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The world was changing—rapidly. And at the center of that change was Raiden Kagwa, King of Gaia. What was once a vision for a united world had quickly become a reality. Cities were being rebuilt, barren lands revived, and entire nations healed under his leadership. The Kingdom of Gaia was no longer just an ideal; it was growing into one of the strongest kingdoms on Earth.
On a news broadcast, images of flourishing fields where there had once been nothing but wasteland were shown. The streets buzzed with life, the energy of hope tangible in the air. "It is beyond belief how far the world has come in such a short time," the reporter said, eyes wide as the camera panned over endless stretches of green. "Under King Raiden's guidance, the land itself has been reborn. Crops grow where there was once only desert. Ruined cities rise again. This is the Kingdom of Gaia in action."
In the background, the technological marvels Raiden had introduced—small drones and machines called Gaia Cores—were seen moving tirelessly, aiding in the restoration. The Cores worked in fields, harvested resources, and rebuilt entire infrastructures. They had become essential to the recovery of a world that had been brought to its knees.
A vendor in one of these bustling new markets smiled warmly at the camera. "We have everything we need now," she said, wiping her hands on her apron. "Before, we were barely surviving. Now, our crops grow fast, and we trade with other regions. It's like a dream."
But not everyone was eager to embrace Raiden's vision. There were still remnants of the old world—corrupt leaders who had thrived on power and exploitation—who felt threatened by the rise of Gaia.
Inside a lavish mansion, far from the reborn lands, several officials gathered around a long table, their faces etched with worry. These men had once ruled unchecked, but now they were facing an undeniable truth: their power was slipping.
"We cannot let this happen," one of them barked, slamming his fist on the table. "The people are abandoning us. Raiden has turned them against us!"
"What did you expect?" another man muttered, shaking his head. "He's feeding them, giving them homes, jobs, hope... We can't compete with that."
A cold silence settled over the room until the door swung open with a sudden crash. The room's atmosphere shifted immediately as Gaia's soldiers entered, their polished armor gleaming under the lights. Leading them was one of Raiden's most trusted officers, her expression one of disdain as she surveyed the corrupt officials.
"You are hereby removed from your positions," she announced, her voice unwavering. "The people have spoken, and your services are no longer required."
One by one, the officials were escorted out, powerless to resist as the very people they had once oppressed cheered from the streets outside. The fall of these corrupt rulers was swift and decisive, a testament to Raiden's resolve to clean the world of its rot. He did not need to use violence; he simply gave the people the power to choose their own fate, and they chose him.
While Raiden's reforms were celebrated in many corners of the world, behind the scenes, some governments were more cautious. In the United States, President Elizabeth Ross-Forbes stood in her office, staring out of the window, deep in thought. Her hands were clasped tightly behind her back as she listened to her advisors, who argued among themselves.
"We can't ignore the growing influence of the Kingdom of Gaia, Madam President," one advisor warned, pacing back and forth. "Raiden's kingdom is a powerhouse, and every day more countries are aligning with him. We need to decide where we stand."
Ross turned, her expression thoughtful but guarded. "I'm well aware of Gaia's rise," she replied. "But Raiden isn't just some warlord. He's rebuilding the world, healing lands, and creating a future that a lot of people desperately want."
General Matthews, a grizzled veteran, leaned forward, his voice gravelly with disapproval. "It's too risky, ma'am. We're already seeing destabilization in key regions. You give Raiden an inch, and he'll take over the global economy."
"And where does that leave us?" another advisor added. "We can't risk weakening our own position."
Ross sighed. She had been keen to work with Raiden from the beginning, recognizing that his vision might actually bring stability and hope. But her advisors, powerful figures within the government, were all caution and restriction. Her hands were tied. "We'll proceed cautiously," she finally said, "but we can't stay on the sidelines forever."
....
Halfway across the world, in Moscow, the atmosphere was far more hostile. Russian President Viktor Kovalev sat at the head of a long table, his advisors and top military officials surrounding him. Tension crackled in the room as they discussed Raiden's growing power.
