User blog:Jerome292/The New Empire of mankind.

The New Empire of mankind.

(a WWYD story base on Red Dragon Rising from Spazerz.  This story took me several days of work. It's a bit special because I wanted something different, but I hope you enjoy it. Thank you for leaving a comment if you like.)

The incessant war against the armies of the Overlord was disastrous. The human toll alone is frightening. The peoples were overwhelmed by all the misfortunes that war could bring. Death, terror, famine, disease to name but the most obvious.However, it would be easy to say that the people were exploited, burdened with taxes, and so on. However, each nation conducted its policy as best as it could, depending on its traditions, culture, geopolitics, neighbors, famines or epidemics.

For centuries humans have suffered the advance of monsters. No army can stop them. Some countries adopted by themselves or by monstrous interference policies for monsters and were gradually absorbed by the demonic realm. The population being corrupted at first, then the environment also began to change.

The situation was desperate, so much so that very few human countries, refusing submission or corruption survived to the end. These nations welcomed a huge stream of terrified and hungry refugees. Some carriers of disease, triggered epidemics. Others were agents of the extremist faction, corrupting refugees and paving the way for future invasions. Forcing the authorities to take drastic measures. The blood flowed between humans, pushing the extremist faction to speed up their plans to avoid losing too many future citizens of the Overlord.

Chaos and extinction threatened to engulf the last bastions of humanity. The Chief Deity intervened by sending iher forces, but the Overlord deployed her own elite troops. Plunging the world into indescribable chaos. But the demonic forces kept the upperhand, especially as the Overlord and her husband joined their troops to end the conflict. It was a disaster for the defenders of humanity who saw their new allies fall and corrupt before having to confront them in the opposing camp.

"Heroes! Oh brave heroes... can you hear my voice? Many years ago, I created this world. First, the earth, the sky and the sea. Followed animals and plants. Then finally, humanity. However, I am not perfect. By creating humanity, I also make mistakes ... These errors are monsters, a hateful existence. Monsters are evil, seducing humans, corrupting them and pushing them to commit irreparable acts. Although humans are weak, I still love them ... That's why I hate these monsters that hurt them.'

''Until today, I have blessed and protected many of the heroes of this world. However, monsters have become more and more powerful and vicious. Today, the situation of this world is desperate. Humanity has valiantly fought alongside my angels, but we can not resist any longer. That's why I summoned you Heroes. In your respective worlds, you were facing death. I offer you a second chance in life, but ...in exchange,... I beg you to save the world! " ''

It was the speech with which she welcomed a small army of heroes, to finish on her knees, her forehead to the ground. The vast majority accepted, in front of the spectacle of a goddess imploring their help and the tragic destiny that threatened the humans of this world, pushing the most hesitant to follow the group.

At first, the surprise was total for the monsters, their forces were decimated by warriors, techniques and weapons that they had never seen. Forcing the Overlord to intervene personally with her husband. The fight was titanic and many lost their lives. The Overlord was wounded, but her husband, the former greatest hero of mankind, prevailed, and manage to evacuate with her before the battle was decided.The demonic forces retreated before this new power and humanity recovered enough ground to rebuild itself. Heroes who were not warriors or soldiers brought their knowledge in different fields to rebuild cities, cure diseases, sow new crops and industrialize the manufacture of goods. Areas contaminated by corruption were isolated and placed under surveillance.

Several clashes later, a ceasefire was signed and each side tried to get up. The Chief Deity exhausted by her call, withdrew as well as the rare surviving angels. But the war resumed in the form of skirmishes, the influence of the heroes and the incapacity of the Order or the states, caused a crisis of confidence. Various uprisings took place, heroes opposing on both sides. Civil wars broke out in the midst of the industrial revolution.The Overlord could have benefited from it, but it too had to deal with internal conflicts in the different areas. Many single monsters were asking for a husband. While those who were married refused to share or start a new war for fear of losing their family. The extremists of the different factions taking radical measures on each side.

It was in this new chaos that a very particular man began to gather his followers. Invoked with the heroes, he did not have special powers or abilities for combat. However, he turned out to be an outstanding speaker and used this talent to rally the crowds.He quickly founded a political party and took advantage of the regrets, anger and suffering of the survivors to stir up their anger against those responsible. The monsters and their leader, the Overlord. His ideology of total rejection of monsters, of the superiority of the human species over others, and the need for a strong organization to protect the people, won him the support of many supporters.

