Nashakra was staring at the table in front of her. Two dozen blades were displayed on it. The smiths had been working on them for a long time. These blades did not have any handles, they had always been meant to be used with psionics each one two meters in length and sharpened on every side. They were a sight to behold.

If someone did not know how they would be used they would surely question why these things had been made. Nashakra was confident enough to wipe out the remaining army in front of her gate entirely by herself.

None of them would be able to reach her and even arrows were of no concern. Unless they had someone with psionic powers of their own it would be a one-sided slaughter. She wrapped the blades in her psychic energy and had them float behind her. It was a sight to behold.

She had moved to a bigger training room leaving her guards and servants outside. Only Helmear was allowed inside.

She made her blades make countless different moves floating them around, slashing and dicing. The wooden table was stabbed dozens of times even the stone floor had been damaged the psychic energy the blades had been wrapped in only strengthened them further. The table had been cut apart in a single slash the entire length of six meters.

Unfortunately, the twenty-four blades were Nashakras limit.

“I would not have believed such a thing possible had I not seen it myself. Your Majesty.” Helmear remarked from the side. He was awestruck. If they were to fight he would die over a dozen times a second. A shudder was running down his back. He was glad not to be on the receiving end of the Empress's wrath.

“Its full potential will be revealed in the battle. I cannot show my entire strength in this room. It's too fragile.” Nashakra said confidently. Studying the blades stuck everywhere. None had been damaged.

Helmear paled at that. This was not enough? He was really lucky to be on her side and smiled at that.

She glanced at him

“I want you to watch from the battlements, with as many of the Soldiers you can put up there,” she said.

Helmear was not sure what she meant by that. They had to watch? Watch what?

“You wish to fight them all by yourself?” he asked uncertainly.

“Yes,” she said simply. “You do not need to be worried, believe in me.” She replied while continuing to train with her blades.

“I have been using my other abilities to send them into disarray. I will take a few more days and exploit more opportunities that present themselves while picking them apart. Then I will go in for the kill. They will be demoralized and once they see how powerless they are against a single person they will break and flee.” she explained to him. Nashakra was sure she would succeed.

Helmear nodded. “Alright your highness. I’ll believe in you.” A part of him really did. Reports of what happened to the enemy's camp had reached him and he had watched the commotion from the battlements.

Some of the other commanders and advisors had voiced their opinions and wanted to attack right away. But the Empress had forbidden it much to their dismay. They were disgruntled but had to accept it. They certainly would not take well to the idea that the Empress would go out alone to confront them either.

A privilege of being Empress was however that their opinions were irrelevant, hers was the only one that mattered even more so since they believed her to be some sort of god or gods chosen one. Nashakra knew better of course. She was merely gifted with power through some sort of circumstances. But gods? Doubtful.

She was watching the camp of their foes at the same time she was training. Multitasking was a very important skill, especially for a psion. So she had been training it ever since she discovered her abilities. And it showed with her success to use so many blades at once while spying on another location.

Their camp was still in disarray even now she was sowing the seeds of chaos. It was pitiful to watch. A soldier thoughtlessly threw a handful of dirt into a pot not realizing what he just did only to become aware of it a few moments later. To influence them even from so far away was rather easy for her.

She often wondered if other psions were as powerful as her but had no one she could compare herself to. Was she strong? Was she weak? In any case, she needed to train and learn more. It would be better to find out she is abnormally strong than to find out she's weak and die at the same time. She was sure she would regret such an outcome even in death.

After another night their reinforcements had arrived five thousand more troops from their alliance marched into camp. They were excited and morale was high. The soldiers they had come to reinforce however had barely any will to fight.

After the last two days and hundreds of desertions, rumors were going around that they were truly fighting against someone chosen by the gods. Others believed they were going against a demon. A fight no human should seek out. A battle better left to the gods and they should run.

The only thing keeping them in line was fear. The fear of being caught deserting and executed. The commanders of the first force had arranged themselves and General Ramund had taken command. They met with their reinforcements and greeted them.

At first, everything went smoothly even if there were tensions in their alliance. While they were allied now they would surely go to war again one day against each other. They were tigers hunting each other. Looking for weaknesses. Their reinforcements could not help but ridicule them once they learned the real state of their camp.

There had not been a single battle yet their overall commander was gone, and morale was low. Fear was permeating the camp, and rumors going rampant. And many soldiers were injured.

At first, the newly arrived forces from Ugrasea were dismissive of General Ramunds claims. That was until they experienced them themselves. Animals still beset them every day and night. Cases, where soldiers were poisoned, were on the rise.

With the loss of food they started starving they began to eat even the dirtied food with bird droppings. Some started eating grass. The supplies they had brought with them had already been lost to countless disasters.

Once the forces from Agodon arrived they did not fare any better. There were more and more incidents especially now that three different factions were present. Over the course of the following days, countless people were injured. Some even died most disgracefully.

