Meteria Wall Defense Plan
Meteria Wall Defense Plan.
The recent incident had been wrapped up as Viscount Obray's rebellion. Viscount Meyer, credited for thwarting the revolt in time, had been promoted to Chief Steward overseeing all of Karl Grand Duke's territory. Meanwhile, the hardline independence faction that had hogged key positions was slated for a massive purge due to their incompetence in failing to detect the rebellion and their negligence.
And Viscount Obray and his cronies would face the full weight of treason charges.
Overall, this was a friendly gesture to the Empire—a warning not to meddle in Karl territory anymore. In plain terms, it was a two-faced political signal: We'll let you do your thing, but keep pulling stunts like this and things get ugly.
In the midst of all this, Shura and Armida sis arrived in Karl territory, Brendel Duke in tow.
My father, who had come out to welcome them, greeted Shura first before approaching Brendel Duke.
"Welcome, Duke."
"Grand Duke. I heard there was some injustice in your territory. Allow me to offer my deepest condolences first."
"No need. We handled it appropriately with minimal damage."
After light pleasantries, Father and Brendel Duke separated from the group for a deep, secretive talk. It was about the conservative faction allying with the Karl family—a touchy subject. But whether due to Cloud Grandpa's threats or not, Brendel Duke was surprisingly proactive.
Armida sis came bustling over to me, making a fuss.
"Bro! I heard there was a rebellion? You okay?"
"Yeah. Didn't even draw my sword."
"Really? Guess it wasn't a big deal then."
"Tch, it was a big deal. Plenty of people died or got hurt."
I winked at Shura as I said it—a signal that the job was done clean.
Shura approached and said,
"Master. You must be tired."
"Tired? Nah. Come on, first things first—you gotta greet the Karl folk."
I gestured toward the crowd gathered at the portal tower's main gate. They were the territory's residents out to welcome the Great Saintess Shura. I guided her forward.
As Shura began her speech, Armida sis sidled up to me.
"Bro. What's this about Karl territory adopting the Yin-Yang Doctrine? The capital's buzzing over it."
"Would be. The Empire's number two and conservatives joining hands."
"So what?"
"Karl nobles get easy promotions in the military, and conservatives get Karl Grand Duke's protection to infiltrate central politics outside the military."
"Isn't that just swapping seats?"
"Nah. It's synergy—pushing and pulling."
Armida sis shook her head.
"Not our problem anyway. Other country's business."
"But it's not exactly someone else's issue."
"Huh?"
"Yosrahim Empire's conservatives listen to our Shura. Plenty of ways to use that."
"I see."
"Only hitch is the mainstream faction's in trouble."
"Why them?"
"This shifts 5-6% of Light forces to conservatives. Karl Grand Duke wasn't mainstream, but still Light-aligned, so it'll ripple."
Armida sis tilted her head.
"Won't the Emperor hate that? He believes in Light doctrine."
"No way. He might act pissed, but deep down he's thrilled."
"Why?"
"Mainstream's monopolized politics till now. Conservatives can check 'em now—that boosts the Emperor's power. No more getting pushed around by mainstream zealots."
Armida sis rolled her eyes.
"Huh."
"Yeah."
"Man, humans live so complicated. Can't wrap my head around it."
"Eh, politics gonna politics."
Anyway, this mess let me dive deep into Empire politics. Not keen on it now—too tiring—but it'd help big time when the apocalypse hits.
At least I could handle some of the chaos after Cloud Grandpa kicks it.
A united Empire then would be gold. More troops for Polkin Gate, solid Meteria Wall defense.
The Meteria Wall stretches 900km across the Empire's northern border and orc lands. In the apocalypse, it fell too easily, useless to humanity. Rebel sections got pierced pathetically, turning it into a pointless pile.
But a united Empire changes everything. It's backed by the Meteria River, 25m-high walls—solid if defended right. Could hold long.
Best fix? Cloud Grandpa stays alive.
If he lives, no rebellion—they ain't dumb enough. They'd hunker down to survive.
Wall holds ages, humanity lasts longer.
Thinking back on Grandpa leaving the other day, it didn't seem impossible. Looked like he found a clue to Soul Master. Kinda hopeful.
Only worry: his lifespan. Just 5 years left. Can he hit Soul Master that fast? Doubtful.
Shura's carriage arrived at the Karl Grand Duke's residence amid the cheering crowds. Helen Aunt, waiting at the gate, ran out barefoot at the sight of Shura descending, overcome with emotion.
"Yin-Yang Great Saintess! Your grace in saving House Karl—we'll never forget it."
Shura looked awkward; Father and I coughed awkwardly. This aunt really buys it.
Shura took her hand and helped her up.
"No, it was just divine blessing on Grand Duke's house."
"Of course, naturally."
I jabbed Shura's side. I'd given her some instructions.
"Grand Duke."
"Yes?"
"Divine blessings have reasons. You have a role ahead."
