ART OF WAR: Alternate World

The Great War began after years of escalating tensions in Europe. In 1873, Denmark, dissatisfied with Germany's trade policies, united with Norway, later joined by Sweden. The Scandinavian Union began to provoke Germany economically, blocking its trade routes and preventing its fleet from leaving Königsberg.

In 1875, Great Britain, France, the Russian Empire, and Serbia formed the Entente, ostensibly to prevent European conflicts. When Denmark continued its provocations, Germany invaded its territory. Norway and Sweden declared war, but Denmark quickly fell. The Entente refused to enter the war directly but demanded that Germany cease its aggression. Berlin rejected the ultimatum and launched the Schlieffen Plan.

Germany advanced rapidly in the west, capturing Paris, Oslo, and Stockholm. However, Russia unexpectedly launched a large-scale offensive in the east. Austria-Hungary and the Ottoman Empire entered the war on Germany's side but suffered heavy defeats at the hands of Russian forces. Italy took advantage of the situation and attacked the Central Powers, but was quickly routed by the German army.

The appearance of singularities on the Eastern Front forced Germany to retreat and abandon some of its occupied territories. However, France, Norway, and Sweden capitulated. Germany annexed Alsace-Lorraine and northern France, turning the remaining French territory into a protectorate.

Germany then defeated Austria-Hungary, dividing its lands between itself and the Ottoman Empire. Romania was also defeated and became a German protectorate. After the outbreak of civil war in Russia, Germany forced its capitulation, occupied Poland, annexed the Baltic states, and established control over Belarus and Ukraine.

Ultimately, Germany was left alone against Great Britain. After years of naval battles that claimed hundreds of millions of lives, the two sides signed a peace treaty on October 13, 1902. The Great War ended, leaving Europe under the dominance of the German Empire.

Plans for political transformation failed, triggering a chain of conflicts. Nationalism grew stronger, especially in the united Benelux, while France, weakened by its own civil war, was unable to intervene.

Prussia took advantage of the instability: in 1853 it united the German lands under its rule, and over the next two years it completed industrialization and began to build a war economy.

The new German state then defeated the united Benelux and annexed its territories. Austria-Hungary, which had played a key role in Germany's accelerated rearmament, entered into a military and economic alliance with it.

Thus arose the foundation of the future German Empire, which subsequently began to expand its influence in Europe and prepared for the Great War.

Royal Navy of Great Britain

Type: naval forces
Specialization: electrical technologies, air defense and control of sea communications.

General characteristics

After the Great War, Great Britain placed its emphasis on the development of electrical engineering and its application in naval warfare. This enabled the British navy to become one of the most technologically advanced in the world and maintain its ability to confront the German Empire, despite its superiority in air power and ground forces.

Weapons and technology

• Electrical installations: ensure the operation of complex on-board systems and weapons.
• Railguns: electromagnetic weapons with automated guidance, designed primarily to destroy aircraft and large targets.
• EMI systems: electromagnetic interference devices capable of disrupting the operation of enemy electronic equipment.
• Electrical protection: some ships are equipped with systems that create dangerous electrical discharges in the water when approaching small vessels.
• Heavy artillery: retains an important role in naval battles, complementing electrical weapons.

Advantages

• Highly effective against aircraft.
• Strong air defense.
• Advanced automation of combat systems.
• Danger to light ships and boats when approaching close.
• Significant experience in naval warfare.

Flaws

• High cost of construction and maintenance.
• Dependence on the serviceability of power plants.
• Vulnerability of complex systems to power supply failure.
• Difficulty in training crews and repairing equipment.

Military role

The Royal Navy remains the primary instrument of British deterrence. Its mission is to hold sea lanes, protect islands and colonies, prevent enemy landings, and prevent the German Empire from achieving naval dominance.

Doctrine: prevent the enemy from approaching on favorable terms, suppress aviation with electromagnetic weapons and maintain control over sea routes.

