The Human Directorate: A Brief Respite and Unstoppable Progress
Two months of relative calm passed in Zidan's territory, a period that felt like a brief interlude in the heart of an impending storm. The landscape had transformed under his rule, so much so that Zidan decided to give this new entity a name befitting his vision: the Human Directorate. This territory now encompassed Kisor, Sigret, and Lionji, along with dozens of smaller villages and towns that had either willingly joined or been annexed after the fall of their former lords. Life pulsed in every corner, with people diligently working, planting, building, and learning. According to a precise census conducted by Lysander, Javer's loyal assistant, the region's population had swelled to 260,000, a number that would have been impossible without the prosperity and security Zidan had brought.
During this period of apparent peace, Zidan never ceased preparing for the coming war. His army had grown astonishingly, reaching 10,500 active soldiers, all highly trained in modern combat techniques. It wasn't just the numbers that grew; technology did too. Smith, Rojo, and Gabros had managed to produce over 4,000 flintlock pistols, those individual weapons that instilled terror in the hearts of enemies. More impressively, they had succeeded in manufacturing 500 Springfield rifles, operating on a percussion cap system, making them far superior to flintlocks, more reliable in damp conditions, and more accurate. As for cannons, over 80 culverin cannons had been created, those bronze beasts that crushed enemy armies, in addition to 20 Napoleon 12-pounder cannons, of higher quality than the culverins and with greater destructive power.
However, the greatest achievement during this time was the railway project. Smith and Gabros worked tirelessly, inspired by Zidan's blueprints. Railways had indeed been laid, extending from Kisor to Sigret, and were beginning to stretch towards Lionji. On a momentous day, under Zidan's own patronage, the first steam locomotive set off, emitting a booming whistle and puffing smoke into the sky, pulling carriages laden with supplies. The sight was astounding, filling hearts with wonder and admiration. Progress had begun, and the wheels of the Industrial Revolution had started turning in the Human Directorate. Unfortunately, this progress was not destined to last long.
Royal Panic: The Sorcerer's Ultimatum
Meanwhile, in a very distant place, within the Royal Palace in the capital, the atmosphere was charged with terror. King Alexander Albido, his body frail and his face pale, knelt before an old man wearing a pointed hat and a long white beard cascading down his chest. This man was the Sorcerer Maros, who had come from the Magical Sun Empire.
"Alexander," Maros said calmly, his voice deep and serene, yet carrying a tone of absolute authority. "You have become a failed king. Sick, and weak. Unfit to rule this kingdom. You have allowed chaos to spread and rebellions to escalate. You have disappointed the Magical Sun Empire."
King Alexander trembled in fear. "My Lord Arch-Sorcerer! Please! Grant me another chance! I will do anything!"
"I will spare you, Alexander," Maros said, his eyes gleaming coldly. "I will allow you to live, and I will give you one last chance to prove your worth. But on one condition: you must first crush Zidan's rebellion, this young Viscount who uses strange weapons and changes the face of the land. Then, you must secondarily crush Frederick's rebellion. If you fail, I will appoint one of these two as king in your stead. And I will abolish the Kingdom of Albido, replacing it with the rule of Zidan or Frederick. This is the decision of the Council of Sorcerers."
King Alexander smiled fearfully, his face dripping with sweat. "I will do this, My Lord Arch-Sorcerer! I will do this as you command! I will crush them all!"
"And one more thing, Alexander," Maros said, his voice carrying a warning tone. "The closest point to the magic stone mines in the north is located southeast of Kisor, 52 kilometers away. It is a city called Mivali, under the rule of Marquis Matros. If Zidan controls this place, or attempts to extract the magic stone, you will be brutally punished by the Council of Sorcerers in the Magical Sun Empire. We will not tolerate anyone exceeding their limits. The magic stone is not for mortals."
King Alexander stiffened. Mivali! This city was a royal secret, the source of the Magical Empire's power in Albido. If Zidan learned of its existence, or tried to seize control of it, his fate would be worse than death.
After Sorcerer Maros's departure, King Alexander breathed a sigh of true and complete fear. This threat was worse than any rebellion. He was facing a power he could neither comprehend nor resist.
"Guards! Commanders!" King Alexander cried, his voice trembling with fear and anger. "Order all forces to prepare! Send messengers to every noble still under my control! To my sons Geral and Leo! To my daughter Lyra! To Royal Duke Elianus! Ask them to prepare all the forces they can! We must crush this young Viscount! We must destroy him before he destroys us all!"
The messengers began to spread throughout every part of Albido still under King Alexander's rule, going from baron to viscount, count, marquis, and the King's ducal sons. The sparks of war were igniting. A battle was imminent, a battle that would change the destiny of this kingdom.
The core of a massive army, 70,000 strong, began to form in the royal capital of Ciralieh. Drums beat, flags waved, and soldiers gathered from every corner of the kingdom. This was the battle that would determine the fate of Albido, Zidan's fate, and King Alexander's own fate.
What do you think will be the immediate reaction of Zidan's enemies upon learning about his advanced technology and growing power, especially given the new royal decree?