Chapter 1: Portal From Another World

New Delhi, Residency of Delhi, British Raj

March 28th, 1859

The 19th Century is when the world started to drastically change within just a short time span, less than 10 years. Bursting like a lightning, thundering down on Earth from the clouds. Humanity has risen itself and took a step into a modern era with a huge debut that roared the changes it came with. From using coal and hand crafting to using steam machine and automatic production by machine. The Britannia Empire undergoes a continuous and massive Industrial Revolution that changed the simple Steam Technology into a more advanced one

Eventhough still relying on steam energy, the Technological changes made the Empire to change and flourish as an Industrial Country with the invention of Steam Robot and Automatic System, Ship Propulsion System, Steam Train, Aviation Technology from the United States of Freedonia, Telecommunication, and Improved Electricity System. All thanks to Intellectuals and Inventors of both the Empire and the World. And all that were not just for the Home Country of the Empire but also to the vast territory of the Briannia Empire, especially the Crown Colony of India

Through its military might and naval power superiority, rivaled only by the rising Germania Confederation Army under the Prussian banner with Otto Von Bismarck as its Pioneer and New Napoleonic Francia under Napoleon’s Nephew, General-Emperor Napoleon III Army, unrivaled in the world, the Empire expanded its holdings through the world. The Royal Navy of the Britannia Empire, with its vast fleet and advanced technologies that were implanted into the vessels, shone their might to the world as they went to rule the seas for her majesty, Queen Victoria

These two factors along with the Empire’s Technological advantage helped the British Colonial Endeavor, conquering many territories in both Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Although, it had lost one of its important Colonies in the 18th century in North America that now became the independent growing free country, the United States of Freedonia, thus shrinking the Empire’s Colonial Territories in the Americas with only Canada and a few islands in the Caribbean. Thus making the 18th century and  the 19th century the era of Pax Britannica where Britain ruled the waves

India, or as it was known at the time, The Maharaja or The British Raj was the Crown Jewel of the British Empire at the height of its power. It is the largest colony that the Britannia have in its Commonwealth realm. It was twice the size of the home Islands of Britain and Ireland combined with more population than in Britain and Ireland that includes both British and Indian citizen and even from other British colonies and other countries. The Colony’s Capital City, New Delhi, retained its name from the now defunct Delhi Sultanate that ruled India once before it was brought down by the might of the British Military about 50 years ago

India has been modernized by their British rulers in which train transportation system was implemented and built and it’s still continuing to be worked on along with Electricity and Telecommunication network. There are also several reforms on agriculture and society, making the Colony to prosper. India is also the most protected British colony with the presence of British troops and heavy equipment from Britannia, ANZAC soldiers from Australia and New Zealand, Canadian soldiers, Hanoverian Legionnaires, and of course Indian soldiers consisted of Sikhs, Punjabis, Sepoys, Pakistanis, and the famous Gurkhas from Nepal

But what both the people in India, Britain, and the whole world didn’t know is that a dark turn will soon take place in the Maharaja

Delhi Townsquare

The Townsquare of Delhi is bustling with citizens of the Colony, both from India and Britain and also some minorities from other British colonies such as Australia and Canada. Because it was Sunday, the people came here for fun. Every Saturday and Sunday, the Commission for Culture and Art holds a weekly festival called ‘Saint Diona’ where people would gather and go together with their friends and family to enjoy the festival. The banners of the festival that have the symbol of the Saint of Festival, Diona (an illustration of a young girl in white with two white trumpets beside her, a round colorful flower arrangement in front of the young girl, and three white stars above the young girl) were flown to symbolize the the festival. There’s even a monument in the middle of the townsquare which represent the Conquest of the Subcontinent by British Empire. Stands were set up everywhere too at the townsquare, selling things like foods, beverages, and other things for people to enjoy. There are also some stands for displays and games for people to play and look. Both the elderly and the youth were crowding the Townsquare of Delhi

The Delhi Metro Police Force is consisted of both British and Indian policemen armed with stun baton and revolver were on patrol and supervision duty at the festival in case of some unwanted issue like a civil unrest. There’s also military presence there to bolster the Police but just a number of small units under civilian disguise, armed with standard issued Self-Loading Martini Henry rifle, and off-duty, enjoying the festival too. A number of Police Chariot carriers, armed with Maxim gun were also present at the festival along with mounted policemen. Overall, the security of the festival is ensured and people can enjoy the festival without worry

