Note: well hello again readers of this novels im quite happy on how this novel reached from a year ago of the bad quality to an acceptable in todays standard i would like to offer my gratitude to those who sticked to read even though you are just readers not commenters but who cares anyway i can just feel satisfaction to share this story to you all but enough of that i would like to announce that i will take a break next week no chapter for a while most likely two weeks since i need to list down my characters since i missed a lot which is my first mistake but hey I'm quite busy to keep track since i write not organize but to end this is that congrats on me on how many viewers I'm reaching although kingdom building is not really the popularity anymore but who cares i still appreciate the genre and still love to my heart so may be in the future i will release some fanfics or another novel this Christmas so thanks and peace out.
Snap!
"Well ladies and gentlemen from Mrchess watching from the board!" the man snapped his fingers and the screen went dark
-------------
In a large tent that could easily fit 300 people, smack in the middle of the war's three leaders sat a massive table surrounded by key figures. Each side was presented with a similar stack of documents containing records of losses—from materials and economic damage to infrastructure and lives—tracked from the war's start to its end. Each leader brought important allies.
On Zeus's side, the most significant commanders were present: Hera, Ares, Poseidon, Apollo, and Hermes. Zarina had her top command, including Ivan, Bertrand, and the formidable Polar Guards commander, Umrose. Alex's side was represented by some of the sentinels not on stationary duty, such as Alric, Axe, Erik, and Ling.
*Woosh.*
An unexpected fourth party entered: Arthur, the representative of the Titans, though he was supposed to be guarding Draconia's borders. Kalvin had assumed command there so Arthur could attend, arriving from the eastern front.
"To begin, I will have someone report the casualties of this war and the reparations for the families of fallen soldiers," Alex said. With a hand gesture, an officer stepped forward with a piece of paper. Once Alex gave his nod, the officer began.
"I will now state the total deaths, injuries, and those unfit to return to military service," he said, proceeding:
"The High Kingdom of Olympus: 150,000 dead, 100,000 injured, 40,000 unable to return to service; compensation: 300 drachmas per family.
The High Kingdom of Muscovy: 170,000 dead, 70,000 injured, 60,000 unable to return to service; compensation: 700 Zuls per family.
The Draconian Empire: 175,000 dead, 100,000 injured, 6,000 unable to return to service; compensation: 800 Dracs per family, with additional benefits to be discussed."
The silence that followed was heavy as everyone processed the scale of the losses. Alex's strategic intervention had been crucial in achieving victory, but the cost was undeniable.
"To assist in compensating the fallen and injured, the Draconian Empire will cover 30% of the compensation amounts, and their children will be given a chance to enroll in a future academy currently in the planning stage," Alex stated, rising from his seat. "Now, with the war concluded, we must address the outside forces that joined this crusade to kill Cronos and are now asking for their share of the spoils."
Ares spoke up first. "I suggest we leave them with barren lands to plunder," he said, only to be rebutted by Arthur.
"If we leave them unchecked, a new threat will arise. We are establishing a nation to control the Titans. I propose that we leave them in place, deny them any true wealth, and when they grow restless, respond diplomatically or forcibly expel them."
After a moment's contemplation, Alex nodded. "We'll allocate them lands that maintain the balance, with Draconian soldiers assisting if things escalate," Zarina added, supporting the plan. Alex gestured to an officer.
"Send a message to each camp, requiring that they send representatives or diplomats to negotiate their withdrawal. Any refusal will result in expulsion by force," he instructed.
The officer acknowledged the command just as another rushed in. "Urgent news, Your Majesty. A large force from the Athenian Duchy has been spotted. They ignored our warnings and are advancing toward our first line of defense from the Olympus direction."
Alex's eyes darkened, and power surged through him for a moment before he composed himself. "What are their intentions?" he asked.
"Judging by their armaments, they intend to strike the camp. We've observed increased military activity among the newly arrived forces," the officer replied.
Alex's expression turned grim. "Ares, take command of a battalion of tanks from the 1st Legion, two battalions of Forbidden Cavalry, and a squadron of Air Cavalry. Engage the Athenian forces and capture their leaders. Sean will accompany you," Alex ordered, his voice resonant with authority.
