Here is a link to the Map of The Five Kingdoms (Rough Draft): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TVrkfEMcYwJ3FsPfxwJYRw7GucHkCR12/view?usp=sharing
Make sure to read vol.0.
Arc-1
A Battle for the Heart.
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Port Vinka had never seen such a rush since its construction, and it was buzzing with men racing all around and people dressed in brown military uniforms carrying arms and ammunition to their ships.
A man observed everything from his room. His black eyes, gazing intently for suspicious action among the working folk, covered the maximum region by looking through his spyglass.
"Commander Sakaguchi, all the military troops called for have arrived. We can set sail as soon as the ships are completely loaded."
Someone called out to him, a voice he was familiar with. The voice carried respect for him.
"Very well, inform all the captains that we go as planned. Start sailing at dawn and reach the checkpoint before the next sunrise."
"As you command, sir."
The guard saluted the man and walked out of the command room as ordered by his commander. Yuuka turned towards the window and began gazing at the ships as he anticipated the future.
"I will win this war."
Yuuka Sakaguchi, the chief commander of the forces of the land of Asphodel, had his eyes set on his goal. He was focused and tense, yet excited for the battles to come. He had prepared his army in less than 10 days. Yuuka had done it swiftly and carefully, ensuring no word was leaked to the enemy.
In the command room, his table was covered with sheets of paper from his advisors and strategists, considering all the possibilities and scenarios to make a perfect plan. He looked out the window proudly at his army, ready to fight for their country. Bearing the twin star flag with the shade of flame red on their uniforms, the soldiers marched towards the warships, preparing to battle for the country.
He looked at a portrait fixed on the walls of his room. His parents smiled at him with happiness and love for each other, but it was something he had never witnessed for himself.
"Father, today we take the first step. We will win this time. We will take Mother's homeland back."
"You seem to be quite enthusiastic about this operation, Commander."
"?!"
The sudden interruption of his thoughts caught Sakaguchi off guard. Instinctively, his hand reached for his gun and pointed it right at the person standing at the door.
"Calm down, soldier. It's me, your father-in-law. You don't want to kill me, or my daughter won't leave you alive."
"Oh! It's you, Sir Ken."
The person he aimed at was the leader of the land, Frey Ken. He was dressed in soldier's attire to disguise himself and be protected from any enemy hidden among the soldiers.
"I am sorry."
Sakaguchi immediately lowered his gun, put it back in its sheath, and bowed as an apology.
"Please forgive me for this careless act."
"I do forgive you. You are under a lot of stress these few days, but try to act more calmly and rationally next time."
The man easily forgave the young commander, knowing his conditions and worries fully, even after such a dangerous and careless act.
"And can you please cut the 'sir' part? There is no need to talk to me this formally."
"I can't, sir; it's my duty as a soldier."
"Young people's blood sure runs hot. I wish I could be young."
"It's my pleasure to be praised by one of the greatest personalities who fought for their country."
"Your father was one of them. As such, we should have equal standings. I have been repeating this for years now."
"Still, my obligation to my duty says so."
"Let's leave this talk for some other day. I want to discuss something more serious. I have some advice or facts that I want to tell you, but before that, why don't you reveal your plans to me? I don't have any information since you did everything so fast."
The room's environment got serious momentarily, and Yuuka instantly knew what the chief was asking for.
"Please take a seat."
Yuuka closed the door and shouted through the windows of the door. He rang the bell that signalled his guardsmen to stop any person unless they had an appointment. It was just the two of them. Ever since Yuuka's childhood.
"So, Commander, please tell me more details about this plan of attack."
"Sure, let's start."
The two people talking in the room were the most influential in the Land of Asphodel: Frey Ken and Yuuka Sakaguchi. They both had a deep connection to the history of this land.
Frey Ken, the leader of the Land of Asphodel, was a major rebel during the civil war against the royal family 26 years ago. He founded Asphodel with his supporters after the Civil War.
He led the nation as a hard-working chief, followed the policies of a socialized monarchy, and was remarkably successful at keeping his people at peace. He fixed the marriage of his daughter, Kriska Ken, to the son of his old partner, Yamastu Sakaguchi.
Yuuka Sakaguchi is the son of another great rebel, Yamastu Sakaguchi. He was originally born in the area under the Kingdom of Lynx. His mother and father died in attacks by the royal army.
He was raised by Frey Ken after the passing of his parents. He wants to conquer Lynx, the heart of Ethereo, as it was called before, as a final gift for his parents and Frey for caring for him. Additionally, he married the daughter of Frey Ken, Kriska, and has a daughter named Arata Sakaguchi.
Both of these people are the backbone of Asphodel and plan to unite their nation into one again. Today, they began their first action towards their final goal. The Kingdom of Asphodel was ready to conquer the Kingdom of Lynx.
The discussion of strategies and plans lasted a long time. Yuuka talked about his plans and received significant insights from Sir Frey.
"I see. Our conversation seems to be enough. I hope everything works out in your favour. It will require all our strength and wits to complete the tasks I've told you." Frey gave his good wishes to the young commander.
"I will not disappoint you. We have worked hard for years for this. I won't let any drop of sweat and blood spent by the people of this country be thrown to dust."
Yuuka filled the words with determination and confidence.
"I trust you, son. Make sure to see Arata and Kriska before you leave," Frey said calmly, making the environment a lighter and happier
"I'll make sure to do that." Giving the reply, the commander pressed a button, and a passage opened behind the Almirah.
The kings build the secret paths when the five kingdoms were one and ruled under the will of gold, and Yuuka wondered what secrets lay in different nations.
Without another word, Frey moved through the secret passage, which led directly to an unknown place.
Yuuka opened the room doors and windows to let fresh air and sunlight into the room. The meeting had taken a long time, and it was already 5 o'clock.
"It seems the time has already come."
Saying this to himself, Yuuka rang his order bell, and a guard immediately entered the room.
"Sir, any orders?"
"Yes, tell the captains to prepare the ships. We will be leaving at 7 o'clock, as previously announced. Make sure all the captains finish their work by then."
Hearing the command, the guard left the room to announce the orders to the captains. While, Yuuka had other plans to visit his family.
"I have only two hours. Better visit them before I go."
The exhausted commander visited his family for the last time before leaving for war. He hadn't seen them for months, as his work was never ending.
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