A sharp clucking sound, a combined effort from Moonshade and Nightshade, brought the room to a sudden hush.
Sheepishly, the races settled back down to eating in a more civilized manner, casting nervous glances towards the two ancient spirits whenever the urge to snatch another drumstick became overwhelming.
An hour later, everyone lingered at the table, the empty plates replaced with wooden goblets and mugs brimming with drinks.
Elias sat at the head of the table, flanked by the two ancient spirits.
With a sweeping glance, Elias noted everyone's renewed vigor.
"It seems you all enjoyed the meal," he commented with a smile. "You look much refreshed and full of energy."
Elder Faelan, seated closest to Elias, bowed his head.
"Thank you, my lord. Your hospitality is unmatched. If I may inquire, the food and drink you served… they possessed remarkable properties. We feel an extraordinary surge of energy within us."
Rhylen, seated nearby, chimed in, "Indeed, my lord. After consuming the dishes, I noticed a significant boost to my stats."
Elias nodded, pleased.
"I'm glad you felt the benefits of the meal. However, the exact source and nature of the food and drink are a secret for now. Consider it a special gift for our gathering today." He left his statement open-ended, allowing them to speculate.
A bright smile lit his face as he announced, "Before you depart for your homes, I have some wonderful news."
This announcement piqued everyone's interest, including Moonshade and Nightshade.
Elias continued, "I've received direct notification that the mission to disseminate information has been completed. This is thanks to each of you, who readily accepted the message."
"Forgive me, my lord," Moonshade ventured, "but you mean to say the Ancient One communicated this directly to you?"
Nightshade, catching himself before he misspoke, added, "We apologize, my lord. We weren't aware of the Ancient One's presence..." He trailed off, the weight of Elias's mysterious origin settling back in.
"Ah, then you received a… direct whisper, perhaps?"
Elias simply smiled, leaving his loyal companions to their bewildered speculations.
Muttering amongst themselves, the other races exchanged curious glances as they witnessed the veiled conversation between Elias and the ancient spirits.
Nightshade frowned. "Hold on, Moonshade, let me finish!" he grumbled, annoyed by her interruption.
"Alright, alright, get on with it," Moonshade replied with a curt glance.
Nightshade cleared his throat, trying to regain his composure.
"Now, for the name... Hmm, how about 'The Mighty Elias'? Sounds powerful, right?"
"The Great Empire of Elias," Nightshade continued, puffing out his chest in pride after presenting all three options. "That's the last one."
Elias, however, simply stared at him, dumbfounded, while rubbing his forehead. These names, while strong, were a little too... on the nose.
"Those are interesting suggestions," he admitted, trying to be diplomatic.
"But perhaps we should hear Moonshade's thoughts as well."
Nightshade beamed, basking in the compliment. "Of course, my lord."
Moonshade dipped her head in respect. "My idea isn't entirely different, but I believe it has a certain elegance. First, 'The Almighty Elias of Arcadia, Ruler and Emperor.'"
She paused, letting the title sink in. "Then, 'The Mythical Empire of Elias.'" She finished with a small smile and a bow.
Elias pondered both suggestions, trying not to hurt either of their feelings. "Those are both excellent choices," he finally said.
"And combining your ideas, I think I have an even better one."
The room fell silent, anticipation hanging in the air. All eyes were on Elias, eager to hear his proposal.
"Consider the diversity of the races that will call this place home," he began, his voice ringing out clearly.
"Think of the beauty and majesty of the kingdom we will build together." He paused, letting his words resonate with the audience.
"Faeloria," he declared, a smile spreading across his face. "That will be the name of our new kingdom. Faeloria."
A cheer erupted from the crowd. Every race present stood up, their faces beaming with excitement.
"Long live Lord Elias!" they roared.
"Long live Faeloria!"
As the cheers filled the air, a notification flashed before Elias's eyes accompanied by a tremendous boom that echoed across the entire world of Arcadia.
The sound resonated with such power that it became legend, forever etched in the memories of the world's inhabitants.
Some even whispered of it being a sign, a divine blessing bestowed upon Arcadia.
__________
System Notifications
Congratulations on successfully establishing a kingdom with a magnificent and unique name!
As a reward for your achievement, you are granted:
200,000 XPCrown (customizable shape and color)Ruler's Sword (a symbolic sword for kings and rulers)
Please access the Kingdom Management System to manage all aspects of your domain.
__________
A satisfied smile spread across Elias's face as the notification materialized before him. He sighed with relief.
"It appears the name of our kingdom has met with everyone's approval," he announced, his gaze sweeping across the room.
"Let this name be etched into your very souls," he continued, his voice firm.
"We are the people of Faeloria, rightful citizens of the Shadowbloom Domain."
He raised his voice further. "Together, we shall build a kingdom unlike any other – the most prosperous, peaceful, powerful, and glorious in all of Arcadian history!"
A chorus of cheers erupted from the assembled races.
Both ancient spirits joined the celebration, saluting Elias with hands placed over their chests and bowing deeply.
