Upon hearing Prince Sufa’s question, Armad shot him a disdainful look before turning his head away. His gaze hardened as he contemplated the prince’s presence, a clear sign of his deep-seated disdain. After a few moments of tense silence, Armad turned back to face Prince Sufa and the judge accompanying him. “Since you have delivered the message you were sent to deliver, you can turn around and return home right now,” he declared with an air of finality.
A wave of confusion washed over Prince Sufa and the judge as they struggled to grasp the meaning behind Armad’s curt dismissal. Their mouths hung open in disbelief, unable to fathom that such a statement was directed at them.
With a brutal smirk, Armad shifted his focus to his brother, his eyes gleaming with a mix of challenge and mockery. “You can stay if you want another training session from me. How about a duel, right here and now, on this table?” he proposed, his voice dripping with irony.
Prince Sufa’s face darkened with anger, and he quickly stood up. He wanted to whisper a scathing retort, but the words caught in his throat. The intensity of Armad’s challenge had rendered him speechless. Instead, he rose and headed towards the exit, his silent fury palpable. The judge, maintaining a semblance of respect, bowed before Armad before following the prince out.
On that day, the battalion that had accompanied Prince Sufa from the capital city of Wilberforce to this town began their journey back home with a sense of ignominy. They had not received the warm welcome they might have expected. Armad, however, was unconcerned about what they might report regarding his conduct. He believed that the emperor had never intended to treat him fairly, especially since he had sent such an impolite messenger.
As the battalion’s footsteps faded into the distance, Armad’s mind began to churn with thoughts. Who had advised the emperor to shorten the duration of his mission? Armad was convinced that if he had been granted the original four-year period, with the aid of his strategic system, his town could have developed significantly, enough to stand on its own and withstand numerous battalions. However, with the duration now reduced to a mere six months, he questioned what meaningful development he could achieve in such a short time.
The weight of these concerns pressed heavily on his mind. What would happen if, despite his best efforts, they claimed he had failed to develop the town after their examination? The thought of being judged unfairly gnawed at him. Armad didn’t want to dwell on these troubling thoughts, but they lingered like shadows in the corners of his mind.
Determined to push these fears aside, Armad took a deep breath and refocused his resolve. He believed that there were still improvements he could achieve within the six-month timeframe. In his heart, he was confident that, with diligent effort and strategic planning, the evaluators would have no choice but to acknowledge his efforts and the progress made. The people that the emperor will send to examine the town would witness tangible development, even within a short duration.
Meanwhile, a squad of nine individuals arrived at the entrance of the town of Tiriba. Among them, some rode on horseback, while one managed a horse-drawn carriage. Their leader remained secluded inside the carriage. This squad arrived just minutes after the departure of the Wilberforce Empire’s battalion, which had been escorting Prince Sufa. The battalion, along with their carriages, had taken the left road, whereas this newly arrived squad chose the path leading to Tiriba on the right. The gate, which had been opened for Prince Sufa’s battalion to exit, had not yet been closed.
Inside the carriage stationed at Tiriba’s gate, the leader glanced out, observing the departing carriages heading toward the forest. He closed his eyes in deep contemplation. With just a brief look, he recognized that these carriages bore the insignia of the Wilberforce Empire. However, he could not determine the exact faction within the vast empire they belonged to. The Wilberforce Empire was an extensive entity, comprising numerous sections. The Royal Family resided solely within the palace of the capital city. Nevertheless, throughout the world, various factions of the Wilberforce Empire existed, led by individuals who did not possess direct royal blood from Emperor Ayrion and his ancestors. Instead, these Wilberforce members had Wilberforce blood through younger siblings of former emperors or maternal connections. Over time, some female members of the Wilberforce family had married into other tribes, leading to the birth of children with Wilberforce lineage. These unions gave rise to smaller sections of the Wilberforce Empire.
Aggregating these smaller sections would reveal the immense expanse of the Wilberforce Empire, a dominion so vast that no single tribe could rival it. It was widely believed that only a unified coalition of all the world’s tribes could hope to challenge the supremacy of the Wilberforce tribe. However, achieving such unity was an arduous task. Consequently, many speculated that the rule of the Wilberforce Empire would remain unchallenged for the next thousand years.
If not for the presence of significant independent associations such as the Seal Makers and the Medicine Producers, who operated autonomously and outside the jurisdiction of the Wilberforce Empire, one might argue that the Wilberforce Empire had no peers, even if all their adversaries united. These associations were powerful entities in their own right and held considerable influence. Nonetheless, the belief persisted among other tribes that only through collaboration could they harbor any hope of victory against the Wilberforce Empire.
The current global power structure can be perceived as divided into three distinct factions. The first faction is the tribe of Wilberforce, a dominant and aggressive entity seeking to expand its influence. The second faction comprises independent associations, both large and small, that operate autonomously and are not aligned with any particular tribe. Among these, the associations of medicine producers and seal makers are particularly influential. The third faction consists of various other tribes around the world, ranging from minor to significant in size and power.