During the Great War, Germany abandoned the frontal attack tactic, developing a new, then-modern method of warfare: Lufzkrieg. This tactic involved conquering airspace for a massive airborne assault by elite troops directly into the enemy's rear, destroying their artillery and supply lines, thereby encircling the enemy in a matter of days. Thus, the German Empire easily laid siege to the Maginot Line, making the subsequent capture of France a simple matter. The only countries that were able to effectively resist this doctrine were Italy and Great Britain. Italy, thanks to its professional defense and fierce guerrilla warfare, held out against the Wehrmacht's onslaught for an extremely long time, holding out for five years before finally capitulating from sheer exhaustion.

Luftzkrieg was merely a temporary replacement for Blitzkrieg tactics. During the Great War, Blitzkrieg was unsuitable due to a lack of armor and insufficient effectiveness. However, despite this result, the Wehrmacht became not only the most powerful army on land but also in the air, thanks to the advanced aviation used for Luftzkrieg. Both tactics are still used today.

The new jet-powered aircraft project called "EMI-Patriot" is also capable of using Electro Magnetic Radiation projectiles when hitting an enemy aircraft, simply disabling its communication systems, or even the entire aircraft if its mechanism is based on electricity.

Limenaras

Limenars are humans who possess an innate biological magic known as Ergoplasm. It is a special form of living plasma that is part of the host's body but possesses its own autonomy.

1. Ergoplasma

• Consists of special plasma cells found in the blood of the limenar.
• Cells are capable of mutating, moving and following the will of their owner.
• Ergoplasm can exit through the skin, forming almost any structure.
• Capable of changing shape, density and state of aggregation.
• Despite belonging to an organism, it has a certain autonomy and can independently perform biological processes.

2. Estrus

Estrus is a rare physiological condition that occurs when the body is exhausted or for other reasons that have not yet been established.

During this period, ergoplasm begins to interact with the host's hormonal system, triggering the production of special pheromone-like substances. These are secreted through the neck area and are capable of attracting others.

The biological function of this process is the transfer of ergoplasm to a new host through sexual intercourse. Estrus is not a necessary condition for reproduction in limenars.

3. Origin of new limenars

There are two ways in which new ergoplasm carriers can appear:

• Transfer: ergoplasm is implanted into the body of an ordinary person, after which, if successfully integrated, it forms a new limenar.
• Inheritance: Ergoplasm is passed on to offspring from one or both parents.

4. Biological autonomy

Ergoplasm is a fully formed part of the limenar's body, but it is not entirely dependent on its owner's conscious control. It is capable of independently participating in physiological processes, including transmission and reproduction.

Thus, limenars represent a special biological variety of humans, whose main distinguishing feature is a symbiotic relationship with ergoplasm.

Singularities

Singulars are the rarest of Limenars, possessing unique supernatural abilities known as singularity lines. There are nine main lines, forming the Nine.

1. Nine main lines

2. Überläufer: space manipulation, creation of portals and his own pocket dimension. Incapable of transporting himself through portals or entering other independent worlds.

3. Henker: Superhuman speed, reflexes, and exceptional close combat abilities.

4. Zerstörer: Colossal physical strength and increased resistance to conventional weapons.

5. Unerwarten: Creates powerful, destructive explosions. Limits to three uses per day.

6. Riese: Transforms into a humanoid giant approximately 25 meters tall. Vulnerable to heavy weapons, including tank shells.

7. Gestalter: converting magic into matter, creating objects and protective structures, restoring damage.

8. Falchner: control of animals and other creatures that do not possess full intelligence.

9. Farman: An attack that affects the opponent's perception and consciousness, causing disorientation. Eye contact is required for this attack.

10. Fritz: An exceptional line that allows one to use the abilities of the other eight lines, affect Limenars and Singulars, and enter a berserk state.

11. Emptiness and lifespan

After receiving the singular power, the host is exposed to the Void within. It gradually consumes their mental resources, draining their consciousness throughout their existence.

• The standard lifespan of a Singular is 40 years from the moment it receives its powers.
• At the end of this period, the carrier falls into an irreversible sleep from which he will never awaken.

3. Exception - Fritz

Fritz is an exception to the general rule of the Void's influence. For other Singularities, it acts as a destructive force, gradually destroying their psyche. For Fritz, however, the Void becomes a source of energy.

Inheritance of singular power

Singularity Power Inheritance is a special process of transferring the ability of one Singularity to another Limenar. It is necessary to preserve the nine Singularity Lines and prevent their final extinction.

