Capítulo 11: Chapter 11 The Offer and the bombardment
Alex headed towards the living room, where the first son of the trade union leader was accompanied by four armored guards and two people Alex didn't recognize. Judging by their expensive clothes, they appeared to be merchants supporting the firstborn.
"Thank you for accepting the audience, City Lord Alex, and sorry if we interrupted anything," said a man who appeared five years older than Alex, sporting a trimmed beard as he extended his hand for a handshake.
Alex stretched out his hand, shook it firmly, and spoke.
"Well, you interrupted my breakfast, so let's make this quick and get straight to business." He paused midway to observe their reactions, noticing that they were unhappy, though they maintained a slight smile.
"Why are you here?"
The man began speaking.
"Well, I have come to request the city-state of Draconia to support me in becoming the leader of the trade union. During the transfer of power, we can request a trial of ownership, meaning we can stop and rethink who we will vote for. If we request your support and your ships in the harbor act as a symbol of your influence, they will support me."
Alex had heard of this tradition but remained neutral and asked, giving the impression that he might be interested.
"If I do support you, what will I get in return?" Alex asked, leaning back on the soft couch.
Seeing that Alex might be interested, the firstborn signaled to a lady. She stood up and approached Alex in an attempt to seduce him.
However, Alex felt nothing and stared at the firstborn.
"My great lord of Draconia, in return for supporting the firstborn, you shall receive 30 million gold coins. Ships passing through the harbor will be tax-free, and we shall provide discounts on every item in the market. You shall also have..." She trailed off.
"Have what?" Alex, a little impatient, asked.
"You shall have me as your wife—"
**Smack!**
Alex slapped her across the face and looked at her with disdain. The force of the slap sent her flying over the couch, landing near the entrance of the living room.
"Sorry, but I reacted quickly due to your words. As for my support, Draconia shall remain neutral."
This caused the guards to become more agitated, drawing their weapons. At the same time, Alex's marines aimed their guns at the guards.
"Please, Lord Alex, tell me the reason for declining the proposal." The firstborn struggled to contain his anger as he realized they were outnumbered.
"Well, first of all, your military approach. The trade union was founded to make money, not for military expansion. Not controlling your emotions could cause the downfall of this union. On top of that, you plan to increase taxes on small merchant companies," Alex said as he stood up.
"This meeting is over. You've disappointed me," Alex declared before leaving the living room.
"What should we do, sir?" the old merchant asked as he tended to his daughter.
"Since we failed, we'll proceed with the attack. Send some of our men to capture the Draconian ship, and ensure the crew members are kept alive."
"Yes, sir," the merchant nodded.
---
After leaving the mansion, Alex began working on an evacuation plan. The marines stationed in the mansion were instructed to evacuate to the ships immediately when the attack happened.
---
**The next day...**
The day of the crowning ceremony was almost like a festival. People celebrated as food was served.
Alex rode in a magical carriage, flanked by 15 marines, and headed to the Leader's Castle where the ceremony was to be held. The event was broadcast live, allowing people to see the ceremony as it unfolded. Union members were given priority, although Alex was not part of the union.
---
**One hour later...**
Alex sat on one of the seats as his marines stood next to him, alert. Outside, the rest stood at attention, also on high alert.
**Fifteen minutes later...**
The ceremony began as the two brothers walked toward their father, who sat on an ornate throne adorned with weighing scale designs. When the two brothers arrived, their father stood up, removed his crown, and spoke.
"We are gathered here today for the crowning of a new leader of this union. After deep thought and consultation with the council, I have chosen my second son to be the next leader. He has shown rational thinking, always asking questions before taking action. His decision-making skills will greatly benefit the union."
He paused, looking around the room before continuing.
"If anyone protests this decision, please speak now."
The firstborn, named Carldrich, suddenly drew his dagger and stabbed his father in the abdomen. Gasps echoed through the room. His brother immediately reacted, drawing his sword.
"Bastard! You killed father!" His younger brother swung his blade to the left, but it was blocked. Carldrich kicked him in the chest, causing him to tumble.
"It should be me, brother," Carldrich declared, and chaos erupted as people fled the scene. The two factions drew their swords and fought fiercely.
Seeing this, Alex spoke calmly.
"Let's get out of here. Shoot anyone who approaches us."
Flanked by marines, Alex headed toward the exit. One man attempted to attack them, but was shot in the chest. The marines outside regrouped with Alex as they moved toward the port, which was about 13 minutes away. However, due to the chaos, progress was slow, so they decided to use the alleyways.
Navigating through the alleys took 30 minutes. After fighting their way through, they were only a few meters from the port when they saw enemy soldiers trying to storm the ships.
