The reason why Manusya wanted to do this grand unveiling and opening of the first residential was due to a few reasons. Firstly, aside from the military zones and barracks which were made in priority to quickly increase the power of the new Osmanian military, this first housing district was his testing ground for the entire city planning. Houses were some of the smallest and easiest buildings one could construct at a reasonable time. The Osmanian building construction workflow was currently as follows: Erectus had constructed new robots from disassembling more of the spaceship that specialized in finding and extracting resources such as metal and silica sand that was used for making glass. Those resources would then be transported by the delivery bots to the building sites, where they would enter a nano printer—large machines that would turn materials into fine nanomaterials—and moulded into buildings blocks and readymade pieces. Manusya would then use his Real Nano Imagery (RNI) visual effects nanobots to create three-dimensional blueprints that acted as guides. Finally, the Osmanians would simply need to take those building blocks and followed the instructions of the blueprint. Artists would also paint and decorate each house with traditional Osmanian prints after it was finished.
The second reason why he decided on this unveiling was to increase morale and faith in this national project. Manusya was going to set things in motion directly after this. They had spent the last three months busy with construction, military training and building the farmlands. After this unveiling, they were now ready for the next step, which was establishing a formal government, educational curriculum, occupations and everything else that made a society.
This grand opening was an open house situation, where the populace was free to see the interior and exterior of each house to examine them. He invited people from multiple tribes, some selected to reside in this first district while others would hopefully want their own houses even more after this.
Manusya, Evui and Numa walked towards one of the houses. The atmosphere was lively with people entering and seeing each house. Manusya had not yet built a road or a working sewage, those were the next focus after this unveiling.
"This is incredible! I didn't see the construction process to keep the surprise. It is wonderful, Aksha!" Numa exclaimed. The boy took out a sketching book and a pencil and started drawing the house.
Manusya looked at the boy in contemplation. This boy's thirst for learning is incredible. For the past three months, he had started a curriculum in virtual reality and managed to go up to the secondary school level of education within such a short amount of time. I must keep him close, he is our future. He thought. Manusya ruffled Numa's hair while smiling.
"Hey!" Numa said. As close as he became with Manusya, he was not as reserved or treated Manusya like a deity anymore. Manusya also did not care to keep that sort of distance, so the boy had warmed himself to the man's heart.
"The people did a fine job," Evui said as she gazed at the house.
"They really did," Manusya said as he turned his attention to the house.
The current standard Osmanian house was a house influenced by 20th-century modernity, a sort of traditional and much more pleasant version of brutalist architecture. It was two stories high, with shapes, patterns and colours inspired by Osmanian culture. The colour of each house was different according to each artist's interpretation, but a common one was a mix of green and beige. Each house also had its front yard and backyard, although the roads connecting all the houses were not finished.
Numa approached the window of the house. "Wow! So this is glass? Is the material made out of sand? How does that turn into this!?" he said as he marvelled at the transparent yet hard material.
"Let's head inside," Manusya said as he beckoned the others.
These all seem quite satisfactory indeed. He remarked in his mind. I hope this will last quite a bit, at least a few years or more. Well, at that point the new generation of houses would probably be more advanced.
Manusya was perpetually under the pressure of a difficult balancing act. With his space-age technology, how much would he want to advance the Osmanian civilization? Admittedly, he had already shown them extraordinary things from virtual reality, robots and the nano printers, among other things. For now, they could be influenced as coming from the land of the gods, but it was true that he had greatly accelerated the development of everything. If he were to push civilization to the space age right away, it would bring down every decision that Manusya had made of giving the new humans a new opportunity to craft their own identity and story. Thus, he was currently trying to advance civilization enough so that the Osma can defend against external attack and accelerate his plans to create a strong nation. But at the same time, he was going to give the Osmanians the agency to develop things by themselves and make their discoveries. Only time will tell if this would work.
Of course, Manusya could not advance everything to what it once was right away, in any case. A lot of records were missing when he discovered that Sapien, his partner artificial intelligence, was not there when he awoke. Key knowledge in unlocking that space-age technology was buried somewhere, most likely with Sapien, wherever it was.
The three of them headed inside the house. Inside, there were already Osmanians who were touring the interiors.
"This is supposed to be a....living room?" An Osmanian from Prana asked.
