Ichiro Inuyashiki, despite his age and accredited academic history, didn't know much about past histories. However, he was quite knowledgeable about the Meiji Restoration Era. A period when Japan rapidly industrialized to avoid being colonized by the Western powers.
Japan at that time cultivated foreign friendships despite the discrimination; Japan was labeled as a yellow peril. Ichiro knew the names of those countries that dealt with Japan before, especially the old colonialist powers.
The soldiers that they'd chanced upon were similar to those powers. They called themselves an Empire, no other names, just an Empire.
Based on the accent and the dull tone of their uniforms, Ichiro deduced that these soldiers likely belonged to a German-inspired Empire.
"Well, what do you want with us?"
Doraemon spoke first. Nobita Nobi, Ichiro, and the injured female cyborg who refused to give out her name remained at a distance. Doraemon assumed the leadership role, as he was both the most intelligent and the most skilled in combat.
The sergeant smiled, gesturing for the men behind him to lower their weapons. They did so, albeit keeping their fingers on the triggers. The sergeant was clearly uncomfortable; this was their first encounter with non-hostiles inside the backrooms.
They were trained but still out of depth, still processing the existence of the backrooms.
"As we've introduced ourselves, we're from the Empire. We're looking for survivors or lost souls inside the backrooms. We're here to provide relief and help to anyone who needs it."
The sergeant muttered, believing his words.
"As a loyal soldier of the Empire, you have my word that we bear no malicious intent toward anyone inside the backrooms, provided they aren't hostile."
The sergeant continued, trying to force a smile despite the unusual situation. The little blue creature introduced itself as a robot earlier. An autonomous construct; still, that information didn't provide any relief to the sergeant.
After some time of silence, with both sides unsure of what to do, remained frozen. Ichiro noted the appearance of the soldiers and general physicality of the soldiers.
"They look exhausted and maybe suffering from malnutrition?"
Ichiro noted, he's been in enough check-ups and clinics to the point that he knew how to judge the general health of a person.
"We only want to go back to our worlds."
Doraemon said, lightly easing out of his cautious stance. He was also fishing for answers, trying to see if these soldiers truly understood the backrooms. The sergeant then breathed a sigh of relief; he had found his footing with the small blue robot's comment.
"We may be able to help you with that. We got the Empire's brightest and most dedicated scientists studying this whole place. In the meantime, we can provide relief and shelter."
The sergeant said, opening his arms. However, Doraemon remained skeptical. He too had noted the appearance of the soldiers; they looked exhausted and rugged. From their appearance, the soldiers looked like deserters, not disciplined soldiers.
"We appreciate the sentiment, but we will not be accepting your help. Besides, I doubt you have the resources to help us. We're fine on our own."
Doraemon answered, holding out his hand, while walking towards his group from behind. The sergeant didn't know what to say further; he was to offer help to the lost souls based on the leaflets and crash course training.
Theoretically, the lost souls would likely accept any practical aid after being stuck in these backrooms for so long. However, the first encounter was about to fail, and the sergeant didn't know what to say next.
"Wait!"
A young woman's voice boomed. The sergeant immediately recognized the voice and then straightened himself and turned around, saluting the young woman.
Ichiro stared at the young woman, who was not even older than his daughter, and was also wearing military attire. The young woman had golden-blonde hair and a non-imposing height, the height of a child.
The remaining soldiers, however, straightened up and performed a salute — a mark of deference that seemed to stem from something deeper than her uniform or the rank.
"I am Lieutenant Colonel Tanya von Degurechaff. We're part of the Empire's forward scouts to ascertain this place."
Tanya introduced herself, recognizing the small blue robot but trying not to show it. She too was surprised beneath her neutral expression. Ichiro caught on it for a slight moment.
"We have no doubt that you will be fine on your own, and you have the choice not to establish diplomatic talks with us."
Tanya shouted, slightly surprising the rest of the soldiers with her words.
"However, we wish to establish proper communications with you. We have the resources of an entire powerful country behind us. Whatever your requests are, from basic necessities to wanted luxury goods, we may be able to provide it."
Tanya cleared her throat.
"In summary, we wish to be friends with you. We are also willing to provide help."
Tanya announced, then put both her hands behind her, staring at the group of survivors. Ichiro was cautious; the Empire, whatever it may be. Was an imperialist power, that much Ichiro could say from the uniforms and the language.
And imperialist powers have the tendency to take whatever they wanted with or without justification. Ichiro had other immediate problems; he didn't want to be entangled with whatever this Empire was.
As for the language. [ Translation Konjac ] was really useful. Ichiro pointed out that without it, the two sides might never have been able to understand each other.
Doraemon and Nobita seemed unsure. Now that Doraemon had joined the group, he quietly wondered if seeking assistance from a foreign power was truly a good idea. Nobita was unsure, Ichiro was reluctant, and the cyborg woman didn't express any opinion.
"No, thank you. We will be on our way then."
Doraemon insisted, he had second doubts about this Empire. He also still had some stockpile of foodstuffs and other supplies. They would survive on their own.
"There are undead creatures roaming around this place. We know some information about them. We can give you some information in exchange for some cooperation."
Tanya said, trying another bait.
"Not only that, there are some very powerful beings roaming around. If we work together, we may be able to help each other."
Tanya's expression darkened as she recalled a dangerous encounter with a bug-like creature and a maid. After a moment of hesitation, Doraemon reached into his fourth-dimensional pocket to rummage for something.
"Coinflip Decision!"
Doraemon pulled out a golden coin with a loud announcement, instantly putting the soldiers on guard, aiming their rifles at the group.
"Stop!" Tanya ordered, instantly lowering the soldiers' rifles.
With that, Doraemon whispered something to the coin and then flipped it. After it landed on heads, Doraemon sighed and agreed to cooperate. At least for now.
(The next chapter is chain user.)