In the royal conference chamber of Elysium, Merslin had summoned his allies and officials to discuss a new plan. Before him lay maps and documents spread out across the table. Pointing at the map alongside Elena, he spoke.
"Elena, we must strengthen the kingdom's economy. If we are to prepare for a confrontation with Hyperion, we'll need more resources and a stronger foundation. We need a new approach."
Elena nodded thoughtfully. "Then how about establishing a Free Economic Zone? If we create a place where various races can trade freely, Elysium could grow far stronger economically."
At that, Aria stepped forward. "The goblins are already highly skilled traders. If we utilize their trading networks and negotiation expertise, other races will naturally want to engage in trade with us. Humans too are proficient in commerce—if we let goblins and humans take the lead in running the zone, it could have great impact."
Serena agreed and added, "Exactly, Aria. And once the zone is established, it'll become a hub for both trade and information. It will give us a natural edge in gathering the intelligence we need."
Lisa folded her arms. "Growing stronger economically is good, but we must also reinforce our defenses. A zone open to trade is also vulnerable to external threats. We must ensure its security."
Listening closely to their thoughts, Merslin made a decision. "Excellent points. Here's what we'll do: establish the Free Economic Zone, with goblins and human merchants leading the operations. Serena, reinforce our intelligence network to monitor all movements in and out of the zone. Lisa, draw up a defense plan to keep the zone secure from external threats."
Elena smiled. "And Aria, I want you to lead the negotiations with other races. Make them see how trading with us is to their benefit."
Aria nodded resolutely. "Yes, my love. I'll do everything I can to prepare."
A few days later, a new district was established in the capital city of Athera. It was designated the Free Economic Zone—a place where all races could trade freely. Shops and trade halls quickly filled the area, led by goblin and human merchants who drove a surge of commercial activity.
The goblins, with their characteristic wit and bargaining skills, swiftly struck deals with other races. With Elysium minimizing trade restrictions and lowering taxes, goblins used their vast network to efficiently distribute goods throughout the kingdom. Human merchants cooperated closely with the goblins, and the resulting synergy greatly boosted Elysium's economy.
However, news of the zone's creation triggered mixed reactions from surrounding nations.
The Kingdom of Luminaria viewed Elysium's economic rise with suspicion and began worrying that its own merchants would be drawn away. In response, Luminaria's king imposed steep tariffs and moved to restrict trade with Elysium.
The Frontier Kingdom saw Elysium's growing influence as a threat to its own economy. Secretly allying with Luminaria, it devised plans to block Elysium's trade routes and began collaborating with smaller kingdoms to launch an economic blockade.
Meanwhile, southern dwarven clans and orc tribes, feeling left out of Elysium's plans, grew resentful. Believing themselves excluded, some began to consider direct military action instead of trade.
The Goblin Trade Union, on the other hand, saw the Free Economic Zone as a golden opportunity. They deepened their cooperation with Elysium, providing trade expertise and strengthening their economic ties.
Far across the sea, the Kingdom of Altekna welcomed the development. Situated on another continent, Altekna saw this as a chance to expand its trade routes through Elysium. Its king sent an official delegation to sign a new trade agreement, declaring his intent to collaborate openly.
This message of goodwill from Altekna greatly encouraged the people of Elysium. Through this partnership, they had found a way to bypass the blockade imposed by Luminaria and the Frontier Kingdom.
Back in the royal court, Merslin and his allies convened once more to assess the reactions.
Merslin frowned. "I didn't expect this much backlash just from establishing a trade zone. Luminaria and Frontier have already allied to pressure us."
Lisa spoke firmly. "Then we must bolster our defenses even more. If they're trying to isolate us economically, we need to prepare militarily as well. The southern dwarves and orcs are already on edge."
Serena added calmly, "We need to expand our intelligence network and better understand their strategies. And we should prepare countermeasures for when they try to pressure us economically."
Aria turned to Elena. "Diplomatic efforts are also key. We need to find chances to negotiate with them—to show that trade with Elysium is ultimately in their best interest."
Elena nodded. "Agreed. We must offer solutions for their tariff hikes and trade restrictions—and remind them of the mutual benefits."
Merslin made his decision. "Fortunately, Altekna has taken our side. Let's build on this alliance. Trade with them can open up new routes and bypass hostile blockades."
In the face of growing external pressure, Elysium worked to strengthen the Free Economic Zone. By opening new trade routes and deepening its alliance with Altekna, it expanded its economic reach. Goblin merchants secured key resources and helped solidify the kingdom's foundation.
Elysium stood united amid threats and challenges. Merslin and his allies each fulfilled their role, doing everything in their power to fortify both their economy and national security.
With firm resolve, Merslin declared, "We will never bow to outside pressure. Our alliance with Altekna will be our strength—and we will continue to walk our own path."
**
Episode: Discussion on the Southern Challenge
In the royal meeting chamber, Merslin gathered his allies and advisors.