They were on the verge of breaking apart. Already their numbers had fallen to twelve thousand from the original fifteen. The generals were implementing more and more drastic measures. Their messengers strangely never reached the cities. New orders did not come. And the thought of retreat never occurred to them for some reason.

The Generals were on the verge of a mental breakdown. The endless nightmares already had them so on edge. Preventing them from recovering in their sleep. Their attendants suffer their bouts of rage and insults.

Nashakra decided that it was now enough. One week after she had arrived at the wall it was time to put an end to this war. If she waited any longer they would scatter completely and she needed a decisive victory to showcase her own power.

Nashakra was astounded at how easy it was to pick them apart with so little effort. She was aware that she should not let such power go to her head. It would only lead to her doom if she was to get drunk on it.

Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

If she wanted to unite the continent then the people needed someone to rally around. They could not see what effort she had put into this if their enemies simply left in disarray.

They may not even attribute those deeds to their Empress but to the gods and that would not do for Nashakra. She needed her people's trust and faith. They needed to know that she could be relied upon.

That she was not like the other ruler who only lived to enrich themselves. She walked a different path. If she enriched everyone then naturally she would enrich herself.

----------------------------------------

A few hours after the Sun rose the next morning Nashakra was ready. It was a beautiful day once she emerged from the doors. A clear blue sky with not a cloud in sight. As if a higher power wanted a clear view of what was about to transpire.

Nashakra was clad in her armor with a look of determination on her face. The twenty-four blades floated behind her.

“Good morning, your majesty,” Helmear and General Aewig greeted her accompanied by soldiers and servants alike with a bow.

Nashakra nodded at them. Then glanced at the battlements. The Soldiers had already been assembled and would get a great view of the coming battle.

“We have prepared everything just as you desired,” Helmear said. “I do not mean to question you, my Sun. But are you certain this is how you wish to proceed?” Helmear trusted her but he said it for the benefit of the General who did not know what she was capable of.

“Yes. We will continue just as planned. Just watch from the battlements. It will be a sight to behold.” she smiled while saying this.

“We will talk after I return,” Nashakra said. “Open the Gates.”

“Yes, your highness.” The General responded and the gates opened shortly after.

Nashakra walked through the gate with the swords floating behind her. She took a deep breath to concentrate and center her mind on the here and now.

She had empowered herself and swiftly crossed the several hundred meters of ground between herself and the enemies. They had just seen the gates open and would most likely suspect an attack. Of course, they would never be able to imagine what really was about to happen.

Nashakra did not hesitate. As soon as she jumped over their barricades she started killing.

Since she could perceive her surroundings through her many abilities it was effortless.

Limbs flew through the air and blood was already starting to flow on the ground. People started screaming and a horn already sounded signifying that the camp was under attack and the soldiers started to come out and prepare themselves.

Nashakra did not let any of that affect her. She was here with a clear goal and nothing would distract her. Even while countless shouts and screams of pain echoed around her.

She used swords to deflect arrows while also using her telepathy to influence the soldiers around her. Making them miss or pressure their minds so they could not do anything.

To them, she radiated a menacing aura of fear. Many had unconsciously wetted themselves. Since Nashakra was able to sense the minds around her she did not need to see her enemies and was easily capable of perceiving what their intentions were.

She attacked them relentlessly and without mercy. Moving through the camp as fast as she could. She slew people left and right. But was not without compassion for the animals she made sure not to harm. They were no threat to her. Or anyone else.

Her blades continued to slice and dice. Like a meat grinder. Faster than an arrow they shot around piercing their helpless prey.

Not all however died to them. Some minds Nashakra simply crushed through the might of her own. They had no resistance. In turmoil, they could not resist. Hundreds of minds were crushed especially those who were a little further away and tried to flee.

At some point, the camp started burning during the fight and smoke was rising into the sky.

The soldiers screamed profanity. They begged. They prayed. Some surrendered hoping to be spared if they didn't fight. Showed no intention of hostility but it was useless that they were here in the first place was proof enough. She slaughtered them.

The soldiers now no longer rushing her the Generals are already long dead. Their bodies cooling somewhere behind Nashakra.

It took her less than an hour to clear out the entire camp. Several thousand managed to escape. They would carry the tale of what transpired here throughout the continent.

As of this moment, no one would be able to deny her might. This day would be the beginning of when her fame would start to spread.

Over ten thousand corpses were on the ground around her. The battlefield had been dyed red. Lakes of blood had formed.

Nashakra was surprised at how easy it had been. She had barely used her reserves of psychic energy. She was not even sweating. Mentally though she was a little exhausted. Crushing a mind outright was not an easy feat to do and she was ready to go to bed again.

Since the battle was over now. It could hardly even be called a battle. It was more of a massacre the cleanup could start now. They would bury everything and then tomorrow she would take half of her army and march on the other cities. None would be able to stand in the way of the empire she wished to build.