His political movement was gaining momentum and the local administration felt threatened and tried to stop it. But visibly honed in politics, he turned the situation around, presenting himself as a victim of a corrupt system that had allowed monsters to conquer the world. The people, initially hesitant, were gradually convinced by his argumentation and demanded a change of policies. Significant protests weakened the ruling power that set up elections to calm the situation. Various irregularities were discovered, triggering the fury of the people who felt betrayed. A popular movement made sure to remove the government.

The great winner of a new election was the new hero of the people of this nation. He immediately started rebuilding policies. Giving priority to reconstruction and development of infrastructure, and industry. A program of military research and development allowed a reinforcement of the army, operated to warn the neighbors of any interference. Various problems arose, but thanks to a competent and meritocratic administration, each problem was quickly confined in order to avoid a chain of events. The country got up, the education of the new youth became a priority, and the decision was to put importance on the physical development, the history of the nation and the sciences. Relegating the literary subjects in second zone to the great damnation of the academicians. In order to enable young people to forge a strong national identity. In the same vein, youth groups brought teenagers together to teach them the ideology and culture that the state wanted. As well as the handling of the new weapons leaving the factories so that they can defend the motherland.

In a few years, The New Empire, became the greatest power of humanity. Disseminating its products, culture and ideology to neighboring countries. The economic and military power of the Empire spread, alliances and trade agreements were forged. "Justified" wars were fought against the aggressors and the oppressors. Yesterday's allies were absorbed into the Empire to form a whole, which, despite their differences, were united against a common enemy. This common hatred redirected tensions to the outside of the borders. The enemies of the past became so frequent.

The New Empire continued to grow and strengthen its internal and external influence. Financing coups d'etat and supporting political parties with a similar ideology in other human nations. Ensuring to always keep an image of calm strength, a bulwark against a demonic invasion, so as not to attract the mistrust of the peoples of other nations.

The Order, a former military and religious force, was isolated and quietly eliminated without anyone worrying about their fate. Like the heroes who saved humanity. Those who did not die during the various battles or who seemed to oppose the Empire were "re-educated" when they refused to listen to reason. Obviously, the various monstrous factions did not remain without reacting. Different raids took place at the border. But, not having the support of the army, were quickly eliminated by the Special Sections. A rapid intervention group consisting of magicians and soldiers seasoned with new weapons made available by the army. The invention of the automobile, the rifle and the first machine-guns was a great help to them in coping with the role they were given. In addition, their field experiences allow military theorists to prepare battle doctrines in the event of a major conflict.That's why some foreign countries sometimes call on to the empire to send reinforcements in case of attacks or disturbances with their monster population/neigbors. Giving a pretext for passing them under protectorate.

Years passed thus. The "hero" builds his empire by avoiding mistakes made by others, cultivating his image of defender of humanity. By spreading his ideology, technologically developing the New Empire and repelling the incessant invasions of desperate monsters for a husband. Making these attacks resound with the heroism of the men who pushed them back through the newspapers and the new public radio. The people, eager for heroic stories, feasted on their exploits and the success of the policies undertaken by their leader "the Guide".Each year, a military parade is organized on the day of the founding of The Empire. The military, scientific or industrial groups that distinguished themselves, as well as the graduates of the military academy parade before the Guide alongside a military group from an allied country carefully selected for the occasion. Giving rise to a big party organized in the capital.

Secret talks took place with the representative of the Overlord and an agreement was reached. No direct aggression would take place between the two forces. Both sides had no intention of abiding by this treaty of non-aggression, but the situation was risky. Monsters feared the new weapons of humanity. And humanity did not have the means to protect itself from corruption, if they tried to attack their domain.



Alas, the Cold War situation began to change as a new force became threatening in the East. An expansionist empire was approaching human borders. Nibbling at the territory of the demonic army and the human nations that were on its way. As the Guide begin to take an interest in it, he could only see the colossal extent of the "Red Dragon" empire that has already conquered the continent of Mist. Worried, he strengthen the garrisons of neighboring territories and strengthen its diplomatic relations with its allies in the region. Seeking to recover the maximum of information.The intelligence services gather very little information, except that an empress stood at the head of the Red Dragon. Zipangu allies confirmed and gave more details. It would be a mamono belonging to the Ryu race that have the distinction of having red scales. An imperialist and at the head of a great military power, she represented a real threat. 

