As Bell arrived at the base, he was greeted with a mixture of admiration and relief. The soldiers and staff, well aware of the successful mission, looked to him for guidance and reassurance. Cheers erupted as the helicopter touched down near the monument, which served as a mass grave for the fallen from the previous attack. A microphone and a podium had been set up for him, with a multitude of soldiers, both reserve and regular, lining up eagerly, waiting for their beloved leader who had finally brought them victory.
Stepping up to the podium, Bell surveyed the sea of faces, all filled with joy and hope. These people had endured hardships for the past three years, and now they could feel the winds of change under Bell's leadership. He approached the microphone.
"Ladies and gentlemen, today marks a significant victory in our ongoing battle," Bell began, his voice unwavering and resolute. "We have vanquished one of our most formidable foes. However, this victory is not without its complexities. Millions of lives have been sacrificed in our struggle against the Southern Coalition, but today, we begin to push back!"
The crowd erupted in cheers at his words. Bell continued his speech.
"We must remain vigilant, not just against external threats but also against those within who challenge our values and humanity. We will keep fighting to protect what we hold dear. But let us not lose sight of ourselves in the process. Let us remember who we are and what we stand for. Today, they are our adversaries, but tomorrow, they may become our allies!"
The sudden shift in the crowd's mood as they fell silent, pondering Bell's words, did not escape his notice. He understood their confusion and apprehension. It was indeed a bold statement, especially in the midst of celebrating a hard-fought victory against a formidable enemy. But it was a perspective he deemed necessary to convey. The Federation was built on the foundation of egalitarianism, where all could coexist in peace.
"I understand that my words may sound unconventional to you, my fellow countrymen, especially after this hard-fought victory," Bell began, addressing the crowd's concerns. "But history has shown us that today's enemies can become tomorrow's allies. Our struggle is not against the people of the Southern Coalition, but against the ideals and actions that threaten our way of life. We fight against their barbaric beliefs, not their people!”
Bell paused, allowing the gravity of his message to sink in. "The Federation was established on the principles of egalitarianism, justice, and freedom. These are not mere lofty ideals; they are the very foundations that set us apart from those who oppose us. We believe in the dignity of every individual, the right to live in peace, and the pursuit of a better life for all. It doesn't matter if you are an elf, a demon, a kin, or a goblin; you are a member of the Federation.”
A wave of agreement began to ripple through the crowd, gaining momentum. Bell continued, "This victory serves as a message to all who stand against us. It showcases the undeniable superiority of our values and our military prowess. The Federation doesn't just seek triumph; we seek to create a better world—a world where the Federation's ideals illuminate the path for all. Long live the Federation, and may God bless its people!”
The crowd's thunderous applause filled the air, their cheers resonating with the unwavering resolve and superiority of the Federation. Bell's speech had not only solidified their victory but also rekindled their faith in the righteous path they were treading under his leadership. The blue, white, and dark red flag waved proudly behind him, symbolizing their new identity. These people were no longer fighting under the banner of the Empire; now, they fought under the banner of the Federation.
Bell stepped away from the podium as the crowd continued to celebrate their triumph. As he descended, he received a new notification from his system, providing information about the dragons and undead that the F-15E had just eliminated. The number of EPs earned from this operation was substantial, to say the least.
[After Action Reports: 3 Dragon Killed, 5,000 Husks Killed, 2,500 Skeletons Killed, 200 Liches Killed, 20 Frost Giants Killed]
[905,340,000 EPs Rewarded, 437,500 EXP Rewarded]
[Level Up To Level 31 | 7 Demonic Points Available]
Bell could only grin at the notification. He then opened her diagnostic menu to see the total wealth that he got. He would be more than surprised if he hit 1,000,000,000 EPs at the moment, because, if that was the case, then a massive building effort could be done and he could start amassing massive army.
However, first thing first, he knew what to upgrade, the unbalanced menu that was the population management. The analysts at ROO predicted that this would be the most significant upgrade due to its long-term usage and the fact that Bell’s population would only add up as the population increased, and they also reported some ridiculously huge number. As he walked into his apartment, Bell fiddled with the population menu.
