Final Trials- 28 War Declaration

Three years were neither too long nor too short.

Zash had turned 13 this year officially but if a sensible person looked at him, it was impossible to figure out his real age as Zash clearly looked at around 18-19 years old boy.

"Benedrict I will be out for a while " a handsome young man said while he continued to walk when benedrict asked.

"Where are you going now Prince ?"

"Curious ?"

"Very curious !" Benedrict nodded

"Nothing major just strolling around I have nothing major to do now so I'll just stroll around the street, see if everything is going well. If need arises just use this flare, it isn't much of a attraction to others but I can detect it from a long distances."

Zash then threw a silver box which flowed with Zash's power.

When benedrict opened them he found 3 small signal flares, trusting his Prince's words he kept them quickly and gave a slight bow.

In these short 3 years many changes had taken place, the Empire had stabilized for the most part various economic reforms were introduced by Zash like the tax system which allowed the poor to get support for harsh times and develop their own businesses and support more innovative ideas to make most use of available resources and help setting up a better foundation for the Empire.

These changes weren't easy some slow changes like printing story books which could be read out by fathers and mothers when they slept their children, they told innovative stories along with various elementary education level of knowledge which Zash had cramped up till the point of understand, for those that didn't know how to read Zash appointed various retired and enthusiastic old fellows to teach every single person in en mass,

Zash also made public libraries more convenient to use with no need to pay any fees to borrow books and son on like before.

Everyone can freely access the books and documents regarding various things up to a certain level even various low levelled minister's information about his shady businesses were available, due to the accessibilities the public was in outrage for they finally understood that they were the ultimate foolish toys in the hands of these merchants and big aristocrat families.

The big families couldn't find any excuse and the opposition from before came to a stop as they could only obey and not fool these fools and seeing how the 2nd Prince handled things the officials felt tensed and cold-blooded,

They even found it difficult to breathe as the very young man they had seen woke up a few years ago had accomplished so much, that they could never have imagined.

Food shortages were sorted out, Water supply was abundant, There were no loss of life during any of the 7 regions which were suddenly struck by famines and draught, heck even 2 Plague like situations were seen around this past year yet that too was easily absolved by the 2nd prince and Havier.

First they believed that Havier was to be credited but deep down they knew that wasn't the case but even so they just couldn't fathom a young lad to do so much in such little time,

One situation arose which confused the heck out of em, when the Emperor even lessened the tax to commoners and even gave up his own salary and personal wealth to construct and improve various infrastructure facilities, the port expanded, the buildings were ladies more solidly, waste management was done in a clean and proper manner with cleaners getting health checkups and proper wages along with other assured benefits to their families, but they weren't alone as various schemes allowed anyone to get such benefits when they proposed ideas which could make any difference no matter how small or big, they just had to submit their names and their plans.

The various families couldn't believe how much the emperor was showing off even to sacrifice his personal wealth ? And where did he get so much wealth from ?!

These questions constantly baffled them on a regular basis during the past year.

Of course Even if Emperor Edwin wanted to spend everything he had he just couldn't do it as the money he had already filled the first treasury till the brim and the additional 5 treasuries were also 20% full, For all living hell even if Edwin saught out to buy an Empire with pure wealth alone it was possible and he'd still have most of the money left.

Bearing in mind that royals had to constantly spend money as most of he time kings would be Blessed with luck to have A Billion or so Gold coins in their personal wealth, and the couldn't touch the Empire's wealth as it was to be supplied to the staff, implement various things and of course to buy grains, weapons and arm the soldiers with proper equipment. So one can also imagine how GRAND Edwin's situation was he could cry till death but fail to spend the ever-increasing arsenal of wealth he now had.

Of course implementing everything was a hassle but everything paid off as the ministers and Various officials were extremely excited to perform various tasks

Several talented people were taken in as trial staff and taught to calculate and how to implement stuff and were in process of being sent out to learn and then given various options to teach, open a business with some financial aid with the purpose of helping the economy boost or spend some more time and go into various expensive fields like study medicine, biology, botanic, Become Writers or Even accountants for merchants or directly apply for a lower count level of exam which would give them status and power no less than a nobleman, the ideals of everyone born in the street.

This act also inspired a great debate but was even worth enough to gain everyone's respect as Edwin directly shoved these people to his youngest son finally they understood the Person responsible for everything was none other than their young prince, some believed in their Emperor's words, some didn't while some just took it as a joke while some seriously pondered over the things and indeed Various situations became clear to them, the appearance do the Great Philosopher 'Zash Eleron'

He only appeared after The 2nd Prince woke up ! These constant changes happening all round them was enough to make theses old calculating monsters develop shivers down their spine when they even consider of such a possibility.