Slumped in an armchair, the Guide rested watching the birds in his private garden. He was getting old. His speeches to the nation became difficult and many of his associates pushed him to give way to someone younger. But no reliable successor had yet appeared. And the Guide was beginning to think of organizing a university competition to designate the next leader.

If I appoint relatives, they will make the wrong choices by courting my favors. He repeated to himself every time he had to appoint someone to a position of responsibility.

A cup of tea in his hand accompanied by small biscuits, he observed the flowers and the statues in his French garden. Listening with discouragement to his intelligence officer's report on the progress of the Red Dragon Army, which seemed to be developing a navy.

"Zipangu's human community and some Mamono factions are worried about the situation and demand that we confirm our military support. "

"Ah Zipangu ... It's been so long ..." the Guide sighed thoughtfully.

Memories of endless debates on the neutrality of this region in the monster / human conflict. Indeed the monsters of this region have different customs and do not attack men for the most part. This is why, after bitter negotiations, the region was included as a protectorate of the New Kingdom, so long as the human community was not threatened. Thus giving an image of openness to countries most reluctant towards the imperial ideology. However, the dangers of the crossing had reduced attempts to build a navy or garrison post at zero. Because every ship carrying men was intercepted by sea monsters that swarm along the sea lanes. So much so that only crews composed exclusively of Zipangu mamono were allowed to undertake the crossing.

"Sir ... what decision should we take? The officer reminded, noting that his superior was wandering in thoughts.

"What is the opinion of the assembly? "

"The Round Table judged that losing Zipangu would not cause us any military turmoil, but that we would lose credibility abroad. They advise us to provide our new experimental weapon to defend the island and check its effectiveness in real conditions. "

" I see. It's not a bad idea, I'll think about it. Could you summon ambassador Yao?" The Guide conclude before beckoning the officer to withdraw. He hastened to execute after realizing the Roman salute.

The next day, a personal guard introduces the ambassador, before retiring.The Guide invite her to sit in the living room, overlooking the garden. He sit on his favorite chair, as she chooses a cushion to settle in the special way of the people of Zipangu. Reminding him furiously of the Japanese. Ambassador Yao looked like a young woman in her twenties. Long silvery and smooth hair fell on his shoulders. Contrasting with a slightly pink kimono.

"How is your husband ? "

"He is in perfect health, I thank you for your solicitude, my Lord." She replied very formally.

"Come on! I will feel offended if you stay hidden behind your facade of politeness. And you can remove your disguise here. "

"My apologies, my lord. I did not want to irritate you." She apologized humbly. Her appearance changed, revealing two foxy ears and eight silver tails.Yao was the ambassador of Zipangu. She was an Inari who had crossed the ocean and land to mediate between their leaders and the guide. She was pleasant companion, never saying a word too much and taking care not to let demonic energy escape. Her slightly manipulative side made her perfect for this role. Keeping this detail in mind at every interview, the Guide avoid touching sensitive topics, knowing she would get the details she wanted. The man have suffered the consequences several times during the few chess games they have played.

"Do you know why I make you brought here? "

"I have no idea, my Lord." She answered honestly. But she was lying. His experience with her allowed him to recognize the involuntary movements of her tails in such moments. But he is careful to not report it to her.

"Well, read this if you please." Declare the Guide by handing over the letter that the Empress had sent him. Yao carefully grabs the roll before unfolding it and reading its contents. Unsurprisingly, she did not seem surprised by its content and return it to him.

"What did you decide to do my lord? She asked in a falsely vulnerable voice. Plunging her silver eyes in his.

"If you wish to resist, we will continue our material support, failing to provide you with troops. If you want to capitulate, we will recover our investments. I believe these are the first two options available to us. The fate of your people can only rest on the decisions of their leaders. I would not want us to be accused of political interference. " the Guide coldly state. Leaving no room for negociation.