[Population Management Interface] [EP: 1,125,080,000]
[Population Census]
Civilians: 1,000 Reservist: 1,500 Military Personnel: 700[Revenue]
Population Maintenance Allocation Budget: 13,500 EP/Civilian/Month [Triple Value: 125,000,000 EP] Current Revenue: 13,500,000 + 10,125,000 EP/Month Expense: 12,500,000 EP/Month + 12,500,000 EP/Month + 1,575,000 EP Military Expense Total: - 2,950,000 EP/Month[Social Program]
Educational Level: High — 5,000 EP/Civilian [Upgrade: 5,000,000 EP] Healthcare Access: Intermediate Level — 5,000 EP/Civilian [Upgrade: 2,500,000 EP]Bell pressed the upgrade button with a sense of satisfaction, and the civilian income instantly tripled. A satisfied grin crossed his face as he observed the significant increase in monthly revenue generated by the civilians. It was a welcome change to see the civilians contributing EPs to the system rather than the other way around, a positive development for their cause.
[Population Management Interface] [EP: 930,080,000]
[Population Census]
Civilians: 1,000 Reservist: 1,500 Military Personnel: 700[Revenue]
Population Maintenance Allocation Budget: 40,500 EP/Civilian/Month [Triple Value: 312,500,000 EP] Current Revenue: 70,875,000 EP/Month Expense: 12,500,000 EP/Month + 12,500,000 EP/Month + 1,575,000 EP Military Expense Total: 44,300,000 EP/Month[Social Program]
Educational Level: High — 5,000 EP/Civilian [Upgrade: 5,000,000 EP] Healthcare Access: Intermediate Level — 5,000 EP/Civilian [Upgrade: 2,500,000 EP]Bell contemplated the potential benefits of adding another 1,000 population to Frostwood. It would result in a significant increase in his income, with real civilians contributing more than reservists. He looked forward to the prospect, knowing that Frostwood had many tribes that could be recruited, and Eldrin was tirelessly working to develop his people into their best versions. Eventually, they would become a town worthy of the name.
As Bell closed the door to his one-bedroom apartment, he felt the weight of exhaustion settling in. The excitement of their first strategic victory had taken its toll, but he knew that they were on the right path. All that remained was to reap the rewards of the continuous efforts made by the civilians.
===
Chief Shruss surveyed the strange location beyond her from the vantage point of the tallest tree in Frostwood. According to the information she had gathered, the place was a demonic stronghold. She had no idea how this stronghold had suddenly appeared, and she was baffled by the frequent departures of the steel dragon from the large road on its edge. What she did know, however, was that some of her people had entered that place and never returned.
She had made a conscious decision, and surprisingly, her tribe had collectively agreed to this seemingly insane plan. Descending from the tree, she was met with questioning voices.
"Chief Shruss, are you sure this is a good idea?"
"Do we even have other choices? Look around you, 1,000 goblin survivors, malnourished and starving. Yes, we can gather whatever we can find, but every time we establish a camp, those ogres slaughter us mercilessly! At least, by entering that stronghold, we can trade our freedom for safety."
"My queen, are we really going to do this?" one of her advisors asked once more.
"Yes, we are," she replied firmly. "You can leave and face the giant ogres' slaughter, or you can join me in servitude. The choice is yours."
Chief Shruss led her weary goblin tribe toward the ominous stronghold, carrying a mix of fear and hope in her heart. The decision to seek refuge under the dominion of a power they barely understood was not made lightly. The dire circumstances had left them with no other viable option. Their numbers had dwindled significantly, from 5,000 to just 1,000, with many goblins scattered and no longer following her after the last male chief's death.
They were powerless against the ogres, who were armed with weapons supplied by the humans. The goblins were left with nothing but rocks to defend themselves. If they were to encounter the ogres again, there was no doubt that they would be slaughtered without mercy.
The fate of these people were on hers, and she wouldn’t let them down. It was now or never, she had doubts whether the demons would accept them with warm hands or not, but she thought that the effort of trying was worth it to be tried. After all, better be safe than dying.