Even now when they thaught about such a person who hid for 3 entire years and was freely exposing some of his capabilities meant that he was now confident enough to deal with anything !

They couldn't dare provoke such a figure as he was way out to their reach just his ideas could influence them so much, who knew if their next actions would be predicted by this Monster and he might take this opportunity to swallow them whole ! Just the thaught alone scared them sh**less !

....

Meanwhile Zash just strolled through the Streets looking around seeing fewer beggers around Zash was squire pleased but not entirely as he watched a group of guards arrive and talk to the beggers who started to panic and beg for forgiveness.

As it turned out they were refugees who had nothing and used everything to escape from a neighbouring empire which was ruthless to their citizens who failed to deliver crops but when a sudden draught struck they couldn't produce enough food, they thaught that their Emperor might understand.

Their Emperor didn't cared and straight up killed a few people and to show off his magnomity exiled a lucky few.

They sold whatever they had and supported eachother to get where they are now when they were hungry and started to be when hence which led to Zash encountering them.

Zash who heard the person felt the sadness the man had, he had three children one resembled him by the other two did not but that didn't change the fact that they were starving for quite a while, their necks had shrunken a bit while their lips were parched and dry.

The guard scratched his neck not knowing what to say for a moment when the man just told his life story.

Sigh* "Don't worry out emperor is mighty we were inviting you to go to a better place, there's plenty of room and doctors will check up on you, you can stay there till you find a job, of course you can easily and drink, if you want to learn or do something just apply for it also you can learn to read and write in this sense a teacher will teach these things, here's the paper, and of course you can look after your children"

"...." The Beggers looked at the guard with a stunned expression not know what to say, even wondering if he was joking with him to give him false hope and throw them in a cell.

"Is what you said true ? My children wouldn't be separated from me would they ?" The man asked nervously

"they won't be separated from you if you take proper care of them. But still keep a lookout for your kids, they might become a small Duke or Viscount In the near future if your children are talented enough." The guard said expressionlessly

The Sickly beggers whole body shook, for a moment he couldn't believe what he had just heard ?

A chance to become nobleman ? Such generosity stunned not only him but also the other refugees who were resorting to begging to get a meal.

Some became suspicious but when they looked around they saw the freshly painted houses which boomed with lavishness which was strange for commoners, everywhere they looked prosperousness bloomed on the streets all around them as the streets were filled with laughter and bustling sounds, fast food stalls were serving fresh delicious food all around them.

No wonder they Didn't encounter other Beggers ! It turns out there weren't anymore beggers in this empire !

Seeing the children looking around the guard sighed and said " Don't worry stay here for a bit uncle will be right back in a while"

Ht then took out 40 silver coins from his pouch and went to a burger shop.

Just when he was about to order a hand appeared behind him and tapped his shoulder.

"Hmm ?" Turning around the guard who was just about to make a large order was stopped and turned to look towards a young man who straight up took out 100 Gold coins and tossed them to the guard.

The guard became stunned seeing this money but the youngsters next words stunned him even more.

"Good job, our Empire needs more people like you. Oh do remember to give them some additional care as their bodies are malnourished for a whole they can't intake much food so after you give them the food I suggest taking them to the physician" after saying his mind Zash Patted the guards shoulder lightly before turning around and leaving behind a stunned guard who couldn't respond to the situation.

he wanted to refuse at first but remembering he had to take care of his fallen comrade's families and his own household problems he didn't say anything and just humbly bowed to say his thanks.

"A rich Noble's child perhaps ? Well that makes it easier for me I thought I'd have to live off on rashons once again thank goodness I can return the money to my friends I borrowed, I can even buy some food and toys to the kids." The guard mumbled in a low voice.

"Boss Full Jumbo King Chicken Burgers and 3 large water barrels."

"Your Order is on the way dear customer ! Please wait patiently"....

thw store manager said happily and hurriedly went to do his business

Zash put his hands behind his back as he walked all sorts of scenes took place, people merrily talked while some were busy with whatever work they had on hand still they seemed happy.

Zash just nodded silently In approval form time to time he wandered around the streets and even got flirty stares from several young ladies and several death stares from their pursuers but Zash didn't mind and kept walking, sometimes he'd stop by to watch something he found interesting or he'd go to a store and try something local which he had never tried before.

Coming up with more ideas and food recipes.

Before long Zash arrived in the red light district. Zash turned around and was about to leave when he was suddenly struck by an idea and quickly went in.

