116(2) – Seahorse!

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PART 4 – War? Hahahaha!

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Time passed, and Hackel watched from the top of the palace where he once lived: the Palace of the Zenirys Empire.

His father, the emperor, had already been deposed, relinquishing territories and authority to Skarla Verona, integrating Zenirys into Krugar.

Many nobles refused to accept this. The empire, with such a long history, ending like this. Many refused to yield, inciting the people to rebel.

Zenirys fell, but they can still have independence. They can take advantage of the imperial lineage still present in the various sons and daughters of the Zenirys Family.

Lucius Zenirys is a shameful emperor, his name mocked by all. So much power, and in the end, he did nothing. Where is he? Enjoying his retirement on a paradise island, living with his various wives and concubines.

He never truly desired the throne; it was Kaleria who wanted it and used him to seize it. Now that Skarla and Hackel have taken Kaleria off the table, it's only natural that a spineless Emperor would be the downfall of such an empire.

But what could he do? Neither he nor anyone else was capable of what Skarla had planned.

The nobles' attempted rebellion? Pathetic.

The common people had already heard the stories of the adventurers and bards. With the Adventurers' Guild spread, and many having visited Krugar, it's obvious they spoke of how majestic its territory was.

How the people of Krugar didn't know what hunger was, with everyone being properly educated, learning to read and write. How the government has the lowest taxes imaginable.

So, for the common people, all the stories painted Krugar as the perfect place, where as long as you're willing to work, you and your family will prosper. The reason for so many migrations to Krugar.

So the pathetic attempt at a rebellion wasn't able to ignite the hearts of the masses. That's what Skarla and Hackel planned.

Many of the nobles who resist today do so because they didn't get the benefits they desired. They weren't approached about it. People who thought themselves too important, but in the eyes of those in power, whether they support them or not makes no difference.

The objective was always numbers. Skarla never needed the nobles; she needed the people. And with the exorbitant tax increases, the low security, and various other factors, the comparison with Krugar was clear.

And so the nobles realized that no matter what they did, no matter how they tried to force the people, the masses wouldn't budge.

Adventurers or mercenaries? None were foolish enough to accept any service antagonistic to Krugar.

Their resistance was futile. Alliances arose, armies were assimilated to resist Krugar's domination.

But it came. A towering female figure with green skin, wearing heavy armor and emitting an overwhelming presence that makes anyone freeze and feel suffocated.

Gakai Verona, single-handedly stormed the enemy's military camp. Not a single soldier or knight dared raise their voice against her, much less a sword.

She reached the center, all the soldiers anxiously watching this imposing Goddess of War of Krugar. Gakai looked at the main tent. – “Cowards.” – She snorted disdainfully.

The commanders of this army didn't even bother to come out to greet her, they were too terrified. – “LOOK TO THE NORTH!” – Roared Gakai, her powerful and amplified voice reverberating throughout the military camp consisting of about 50,000 soldiers.

To the north are hills and mountains. Where many who looked noticed a flying ship in the skies. Gakai grabbed the air and abruptly the main tent flew into the air, then was crushed by an invisible force until it became a ball of wood and fabric.

The nobles and commanders inside were terrified, but Gakai didn't even glance at these vermin. She only looked north, with everyone watching, as the artillery barrels moved towards her.

“FIRE!” – Gakai roared, and in the next instant, the thunderous sounds rang out, followed by a series of explosions, fire covering the mountain and explosions creating a chain reaction.

A devastating power that made many hearts stop.

For 5 minutes the firing did not cease. When it finally stopped, the ship came towards them and more appeared, totaling 10 flying warships.

In a calm tone, Gakai spoke. – “In 1 hour, 10 warships will rain fire upon this army and no one will be spared. Surrender within 1 hour, because if even 1 second passes, everyone dies!” The next instant she disappeared and the army descended into chaos.

Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

Suddenly, a series of gunshots and explosions created a circle several kilometers around them, indicating they wouldn't leave.

And every 5 minutes another burst of gunfire. This repeated itself.

In the only passage untouched by the explosions, like a corridor, a chair and a person sitting with their arms crossed could be found. Gakai was calm, eyes closed, almost as if dozing.

Then a group arrived; they didn't seem like nobles. As they approached, they fell to their knees. – “We surrender!” – The leader shouted, and in the next instant, heads rolled to Gakai's feet.

These were the heads of the nobles who formed this army. These bastards, even being cowards, wanted to fight to the end and take 50,000 good men and women to their graves.

They couldn't accept dying in vain. One even said that their deaths would be a flame that would make others resist Krugar… where the hell did he get that idea from?!

Krugar is a paradise for the common people, where everyone knows that those under its rule live incredible and prosperous lives; those considered its enemies will be obliterated by an iron fist.

Their deaths would be in vain. So the Knights and military officers beheaded them without hesitation and delivered their heads within half an hour.

Gakai observes and nods. – “Return to your homes and await the arrival of the Krugar officers. Support them and you will be rewarded, resist and you will be annihilated!”

