quote BlankChocobo's translation

Oriens-- a world in which the Crystal(s?)'s power resounds, the land which spins within a helix.

The age of Ou, year 846, the Water Moon (moon likely referring to the month). The southern country of Byakko sent forth the Irites 'magic armor' corps in their possession, and tresspassed upon the national borders set forth by Rushi. This was a severe violation of the non-aggression agreement between the four nations of Oriens, the "Pax Codex."

"The Irites army nullifies Crystal(s?) using a new technology. The military stronghold city Suzaku, with no way of defending itself, essentially surrendered without a fight. Field marshall Cid __________(rest of the name name not heard) of the Irites army proposed a new contract to Kariya, director of the Perishitirium Suzaku, with the city's disarmament, as well as the dissolution of the contract with the Crystal(s?) as the terms.

It was a virtual declaration of surrender.

However, plans to liberate the capital have already begun from the ground level of the ranks... (possible missed words here)."

"A person can choose niether the world nor the age into which they are born. However, they can choose how they live. This is not a story of a single chapter. It is a history written by ones' own hand, and by fate. May they receive the divine protection of the Crystal(s?)."