Alex was gliding through the air, with Alvos riding a Pegasus beside him. They were heading to the capital of the Siegfried Empire, and Alvos was taking him there to show him the empire he was destined to inherit.
---
**Siegfried Empire Capital, Sigfridia**
Alex landed at the designated landing point and gazed over the city. He saw some parts of the city glowing with life, while other areas were shrouded in deep darkness.
He suddenly felt a hand on his shoulder, and when he turned, he saw Alvos looking at the city with him.
"Listen, Alex, you will inherit this empire and its untouched resources, but first, you must deal with the nobles."
Alvos turned and began walking toward the entrance.
---
**5 minutes later...**
They arrived at the emperor's office and saw Kalvin sitting at his desk, shuffling through papers and signing them.
Alex observed him for a while, sensing that his strength was nearing the threshold of the mortal realm. Then Alvos spoke.
"Kalvin, I've brought Alex. He'll be managing the capital for a month to test how well he can handle ruling a nation on a larger scale. He might annex this empire when he inherits it."
Kalvin sighed in relief. Since he'd been hired, he hadn't been given a single break. But now, with a replacement arriving soon, he decided to retire once Alex was crowned.
"Great, let's begin then," Alex said as he picked up a document and started reading.
"Tsk," he clicked his tongue and grabbed a quill and paper. He handed it to Kalvin, who started reading the new reforms meant for the capital only.
---
**3 hours later...**
After organizing the paperwork, Alex spoke.
"I'll order a construction company from Draconia to come here and start fixing the sewage system and provide housing for the homeless. As for the nobles, I won't spread these reforms beyond the capital yet, since I don't have full control of the empire. I need control of the military first," Alex said, locking eyes with Kalvin.
"Of course, Your Majesty," Kalvin said, bowing and leaving the office. Alvos, meanwhile, started clapping.
"I'll leave you here for three months to monitor the progress of the capital," Alvos said, heading to the balcony and disappearing.
A few moments later, Kalvin entered the office again, this time accompanied by a man wearing iron armor, with white hair tied in a ponytail.
"Your Majesty, this is Duke Dimitri, the current head of the army," Kalvin said, guiding the Duke to sit.
"Greetings, Your Majesty," Dimitri bowed. He had been briefed that Alex was set to inherit the empire, and he knew Alex wasn't someone to be trifled with—especially since he was also the ruler of Draconia, which, despite being attacked and nearly destroyed, had recovered and was thriving once more.
Alex sent orders to mobilize the army and allowed them to use the new-generation weapons.
Alex studied Dimitri and nodded before beginning their conversation.
"Duke Dimitri, how many soldiers are currently serving in the army?"
"Over 150,000 soldiers, Your Majesty. We also have 150 great eagles serving as our air force."
"Great. Now tell me, how much control do we have over the army if I were to order them to attack one of the lords?" Alex asked.
"Well, it depends on how much the lords bribe the army. Many units have deserted due to bribery. That's how the southern Sigfridia Empire was formed—when a Duke gathered an army from our forces and declared independence."
Alex unfurled a map and spoke again.
"In four days, I want the army gathered in the capital, ready to reunite the empire. I will personally control them."
Duke Dimitri's eyes widened in shock.
"Are you sure, Your Majesty? We don't have the funds to go to war!"
"I'll pay for it. New weapons and supplies will arrive in three days." Alex snapped his fingers, and a glow filled the room for a moment before he produced a pouch of money.
"Here are 15,000 Drac coins. Use them to cover the costs," Alex said. Duke Dimitri, speechless, left the office.
---
**4 days later...**
The people in the capital noticed sudden changes as new laws were announced. The poor from the slums were moved into abandoned homes and provided with basic food for the rest of the month. Criminals were sent to work on Alex's infrastructure projects, receiving food twice a day. Alex also ordered the city guard to re-inspect and check their records. Surprisingly, few of them had major criminal charges.
The most notable event was the arrival of a convoy escorted by 1,000 cavalrymen from Draconia. They were carrying weapons, food, armor, and military advisors and trainers. Meanwhile, the imperial army of the Siegfried Empire was encamped 20 kilometers from the capital.
When the convoy arrived, they met with Alex and headed toward the military encampment, accompanied by 500 cavalrymen and 60 imperial guards. As they arrived, Duke Dimitri stood overseeing the camp with 50 soldiers.
"Your Majesty, as per your orders, the army is assembled and awaits your command," Dimitri reported.
Alex looked over the camp. The conditions were terrible; disease could break out at any moment. He turned to Duke Dimitri and spoke.
"Gather them up. I'll address them."
"At once, Your Majesty," Dimitri said, bowing and riding off to the camp.
---
**30 minutes later...**
All the soldiers lined up in front of the hill overlooking the camp. Alex scrutinized them—some were poorly equipped, others had expensive armor, and some appeared sick.
He sighed, snapped his fingers, and fully released his powers. The army below felt a strong pressure, and a sense of fear washed over them, compelling them to listen.
"Soldiers of Sigfried, I've heard that you were once a powerful army, dominating the southern continent. But now, the men in front of me are the most corrupt and poorly trained I've ever seen. This will change."
He looked around and saw the soldiers lowering their heads in shame.
"Under my administration, I will strip the aristocrats of their control over you. I will whip you into shape, even if it means some of you may die."
The soldiers shivered under Alex's glowing eyes, sensing that disobedience would lead them straight to hell.
Slowly, all the soldiers knelt, plunging their weapons into the ground. Alex gazed at them.
"With this pledge, you commit your undying loyalty to this empire, which will enter a new era. Stand proud, and together we will create the most powerful empire!"
The soldiers stood, raised their weapons, and shouted.
"Long live the Empire!"
"Long live the Empire!"
After the excitement subsided, Alex turned to Duke Dimitri.
"My work here is done. Now train these soldiers. I won't launch any attacks recklessly, not until I have the new weapons. I'll also handpick 10,000 soldiers for a special task."
Alex guided Dimitri to a crate guarded by Musketeers from the Chaos Brigade. He opened the crate, revealing muskets—near replicas of the chassepot rifle. These were prototypes, and Alex decided to send them to the Sigfried army for testing. He also ordered medium-sized cannons to be delivered for the capital's defense.
Turning to the military instructors and advisors, Alex spoke.
"Duke Dimitri, these men will assist you in reforming the army. They're highly trained, and they've studied modern tactics. As for the handpicked 10,000 soldiers, I'll handle them personally."
He mounted his horse, followed by the guards, and glanced at the army once more.
'I'll see them on a larger scale soon,' Alex thought, reminiscing about the day he created the Chaos Brigade. Leading it was his best friend, his only marshal.
In a few years, the Siegfried army would become the backbone of the Draconian military, famed as the most advanced and powerful force the world had ever seen.
---
**Next Chapter...**