"I fully understand my lord. But rest assured that if we have remained neutral in the conflicts that ravaged this world, we are not cowards. If the Empress wishes to threaten us, she will have to face our warriors. "

"Well, in this case I ... we can help you. We have prepared small gifts to defend your naval coast." The man then tend a file with different manifestos. Yao began to study what she had just received and to his delight, let surprise appear on her face. Even her ears jiggled. Cute! "My lord ... I'm afraid I do not understand," she apologized as she questioned him. "Well, these are the new weapons we have just produced. Our own army has still not been provided." By retrieving the folder he open the first pages. The photo of an artillery gun appeared in black and white. "These 4000 pieces of artillery are a new 75mm model that features the use of smokeless powder, fused munitions, fusing shells, cylinder head loading and an oleo-pneumatic recoil brake. . Its high rate of fire, accuracy and reach will surely surprise your enemies. With a little training, you will have a new generation coastal battery that should cut down any attempt to disembark. A stock of 1,800,000 explosive shells has been prepared to feed those beasts. "

"..." Yao remained silent, wondering if it was a joke.

He turn the pages, to come to the picture of a truck coming out of a history book dealing with the first world war. "These 500 trucks will allow you to ensure the supply and transportation of troops. You are free to use them as you wish. Fuel for two months of intensive use has been prepared." He turn the page to arrive on a boat. "And here, the first ten destroyers designed by our shipyards. They will allow you to transport equipment, troops and fight enemy fleets with their cannons of 75. The rest consists of support and medical equipment ... "

"You are not serious my lord? We will never be able to ... " apologized the ambassador who obviously did not understand what was happening. But he prevented her from going further.

"It's a loan, a strategy, and an experiment. You have respected your share of the market since our alliance was concluded and we are grateful to you. Moreover, if you take control of the seas, which is impossible to us  with their inhabitants, you will become a significant threat to the Empress and protect our own coasts in the process. We will train you for the use of those weapons and you will share your experiences and remarks. You are free to practice and develop your own tactics. Now ... if you do not mind, I'm starting to get tired. "

" Forgive this humble Inari! I will leave immediately my Lord." She got up before greeting the Guide gracefully and leaving his apartments. From the corner of his eye, he noticed a shadow leaving the room through the window. If Yao's assistant thought he was unaware of her presence, it was a failure. He had already seen her in reflections several times. A ninja woman, spying on him day and night. And probably protecting him from her fellows ... at least he hopes so.

A few hours later, the ambassador sent the Guide a message in which she detailed the thanks and the eternal gratitude that the inhabitants of Zipangu will have towards their benefactors. The head of the military academies had already made arrangements to quickly train the troops who would be in charge of using the guns and destroyers.

"And that's it ... the machine is launched." He sigh as he see a biplane patrol pass over the capital. "This experimental weapon would certainly prove decisive in the coming conflicts and you know it. Tanks are not yet reliable however ..."



***

The war began the next month and lasted four years. Zipangu was the first target of the Empress. They repelled the landing attempts thanks to the numerous 75mm cannons concealed along the coast and the air infiltrations. The control of the seas was very complicated, the lack of experience of the crews of the destroyers and the underwater attacks were the main reasons. But the technological superiority of the navy assured enough losses to the imperialists to abandon any attempt.

Frustrated, the imperialist army began a massive campaign on the land against the New Empire, to avenge the humiliation. They were met by artillery barrage fire of various calibres. Anti-air defenses and new biplanes secured human airspace, but experimental bombers were powerless against flying monsters in enemy territory without any form of support to protect them. They were then only used in support of ground troops, until a solution was found.

Finally, the armistice was signed. Every party remained on its positions, their forces ready to act. But a resumption of hostilities was too risky with the recovery of the Overlord over her faction.Once the armistice was signed, a parade of victory was organized. Mankind had the means to defend itself without help from the gods. Human factions still independent approached the New Empire, seeking to procure their weapons and technologies, jealously guarded.

The Guide took advantage of the parade to announce his departure from the government. Leaving the administration in charge of organizing the next elections and debates that would designate the next Guide. However, he imposed the passage of a difficult academic competition to ensure that the candidates had the necessary qualifications to claim the title.

Several months passed, with a revival of tensions at the borders. Agents from the Overlord and the Empress tried to influence the candidates, but most of them were eliminated by counter-espionage, who ensured constant surveillance of the men in power. The few agents of Zipangu were arrested and handed over to the ambassador, who hurriedly sent them back to the island to avoid a diplomatic accident.