Or at least, supposedly until much later

And among the people enjoying the Saint Diona Festival was a young boy, barely 19 years old. This young boy’s name is Jonathan Davis Malborough. He’s a young boy born in England from a family of noble of Viscount rank, Viscount and Viscountess Malborough. He has straight light auburn brown hair, diamond blue eyes, fair light white skin, and masculine medium built. Today at the festival, we can see him sitting on chair at a small Cafe stand seat with a cup of fine Darjeeling tea,small bottle of milk, a jar of sugar, a teaspoon, an Anglo-Indian mixed dish Peri-Peri chicken sandwich, a small book, and a pen on the table

This is his story full of action, adventure, unbelievable fantasy, friendship, and romance

{Jonathan’s POV}

I always thought that fantasy is… well, a fantasy, Something that is not real or couldn’t be possible to exist. That is what I thought since I reached my early adulthood at the age if 18. Before that, I was always fascinated by the stories of knights, magic, dragons, and other otherworldly fantasy things. When I was a child my mother used to read me those kind of stories before going to bed and my father used to bring me with him to theatre to watch fantasy movies. One example of those fantasy saga that I remembered in my childhood is the legend of King Arthur and the Camelot that is still popular today. A classical English fantasy from the olden age

Oh? I forgot to introduce myself while talking about fantasy?

Well, I suppose I should introduce myself then

My name is Jonathan Davis Malborough, just an ordinary 19 year old boy spending his time at the festival. Dandy right? Heh, of course that’s not all there is to me. No need to know who I am right now. For now, I shall enjoy today’s lovely festivities with a cup of tea, a mixed cultural dish, and writing on my journal. Today’s weekly festival is unlike the usual, today’s weekly festival is a special one because today we are celebrating the 10th anniversary of the conquest of India

That may… infuriated the local people considering that today is celebrating the day when the East India Company took over India by winning the Battle of Plassey, the Battle of Buxar, and the Siege of the old Delhi against the declining Islamic Mughal Empire that led to its fall and the installment of colonial rule in India. But as it turns out, the Indian people were a lot more happier with our rule than their former ruler who led India into total anarchy and religious clash between the Hindus and the Muslims

When we first established our rule in India, it was not administrated by the crown, but was instead given to the East India Company who first set their foot India for Britain. Truth to be told that their administration went well for a few decades until the 1857 mutiny two years ago which led to the collapse of the Company’s rule which was then replaced with Imperial Rule with the shutdown of East India Company and the coronation of Queen Victoria as the Emperor of India. And since then India have been the crown colony of the British Empire

Oh? You want to know how I got here?

Well… if you insist on knowing that, then I shall indulge you… but later, on. You just need to put up with it for a well until then. For now, let’s focus on the ‘now’ for now. Right now, I’m relaxing at a small Anglo-Indian cafe called ‘Bijabury’ which is a mix of an Indian place ‘Bijapur’ and English place ‘Canterbury’ where they served a mixture of British and Indian delicacies along with classic cafe beverages like coffee and tea. I ordered a Peri-Peri chicken sandwich and a cup of Darjeeling tea to dine in a the place, sitting down at one of the seats while enjoying the morning festivities and accounting all of it in my letter to my sister back in England

“Dear Lily,

How is it in England? If you are wondering how I am in India… I’m doing great. Nothing out of the ordinary nor there are any more insurrection from the Indians since the Crown decided to replace the East India Company as its ruler. The people here are way more happier and comfortable with the Crown’s rule rather when they were under the Company. You have been wanting to go to India right? To see and experience other cultures that are different from European cultures. Well, I got a week of rest next week. Then you can come either by just yourself or if you want, with father and mother and I shall come to pick you all up at Mumbai International Airport. Until then… I will see you next week

Your beloved brother, John”

That was all that I have written for my sister. I will send it later after the festival is done. I will also slip in some photos of the festival in the letter, to let her know about India more clearly aside from just reading it from geography of history books without visualizing how India looks like. I hope that she and our parents will come to India and I will show them the country where I have served for two years away from Britain. I hope they will like it here and see new things with their own eyes instead of through countless words on papers

