June 4th, 3289, noon / Novalis (One of the eight capital cities of the Galactic Alliance)
The sun of Arka Prime shone brilliantly upon the crystalline domes of Novalis, casting iridescent flashes that danced through the streets of the imposing capital. Situated at the heart of the Milky Way, this architectural jewel was the pride of the Galactic Alliance, a living symbol of the progress and harmony achieved by the united systems.
Novalis housed the Council of Systems, the most powerful governing body in the known galaxy. From its vaulted chambers, representatives of the major star systems convened to debate and make decisions that reverberated through the fate of trillions of humans.
Yet on this day, a solemn and tense atmosphere enveloped the usually bustling streets of the capital. The leaders of the eight most important systems had been summoned to an emergency meeting to address a matter of vital importance: the death of Kayn, the Alliance's most powerful mage and its primary defender against the demonic forces of the Demon Lord.
Kayn's loss had shaken the very foundations of the Alliance. His wisdom and power had kept the ancient evils lurking in the darkest corners of the cosmos at bay. Now, with his passing, a power vacuum opened, sowing uncertainty and fear in the hearts of the leaders.
As stellar ships landed in Novalis' spaceports, the representatives hurried toward the imposing Council building, where they would face one of the most difficult decisions of their era: Who would fill the void left by Kayn? The fate of countless worlds hung by a thread, and the leaders had to act swiftly and determinedly to restore confidence in the established order.
From a robust military spacecraft, painted with white stripes, Jacko disembarked, accompanied by his personal guard. The third most powerful figure in the galaxy made his way through the tower's labyrinthine corridors until he reached the top floor. There, a glass dome arched in a circle, housing a round table in the center, occupied by seven of the representatives from the Alliance's eight systems.
Aeris-23 (First System), a conglomerate of oxygen-rich planets known for its advances in biotechnology and terraforming, was represented by a slender, ethereal figure who rose upon Jacko's arrival. The murmurs in the hall ceased.
"Jacko?" the figure from Aeris-23 greeted, slightly inclining their head in confusion. "We were not expecting you at this meeting. Where is Nikael?"
"Unfortunately, he cannot attend as he is still leading the cleanup and rescue operations on Cerullion. I have come in his stead as the representative of the Military," Jacko replied, emanating a somewhat sadistic smile.
"I see... well, have a seat then."
Jacko nodded silently and made his way to his seat, observing the familiar faces around the table. The leaders of the most influential stellar systems were already present: Tethys of the Minerva-9 system, Liora of Xylar-5, Gorrin of Ragnar-7, Helya of X23-1M-4, Boras of Thea-2R-6, Mariel of Arca1XC-8, Sandra of M1X-3, and finally Nakamoto of Nova-2. Each possessed unique abilities and knowledge that, combined, formed the backbone of the Galactic Alliance.
"Nana isn't coming with you, Jacko?" Nakamoto of Nova-2 asked, a bit nervous.
It was then that Jacko recalled the previous day. Before departing for Novalis, Nana had arrived at Xernas to mourn Kayn. Her bearing was strong, clad in pure silver armor and a wine-colored cape. Nana walked among the thousands of rows of seats set up for Kayn's farewell ceremony. Her fine features remained serene, only disturbed by the slight wind of the planet, which ruffled her straight golden hair. The second most powerful figure held in her hands what appeared to be a mere wooden staff. Yet for Jacko, who was not particularly close to his companions, that object held great importance for both of them. The silver maiden stood before her friend's coffin, and with a gentle touch on its surface, she bid farewell to Kayn.
"No, and I assure you, if she were, none of you would still be alive at this moment," Jacko replied dryly, returning to the present.
The tension in the room increased upon hearing Jacko's words. The leaders' eyes shifted uneasily, exchanging nervous glances. Nakamoto, with his usual calculated calm, slightly inclined his head, accepting Jacko's answer without further questions.
"Well then, let us begin," said Sandra of M1X-3, her voice resounding with a mixture of authority and urgency. "We have no time to waste. The situation is critical."
"Kayn's death has left a void that we must fill as soon as possible," added Gorrin of Ragnar-7, lightly pounding the table with his closed fist. "Without his protection, the demonic forces of the Demon Lord may attack at any time."