The election took place with surprising and disputed votes. But the Guide intervened one last time to ensure the veracity of the results. The winner received full authority from the former leader at a public ceremony broadcast in newly opened cinemas. Today, old speeches recorded during the darkest times were looping over the radio. The commentator explaining the reasons for such radical words and the need to motivate the people to resist.

«'' Sons and daughters of our New Empire, the path to a better tomorrow has been difficult. And it will continue to be until we reach a golden and eternal future. Our tough journey is just beginning and we will continue to face seemingly immeasurable dangers. We will cross landscapes of lies and accusations spread by the venom of old enemies. Those fouls fear us, but we must not underestimate them. Even if they look at us with disgust! We will show them our will of steel, they will crash upon the rock of our collective will and make them realise the truth. Never again we will suffer the oppression ! » '' 

The Guide began to regret listening to his old speeches, alone in his office. Everything has been emptied, only the desk and his chair remain. He spent nearly forty years there. Four decades to take humanity from the chaos that threatened it. Mankind was in need of leadership. Strong leadership, bringing order while protecting it from outside forces. Leadership born of respect. And respect, of course, is born from power. Our opponents and ennemies thought they knew the power we were carrying. They were wrong and it cost them dearly... Another old speech was aired and he gave it a distracted ear.



''« Sons and daughters of the New Empire. Our story may be written with letters of blood. But we were fighting for our very existence ! But if there are those who denied us peace. Refuse us our rightful place in the universe ! Then we will unleash such terrible vengeance, that generation yet born will cry out in anguish. Stands with your brothers and sisters ! And together we will be undefeated ! Like we did in the previous challenges.

''The ennemy may shatter our body, but they cannot break our spirit. Even now they advance on our homeland to seize by force what they cannot claim by right. They cannot imagine what await them... We will smith the invaders from our ground. As they sweep over our land like the sands of winter. Never again we will bow before them ! Never again endure their oppression or pity !''

''We will stike without warning and without mercy. Fighting as one hand, one heart, one soul. We will shatter their dreams and haunt their nightmares. Drenching our ancestors grave with their blood! And as our last breath tears at our lungs as we rise again from the ruins of our cities.''



''They will know, this world belong to mankind ! »



 Very bad memories came back to memory of the former dictator, who decided to turn off the radio to enjoy the last moments he could spend in his office. A glass of alcohol in his hand, he rehearsed many memories between two bouts of coughing. The disease was gradually overpowering him and liftinga single cup became more and more difficult.<p style="margin-bottom:0cm"> Tired of fighting, he decided to lead the little time he had left enjoying life. Humanity could do without him, everything had been settled and what could he bring more? From time to time, he heard voices, his tired mind revived the conversations he had in his life. Sometimes familiar faces appeared before disappearing as quickly. His life had been hectic and overworked. Giving him little time for himself. But he had only one regret, not meeting anyone and starting a family ... Proposals had been made to him, but they were political and / or interested marriages. See members of the Overlord or Empress family. "As if I was not aware that we were becoming an incubus in these conditions ..." he sighed annoyed by this major failure of his life. Worse, he was still a virgin to his great disgust. "I may have become an archmage who knows? With seventy-five years of abstinence?" He joked with full self-deprecation. "And you, the kunoichi? Always watching me for all those years? What do you think ?" He asked in the emptiness. But it was a long time since he no longer perceived her presence. Almost since he had delegated his authority and had become a relic of the past, getting ready to go down in history. <p style="margin-bottom:0cm">

<p style="margin-bottom:0cm">*** It had been a year since he left the capital. Exiled in a small country town under the identity of a retired former general to protect himself from retaliation of former enemies. Even his most fanatical followers did not know what had happened to him. Some advancing theories of conspiracy or kidnapping. Rumors more crazy than the others circulated about it.

A small house of a former fallen noble had been assigned to him for his retirement. Simple and well equipped, with a kitchen garden and views of the central square of the city or proudly floated the flag of the Empire he had erected. But his health continued to deteriorate. Too weak to get out of bed, his maid was the only company he had left. A nice young girl named Charlotte. She did not know who his patient really was, but listened to his wanderings about a past where he would have led the empire. She called him "sir" and he insisted that she call him by his real name. What she refused for the sake of his rank. From time to time, they played chess. When he won, he forced Charlotte to call him by his real name for the day. But in case of defeat, he had to tell her a tale from his country, post-empire. He often chose stories for children and also proposed the original versions, more cruel and realistic, but he appreciated them for their authenticity.

