Yaxkin stood on a stone platform overlooking the nearly completed city. Six months of relentless work, and now the city pulsed with life, filled with the laughter and voices of thousands who had answered his call.
Around him bustled his council of advisors and aides, forty-six individuals, thirty of whom he'd personally selected for their uncanny administrative talent, a gift he'd discerned through his unique ability to visualize hidden potential.
"Your Highness," called Noíl, one of his closest confidants, as she joined him.
"The rites are prepared, and the captured beasts are ready for the festival."
The rite was to be a sacrifice, a tradition steeped in the Imperial bloodline of the Viatori.
Captured beasts of impressive size and strength, gathered during their exploration of the land, would be offered as a ceremonial gift, echoing the practices of their ancestors in the Aztec Kingdom.
"This ritual," Yaxkin began, addressing his advisors, "will be more than just an event."
"It's our tribute, our way of honoring the roots that shaped our people. Our ancestors understood the fragile balance of life and death, and how such rites helped anchor us in a universe of constant change."
Nicté, one of the Imperial knights with elemental powers who had assisted in securing the beasts, stepped forward.
"In the days of the ancient Empire, the people believed these sacrifices brought strength to their cities, that the land itself grew fertile, feeding off the power of Ch'ulel within these creatures. I feel honored, Prince Yaxkin, to see this tradition live on."
Yaxkin nodded solemnly.
"This city, and all who dwell here, will feel the legacy of our ancestors today."
The city was a marvel of organization. Yaxkin had drawn upon the wisdom of Mesoamerican architecture, ensuring each element had both spiritual and practical significance.
The central pyramid temple, with its sharp angles and terraces, overlooked the plaza below, symbolizing the unity of the divine and the earthly. Around it spread the residences and guilds, leading outward to the protective wall being constructed solid, layered, and capable of withstanding both human and beast attacks.
"Prince Yaxkin," said Xiu, one of the city's primary architects, "with your guidance, we've followed the ancient blueprints.
The walls will be reinforced with copper and a layer of black iron discovered nearby, making it strong enough to withstand any attack."
"Yes," Yaxkin replied, a look of satisfaction on his face.
"I want every citizen to feel secure here. We know that beast clans inhabit both the northern and southern lands and our patrols have confirmed the presence of rival kingdoms within reach. We must be prepared."
Noíl added with optimism, "Every newcomer who joins us, whether wealthy or poor, brings new strength to our community. Our numbers continue to swell, and with the aid of the old families, there is no shortage of supplies."
Yaxkin listened with pride as his team shared updates.
The influx of people had brought noble blood, as well as those with far humbler origins, all drawn by Yaxkin's promise of a new future.
The diverse blend was remarkable, and thanks to the prince's powerful aura, a sense of unity remained despite the diversity.
At the edge of the city, training grounds bustled with activity. Groups of civilians and adventurers gathered, eager to learn the basics of defense.
Yaxkin had implemented a mandatory weapons training program after a recent discovery: while dying in Ikal only left one with a profound sense of exhaustion upon resurrection, repeated deaths had more serious consequences, dulling potential and leaving lingering effects.
"We won't let anyone waste their strength," Yaxkin explained to Kuk, another trusted ally. "If people are to die in defense of the city, it should only be as a last resort."
Kuk nodded.
"Your Highness, I believe we've found a family of seven with an innate talent for blacksmithing."
"With their skills, we'll be able to forge more durable weapons of copper and iron."
Yaxkin's expression brightened.
"Good. Let them know their work will be invaluable."
The Ch'ulel-rich plants they had encountered in the wilderness also served as a source of fascination. Through visualization, Yaxkin identified specific herbs and roots with potent healing and purifying properties.
"These plants," he told Noíl, showing her a specimen he had found, "hold the essence of Ch'ulel within them. Their energy flows as though alive. I believe this one, here" he pointed to the one in his hand "Can disinfect wounds, while the other has a strong regenerative quality."
Noíl's eyes widened with excitement.
"The potential these plants hold for our people... it's remarkable, Yaxkin!!!!!!!!!!!"
"This city may become known not just for its strength but for the quality of life it can sustain."
Yaxkin nodded, contemplating her words. His city had grown beyond his wildest expectations.
The population had now reached nearly 400,000, with citizens pouring in from every corner of the Viatori Empire, eager to share in the promise of a new life. There were artisans, scholars, warriors, and simple folk seeking safety. And through it all, Yaxkin could sense a unity of purpose, a strength shared among them.
As he stood back, gazing over the crowd bustling with purpose, Yaxkin felt a deep sense of nostalgia settle over him a longing for the world he had once known, yet could never share with anyone. It was an ache, bittersweet, and he couldn't help but murmur softly as if speaking to an old friend no one else could see.
"No nostalgia feels as strong," he whispered to himself, "as the one for things that never existed."
He closed his eyes, letting the memory of Earth settle like a shadow around him, one he could not let go of, nor fully embrace.
Here, he was a scientific, leader.
Here, he had built something no one in his old life would ever have dreamed of. And here, in this world, he was forging a legacy of strength, loyalty, and renewal.
With a deep breath, Yaxkin turned back to his people, prepared to lead them into the future they deserved.