Chapter 28:"Migration"

As Vahaemorys opened his eyes, a surge of power radiated from him, the sheer magnitude of it causing the air to grow heavy and oppressive. It was a clear indication that Vahaemorys had once again grown in power, and the presence of it was overwhelming. Those around him struggled to catch their breath under the immense pressure, a testament to the might of their new ruler.

In response to this awe-inspiring display, everyone present instinctively knelt before Vahaemorys, their actions driven by deep respect and reverence. They had personally witnessed his incredible power, and they willingly pledged their loyalty to him. With a voice like thunder, Vahaemorys uttered a single word, "Rise," and they obeyed, standing before their High King with worshipping eyes.

For the people, having such a powerful ruler meant growth and security in every aspect of their lives. Little did they know that Vahaemorys possessed a pseudo-immortality, a fact known only to a select few, such as the true dragons and the Old Gods. They were about to be under his rule for far longer than they could imagine.

Amidst this momentous occasion, Aranel, the former elven princess of the Eldian Kingdom, approached Vahaemorys and knelt before him. Her appearance was striking, dressed in white armor with golden hair and piercing green eyes. She looked up at Vahaemorys, her thoughts filled with admiration and devotion. Vahaemorys used his mind-reading ability to understand her desires and was surprised to discover her newfound dedication.

Vahaemorys inquired with a nonchalant expression, "You wish to serve me?" Aranel, placing her bow before Vahaemorys as a symbol of her commitment, replied with unwavering determination, "Yes, my King."

With a simple declaration, Vahaemorys bestowed upon her a special title, "Then I will name you my 'First Arrow'." A phoenix mark materialized on Aranel's shoulder as she bathed in a brilliant golden light. Her magical and physical prowess surged to new heights, her loyalty and strength now bound to her High King.

Aranel gazed at Vahaemorys with even greater adoration and proclaimed, "I, Aranel Elegast, the warrior of Eldian, pledge my unwavering loyalty to you, our High King. As your first arrow, I shall fly true and strike down any who threaten our land. With honor, courage, and the wind at my back, I stand by your side, ready to defend our people and our land."

Vahaemorys was taken aback by her sudden pledge, and as their bond solidified, he could feel her deep devotion and loyalty towards him, akin to a loyal subordinate. With a nod, Vahaemorys granted her permission, saying, "You may rise." Aranel stood, her gaze never wavering, her commitment to her High King unwavering.

Now Vahaemorys had a new addition to the hierarchy of power he planned to build. Even the former Eldian king was taken aback by his daughter's unwavering devotion to their new ruler. He found himself powerless to oppose her, as well as Vahaemorys' growing influence.

Without delay, Vahaemorys was escorted to the grand throne room, a place of regal splendor. The stairs leading to the throne were crafted from glistening white marble, and the seat itself was adorned with rich red cushions, specially designed for Vahaemorys' comfort.

As Vahaemorys ascended to the throne, a hushed reverence fell over the room. With a graceful presence, he took his seat as the new High King.

Upon Vahaemorys's command, a new governing body swiftly took shape, known as the Elder's Council. This council comprised seven true dragons, along with three representatives from both the Dwarven and Eldian communities. However, what Vahaemorys introduced next was a groundbreaking concept that would shape the future of their society.

Under Vahaemorys's rule, positions on the council, except for the seven chosen by the High King himself, would no longer be determined by inheritance. Instead, they would be elected by the people. This meant that all individuals, regardless of their social status, were considered equals in the eyes of the law. It was a rule that abolished the special privileges and legal immunities once enjoyed by the noble class, establishing the foundation for a fair and just legal system.

Vahaemorys's next rule was a significant blow to the noble community. It declared that all adult citizens had the right to vote and participate in the democratic process. This newfound power empowered commoners by giving them a voice in the government, breaking the stranglehold on political power that the nobility had maintained for generations. No one dared to challenge Vahaemorys's authority, as they realized their helplessness against his will. This was exactly what Vahaemorys intended, knowing that the best time to shape a society was when it was at its peak, at the point where resistance was futile.

Vahaemorys emphasized the first rule even more strongly: Government positions, including leadership roles, should be awarded based on merit and competence, rather than inherited status. This rule aimed to promote fairness and competence in leadership.

Another rule stirred strong emotions, especially among the noble Dwarves and Eldians. It established a progressive taxation system in which the wealthy, including the nobility, paid a higher percentage of their income in taxes. This ensured a more equitable distribution of the tax burden and funded government services and programs that benefited all citizens.

Before they left his throne room, Vahaemorys issued a stern warning, "Leaving without my permission is considered an act of treason." This left them with no choice but to begrudgingly accept his authority.

One of the subsequent rules didn't cause much controversy, as it was already a practice among themselves. Education was made accessible to all, regardless of social status or wealth. This opened up opportunities for commoners to receive the same level of education as nobles, enabling them to pursue various careers.

The final rule, however, struck a harsh blow to the noble class. It focused on reforming land ownership and distribution to ensure fair access to land and resources. This aimed to address historical inequalities in land ownership, reducing the power imbalance between nobles and commoners and promoting economic stability.

Having established these rules, Vahaemorys felt that they were sufficient for the time being. He concluded the discussion by asserting his ultimate authority, stating, "But remember, my word remains the final say as the ruler."

These rules marked a significant shift toward a more modern era on Planetos, different from the current times. The conversation then shifted to the pressing matter of the people's well-being.

However, amidst discussions about the welfare of the realm, a critical issue emerged. The land had become tainted by a malevolent death aura, and it was imperative for the land to recover. Waiting for it to heal naturally was not an option, as the people depended on the land for sustenance. They all looked to Vahaemorys for a solution.

In response, Vahaemorys proposed a bold plan: migration to a foreign land. This suggestion met with hesitation, particularly from the Dwarven representatives who were concerned about leaving the protection of the ancient tree spirit behind. Vahaemorys reassured them, explaining that the ancient tree had reached the end of its cycle and was destined to enter eternal sleep. Despite this revelation, the idea of leaving their homeland left both Eldians and Dwarves in a state of shock.