"He's taking everything from us," one of the advisors snarled. "Eastern Europe is already slipping into his influence, and now he's securing deals with Africa. If we don't act, we'll be nothing more than an isolated state with no power left on the global stage."
Kovalev's brow furrowed in thought. He had watched Gaia's rise with growing alarm, and his anger had only deepened as more nations fell into Raiden's sphere of influence.
"We cannot confront him directly," Kovalev said, his voice measured but cold. "Raiden has the people's support, and his Gaia Cores are doing the work of an entire army. If we make a move too soon, we will lose. We need to find a weakness—something that will destabilize his kingdom."
"Sabotage?" one general suggested.
Kovalev nodded slowly. "Something along those lines. Raiden may have won the hearts of the people, but every kingdom has its vulnerabilities. We'll exploit his, and when the time comes, we'll strike."
....
Meanwhile, across the English Channel, the mood was one of agreement. In a closed session of the British Parliament, leaders from various parties discussed Gaia's rise and what it meant for the future of the United Kingdom.
"This is an opportunity," Prime Minister Helen Wilkes declared, addressing the room. "King Raiden's vision for the future isn't one of domination. It's one of growth and prosperity. Gaia is becoming a global force, and I believe we should be at the forefront of that movement."
There were murmurs of approval from several MPs. "If we align ourselves with Gaia now," Wilkes continued, "we will have a seat at the table when the world shifts. Raiden isn't a conqueror—he's a leader. We should be working with him, not against him."
The motion passed with overwhelming support. The United Kingdom was ready to throw its weight behind Raiden's growing empire, seeing the potential for cooperation rather than conflict.
But not all nations shared that sentiment.
In Beijing, General Minjun Song and his top officials were locked in a tense discussion. China, surrounded by many of Raiden's newly claimed lands, was now feeling the pressure. As Gaia expanded its influence in Africa and Southeast Asia, the Chinese government found itself increasingly isolated.
"We cannot let this continue," General Song said, his tone sharp and decisive. "Gaia is encircling us, and Raiden's influence grows by the day.... We Have news that Kora is about to join hands with his movement, If we don't act now, we risk being shut out of global power."
One of his senior military officials leaned forward. "We've already begun discussions with Russia about a joint strategy. Raiden has a weaker army.....he relies on his technological marvels...and his own power, If we can find a way to neutralize those, we can slow his advance."
Another advisor chimed in, "We should also focus on diplomatic measures. There are still countries wary of Gaia's rapid rise. If we can form a coalition, we may be able to contain Raiden before it's too late."
Song nodded slowly. "We'll explore all options. But one thing is clear.....we cannot allow Gaia to dominate the global stage."
.....
"Raiden, the old powers stir. Reports from our agents across the world confirm that the remaining nations—America, Russia, China, and Britain—are discussing their next steps. Some are plotting against you, while others are in conflict about whether to join your vision."
Raiden leaned forward, his fingers tapping lightly on the table. The scar left from his past battles still pulsed with dark energy, feeding his impatience. "Then why do we wait? If they wish to challenge me, I will end them. My power surpasses any of their armies or strategies. Why not strike now and remove the threat before it festers?"
The room fell into a moment of silence. Raiden's words were laced with intensity, a testament to the lingering influence of the darkness that scar had left behind.
Da Vinci stepped in smoothly, her tone gentle but firm. "Raiden, your power is undeniable, but brute force alone will not secure the future we're trying to build. We've been successful because we've won the hearts and minds of the people. That's our true strength." She paused, giving him a look filled with conviction. "The people of those nations you want to strike are already turning toward you. They see the changes we've made, the improvements to their lives—healing the land, eliminating corruption, providing opportunities. Attacking now would only turn them against us."
Merlin nodded, backing Da Vinci's point. "You've planted the seeds of doubt in their leaders already. Let those seeds grow. Patience has brought us here, and it will bring us further still. The people want change, and they are seeing that change through you. If you strike now, you risk turning yourself into the very tyrant they've been led to fear."
Raiden's eyes flashed with frustration, but he listened.