1. Principle of transmission

The singularity power is not transmitted automatically, is not inherited biologically, and does not appear in the bearer's descendants. A special ritual is required to transfer it.

• Only Limenar can be the recipient.
• The transfer is carried out manually with the participation of Schemamonks.
• After completing the ritual, the ability immediately awakens in the new carrier.
• Along with the power, individual fragments of the previous Singular's memories are transmitted.
• If the carrier dies without passing on the ability, his line ceases to exist.

2. Schemamonks

Schemamonks are especially trusted Limenars, possessing exceptional mastery of plasma and Ergoplasma control.

Their main task is to conduct inheritance rituals. Thanks to their deep understanding of the nature of Ergoplasm, they are able to transfer singular force between hosts.

Schema-monks play a vital role in preserving the Nine: without their participation, the transfer of singular abilities is impossible.

3. Consequences of inheritance

Acquiring a singularity power is accompanied by changes in the consciousness of the new host. In addition to the ability itself, they receive fragments of their predecessor's memories. These memories do not form a fully-fledged personality and do not replace the new Singular's own experience.

From the moment the ritual is completed, the new bearer becomes a representative of the corresponding line and is subject to all the features associated with it, including the effects of the Void.

4. Meaning for the Nine

Inheritance is the only known way to preserve a singular lineage after the death of its bearer. Therefore, the Schemamonks and the process of transmission are of particular importance to the existence of the Nine.

Each line lost without inheritance means the irrevocable loss of one of the nine unique abilities.

Pseudo-singularities

Pseudo-singulars are a special category of Limenars who have managed to independently awaken additional magical branches without receiving singular power from another host.

1. Origin

Unlike true Singulars, Pseudo-Singulars do not acquire one of the nine main lineages through a succession ritual. Their abilities awaken spontaneously, allowing them to utilize additional magical branches.

2. Features of abilities

• Each Pseudo-Singularity has an individual set of awakened magical branches.
• Their abilities may have unique characteristics that distinguish one carrier from another.
• In terms of overall strength, they are inferior to real Singularities, who possess one of the nine main lines.

3. Interaction with the Void

The awakening of additional magical branches is also accompanied by the emergence of the Void, but its effect is significantly weaker than that of real Singulars.

The reason lies in the origin of the power: the Void arises from the transfer of a singular ability from one host to another. Awakening on its own does not create a comparable burden.

• The Pseudo-Singulars' Void is not strong enough to cause their death.
• They are not subject to the standard forty-year limitation on the existence of Singularities.

4. Difference from Singulars

The main difference lies in the method of acquiring abilities and the consequences of this process. True Singularities acquire one of the Nine Lineages through inheritance, while Pseudo-Singularities awaken additional magical branches on their own.

Despite their lower overall power, Pseudo-Singulars have greater freedom in developing their own abilities and are not susceptible to the deadly effects of the Void.

Fritz

Affiliation: Unknown
Status: The first and strongest Singular
Location: Unknown

Fritz is an exceptional member of the Nine, possessing the abilities of all eight other Singularity lines. Unlike them, his abilities are not limited to a single specialization. He is capable of utilizing spatial distortions, superhuman physical abilities, destructive energy, matter creation, and mind manipulation.

However, Fritz's most distinctive feature lies in his relationship with the Void. While for other Singularities it gradually drains their life force, for Fritz, the Void acts as a source of energy. He is not subject to the usual lifespan limitations associated with the transfer of singularity power.

Fritz is capable of influencing not only ordinary Limenars but also other Singulars. His power makes him exceptional even among those wielding the Nine.

Fritz occupies a special place in the history of the German Empire. He is considered the first Singular and the figure around whom the entire Nine system was formed. His legacy continues to influence the existence of the Limenars and the military structure of the state.

Despite his historical significance, Fritz's current identity and whereabouts remain unknown.

Ervidek Kairos

Age: 53 years
Physical age: approximately 20–30 years
Status: Military legend of the German Empire

Ervidek Kairos is a fifty-three-year-old man whose military service began during the Prussian era. Despite his actual age, he appears considerably younger: his physical condition is that of a man in his twenties or thirties.

