Chapter 17: Festival

A week had passed since the inception of the Merit System and the establishment of the Order. The newly formed intelligence unit, christened as the Raven's Shadow, sent their first reports from the heart of the beleaguered Blackthorn Kingdom. The reports painted a grim picture of a kingdom on the brink of collapse. 

The Blackthorn military, once a formidable force, was now a shadow of its former self. Its soldiers were demoralized and exhausted, its generals disillusioned. The once feared battalions were scattered and disorganized, their numbers dwindling with each passing day. As they lost the war their numbers were already few to begin with, Blackthorn Kingdom used to be on the stronger side for a Tier 6 kingdom. But now they don't even have the strength to even hold a Tier 6 title. 

The economic situation was no better. The coffers were drained, and the markets were bare. The once thriving trade routes were deserted, and the merchants were leaving their stalls in search of safer lands. The kingdom was bleeding gold, and there was no sign of relief. 

But it was the internal strife that proved to be the most damaging. The nobles, sensing the kingdom's weakness, had grown rebellious, each vying for power. They were more interested in protecting their own interests than uniting for the kingdom's survival. The lack of a strong, unifying leader only intensified the discord. The only reason they have not made a direct move is because King Orion presides over everything, they are still fearful of his strength. 

As Ethan read through the reports, a sudden shift in energy caught his attention. He turned towards the window, his gaze landing on a house in the barracks. The energy was emanating from there, pulsating and vibrant. It could only mean one thing - the last Knight Captain had finally advanced. Ethan sighed in relief as he finally advanced. 

A triumphant grin spread across Ethan's face. The system confirmed his suspicions, its automated voice echoing in his mind. 

========== 

*Ding* 

Kingdom conditions met 

Level up 

Y/N 

========== 

Ethan could hardly contain his elation. This was a significant step towards strengthening their kingdom. He immediately ordered a kingdom-wide celebration. His voice echoed through the corridors, his announcement spreading like wildfire. "We will celebrate for 3 days and 3 nights, every citizen of my kingdom is welcome. I shall announce an important matter to my people tonight. Make it grand and let's celebrate!"' 

Not long after the news of a kingdom wide banquet spread throughout the kingdom. A sense of jubilation filled the air as the kingdom of Verdant Vale prepared to attend the feast. The streets were adorned with vibrant banners and twinkling lights, a spectacle of color that turned the humble city into a resplendent court. Stalls were erected, offering a smorgasbord of delicacies that tantalized the senses. The aroma of roasted meats and sweet pastries wafted through the air, mingling with the subtle scent of wine. 

The people, dressed in their finest, gathered in the square, their eyes shining with anticipation. They chatted animatedly; their conversation filled with praises for their benevolent king. "His Majesty's kindness knows no bounds," a grizzled veteran said, raising his glass in a toast. A young woman, her eyes filled with admiration, added, "He always thinks of us first, always puts our needs before his own." As soon as these words were said many in the surroundings nodded their heads in acknowledgement. For they know without their Kings orders they- the commoners, wouldn't be able to live as happily and carefree as they are now. 

Ethan stood on the dais, his eyes sweeping over his people, his heart swelling with pride. He raised his hand, in commanding silence. His voice, clear and powerful, echoed through the square. "Six months ago, we were a fledgling kingdom, struggling to find our footing," he began, his tone resonating with conviction. "Today, thanks to your tireless efforts, your unwavering dedication, we stand on the brink of becoming a Tier 5 kingdom." 

His words were met with cheers of approval. He continued, detailing their achievements, acknowledging their sacrifices, and promising rewards for their efforts. His speech touched the hearts of the people, and some could not help but tear up. 

"And so, with immense pride, I would like to share with your glorious news, today on June the 25th in the year of the sun. Our immense efforts and hard work have finally paid off and the reward for everybody's efforts is the advancement of our kingdom to Tier 5," Ethan declared, his voice ringing out. As his words faded, he clicked confirm on the system. 

When Ethan pressed confirm, the world seemed to hold its breath. The clouds parted as if commanded by a divine force, allowing the brilliant moonlight to stream down. The ethereal glow enveloped the kingdom, a celestial spotlight that acknowledged their achievement. The world watched in awe as the kingdom of Verdant Vale, under the benevolent rule of their king, advanced to Tier 5. The world seemed as if it rejoiced as the moonlight, as if in agreement, shone brighter, casting a silver glow over the kingdom, signifying a new chapter in their history. 

The moonlight subsided and the people screamed and shouted in joy as the banquet officially began. The feast was a spectacle of unbridled joy and camaraderie. Throughout the three days and nights, the kingdom echoed with laughter and song, the vibrant tunes of fiddles and pipes intermingling with the rhythmic beat of drums. The streets thrummed with dance, the citizens swaying and twirling in gleeful abandon, their movements as fluid as a river's flow. 

Once the feast concluded, the mood shifted dramatically. In the morning after the feast Ethan gathered his forces. 

Ethan donned his grey silver armor, standing tall and resolute, he declared war on the Blackthorn Kingdom. The very air seemed to tremble with the weight of his words. "To arms, Dragon's Fang!" he cried out, his voice carrying across the assembled soldiers. His words were met with a resounding roar, a sea of voices pledged to follow him into the fray. 

They marched outside the castle and came to a halt on top of the hill in the distance. As he stood upon the hill, overlooking his men, Ethan felt a surge of awe. These were not the men who had trained in the castle grounds, who occasionally ventured into the Elvenwood Forest to spar with war beasts. These were warriors, their bodies hardened by rigorous training, their spirits unyielding. 

Their armor was a sight to behold. Crafted from the finest metal, it was adorned with intricate scales, each piece shimmering under the sun looking like a mighty dragon. Black capes billowed behind them, adding an air of mystery to their formidable presence. Their helmets, fashioned in the likeness of dragons, were intimidating, the eyes glowing with an inner fire. 

Ethan found himself tracing the lines of their armor with his gaze, appreciating the detail. "Impressive, aren't they?" he murmured, his eyes sparkling with pride. One could almost see the dragon's scales shifting, the fire in their eyes flickering with life. 

He then found his gaze drawn to his banner; its green backdrop vivid against the blue of the sky. Upon it was a dragon, axes crossed beneath it, a symbol of their strength, their unity. The Dragon Fang Axemen of Verdant Vale were ready for war. And Ethan, their king, felt an overwhelming surge of pride and determination. With these men by his side, he was ready to face whatever the future held. "To War!!''