Ren had spent countless hours contemplating the political quagmire before him.
Arpoia, the sole human-majority nation on the continent of Pangea, was at a severe disadvantage. Humans were seen as an inferior race by the other five races of Pangea, and the reason was clear: unlike the other inhabitants, humans couldn’t wield magic innately.
They depended solely on enchanted artifacts, leaving them vulnerable in a world where magical prowess dictated social and political standing.
It was a marvel that Arpoia had maintained its sovereignty for as long as it had, given that the other nations no longer regarded it as an equal. To them, Arpoia was a backwater—a lesser realm unworthy of true civilization.
But Arpoia’s challenges were not just external; internal divisions threatened to tear the nation apart.
Two major tribes, the Krowls and the Valeks, had been at odds for over a century. The source of their enmity was a tale as old as the tribes themselves. It was said that the two groups were descended from brothers who had split after one betrayed the other. Yet, the details of the betrayal were lost to time, and neither tribe agreed on which brother had committed the offense.
This unresolved grudge had fueled a feud that seemed unbreakable.
Meanwhile, the smaller tribes of Arpoia, wary of being dominated by either the Krowls or the Valeks, kept their distance from the conflict. They maintained peaceful relations among themselves but avoided forming strong alliances, fearing they would lose their independence in the inevitable power struggle.
If Ren was to transform Arpoia into a thriving nation capable of holding its own, he would need to enact profound reforms—quickly. He needed to break the cycle of division and make Arpoia into a united force that even the strongest magical nations couldn’t dismiss.
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“Right now, I’m in a precarious position to seize the throne. My spies in the capital have been keeping me informed: the senate, led by Lucius Antony, is plotting to dismantle the monarchy entirely, paving the way for a regime under their sole control,” Ren said, breaking off a piece of fruit bread.
“That’s treason of the highest order! Have they no sense of honor?” Ogren slammed a fist on the table, his face darkening with anger.
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Born and raised in the Krowl tradition, honor was his highest value. That his homeland’s leaders could betray its legacy left a bitter taste in his mouth.
“Honor is a rare commodity at the top. Those in power do what’s needed to stay in power,” Ren replied.
“I think you’re wrong on that. Anyone from Aropia holds their honor as a sacred duty and will go to any length to defend it,” Ogren insisted, his voice edged with pride and conviction.
“I’m not trying to argue with you, Ogren, but the mechanisms of power don’t really change from place to place. Different techniques, same goal: maintaining control. Whether it’s through law, education, fear, or instilling beliefs, leaders everywhere seek ways to make people serve their agendas,” Ren said, picking up another piece of bread.
Magron nodded slowly, a flicker of admiration in his eyes. “I see your point, chief. I hadn’t thought of it that way before.”
“Back to the senate,” Ren continued. “Their scheming is a danger to Aropia that goes beyond treachery.”
“They’ll dig this country into ruin if they succeed!” Ogren growled.
Ren nodded. “The system they’re building could work in a different world, but not here—not without reliable communication. Aropia would collapse under such a system.”
“Then let me assemble the troops,” Magron offered, his loyalty unwavering. “At your command, they’d march by nightfall.”
“A direct assault would be our downfall; we’re no match for the royal army right now,” Ren countered.
“I still hold the loyalty of most of the national army's legions,” Ogren replied staunchly. “The commanders are Krowls, and with a word from me, they’d be ready to join our cause.”
“And that’s why you’re here, Ogren. But I’ve got something else in mind,” Ren said, a hint of a smile flickering across his face. The conversation was steering exactly where he wanted.
Magron leaned forward, eyes brightening with excitement. “So you already have a way to claim the throne. I wouldn’t expect any less of you.”
Ren grinned. “I can’t take all the credit. The senate did most of the work when they arranged for the royal family’s assassination. I just need to give a few subtle nudges.”
“So it was them! I should’ve killed every last one of those traitors!” Ogren’s voice was thick with fury; the insult to his nation’s honor weighed on him deeply.
“Imagine the rage you feel now, but on a national scale,” Ren said, watching as the idea sank in.
Magron’s eyes lit up. “Brilliant! You’re going to leak this to the people. And naturally, you’ll use the princess to give the message credibility. When the people learn of this betrayal, the senate will be tossed out like garbage.”
“And with the princess endorsing me through her marriage proposal, I’ll have an uncontested claim to the throne,” Ren continued, glancing at Ogren.
Ogren’s pride flared. “So, we get princess Hazel into the capital safely, and the rest will fall into place.” The pride of defending Aropia’s honor filled his voice, and he sat straighter, almost glowing with purpose.
Magron, too, looked at Ren with admiration. “Yes, Chief. The pieces are set. We’ll carry out our missions.” His loyalty was unshakeable; he was proud to serve under such a strategist.
Ren leaned back, confident. “Then let’s prepare. Aropia’s fate is about to change.”