"Long live my lord!"
"Glory and endless life to our lord!"
"Victory and eternal Faeloria!"
Elias returned to his seat, a radiant smile illuminating his face. The banquet hall echoed with the joyous shouts of the diverse races.
"Tomorrow," Elias announced, "I invite you to return here with your families. We will lay the first stone in the foundation of our glorious kingdom!"
With a final wave of his hand, he concluded, "I believe this concludes our business for today. Please return to your homes and share this exciting news with your loved ones."
The various races, their hearts brimming with excitement and anticipation, took their leave, eager to spread the word of Faeloria's birth.
*****
Elias perched proudly atop his prized Griffin, a magnificent creature he'd personally tamed.
This exceptional beast boasted a more robust build than others of its kind, with dazzling silver feathers that shimmered in the sunlight.
Its beak and claws were noticeably stronger and sharper, reflecting its fearsome nature.
Behind him, hundreds of loyal knights mounted on mighty Griffins soared through the sky, their unwavering loyalty a testament to their devotion to king and country.
Below, stretching out like a sea of steel, the Faelorian Royal Army stood in perfect formation.
Troops bearing the nation's glorious flag marched with unwavering discipline, their every step a testament to their rigorous training.
On the right flank, thousands of Centaurs, their muscular physiques accentuated by their towering stature, formed the cavalry's vanguard.
They brandished enormous, magical spears that crackled with energy, their sturdy shields offering impenetrable defense.
Their thunderous roars echoed across the plains, a sound that sent shivers down any spine.
The left flank bristled with a hundred thousand Dwarven warriors, each mounted on a powerful war ram.
Clad in full plate armor, helmets obscuring their faces, and mythril boots protecting their feet, they presented an image of impenetrable strength.
In their calloused hands, they gripped colossal axes, ready to cleave through any foe.
Between the Centaur and Dwarven formations, a contingent of elven cavalry rode majestic Stags.
Numbering in the thousands, they hailed from various elven races, each cloaked in dark green, mithril-forged armor.
Their weaponry consisted of elegant yet deadly curved swords and leaf-shaped shields shimmering with magical enchantments.
Following the cavalry came the infantry, a diverse mix of Lycanthropes, Dwarven veterans, Satyr Knights, and human soldiers from various regions.
Their armor and clothing, while well-maintained, bore the individual identities of their wearers, a stark contrast to the uniform attire of the cavalry.
The rear guard boasted a battalion of skilled elven archers and a company of magic-wielding Elves, Nymphs, Dryads, and humans.
Their costumes mirrored those of the human infantry, demonstrating unity despite their different backgrounds.
And in the very back, colossal ancient trees – their bark seemingly weathered by ages untold – lumbered forward, their massive forms causing the very ground to tremble.
Elias, mounted on his imposing Griffin, soared above his army.
He circled them, his gaze sweeping across their ranks.
Pride and anticipation filled him as he witnessed the spectacle of his united forces.
Reaching the end of a vast, flat hill, the army halted and reformed their meticulous formations.
Elias guided his loyal Griffin to the forefront, then gracefully dismounted and landed amidst the bustling soldiers.
At his side, seemingly materializing from thin air, stood the two ancient spirits.
One radiated a brilliant, ethereal light, while the other shrouded himself in an aura of shadow. Both bowed their heads in a gesture of respect before their king.
A tense silence descended.
Elias and his troops fixed their gazes on the distant horizon, towards the sloping expanse of hills beyond.
Dust clouds swirled in the valley and grasslands below, accompanied by a low, ominous rumble and the chilling echo of monstrous roars.
Emerging from behind the hills, the enemy revealed itself in stages.
First came the shambling horde: undead, zombies, skeletons, and grotesque beasts shrouded in an aura of darkness.
They were led by a contingent of Death Knights, clad in heavy armor and wielding wicked swords and shields.
Above them soared a terrifying spectacle – skeletal dragons and reanimated draconic monstrosities.
Their guttural roars resonated through the air, sending shivers down the spines of even the bravest warriors.
The enemy force seemed endless. From the distant mountains beyond, new waves of ghastly creatures poured forth, their numbers seemingly limitless.
Undeterred, Elias raised his mighty axe and let out a thunderous war cry.
Mounted on his Griffin, he charged towards the enemy lines.
The Faelorian army erupted in a deafening roar, echoing across the battlefield.
With their king leading the charge, they surged forward, a wave of steel and determination against the encroaching tide of darkness.
This was the pivotal moment.
The battle that would determine the fate of Faeloria, of Arcadia itself.
A battle destined to become legend, a tale whispered through the ages as a testament to courage and sacrifice.
The very fate of the world hung in the balance.
End of Volume 1
Elias raised his mighty axe, a beacon of hope amidst the encroaching darkness.
The battle raged, a clash of steel and magic against the unending tide of undead.
But amidst the chaos, a flicker of power stirred within Elias, a power that could change the course of the war...
To be continued in Volume 2