As Bell arrived at the base, he was greeted with a mixture of admiration and relief. The soldiers and staff, well aware of the successful mission, looked to him for guidance and reassurance. Cheers erupted as the helicopter touched down near the monument, which served as a mass grave for the fallen from the previous attack. A microphone and a podium had been set up for him, with a multitude of soldiers, both reserve and regular, lining up eagerly, waiting for their beloved leader who had finally brought them victory.
Stepping up to the podium, Bell surveyed the sea of faces, all filled with joy and hope. These people had endured hardships for the past three years, and now they could feel the winds of change under Bell's leadership. He approached the microphone.
"Ladies and gentlemen, today marks a significant victory in our ongoing battle," Bell began, his voice unwavering and resolute. "We have vanquished one of our most formidable foes. However, this victory is not without its complexities. Millions of lives have been sacrificed in our struggle against the Southern Coalition, but today, we begin to push back!"
The crowd erupted in cheers at his words. Bell continued his speech.
"We must remain vigilant, not just against external threats but also against those within who challenge our values and humanity. We will keep fighting to protect what we hold dear. But let us not lose sight of ourselves in the process. Let us remember who we are and what we stand for. Today, they are our adversaries, but tomorrow, they may become our allies!"
The sudden shift in the crowd's mood as they fell silent, pondering Bell's words, did not escape his notice. He understood their confusion and apprehension. It was indeed a bold statement, especially in the midst of celebrating a hard-fought victory against a formidable enemy. But it was a perspective he deemed necessary to convey. The Federation was built on the foundation of egalitarianism, where all could coexist in peace.
"I understand that my words may sound unconventional to you, my fellow countrymen, especially after this hard-fought victory," Bell began, addressing the crowd's concerns. "But history has shown us that today's enemies can become tomorrow's allies. Our struggle is not against the people of the Southern Coalition, but against the ideals and actions that threaten our way of life. We fight against their barbaric beliefs, not their people!”
Bell paused, allowing the gravity of his message to sink in. "The Federation was established on the principles of egalitarianism, justice, and freedom. These are not mere lofty ideals; they are the very foundations that set us apart from those who oppose us. We believe in the dignity of every individual, the right to live in peace, and the pursuit of a better life for all. It doesn't matter if you are an elf, a demon, a kin, or a goblin; you are a member of the Federation.”
A wave of agreement began to ripple through the crowd, gaining momentum. Bell continued, "This victory serves as a message to all who stand against us. It showcases the undeniable superiority of our values and our military prowess. The Federation doesn't just seek triumph; we seek to create a better world—a world where the Federation's ideals illuminate the path for all. Long live the Federation, and may God bless its people!”
The crowd's thunderous applause filled the air, their cheers resonating with the unwavering resolve and superiority of the Federation. Bell's speech had not only solidified their victory but also rekindled their faith in the righteous path they were treading under his leadership. The blue, white, and dark red flag waved proudly behind him, symbolizing their new identity. These people were no longer fighting under the banner of the Empire; now, they fought under the banner of the Federation.
Bell stepped away from the podium as the crowd continued to celebrate their triumph. As he descended, he received a new notification from his system, providing information about the dragons and undead that the F-15E had just eliminated. The number of EPs earned from this operation was substantial, to say the least.
[After Action Reports: 3 Dragon Killed, 5,000 Husks Killed, 2,500 Skeletons Killed, 200 Liches Killed, 20 Frost Giants Killed]
[905,340,000 EPs Rewarded, 437,500 EXP Rewarded]
[Level Up To Level 31 | 7 Demonic Points Available]
Bell could only grin at the notification. He then opened her diagnostic menu to see the total wealth that he got. He would be more than surprised if he hit 1,000,000,000 EPs at the moment, because, if that was the case, then a massive building effort could be done and he could start amassing massive army.
However, first thing first, he knew what to upgrade, the unbalanced menu that was the population management. The analysts at ROO predicted that this would be the most significant upgrade due to its long-term usage and the fact that Bell’s population would only add up as the population increased, and they also reported some ridiculously huge number. As he walked into his apartment, Bell fiddled with the population menu.
