City Hall Meeting of the Top Officials Human Uprising - Larrak Valley
"Well, that was entertaining," Leon remarked, amusement clear in his voice as he reclined comfortably in his seat, still replaying the earlier fight in his mind.
"I still can't believe Bruno actually won," Elisabeth muttered softly, shaking her head in mild disbelief.
Virella gave a gentle nod, smiling faintly. "It surprised me too. Still, the fight was fair, and Bruno showed incredible determination."
Their murmurs quieted as the Führer cleared his throat, immediately silencing the room. Hitler leaned forward, his eyes stern yet confident.
"As amusing as that spectacle was," Hitler began steadily, "we must now shift our focus back to business."
He turned his head toward Seris, who stood diligently at his side, clutching a thick stack of papers. "Seris," Hitler commanded expectantly, extending a hand toward her.
Without hesitation, Seris placed the documents carefully before him. Hitler picked up the first paper, marked clearly at the top: "Population Report."
He scanned the room briefly, making sure each of his commanders, generals, and officers understood the importance of his next words. "Our growth since we first rebelled against demi-human rule has been nothing short of extraordinary—both technologically and in sheer numbers."
A brief pause filled the air, building anticipation.
"As you all recall, we began by liberating portions of Larrak Valley. But now, our influence has expanded significantly," Hitler continued confidently. "With the valley secured, along with the surrounding forests and mountains, we currently control approximately 34% of the Kingdom of Larrak."
He set the paper down gently and raised his eyes to meet the officers' stares. "Our total population now stands at exactly 367,443 humans."
Gasps and murmurs rippled through the gathered officials.
"Woah," Durango whispered, astonishment visible in his widened eyes.
Bruno chuckled heartily, nodding his head approvingly. "Well, that explains why it feels so crowded around here."
"How sustainable is that number?" Elisabeth interjected cautiously. "Food, housing, clothing—can we maintain stability with nearly 400,000 people?"
Hitler offered her a reassuring glance. "Indeed. Thanks to our swift capture and consolidation of the farmlands, our food supplies are abundant enough to comfortably sustain our current population throughout the winter and beyond. Otto has confirmed these figures."
"Precisely," Otto interjected, stepping forward. "Our agricultural yield from this harvest alone is enough to carry us through at least two winters. However, the challenge lies in organization."
"Explain," Wilhelm prompted, leaning forward.
Otto cleared his throat. "Approximately 25% of our population, around 90,000 individuals, will be actively conscripted into military service. That's a substantial force by any measure. They'll undergo rigorous training over the winter, equipped with our newly manufactured rifles and mortars."
Wilhelm's eyebrows rose approvingly. "An impressive army. But such rapid expansion often breeds problems."
Otto nodded. "Indeed. Discipline and unity are paramount. We'll segment these troops into specialized battalions. Infantry, riflemen, cavalry, artillery, and logistics—each division will have clear command structures to avoid confusion."
"And the remaining 75%?" Leon questioned curiously. "That's still over 270,000 people."
Otto smiled patiently, having anticipated this. "They'll be divided among various vital roles. Miners, farmers, smiths, builders, medics, teachers—every essential job necessary to modernize and sustain a functioning society."
"Mining?" Elisabeth questioned sharply. "Do we possess sufficient resources?"
Otto's voice took on a more serious tone. "We've identified numerous mining locations within the mountains rich in iron, copper, coal, and sulfur. These resources are critical for producing more weapons and ammunition. Mining operations will commence immediately, even through winter. Specially assigned labor crews will construct roads and fortified supply lines connecting these mines to the valley."
Wilhelm nodded thoughtfully. "Wise move. Establishing resource independence is essential."
Hitler shifted attention back to the population report. "There's another matter to discuss," he continued firmly, holding up a second document. "Captured records indicate the Kingdom of Larrak has approximately one million demi-humans."
"Just one million?" Elisabeth questioned skeptically. "That seems unusually low considering how long they've enslaved us."
Hitler nodded knowingly. "Precisely. Corruption, greed, and internal strife have severely reduced their birth rates and stability. Additionally, many demi-humans have migrated south to the multi-ethnic Empire seeking greater prosperity."
Wilhelm's eyes darkened slightly at the mention of the Empire. "They might become a problem later."
Otto tilted his head curiously. "Clarify your concern."
Wilhelm exhaled, folding his hands carefully on the table. "When we eventually claim victory and establish our nation, the Empire may demand we submit to their treaties. Though distant, their influence extends across the continent."
"You're suggesting a potential future conflict?" Leon asked uneasily.
Wilhelm shrugged. "Not immediately, but we must be aware of the possibility."
"Hmm," Otto murmured thoughtfully, noting this down carefully.
Hitler reclaimed the conversation. "Regardless, our current advantage lies in the disparity of population. Humans outnumber the demi-humans by at least three to one—potentially more. That fact alone gives us an edge."
Durango nodded enthusiastically. "True, and word of our victories must have spread by now."
"Indeed," Hitler said, eyes gleaming. "Resistance cells exist across the entire kingdom. Many must have heard whispers of our rebellion."
Elisabeth frowned, voicing her concern openly. "If we reach out to these other rebellions, won't they undermine your authority?"
Hitler smiled slyly. "Absolutely. That is precisely why we will not reach out to their leaders. Instead, we will target the members—ordinary men and women whose leaders have failed them. We'll plant seeds of unity and promise liberation."
Bruno leaned forward eagerly. "The leaders will learn of our interference eventually. Won't they retaliate?"
Hitler's smile widened. "Undoubtedly. But by then, it will be too late. Their members will see the progress we've made. They'll witness our thriving society, abundant food, modernized weaponry, and unified strength. These disillusioned members will flock to us willingly."
Wilhelm chuckled quietly, impressed. "A cunning plan, Führer."
Hitler inclined his head graciously. "When spring comes, the remaining nobles will launch an aggressive counterattack. However, by spreading seeds of rebellion across their territories, we force their armies to divide and chase ghosts—"
"—allowing us to defeat them piece by piece," Otto finished approvingly.
Hitler nodded. "Precisely. A slow, methodical approach ensures we remain victorious."
Durango looked toward Hitler skeptically. "But these other rebels...can we truly rely on them?"
Hitler's eyes narrowed confidently. "We will not depend solely on them. They will serve as distractions—tools to divide our enemy's strength. Ultimately, they will have no choice but to fall in line or fade away."
Bruno crossed his arms thoughtfully. "And the modernization program? How long will it take?"
Otto stepped forward again, voice firm. "Through winter, we will focus intensely on training our conscripts with the new rifles, artillery, and cavalry tactics. Blacksmiths and engineers will produce equipment day and night. We'll fortify key strategic points, build fortified roads, and establish strongholds throughout our territory."
Hitler glanced around decisively. "We have the numbers, resources, and determination. By spring, our forces will be ready, disciplined, and fully modernized. We'll strike swiftly, decisively, and without mercy."
The room filled with approving murmurs. The commanders, officers, and generals exchanged determined glances, excitement and anticipation evident in their faces.
Hitler gave a commanding nod toward Otto. "That is the plan. Otto, begin preparations immediately. Our future begins today."
Otto bowed his head respectfully, already turning toward the door. "At once, Führer."
The room erupted into action, each officer rising with purpose, fully prepared to seize the future.