““What kind of Empire do we strive to build?””

24—08—1560 WC

Alberto sat at the head of the long table. Across from him sat his three military chiefs: Admiral Ramirez, Commanding the Navy; General Martinez, the Army; and Air Chief Marshal Lopez. and some other people

"Today," Alberto began, his voice a deliberate contrast to the tension crackling in the air, "We stand at a crossroads."

He paused, letting his words hang in the silence. Something had shifted within him. The faces of the fallen soldiers, the sheer alien beauty of this world and also the war memories of his past life- it all rose up, demanding a different path.

"The System tasks us with conquering this island," he continued, his gaze sweeping over each man, "and our forces are more than capable. But before we unleash that might, I ask you..."

He hesitated, searching for the right words, "...What kind of Empire do we strive to build?"

The question hung in the air, a challenge woven into the very fabric of their ambition. The three chiefs exchanged glances, a flicker of surprise momentarily breaking through their disciplined facades.

Admiral Ramirez, was the first to speak. "A strong Empire, Sir," he said, his voice gravelly, "One that secures its borders, protects its people, and commands respect on the world stage."

General Martinez, ever the blunt instrument, frowned. "Respect is earned through strength, Sir. Crush our enemies, and the world will kneel."

Alberto held the general's gaze, a quiet steel in his own eyes. "And what of those we conquer, General? Do they simply become subjects to our will?"

Before Martinez could retort, Air Chief Marshal Lopez, spoke up. "An empire built solely on fear is a brittle thing, Sir. It breeds resentment, rebellion... it sows the seeds of its own destruction."

Alberto drew a breath, a new clarity settling in his gut.

"We will conquer," he stated, his voice firm, brooking no argument, "But not through blind force alone. We will offer those we subdue a choice: Join us, not as subjugated, but as citizens of this new Empire. We will offer them protection, prosperity, a chance to build something greater, together."

He looked at each man, his gaze unwavering. "This... is the mission I set before you. Can I count on your commitment?"

The silence stretched, Admiral Ramirez offered a curt nod, a hint of respect glimmering in his eyes. General Martinez, though his face remained stoic, didn't disagree. Air Chief Marshal Lopez, a barely perceptible smile playing on his lips, said simply, "A challenge worthy of our skills, Sir."

Alberto nodded. In his previous life he had seen a lot of brutality. But he doesn't want anything like that in this life. He just wants to live this life in peace. But as an apostle and a leader he has responsibility. So he cannot ignore them.

••••••••••|•|•|•|•|

Scene change

At the Tara village, the air fills with excitement as the hunting party returns, their triumphant roar echoing through the trees.

Tara is a primitive tribal village deep in the jungle. The most unique aspect of Tara village is the relationship the people have with the wild animals of the jungle. tigers and leopards roam freely through the village, serving as both companions and protectors. These creatures are trained from a young age to fight alongside the tribe and help with hunting expeditions.

As the villagers gathered, tribal leader Masu stepped forward, his broad shoulders glistening with sweat. He held aloft in both hands the huge head of a Turiasaurus, a trophy of their successful expedition.

Masu is not only the leader of the tribe, but also the strongest person in Tara village. Masu, with his broad shoulders and weathered skin, embodies the strength of his people.

"Feast! Festival!" The villagers chanted.

Masu raised his fist, silencing the crowd. "Today, we made two big hunts. We thank the spirits of the forest for that!"

Saika, one of the village's most skilled hunters, stood by, her heart pounding with a mixture of pride and pain. A sharp sting radiated from her side, the result of a close encounter with a Tyrannosaurus rex. She pressed a hand over the wound, feeling the dampness of her blood with her fingers.

Saika is a rare gem in the tribe, as she is one of the few female warriors. Her skill has earned her a reputation that transcends gender norms. The other villagers look up to her, and she serves as an inspiration for younger girls who aspire to become warriors.

"Are you okay?" Gu, her fellow hunter, asked, his brow furrowing in concern as he approached.

"I'm fine," Saika replied with a forced smile. "Just a scratch."

"Saika, you should see Malbu. That wound looks deeper than a scratch."

Saika waved him off, her thoughts drifting to the village herbalist.