"Indeed!" An Osmanian builder who was assigned to be the tour guide of this house replied. "This is where you can welcome guests, or simply relax with your family."
"What about this? What is this thing?" Another person asked from a different room.
"That's the kitchen! And that's the stove! We can cook our food there. You will also notice a box there that can keep your food cold and store them longer." The tour guide replied.
"What is this!?" An old man clicked on a switch on a wall and lights on the ceiling turned on and off.
"That is called a lightbulb. We can keep our dwellings bright even at nighttime!" The tour guide replied.
"This is just...incredible."
Everyone was stunned at what they were seeing. It was something out of their realm of imagination in terms of what one called a house. In addition, there were also rugs and furniture made with Osmanians in mind, as their identity seeped into the very walls of the house.
All the power that the city will use is routed to the spaceship's nuclear fusion reactor. The spaceship is enough to power everything in my current city plan. But if the population increases or we expand our territory...I don't have the resources to create another nuclear fusion, so I will use alternative methods when the time comes. Manusya pondered in his mind.
"Tour guide," Manusya said. "Let's go upstairs."
The people inside the house noticed Aksha's arrival.
"Y-yes, our Aksha! People, let us go upstairs!"
Everyone walked up the staircase and saw the second floor, where more bedrooms, toilets and so on were located in. They all looked around the house in wonderment.
"This...is quite a wide space! This room is for one individual? Mayhap it is rather wasteful..." A person muttered.
"You fool! The Aksha is here. This is his generous gift to us. Accept it. As he said, if we live better, more comfortable lives, the better our future will be." A person interjected angrily.
Numa ran to the restroom, with a shower, a sitting toilet and a washlet inside.
"Wow! So you can take care of your business in that thing and all the waste goes somewhere?" Numa asked Manusya.
Manusya nodded. "Yes, our new drilling...golem will begin construction of a sewage system directly after this event is finished. I have also ordered Erectus to construct a treatment facility somewhere near the river, where the waste would be treated and returned as clean water into the river," he replied.
"Your wisdom is truly limitless!" Numa said as he looked up at Manusya in awe.
All the humans before me discovered this. Manusya shook his head. But I suppose all the humans before me ARE me. I am them. And they are me. He steeled himself. He must use the knowledge at his disposal wisely.
"Aksha." Evui tapped on Manusya's shoulder. "I believe this unveiling event will go smoothly without your presence now. Perhaps we should go to our next location on your schedule."
Manusya sighed. Now I truly feel that she is a secretary. I never would have thought that I would be so swamped with work that every second of my life is on a timetable. But alas.
He nodded. "Yes, let's go." Manusya turned to Numa. "Boy, play around this new neighbourhood and check the other houses, alright? I apologize, but you won't like where I'm going next."
A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
Numa looked dejected. "Where are you going?"
Manusya had a wry smile. "I'm formally establishing the Osma government."
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Manusya and Evui arrived in the life tree at the centre of Prana, the Osma capital. Inside the hole on the base of the life tree, the Druid's headquarter of sorts was located. Manusya had ordered for this place to temporarily be the site of the new government while an actual government building was pending construction. The hole of the tree was segmented into big spacious rooms separated by wooden walls. He entered the largest room that was used for the meeting place of the druids, but now it was repurposed as the new government's meeting room. Despite the complaints of some Druids, especially those who rather enjoyed their position of power, they knew that the arrival of the Aksha and the establishment of this new nation meant that their role was going to be more obsolete and that "normal" tribesmen who had talents, not in magic could gain seats in the government.
The large room had a big roundtable in the middle made out of wood and seats surrounding it. One seat, in particular, was more decorated than others with extravagant fur and the bones of animals inlaid on it.
I guess I know where I will be sitting. Manusya thought. He took a step forward and sat on the chair. Other individuals also entered the room and sat in their respective chairs.
"Evui, sit next to me." He said.
"But..." Evui looked hesitant.
"I don't care what they thought of you. You have proven yourself. And your Hydarian lover had also proved himself trustworthy, he will play a big role in the days to come." He said.
"As you wish, Aksha." Evui nodded, still with a grimace on her face and sat next to Manusya.
The other free seat next to Manusya was also quickly taken by someone. Mata, the leader of the Druids helped herself.