His only other distraction was watching people pass by the window from his bed. Sometimes children passed by laughing and heckling. No trace of fear in their eyes, which comforted the old man in his choices. The time passed thus for two long months, his health deteriorating more and more ...

One night while waiting for the grim reaper, unable to sleep. He heard the floor of his house creak under the weight of something moving. Feeling the end approaching a long time ago, he no longer feared the assassins. His weapon, a standard automatic pistol of the military police forces, lay in a casket of red velvet in a closet somewhere. He no longer had the strength to lift it or press the trigger anyway.

Three little knocks echoed against the door. " Come in !" Replied the dying man in a feeble voice. The door opened silently before closing. A dark form approached the bed and lit the light. Revealing a draconic being with red scales and noble presence, dressed in a rich kimono. She seemed to devour him with her eyes, but after a few seconds a touch of sadness appeared.

"I came to see who was my biggest opponent after the Overlord. The human who has damaged my plans and created a situation where none of the three powers could advance without suffering an attack from behind ... I admit to being disappointed. I imagined an exceptional being and found a decrepit old man." She announced with a sigh. "Finally I guess congratulations are due for your journey. If only you had given up to resist me ... We could have protected the human species together you know? "

" It's a joke ?" The man, who seemed imperturbable in the face of a dragon capable of killing him with a bink of an eyebrow, managed to whisper. "COUGH! ... do you think I would have let humanity go COUGH, ... enslave? "

" No? Reflecting a little, the plan of this damn succubus is doomed to failure. How do you hope we give birth to males? We need humans to survive. If the last humans become incubus and it fails, we will all be doomed to disappear! That's why I created my own faction and tried to oppose it. " She seemed sincere and the last doubts faded from his mind. It was indeed the Empress of the Red Dragon in front of his deathbed, who was having fun with her own soliloquy. " You know ? You have been a blessing in one way. Heroes have saved humanity from extinction, you have made humanity strong and prosperous again. New humans are born every day. So many new potential candidates for marriage and women to convert." She snapped her tongue. "And a curse... Humanity has become powerful, too powerful. Your resistance to scuttled my plans for natural reserves for humanity... Now the Overlord and her followers are ready to retake the invasion again, and I doubt you can stop it this time. She is determined to end the conflict and save her subjects from extinction. "

"We are waiting for her!" he replied feverishly between two breath. Knowing the secret weapons prepared by human scientists in case of return from the one he had erected as the supreme enemy of the human species in his speeches.

"Maybe you would have, like you stopped us. But I doubt that it is so simple. She has been preparing her plans for decades to reduce clashes to a minimum." Anger was perceptible in his eyes. "That's why I too advanced my pawns. I'm sorry to tell you, but I'm going to break the non-aggression treaty tonight. I might be able to save enough humans to ensure the survival of my subjects ... "With a sad look, she stared at his defeated face. " Believe me! I did not want to get there. But I have no choice. I even came to announce it in person out of respect. Besides ... you deserved to know my real name, my name is Zhu Teng. "

"... Lu ... kas. He managed to articulate. His mind slowly went numb, the cold took hold of his bones, and talking became impossible.

"Thank you Lukas! I guess how difficult our conversation must be. May you find rest. Maybe we will be brought to meet again. I'll make sure you're among my allies if that day comes. Yao? I leave him to you." She declared before disappearing.

"Y ... o ..." Lukas fidgeted looking for the one who had been named.

"Shh ...my lord. I'm here. Calm down !" The face of the silver fox appeared above his.

"..." he could no longer speak, tears streaming down his cheeks. Frustrated at not being able to react. All that he had undertaken and built would disappear. ''I must warn them! Was he thinking. ''Looking for a solution with his gaze, he noticed that Yao seemed to have gained an extra tail since their last meeting.