Malbu was Masu's younger brother, a kind-hearted soul known for his gentle hands and vast knowledge of plants. Although he was physically weak, his mind was sharp, and his treatment worked wonders. Still, the thought of seeing him made her heart race for another reason.

"Help the others cut the meat," she urged Gu. "I'll be fine."

As the villagers busied themselves slaughtering the giant beast, Saika turned towards Malbu's hut, the familiar path running through the village drawing her closer like a thread.

"Malbu!" She called out as she stepped inside the small dwelling.

The walls were lined with shelves of herbs and medicines.

"Saika?" One emerged from behind a curtain of hanging leaves, his eyes widening in surprise. "What brings you here?"

She tilted slightly, revealing the bandaged wound on her side. "I… I need your help."

Malbu's gaze flickered to her, then to her face. "What happened?"

"It's nothing serious," she insisted. "Just a scratch from hunting."

"Just a scratch?" He moved closer, his fingers trembling slightly to examine the wound. "It looks deeper than that."

Saika held her breath as he gently prodded the area. His touch was caring, and she couldn't help but notice how close they were.

"Does it hurt?" he asked.

"Not really," she lied, a flush rising to her cheeks. She couldn't help but notice how close they were

"Still, you should be careful." He began rummaging through his shelves, searching for herbs to treat her wound.

"You know you shouldn't be so reckless. Always going forward in the fight as a brave warrior."

"That's what warriors do," she countered, a teasing smile on her lips. "Besides, who else will keep the village safe?"

"True," he muttered, finally pulling out a small jar filled with a thick green paste.

"But even the mighty need care. Sit down."

Saika sat on a rough wooden stool, her eyes fixed on Malbu as he worked.

"Ah, Saika, how was your hunting experience today?" Malbu asked lightly.

"Eh, um… As always," she replied, her heart racing. "But the number of monsters in the forest has dwindled these days. We had to go a little deeper to hunt."

"I heard," he said, his brows furrowing. "But take care that you don't go outside our area. If we hunt in other groups' territories, it could cause conflict."

"Hmm. You are right about this. Also, many strange and new types of creatures are seen in the forest these days."

"You're talking about large flying creatures like dragon flies."

"Yes. I have never seen such creatures before. They roar loudly and can fly very high, out of reach of our arrows. Their bodies seem to be made of metal."

"Well I saw one like that flying over the village a few days ago," he said, his voice serious. "It did no harm. It just circled the sky a few times and then left."

"What could these be?"

"I have no idea. But I don't think they're dangerous. They haven't attacked anyone yet."

"Hmm. That's right."

"Saika, you should take care of yourself. I hope you fight carefully to fight again. Otherwise you can get more serious injuries."

"I'm not afraid, Malbu."

His hands stilled, and he looked up, his eyes searching hers. "I know you're not afraid. That's what makes you... you."

The silence stretched, thick with unspoken feelings. Saika felt her heart hammering against her ribs, and for a fleeting moment, she wanted to reach out, to close the distance that seemed both tantalizingly near and impossibly far.

"Done," Malbu said suddenly. He stepped back, revealing the now bandaged wound.

"Keep it clean. it should heal quickly."

"Thank you," she said, trying to regain her composure as she stood. "You always know how to make everything better."

He smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Just doing my duty."

Saika hesitated, wanting to say more, but the words stuck in her throat. Instead, she turned to leave, but not before catching his gaze one last time. "Malbu, I—"

"Saika," he interrupted, his voice low. "Be careful out there."

"I will," she promised, although a part of her wanted to challenge the notion that she needed protection. She stepped outside.

While walking towards the center of the village, she sees Masu and Gu.

"Saika! Are you okay now!" Gu said.

"Hmm" with a deep breath, Saika pushed aside her thoughts and joined her fellow villagers.

The meat was cut and placed on a large wooden platter, glistening in the sunlight, the aroma intoxicating.

As they began to eat, Masu raised his voice, recounting tales of their hunting exploits, his laughter infectious.

"Remember when Gu thought he could outsmart a Turiasaurus and ended up in the mud?" Masu roared, slapping Gu on the back.

"Hey! That was one time!" Gu protested, laughing along with the others.

"Hey! That was one time!" Gu protested, laughing along with the others.

★★★—————————————

If you notice something incorrect, please comment