It was a relaxing moment for me to enjoy my day off and like what the Americans like to say in their casual way saying things ‘to chill out’ from all the stress and burden of work. Sure that the Cafe is bustling with many patrons and costumer and that the best way to relax is to be alone, but either way I can still relax even with this kind of atmosphere. As long as I’m away from work environment. But that doesn’t mean that I hate my job. In fact I’m proud of my job

And no, I won’t tell you about who I really am just yet. That will come later soon, I promise. Just… hold your horses

Anyway, while I was enjoying my breakfast, two people, one that I recognize and the other one I don’t recognize, came up to me. One of them is a white man with straight blonde hair and blue eyes dressed in tan coat (not a fancy one), white shirt, dark brown trousers tightened with a belt, a pair of black boots, and a slouch hat while the other one is an Indian man with straight dark hair and dark brown eyes dressed in traditional Indian clothing which is consisted of purple turban, white long sleeved shirt, black knee-height trousers, and a pair of Indian shoes (Padukas)

“Well, look who it is? Fancy meeting you here, John” The white man greeted me

I closed my journal and smiled at them before greeting them back “And so do I. I assume that you are also enjoying your share of leisure time here eh, Blake?”

“Yeah, I heard that the St. Diona festival is one that is worth to be enjoyed and I came here with my friend, Madhav here” He said, gesturing to his Indian friend “He’s from the Royal Delhi Police Force” He continued

The Indian Policemen nodded and tipped his turban a bit at me as a form of greetings

”Yes, it’s nice to meet you, Mr. John. I’ve heard a a lot about you from Blake and I’m fascinated with all of your spectacular achievements. You’ve contributed a lot not just for Britain, but also India”

I smiled at him “Why thank you my good sir. But please, I didn’t do all those things just to get some fame or be labeled as a ‘hero’. I’m just doing what I think is right, in my mind anyway” I said

Blake chuckled in response “Heh, as sole minded as ever, John. Glad that you never stray away from your ideals and visions” He remarked

“And I can assure that I won’t ever do that. Without all of that, I will not be ‘myself’ and I will certainly never step on this land” I replied before I took a sip of my cup of Darjeeling tea. After I put the cup of tea down on the saucer “Take a seat you two. We’re all off-duty y’know. No need to be so tense or formal and besides… I’m younger than you two” I told them, gesturing to the empty three chairs around the table of the seat I’m at

They quickly took my offer and sat on the chairs I gestured. After they each took their seat, Blake noticed my Journal on the table. He then asked me “Ah, with your Journal as always. But today I noticed that you’re not writing some stuff today for yourself. So, who is it for?” He then paused to gasp “Oh don’t tell me that you have a secret lover somewhere? I’m really jealous of you, John” He continued with an exasperated look

I nervously let out a sweat and shook my head “Oh no no no! It’s not for a lover and I don’t even have one. It’s for my sister” I replied

“Oh really? Bummer… I thought that you have one. But I guess no…or are ya lyin’? I mean, you’re a son of a middle ranking nobles. I’m certain that your parent would arrange you a marriage with a young lady from a noble family back in Britain” He said then he paused. His look is one of realization. I’m not feeling good about that look he has. He’s probably going to say something weird if I know him “Or wait, are you in some sort of incest relationship with your sister?”

I sweat dropped

And I can also feel that Madhav is sweat dropping too

“Umm, I think you’re way off the mark there, Aussie. I don’t know how you came to that conclusion. Please, don’t talk about anyone’s sister like that” I replied. And for the record: Yes, that’s right. This fellow is an Australian “I mean… sure that I love my sister along with the rest of my family.. But it’s just that: familial love” I told him “And no, I’m not engaged to anyone. I would rather find my future lady on my own rather than relying on my nobility status”

Blake let out a small laugh while gently slamming his fist on the table “Yeah, I know I’m just messing with ya, Brit” He then called one of the Cafe’s waiters to order himself and Madhav some food and drink “Oy! Any waiters here available for us?” He called out to them

One of the waiters who is currently not serving the customers quickly went to our table, carrying a note book to write Blake’s and Madhav’s order “What can I get for you two, sirs?”

