Ciconia no Naku Koro ni

One hundred years after World War III nearly destroyed the world, cutting-edge technology reversed nuclear winter, allowing the population to soar into the tens of billions. A new ultimate weapon, the Gauntlet, emerged—worn on the left arm, its knights could fly like jets, fight like battleships, and defend like tanks. Only those with rare talents and childhood training could wield them, numbering fewer than 150,000 worldwide. After the International Battle Standard Festival, these young knights became friends, vowing to prevent another global war. Yet World War IV looms like falling dominoes. These children are meant to be heroes, but they're mere pieces on a chessboard. Who are the players? What are the victory conditions? Peace? War? Annihilation? The foretold tragedy—is it a scheme or a delusion? There's no need to resist. Pieces must dance within tragedy's grasp. You are not my opponent. You are a piece for my amusement. You will not be a player in this game!