Over the years of service, Kairos developed into a true military machine and one of the most renowned figures in the history of the German army. His contribution to the nation's military achievements is almost impossible to overstate. He served in numerous campaigns, earning a reputation as a man whose presence on the battlefield could significantly change the course of a battle.

Ervidek had a biological son and heir. However, a year before Kairos's death, he disappeared without a trace. The Great War left behind a huge number of missing persons: massive bombings, devastated cities, and destroyed infrastructure deprived families of the opportunity to learn the fate of their loved ones. Ervidek's son was among them.

His further fate remained unknown.

Paula Farman - Farman

Affiliation: German Empire
Status: Singular, carrier of the Farman force
Duration of possession of power: 1 month

Paula Farman is a young woman who became the current bearer of the Farman power just a month ago. Her appointment was relatively recent, making her one of the least experienced members of the Nine.

Paula is completely blinded by imperial propaganda. She sincerely adores the German Empire, considers it the greatest state, and is ready to support its interests unconditionally. Her patriotism borders on fanaticism: she rarely questions the decisions of her own government and military leadership.

Thanks to her charm and youth, Paula makes a good impression on those around her. However, she doesn't fully understand the true reason for the military's attention. She is valued not so much for her personal qualities or loyalty, but for the effectiveness of her Farman ability, which allows her to influence the enemy's perception and consciousness through eye contact.

Paula sincerely believes she serves her country for noble reasons. However, she doesn't yet realize how pragmatically the military leadership views her.

Carla Falcher - Falchner

Affiliation: German Empire
Status: Singular, carrier of the Falchner force

Carla Falcher is a mature, charismatic woman, often seen as a symbol of the German home front. Unlike most Singulars, her influence is built primarily on economics rather than military service.

Carla owns her own agricultural company, which supplies a significant portion of the population with consumer goods. Thanks to the scale of her production and her sophisticated supply chain, she has acquired exceptional influence within the German Empire. Among the current bearers of the Nine, Carla arguably holds the most significant position in her own state.

Her Falchner power allows her to control animals and use them for various purposes, including military ones. However, sending Karla to the front is practically unnecessary. Despite their potential effectiveness in combat, the constant use of animals as a combat resource is too expensive and not always justified.

Therefore, Carla remains primarily in the rear, continuing to manage agriculture and provide for the population. Her activities make her a crucial figure not only for the economy but also for the stability of the entire empire.

Friedrich Gestalter

Affiliation: German Empire
Status: Singular, bearer of the Gestalter power

Friedrich Gestalder is one of the most versatile members of the Nine. He has dedicated his life to a variety of fields, making him a valuable specialist not only in the military but also in engineering and public affairs.

Friedrich can spend days organizing supplies for frontline units, plotting supply routes and ensuring soldiers have the necessary resources. In addition to logistics, he actively participates in the development of engineering projects for the Limenars and Singulars. His Gestalter abilities allow him not only to create material constructs but also to find practical applications for his own magic in technical developments.

Friedrich is also a professional speaker and propagandist. He knows how to persuasively present ideas, address large audiences, and shape public opinion.

Despite his importance to the German Empire, Friedrich is not particularly loyal to the existing order. His interests are primarily tied to the future of the Limenars, not to the preservation of imperial power. If a real opportunity to create an independent political system and a separate state for the Limenars ever arises, Friedrich will certainly try to seize it.

Thomas Reiss - Riese

Age: 32 years
Affiliation: United Kingdom
Status: Singular, carrier of the Riese power

Thomas Reiss is the first Singularity not affiliated with the German Empire. As a child, he acquired the Reese power through his family's influential connections. The transfer of power became possible long before the Great War.

Soon after, the Reiss family moved to Great Britain, where they remain to this day. Over time, they consolidated their position, becoming influential members of the British aristocracy. Thomas himself has no intention of returning to his ancestral homeland; on the contrary, he is proud that his family managed to preserve the power of at least one Singular outside the control of the German Empire.

Thomas's personality resembles that of a noble knight: he values ​​honor, valor, and his own moral principles. He sincerely believes that by taking Riese's power, he saved thousands of lives that would otherwise have perished at the hands of the 25-meter-tall Titan.