“I’ll have a good o’ cup of Italian Flat White and Sikh Kebab with cheese” Blake told the Waiter

“And I think I’ll have a glass of Mint Lassi and spicy Phav Bhaji with some Kaiser Rolls” Madhav then told his order to the Waiter after Blake as the Waiter wrote down the letter. After done writing down their orders, the Waiter excused himself and went back to get their orders prepped

“Sooo” Blake began “Any interesting news from abroad” He asked

I shrugged my shoulders “Not much that I know about. But there’s another ongoing war between the newly independent Kingdom of Italy against the Austro-Hungarian Empire. So far, the Austrians held what the Italians want which is Venice but I heard that France is going to send an Intervention Forces under its Dictator, Napoleon III to aid the Italians in the war” I told them both “So I think the Italians will win the war especially with them using unconventional tactics against the Austrians and that the French will aid them”

“You said ‘not much’ but that’s definitely a big event happenin’ in Europe” Blake remarked “The Italians will get their lands back from the sooner or later if they play with the right hands, especially when the French joined in ganging on the Austrians”

“Yeah, and this war started 10 years after the second French Revolution right? And that with the Napoleon’s nephew leading France” Madhav said “Although, from what I’ve heard… he’s completely different from his uncle”

I nodded “Indeed, and not just because he’s a completely different people. We all know that’s obvious” I joked at first, making both Blake and Madhav to chuckle “He focused only on making France great again, just like during his Uncle’s era. His Uncle on the other hand… while he indeed focused on spreading his influence throughout Europe, he also reformed France when he became Emperor. I mean yeah, Napoleon III tried to reform France too but he failed to do so because he was focusing so much on re-glorifying France. So in summary, the uncle is competent while the nephew is incompetent” I continued with  the explanation “I also heard that the new Northern German Confederation is irritating him and inviting him to a war”

Blake sighed, placing his slouch hat on the table before before brushing his hair with his hand “Well, Europe is gonna have to endure another big conflict either after the Italian war or when it’s still in progress. Who knows how things would turn out in there”

“One thing for sure though: It’s going to be disastrous” Madhav added

I nodded in agreement “Couldn’t disagree with that. It’s going to be disastrous\, especially with the Germans fielding that mega railway gun\, Herrscher der Verwüstung” I then grabbed my sandwich and took a bite of it *munch*. Mmm\, delicious\~

We continued to talk about a bunch of stuffs. While deep in our conversation, both Blake’s and Madhav’s orders finally arrived at the table. We then continued our conversation while also having breakfast together. We talked about our life and events around the world mostly about wars while the Saint Diona festival is ongoing in full swing with people around the town square visiting various stalls and stands at the festival, enjoying the festivities with sheer excitement that made the St. Diona, a festival that is commemorated by many people from different cultures. The Military and Indian Police patrolling around the town center, ensuring the safety of the people at the festival from any crimes or possible revolt from various rebel groups. But all in all, India is safe rebellions and revolts, just some small unknown crimes there and there popping out randomly

After we finished our breakfast at the cafe, we paid for all of our orders and head out to the festival venue. It’s my free day and I guess that goes to both Blake and Madhav too. Might as well look around and enjoy the festival for a bit, not just sitting idly around somewhere nearby watching the festival. That would be a waste of time and I’m not about to waste my free day like that. Joining on in the festival with everyone else might worth the time and we might have a ball from the festival

So I went with both Blake and Madhav to the festival, walking and looking around the festival fairs, stands, and stalls. There are various of them, but most of them are all about gourmet and entertainment stuffs like the cafe where we had breakfast earlier. So we decided to spend our time on some entertainment-based stands which mostly include games and performances. We went to a shooting game stand in which we have to shoot some miniature sized dummies on three sections rack using a fake rifle or toy gun that resembles the currently in service British and Commonwealth military rifle

It was a day full of jolliness

(Three hours later)

“Ahh, what a day!” Blake exclaimed, stretching his arms up and backwards “This festival is much more fun than I had thought. At first, I thought this kind of festival is the kind of jam for children and teenagers” He then crossed his arms behind his head and rested his head on them “But I guess I misjudged it”

