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  However, no matter how well-intentioned things have been made, I can only regret the lack of scientific rigor and basic knowledge in chemistry demonstrated so far. The experiments conducted by Colonel Montoya may have opened our eyes to the possibilities of extra sensorial capacities enhancement, but they do not allow to reach any definitive conclusion.

  Among a long list of incongruities, I must underline the following:

  The so-called elixir used is of poor and—most importantly—varying quality. The many bottles we currently have at the fort all present disparate concentrations of Polobrag, mixed with different ingredients, and taken from plants at diverse stages of growth. As such, no conclusion can be reached regarding the effects of this potion.

  The mold flourishing in the officer’s building is unknown to the scientific community of the Empire, as this fungus can’t be found within our borders. Nevertheless, I had the curiosity to study also the works of botanists from the Southern Continent of Valkya and recognized it as Fetexus Denuxium, a rare mycelium sought after for its many properties.

  To go further in this exhilarating and important research, we will need to brew this elixir here in Worldsend Garrison. Our scope is to make it in a controlled environment so that we can perfect it by sampling different formulas and concentrations. Sushi believes younger Polobrag, taken before they reach the second flowering stage, might be more efficient. I tend to trust his intuition on the matter. On my side, I would like to try various mixes, especially with herbs known for their healing power in case of dementia.

  Also, we will need higher quantities of Fetexus Denuxium, but Colonel Montoya is reluctant to agree with my suggestion of suspending the daily cleaning of the officer’s building. The only solution I see is to have a room dedicated to the growth of this wonderful and exciting mycelium.

  In the next pages, you will find the list of material and ingredients I require to pursue my research. On top of it, I would like to express the necessity of a second assistant, as the volume of work ahead of us is important.

  With respect,

  Doctor Monroe

  Letter 5

  To Empress Theodora,

  Your answer to Lieutenant Monroe was duly transmitted, and, I trust, unequivocally understood.

  While both he and Sergeant Sushi display an obvious lack of interest for military discipline, they now keep their opinion for themselves and actually make great companions, appreciated by officers and soldiers.

  More importantly, their dedication to their task is outstanding. We would never have dreamed of reaching this stage without their help.

  Respectfully and dutifully yours,

  Colonel Montoya

  ***

  Your Majesty,

  I, Lieutenant Monroe, confirm that I understood your unequivocal answer and will from now on report only the results of my research, consigning the scientific details in a document that will be archived and consulted if needed.

  I, Lieutenant Monroe, also confirm that from now on the lists of necessary equipment will be sent through Sergeant James to your intendant, as is usual in Worldsend Garrison for centuries.

  I, Lieutenant Monroe, certify that both I and Sergeant Sushi are perfectly aware of our ranks in the Imperial Army and will respect this intemporal institution.

  In this brief report, I take the liberty to inform you concerning the status of our research:

  We have set up the distillery allowing us to have control on the fabrication of elixir.

  Colonel Montoya ordered for the room adjacent to our laboratory not to be cleaned anymore, and we have a constant supply of Fetexus Denuxium fungus mold.

  We have the full cooperation of the officers and soldiers here.

  I hope to send you interesting information with my next report.

  Reverently,

  Doctor Monroe

  Letter 6

  To Empress Theodora,

  It has been many weeks since I didn’t take my quill to inform you about the situation in Worldsend Garrison. I deem time has come to share with you the positive outcomes of the past months.

  Since my last missive, we had to face five assaults—four of them being nocturnal and one in broad daylight—, ranging in severity from mild to ferocious. I am glad to report that all of them have been accurately predicted, in terms of timing, location, and intensity, and our response has always been adequate.

  The visions of those with the capacity to Know have become clearer. A quarter of the persons in the fort is now able to foresee the attacks, some of them many days before they happen. According to their statements, images are more vivid than ever, allowing them to pinpoint the exact place and even the number of aggressors.

  With this information, we can install the cannons and machine guns well before the offensives, giving us a valuable advantage.

  Until now, our men had to rush at the last minute, setting up our defenses wherever they could, in a hurry. Our situation was not always the most convenient, and soldiers were tired before the battle even started. This has already changed drastically, and our combatants are prepared to fight the invaders as soon as those appear.

  Ascertaining the precise hour of the offensive remains more difficult. The present clarity of the visions allows us to uncover important details—like the position of the sun or the moon—, which give us a crude indication of the time of the day. Determining the exact moment is still impossible, though, and I chose to have our defensive lines permanently guarded as soon as we learn that an attack is imminent.

  This is an additional burden for the troops, but they accept it gladly, as the results are above expectations.

  However, I have to highlight an important drawback to this otherwise exceptionally positive new situation.

  The capacity to know seems to be an albatross for those having this gift. What we choose to call visions are actually nightmares, and their increasing intensity could take its toll on some soldiers’ sanity. They have proven their courage numerous times, their backbone is as strong as could be, and cowardice is not part of their vocabulary. They witnessed the horrors of war firsthand and are not easily impressed.