Mariel of Arca1XC-8, known for her serenity and wisdom, spoke next.
"The question is how to proceed. We cannot simply choose someone to replace Kayn. We need a plan, a strategy to confront this threat. And for that, we must consider all our options, including those we may not have contemplated until now."
"And what do you suggest, Mariel?" asked Helya of X23-1M-4, her eyes sparkling with interest. "Do you have a specific proposal?"
Mariel shook her head slowly. "Unfortunately, no..."
Gorrin of Ragnar-7 rose, his imposing presence and voice full of conviction resonating in the dome.
"Then, allow me to be clear," he said in an authoritative tone. "We cannot continue like this. The Alliance was a valiant experiment, but it has been proven that without a strong, centralized leader, we are doomed to chaos. I propose that we revert to the imperial system that once ruled this galaxy. A single leader, with absolute power, who can make swift and decisive decisions without the bureaucracy that slows us down, of course with their respective cabinet."
Gorrin's declaration fell like a bombshell in the chamber. Murmurs filled the air, some in open disagreement, others surprised by the audacity of his proposal.
"That's madness!" exclaimed Liora of Xylar-5, rising from her seat. "We have worked too hard to build this Alliance based on cooperation and democracy. We cannot simply throw it all away and revert to an autocratic regime."
"Do you not see what is at stake, Liora?" Gorrin retorted with a defiant look. "The forces of the Demon Lord will not be stopped by our formalities and endless debates. We need someone who can take the reins and lead with firmness, as Kayn did."
"Kayn was never a dictator," said Boras of Thea-2R-6 firmly. "He led with wisdom and compassion, not with an iron fist. What you propose, Gorrin, is a betrayal of everything he stood for."
"Perhaps you do not understand," Gorrin continued. "I do not suggest a dictator, but a just emperor, chosen for their merits and capabilities, along with a cabinet that includes the best from each system, acting as advisors. A leader who can unify our forces and respond swiftly to external threats."
Before the discussion could intensify further, Jacko rose, his imposing figure commanding everyone's attention in the room. His cold, calculating gaze swept across each person present.
"Enough," Jacko declared in a deep, authoritative voice. "This dispute will lead us nowhere. The Alliance cannot afford to fragment now. We need strong leadership, yes, but we also need the unity and cooperation that have brought us this far."
Jacko's words created an expectant hush. The leaders of the stellar systems watched intently, aware of the influence and power Jacko possessed.
"I propose something different," he continued. "The Military must be either in charge or firmly anchored to the government, almost like a second political status. We have the power and organization to defend the entire galaxy. Without us, there is no hope of maintaining stability."
"What kind of power is that, Jacko?" Liora asked skeptically. "How can the Military guarantee the defense of the galaxy when we have lost our greatest defender, Kayn?"
Jacko smiled with an air of confidence. "A new Kayn," he responded. "I am training future magic prodigies at one of our Magika academies. These recruits have the potential to be as powerful as Kayn, and they are already showing astonishing abilities. With them, we can form a new magical line of defense against any threat."
Liora shook her head in disbelief. "Recruits? Are you serious, Jacko? Some of us have seen your so-called 'prodigies' in the intercommunication shows. They look more like a group of clowns than powerful mages."
Several leaders nodded in agreement, some stifling derisive chuckles. Tethys of Minerva-9 chimed in, "It's true, I saw one of them trying to stand up during the presentation; their legs were trembling like jelly, and let's not even talk about Zoran or... what was it, Ran? They hardly inspire confidence."
Jacko remained calm, a sly smile crossing his face. "Ah, but that is where you are mistaken, my esteemed colleagues. These recruits may be inexperienced, but they have unlimited potential. And most importantly, they are giving the population something to cling to: hope."
A hush fell over the room as Jacko's gaze swept across those present. "Tell me, what do you have to offer? More endless debates? Empty promises? The people are tired of that. They want action, they want to see a promising future rising from the ashes of this tragedy. My recruits represent that promise."
Jacko stood, his presence dominating the room. "So you can mock them if you wish, but in the end, what will the population prefer? Politicians who only talk or the Military offering a path to a new dawn? That is the real question here."