With these words she took her chair, extended a hand, showing a pendant that soon enveloped her in a blinding light, disappearing moments later.

The Knights and Officers merely watched and nodded. The war ended before it was even formally declared.

And so Zenirys lost any chance to retaliate, for the Goddess of War of Krugar arrived!

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PART 5 – Seahorse Continent!

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The "war" in Zenirys ended before it was officially declared, so Krugar went to reclaim what was now theirs.

The few who still wished to resist were intimidated by the arrival of the Warship, where stories and rumors had already spread that one of these ships was equivalent to a demigod in power.

All the cities that received a visitor opened their gates, with nobles and government officials greeting them with forced smiles.

Those who advanced would be the new rulers, who would manage things, bringing order. Along with these people came inhabitants who had lived here in the past, immigrants who had gone from Zenirys to Krugar.

Certainly, it was necessary to provide all sorts of high benefits to make these people return to what they now consider an arid region of country bumpkins.

But their presence is so that the people see familiar faces and accept integration more easily.

……

Days later!

A group of men and women are pointing around the city, sticking pointed sticks deep into the ground, with Mages alongside to analyze the terrain.

The common people just watch as they seem to be drawing something.

When this group of people finished their work, they went to their quarters throughout the city. Naturally, the people were curious: What are they doing?

And in a tavern, one of the inhabitants who lived in Krugar and returned to his hometown, drinks and complains.

“Ah! Go fuck yourself!” – A bald man roared at the drunkard. – “You've only ever complained since you arrived. If Krugar is so good, why don't you go back there?!”

“You think I don't want to? I've tried, but then I'll lose what they're paying.” – The drunken man snorted. – “I thought I could stand going back to this backwater, but I forgot how the streets stink of shit and there's mud everywhere. Even the drink here is crap, it tastes like piss.”

He spat on the ground. – “I only agreed to come back because I’m helping Krugar in some way. Not to mention they’ll pay the equivalent of a year’s salary for every month I stay here. But as soon as this month is over, I’m leaving on the first ship.”

“Okay, if Krugar is so amazing and you learn everything, what were you and those people doing walking around the city and sticking metal in the ground?” – A woman asked.

“That?” – The man stopped drinking. – “Studying the soil and mapping the city.”

“And what does that mean? Why are you doing this?” – Asked the man who had cursed earlier.

“To find out if this land is worth keeping. If the verification fails, the city will be demolished and everyone will be relocated.” – Said the man.

“What?! Krugar is going to destroy our city?!” – Shouted a shocked woman.

“What? No!” – The man snorted. “From what I’ve seen, the soil is good, so nothing will need to be changed. But the city is very disorganized and there are many unstable areas, so several houses and shops will have to be demolished.”

“And what will happen to those who live in them?” the man asked.

“They will be properly compensated. You will probably start to see changes in the favelas; they will begin to demolish them and reorganize them into plots. Then the people here who will be harmed can move to these plots of land, formally receiving land equivalent to or even larger than what they have…” The man burped and pointed to the table.

“Let’s say the standard size of each plot is equivalent to this table, but the people who live in houses in the city own… plots that vary in size from 1 to 3 benches.” He pointed to the round benches near the counter.

“The plot size will be standardized like this, so if you have 1-3 benches in size, congratulations, you will now have a plot the size of a table. You will even receive a simple house in the center, which you can renovate as you wish in the future.” – With these words, he calmly rummaged through his pockets, then went to his bag, and took out some papers and photographs.

“Here you go, look.” – He said, showing the photos, and several people observed. – “These are houses I built. Large and spacious, they easily accommodate some very large families. I thought that returning here would be an opportunity to make a lot of money by selling my labor, but you are all poor, poorer than the beggars in Krugar, who don't exist.” – The man laughed and went back to drinking.

“It’s a strange feeling, living like a civilized person, then you go back to your homeland and see how primitive I was. Working in the hot sun digging ditches, cutting wood or stone, carrying boxes and much more. Doing all that for a few coins. But in Krugar, I don’t have to go through all that hassle.” – He calmly points to some papers, which for many are scribbles.

“I make a living doing this. I design the interiors of houses, plan their internal and external structure. I don't even need to collect materials or carry heavy things anymore. I'm what they call an Architect and also a Construction Manager. I earn enough to support myself, my 3 wives, my 10 children, and still have enough left over to take a trip with the whole family every few months.”

He looked at his beer and, huffing, took out some bills and, gathering his things, went to the bartender. – “Keep the change. But a tip, this dive is in a risk area to be demolished, so tomorrow or the day after a group will come to talk about buying your land or even relocating you. Accept and ask them to call me; if you give me this job, I'll help you build a real tavern and even give you the contact of some good suppliers of real beer and strong alcohol, not this garbage you sell.”

After his words, he left.

Similar scenes occurred throughout the cities undergoing renovations and evaluations.

Unfortunately, some cities failed and will have to be dismantled. What makes a city fail inspection? Simple.

High flood risks, very porous terrain, very large underground caves, terrain where, if an earthquake occurs, the destruction would be too great.