Each of these three factions is in a constant state of competition, striving to surpass one another in influence and control. The associations of medicine producers and seal makers, for instance, cannot afford to remain passive as the Wilberforce tribe targets and attempts to dismantle the other tribes. They are acutely aware that once Wilberforce succeeds in eliminating these tribes, its attention will inevitably turn towards them. This understanding compels the associations to remain vigilant and proactive in defending their interests.
Similarly, the independent tribes recognize the threat posed by Wilberforce. They understand that once the autonomous associations are weakened or destroyed, Wilberforce will direct its efforts toward conquering them. This shared threat fosters a sense of urgency and compels the independent tribes to take action, despite their lack of a harmonious relationship with the associations.
As a result, whenever Wilberforce initiates an aggressive move against any one faction, the other two factions are compelled to collaborate and resist Wilberforce’s advances. This collaboration is not born out of mutual affection or alliance but rather out of a shared understanding of the precarious situation they all face. Each faction realizes that if Wilberforce succeeds in destroying one enemy, it will inevitably turn its focus on the next, making it imperative for them to present a united front.
The respect and cooperation among these factions are thus driven by necessity. They recognize that their survival hinges on their ability to counterbalance the threat posed by Wilberforce. Despite their differences and lack of inherent harmony, they find common ground in their mutual desire to prevent Wilberforce from achieving unchecked dominance.
However, beneath this temporary alliance lies a deeper ambition. Each faction harbors its aspirations of ultimately usurping the Wilberforce empire and seizing its position of power. This ambition fuels their determination to resist Wilberforce’s advances while simultaneously preparing for the day when they might have the opportunity to rise to the top.
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As the man sat inside the carriage, lost in deep contemplation, the carriages of the Wilberforce Empire had already vanished into the dense forest. This man belonged to a different tribe, a tribe now under the rule of the Wilberforce Empire. The imposition of this foreign rule had fostered a deep-seated resentment within him; he viewed the Wilberforce Empire as an enemy. Yet, both he and his elders were powerless against the might of the empire, unable to challenge their dominion.
Despite his animosity, he was now on a mission that required him to pledge his loyalty to one of the children of the Wilberforce Empire. He had come as an official representative of the town of Montaj, one of the elite council members entrusted with significant responsibilities. Montaj was unique among the towns of his region. Unlike many other tribes, Montaj was governed by an election system. However, the election process was not a democratic one involving the townspeople. Instead, the elite members of the medicine producers’ association held the power to elect the town’s leader.
The elected leader owed his position and loyalty to these elite members, a loyalty that extended beyond mere obedience. Each month, the leader was obligated to deliver a substantial portion of the town’s resources to the association, in addition to the taxes collected in the form of money. This arrangement ensured the continuous flow of wealth and resources from Montaj to the association, solidifying their control over the town.
The current master of this man had ruled Montaj for over two decades. He had strategically placed his loyal followers in all vital positions within the town, demonstrating his extensive connections within the medicine producers’ association. His ability to maintain these connections and comply with their demands was the cornerstone of his prolonged rule. Without such alliances, he would not have been able to secure and sustain his position.
Understanding the gravity of the mission bestowed upon him, the man took a deep breath, refocusing his thoughts on the task at hand. The carriage had now arrived at the entrance gate of the town. He could hear his guards being interrogated by the town’s guards, who were questioning their purpose and place of origin. The tense exchange hinted at a potential conflict brewing between the two groups.
Sensing the imminent danger, the man decided to intervene. He revealed himself through the window of the carriage and presented his identification card. This card signified his status as one of the elite council members of the King of Montaj. The guards scrutinized the card and immediately recognized the authority it represented.
Despite the geographical and cultural differences between their regions, there was a familiarity born out of proximity. The regions were neighbors, and the inhabitants of one region were well aware of the others. In some cases, villages in his region rivaled the size of towns in the neighboring region. Furthermore, he knew that no town in this region could match the grandeur and influence of Montaj. Montaj was not just a town; it was the ruling seat of his region, a hub of power and governance. The region governed by Montaj was significantly larger and more influential than the region they had arrived in.
As the guard received the card from the visitor, he immediately recognized the need for respect, despite not knowing the individual personally. The visitor’s regal attire, exuding both opulence and authority, along with his dignified appearance and the graceful manner in which he sat, clearly indicated that he was an elite messenger. These indicators were enough for the guard to understand that this was no ordinary traveler. Without hesitation, and without asking any questions, the guard opened the door for the visitor.
“What brings you to our town of Tiriba?” the guard asked his tone a mix of curiosity and caution. “I should start by welcoming you, but my duties require me to first inquire about the purpose of your visit.”
