The Empire was shifting rapidly. Yaxkin could feel it in the halls of the palace, in the urgent whispers of advisors, and in the relentless pace of change in Ikal that had begun to reshape everything familiar.
The surge in power was undeniable: ten new warriors of the Imperial forces had recently ascended to the level of King in the physical realm.
Retired generals, seasoned colonels, and active soldiers had broken through long-standing limits, fueled by the abundance of power in Ikal. These warriors had now been sent to secure the Empire's borders, a display of strength to ward off any external threats in these unstable times.
Zazil, Yaxkin's loyal steward, spoke with admiration as he informed him, "The new Kings, my lord...."
"Each of them honed their strength in Ikal."
"They'll be formidable defenders for us."
"My lord, the new Warrior Kings have been assigned to the border. In their eyes, you can see the fire of Ikal."
Yaxkin nodded, though a pensive look clouded his face.
"Ikal has given us new opportunities, but it has also disturbed the balance."
"This power comes at a cost."
As Yaxkin prepared for his eventual return to Ikal, he learned of the arrival of two new fire Kings. These warriors, fierce and unwavering, were the personal guards of his mother, the Empress.
Yaxkin respected them deeply they were legends within the Empire, each carrying the unbreakable resolve to protect the Empress with their very lives.
"I've never seen my mother's guard so powerful," he said to his close advisor, Kuk, during a quiet conversation.
"But it's a sign of the times, isn't it?"
"Even my mother's closest guards are preparing for a future none of us can see."
Kuk frowned thoughtfully.
"The world of Ikal… it's opened doors we didn't know existed."
"But I wonder, Prince, what it will ultimately cost us?"
Yaxkin's gaze turned to the horizon, the weight of responsibility pressing upon him.
"We'll face that when the time comes, Kuk. For now, we must be ready."
Through the Empire's extensive intelligence networks, whispers had surfaced about forces working against the stability of Viatori.
Families that once existed in the shadows were now using the disarray to push their agendas. At the forefront was the Salimas family, a powerful lineage with roots in the old Kingdom of Hispania. Rikard Salimas, their patriarch, was known for his influence, and now he had begun to openly support the republican movement within Viatori.
"Salimas...… always seeking to reshape the world in his image," Yaxkin muttered with disdain as he reviewed the latest reports.
"He sees the chaos of Ikal as his opportunity."
Beside him, Noíl added, "The Salimas aren't alone, my prince. We have intelligence that suggests the Slime, Larreata, and Baillalereta families are aligned with them."
"I suspected as much. Rikard Salimas has always craved power."
"They've been implicated in violent incidents that have cost many innocent lives."
Yaxkin's fists clenched.
"These families...… their greed and ambition have bled the Empire dry for generations."
"They hide in the shadows, but they've left enough traces for us to know their true intentions."
Pacal, standing nearby, whispered.
"They're not just opportunists, Prince."
"They're a danger to everything we stand for. We can't let their ambitions tear our people apart."
With a deep breath, Yaxkin replied.
"I won't. I'll face them when the time comes."
"But first, we must ensure our defenses are ready."
In a bold response to this rising internal threat, Yaxkin and his father had expanded the Imperial Tzilacatzin Special Forces. The Tzilacatzin, originally founded by Yaxkin and the Emperor, had spent the past four years training rigorously in the art of Léets, the Imperial swordsmanship that Yaxkin had refined during his time in Ikal.
These elite warriors had begun to serve as protectors of Imperial officials and conducted covert surveillance on known dissenting factions.
As Yaxkin briefed them on their new mission, he spoke with conviction.
"The Empire needs each of you now more than ever."
"You are the shield and sword of Viatori, the silent strength that protects our people from those who would see us fall."
"Be vigilant, be unyielding."
The leader of the Tzilacatzin, an imposing warrior named Teoch, nodded solemnly.
"We won't fail you, Prince Yaxkin."
"We've trained under your guidance and know what's at stake."
"The Empire will not fall on our watch."
Yaxkin smiled with pride, his voice filled with resolve.
"I trust you all implicitly. But remember, our mission isn't just about strength."
"It's about unity."
"The Empire stands as one, and we'll protect it together."
As he dismissed his warriors, Yaxkin turned back to his companions.
The road ahead was steep, and the threats loomed large inside and outside the Empire. But he was not alone. He had his allies, his family, and the people of Viatori who looked to him with hope.
In the quiet of the night, with only the distant murmur of the palace, Yaxkin closed his eyes and whispered to himself.
"No matter how chaotic the world becomes."
"I will keep my people safe. The Empire will be more powerful."
"As long as we show them that it's worth fighting for."