[Population Management Interface] [EP: 1,125,080,000]
[Population Census]
Civilians: 1,000 Reservist: 1,500 Military Personnel: 700[Revenue]
Population Maintenance Allocation Budget: 13,500 EP/Civilian/Month [Triple Value: 125,000,000 EP] Current Revenue: 13,500,000 + 10,125,000 EP/Month Expense: 12,500,000 EP/Month + 12,500,000 EP/Month + 1,575,000 EP Military Expense Total: - 2,950,000 EP/Month[Social Program]
Educational Level: High — 5,000 EP/Civilian [Upgrade: 5,000,000 EP] Healthcare Access: Intermediate Level — 5,000 EP/Civilian [Upgrade: 2,500,000 EP]Bell pressed the upgrade button with a sense of satisfaction, and the civilian income instantly tripled. A satisfied grin crossed his face as he observed the significant increase in monthly revenue generated by the civilians. It was a welcome change to see the civilians contributing EPs to the system rather than the other way around, a positive development for their cause.
[Population Management Interface] [EP: 930,080,000]
[Population Census]
Civilians: 1,000 Reservist: 1,500 Military Personnel: 700[Revenue]
Population Maintenance Allocation Budget: 40,500 EP/Civilian/Month [Triple Value: 312,500,000 EP] Current Revenue: 70,875,000 EP/Month Expense: 12,500,000 EP/Month + 12,500,000 EP/Month + 1,575,000 EP Military Expense Total: 44,300,000 EP/Month[Social Program]
Educational Level: High — 5,000 EP/Civilian [Upgrade: 5,000,000 EP] Healthcare Access: Intermediate Level — 5,000 EP/Civilian [Upgrade: 2,500,000 EP]Bell contemplated the potential benefits of adding another 1,000 population to Frostwood. It would result in a significant increase in his income, with real civilians contributing more than reservists. He looked forward to the prospect, knowing that Frostwood had many tribes that could be recruited, and Eldrin was tirelessly working to develop his people into their best versions. Eventually, they would become a town worthy of the name.
As Bell closed the door to his one-bedroom apartment, he felt the weight of exhaustion settling in. The excitement of their first strategic victory had taken its toll, but he knew that they were on the right path. All that remained was to reap the rewards of the continuous efforts made by the civilians.
===
Chief Shruss surveyed the strange location beyond her from the vantage point of the tallest tree in Frostwood. According to the information she had gathered, the place was a demonic stronghold. She had no idea how this stronghold had suddenly appeared, and she was baffled by the frequent departures of the steel dragon from the large road on its edge. What she did know, however, was that some of her people had entered that place and never returned.
She had made a conscious decision, and surprisingly, her tribe had collectively agreed to this seemingly insane plan. Descending from the tree, she was met with questioning voices.
"Chief Shruss, are you sure this is a good idea?"
"Do we even have other choices? Look around you, 1,000 goblin survivors, malnourished and starving. Yes, we can gather whatever we can find, but every time we establish a camp, those ogres slaughter us mercilessly! At least, by entering that stronghold, we can trade our freedom for safety."
"My queen, are we really going to do this?" one of her advisors asked once more.
"Yes, we are," she replied firmly. "You can leave and face the giant ogres' slaughter, or you can join me in servitude. The choice is yours."
Chief Shruss led her weary goblin tribe toward the ominous stronghold, carrying a mix of fear and hope in her heart. The decision to seek refuge under the dominion of a power they barely understood was not made lightly. The dire circumstances had left them with no other viable option. Their numbers had dwindled significantly, from 5,000 to just 1,000, with many goblins scattered and no longer following her after the last male chief's death.
They were powerless against the ogres, who were armed with weapons supplied by the humans. The goblins were left with nothing but rocks to defend themselves. If they were to encounter the ogres again, there was no doubt that they would be slaughtered without mercy.
The fate of these people were on hers, and she wouldn’t let them down. It was now or never, she had doubts whether the demons would accept them with warm hands or not, but she thought that the effort of trying was worth it to be tried. After all, better be safe than dying.