The person inside the carriage contemplated whether to show his prostration, but decided against it after a moment’s hesitation. He did not wish to initiate any conflict or show undue subservience at the town’s entrance. Instead, he plastered a polite, albeit somewhat insincere, smile on his face before replying. “I come from the town of Montaj, bearing a message from our king to your king, Armad. I trust this will not be an inconvenience.” His voice carried a faint hint of arrogance, betraying his high status and the importance of his mission.
Recognizing the significance of a royal message, the guard nodded slightly. He turned to whisper to his colleague standing behind him. Three powerful cultivators, who had reached the esteemed level of core formation, led the squad of nine people accompanying the messenger. Understanding the gravity of the situation, the guards quickly escorted the visitors to a guest house located at a considerable distance from the palace, ensuring their comfort and security.
Meanwhile, the head of the guards hurried to the palace to inform King Armad of the visitors’ arrival. In the palace courtyard, King Armad sat in a state of frustration, his mind burdened with the weight of recent events. The judge, sensing the king’s distress, attempted to provide comfort and counsel.
“My Lord, six months is a substantial amount of time,” the judge began, his voice steady and reassuring. “It is not merely one or two months. I am confident that we can achieve significant development within this period. Your Highness, whoever is sent to evaluate our progress will undoubtedly see the improvements. What troubles me is the abrupt change in the mission’s terms without prior consultation. According to the original decree, the duration was supposed to be four years, not six months. Such a significant alteration should have warranted prior communication. However, Your Highness, you know your father well. His love for you is unwavering, and there must be a reason behind his decision. Perhaps he wishes to demonstrate to your enemies that you are capable of accomplishing the mission in a shorter time frame than usual. This should serve as a source of encouragement, not discouragement.”
The judge paused, allowing his words to sink in before continuing. “What I need now is your permission to begin implementing the development plans for the coming months. We must act swiftly and decisively to ensure our progress is evident. Your Highness, I believe that with your leadership and our combined efforts, we can turn this challenge into an opportunity for greatness.”
Armad drew in a long, steadying breath and closed his eyes, attempting to calm the tumultuous thoughts swirling in his mind. Despite the judge’s well-intentioned efforts to reassure him, a seed of doubt had been planted by the words of the judge. There was a kernel of truth in what he had said – if his father truly harbored no love for him, there would be no need for pretense or disguise. A mere word from the Emperor could wipe Tiriba off the map, erasing even the decree issued by Emperor Aldaima during his reign that granted Armad rulership over the town. Emperor Ayrion held the power to alter the course of Armad’s life with a single command; if he desired Armad’s demise, he could have ordered his execution before Armad even departed the capital city.
While Armad acknowledged that his father was not one to bestow such responsibilities without merit, an unsettling feeling lingered within him. There was a veil of mystery surrounding his father’s intentions, his actions seeming to push Armad towards an unknown precipice. Whether Emperor Ayrion had clandestine plans for him or not, Armad’s resolve remained unwavering – he would continue to pour his efforts into the development of Tiriba, ensuring that the progress and prosperity he brought to the town spoke louder than any doubts or uncertainties.
As Armad and the judge sat in contemplative silence, the sound of a firm knock on the door shattered the moment. Without hesitation, the guard responsible for the town’s entrance strode in, offering a respectful greeting before delivering the urgent message that had summoned him.
“From the town of Montaj?” the judge queried, a furrow forming on his brow. The recent victories against their neighboring regions had stirred ripples of unease among their adversaries. The swift defeat of all foes within their region had undoubtedly caught the attention of neighboring territories, prompting a sense of caution and wariness. The judge pondered the timeline, hoping that a significant period would elapse before their neighbors entertained thoughts of aggression. Merely two weeks had passed since the last clash with their regional rivals.
As Armad heard what brought the guard, he quickly delved into the thoughts of the deceased Armad and inquired about the town of Montaj. Within moments, he understood that Montaj is one of the towns located in their neighboring regions. If his memory served him correctly, their region, situated by the seaside, comprised ten towns and a single large village attached to the town of Fida. This cluster of towns, all neighbors to the town of Tiriba, had previously launched an attack on Tiriba.
In stark contrast, the region where Montaj is located consists of twenty-one towns, significantly outnumbering the ten towns near Tiriba. This means that the region containing Montaj is far larger and more populous than the one containing Tiriba.
Armad recalled that Montaj was not only the largest town in its region but also wielded considerable influence over the other towns. Despite there being no official documentation or decree, nearly all the towns in the region were effectively subordinate to Montaj. This subordination was evident in the substantial taxes paid by the other twenty towns to Montaj. Armad found this loyalty puzzling, given the absence of any formal mandate. However, he knew that the power dynamics within the region were driven by Montaj’s superior cultivation capabilities. Towns that failed to pay taxes faced severe repercussions, including the risk of being eliminated.
Given this context, Armad was deeply concerned about why the town of Montage sent messengers to his town.