Surprise and disbelief were reflected on the leaders' faces.
"That sounds more like an elite force under your control than a solution for all of us," Gorrin retorted.
Jacko regarded him coldly. "In the large-scale struggle the Demon Lord is trying to ignite, politics will matter little if there is no one at the forefront to defend what I want to call the 'New Alliance.' The Military can be that unifying and protective force we need. Without it, our differences will destroy us."
Murmurs and dissension filled the room once more. Most of the representatives were reluctant to accept a militarized regime.
"We do not want to impose a military regime, Jacko," Boras said firmly. "The Alliance was built on the foundation of democracy and cooperation. We cannot betray those principles."
"And what do you suggest then?" Jacko asked in a cutting voice. "Keep debating while the Demon Lord gains ground? We need to act now, with decisiveness and strength."
"I propose we form a war council, with members from both the Military and our systems," Mariel said in a serene yet determined voice. "A shared leadership that combines our strengths and knowledge. We cannot rely solely on a military solution, but we cannot ignore the importance of an organized and powerful defense either."
The leaders exchanged thoughtful looks, weighing Mariel's proposal. The tension in the room subsided slightly, giving way to a more constructive debate.
"It is a reasonable proposition," Helya said at last. "A war council that allows us to coordinate our actions and respond effectively to the Demon Lord's threat. But it must be a true joint effort, not a thinly veiled power grab."
Jacko nodded, acknowledging the wisdom in Helya's words. His plan was working to perfection, and inwardly, he nearly went into rapture as he saw his proposals gain ground.
"I agree. A war council with fair representation. But remember, the preparation and training of our magical forces are crucial. We cannot afford any more weaknesses."
The consensus began to form slowly, with the leaders accepting the need for a balanced approach that combined military might with political cooperation. Jacko's "New Alliance" was taking shape, uniting the stellar systems in a common cause against the growing darkness. Now, all that remained was for Kaido to play his part...
"And how are you so sure those lads will be on your side?" Kaido asked, speaking with Jacko the day before. "I don't think they'll like being part of your game."
"Calm down, my friend," Jacko replied. "Most of those lads seek two things now: fame and power. The majority come from families where they had nothing and are looking to get ahead. By offering them what they desire most, I'll have them eating out of my hand. As for the few rebels that may exist, I have methods to... persuade them, especially Dustin and Kai."
Kaido frowned, doubting his friend's strategy. "Be careful, Jacko. You wouldn't want those recruits of yours to find out your true intentions. In the end, powerful mages can be dangerous if they rebel."
Jacko let out a derisive laugh. "Rebel? Against the Military? Even the greatest mages in history couldn't do that, except for a dead one. Our strength far surpasses any individual talent. Those recruits will be mere pawns on my chessboard, Kaido, nothing more."
"By the way, I'm impressed by the speed with which you found and contacted them, as if you had prior contact with them... Did you already have Kayn's death planned?" Kaido asked.
Jacko stared at Kaido for a moment before responding. "You are very perceptive, my friend. It's true, I have been closely watching those talented youths for some time. Kayn's death was... regrettable, and unpredictable, but also an opportunity I could not let pass."
"So you already had plans for them before Kayn died," Kaido deduced, frowning.
"Indeed," Jacko admitted. "Kayn refused to recruit new powerful students. He said we were enough. But I saw the potential we had to expand our reach if we recruited the right people."
Kaido shook his head. "Playing your own games behind Kayn's back. That's risky, Jacko."
"I know, but it was necessary," Jacko replied resolutely. "The Military must grow and become stronger. Those youths wield immense power, and with proper guidance, they will serve us well, even if only one made it."
"I hope so, for your sake," Kaido replied seriously. "I would not want your ambition to ultimately be your undoing. Remember, this is a dangerous game we are playing."
Jacko put a reassuring hand on his friend's shoulder. "Don't worry, my friend. All will go according to plan. The 'New Alliance' will be ours to mold as we see fit, and no one will be able to change that"
With a cunning smile and a calculating look, Jacko walked away, leaving Kaido lost in his own thoughts. The future of the galaxy was about to change drastically, and only time would tell if it would be for better or worse.