CHAPTER 1: THE DYING EMPIRE
"It's over! It's over! The war has finally ended!"
In every corner of the world, newspapers announced the joyful news that the bloodiest war the world has ever seen had finally come to an end. The last remaining superpower had no choice but to surrender after the emperor's suicide. The Republican Coalition triumphed over the alliance of principalities, putting an end to millennia of tradition and opening the curtain to a new world order.
People hugged, sobbed, and rejoiced. The troops of the Republic of Stergham were acclaimed as heroes, especially because their technological prowess had been critical in bringing the terrible conflict to a close. The other soldiers on the frontlines who received the news that they had won the war were in shock, unable to grasp. Apathy gradually gave way to a flurry of suppressed emotions during the battle. The memory of the cold and brutal trench that resembled more of a grave than anything else was melted away by the sight of a comfortable room.
For the victors, the atmosphere was one of optimism. Insults and jokes were hurled at the losers, and a mix of euphoria, revenge, happiness, anger, sadness, and hope surged through the crowd. Women kissed the soldiers, husbands embraced their families, and children cried in their mothers' arms. And so it went on for days.
However, for those with a keen eye, better days remained distant. The world was devastated, not only in economic terms, but also in geopolitics and culture. Whatever occurs, there is no way to save the old world; it's a pointless endeavour. A new revolution of human society is underway, and this new transformation calls for blood—lots and lots of blood.
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The Republic of Stergham and the Republic of Platna were well aware of this. Both were preparing their next moves to secure the title of "President of the World." Despite their mutual hostility, there was a point of convergence between them, and that point was the destruction of any third or fourth superpower that might emerge.
*
It was 7 a.m., and the cold wind was howling through the cloudy sky, playing an eerie melody. During the war, Lavisque, the last remaining empire, was defeated. The Emperor's suicide had sent shockwaves throughout the nation. Despite the difficulties, the sovereign's image conveyed a sense of strength and security, even in the face of destruction. With his death, the existing order began to crumble, allowing chaos and anarchy to take their place.
Many in the highest ranks of politics and the military desired the Empire's return, each for their own reasons and ambitions. They knew, however, that attempting anything immediately would be impossible because the Republican forces would complete the job. Furthermore, there were far more serious issues to address, and any misstep would result in disaster.
In the former Emperor's palace in the city of Vêrgamo, all the most important politicians and military leaders had gathered for an emergency conference. It had been a week since the Emperor's death, and the country was being governed by the military and aristocratic circle close to the former leader. Among them were General Maximilam Ghrmo, Colonel Lavio Spada, Minister of Economics Anton Sinon, and Senator Lavio Witus. All men with equal ambitions were willing to join forces to try to save what remained of Lavisque.
The hall was large, with black and white marble flooring and tall columns at the ends. Marvelous and detailed paintings of significant value from the former emperor's personal collection adorned the walls. There, all 30 invited guests were gathered in an improvised manner, seated in chairs from the palace itself.
Scratching his large, blond mustache, the old General Ghrmo stood up with a paper in his hand and proclaimed the start of the meeting, beginning his opening remarks.
"As all the gentlemen present here know, the Republic of Stergham demands the conversion of the Lavisquean Imperial system into a legal republic. In case of any attempts at tyranny or insurrection, severe measures will be taken. The legal procedures for the new constitution must be carried out by the parliamentarians chosen by the people, and a democratic election must occur within one year. Until then, a president may be chosen by the parliamentarians."