Dragons Eden, Year: 615

Following the catastrophic events that transpired in Xander, Calvin - who is currently known as the Refugee Prince and the final descendant of the Xenides lineage - called a conference in his residence in Everglen, capital city of Serenia, under the protection of the vigilant Serenian Royal Guards.Calvin gathered key figures in a dimly lit chamber to discuss the uncertain future that lay ahead.

Present were escaped lords and ladies who had survived the war's atrocities, military officers, and a notable figure – Captain Reyphine Walrath, the courageous half-Ogre and daughter of the deceased Minister of Defense, Drakog Walrath. The room buzzed with a mix of determination and desperation as they gathered to discuss the pitiful state of Xander.

The proud and resilient nation, once a beacon of progress and prosperity, had now descended into the abyss of unchecked tyranny. Every corner of the once-thriving society bore witness to the harrowing consequences of a cruel occupation. Streets that once echoed with the laughter of children and the bustling of daily life had transformed into grim theaters of cruelty.

In this dystopian landscape, the citizens lived under the constant shadow of fear, knowing that even a fleeting gaze in the direction of Federation soldiers could invite a swift and brutal death. The very essence of humanity was stripped away as men faced the arbitrary cruelty of being sold into slavery, their lives reduced to mere commodities.

The once-vibrant streets now echoed with the haunting cries of women, who endured the unspeakable horror of rape, their dignity shattered and their spirits crushed. The public spaces, once vibrant hubs of community life, became stages for the degradation of the innocent. The very air was thick with despair as homes, once havens of warmth and security, were callously reduced to ashes for the sadistic amusement of those orchestrating the occupation.

The scars of this cruel regime ran deep, etching tales of profound loss, shattered lives, and the brutal suppression of the spirit. The nation's identity, once characterized by resilience and progress, now lay tattered and torn, a haunting testament to the nefarious forces that had plunged it into a nightmarish abyss.

Captain Reyphine, a symbol of resilience, addressed the assembly with a heavy heart. "Our fight against the Federation is taking a toll. The atrocities inflicted upon our people are unbearable, and we cannot stand idly by. We've lost too many lives, and the need for reinforcements is dire. We must gather more people to join our cause, strengthen our resistance, and reclaim our homeland. Xander deserves better, and we are its last hope."

Calvin's voice resonated through the room, carrying the weight of their collective despair. "I had sought support from the Beastmen Alliance, but their hands are tied. The skirmishes with the Estian Theocracy have escalated, and they cannot spare resources for our cause. Serenia is already aiding us more than they could. Our plea for aid from other allied nations has also been met with silence and rejection. No gold, no weapons."

The room fell into a heavy silence, the gravity of their predicament settling upon each individual present. The once-proud lords and ladies, now refugees, exchanged glances reflecting a mix of frustration and determination. Captain Reyphine, her half-Ogre stature a symbol of strength, spoke up, "We must find a way, a new strategy. We cannot let Xander wither away in the hands of the Federation. Our people deserve better, and we cannot abandon them."

Captain Reyphine continued. "We may not have external support, but we have the support of each other. We need to focus on hit-and-run strategies that can disrupt the Federation's hold on our land. We have skilled warriors among us, and with proper coordination, we can make a difference. Xander may be wounded, but it is not dead. We fight not just for ourselves but for the future of our nation."

“No!” Calvin firmly opposed.

Captain Reyphine inquired, “What do you mean, no?”

Calvin replied, “Put the activities of the resistance fighters on hold, for now.”

Captain Reyphine's eyes narrowed, a mix of frustration and disbelief crossing her features. "Putting the resistance on hold means surrendering our people to more suffering, Highness. We can't afford to back down now, not when every moment counts."

Calvin met her gaze with a somber determination. "Reyphine, it's not about giving up. It's about being strategic. If we continue the resistance now, the Federation will escalate their brutality. More innocent lives will be lost in retaliation, and we'll only weaken our position further."

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Reyphine questioned, "Do you not have any anger in you? They killed our parents! They destroyed our cities! They are torturing our people every day! And you want to stop fighting?"

