Robin stretched after a light breakfast. New day new journey and new experience,the ship had lifted off smoothly, humming softly as it soared over Mythara’s rugged landscapes.
Robin leaned back in the railing, staring down. The cities clung to mountain ranges like vines, and enormous mining rigs dug deep into the earth like insects burrowing into sand. There wasn’t a single rural village or small town in sight or scattered farmhouses. Mythara was a land entirely of mines and big cities. And all the roads that connect them through the mountains makes the country look like giant anthill.
Oliver, approached quietly, holding a steaming cup of tea. Noticing Robin’s gaze, he smiled. “Admiring the view, sir?”
Robin turned, a half-smile on his face. “More like trying to make sense of it. I’ve seen a few countries but never seen a country so… industrialized. There’s no balance, no small towns or countryside to break it up. Just cities and mines as far as the eye can see.”
““Ah, you noticed,” Oliver said, handing Robin the cup. "like always you have a nice observation skill,” Oliver said. “Unlike other countries, Mythara’s population is entirely concentrated in cities. This land is built around its cities and mines. it might seem like an anthill organized chaos where every citizen works tirelessly in their designated role.”
Oliver continued. “Mythara doesn’t revolve around a single central government. The country is divided into territories owned by four powerful families. These families control all the mines, cities, and industries. They compete fiercely with one another for resources and influence, but when the country’s sovereignty or shared interests are at stake, they act as a unified force. Their alliance forms the backbone of Mythara’s governance.”
Robin smiled and said. “So, a monarchy? On a planet as advanced as Arora? I didn’t think that was still a thing.”
Oliver chuckled. “It’s not quite a monarchy, sir. It’s more of an oligarchy. The four families operate independently, managing their territories as they see fit, but they come together when national interests are at stake. This alliance forms the backbone of Mythara’s governance. And while it might seem chaotic from the outside, it’s a system that has worked for centuries.”
Oliver cleared his throat, ready to launch into a detailed explanation. “Let’s start with the Ravenwoods. They control the northern region, which is rich in iron and coal. Their territory is a landscape of blackened mountains and endless mines. The Ravenwoods pride themselves on their efficiency, running their operations with military precision. It’s no surprise that many of Mythara’s finest generals and tacticians come from their lineage. They’re also masterful traders, ensuring their resources are distributed across the galaxy.”
“To the west,” Oliver continued, “we have the Zahar family. They’re the wealthiest of the four, thanks to their monopoly on precious metals and gemstones. Their mines glitter with gold, silver, and rare jewels, fueling their opulent lifestyle. However, don’t let their extravagance fool you. The Zahars are fierce warriors at heart, with a legacy of producing some of the toughest soldiers and strategists in Mythara. You’ve already met one of them—Mr. Zahar, remember? His personality is fairly representative of his family.”
The author's tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
Robin chuckled,oddly charismatic Mr. Zahar had met at the academy. “Opulent and tough, huh? Quite the combination.”
“Indeed,” Oliver said. “Next, we have the Kaelthar family in the east. Their territory is dominated by volatile volcanic ranges, a treasure trove of geothermal energy and rare minerals. The Kaelthar are inventors and innovators, always pushing the boundaries of technology. Their cities are marvels of engineering, filled with towering structures, automated systems, and advanced laboratories. They’re the reason much of Mythara’s technology is ahead of the curve.”
“And finally,” Oliver concluded, “the Durnham family rules the south, a region abundant in natural gas and oil. Their deserts are harsh, but the Durnhams thrive there. They’re the backbone of Mythara’s energy sector, powering its industries and cities. Resilient and adaptable, the Durnhams embody the spirit of survival and progress. Without their contributions, Mythara’s industrial machine would grind to a halt.”
Robin processed the information, his curiosity growing. “So, these families control everything. What about the government? Surely there’s some kind of central authority to keep things in check.”
Oliver nodded. “There is a parliament, with 100 seats. Each family holds 20 seats, leaving 20 seats for independent representatives usually influential industrialists, scholars, and retired military officers. While the parliament handles day-to-day governance, the real power lies with the families. They hold the wealth, the resources, and the loyalty of the people.”
These are the four main families but there are still some brunch families or minor families that own some mines but they're not that noticeable.
Robin furrowed his brow. “Doesn’t that lead to infighting? Four families competing for power while trying to govern together sounds… chaotic.”
Oliver nodded. “It can be, but there’s a unifying factor, all four families are vassals of the William family. For millennia, they have served us faithfully, recognizing the William family as their liege. Historically, the four families were warriors. So they supply soldiers for us even for the celestial council”
Robin blinked in surprise. “Wait, they serve us? Doesn't that mean they are our vassals ?”
“It means they are loyal to the William family above all else,” Oliver explained. “Even though they compete with one another, they come together when summoned by the William family. You don't have to be surprised Not just them there are many families and clans from all around the world who are our vassals. Norman and silas are from this type of vessel family.
. So The people of Mythara view serving the William family as an honor, and many aspire to join our ranks.”
Norman, who had been listening quietly, finally spoke up. “I’ve met a few soldiers from Mythara during my time in the military. They were some of the toughest, most disciplined people I’ve ever worked with.”
Oliver smiled. “That doesn’t surprise me. In Mythara, becoming a soldier in the William family’s military is considered one of the most prestigious career paths. The pay is higher than most civilian jobs or even business, and the status it brings is unmatched. Families train their children rigorously from a young age, hoping they’ll pass the grueling selection process.”
Robin’s mind wandered to the disciplined lives of Mythara’s children, trained to march, fight, and serve from the moment they could walk. “That must create a culture of warriors.”
“Precisely,” Oliver said. “Veterans are everywhere in Mythara. Even those who don’t serve long often take their discipline and skills into other professions, making the workforce exceptionally capable. For instance, Mr. Zahar, whom you met earlier, began as a soldier in the William family’s military. Later, he earned a position in the Celestial Council. His story is a common one in this country.”
Robin nodded, a newfound respect for the country forming in his mind. “So, Mythara is a nation of disciplined workers, innovative thinkers, and loyal warriors. It may look chaotic, but it’s a well-oiled machine.”
“Exactly,” Oliver said. “And as you spend more time here, you’ll see how their culture, politics, and industry all tie back to the William family. In many ways, Mythara is the cornerstone of our influence in this region.”
Robin looked out bellow, his perspective on the sprawling cities shifting. What had seemed like an anthill at first now felt like a carefully constructed empire, driven by ambition, loyalty, and discipline. Mythara was a land unlike any other, and he was eager to learn more about its people and their way of life.