"By the glory of the seven gods, it is a pleasure seeing you once more, our Aksha," Mata said as she bowed slightly.
Manusya frowned. "Well, it's nice to meet you again as well, druid Mata."
I never did figure out how she foretold my arrival, despite my asking her multiple times. The seven gods are keeping it a secret, she said. Well, I will find out sooner or later. Manusya said in his mind.
"Do not look at me so, Aksha." She smiled rather...seductively—if one were to recognise such a thing. But Manusya, being from a society which abhorred and prohibited romance and sex, simply thought that Mata was playing with him.
He sighed. He ignored her and turned to everyone in attendance. "Let's commence the meeting." He said to everyone as he saw people have taken their seats. Among those people, Ahmi was the only recognizable face.
Excluding Manusya, six people have gathered on each respective seat. Each individual could be seen as coming from different tribes and villages, and they all looked in contrast with one another in terms of appearance.
"I have gathered you here today to establish our new formal government of Osma. As I have briefed you in my invitation, you have all been selected as a member of the Convocation of Osma. You are all people whom we have judged to have the most skills and aptitudes in your respective fields. Your role, therefore, is to act as members of this new convocation where we will deliberate policies, laws and national objectives. On our first meeting today, our agenda will be to formally establish your Seat in the Convocation, as well as together create a draft for the founding constitution of our new nation." He said to everyone.
Everyone turned to each other, not out of confusion, but simply nervousness. They were all normal tribesmen before this. Some of them were indeed famous in their respective tribes for being good in particular things, but they would have never thought that they would be selected to be members of this new government. It was an incredible honour and privilege.
"Are we ready to begin?" Manusya said to everyone and they all nodded back at him. Manusya opened a scroll and unfolded it to read it out loud.
"Good, then I will introduce everyone to their role. The Convocation will consist of Seats, whereby each member will have a specific set of skills that they bring to the table. You will then be responsible for the management of your respective department and its development. The seats are not hereditary. You may retire at any time or we will remove your position if you are deemed incapable to perform your duty. In cases of retirement, you have the right to nominate a candidate you deemed worthy, and they will undergo a process of scrutiny and examination by the remaining Convocation members." he explained.
Everyone gulped at Manusya's explanation. They realised that they have truly entered the beast's den and that their role here was serious. They steeled themselves and prepared their psyche for this responsibility.
" I will begin introducing the Seats," Manusya said.
"Firstly, the Seat of Defence, General Ahmi," Manusya said. "Please stand up and bow to everyone."
Ahmi, who had been promoted to General by Manusya after his continued impressive performance in practice skirmishes and his incredible leadership, was chosen as the Seat of Defence, responsible for the military and the protection of Osma from both external and internal threats. Ahmi stood up and performed a military salute before bowing.
"Thank you, sit back down. From here on, simply bow and sit so we can proceed quickly." Manusya explained.
"Next, the Seat of Aether, Mata, the leader of the Druids."
Mata smiled as she stood up and bowed gracefully before sitting back down. It was obvious that she was picked for this role, as she was the strongest and most experienced aether weaver in the entire Osma reaches.
Manusya nodded. "The Seat of Construction, Brokar."
A muscular young man who wore earrings with short hair that was shaved on the sides stood up, he was a fellow one would think would be perfect for the military. But his passion lay elsewhere, and that was in architecture in construction. Brok was known as his village's best builder. Manusya had commissioned him to help him construct the new military complex and the residential districts. And for the young man, after experiencing and learning more about architecture in virtual reality, was convinced that this was his life's path moving forward.
"It is my honour," Brok said as he bowed and sat back down.
"The Seat of Education, Elder Stroma". An elderly, kind-looking grandmother who wore the typical elder's crown of leaves and flowers stood up from her seat. She was an elder from the village of Bastu. She was known around the village as an elder not only in name but wisdom, as he learned everything that she could about the natural environment and passed on that knowledge to the next generations. She was the perfect candidate to help with the establishment of a new curriculum. Elder Stroma bowed with a kind smile and sat back down.
"The Seat of Sustenance, Elder Riahmi." An old but dignified man stood up. He was an attractive older gentleman whose body betrayed his actual age, looking twenty years younger than he actually was. He was built and seemed as healthy as one could be at that age. Farming was not entirely a new concept for the Osmanians, at least some form of it. Elder Riahmi's lineage had perfected the cultivation of mushrooms as well as other herbs. His knowledge of farming was still rudimentary compared to what was to come, but by learning in virtual reality, he would soon be able to emulate 'modern' farming techniques, as he had done with the development of the newly built farmlands. He bowed and sat back down.
