Chapter 616: Empire's Invasion [Conclusion]

The Empire's defeat at Calpter's high shook the very foundation of the church's ambition. Social media boomed as many put their credibility to shame. Going against religion was a line uncrossed by many since the day of the crusades. A big advocate for the unsanctioned invasion, Alphia, was adamant in Iqeavea paying for the damage caused. No matter how the press reacted or the world flamed the outrage, the Emperor stood strong and so did the church. The devotees prayed wholeheartedly.

Two months elapsed – during those days, a lot of events transpired. Starting in Noctis's Hallow, the victory prompted Igna to be rewarded. The foolishness of the guardian fortresses came under heavy questioning. The death of Kion snuck inside the Emperor's office. He threw a fit, the blatant warning turned truth, the massacre was plenty to show for the indiscretion.

The Blood-King's faction was rested and ready to charge the front. Once a pact is broken, there's no room for discussion. Pulling resources and men's power, the nightwalker rose to reclaim part of the Eastern front of which encompassed the airfield and castle Eldo. Barricades were erected at key locations. Traders and adventurers were directed to Glenda as opposed to the capital. 

The King expanded into the massive domain of the ex-lizardmen tribe. In addition, was the crushing capture of the western front. Arda's demography changed, the center, west, and south, were left to Lucifer. The north and part of the eastern frontier were left to the nightwalkers. Despite the victory, the share shook into 65-35, 65 in favor of Lucifer, a good number on paper and paper alone. Their share held Arda's natural resources and the only way of making a decent income. Lands towards the Southwest were always better for agriculture. Luckily, trade routes to Dorchester reopened. Monster hunting and questing expanded into Oxshield as was meant to be. A decree to tax monster earnings and quest completion stapled the Ardanians. Running an unrecognized nation required money, a lot of it. 

Away from Arda, we move towards events around the world, more specifically, the Federation's attack on the Wracia Empire. Ardanians are by all means people native to Hidros. Blatant slavery gave birth to unrest. Queen Gallienne, allied with Elendor began a long tedious fight into Old Cray's territory. Alphia opted out of the fight; Phantom's monopoly of the arm's trade brought greater profits. Earning for the past months rivaled that of the Gaso Group, a first in quite some times. Elon's Dynasty laughed openly at the profits. The powerhouses shook, Elvira's foresight into the market as well as investment elevated the organization to a realm of their own. How could anyone face off against such a presence? The weapons are constantly being improved. Attempts at reverse engineering had the minor arms maker kneel. Simple concepts, and complex execution, best of luck to those trying to place guns against guns. 

Now onto the acquaintances. Kion and his companions settled into their new lives, Odgar Codd was very welcoming. The combat prowess added to the already battle-hardened team of investigators. Together, he found what was sought after, a clear directive, fending for the weak and unfortunate. An attempt to do as much good as he did evil. The adventuring academy students returned with big rewards. Igna said it to be compensation for the trouble.

Saturday 31st of July rose, noisy growls broke his tender slumber. Progress on the wall reached Ritenoot. North from it laid the memorable Mont Blanc and its people, the winged wolves. 

'Another day of work,' stood facing Svien's hill, construction of the additional district as well as town-wall was complete. A bridge was built over the stream, the hill was carved into, part was used as natural protection against the outside. Without direct intervention, clearing the land and carving the rock would have to take a few years. Julius helped in the raw-material area of things. 

"Good morning, Baron," the lock clicked, "-how are you doing this fine morning?" a lady entered with a platter holding tea.

"Take a look," a fatigued look nodded towards Draconis.

"Is that a snake?" she wondered.

"Correct," sipping the drink, "-he says the snake is a pet. Those unblinking daggers are quite the spectacle."

"I see," quick to change the subject, "-my lord, we've scheduled the long-awaited meeting."

"I know, the inauguration of the new district. Quite a lot of money has gone towards the infrastructure."

"On the contrary," refuted Alta, "-the project seems to have garnered the attention of many interesting parties."

"Any reports on the informant?"

"None so far," said she, "-the capital seems to be in order."

Bright orange hue mischievously awoke the lazy, the town bustled to the usual riff-raff. Ever since Igna came into power, the town boomed. Part of the success was a direct result of Alta's employment. After he said yes to her job, on the following day, policies were changed to better the natives. The tax was lowered to break even. Merchants and fighters came in full. 

Back to the room, after a few minutes, Igna dawned a classy suit. Vanesa sloppily slid into a white and blue dress, Draconis wore the outfit as his father. The noble family needed to represent their fame and prestige. Appearances can only do so much for he shuddered the boy's unpredictable demeanor. 

"Listen to me," voiced he, "-today's an important event for the town. I've graciously ordered the game and also allowed the guild application. Draconis, best behave else I'm taking this week's allowance, do I make myself clear?"

"No problem pops," he smiled, "-I'll keep quiet." 

On it was to the new district. A stone bridge arched over the imposing river. Trees and the malignant aura of Aedric energy converted into fortified land. Stone-paths symmetrically laid out the land, anyone, local or not, can purchase a property. In the middle, a massive building with a slanted roof rose quietly. Against the backdrop of grey and occasional vegetation, intimidation reflected onto the visitors. Locals patiently waited for the lord's approval. 

'Amazing,' he watched in awe. Julius and many familiar faces watched from the crowd. Leather shoes clopped against the stone bridge, he turned to face the crowd. Numbers increased; traveling voyagers paused to stare.

