their superiority over common troops (actually, it was KAn #2's idea, but they decided to go along with it). The next day, they had finished production.

"Ok, everyone," KAn #2 announced. "As you all know, we are the most elite organization of troops in all of Implexia. Thus, we have created a special marking to show our superiority."

"Oh, boy," KAn #1 said thinking back to the last time KAn #2 tried to create a marking of superiority. It didn't go well.

"Oh, Aiden!" KAe #3 said cheerfully. "You made a statement that implies interest! How about you get yours first?"

KAn #1 stared at the floor intensely with a straight face. "oof," he whispered. Reluctantly, he walked up to the trio of sorcerers, who all seemed rather excited. KAn #3 held out the "marking" to KAn #1. It looked like an unlit glowstick. KAn #1 reached out and touched it.
Once he touched it, however, it lit up a bright gold. It floated up and orbited around KAn #1 several times before settling down above his head. It floated a few inches above his eyes, at about his hairline. KAn #1 stared at it intently.

"So…" KAn #2 started smugly. "What do you think? Halo Platoon? HALO? Eh?"

KAn #1 continued staring at it in awe, almost as if he had been hypnotized by it. "I'll be honest, I didn't expect much, but this is blowing my mind."

KAn #3 chuckled. "This was pretty hard to make, but oh, boy, it was worth it." He spun the halo around KAn #1's head. "Aidenette did most of the work, to be honest."

KAe #3 bounced happily. "I'm too lazy to tie my bow to my hair," she said, "so I use a synchronization spell to keep it in line with my head. A similar spell is used to keep the halo in place, but it required some… adaptation, to say the least."

"Yeah, this new spell makes the halo more…fun," KAn #2 said. "It acts more like a magnet than anything."

"Ok, guys," KAn #3 said. "Now that we're sure that this works, let's give these to everyone!"

"Wait," KAn #1 said, snapping out of his trance. "You tested this on me?"

"lolololololololololololol," KAn #2 said. "Don't worry. It probably wouldn't have killed you if it failed."

KAn #1 sighed as KAe #3 and KAn #3 threw a whole bunch of halos into the crowd of Aidenipodes watching. All of them activated in midair and flew towards their respective owners. Some of the halos didn't cancel their velocity in time and smacked into the faces of their owners, but that was funny so nobody cared.

_Saderan Capital, 5 days later

"Your majesty, our troops report that Alnus Hill has already fallen. The reinforcements were not enough to reclaim the hill." Exclamations were heard throughout the halls of the senate.

"Not enough?!" A senator asked. "There were but 80,000! How were they unable to reclaim the holy hill?"

"Some of the reports say that the otherworlders wielded great magic." Another senator offered. "Many reports, though, say that the army was made up of young children, so maybe we should take them with a grain of salt."

"Regardless!" another senator shouted, standing up. "If 80,000 imperial soldiers and mages were unable to recapture the holy Alnus Hill, the force we must face is almost incomprehensible! There is essentially no hope of victory!"

"No!" yet another senator interjected. "There is hope for victory! We have never failed in a campaign before, and our streak doesn't end here!"

"You fool!" another senator said. "Large parts of our military have been wiped out! How could we face such an enemy in our weakened state?!"

"We thought in previous campaigns that we had no hope," (you get the drill) senator said, "but we have always prevailed! This time will be no different!"

The halls of the senate erupted in continuous debate. One side believed that defeat was inevitable, whilst the other believed that they must fight. Meanwhile, the emperor sat on his throne in deep thought. He raised his hand and the room entered silence.

"No victory indeed comes without cost," he said. "Thus, victory is not yet out of the question. We must call upon the help of the allied kingdoms. Send messengers to all of our vassal states! Tell them that we must defeat this threat from another world."

Someone stood before the emperor. "Your majesty, it will be a bloodbath." The only response was a smirk.

_That night, Alnus Hill FOB

"Now, all of you are probably wondering why you were assembled here tonight," Major General KAn #1-00031 said. "There is very important news."

All 25,000 soldiers of the AEF had gathered at the center of the FOB for an important announcement. It was quite tense for everyone.

"As you all know, the American Embassy was destroyed during the attack on Embassy Square," the General continued. "Unfortunately…" he looked down in defeat, "the American Ambassador was not killed in the attack as we assumed. As he did not die, there is only one other place he could be."

Gasps and murmuring were heard throughout the crowd of Aidenipodes. According to the Aiden Industries-US agreement created a few years ago, there was nothing anyone could do to prevent what was coming next."

"The US has dispatched the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force's 3rd Company to Implexia," the General continued. "They will be arriving tomorrow at 0:800 hours. Give them a warm welcome. DISMISSED."

The vast majority of the crowd dispersed, murmuring as they left. KAn #1 stood behind, staring off into space. He was standing next to the American Embassy the whole time during the attack. He could have stopped this. The only thing they could do now is hope that the Marines were nice…

This Chapter took a whole lot longer than the rest so far and explores many different settings and perspectives. This Chapter sets up most plot points of the story, so I hope you're all fine with what you think I might be setting up!

Again, remember to leave a review. If you make a suggestion, it may make its way into a chapter of two…!

*Notes

Aidenipodes say good morning as a greeting no matter what time of day it is.

FOB - Foward Operating Base

E1 - The lowest rank of the Aiden Military

Sergeant - the 6th rank of the Aiden Military

Corporal - 5th Rank of the Aiden Military

Specialist - 4th Rank of the Aiden Military

Wow… not a lot of notes this time...