"Just say the word. I'll obey anything."
Shura steadied her breath before speaking. Elves suck at lying.
"As apostle, spread Yin-Yang Doctrine to Karl territory's people."
"Apostle?"
"Yes. The one from the latter Codex of Creation."
Helen Aunt's eyes went wide.
Apostles spread doctrine under Great Saintesses. Appeared briefly in early human civ, vanished—now reborn through her after eons.
"How could unworthy I...?"
"Don't refuse. It's God's command, your fate."
"Yes. Then I'll accept."
One token humility, then yes. Usually three times, but once. She wants it bad. Fair—ultimate honor for the faithful.
Good. Aunt steps back from politics to religious work. Lesson from this mess: she can't do politics. Just pure faith, that's her.
After a day's rest at the mansion, we set off on territory pilgrimage next day.
Nice work.
Barracks sprouting everywhere in Karl territory. Warehouses galore, old forts repaired and sturdy.
Prepping military and defenses for next year's war with Grollmog. Karl as rear supply base.
Brian Viscount—didn't peg him, but capable. Central funds used to get siphoned under me; he handled clean. Honest workaholic, poured heart in. Solid job.
If no war breaks out, this setup's perfect.
Yosrahim Empire now building massive military facilities near Meteria Wall for orc war. Stockpiling war goods, prepping 1 million regular troops.
If this holds to apocalypse, huge humanity boost. Block monster hordes from Orc Plains into Prosia Continent with 1 mil army early.
Issue: strains central budget, tanks economy. But with tens of millions pop, maintaining military feasible.
Inflation control would be ideal.
No inflation, army size irrelevant—even stimulates economy via spending. Money flows, merchants thrive, commoners prosper, taxes rise—easy to sustain 1 mil.
Need production boosts too. More output curbs inflation, improves life, floods apocalypse with war supplies.
And ways exist. Mass-produce magic spinning machines.
Magic spinners auto-weave cloth via magic—low labor, high output.
Downside: high cost. Won't mass-spread till apocalypse makes Essence common.
Damn, everything bottlenecks on Essence.
All roads lead to Essence. No Essence, can't do shit.
Can't mass-produce mana locomotives, magic bullet launchers, magic cannons lagging. Top priority: bulk Essence.
I nudged my horse next to Armida sis.
"Sis?"
"What?"
"That Uroboros at Divinum Cathedral before."
Her eyes sharpened. Still pissed recalling it.
"Yeah. So?"
"What do humans gotta do for Chronos to send one? Happened a few times—must be criteria."
"Where's criteria? Not supposed to send at all."
"But they did."
"Just rage-blinded. Like Nemisona last time."
I rested my chin. Rage triggers it. Vague but clean.
"When do Valkyries rage?"
She gave a weird look.
"Bro, what're you scheming?"
"Just wanna avoid it. Even loose cannon like me gotta watch."
"Suspicious."
"Nah. Just wanna do better."
She turned away sharply.
"Dunno. Can't read minds."
"Any list of bitchy Valkyries like Nemisona?"
"Bro!"
I smacked my lips. Hate it if ya hate it—why snap?
Pity. Chronos easiest shot, but no dice. Luck don't hit on cue.
Guess solve in human world first.
World's big, monsters plenty. Kasim's hot on sea beasts lately—proper support, tons of Essence.
Another spot: northern Orc Plains and Ice Lands above.
Orcs low materialism—pile Chaos Pieces from hunts or toss 'em. Some near Kalligo allies trade barter-style, but most don't.
Scoop theirs, massive Essence haul.
Tell Padilla to trade with orcs.
They want food, weapons. Kara ships magic bullet launchers, grain—they'll hand over Chaos Pieces gladly.
"Bro. Looks like we're here—that long wall."
Armida sis snapped me from thoughts.
A vast, high wall loomed. Meteria Wall. Lifeline with Polkin Gate for humanity's future.
"Yeah. Here."
"Why come here?"
"Sightseeing. Meteria River view from top's nice."
"When'd you see it?"
"Once, briefly."
I scouted wall area for temple sites. Planning world's largest Yin-Yang cathedral here.
Simple reason.
Temple complexes have plazas, pilgrim inns, halls—tweak for barracks. Plaza to training ground, inns to quarters, hall to command center.
Plus, holy site here cements Karl-conservative ties. Conservative nobles pilgrimage via Karl—politics and religion buzzing.
So I had Shura declare a holy site at central Karl defense zone, announced temple build.
Sent word to Yin-Yang central at Divinum: dispatch one knight order and large force to guard. About 1,000. For Grollmog raid next year, apocalypse vanguard.
Granted Karl annual trade rights to Jores Island: 10 tons spices/incense, shipful specialties. Give to someone—use proceeds for temple, develop territory.
Karl's my homeland, apocalypse front base. Won't hand to monsters easy.
Meteria Wall Defense Plan. End