"Now!" His shout, imbued with divine power, shook the ground. Ares immediately departed, flanked by an officer who would relay the orders to Sean, stationed on Olympus's side.
---
**In Alex's Personal Quarters**
As Alex entered his tent, his guards opened the flaps for him. He removed his coat, revealing his inner attire, unholstered his twin pistols, and set aside his sash of daggers. He sat down at a table with a weary sigh.
*Thud.*
A slight sound accompanied his movement. He coughed, releasing a trickle of blood, and removed a ring from his finger, placing it on the table.
"Activate body scan," he commanded.
The ring emitted a blue wave that passed over his body. After a few minutes, it returned to its original state and spoke in a robotic tone. "Scan results show severe internal damage: rib cage, spine fractures, dislocated bones. Recovery in progress, but adjustments needed."
Alex took a vial from a drawer, drinking its contents. Warmth spread through his body as he heard internal cracks, feeling a measure of relief. A report on Novoros's casualties caught his attention, and he was shocked by the figures.
"Out of 100,000 active soldiers, over 30,000 dead, missing, or injured. Among the airmen, 350 killed and five missing," he thought, compiling the list of missing soldiers. Retrieval was vital if any were alive; otherwise, there had to be a memorial gesture.
"Damn it, the cost of wars," Alex muttered.
"Your Majesty, the Grand Marshal wishes to speak to you," an Imperial Guard said.
"Put him through," Alex replied. The table's magic projector lit up, and Dimitri's form appeared, saluting.
"Speak, Grand Marshal. We have much to discuss," Alex said.
Dimitri's expression was serious. "Alex, what's our next step? Should we hold a victory march in Draconia?"
"Yes. We'll march from here to Draconia, selecting units with the highest honors. Two legions will stay behind to maintain peace, alongside knight orders. The navy will assist at the port city, aiding in Arthur's jurisdiction," Alex replied.
"And after that?" Dimitri probed.
"Shift policies to focus on external threats, bolster social programs, plan Novoros's rise, implement a new training regimen, reorganize the military, and secure our borders. I'll also expand the demonic empire, which has been neglected. Finally, we'll announce a demobilization," Alex added.
Dimitri's eyes widened. "Demobilization? But that leaves us vulnerable."
Alex's smirk was calculating. "It will be a false demobilization. Only the announcement will be public; we'll continue preparing in secret. The Empire will maintain 30 active legions in peacetime, but 50 in war."
Dimitri sighed. "What about the clones?"
"Integrate them slowly into society. They will be citizens first but ready to serve. Make sure genetic containment measures are upheld," Alex said.
The silence stretched until Dimitri spoke again. "One last campaign, Alex, and then I'll retire," he said respectfully.
Alex's response was firm. "One more campaign, Dimitri. Then you'll have your rest."
---
**Axe's POV**
I walked through the combined war camp, noting the tension since the arrival of the outside forces. Reports indicated 900,000 soldiers from the west, including saints and low-tier gods, along with hundreds of king-level and emperor-level combatants. They were insignificant compared to the Sentinels, who were grandmaster-level and above.
Axe arrived at Zarina's tent, where two female guards stood as immobile as statues.
"The Queen is expecting you," one said, opening the flap.
Inside, Zarina was cleaning her blood-streaked ice blade with a white cloth. *Damn, that's why I love her,* Axe thought. She was in a skin-tight leather suit, armorless but lethal. He removed his own armor, revealing bandaged muscles from a recent fight against saint-level generals.
He sat down beside Zarina, who rested her head on his shoulder, placing her blade aside. Silence stretched between them, a rare moment of peace since Alex's marriage proposal to them had become public knowledge.
"What do you think?" Zarina's voice was soft.
"What do you mean?"
"About Alex's plans for Muscovy," she clarified. Alex had been aiding them economically but not militarily.
"He's arming your soldiers, but gradually to avoid suspicion," Axe replied.
"That's what I thought. But there's another issue." Zarina's eyes darkened. "My nation isn't unified enough to become an empire."
Axe nodded. "Alex will support it, but he won't involve himself directly."
"I need to ensure it myself, especially to secure those bolt-action rifles for my Winter Wolves Corps," she said.
---
*To be continued.*