Manusya coughed, he knew this next line would cause a commotion. "I will be the Seat of Aksha."
And a commotion did occur as everyone tried to understand his reasoning.
"You are part of the Convocation, Aksha?" Brok asked.
"But you are the Aksha and no one else! What about the words of the gods?" Elder Riahmi interjected.
Manusya raised his hand to stop everyone. "As far as I remembered, I am the emissary of the gods. Thus, I know their will more than anyone. The title of Aksha was indeed given to me, Manusya, but if I am to be the leader of Osma, something that seems to already be decided whatever I say, then we must prepare for the possibility of my untimely demise or such cases where I find myself unable to continue my duty. From here on, I declare the title of "Aksha" to not only mean the emissary of Suwe'pien, but also the title of the leader of the Osma, should there ever be successors." he explained.
This is for the best. This way, not only can my shoes be filled just in case anything happens, they will slowly start to detach the meaning of Aksha from 'prophet' to 'leader'. In due time, I must reveal everything to them, and I hope they will understand. Manusya thought.
"But!" Elder Riahmi said.
"Such is the will of the Aksha, and so it shall be done." General Ahmi said while crossing his arms. His entire demeanour and atmosphere about him had changed. Ever since he underwent even more training in virtual reality, he seemed more fierce and intimidating. His eyes showed signs of vengeance, now that he knew the Osma can gain more powers, the rescue of his wife and son was not out of the realm of possibility. He was determined, and he had full faith in Manusya.
Everyone shut their mouth, seemingly not wanting to go against the intimidating military man.
Mata interjected. "Indeed, the will of the Aksha is the will of the gods. If the future Aksha is someone worthy of his name, then we must accept them as the leader of the Convocation," she said gracefully.
Well, thank you. Manusya thought as he looked at her.
Manusya coughed and read his scroll again. "It has been decided. I was not finished. The final role I will announce today is the Seat of Affairs, she will be responsible for reporting the state of the nation, the duties of the Convocation members and managing the relationships between the members." He turned to look at Evui.
Evui looked around the room in confusion and pointed at herself. "M-me!?"
"Yes, you. " Manusya smiled. "Evui will hereby inhabit the Seat of Affairs. Thus conclude the founding Convocation members. Please do note that this is not the final composition of the Convocation, we will slowly be adding more members as we develop further and require more duties to be accomplished." he explained.
There are key seats that are not yet filled because I can't find a good candidate yet. When the new education curriculum is enacted, I will surely find more capable individuals. He thought.
"W-wait, Aksha. I don't think I can do this." Evui shook her head in panic. She did not expect Manusya would announce such a thing today.
"She's right." Elder Riahmi said. "Forgive me, and I do not mean anything for the young woman. But I have heard rumours...."
"Cease your words right now." Manusya glared at him. "You are a man of dignity and respect. Respect my decision and respect her. She has proven herself capable, and more than that, her rumoured 'lover' is someone that is currently actively helping our cause deep inside enemy territory." he said sternly.
Elder Riahmi closed his eyes and nodded. "As you wish, Aksha. I apologize greatly. And you, Evui, I will respect your Seat." he said.
Good, at least perhaps people here will be more open-minded. He thought.
"Excellent." Manusya clapped his hands together. "Now, let us begin with the deliberation and debates on our founding constitution. After which, we will declare it to the populace and truly begin our great national project. Let us get started."
Thus, the Convocation of Osma was formed and the debates on what should be included in the constitution lasted an entire day, with each member passionately stating their opinions and viewpoints. After the meeting, the founding constitution was formed, and the Convocation readied themselves to truly begin the operation of this new country.
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ART
An Osmanian Standard House:
[https://i.imgur.com/UUiLUEQ.png]
Brokar, Seat of Construction:
[https://i.imgur.com/fP4uNtC.png]
Elder Stroma, Seat of Education:
[https://i.imgur.com/Qrngct3.png]
Elder Riahmi, Seat of Sustenance:
[https://i.imgur.com/KPYO8Wp.png]