I laughed nervously, sweat dropping “Ahahaha, yeah…” Though, in my head I was actually saying ‘If you forgot I’m a teenager…” Uhhh, kind of? I mean 19 is the age for late teenagers and a transition to adulthood. So I think I might be both correct and wrong on that

“Well, we have spent so much time here together for a while now. It seems we enjoyed it a lot” Madhav remarked “Despite our coming from different culture, whether as an Englishmen or an Australian or a Punjabi like me, we can still have fun together without caring about all that. Not many people have views like that”

I smiled and nodded “You’re right, Madhav. Unity in Diversity will make people viewing each other as equal and would result in them living in mutual respect and cooperation. A new age with that kind of life is coming in the near future, maybe closer than we think. I can feel it” I then looked at the sky. A flock of pigeons flew by as if that what I said is reflected by the movement of those birds

But then, I noticed that somehow, something is off. I don’t know what, but I have bad feeling about this

The air suddenly got eerie and the sky suddenly turned blood red. The sun eventhough still shinning its ray of light, was in the shade of complete blackness. The excitement and jolliness of the festivities suddenly dissipated, replacing them with grim and dreading atmosphere. All soon turned into darkness, not literal darkness though, but a darkness that crept in the mind and soul of humans

It feels as if there’s something that’s unknown and evil is about to descend into this world. The people at the festival looked up up into the sky with worry and fear plastered on their face. Just like from those kind of fictional stories and no one expect that such thing could happen to this world. But, eventhough I’m not that much of a believer, I guess fate and destiny are predetermined

“Uh… w-what’s going on? Why’s the sky suddenly turned red? Is this part of the festival” Blake asked in confusion while looking up at the sky

“I don’t know. I don’t think that this supposed to happen, especially in this broad day light” I said, looking up into the sky before looking around my surroundings. So far, nothing out of the ordinary on the ground. Only the sky that acted abnormally

“This is really weird… Is it… the end of the world?” Madhav asked in confusion. I don’t know how he got into that kind of conclusion, but it feels really that the world is about to end and yet at the same time… it’s not the case

Suddenly, in the middle of the Town Square, where the monument of the Conquest of India is, some sort of floating mirror with golden red frame suddenly appeared magically out of nowhere. But it didn’t just suddenly appear, poofing out like thin air. When it appeared, it caused a strong shockwave centered in the center of the townsquare and broke the monument as it crumble into pieces pebbles and stones. The aura of that golden red frame, I can describe it as ominous because it feels as if somethings, not good things are going to come out from that frame which if it does, then it’s no longer a frame but a portal from another world. And I’m afraid that is the case

A horde of these… non-human humanoid creatures clad in black medieval armor and medieval weapons like swords, axes, maces, spears, and such suddenly came out from that portal. They looked like soldiers of the darkness that emerged from Hell to wreck havoc on Earth. And they weren’t alone

They were also accompanied by the same black armored soldiers but mounted on these mystical horses that have the aura of darkness and these monstrous flying reptiles. In other words… fire-breathing dragons. At first they were numbered in dozens then hundreds and then… thousands. When they first set their foot, hooves, and claws on the soil of India, they slayed the first human they spotted, and then another, and then another again and again with cold blood and no mercy at all

I gritted my teeth at the sight of innocent people being slaughtered by these inhumane creatures from the darkness. This is terrible. I couldn’t bear such disaster unfolds. Not if I can do anything about it

Well… I guess I can reveal who I am now

I pulled out a W&S ECM (that stands for Webley and Scott Easy Cylindrical Magazine) Revolver and a steel grip handle with a switch on it from my belt holsters. I then pulled the cock of my revolver back, ready to fire at anytime and turn flipped the switch of the grip handle as a sharp steel blade retracted out from the grip handle, transforming the grip handle into its true form, a Saber

“Gentlemen” I addressed both Blake and Madhav before continuing “You know what we must do right?”

They both nodded as Blake pulled out his QL (stands for quick loading) Enfield 1855 rifle hidden under his coat, retracting its bayonet and Madhav pulled out his Self-Loading Martini-Henry rifle from his back before answering to my question “Yes, sir!”

I am Captain Jonathan Davis Malbourough of the 96th Royal Rifles Brigade of Her Majesty’s Royal Army along with all British and Commonwealth soldiers shall fight back the otherworldly threat

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***