However, there's an obvious contradiction in his beliefs. By refusing to serve the German Empire, Thomas did indeed deprive it of the ability to use the Riese, but that didn't stop the war itself. If the Titan doesn't kill people, they can be killed by ordinary soldiers. However, Reiss himself prefers not to dwell on this difference.

Isabella - Unerwarten

Isabella is the current bearer of the Unerwarten singular line. At 53, she is one of the oldest active Singulars. Thanks to her position and numerous connections, she was able to forego direct military service and transition to working in the domestic politics of the German Empire.

1. Gaining power

Isabella received her singularity power at the age of 20, after displaying heroism during the war.

However, acquiring the power itself wasn't a reward for her. On the contrary, Isabella opposed inheriting the singularity and didn't want to become part of the Nine. Therefore, she perceived her appointment as the new host of the Unerwarten more as a punishment than an honorable opportunity.

2. Character

Isabella is greedy, calculating, and persistent. She knows how to use her position, connections, and influence to achieve her personal goals.

Over decades of living with the singularity, she has learned to exist within the system, not allowing the military leadership to completely control her life.

3. Political activity

Isabella's privileged position and numerous connections allowed her to gradually withdraw from military service. She currently focuses on domestic politics, retaining considerable influence thanks to her status as a Singular.

Her relationship with the military elite remains complex. Isabella has repeatedly demonstrated her ability to resist demands imposed on her for years and achieve her own independence.

4. Present tense

In 1903, Isabella was 53 years old. Over the past 33 years, she had proven that even the possessor of singular power need not remain an obedient tool of military command.

Her story became a unique example of how perseverance, political connections and influence make it possible to defend personal freedom even in the face of the military elite.

Lena - Zerstörer

Lena is the current bearer of the singular Zerstörer line. She is an adult woman who served in the Wehrmacht for approximately twenty years. Her main distinguishing features are exceptional physical strength, resistance to injury, and impressive size.

1. Appearance

Lena stands over two meters tall. She has a massive and powerful build, completely unlike the emaciated figure one might expect from someone with such extraordinary strength.

Despite her impressive appearance, Lena gives the impression of being a calm, reserved, and even melancholic woman.

2. Military service

During her twenty years of service, Lena took part in numerous military operations. She gained particular fame for her ability to effectively destroy enemy fortifications.

Her most significant achievement was the siege of the Maginot Line. Thanks to Lena, German troops managed to break through the defensive network and create a corridor within the fortifications. This allowed them to encircle the entire line, after which a systematic siege began, with repeated breakthroughs at certain points.

Lena played a key role in overcoming one of the enemy's most complex defensive systems.

3. Character

Over the years of military service, Lena became noticeably tired of the army's daily routine. Her former enthusiasm for the service gradually gave way to a calm detachment and melancholy.

Nevertheless, she continues to fulfill her duties. Possessing a singularity power places a special responsibility on her, so she effectively has no option but to simply leave the military.

4. Present tense

In 1903, Lena remained an active member of the Wehrmacht. Despite fatigue and a lack of her former enthusiasm, she continued to serve the German Empire.

It is valued primarily as a means of overcoming fortified defensive lines that conventional troops are unable to cope with quickly enough.

Julius - Henker

Julius is the current bearer of the Henker singularity line. A French teenager who dedicated his life to serving in the Wehrmacht, he received singularity power from his predecessor during the Great War.

1. Background

During the Great War, Julius felt little sympathy for the German invaders. However, serving in the Wehrmacht allowed him to keep his own family together and ensure their safety.

He gained particular fame in battles on Italian soil and in Egypt. He was distinguished by his extremely aggressive fighting style: Julius often ignored orders and launched attacks on his own. However, his actions often proved beneficial to the overall offensive rather than hindering it.

2. Gaining power

When the previous host Henker was on the verge of death, the singular power was transferred to Julius.

The acquired ability significantly enhanced his natural combat prowess. He became even faster, more ferocious, and more dangerous in close combat, turning him into one of the most prominent fighters in his unit.

3. Family status

For Julius's service and his acquisition of the singular power, his family received special privileges from the German Empire.

After the end of the Great War, the family's position changed even more: it received aristocratic status.

