Signs Of The Next Phase

Although their leader was being absolutely dominated, the citizens felt no anger towards Luna. As a matter of fact, they only felt admiration towards him and felt as if they were living vicariously through him in punishing Emil.

"You won't get away with this! Did you think that the President of the Philippines is someone you can trample on?!" Emil did his best to look and sound fierce, but unfortunately, he was still on the ground, kneeling, his clothes drenched with sweat. Luna wanted people to remember this scene. That a tyrant like Emil who viewed his citizens like livestock would only suffer beneath his foot. Luna was never to keen in theatrics like this, but he had always been aware of their effects. He knew stories of this scene would be told a million times over, and it would cement the vision of him as a true Overlord, respected and feared by many for the right reasons.

At this point, it was enough to convince the people to follow him with much enthusiasm. Especially after they heard the things that Emil had said. They wanted justice, and Luna gave it to them.

Luna frowned as he said, "Emil, for the crimes against your people, and for willingly allowing them to be susceptible to the dangers that come, out of your own lust for political power, your punishment is death. You should have focused on getting stronger yourself. Not keeping the people weak so you can delude yourself into thinking you're strong. Think about that as you head towards the next life." As soon as he finished saying that, he snapped his fingers, and a fire tornado started to appear from beneath Emil, increasing the temperature in the area.

The pressure disappeared and Emil, feeling the intense heat, struggled to get up. Unfortunately, before he could even stand all the way up, his body had already started to disintegrate. Emil who had negligible mastery over his Anito could do nothing as the flames assaulted him on the inside and out. He tried to walk towards Luna as he reached his hand out toward him, unable to accept his fate.

The rest of the rebel faction maintained their distance, afraid they would become collateral damage. Everything happened within a few seconds and by the time it was done, there was only silence.

It took a couple moments for General Mascardo and the other leaders to finally snap back to reality. When they did, they all walked toward Luna and knelt on the ground. "Lord Luna, it is clear to us and the people how a true leader should be. We, as the current leadership of the Nation of the Philippines, have decided unanimously that it is within the best interest of us and the people to follow the Sovereign Nation. We can only hope that you are willing to take us in. For when this next phase arrives, I'm afraid, with just us, we would all be doomed to die." General Mascardo emphasized the last two sentences. He wanted the rest of the citizens to be aware and think that joining the Sovereign Nation wasn't a choice offered to them, but a benefit they could only look forward to and hope that they get.

"I will think it over. As long as everyone is willing to follow our rules, I might consider it." Luna replied. He didn't agree right away. This was so people would value the opportunity more. If he gave it away right now, they might take it for granted too easily, despite their current admiration of him.

If they were to realize that they might not be able to join, however, and along with the fact that they would probably end up having no sleep tonight in hopes that they and their family could join a <Nation> that encourages their growth, and thus, increasing their chances of survival.

***

"You're really taking this mental shift to the next level, aren't you Luna?" Sura gave her man a meaningful look.

"I have to. What was it that lead us to be as ahead as we are now? It was because of the correct mentality, the right perspective, the proper point-of-view of how to look at this new world with. Look at the difference between them and us now. I'm sure you are all aware that the difference between us and the Gods, as well as the powerful beings that are for sure in the Void, is thousands more." Luna explained.

"Indeed. It makes this old man wonder; What if our Elven race had a much better perspective? What if we weren't so ignorant? I believe the answer to that question lies within you, Lord Luna. This old one will follow you till the end." Elder Aran chimed in, further supporting Luna's reasoning.

***

Early morning, the next day.

A man decked in combat attire entered the current Sovereign Nation's base of operations which was located where the Gala was held.

Luna looked towards this man and greeted him. "General Mascardo, you have my gratitude for making sure your people heard what they needed to hear. How goes your preparations?"

General Mascardo knelt down on one knee, showing the utmost respect towards his new leader. "Reporting to Lord Luna. Each and every faction worked all throughout the night to ensure that those who wanted to join the Sovereign Nation would abide by the rules you set. Of course, there were some rebellious ones who chose not to join, and some stubborn ones who just outright didn't want to leave their homes. As per your orders, we have let them go their separate ways."

"Good job, Mascardo." Luna nodded.

"Also, Lord Luna, the rest were curious as to why you had your men surround the territory? The paranoid ones that wanted to stay are trying to spread rumors, but we've shut them up." General Mascardo asked as he himself was curious.

Luna had actually deployed the soldiers who were inside Angry Bakunawa to form a temporary wall of protection. His men from all over the country had reported increased strength from the zombies along with an increase in EXP. It doesn't take a genius to realize that the next phase is already looming over them. He had also felt the increase in EXP that was pouring into him, courtesy of the Cherubim, along with their passive skill that increases their EXP gain.

"The next phase will arrive sooner than you think. Have all your preparations be done by tonight. We will need to make sure we're all ready to defend once it comes. Lead them all to this location and Bakunawa will transport them." Luna answered his question.

Shocked at this news, Mascardo was feeling more and more confident about his decision to join Luna's side. He himself wasn't even aware of this slight change. "Yes, Lord Luna," he quickly responded and proceeded to carry out his orders.

Shortly after, Luna received a communications request. As soon as he confirmed it, a voice was heard from the other end.

"Luna." General Leman spoke.

"General Leman, what's the status in the South?"

"Despite Boni and the rest being relocated, the additional troops you sent over proved to be more effective for this campaign. We've conquered Basilan and the factions there have agreed to join us, save for the terrorist group, they have been completely eradicated and Miss Josie Rizal wanted to send her thanks. She managed to find her missing husband as well, a man called Jose Rizal."

"Oh? Anything interesting about him that you would mention him by name?" Luna asked.

"This man is quite the intellectual. Learns fast, adapts fast, a bit prideful, but a man of his caliber, why wouldn't he be? He's also offered his assistance as thanks for taking care of his wife. The other <Nation> further South is our next target. But Luna, do we have time?" General Leman finished his report.

"Unfortunately not quite enough time. We have to make sure our preparations are flawless. Fall back, for now, we'll deal with them later."

"Roger that."

Luna breathed deeply. "It seems the time has come. Whatever is in store for us, I hope that we can overcome it without losing too many people."

The next phase of this new world was rapidly approaching. What was in store for them?