Ancient Empire Calendar, Year 1837
One week after Richard was declared Heir, the Kislavein Dynasty moved to the Central Lands, bringing with them all their treasures, members, and the important legacies left by their ancestors.
Many members of the Kislavein Dynasty did not wish to leave Kislathor, their ancestral lands, but when the order to move came from the Dynasty Lord, no one could oppose it.
The Kislavein Dynasty celebrated the new year in their new center, Ricardopolis.
After conquering the city in the Second Great Lands War, Ricardo had spent hundreds of millions of gold coins to rebuild its ancient defense systems.
Similarly, the destroyed homes were rebuilt, the city was expanded tenfold, and this city, which had once been home to the Costin Dynasty, became even more magnificent and splendid in the hands of the Kislavein.
By Ricardo's command, the palace was built ten times larger than its previous size, resembling a colossal mountain with no end in sight.
"A palace worthy of the Ruler of the Five Lands," praised Aybüke Costin.
Sitting on his throne, Ricardo was working on his new project, exchanging ideas with his vassals.
After hours of discussion, Meiran summarized the meeting.
"The Blood Falcons, Blood Orphans, Blood Bastards, Children of the Steppe, Wrath Barons, Red Berets, Sand Worms, Golden Lions, and the Hybrid Army units—the most powerful and professional soldiers of the Five Lands—will be united under a single command and will be named the Death Commandos. These units will be established as forces of thirty thousand soldiers under commands called Corps. One hundred Corps will be established in each Land, totaling five hundred Corps commands. The three million soldiers in each Land will ensure the security and order of their respective Lands."
Ricardo looked at his council.
"Is there anything you don't understand or wish to ask?"
When no council member spoke, Ricardo decided to adjourn the meeting.
"The meeting is adjourned. You may disperse."
As the council members rose, there was a knock at the door.
"Enter," said Ricardo.
A messenger from the Eastern Lands entered the room, knelt, and held a letter bearing the seal of the Ashterah Dynasty Lord.
"Give me the letter," Ricardo commanded.
"As you command."
The messenger rose and respectfully handed the letter to Ricardo.
Ricardo opened the letter and read it. He was somewhat surprised; it was news he had not expected.
Rogan Arlac, one of the council members, asked curiously.
"What does it say, Dynasty Lord?"
"Is the Ashterah Dynasty Lord finally going to abdicate the throne to his son?" asked Arael Karel.
Ricardo closed the letter.
"The Sapharos, who invaded the Eastern Lands years ago, have returned."
The council members felt as if boiling water had been poured over their heads, but then they remembered they had Ricardo, who possessed limitless power.
Xavier Xanros seized the opportunity to praise Ricardo.
"What is there to worry about? You alone have the power to destroy that army, Dynasty Lord."
Most of the council members offered similar praises. However, along with the news of invasions from the North and the South, everyone realized the gravity of the situation.
"Ten million Sapharos soldiers each from the North, South, and East—thirty million in total—have already conquered many cities, starting from the ports. With simultaneous attacks, they have carried out plunder and massacres not only in resisting cities but even in those that surrendered."
After Darwyn Fatred's reports, war plans began to be discussed.
"Heinricht, how many soldiers do we have?" asked Ricardo.
Heinricht replied.
"Only two years have passed since the end of the Second Great Lands War. We haven't been able to gather many soldiers. At most, we have two million from each Land—a total of ten million soldiers."
After thinking for a while, Ricardo devised a plan.
"I am taking command of the two million soldiers in the Eastern Lands. Not that I truly need to, but it's better to be cautious. Let the Western soldiers go to the North, and the Central soldiers go to the South to assist."
"AS YOU COMMAND."
When Ricardo stood up, the council members also stood.
"This will likely be our final war. After this war is over, I will hold a coronation ceremony and declare myself Emperor of the Five Lands and all Humans and Hybrid Peoples."
The council members felt their hearts beating violently with excitement.
Since the fall of the Ancient Empire, no one had been able to claim the title of Emperor.
This title could only be taken by a ruler who governed all Five Lands and all of Humanity.
Ricardo would become the 45th ruler in the history of the Five Lands to claim the title of Emperor.
The council members drew their swords and raised them high.
"LONG LIVE THE EMPEROR!"
The cheers of the council members echoed through the palace corridors.
No one could understand what they had heard. Naturally, many rumors spread. The most popular was this:
A New Empire is Born.