Bruce leaned forward, uncrossing his arms as he spoke, his voice cold and calculating. "Let them make the first mistake. Expose them. Once the world sees their corruption and fear, the people will turn on them of their own accord. By the time we step in, we'll already have their support. If you move now, you give them an enemy to rally against. They'll unite under the false pretense of 'freedom,' when all they're really trying to do is protect their crumbling thrones. But if they act first, it's their corruption that will be on display."
Raiden frowned. "So, we do nothing?"
"Not nothing," Bruce clarified. "We prepare. Let them show their hand, and when they do, we strike with precision, not force. Take out their power, but not through war. Do it through exposure, diplomacy, and control. By then, it will be too late for them to fight back."
Diana, her voice steady and unwavering, added, "Raiden, we are already winning. Gaia has become a beacon of hope. There is no need to rush into battle when our strength is being built every day. They are growing desperate; their time is ending. Let them destroy themselves in their paranoia."
Raiden's mind was clouded with the scar's influence, the need for immediate action gnawing at him, but he knew his friends were right. As much as he wanted to remove the threat by force, it wasn't the right time.
He took a deep breath, calming the storm within. "Fine. We'll wait. But the moment they show any sign of aggression—"
"We'll be ready," Arthur finished, his voice calm yet resolute. "And when that moment comes, we will strike with the people's will behind us."
Raiden leaned back, the tension in his muscles loosening as he exhaled. "Very well. But make no mistake, I will not hesitate if they cross that line. Keep monitoring their movements closely, Merlin. If they show even a whisper of defiance, I want to know."
Merlin nodded. "Of course."
..
Raiden sat in silence for a moment after the meeting, his mind churning. Beneath the surface, something stirred—something darker, deeper. The scar on his body had been a reminder of the battles he had fought, but now it was more than that. Outwardly, it looked the same as always, a physical mark of his victories. But inside... inside, it was growing, eating away at him like a festering wound. He could feel it, not just on his skin, but within his very soul.
The realization hit him with unsettling clarity. His personality was shifting—perhaps subtly, but undeniably. The way he thought, the way he felt, it was all being gnawed at by this force. The scar wasn't just a reminder anymore; it was a manifestation of something else. Fear, anxiety... no, not fear for himself, but fear for the future. He was worried about the battle to come, the one that truly mattered. The one with his greatest, strongest enemy yet.
Darkseid.
Raiden's eyes flickered with a rare vulnerability, though only for a moment. He knew what was coming. These old remnants of Earth's powers were nothing compared to what lay ahead. The world was already bending to his will, slowly but surely. But that wouldn't matter if they weren't prepared for the true enemy.
His gaze drifted toward Merlin, the ancient sorcerer who had been by his side since the start. Raiden's voice cut through the silence of his own thoughts. "Merlin."
Merlin turned his head slightly, sensing the gravity in Raiden's voice. "What is it?"
"Shift the focus of our intelligence gathering," Raiden ordered, his tone more somber than usual. "It's time we take full advantage of our deal with the Green Lantern Corps. Their reach into space is unmatched. I want them to gather information—anything they can find about the movements of Darkseid and his forces."
Merlin's expression hardened, realizing the weight of Raiden's request. "You're sure it's time? The remnants of Earth's old powers still need to be dealt with."
Raiden shook his head, his eyes cold with certainty. "The world is as good as mine now. These remnants... they're distractions, desperate shadows clinging to the past. They don't matter. We can handle them. But the force that's coming... that's what we need to prepare for."
He stood up, the power radiating from him, though his thoughts were still focused inward. "Darkseid is the real threat. And if we aren't ready when he arrives, none of this will matter. Everything we've built, everything we've achieved, it will all be wiped away. The war we need to focus on isn't with these old powers, Merlin."
Raiden's eyes burned with determination. "It's with Darkseid."
Merlin nodded slowly, understanding the gravity of the shift. "I'll reach out to the Lanterns immediately. We'll gather whatever information we can."
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If you Like this story! Check out my other story! One Piece: Elden Lord!
and
If you wish to read more or simply support me just because ? than check out my patréon at
"https://www.patréon.com/Riadooo"
Don't forget to change "é" to "e"