  Nonetheless, their dreams terrify them. The fear can be observed in their eyes, the tension shows all over their body. I do not understand why the vision of those monsters is so powerful but it is, undeniably. Perhaps the capacity to Know is due to a mental link with those horrendous abominations which proves to be unbearable for most.

  Having seen the way they look, I can’t fathom the kind of horrors lying within those creature’s mind.

  It chills my bone to think that maybe some of our men could be reading the insanities within the brains of the multiple-headed squid-likes spider commanding the attacks… I’d rather lose the advantage of being prepared than submit our soldiers to such atrocities.

  But I am digressing, and I still have many important matters to report.

  ***

  The progress made in terms of prevention is huge, but are nothing compared to the prodigious leap done when it comes to the other extra sensorial capacities: Feeling and Seeing.

  I can safely announce that the majority of our soldiers are now able, at varying degrees, to feel and see the enemy.

  I remember how it was when we were fighting an invisible opponent, most of the men totally blind, unaware that they were surrounded. We were battling in the dark, killing only by sheer luck. This seems like an eternity, but this was only last year. Things have changed drastically in the past months.

  Concerning the benefits of the new elixir on this capacity, I can report firsthand, as I always had the gift to see. However, it was not as sharp as it is now. I could perceive their unearthly shape, but I was unaware of their details, they were lost in a blur.

  This is not the case anymore.

  I realize that the dark circle on their heads is a decoy, not an organ of sight as I used to believe. Their eyes—they actually have three of them—are held on a tentacle on their back, like a common snail woul
d. Experience showed us that the creatures do not fight as valiantly when they are blinded.

  I also understood why we were having such a hard time killing those monsters. A machine gun pointed at them could fire a full round without them staggering. Their scales are incredibly resistant, made of a material stronger than steel, and our bullets are barely scratching them. But where their feathery skin is exposed, our weapons do lethal damages. Now, we know where to aim and do not need to waste our ammunition.

  Feeling those creatures might seem useless when you can see them, but it is far from being the case. Our enemy is sneaky.

  Most of their attacks happen by night, and human eye is not well adapted to such conditions. During a new moon, when the clouds hide the stars, we remain almost as blind as we were before the Elixir. While focusing on the monster in front of us, trying to take good aim, we can easily be surrounded by others. They move silently, or at least we are not able to hear them, and only the capacity of Feeling their presence warns us of the incoming threat.

  Fighting during the night remains more dangerous, but this has always been the case in any conflict, no matter who the enemy is.

  The development of our abilities to See and Feel has greatly increased our chances in this ongoing war. They caught us unprepared centuries ago, and managed to overcome us. But now, we can respond efficiently. We are quicker than them, and better armed. There is no doubt that our intellect is incredibly superior to theirs, at least when it concerns the minions effectively invading the beach.

  Now that we can spot them, they stand no chance.

  However, I must inform you that the capacity to See had a strong emotional and psychological impact on some of our soldiers. Not all of them were prepared to actually face the crude reality of the enemy, and a few of them fainted.

  But the resilience and potential to adapt of the human mind are limitless, and those who had problems at the beginning quickly recover. If possible, their resolve to destroy our opponent seems amplified by the knowledge of their otherworldly iniquity.

  ***

  The work done by Lieutenant Monroe and Sergeant Sushi has been absolutely incredible, and is highly valued by the entire group of officers, but also by our soldiers. Their initial difficulties to settle have been long forgotten, and their dedication is remarkable, as are the results of their research.

  We would have needed years to reach the conclusion they found within a few weeks, and it is actually likely that we might never have made some of their discoveries. Their contribution to our recent victories can’t be overestimated.

  I admit I was afraid that the nature of their relation would be a cause for unrest among the soldiers, but it hasn’t been the case at all. I’ve been paying a special attention to this matter since the beginning, and I confirm absolutely no one in Worldsend Garrison feels awkward about their choices and nobody’s misjudging them.

  Once again, they are respected and valued member of the fort.

  Thanks to them, I can gladly inform you that Worldsend Garrison has suffered no loss for more than three months. This had never happened since my arrival, and Lieutenant Sebastian—who’s been serving here for most of his life—, can’t remember either such a long period without bereavement.

  Another upside of our advances is that we no longer feel dangerously understaffed. Thanks to the efforts of the Empire, recruits keep on coming and we can now handle the fort without overworking the soldiers.

  Sergeant Camillo suggested that we could allow a day off per month, so that our men could rest. I refused for the moment, but I remain open to this possibility if things continue improving at the same rhythm.

  Respectfully and dutifully yours,

  Colonel Montoya

  Letter 7

  To Empress Theodora,

  You will find enclosed Lieutenant Monroe’s last report about the significant conclusions he reached.