Once she returned to the great wall there was a deadly silence. Her own people were in fear and awe of her. When they saw her return they quickly prostrated themselves in the courtyard.

The picture they now had of her was clear. To them, she really was a goddess.

She did not read any of their minds or even look at them, they were her people. There needed to be limits and her codex was clear. Yet even so the atmosphere spoke for itself.

“Helmear,” Nashakra shouted for her most loyal and closest Servant.

“Yes, Your Highness. I'm here,” he answered her from somewhere to the side.

Nashakra turned to look at him and ordered.

“Have half the men clean up the battlefield than have the other half prepared to move out in three days towards Zeapphia.

------

Nashakra and her Soldiers were encamped in front of Zeapphia. She had given the fleeing soldiers of the Invasions force enough time to return.

The tale of what had transpired had already reached the city.

A single woman had slaughtered the entire army. Was she the embodiment of a God or a Demon?

Zeapphia was in flames. Smoke was rising in thick columns high into the sky that could be seen from countless kilometers away.

Nashakra wanted to take the city largely intact it would be hers soon enough after all. The less she had to rebuild the more she could invest in other things. Schools weren't cheap and neither was education but this was the first step that needed to be done.

Education especially moral and ethical education was the foundation of any country.

People should not walk by and ignore those who are suffering. Yet that such people existed was clearly a failure of the state.

Nashakra looked into the city. There was an uprising going on. The people reacted badly to the stories that reached them. They feared for their lives. Many wanted the king to surrender to the forces that would arrive soon. They did not know she was already here.

They were mourning their loved ones. Blaming the king. Blaming her for slaughtering them. Still, it was necessary. Her enemies needed to see and experience what she was willing to do to those who sought her and hers harm. Otherwise, such promises were only empty words. Threats are soon forgotten or not taken seriously.

By herself, Nashakra walked up to the gate. Using her psionic powers to hide from the guard's perception. She was walking right underneath their noses yet they could not see her. Their eyes simply slid over her form without reaction.

There were barely any soldiers. Most had been sent with the invasion force. The others were caught up in the uprising. The gate was greatly understaffed. The guards were not attentive enough. They worried a lot many wanted to run. They feared encountering her after the stories reached them.

She took control of some of their minds and had them open the gates then slipped inwards none noticed. None were any the wiser. Nashakra was filled with power and confidence. It was far too easy. Her Army would follow soon afterwards to quickly put down any form of resistance and restore order.

Screams were echoing through the streets. Some corpses were strewn about. It was a hellish sight. The soldiers had no compassion for their own citizens. A mad king clinging to his power when all was already lost.

How could he hope to stand against the raging river?

Nashakra walked through the city. Intervening only to stop some crime or the other. A rape. A Robber. Saving a child here and there. It hurt her heart but it needed to happen. The future she envisioned and wished to reach could not be had without change. The old needed to go.

Nashakra knew she was arrogant in these thoughts and beliefs. But did not every human believe themselves to be the center of the universe? Her ambition may be grander but in the end, there was no difference.

And Yet…

There would always be a Ruler. Someone at the top who would be above all others no matter which form of government it was. One Ideology or form of Rulership would always clash with another and so people would die.

Whether Democratic Nations overthrew the leadership of another for their ideals.

Or Communists and Fascists built their camps to achieve their own ideals.

People would die. The only difference was that different people did the dying.

And if people needed to die anyway. Then was it not better if the enemy did it?

Yet these would soon be her people. Nashakra wished to work for the good of all.

So the faster she ended this the better. For the sooner order would be restored.

Once she reached the palace she sneaked inside in the same way.

She already knew where the king could be found. He was hiding away with his Harem in his bed chambers. Enjoying the last moments of the life he knew was already ending.

Nashakra burst into his room. The handful of Guards outside were already under her control. They simply let her pass. None could resist her psychic powers. On this world during this time she was as close to a god as a mortal could possibly be.

She did not hesitate and had not planned a dialogue with her enemy. She put the women asleep with a quick burst of psionic energy and they fell unconscious.

The King she did not plan to let live. Nashakra moved in quickly and separated his head from his shoulders before he even noticed that even his women were no longer awake.

Blood spewed forth from the severed stump soaking everything near it. There were no screams. No Monologue of a Villain or any justifications. Just a quick and simple death. Soon to be forgotten even by history. At best he would become a footnote.

The unpleasant deed done Nashakra relaxed and looked over the city with her powers. Her army had quickly moved through some districts of the city. There was no organized resistance and in the face of their might, the common people surrendered quickly.

Soon the city would be hers.

This day would mark the rise of the Eternal Empress. A Woman described being ruthless to her foes. But most benevolent to her own.

“A Rulers true treasure is their Empire. Not the wealth it generates. The Bond with their people.”

“A Ruler serves all and through this serves themselves.” Excerpt from The Rise of the Eternal Empress Volume 1.

----------------------------------------