Thus, Julius's military service became not only a way to protect his loved ones, but also the reason for a significant change in their social status.

4. Present tense

In 1903, Julius continued to actively serve in the Wehrmacht. Despite his French origins, he seemed to have no intention of returning to Reims.

His current life is almost entirely tied to the army. Only his origins remain as a reminder of his former hostility toward the invaders, while Julius himself has long since become part of the German military machine.

Sasha - Überläufer

Sasha is the current carrier of the singular Überläufer line. A young girl who received her powers in 1901 after being transferred from her previous host, Albert.

1. Background

Her predecessor was Albert, a highly experienced military man specializing in logistics. During his service, Sasha served as his personal secretary, gradually earning his trust.

Through teamwork, responsibility, and demonstrated competence, she became a candidate for the singular power. Albert subsequently transferred his ability to her, making her the new bearer of the Überläufer line.

2. Activities

Even after receiving the singularity power, Sasha hasn't changed her primary focus. She continues to work in military logistics, organizing the transportation of soldiers, supplies, and military equipment.

Despite belonging to the Nine, she prefers to remain in the rear, ensuring uninterrupted supply of troops. She rarely appears at the front.

3. Character

Sasha is a pragmatic and pleasant person. She comes across as calm, friendly, and easy to talk to.

She's quite content with her current situation. She doesn't seek military glory or participation in major battles, preferring her routine work in logistics to direct participation in combat.

For her, efficiency and reliability are more important than personal ambitions.

Emptiness

Type: Unusual living organism
Form of existence: Incorporeal
Habitat: Psyche of Singulars

The Void is a special living organism that exists without a physical shell. It resides within the psyche of Singulars who have received their powers through a transfer ritual. From the moment a new host appears, the Void gradually develops, grows in size, and begins to consume increasingly more of its host's psychic resources.

Its behavior is driven by the simplest instinct common to many living organisms: to reproduce, spread, and continue its own existence. The Void has no evil intentions and harbors no particular hatred toward its hosts. It simply exists and develops, like a weed sprouting in the desert, a person striving to procreate, or a fungus gradually permeating the soil with its mycelium.

However, for Singulars, its natural development becomes a serious problem. The longer the Void remains within the host, the more mental resources it consumes. Ultimately, this leads to exhaustion, which plunges the Singular into a state from which it is no longer able to awaken.

Fritz occupies a special place in this system. Unlike other Singularities, he is able to use the Void as an energy source, effectively consuming it. This not only frees Fritz from its influence but also becomes a natural counterweight to its spread.

Without Fritz, the situation of the remaining Singularities worsens significantly: the Void continues to grow uncontrollably, while the only known organism capable of consuming it can no longer perform this function.

Long-term development

The Void does not reproduce within the host or create new independent organisms. It is a single organism that continuously grows and accumulates mass, consuming the Singular's psychic resources.

Fritz's absence makes this process especially dangerous. As the only known being capable of consuming the Void, his disappearance deprives the other Singularities of a natural mechanism for freeing themselves from its effects.

If this situation persists for several centuries, the Void will continue to accumulate and become increasingly demanding of the hosts' mental resources. As a result, the lifespan of new generations of Singulars could gradually decrease from the usual forty years to approximately ten.

Thus, Fritz's absence poses a threat not only to individual Singularities, but to the very existence of the Nine in the long term.

Below are all known abilities of Kairos:

1. Immune to the influence of will - abilities related to influencing the will do not work on him.
2. Superhuman physical strength - physical indicators comparable to the strength of a gorilla.
3. Weakening of magical effects - the previous description indicated that magical effects on him are weakened by approximately half.
4. Unkillable Hero - a special ability that gets stronger with each Limenar killed.
5. Kingslayer - Kairos's primary weapon, a golden spear that can materialize and disappear at will. The form is conceptually similar to a spear, but also features other attachments on the ends for other abilities.
6. Echo of Order - A special gesture swing with the opposite side of the Kingslayer activates Echo of Order. Echo of Order causes an energy wave to spread out over half a kilometer, healing everyone around it and additionally replenishing their strength.

Activating any of Kairos' abilities causes a distinct golden or red glow to appear in his eyes.