  I must inform that we had a fiery argument in the matter of further development in the research with regard to the Elixir. While I highly esteem his abilities and trust his instinct, I know that he is making a mistake and consider we are limiting our capacities.

  However, I obey your orders and will not interfere in the way they conduct their work and allow them to follow any direction they deem best for the safety of the Empire.

  Respectfully and dutifully yours,

  Colonel Montoya

  ***

  Your Majesty,

  I, Lieutenant Monroe, dutifully report the excerpt of our last investigations concerning the Elixir, as it is now called in the fort, and the extra sensorial skills:

  The abilities to Feel and See are one and the same, triggered by identical receptors.

  The potential to Know is developed in a distinct area of the brain, and can’t be stimulated together with the other aptitudes.

  Formulas of the Elixir are different for both capacities and, as such, we should be talking of Elixirs. Sergeant Sushi and I are confident we can reach the optimal recipe for each within the next weeks.

  Also, I would like to express my professional opinion that, to the best of my understanding, it is biologically unthinkable for a single person to combine the ability to Know, with the one to Feel and See.

  To Colonel Montoya’s dismay, I decided to stop wasting time searching in this direction, focusing on the development of an Elixir for each of those capabilities.

  While I do not dismiss the legend of Colonel Sigalvo, who allegedly was gifted with Knowing and Feeling, I simply do not believe it possible for one soldier to have control of the three different talents.

  Scientific evidence shows that this wish of our Commander is unfortunately just this: a wish.

  Devotedly,

  Lieutenant Monroe

  Letter 8

  To Empress Theodora,

  I am glad to add to this letter the final report by Lieutenant Monroe.

  We are elated with the work accomplished, and I can safely say that soldiers of Worldsend Garrison never felt as optimistic about the issue of the war as we are today.

  Respectfully and dutifully yours,

  Colonel Montoya

  ***

  Your Majesty,

  I, Lieutenant Monroe, gleefully deliver my ultimate update concerning the Elixir:

  The Elixir A, developed for the ability to feel and see, is finalized. Its formula and posology have been consigned in the fort’s archive, and a copy has been sent to the Empire’s Intendant by Sergeant James, for safe-keeping. It is estimated to work with 65 to 70% of the population, giving them the faculty to its full extent.

  The Elixir B, developed for the ability to know, is finalized. Its formula and posology have been consigned in the fort’s archive, and a copy has been sent to the Empire’s Intendant for safe-keeping. It is estimated to work with 20 to 25% of the population, but only some of them can enjoy the faculty to its full extent.

  It is estimated that 10 to 15% of the population is non-receptive to those Elixirs, and can’t demonstrate any capacity.

  Also, I am glad to report that our Commander finally concurred that a man can’t develop all three abilities, and reorganized the fort in two corps, based on their predisposition.

  Our work in Worldsend Garrison is now done. After so much time in the arid Karabia desert, both Sergeant Sushi and I can’t wait to see again the green grass surrounding Otezalp and the magnificent pools of the Imperial Palace.

  Faithfully,

  Lieutenant Monroe

  Letter 9

  To Empress Theodora,

  Two days ago, Worldsend Garrison has been reminded that death is always looming around us. However, it arrived in an unusual and unforeseen fashion.

  Zoly, the man in charge of the supply since Ribolev’s disappearance, hadn’t come back as expected with the planned delivery of food and recruits, so we sent a scouting team on the road. Sergeant Camillo was among them, and I am reporting his words as exactly as possible. I must stress out that I have absolute trust in him, and th
e story is corroborated by the soldiers who accompanied him.

  As such, no matter how strange and inexplicable some things might be or how many questions are raised by the incident, I must consider those affirmations as true, and act accordingly.

  ***

  They reached the convoy within the first day, and estimated that it was less than ten miles from the fort, on the marked path leading to the city of Karabia. They immediately noticed that something was wrong.

  The horses were alive and, though they happily welcomed the men and drank greedily when offered some water, didn’t seem to be in a bad shape despite the time spent in the desert. The food, water, and weapons loaded in the cart were still there, visibly untouched. The problem was with our soldiers.

  Zoly’s body was about one hundred yards from the road, on the left side when you come from Worldsend Garrison. He was lying on the burning sand, with his pants down. The powerful sun and the scorching heat of the Karabia desert had taken a serious toll on his remains, that were “dried like some raisins, his skin brittle like a parchment,” as stated by Sergeant Camillo. Having personally seen his cadaver when brought back to the fort, I can say it reminded me of the ancient mummies exposed in the University of Cucaicallo.

  All the recruits were also found dead.

  Their bodies were piled on the road, a few feet behind the carriage. They had no apparent wounds and, while also burnt from the sun and dehydrated, their state of decomposition was in no way comparable to Zoly’s. Importantly, the distance between the wagon and the stack of corpses was, according to Sergeant Camillo, far too great to be explained by them simply falling from the horse cart.