The days passed in a blur of activity, each hour bringing something new to learn and to build.
Around me, hundreds of citizens of the Viatori Empire gathered, some working to construct the first structures of our settlement, others exploring the immediate surroundings for resources and security.
I marveled at how quickly they gravitated toward me, the Third Prince, their loyalty to the Imperial family running deep even here in this new, unfamiliar world.
"Look, there he is!" I heard a woman whisper as I passed, her voice filled with awe.
One man, his face weathered but proud, stepped forward, his eyes bright with reverence.
"Your Highness, it's an honor to be here under your guidance. For many of us, the idea of entering Ikal was daunting, but with you leading us, we feel, we feel safe."
"Thank you," I replied, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"I'm grateful for each one of you. Together, we will make this place a true reflection of Viatori, a home where we can all thrive."
Nearby, Kuk and Noíl oversaw a group setting up the foundations of what would become our central hall. The energy was contagious, and everyone worked with a shared sense of purpose and pride.
One of the young women, visibly excited, called out, "I never thought I'd be building a city alongside the Third Prince himself!"
"We're going to be a part of something legendary!"
I chuckled, glancing at Kuk, who grinned back.
"Legendary indeed," he said, giving me a quick nod.
"Your leadership is what's making all this possible, Your Highness."
By the third day, the settlement was taking shape, and scouting groups had returned with important findings.
The soldiers and skilled volunteers had mapped out a vast swath of land surrounding us, discovering a coastline ten thousand kilometers to the south, east, and west. It was hard to believe how expansive Ikal truly was, this land as varied and diverse as Graeca itself.
Yet the absence of intelligent life was striking; there were animals, yes, and some appeared familiar, like birds and large deer-like creatures, but they were stronger, imbued with Ch'ulel that made them difficult to handle.
Our Imperial soldiers had already encountered and defeated several creatures with power levels equivalent to Apprentices, and a few as strong as Masters.
"The beasts here, they're nothing like those in Graeca"
Kuk said, shaking his head after returning from a hunt.
"Even the smallest ones have a fierce energy, like they're molded by the power in the air"
I nodded, recalling my sense of the Ch'ulel in the atmosphere.
"This land is alive with it."
"Everything here is amplified, saturated. It's almost overwhelming, but it will give us strength if we harness it."
Our explorations weren't limited to the natural world. My Visualization ability helped me immensely, allowing me to spot potential talents among those who joined us.
I watched, observed, and made mental notes of anyone with unusual strength, agility, or intelligence.
This power was invaluable, guiding me in selecting those best suited for various roles in our budding society.
One afternoon, as I scanned the crowd, I noticed a young woman standing apart from the others, her posture timid, yet there was something about her that caught my attention. I focused, activating my Visualization.
What I saw astonished me: her aura shimmered with the rare potential of a King-level power, elementally attuned to water.
I approached her, noting the way she looked at me with a mixture of awe and nervousness.
"What is your name?" I asked gently.
"Óotsil, Your Highness," she replied, her voice soft.
"Óotsil," I repeated, nodding.
"I see something remarkable in you. I would be honored if you joined my team, helping us shape this settlement and supporting those around you."
Her eyes widened in surprise, and she lowered her head respectfully.
"It would be my honor, Your Highness. I….... I didn't think someone like me would ever have the chance."
"Everyone here has value, Óotsil," I replied.
"But tell me, what brought you into Ikal?"
She hesitated for a moment, then spoke, her voice trembling slightly.
"My mother...… she's ill, Your Highness."
"I entered Ikal to earn the resources to pay for her treatment back in Graeca."
"I come from a poor family, and we don't have many options. But if I can gain something here, perhaps I can help her."
Her sincerity struck a chord in me. I knew what it was to care deeply for one's family, to want nothing more than their safety and happiness.
"You have a noble purpose, Óotsil. I respect that greatly. Stay by my side, and I promise you, we will find a way to help your mother."
Tears shone in her eyes, and she bowed her head again.
"Thank you, Your Highness. I will give everything to help build this city."
The days blended as our settlement continued to grow. With the citizens of Viatori so eager to contribute, almost eighty percent of those who had arrived worked with us, lending their skills and loyalty.
I could see the Empire's deep-rooted traditions reflected in their dedication, and their belief in the Imperial family driving them to make this endeavor a success.
Throughout the establishment of the settlement, my father's concern lingered in my mind.
The power disparity between the empires was a reality we couldn't ignore. Viatori had only one Emperor, my father, while the Qin Empire and the Yankeae Republic had several each.
My father couldn't join us here; he remained in Graeca, safeguarding the Empire from unexpected threats.
That reality weighed heavily on me, but I took solace in knowing that the other empires wouldn't appear on this continent.
Only the Qin Empire and the Yankeae Republic had established their presence on the central continent, far from us.
One evening, while I reviewed the plans for our city, Noíl approached, glancing at me with a knowing look.
"The people are talking, Your Highness."
"They see you as more than just their leader; they see hope in you."
"And I see hope in them, Noíl," I replied.
"Our people have been a part of Viatori's legacy for centuries. Here in Ikal, we have a chance to make that legacy something greater."
Noíl nodded.
"Kuk and I have also noticed talents among the people, and we're keeping an eye on them as you asked."
As if on cue, Kuk strode over, grinning.
"This place….... it's shaping up faster than any of us expected."
"Almost feels like the start of a new empire."
I shook my head, smiling.
"A stronghold for Viatori, yes."
"An empire….... perhaps one day, but we take it step by step. For now, we build, we strengthen, and we prepare."
The crowd around us seemed to share our sentiment, people working tirelessly to bring our vision to life.
I had already begun plans for a recruitment center and a small academy to train those with potential.
My Visualization power revealed several individuals with the traits of skilled administrators, their talents promising a stable foundation for our economy and governance.
A man named Chac, whom I assigned to manage resources, reported to me each morning.
"We've already begun establishing trade networks with the surrounding areas," he explained.
"The citizens are eager to work, Your Highness, and our supplies are holding strong."
"Excellent work, Chac," I replied.
"In time, we'll become a self sustaining settlement. I have plans for an academy to train those with potential. The more we invest in our people, the stronger we'll become."
As evening descended on our third day, I gathered with the people, addressing them as they stood beneath the sprawling trees, the night sky vast and open above us.
"Citizens of Viatori,"
I began, my voice carrying through the stillness.
"We have embarked on a journey that will define our future. Here in Ikal, we have the chance to build something extraordinary, a place that will endure and protect our people for generations. You have shown resilience, strength, and loyalty, and I am honored to lead you."
A cheer rose from the crowd, voices full of pride and hope.
One older man called out, "For Viatori! For the Empire!"
Others echoed his cry, raising their hands in unison.
"For Viatori!!!!"
Beside me, Kuk and Noíl exchanged smiles. It was clear they shared my optimism, my belief in what we were creating. This was the beginning of something greater than all of us a place of belonging, a legacy that would carry the spirit of Viatori into the heart of Ikal.
As the stars glittered above us, I felt both a heavy responsibility and a profound hope. We were only at the start, but I could see the foundation of our future.
Together, we would make this settlement a beacon of strength, a place where every citizen of Viatori could thrive and make their mark on this vast, unknown world.