章節 31: Total Chaos
From time to time, legends resurfaced in the Lightweaver community about the coming of a hero named the True Light Bringer. He was no ordinary hero; he was described as the king of an entire planet, the pinnacle of all rulers. Yet, he would come to Magic Kingdom, not as a mighty conqueror, but as a beacon of hope and love, bearing the True Light.
Instead of choosing grand palaces or lofty thrones, he would come to the Magic Kingdom, dwell in humble abodes, like stables, even going as far as cleaning the manure of animals. Despite being humbled and even assaulted by those considered inferior, he'd react with a smile, finding joy in the company of simple creatures, even when he held the power to retaliate fiercely.
When offered dominion over humans, he would decline.
Tempted with seduction, he would resist.
Dangled with riches and worldly treasures, he would remain unmoved.
However, when presented with society's forgotten — the downtrodden, the ignored, and those deemed invaluable — he'd shine the brightest, becoming their beacon of hope and love, serving without a trace of selfishness.
He was, as the tales foretold, the chosen one of the True Source, destined to rescue the planet from impending doom. Among all, he was the mightiest. Among all, he was the kindest. And he would emerge as the beacon of True Light, bearing the title of the last Lightweaver.
Every Lightweaver, including Guisee, grew up with these tales, but most found them implausible. To them, the pull of power, wealth, and desire was too strong, a fundamental human instinct. The idea of someone forgoing these for pure love, especially for the forsaken of society, defied all logic.
To be humiliated by those beneath you and not retaliate? It seemed unfeasible.
To revel in joy amidst dire circumstances when one was of royal lineage? It sounded like madness.
But witnessing the Young Master in the slums, conjuring a radiant healing magic that spanned a kilometer — a scale of magic unheard of, only spoken of in tales and attributed to legendary magicians — made believers out of skeptics.
"The legend is real," Guisee whispered in awe. "He is the savior of humanity."
He recounted the legend of Jaime to all the Lightweavers, and the story resonated deeply amongst them.
***
'All I want just a simple life, but why it is so hard?'
This afternoon, I found myself in the Duke Lightweaver's study. It's a spacious chamber with large windows offering an unobstructed view of the verdant gardens below. The sunlight streamed in, casting a warm glow over the room. I was not alone; Guisee was with me.
"Young Master," intoned Guisee, extending a finely crafted box towards me, "This is from Duke Lightweaver Senior."
I took the box and gently opened its lid. A small sphere levitated out, shimmering in the room's light.
"Greetings, Master," Dea's voice echoed as she transformed into nano dust, melding into my being. It felt as though she was updating information, syncing with little dea within me.
"Hello, Dea. How fares Isolade?" Dea effortlessly uploaded the information directly to my consciousness.
Duke Lightweaver Senior had dispatched two elite warriors to Rouge Haven. They had successfully vanquished the vampire that plagued the land and eliminated almost half the zombies on the island, with the help of the survivors.
One of the elite warriors remained there, ensuring the eradication of the remaining undead. Given the power of light as the nemesis of darkness, their efforts in purging the island of these dark creatures were progressing smoothly.
'So my kingdom is safe now.'
"Guisee, what is the problem of the Lightweaver here?"
Guisee's face turned serious, "Young Master, we face dire straits. Dark forces have launched assaults on the eastern, western, northern, and southern realms of the Magic Kingdom. However, a staggering 90% of their might was concentrated on the east, our territory, the Lightweaver. Fearing our elemental prowess as the natural adversary to their darkness, they've unleashed a massive assault on our capital, Radiant Vale, leading to immense loss. While Duke Senior assures me the immediate threat has been neutralized, we now grapple with post-war reconstruction and the ominous possibility of future attacks."
"How can I obtain comprehensive data on our population and cities?"
"You have access to the dukedom's status system, Young Master. Simply invoke it by saying, 'Dukedom Status'."
Gathering my resolve, I declared, "Dukedom Status!"
[Lightweaver Dukedom Status Window]
[
Duke : Jaime Hunter Lightweaver
Capital City :
- Name : Radiant Vale
- Population : 1115
- Slave : 0
- Wealth : 1,000,000 gold coins
- Military Strength : 1115 soldiers
- Key Resources : Crystalline minerals, enchanted woods
Small Cities :
1. Lumina Landing
- Population : 2216
- Slave : 485.483
- Wealth : 500,000 gold coins
- Key Resources : Fishing and coastal trade
2. Starlight Spire
- Population : 2314
- Slave : 377.514
- Wealth : 650,000 gold coins
- Key Resources : Magical artifacts, scholarly tomes
3. Glimmer Grove
- Population : 1520
- Slave : 501.501
- Wealth : 850,000 gold coins
- Key Resources : Herbs, alchemical ingredients
4. Twilight Terrace
- Population : 1321
- Slave : 485.783
- Wealth : 750,000 gold coins
- Key Resources : Textiles, fashion hub
5. Dawn's Delight
- Population : 2418
- Slave : 565.831
- Wealth : 450,000 gold coins
- Key Resources : Wineries, agriculture
Villages : 32
- Total Population : 5032
- Wealth : Varies (small amounts of local trade commodities)
- Slave Total Number : 2.035.656
Military Strength :
- Total Soldiers : 4.239 (including city guards, patrols for villages, and the capital's main army)
Wealth :
- Treasury : 5,256,000 gold coins
- Annual Tax Revenue : 2,000,000 gold coins
Alliances :
- Friendly : [Duchess Terraflora From South ]
- Neutral : [Duke Galeborne From West]
- Hostile : [Duke Aslan From North]]
- Neutral: [Duke Galeborne from the West]
- Hostile: [Duke Aslan from the North]
"Guise, the disparity between our slave count and population is staggering. Why is this?"