"People of Glenda," he thundered across, "-behind me stands Glenda's new district. It shall serve as the home to the town hall. Be proud of what we've accomplished. I know it's been hard on some of us, the battle took a larger dent in the town's coffers, to that I say, screw it," the change jolted the listeners for it was first the lord used such vulgar language. The response was awe, "-the loss, over a period of mere months, transformed into profit, our town's prosperous, and it's all to the people's effort. I'm grateful to have such lovely and understanding comrades by my side. If not for notable people such as; Guild Master Haru, Stewardess Alta, Prince Julius, and countless others, we wouldn't stand in such favorable position today." Festive banners rolled above the town's gate, the influx of visitors wasn't due to the new district, no, more than that, Glenda's native were men who enjoyed drinking and partying. Most understood the silence, mild laughter murmured.

"I know," chuckled Igna, "-may the festival, BEGIN!" Éclair and Alta fired elaborate fireworks; the blueish sky couldn't handle the display. The laughter spawned off how impossible it felt. Another festival, so close to one another. Weirdly, the randomness felt right. The prior celebration was spontaneous. Deep down, the intent whispered, '-if one wishes to have a festival, one must do it right.' In other words, today's celebration would be the official event for Glenda's victory and the new district. 

A council room of long tables shuffled by the coming guests. Igna sat at the head whilst many others joined. Notably, the village elders. Curtains were shut for privacy, Éclair stayed in the corridor. Alta stood at the lord's side. 

"Greetings everyone," said he, "-I'm sure we'd all like to rejoice in the celebrations." They listened intently, "-I assume those in attendance are acquainted with one another?" they nodded. "-We shall start the first council meeting."

Igna from Glenda, Old man Elm from Oda, young Flea from Apid, and stone-cold Mifjia from Upen. Lady Haru represented the guild as well as the merchants. Lastly, priest Legane, from the church of Syhton, a representative for the people. 

Light discussions were served, many were preoccupied with leaving the table. A controversial decision rattled the council members.

"I've decided to leave Glenda in the caring hand of Alta."

"MY LORD," they smacked the table, "-you've been such a great leader to our town. Without the constant guidance, we might get lost…" 

"Young Flea raises a good point," commented Elm.

"At least explain the reasoning," offered Haru. 

"Competence," said he, "-she's proven her worth time and time again. I can no longer ignore the exploits. My duties in Arda will be complete in the coming week. My job is done. The town's stable and can rule itself. Alta's insight and statesmanship will be invaluable. Trust me, council members. Else, why would be the reason to have a council in the first place. I could one day decide to inflate taxes, what then, the townsfolk wouldn't have a say."

"I understand," nodded the priest, "-the council shall intervene when matters are at a strangle. As my lady Syhton wishes, the church will lend our humble support." 

"Not much we can do," thundered Mifija, "-Baron Igna has proved himself time and time again. Look at Apid, they've outgrown the feeble practice of selling offspring."

"Don't go there," fired Flea, "-I'll never allow anyone to suffer such a fate. I'll be damned if history repeats itself." The meeting continued, fears and misunderstandings cleared. 

'And we're done,' the heavy door shut, '-Alta's the perfect candidate to take over Glenda. Feels nice to have made a place of joy in times of war."

"My lord," heels echoed to an intimidating stop, "-I was never informed of such a radical-"

"Alta, Alta, Alta," the windows opened, "-surely thee understands, my quests is forever changing. I doubt the King's going to fight. Reports say the church forcefully had their army routed to Iqeavea."

"What now?" she gulped, "-how am I supposed to lead them, they all love their lord. An enemy isn't going to suffice."

"Why would I ever say something I didn't believe. Compared to ruling a nation, Glenda's childsplay. Be more confident," he kindly led her out the room, "-go enjoy with the populous, I need a moment of rest."

He watched through the parted curtains. The lady shook her head to be more confident. The council members greeted her presence in joy, and so, they went on above the bridge to disappear. 

"Master," interjected Éclair, "-Lady Courtney has asked of our help in the dark guild's affairs. Julius is also needed to lead his guild and Apexi."

"I know, I know," he laughed, "-good things have to come to an end. Here I thought of building a wall, events carried on so unexpectedly. We'll depart the moment the dots are connected."

"I'd say the experience has been worthwhile," added Éclair, "-we made new allies and established a stronghold for the faction. They'll take it from here. What's our next job?"

"We ultimately have to drive out Lucifer and his minions. At the moment, strength is lacking. We can't spare to fight the Empire directly. Phantom can only do so much. The tension between Cimier and the Dark guild is at an all-time high. The conglomerates have allied to the Empire's underground organization. I can't seem to escape the ravages of battle."

Out to the capital, Lucifer paced up and down the throne room, "-how did the hero die?"

"I warned you before," added Eira, "-Igna Haggard will forever be an overwhelming obstacle. I saw them die; my library was rendered useless. Tis best the church cuts their losses and focuses on Iqeavea. The faction won't fight without provocation."

"Feels so nauseating to lose. I wanted to enslave the nightwalkers; their power is the boost my army needs to take hold of Hidros. Devil of Glenda, I swear we'll fight in the near future. I concede the battle."

And thus, Igna and Julius's Ardanian trip reached its conclusion. The prince found love, Igna found strength, knowledge, and strong companion in form of kids.