'in this day and age the quickest way of gathering information about latest trends is from women who know what their limits are and who are in contact with lots of important people, so this place is basically a goldmine of information, since I don't have Quantombots with me currently I only lack in information, and torturing and use of force to get information out everytime will have adverse effects on things and it's not easy to set up information channels without alerting everyone as word might get out due to external factors... but here information collection is very easy on a regularly basis so I have to get information from a reliable and trustworthy source.'

Thinking up till this point zah went around asking for the managing person of the red light district.

He got strange and wary stares form people the moment Zash started enquiring about the People who held true power in the district.

Some People even looked at him like a fool to even ask such questions openly.

But Zash couldn't care less as he had already planned everything out and had spent ideas to propose on his mind currently. He was sure that the discussion would end on Happyily and quickly if he met the people with the most authority.

it didn't take long before some people surrounded Zash, looking at their malicious intent Zash wasn't surprised

with a wave of his hand Zash knocked them out without killing or severely injuring any of them.

Searching around with his Senses Zash spotted an unusual entrance from a cabin where several pathways seemed to be connected.

"Jackpot" Zash muttered and charged straight in.

upon entering Zash wasn't met with any serious resistance as he had expected to come across.

"Who are you and what is your purpose here young man ?" an old woman's voice sounded as Zash entered a brightly lit room, there were 4 people sat around a round table two young men in their 20-30s while on the other side the old woman and a small girl stood behind her several eyes started glaring at Zash aiming crossbows and ready to make a move at any moment.

"yo how's it going ? I want you to work for me " Zash said straightforwardly

"come again ?" the old woman almost couldn't believe she was hearing such words from a teen

not to mention who in their right mind barges through someone's house and boldly orders them to start working for him ?!

"well this might come as a sudden thing and I'm sorry for the trouble but since you live in my Family's Empire I think I at least have the right to demand your services no ? I'll also pay you "

"Stand Down ! That's Our Second Prince Episode Iron heart !" The old woman almost couldn't believe it because the second prince was a complete mystery apart from being called a genius there wasn't much known and she couldn't be sure to completely believe him, but if it was really as the youth had said wouldn't their actions be equal to a death sentence ?

"No no there's no need for that, please get up. I am not pleased to see everyone kneeling around me not to mention a senior citizen like yourself.." Zash declined the honorifics and told her to stop

"Many Thanks young prince, you are what do you need from us ?" she asked without beating around the bush and half confused as this wasn't her style to get things done but this was also the first time in her life that something so strange happened all so suddenly.

"Information I want Every single bit of 'Useful' information currently there aren't much spies and rats and I've taken precautions to deal with them.

The Empire is flourishing right now but it's only the calm before the storm, by working for me I can guarantee your and your people's security, there's so much change about to take place so I'll give you legal licensing permit to do your business but I will also add conditions that you have to fulfill and I don't want to see a violation of any terms and conditions you hear me ?"

The old lady almost couldn't believe what she was hearing ! they dealth within the prostitution industry which was always a shady business so no Empire in history had changed such rules for this sector, things were done silently and swiftly in this industry making it legal while seems easy it was a load of stress and many people would be affected.

Seeing the hesitant look on her face Zash continued

"I also have to tell you something else it's not an option for you to refuse. so I'll tell you some rules. Zash used his powers to rip 3 back pages from a book and formed a graphite pencil like shape and wrote on the paper while it was suspended in the air.

The originally blank papers were starting to fill up second by second while the 4 original occupants and several dark figures could only watch with disbelief written all over their faces.

" There you go here's the contact, I'll also shortly brief you just in case, you will provide me with Information from Prostitute's quarters about any suspicious activity from any of your customers directly to the person in charge, The Girls/Boys working must be 18 and Above, Every Female/ Male working for you must register himself and his family background, which will be safe with us as to make a proper case with their identities in mind so they can also be properly categoriesd as citizens after all they are humans as well and everyone must have the right to choose their daily or monthly wages as for how it's distributed that'll be decided by a person I'll send later on you are free to give opinions and change things from time to time, given its within acceptable means. Also the customers who are violent are to be reported and barred from entering in the establishment Ever Again ! I don't give a fuck who it is even if it's a Noble, Earl, Viscount or any great character no one is to get violent with the staff and workers unless of course the staff or person requested it and is into some kinky shit, then that's their business. There's also rules regarding capturing people who are sold to repay their family debt so you must make sure they are clean, well fed and... Zash went on and on explaining his mind while the old woman almost lost her mind.

This wasn't even that bad of a Deal while they earned an extra income they just had to display everything properly and their staff would be officially under security of the Empire ! this meant they could openly build connection ! these were great deals !

