On this day, the 750th anniversary of the Empire's founding was being celebrated.
The night sky was completely lit up by the lights of the cities, turning the stars into a dream without a beginning.
That intense atmosphere of peace was disturbed by various words—some frivolous, others full of meaning—from those enjoying the celebration and those who, on the other hand, were treating it as just an ordinary day.
Yet many weren't focused on the imperial celebrations at all, but on something else entirely; after all, that same evening hosted the match that would determine the champion of the national football league.
Millions of people had gathered just to witness that event; it didn't matter in the slightest who you were—what mattered was cheering for your beloved team.
All those people were talking and hugging each other without ever having met before, allowing the different cities of the Empire to be dyed in many colors.
The event was shown through thousands of screens, composed solely of data, floating in the air.
So, while some were focused on this symbolic match, others—driven by interest in their nation—considered it more important to listen to the announcement coming from the government palace.
On its balcony stood the Empress, ready to let her speech echo in the hearts of all her subjects.
A speech that would reaffirm the supremacy of the Empire and its indistinguishable values.
Just looking at her was enough to feel the Empire's principles on one's skin. She stood there wearing the imperial uniform, marked by symbols of imperial eagles and the absence of any religious emblem.
With a genuine and confident demeanor, her words began to flow.
"People of the Empire... Children of Progress...
Look around you and reflect.
These cities, these skyscrapers, this supremacy — no one gave it to us. It didn't fall from the sky.
All of this is the fruit of our labor. Fruit born from our hands, from our sweat, from our intellect.
We didn't have to kneel before anyone to achieve this result."
Her gaze became more intense, meeting that of her subjects.
Her voice, initially softer, grew louder and more resolute.
"We were always told that without a god to protect us we would fall, that without someone watching over us we'd meet a bitter end.
Lies. Nothing but filthy lies, based on ideologies now obsolete and with no future."
Her tone grew even stronger.
"We created all of this on our own. We studied, we worked, we fought.
And now look at where we are. Look at how, over time, we've developed a powerful identity."
A mocking smile appeared on her face.
"Who needs a useless deity when you have a glorious nation like this?
We do not kneel before pointless beliefs. We do not wait for miracles.
We are mere humans who prefer to act, to make mistakes, to learn. All in order to achieve our own personal victory, without needing to place all our trust in beings of questionable existence."
She took a single step forward.
It might have seemed insignificant, yet it represented the enormous confidence she had in her words.
"The Empire has no saints. Its successes come only from our actions. From the efforts of workers, mothers, soldiers, inventors. Think of the doctors. Outside these borders, their work is not honored as it should be. Every life they save becomes nothing more than a symbol of some divine miracle.
We are not here to be saved. We are here to save those still uncertain of the path to follow.
And if someone out there still needs a god... well, they can stay behind."
She raised her arm as her words merged with the atmosphere.
The strength of the wind picked up, allowing the imperial eagles to wave under that night sky.
"As long as we remain united, as long as we continue to be sovereign over ourselves — no force in the world will be able to overcome us.
It is only us, and solely us, who shape our own destiny."
The crowd exploded with energy, bursting into applause, chants, and raised fists. In that moment, the Empress's words had intoxicated everyone.
All those people believed that life within the Empire was made up of a unique tranquility.
They were aware that living in such a society could be difficult, but at the same time, they were completely certain that with such a strong nation, no one would dare cause trouble from the outside.
This, however, was only the general sentiment; deep down, the Empire was not free from problems, and the presence of rebels was already well known to those in power.
Also reflecting the true state of things was the complete bliss experienced within the army ranks, especially by those holding high positions.
Their days were characterized by utter laziness, turning each one into a celebration.
They quickly turned into greedy beings, completely blinded by their lavish salaries, to the point where even finding a sober officer had become difficult.
The Empire could not allow things to continue this way; after all, the great imperial values had always been based on the immense potential of humanity.
The sight of people wasting their days doing nothing was becoming increasingly revolting.
And it is precisely for this reason that, as the years passed and the new heir ascended the throne, the Empire became increasingly strict with everyone, limiting personal expression and pushing the people to follow an ever more forced path.
All so that humanity could finally reach its true peak.