Calvin, unfazed by the intensity of the moment, stood tall. "I want nothing more than to rip that bastard Judas apart, to drive each Federation soldier back to their mother. But, we cannot do that now, can we? Resistance is ineffective. What we truly require is an army.”

Reyphine slammed her hand on the table, her half-Ogre strength evident in the force. "So, what's your plan, then? We sit back and watch our people suffer while we wait for an ‘army’ that may never come? We need to hit back, and we need to hit back hard!"

Casteil replied with determination, “I agree with hitting back, Reyphine, but not recklessly. We need a well-organized force, not a desperate resistance. I've sent emissaries to neighboring lands, seeking aid. Until we hear back, we must protect our people.”

Reyphine grumbled in frustration, but Calvin continued, "I won't rest until we have the means to crush the Federation. But for now, we need to be smart about it. I won't sacrifice more lives in futile battles. We fight on our terms, not theirs."

The room fell into a heavy silence as Reyphine, though reluctant, understood the strategic reasoning behind Calvin's decision. The burden of leadership weighed heavily on the Refugee Prince, but his commitment to the future of Xander remained resolute. The struggle for freedom, though momentarily adjusted, persisted in the hearts of those gathered, waiting for the spark that would reignite their fight.

As the assembly absorbed Calvin’s words, a sense of determination filled the room. Calvin, despite the heavy burden on his shoulders, radiated a quiet resolve. "We'll rebuild our strength, gather allies who share our cause, and strike when the Federation least expects it. We may be isolated, but we are not defeated. Xander's flame still flickers, and together, we will fan it into a roaring fire that will reclaim our home."

Once a prince who once harbored dreams of contributing to the marvels of Xander, now found himself reluctantly embracing the mantle of leadership thrust upon him by the cruel twists of fate. The dreams of youthful idealism were overshadowed by the weight of responsibility as he navigated the turbulent waters of a shattered kingdom and the harsh realities of a world torn apart by war.

As the assembly deliberated on the intricate path ahead, the Serenian Royal Guards maintained their watchful stance outside, a testament to their commitment to safeguarding the last remnants of Xander's legacy. The grand residence in Everglen, echoed with the voices of resilience and determination that would shape the Refugee Prince's quest for justice and redemption.

After the impassioned meeting concluded, Calvin retreated to the solitude of his room. There, he activated the Voice-Weave Crystal, and deep within the forest bordering Alvaria, Castiel received the call.

"Brother! Did you receive the note?" Calvin inquired.

"Yes! Great work finding the kids, Calvin," Castiel responded.

With a tinge of sadness, Calvin admitted, "I am sorry, I couldn't find more of our people."

"I am proud of you, brother, and I am sure you will find more," Castiel reassured him. He then inquired about Xander's status and the state of the resistance.

"Not good, brother, not good at all. We lost half of our resistance fighters in the last fight," Calvin revealed, prompting a sigh from Castiel.

Calvin continued, "I have ordered the resistance to be stopped for now. I don't want more of our people to die in vain."

"Smart thinking. Without an overwhelming force, we cannot take back Xander. What did the others say about it?" Castiel inquired.

Calvin stayed silent for a moment, and sensing something amiss, Castiel asked, "What is it, Calvin? Did something else happen?"

"I don't know if I can do this, brother. I am afraid of making decisions regarding my people's lives. I doubt every decision. I don't know if I am making the right choices," Calvin confessed.

"Being afraid is okay, Calvin, but don't succumb to it. I know you are doing the best you can to protect the people. Believe in yourself, brother, because I do,"Castiel's words carried a comforting weight, a reminder of familial support even in the darkest of times. He added, "Mother and Father would be so proud of you."

Holding back tears, Calvin said, "I miss them so much."

"Me too, brother, me too," Castiel empathized.

After a moment of sad silence, Calvin asked, "Are you going alone again?"

"No! I am gonna have some help this time," Castiel replied.

"Good. Whatever power you say you have now, help is always... well... helpful," Calvin acknowledged.

Castiel affirmed, "Yes... Take rest now, brother. There are more fights to come."

"Be careful, big bro!" Calvin wished him.

"You too. Good night!" Castiel bid farewell.

After Calvin said goodbye, Castiel stowed the Voice-Weave Crystal back in the pouch and went inside the Eco-Sphere.