The central chamber was tense with anticipation.
Ryker stood at the head of the council table, his gaze fixed on the array of plans and maps.
This was more than a strategy session—this was the start of something monumental.
Around him sat the leaders of their factions—Elara, Zara, Kaid, and a few trusted members of the inner circle.
The air was thick with the weight of what was about to be decided. This was the birth of their new kingdom.
Ryker's voice, colder than it had been before, sliced through the silence.
"We've survived, and we've fought. Now, we build. What we begin today will shape the future of our people and this land. But let's be clear—survival isn't enough. This isn't just about living, it's about control, order, and power."
He gestured to the large map projected on the table, showing their territory—plains, forests, and resource-rich mountains.
At the heart of it was the location of their future capital.
This was to be their stronghold, the center of everything they would rule.
Elara, her eyes bright with enthusiasm, leaned forward.
"We've scouted the area. The land is fertile, easily defensible, and sits on a nexus of Nexora's energy streams. It's perfect for building the capital."
She flicked her wrist, zooming in on the plateau surrounded by natural barriers.
Kaid, ever Ryker's loyal second, nodded.
"High ground gives us a tactical edge. We can fortify the city and control the surrounding regions with ease."
His voice was cold, and pragmatic, reflecting the calculated nature of his role as Ryker's right arm.
Zara, her tone more reflective, added, "But it can't just be about defense. If we're building a kingdom, it needs to inspire people, to symbolize unity and strength."
Ryker's eyes narrowed as he glanced at Zara.
"Strength comes from dominance, not symbols. This city will be a monument to our control. Unity comes from power, not hope."
His gaze shifted to Kaid, who stood in silent agreement.
They both understood the truth—strength came at a cost.
The City's Blueprint
The council dove into planning the city's layout.
Ryker listened, but his mind was already several steps ahead, calculating.
Every detail, from the roads to the military strongholds, was scrutinized.
"We need a central hub," Elara suggested.
"A place where Nexora's energy can be harnessed. If we build a conduit, a central spire, it could power the entire capital and any future settlements."
Kaid was quick to add, "That spire will need to be our most fortified point. Anyone who cripples it cripples us."
Ryker gave a sharp nod.
"The spire will be guarded like a fortress. But remember, expansion is key. We're not here to stay small. We're building an empire. We'll lay out roads and supply routes, but those regions must first be crushed into submission."
Zara tapped the map.
"We'll need to secure the valleys and forests, and clear any threats."
Ryker's tone was icy.
"We'll do more than secure them. We'll annihilate anything that poses a threat. I don't want anyone left standing who could challenge our rule."
Outlining the Government
The topic shifted to governance, and the room fell silent.
Ryker's voice took on a steely edge as he spoke.
"We've been running this as a council, but as we expand, that won't be enough. We need an order. We need structure. And we need absolute control."
Zara was the first to break the silence.
"We've always valued equality and unity. Our government should reflect that."
Elara added, "A council with representatives from different sectors—military, agriculture, research, and trade. Each would elect their leader."
Kaid, always Ryker's shadow, spoke next.
"A council is necessary, but we also need one person who can act quickly in a crisis. Someone with unquestionable authority."
He didn't need to say it aloud—everyone in the room knew who he was talking about.
Ryker's lips curled into a cold smile.
"The council will advise, but in matters of crisis, there will be no hesitation. I will lead, and Kaid will be my right arm."
Zara frowned but remained silent.
She knew there was no room for dissent now.
This wasn't about equality anymore—it was about dominance.
Naming the Capital
After hours of discussion, the moment arrived to name their new capital.
The weight of the decision settled over the room.
Elara spoke first.
"This city will be the heart of everything we build. It needs a name that reflects our strength and unity."
Zara added quietly, "It should honor our journey, our survival."
Ryker glanced around at his council.
His voice was cold, commanding.
"We'll call it Nexoria. It's more than a name—it's a claim. A reminder that this dimension bends to our will. Nexoria will be the core of our kingdom, and we will build an empire that no one can challenge."
The Path Forward
As the meeting ended, Ryker addressed the council one last time.
"We've laid the foundations for our city and our government. Now, we begin construction. Nexoria is just the beginning. What we build here will dominate not just this land, but everything around us."
Kaid, ever loyal, met Ryker's gaze with a nod of unwavering support.
The two of them stood at the head of this new world, ready to crush any resistance that dared to rise.
As they left the chamber and stepped into the sunlight, Ryker felt nothing but cold resolve.
They weren't just building a kingdom.
They were building a future where their rule would be absolute.
Nexoria would be the core of that power, and Ryker would be its unyielding ruler.