"Here, this will be the location of the new base. We have yet to explore the other side of the world, but reports from merchants suggest they could rival us in technological warfare. For now, let's focus on our current predicament," Alex said, turning to Jin.
"Coordinate with the fleet. I will send the construction and supply fleet to create an artificial island large enough to house an airstrip, a port for military use, and ammunition storage for future operations," he instructed. Jin nodded and took notes.
"That's all, Marshal Jin. Expect the arrival of the supply fleets in two months. According to my calculations, the military base should be completed six months from the start of construction," Alex said. He stood up and walked towards an open space, with the Imperial Guard forming two lines behind him.
Soon, crackling noises filled the air as a blue portal appeared. The onlookers, except for Jin and the other soldiers, watched in shock as Alex stepped into the portal and disappeared.
The monarchs were silent, processing the encounter with a being they couldn't comprehend, while Jin was giving orders to soldiers who had already finished cleaning up the battlefield.
---
**A Few Days Later**
**Draconian Empire – Labor Camp**
The labor camp, known to the prisoners as the processing facility, was where the most heinous criminals were incarcerated. Some were spies from different territories of the gods, now caught and placed in cuffs. A group of prisoners, the minority being Athenian knights, were tortured daily. The shadow war between the two nations had given the Draconian Empire the upper hand, with the best recruits either killed in action or taken into prison camps.
Prisoners were forced to mine resources, given food, and some rejuvenation potion. Anti-magic nails prevented them from using their powers.
"Get moving or be shot!" shouted a prison guard, aiming his rifle at a group of prisoners in red jumpsuits being dragged by another guard.
As they moved through the corridor, guards patrolled either in pairs or in teams of four to deter prisoners from ganging up on them. Well-behaved prisoners were taken to a better prison not far from this center. This place held the most dangerous prisoners, with a military base nearby for quick reaction.
*Tak Tak Tak Tak*
The sounds of pickaxes hitting stones were heard. The prisoners were brought to an open area where others were already working. They were led to a mine entrance, where prisoners moved in and out.
A few minutes later, they arrived at a huge wall where prisoners were trying to crack it open.
"Get your gear and start working," said the captain in a serious tone.
This camp was one of many sites Alex established to give prisoners a reality check that they couldn't easily undermine his empire without suffering the consequences.
---
**Imperial Palace of Draconia**
Alex was reviewing reports when he saw that the Assassin X leader had finished their tour and arrived in Draconia, currently at the airport.
"I see," he said. "Any developments?" he asked. Kalvin responded.
"Currently, our recruitment drive is going well. Soldiers are being shipped off to various undermanned legions. The 27th Legion you deployed to the Tyrell continent is 90% fully staffed and has finished building defensive works. They report sightings of a large Elven army gathering 50 kilometers away from the fortresses. Current numbers exceed 300,000 soldiers, along with 20,000 griffins and 30 great eagles," Kalvin reported. Alex looked on with interest.
"Alright, for now, give me the numbers on soldiers that the Novoros Army has mustered," Alex asked.
"Over 1 million soldiers are active. As for the navy, they have 100,000 sailors and the following ships: 20 destroyers, 15 frigates, 20 cruisers, 8 battleships, and 1 aircraft carrier currently undergoing sea trials," Kalvin reported. Alex was amazed.
"What type of carrier?" Alex inquired.
"The Newton Class, following your instructions and our new angled deck design. The development department named it the Orario Class, which was deployed to the continent of Esdos," Kalvin replied. Alex nodded, intrigued by its potential.
---
**A Few Days Later**
The empire was silent, with all nations worried but continuing with their business. Time flew like the raging winds from the north, and the empire's war machine grew every day. One hundred thousand tanks were produced, 100 million bullets manufactured, 1 million rifles and other equipment pumped out daily. The navy grew until a fourth fleet was established, and the coast guard expanded with new ships sent to each fleet. The Novoros Duchy swore allegiance to the Draconian Empire, their weapons now comparable to the empire's small arms.
---
**A Year Later**
Over a year had passed, and the empire had been waiting for this opportunity. Alex was in the Command Center, or War Room, surrounded by the elite: generals, advisors, and ministers of his government. They were beginning the operation that would change the face of the continent.
"Your majesty, with just a press of a button, the entire empire will mobilize for the operation. We have prepared for every outcome," Marshal Dimitri said solemnly. As tension grew, Alex stood up from his chair and approached the table where the button glowed with a green hue.
*Tap*
He pressed the button, and multiple screens flashed to life, showing military bases and naval bases across the empire. Soldiers sprang into action, preparing for war. Fighter planes and bombers, equipped with new hardware and equipment, scrambled into the sky. The different fronts that were planned ahead were already preparing. Alex turned to the group, focusing on one screen connected to Olympus.
"Gentlemen, I will announce to the whole empire that our offensive against the Chronos horde begins now," he said, prompting everyone in the room to move to their respective seats and begin contacting their units. Alex left the room with the elite squad and headed to an open balcony of his palace.
Below, the citizens of Draconia had been informed that an important announcement was about to be broadcasted to the entire Draconian Empire. As Alex stood in front of the elite squad, the Imperial Guard created a shield wall to prevent the crowd from going beyond the line. When Alex arrived at the podium, a magic circle appeared near his throat, amplifying his voice.
He began to speak, "Citizens of Draconia and the Draconian Empire—"
*To be continued*