"oh yeah also I advise you to not just let people sell their bodies, those people that sell their children to you can be made use of as they can be sent to our Palace and trained as servants or knighted and also open a music or festive shop for men and women who don't want to sell their bodies but are beautiful just have them wear some little revealing clothes and you can put your imagination where I'm going with this idea." Zash said laying his hands down.

ssssss* The old woman sucked a cold breadth in disbelief at the business ventures he was offering them this ! ' This was Too enticing for someone my age !' she exclaimed within her mind and her face couldn't hide her excitement just thinking about the prospects.

"How do we contact you Prince Epis ?"

"don't worry I have a few new black Knights they'll be ready to do some work they've recently been promoted so it's a good thing to test them."

once again the old woman almost choked while breathing.

"Are- Are there no Knights accompanying your Holyness My Prince ?" the Old women couldn't help but ask.

hearing her question Zash couldn't help but smile.

whoosh*

almost instantaneously they all started floating in the air with their bodies losing touch with gravity and themselves Zash started hovering in the air while activating his saintly powers, his hairs glowed a beautiful shade of White-Golden making his already handsome face even more charismatic, several flames started conjuring around Zash as his Chained sword too flew in a splendidly mesmerising pattern.

"MY- BY GODS !" the Young girl hiding behind the old woman couldn't control herself and tried to grab the old woman for security but her body wouldn't move as it floated, everyone watched helplessly as they floated in the air watching this otherworldly scene.

"haha sorry but it's too funny when I heard you mention me needing protection, I'll let you in on a Secret I'm a Saint."

The old Woman and the Surrounding people almost couldn't believe it when they heard Zash to think that the monstrous Genius of a Prince wasn't a Legendary mage But a Even Stronger Existence Mentioned only in Legends ! no wonder he came here alone ! If he wanted to he could do fuck all and nobody could question him ! as for those black Knights they would be lucky to even be compared to such an existance.

"MY- LORD if I may ! I have a request if it's not too much can you please look at my sister's condition ?" The teen on the right spoke steadily as Zash let them down slowly as to let them get a hold of themselves.

"Joshua ! that's asking for too much from lord Saint !" The old woman shouted

"No problems but whatevers is the issue with her ?, she looks fine to me." Zash spoke up seemingly not minding the request at all.

"She starts stuttering whenever she speaks, even more so when she gets nervous can lord Saint cure her ?" The boy spoke cheerfully seeing that Zash didn't mind he spoke everything clearly.

"Oh that's her own problem, most of the time it's because people are nervous to speak around, I'll write some things for you... can you read ?" Zash asked as he looked in the little girl's eyes making her shy as she hid behind the old woman.

"y-yes i-i can so-ome-wahat"

" great, glad to do business with you. I'll get going" Zash then went straight back towards the same way he had entered.

"my lord Saint please spare us a few moments to show our hospitality." Joshua pleaded.

"Not today, believe me or not I'm finally getting a long deserved break ever since I woke up from eternal slumber. That too I woke up only 3 Years ago. I cannot miss this chance to be free for today." Zash said casually

"But I will be sure to visit you sometime after all I also have to make some tests for her to know her problem. Bye" Zash just pointed at the little girl before disappearing from their sights.

He came and Went like a Thunderstorm leaving an everlasting Impact in their minds.

"Three days for 3years worth of efforts seems to be too little of a time. but what can I say I was lazing around for Eleven Thousand years. work is a good means to lose a hold of time."

Zash was speaking to himself as he walked around and visited all sorts of places.

From left to right, Zash waked on all available roads without coming to a stop and finally was about to visit the outer parts of the Empire when suddenly a Burning Fireball harder his way, followed by 20 or so and more in cahoots waiting for their turns.

Hmph!

Zash condensed his powers and a Blue fire waved around him as he flew and punched the fireballs which had flaming fluids within. after stopping one he stopped the other 17 before making work and let two crash on a big boulder and the other on a broken house with nobody in it as he held the last flaming ball he carried it in his arms as he flew out of the Empire's borders.

as soon as he went out he he spotted a Huge army made up of 30 Thousand soldiers

War Drums and Trumpets echoed around the now barren land. Thwenty or so trebuchets were reloading while 10 or so were still being set up.

It was a belatent display of Enemy's War prowess and Their War declaration had completely angered Zash.

"Just my luck ! well at least this time I get to vent my anger on the perpetrators !" Zash exclaimed and cracked his fists as he had a evil grin on his face.

Author Here : Look forward to lots of Chapters in the coming month ! ^_^