"We must secure dominance in the South," he said. "The dwarves and orcs around us are aggressive and greedy. To the north, we have the long-standing powers of Luminaria and the Frontier Kingdom. And if we are to confront Hyperion, we cannot afford to be blindsided from the South. What are your thoughts?"
Elena paused to think before replying."My love, we could first consider strengthening alliances or binding them through formal agreements. We should offer deals that benefit us, but also make it clear that working with us is more profitable than betraying us."
Lisa stepped forward."I'd like to suggest a different approach. These are peoples who respect strength. We need to demonstrate our military readiness—show them we're prepared to defend ourselves, so they won't even think about betrayal or invasion."
Serena nodded in agreement."Lisa's right. At the same time, we should embed spies within their ranks to uncover their intentions. If they're plotting against us, we need to know in advance and respond preemptively."
Aria offered a gentler view."But not everything can be resolved with force. Dwarves and orcs may be greedy, but that also means they're highly sensitive to economic benefits. Strengthening trade and commercial ties with them could create a bond. If they realize that attacking us would hurt their own profits, they might think twice."
Merslin listened carefully to each perspective, then fell into thought."Hmm… all of you make valid points. Forming treaties is wise, but we must be prepared in case they break them. At the same time, enhancing our economic ties will ensure they stand to lose much if they turn on us."
Elena agreed."Exactly. We need them to both fear the consequences of crossing us, and understand the value of staying allied."
Merslin made his decision."Alright, here's what we'll do. Lisa, reinforce our military and develop a strategy that will make them respect our strength. Serena, plant spies within their territories and monitor their movements closely. Aria, work on ways to deepen our trade relationships so that betraying us would be against their own interests."
Lisa nodded firmly."Understood, Merslin. We'll be ready."
Serena bowed slightly."I'll dispatch agents and keep you informed of their plans."
Aria smiled."I'll focus on building cooperative trade efforts. We'll make sure any betrayal would come at a high cost to them."
Merslin looked upon them with satisfaction."If each of us fulfills our role, we will overcome this challenge. As long as our kingdom stands united, no threat can bring us down."
**
Episode: The Southern Challenge and Execution of Strategy
After the meeting ended, Merslin and his allies immediately set out to carry out their assigned tasks.
Lisa headed to the military training grounds of Elysium to strengthen their forces. She began by reorganizing the elite units and intensifying their drills. The training ground bustled with soldiers clad in armor and armed for combat.
She shouted to them,"Everyone, focus! We're not just preparing for defense—we must be ready to strike back at any moment. Our goal is to make our enemies fear us!"
Under her direction, the soldiers trained in new tactics, and reconnaissance units were dispatched to monitor the movements of nearby dwarf and orc tribes. Meanwhile, defensive lines were reinforced around Elysium's military base, and key tactical positions were secured.
Serena quietly returned to Elysium's secret intelligence bureau. She began restructuring the existing spy network and deployed new operatives into the dwarf and orc societies.
Gathering a few trusted agents, she instructed them,"We need to learn of their plans before they act. If they show any signs of breaking our alliance, report it immediately."She made sure the spies were trained in the local attire, accents, and customs to blend in seamlessly.
Once deployed, Serena began analyzing the information they reported back."If they're forging hidden alliances or secretly arming themselves, we must be ready to act preemptively," she said, focusing on understanding their true intentions.
Aria, meanwhile, traveled south to the trade outposts to deepen economic ties. She arranged meetings with influential dwarf and orc merchants, proposing improved trade terms.
"Elysium is offering better trade deals and lower tariffs," she explained. "By cooperating with us, your profits will increase. We seek peaceful and prosperous commerce."Speaking gently but clearly, she showcased Elysium's latest goods and resources to pique their interest.
Some merchants responded positively, but others remained wary."Is Elysium just trying to use us?" one orc trader asked with suspicion.
Smiling, Aria replied,"Our offer is built on mutual benefit. If you can earn more by trading with us, wouldn't that make our partnership stronger? The choice is yours."
She spent hours persuading the merchants. In the end, several agreed to deepen their commercial relationships with Elysium.
A few days later, troubling news reached Elysium. Serena's spies reported that certain orc factions had secretly allied with a militant group of dwarves—and together, they were planning an attack on Elysium.
Upon hearing the report, Merslin tensed."Just as we predicted—they've already begun to move. We don't have much time left. We must decide how to respond."
Lisa was resolute."We must act immediately and prepare to strike first. If we catch them before they're fully ready, we can crush their will to fight."
Aria, however, offered a more cautious approach."It's too early to abandon diplomacy. If some alliances are working, we might be able to exploit divisions and sow conflict among them. We need a plan that uses both negotiation and force."
Serena stepped in to summarize."They're both right. We should be prepared for both paths. But first, we need more detailed intel on their plans. I'll dispatch more spies to uncover specifics."
Merslin nodded."Good. Let's incorporate everyone's input into our strategy. Whatever their decision may be, we'll be ready. Until we fully understand their intentions, we buy time—and make them realize that war with Elysium is a losing game."