There are many risks to consider. Krugar is not willing to spend resources and time on such dangerous terrain; it is more advantageous in the long term to spend money now to move the people from these villages and cities to some already prepared locations.

Of course, it took about 6 months before people began to be formally transferred. The locations to which they were transferred were recently built cities, where only a skeleton can be seen; there is still much work to be done.

But these cities were built in strategic locations. Renovating several cities will be a headache, as the people may strongly resist giving up their land and homes.

Therefore, they started with the poorest. Transferring them to these cities, where they saw doctors and received free treatment.

Something highly praised about Krugar is the fact that the government covers the medical costs of its people. That is, everyone has free access to medicine, where doctors receive exorbitant salaries, but in return, they have many responsibilities.

Of course, there are private hospitals that charge a lot for their services, but they are for the elite, those who want faster and preferential treatment. In the end, this is an incentive: if you want better treatment, work and earn it.

Poor people began to see their lives improving very quickly. Dentists had a lot of work, making dentures, cleaning cavities, and much more.

The older people were the ones who liked the changes the most. Life became easier, with nursing homes that receive them, giving them proper treatment and care. Even if they haven't contributed to Krugar society, they will still be respected and cared for.

Krugar does not abandon its people. Now that the people of Zenirys have been integrated, they will be given a better life, so that their labor and creativity can contribute to the nation's prosperity.

And when the reforms officially began in the various cities, many were transferred to this city to live while the reforms were carried out.

They received more spacious houses and were integrated into the various existing technologies, starting with elevators in the case of apartment buildings. Those who received their own houses and land were those who already owned them in their cities or villages.

Those most resistant to sale or integration were local merchants, alchemists, blacksmiths, and others.

Officials tried to buy their land, but there was much resistance, even with proof that when integration began, they would lose their jobs, as the difference in knowledge and technology is absurdly high.

So an agreement was made, something that had been prepared in anticipation of such a situation. These people would be taken to Alchemical Centers and Great Forges, or areas of activity for various jobs and trades, to learn.

Yes. They will be freely giving them knowledge that would have forced them to spend tons of gold in the past.

Alchemical recipes, forging techniques, innovative tools, and even new ways to work and earn money.

Curiosity and the fact that they used Skarla's name as a guarantee made these stubborn people go and learn. They certainly doubted it, until they started working, and only a fool wouldn't notice the danger these people pose to their profession.

If a shop like this opened in your city, they would lose all their customers. The trial period was 2 weeks; in less than 4 days everyone was already selling their shops and properties for a high price, since when the integration happened, it's obvious that the price of their businesses would drop drastically.

So these people accepted jobs. They went from shop owners to workers, but it didn't matter, as they receive significant salaries and learn many new things.

With the money from the sale of their properties, in addition to being able to buy a new one in the near future, they will be able to integrate their future shops into them should they decide to reopen their independent businesses.

In other words, they are only gaining while Krugar loses.

Billions are being invested per city so that the people integrate more quickly. An excessive expenditure that makes the Minister of Economy tremble, but it's money, it's made to be spent.

And the future return on this will be hundreds or even thousands of times greater.

……

Zenirys wasn't the only one going through this. Melamia, Torwin, and Sodoha also began to experience accelerated development.

Jarletia has been going through this for a long time, and because of all the oil found in its lands, it is probably the second richest land and approaching being the richest in the Seahorse Continent.

Fuel consumption has only increased, and subsequently, so have profits. Today, Jarletia is home to the biggest magnates in all of Seahorse.

Torwin, which yielded years ago, becoming a vassal nation of Krugar, had long been receiving investments, preparing for integration, but it was only superficial; they were waiting for the fall of Zenirys to truly begin.

And so all the nations of Seahorse were annexed. Krugar became the owner of the entire Seahorse Continent.

As for the Elven Kingdom, Yggdrasil? It's practically an embassy. It needs to be properly renamed to avoid future and unnecessary conflicts.

…

Skarla was in the skies, observing the continent—not all of it, she doesn't yet have that absurd power, but she can see a lot. She was here a few years ago, imagining how she will change the world.

And now, years later, it's unrecognizable.

Several cities and towns disappeared from the map, becoming integrated into the vegetation, a subtle touch of the elves.

The new cities that emerged or were remodeled gained a modern aspect. Asphalt roads, apartment buildings, or institutional buildings.

Modernity arrived, and it was the trigger for this. People no longer resist change.

Smiling contentedly, Skarla looked at the starry sky.

Seahorse is in control of Krugar. In just over 10 years, she will abdicate her position, allowing the start of the Presidential Elections, which will be a political war.

Now, new elections to decide Councilors, Mayors, Deputies, and Governors are beginning. It will be the first since the reform; the people will be able to choose their leaders.

It will be the first time for the people outside of Krugar. Something new, but Skarla has prepared them well for it. Now that the scale has increased, controlling it will be difficult; many bad people could be elected in the meantime.

But it's necessary. The people will need to learn from both mistakes and successes.

Soon she flew towards her house, eager to witness the chaos that this first election will be across Seahorse.