"Fire! Mounted machine guns, fire! Marines, aim and fire!" barked the captain of the ships. A massacre ensued as the enemy soldiers were torn apart by machine gun fire. Arrows fired from nearby buildings were answered by cannon fire, turning the port into a blaze.
Alex arrived, and the captain signaled for the metal stairs to be lowered.
"Captain, let's get out of here and start planning."
"Yes, my lord."
---
**Twenty minutes later...**
The three ships sailed 20 kilometers away from the city.
"Here's the plan for retaliation," Alex began. "I want DRS *Chermia* to head toward the military port and sink every ship and repair station. DRS *Dracul* will bombard the city, targeting the palace, storage facilities, training grounds, the bank, and other key locations. As for DRS *Alatina*, it will target the four fortresses currently fighting for supremacy."
The captains understood the plan and began executing it.
---
**Fifteen minutes later...**
The fleet split up to carry out their tasks. *Chermia* arrived at the harbor amidst chaos, where different factions fought for control of the ships.
"Captain, which ship should we fire on?" one officer asked.
The captain scanned the area. "Anti-air guns, aim for the docked ships. Mounted machine guns, fire on the fighting enemies at the harbor. Turrets, fire on the ships at sea immediately."
"Yes, sir!" The officers saluted and left to spread the orders.
The mounted machine guns fired on the soldiers below. At first, the gunner hesitated, as his training had only involved shooting dummies. But then he pulled the trigger.
**BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRTTTTTTTTTTTT**
Bullets tore through enemy soldiers, dismembering them and filling the air with screams. The anti-air guns fired explosive rounds, igniting the wooden ships. The two warring factions were too focused on each other to retaliate effectively.
The turrets turned and fired on enemy ships in the water, engulfing them in flames before they could respond.
"Captain, the turrets have finished firing on the enemy ships at sea," an officer reported.
"Order them to target the supply storages and repair yards."
"Yes, sir!"
Soon, large explosions and thunderous roars echoed as the once-advanced shipyard was reduced to rubble.
---
DRS *Alatina* arrived at the first fortress, assessing the ongoing battle.
"Order the turrets to target the large walls while we sail around it. Anti-air guns and mounted machine guns will fire on the soldiers fighting outside," the captain instructed.
For nearly 30 minutes, the fortress was reduced to ruins. The soldiers inside had no way of knowing whether the ship was friend or foe, but it hardly mattered—they were overwhelmed. The marines on board the ship fired on the fortress's defenses before they could even return fire.
The next fortresses suffered the same fate, with soldiers who attempted to surrender still being fired upon.
---
Aboard DRS *Dracul*, Alex gazed at the burning city as the turrets on the starboard side fired upon it. The once-proud palace crumbled under the bombardment, and the city below was engulfed in chaos. The warring factions retreated as machine guns and anti-air fire tore through their ranks.
"My lord, the two ships have finished their tasks," the captain reported.
"Good. Order them to rejoin us and begin a new wave of bombardment on the city."
"Yes, my lord." The captain saluted and left.
After 20 minutes, the two ships rejoined *Dracul* and resumed bombarding the city. Civilians and soldiers alike were caught in the crossfire, suffering horrific injuries.
---
**Union Palace**
The two brothers continued their duel as their respective factions fought around them. A stray shell landed in the hall, exploding behind Carldrich. Fresu, the second-born, was thrown across the room.
"My lord! Draconia is firing on the city!" a soldier shouted as he arrived, only to be killed instantly by another shell
'Dr-Draconia?' Fresu stood up and saw his brother trying to rise, but Caldrich's legs were missing. Seizing the opportunity, Fresu grabbed a nearby sword and stabbed him in the back.
"Caldrich is dead! Surrender!" Fresu shouted. The hall fell silent. Fresu's faction erupted in cheers, while Caldrich's men were demoralized.
Before they could celebrate, two more shells landed, causing the hall to collapse. Thankfully, Fresu survived, but nearly 90% of his soldiers were either crushed or killed. Only about 10% remained.
"Wh-Why is Draconia attacking?" Fresu rasped in a hoarse voice, bewildered.
The explosions grew more frequent until they finally stopped.
---
**Alex's POV:**
Alex ordered the fleet to leave the area. As he gazed back at the city, over 90% of it was in ruins. The only areas left standing were the civilian districts, which he had deliberately spared.
This day marked the near downfall of a third-ranked trade empire, with over 139,000 dead from the bombardment and fighting.
Alex received no messages in the aftermath, as there were no ships left to communicate. With the destruction he caused, the trade empire was crippled. Alex decided it was time to begin expanding his own influence.
---
**To be continued...**
PENSAMENTOS DOS CRIADORES 
Mr_Chess
Mr_Chess Well hello again redears i hope you enjoy the story since this were things get intresting and maybe next week the chapter release will slowdown
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