Reincarnated with the Country System

Date: 27—11—1560 WC

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The city of Ladar was nestled close to the largest port in Latvia, making it a bustling hub of trade and commerce. With a population of around 200,000, Ladar was a vibrant city. However, the streets of Ladar, once bustling with traders and merchants, were now in chaos. The city's medieval stone buildings shook as explosions tore through its defences. Fire raged in different parts of the city, and the sky was darkened by thick clouds of dust and smoke.

Through the ruined main entrance, a line of Chieftain Mk.5 tanks rolled in, their powerful cannons still hot from the recent fire. Behind them, armoured personnel carriers (APCs) rumbled forward, carrying squads of heavily armed soldiers from the Bernard Empire. These soldiers, clad in modern combat gear, moved with precision, their assault rifles raised as they scanned for any sign of resistance.

The streets of Ladar, once filled with life, were now a battlefield. The sound of gunfire and explosions echoed through the city as the Bernard Empire soldiers advanced.

The city's defenders—Latvian knights, archers, and city guards—stood no chance. Their chainmail and steel breastplates were useless against automatic gunfire. Some had swords drawn, others held crossbows, but their outdated weapons were futile against the Bernard Empire's superior firepower. The defenders fell one by one, unable to close the gap between them and the invading soldiers.

Civilians screamed and fled, desperately trying to find shelter. Mothers clutched their children, hiding in basements or behind stone walls. Some of the braver men tried to fight back with spears and bows, but their resistance was met with relentless gunfire.

Above the city, several helicopters patrolled the skies. Their rotors thundered as they circled, ensuring that no one could escape. The helicopters' machine guns spat death from above, cutting down anyone who dared to flee. The people of Ladar, realizing that there was no escape, hid in their homes, praying for the nightmare to end.

As the Bernard Empire soldiers secured the city, more armoured vehicles entered, reinforcing their control. The once-proud city of Ladar was now an occupied territory, its streets filled with the enemy. The soldiers moved with ruthless efficiency, their presence a constant reminder of the city's fall.

Among the invaders was Hans, a Brigadier General of the Bernard Empire. He stepped out of an armoured vehicle, his sharp eyes surveying the scene. He took a drag from his cigarette, the smoke curling around him as he considered the situation.

A soldier approached him, saluting sharply. "Sir, we have surrounded the Lord's castle. We've demanded their surrender, but there's been no response."

Hans nodded, his expression grim. The castle, a formidable structure surrounded by a deep, water-filled moat, was the last stronghold of resistance in Ladar. Tanks and M107 175 mm self-propelled guns were positioned around the castle, their barrels trained on the ancient walls. Helicopters circled above, their presence a constant threat.

Hans took another drag from his cigarette before issuing his orders. "Tell the tanks and self-propelled guns to fire some shells. Let's see if that gets their attention."

The soldier nodded and relayed the order. Moments later, the tanks and self-propelled guns roared to life. The watchtower and sections of the castle walls crumbled under the barrage, the sound of collapsing stone echoing through the city. Dust and debris filled the air as the castle's defences were shattered.

The Latvian defenders inside the castle were in shock. They had never seen such destructive power. Some tried to shoot arrows at the enemy, but they barely reached the modern soldiers outside. Others huddled inside, hoping for a miracle.

Hans took a speaker mike from a nearby soldier and addressed the castle. "Lord of Ladar, listen carefully! We are from the Bernard Empire! We have no enmity with you! We are here to overthrow your King Caspian! If you wave the white flag now and signal surrender, we will not destroy your castle! Otherwise, we will reduce it to rubble, and you will all die within its walls! This is your last chance! You have ten minutes to respond!"

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The city fell silent, the tension palpable. The citizens of Ladar, hidden in their homes, held their breath. The soldiers of the Bernard Empire stood ready, their weapons trained on the castle. The helicopters continued to circle, their rotors a constant reminder of the power arrayed against the defenders.

Minutes passed, each one feeling like an eternity. Then, slowly, a white flag appeared on the castle walls. The people within, realizing the futility of resistance, had chosen to surrender. The flag was a symbol of their defeat, a stark contrast to the proud banners that had once flown over Ladar.

The door of the castle was also opened. One by one, soldiers and nobles inside the castle came forward, waving white cloths, their faces pale with fear.

A smile spread across Hans' face. "This asshole," he muttered. "None of this would have happened if they had surrendered first."

The Bernard Empire soldiers moved in swiftly. They stormed the castle, disarming the remaining guards and rounding up the noblemen. The Lord of Ladar, a man in his fifties with a long beard, stepped forward, shaking.

"P-please… we surrender. Spare us."

Hans eyed him coldly. "Good choice." He gestured to his men. "Take him and the rest of the nobles into custody. I want them alive."

The soldiers obeyed, binding the hands of the surrendered nobles and leading them away.

As the last of the resistance was crushed, Hans turned to one of his officers. "Send a message to command. Ladar has fallen. Our forces are to move quickly to the next city. We need to reach the capital before Latvia's forces can gather."

The soldier nodded and hurried off to relay the orders. Hans took one last look at the castle, now a symbol of his victory, before turning away.

As the Bernard Empire forces prepared to move out, the city of Ladar lay in ruins. The once-thriving trade hub was now a shadow of its former self, its streets filled with the remnants of battle. The city guards, those who had survived, were rounded up and taken prisoner.

Hans, now back in his armoured vehicle, lit another cigarette. The taste of victory was sweet, but he knew that the road ahead would be long and bloody.

The conquest of Latvia had begun