André was surprised. It seemed there was a confusion in the interpretation of the message, which gave him a pleasant surprise and seemed to him a prophecy of his future.
In his previous life he never wanted to be an insignificant person; he wanted to do something great and for someone to remember him when he died. However, at the moment of his death he was full of reluctance: perhaps no one would remember him and he would only be one more statistical number of a plane accident.
Now he had a new opportunity and he did not plan to lose it. His plan was, at least, to conquer this world no matter the cost, even if the flames of war lashed every corner of this place.
That is why he was happy upon seeing that iconic message:
(Who is the owner of this land? — The owner of this world is André Solomon).
"I want you to put these words in every telegraph station. This will be an essential requirement at the moment of the installation of a cabin. As the first message sent, no one must forget it," André said with a smile full of satisfaction.
"In addition, I want you to install a telegraph cabin in every city and town of the County of Solomon. Keep in mind that the personnel who handle these cabins must be under our direct command."
Saying these words, André left the place and returned to his laboratory, where he continued with the restoration of the diary.
**November 13**
That morning, André completed the last process of restoration of the general's diary and at last it was ready to be read. He had not wanted to do it before for fear of losing some essential part, so he waited until the last moment.
Past midday, André entered his study with the general's diary in his hand and began to read.
〈Diary of César Conte | First General of the World Empire〉
〈Year 31 of the World Empire〉
Apparently, this diary detailed the end of the World Empire, which immediately awakened André's interest.
〈August 13 of the year 31〉
His Majesty told me that I only need to contain the rebel army for six months, no matter the losses. I cannot let them advance to the north. Before this order, I can only assent without asking explanations.
〈August 15 of the year 31〉
According to the intelligence collected, the rebel army has managed to gather tens of millions of troops and they call themselves the Army for Liberty.
More than half of our allies of the south have betrayed us and our defense in that region has collapsed.
Tomorrow the second and third legions will depart to face them in their advance toward the north. The first legion will remain safeguarding the royal capital.
His Majesty sent the fourth and fifth legion to the north; he did not explain to me where they were heading.
〈September 18 of the year 31〉
Horrible news keeps arriving. The kingdom of Ellon, in the north, has fallen.
The worst is that it does not seem to have been by the war; it gives the impression that they were simply visited by death. According to the scouts, there was nothing alive in the entire kingdom, not even animals or plants.
〈September 23 of the year 31〉
There is an atmosphere of fear in the air. The rumors that the fall of the kingdom of Ellon was caused by His Majesty's legion of witches have spread throughout the world.
The rebels have taken charge of disseminating this rumor, and their efforts to enter the lands of the north have intensified.
Many neutral kingdoms have joined the rebel ranks. The south of the continent is completely in the hands of the enemy, adding more than ten million troops.
〈December 4 of the year 31〉
We are losing the war, but His Majesty has no intention of sending his legion of witches.
This afternoon I saw one of them arrive before His Majesty; always with her scarlet hair. I believe they are all the same; I have never seen a different color among them.
After she left, His Majesty seemed tired. I dared to ask him if he would finally send them to the front, but he only smiled, shook his head, and told me that they had a much more important mission.
〈January 2 of the year 32〉
The pass toward the lands of the north has fallen. His Majesty entrusted me with the last defense and tomorrow I will depart to the battle front.
〈January 5 of the year 32〉
While I was marching to the battlefield terrible news arrived. The first legion, charged with protecting the royal capital, joined the rebel army.
The capital is under siege, so we returned immediately.
〈January 7 of the year 32〉
I managed to break the siege and enter the royal capital, confirming the security of His Majesty.
At this moment a large-scale war is being waged outside the city. Even so, His Majesty has not called his legion of witches, which is rumored to be the most powerful.
〈January 8 of the year 32〉
Whoever it is that reads this diary, I hope you know that the World Empire was aggrieved.
On the last day of the empire, His Majesty revealed to me the entire truth and I could not help but feel a profound fear for what this world will have to face.
On the cover of the book a map is attached. If you manage to arrive at that place, you will know everything.
If you do not feel prepared to confront indescribable horrors, never follow what is marked on this map.
I write this while the capital remains under siege. Before this situation, His Majesty charged me with hiding the map.
I believe he is already prepared for death. The legion of witches does not appear anywhere, but I am convinced that their mission is more important than the destiny of the World Empire.
〈January 9 of the year 32〉
This early morning the enemies entered the city.
His Majesty was taken by a witch named Joanne. I felt relieved upon seeing him, but his words gave me to understand that he would not live much more than I.
This will be the last time I write in this diary. I am certain that today I will die.
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