Guisee, accustomed to this line of questioning, patiently responded, "Our Magic Kingdom's current structure emerged from the crucible of war. Originally, eight separate kingdoms vied for dominance on this continent. However, our Eldoria kingdom emerged triumphant. As per the customs of that time, when a kingdom was defeated, its entire population was subjugated as slaves. The 'population' number for the Lightweaver Dukedom denotes descendants of its original inhabitants."
"Each defeated kingdom's populace entered into a binding slave contract with their conquerors. This contract perpetuates down the generations, ensuring their descendants also remain bound in servitude."
Perturbed, I inquired, "So, who currently holds the reins to these countless souls?"
With a deferential bow, Guisee declared, "The Duke reigns supreme over all within the Lightweaver's domain. Thus, Young Master, the fate of all these souls rests in your hands."
🕊️ [Slavery is an injustice.] 🕊️
"Slavery goes against the teachings of the True Source. I will release these souls from bondage and welcome them into the Lightweaver fold, provided they embrace the True Source." I said.
"Young Master," Guisee cautioned, brows furrowing, "such a radical decision could send ripples through the social fabric of Magic Kingdom. The other dukes and even the king might view it unfavorably. Departing from established norms might lead them to become hostile."
"If you stand in my way, then I won't remain a duke."
"Master, I stand by you, always. My words merely aim to apprise you of potential future challenges," answered Guisee.
"And what might those be?"
"The other dukes may twist your benevolent act as an excuse, a smokescreen to wage war against us and seize our territories. Duke Aslan would likely be the first."
"Let him come," I said with an icy determination. "His lands are plagued by zombies, and if he considers war against us, he'll soon discover that we aren't pushovers. Instead, we might annex his territories. Let anyone challenge me, and they'll see."
Guisee nodded, "I stand by the Duke's decision."
"As for concerns about our military strength, populace, and logistics – fear not. We have the greatest advisor in the galaxy at our side. Dea will oversee everything. As long as they turn to the True Source, Dea, in her capacity as Pope, will guide them. She'll ensure the well-being and prosperity of all."
"Is there a way for me to address every population and slave directly?"
"Yes, you can activate the duke's announcement system, though it can only be used once a year," added Guisee.
Clearing my throat, I began, "Greetings, everyone. I am the newly appointed Duke of Lightweaver. In these tumultuous times, as the dark forces wield viruses and dark energies to morph our brethren into zombies, the True Source, the God of Infinite Light and Everlasting Love, who has always showered us with blessings, love and wishes only the best for us, has drawn nearer than ever before."
"I hope each and every one of you will, from the depths of your hearts, call upon the True Source. In doing so, the True Source can find its way into your soul, showering you with light, love, and the very best of blessings. Pray with me, for all who choose the True Source will be liberated from the chains of slavery, released from any binding contracts, and welcomed as citizens of Lightweaver – inhabitants of the Kingdom of the True Source.
Under the laws of the True Source and the Lightweaver statutes, you will be safeguarded. Any harm inflicted upon you is an affront to the Lightweavers, and we will not stand for it. In the eyes of the True Source, every one of you is a treasured creation.
Our allegiance is solely to the True Source. Now, those ready to embark on this journey, join me in prayer.
Our Dearest True Source, the God of Infinite Light and Everlasting Love, we are weak and merely a speck of dust. Please help us, show us the way to find You, to be with You. Forgive us for our transgressions. In this challenging time, please open our hearts so Your light and love can envelop us and guide us. For us to be the light, to be the love, and to become what the True Source wants us to be. From now and forever, we will always stand by the True Source's side."
After concluding the announcement, I turned to Dea. "Dea, can you manage the transition of about 4,5 million individuals from their slave status to becoming full-fledged citizens of Lightweaver, ensuring they have suitable roles and livelihoods?"
"Master," Dea replied, her voice tinged with determination, "I routinely process trillions of data points in mere seconds. Within a new software I have prepare, Handling 4,5 million people is within my capabilities. I'll assess each individual and place them in the roles best suited for them. Whether it's as soldiers, cooks, traders, or even magicians, they'll be rightly placed. However, there seems to be an inconsistency."
"What's that?" I inquired, a sense of foreboding creeping in.
"The records show only about 4,5 million slaves under the Lightweaver domain, but there's a surge, an influx of nine million new followers on the True Source's System."
Confused, I turned my gaze to Guisee, seeking clarity.
Guisee's face drained of color, and his eyes welled up, "This is catastrophic, Young Master. It seems that slaves from other dukedoms have joined our ranks. This could plunge us into chaos and inevitably lead to war."
"How did it leak?" I asked.
🕊️ [Slavery is an injustice. Let all slaves in the kingdom of Eldoria hear and be saved.] 🕊️
"Damn, we're heading for a total war!"
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