" My lord. Everything will be alright. We will be eternally grateful for what you have done for our people. But the situation does not allow us to let the Overlord pursue her plans. If Zhu Teng's fears prove correct, we will all be condemned. That's why we agreed to help her. We will save humanity together. I know it's unforgivable on our part to betray you that way. But please understand the situation." Yao had tears in her eyes, probably a mixture of despair and sorrow. But the man already lose his sight, lost in darkness. Still, he could hear her plea. "I have one last gift for you my lor... Lukas... Please, drink! It will soothe your pain." She uncorked a vial she had stowed in the folds of her kimono and began to make him swallow the contents. He gradually relax, closing his eyes. No longer trying to look at her.

A few minutes later, his breath weakened slowly and Lukas eventually died out. A slight smile on the lips. Yao had watched by his side, sitting cross-legged in front of the bed.

"Naoko? You can come, it's over. " Charlotte opened the door and entered the room. It was tears in her eyes that she approached a hesitating step on the death bed.

"Was it really necessary to hide from him who I was a mother? He deserved to know, "Naoko asked with a trembling voice. She had become attached to the old man's company and regretted not being able to reveal who she was. She released the illusion and revealed her brown vixen ears and single tail.

"I know my daughter. But he had rebuilt humanity on the hatred of the Overlord that had driven men to extinction. He had to make difficult choices. I honestly think he would have accepted you as easily as me, but it would have been too hard for him to live by your side. Your natural kindness would have made him feel guilty, which has caused the deaths of people's time for the salvation of humanity. He could never have forgiven himself. You know, ... he played the tough guys, but he was a big sensitive one." The mother explained to her daughter. "He even secretly, send you a gift for you birth."

"I know but ... Why did you let the Empress be so cruel to him? "

"She was not supposed to be. But I think she did it to protect herself from her own grief. She probably recognized him as a rival and regretted that their only meeting was going that way ... She had tears in her eyes before leaving you know? "

"The Empress? "

" Yes. In fact I think she wanted to meet him for years. The one who had made her hope, but the circumstances have been that they could meet only in this way and it was too difficult for her. And she is a tsundere. "

" He smiles. " pointed Naoko.

"I think he was able to find peace with the medicine. " answer Yao in a sad smile.

"Do you know why ? "

"He alone will know it forever. "

"... Mum, do you think he'll forgive us? I wish I could play chess with him again. "

"If we keep humanity from disappearing, maybe he will welcome us with a smile when we join him. And maybe he will invite you to play a game? "  "Would be nice! "


 * Epilogue:

Shortly after, the news of Lukas' death spread. Plunging the New Empire into mourning. The Empress took the opportunity to conduct surprise attacks at the borders with the domain of the Overlord. Capturing many soldiers and citizens before they could react or send a call for help. When the army intervened, they found no trace of monsters or kidnapped men. Zipangu accused the monsters extremists of organizing those raids with the support of the Overlord who refuted the accusations. The Empress of the Red Dragon offered her condolences to the New Empire for their loss of their old Guide and warned the authorities against the plans of the demonic armies. A counter-intelligence investigation revealed that many officers and officials had been corrupted or replaced. Faced with those threat, the Red Dragon add a proposal for a circumstantial alliance of the two Empires, supported by Zipangu to counter any attempt to expand the demonic realm of the Overlord.

The tension escalated and the war broke out quickly, but the forces of the two Allied empires managed to curb the demonic invasions at the cost of heavy sacrifices. The Empress, supported by her elite and the Special Sections, managed to repel the Overlord and her husband who had taken part in the battle. The losses were catastrophic, compelling both sides to back down once more.

Since, a fragile peace reigns in the world. The two empires fuse gradually, with humans only changing in incubus in rare cases and after ensuring human offspring. This law, although immoral, ensured a balance of power and satisfied the majority of the refractory ones to this union. Humans and mamono learned to coexist together, although many accidents and tensions took place. What delighted the Overlord, but thwarted her plans for the moment.

A commemorative plaque rests on the wall of the last home of the former leader. Informing the curious and pilgrims who lived here. A simple tomb welcomed his body, which was repatriated to the capital in the cemetery reserved for the heroes of the nation. No special ceremony was decided in his honor according to his wishes. From time to time, flowers and candles were anonymously deposited.

Each of the two sides began a cold war. The two titans studied their opponent, looking for a sign, a clue on a fault, a weakness. But that's another story, because the Guide has already left this world that no longer needed him. His legacy remains, evolves. Humanity will continue its own journey on its own ...