Empire of Crimson Land

"So you are Joseph," said Karina with her cold demeanor. Scarlett stood silently, avoiding her mother's gaze.

"Yes, Your Majesty, I am Joseph," replied Joseph respectfully.

Karina continued, "I observed your performance during the pilot test. You did quite well."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Joseph responded.

Karina then asked Joseph, "I've come to know that you are serving under The Prism Silver. During the operation of Fortress VW - 982, your actions and your moral compass stood out. Such qualities are quite rare among mech pilots."

"How did you come to know that?" asked Joseph.

"Of course, I know," replied Karina. "The Lockhart Family had your report during that operation."

"I see... they are serving under you," said Joseph.

"So, Joseph, it seems my daughter is happy being with you. Thank you for being her friend," said Karina in her cold presence and calmly.

There is silence for the moment, suddenly Karina began "It's quite obvious; your mech emits a ruby-colored energy," Karina replied, her eyes fixed on Joseph. "I wonder, where did you acquire that GENESIS core?"

Joseph hesitated for a moment before responding, "I found it accidentally in a junkyard while I was working as a junk part collector."

Karina replied, "I see... are you sure it was truly accidental?"

Joseph was puzzled and asked, "What do you mean? Seems like you know about GENESIS"

Karina remained silent for a moment as she continued to sip her tea. Then, with a calm yet penetrating gaze, she spoke, "Project GENESIS was under development by my late husband, Frederick Winstanley, who was the previous ruler of the Empire of Crimson Land, often referred to as the Crimson King himself, along with Professor Alice Whittaker."

"What!?"Joseph in shocked

As Karina began,"GENESIS was created to against of the ARTIFICIAL."

Karina continued her narrative, "The world we inhabit is under the rule of the ARTIFICIAL, beings of Artificial Intelligence. To maintain control over humanity, the ARTIFICIAL divided society into distinct classes, each representing a different floor."

She went on to reveal, "Before the rise of the ARTIFICIAL, there was Professor Alessandro Menezes, the creator of these artificial beings. Originally, their purpose was to serve humanity. However, something went awry, and the ARTIFICIAL posed a grave threat to humanity. Professor Alessandro Menezes mysteriously disappeared."

She continue "During that time GENESIS was initially deployed against the ARTIFICIAL. Everything seemed to be going well. However, the first GENESIS pilot, made a grave mistake. He believed that by reset the system and altering the code, the ARTIFICIAL could be changed for the better. But instead, it only made things worse."

"I see… than what happened after that?" asked Joseph.

Karina explained "there is conflicts among the royals. Because one of them secretly leaked information about person that involve in GENESIS to the ARTIFICIAL, and the Azure King was one of them that leaked the information… then Professor Alice Whittaker went missing"

Joseph asked, "Why did you oppose the ARTIFICIAL?"

Karina continued, "After witnessing what they had done to the lowest class of humanity, we realized that the ARTIFICIAL might eventually target the royals too."

Joseph fell silent, absorbing the weight of Karina's warning. She leaned in slightly, her eyes piercing as she cautioned, "I warn you, Joseph, keep GENESIS away from the ARTIFICIAL. If it falls into their hands, humanity will be doomed."

Karina continued, "May fate bring us together one day."

Joseph nodded and began to leave the room. Before he opened the door, Karina asked, "I wonder what a person like you is going to do with GENESIS."

Joseph replied, "Reaching the Surface."

Karina fell into silence. As Joseph left the room, she continued, "Hahaha, that young man is going to shake the world, right, Alice?" She gazed at a picture of them together, noticing that the necklace Joseph wore was the same as the one Alice used to wear.

As Joseph and Scarlett left the room, Scarlett began, "It seems my mother took a liking to you, Joseph."

Joseph was surprised and asked, "What do you mean?"

Scarlett clarified, "I mean, this is the first time I've seen her talk so much. Because she's not very talkative, you know with everyone even with me." After hearing Joseph couldn't help but smile at the thought.

"Anyway, Scarlett, I'm interested in learning more about your father, the previous ruler, The Crimson King," Said Joseph.

Scarlett began to explain, her voice carrying a hint of nostalgia, "About my father... Mother always says that Father was known as the greatest ruler of the Empire of Crimson Land. During his prime, our Empire was the most feared in the region. Father had an iron will that led our people to prosperity. He even had a best friend, the Azure King himself. But then... Father was betrayed by his own friend, the Azure King. That's why Mother is the way she is, cold and often seen as cruel."

Joseph asked "then what about your mother rule?"

Scarlett continued, her gaze distant as she delved into her family's history, "After my father's betrayal and disappearance, my mother, Karina, took the throne. She has always been a strong and determined ruler. However, she carries the weight of the past and the loss of her husband with her, which has made her a formidable and often uncompromising leader."

Scarlett explained to Joseph, her voice filled with pride, "Thanks to my mother, Karina the Crimson Queen, her rule has breathed life into our Empire of Crimson Land once more. Under her iron-fisted and unwavering leadership, the empire has risen like a phoenix from the ashes. Her determination and strength have allowed us to reclaim our position as a formidable force in the world."

She continued, "Her rule, while often seen as cold and strict, has ensured our people's safety and prosperity. The Empire of Crimson Land now stands as a symbol of resilience, with its walls fortified and its people united under her banner. The Crimson Queen's legacy is one of unwavering resolve, and she has shown the world that the Crimson Land will not be trifled with."

As Scarlett and Joseph walked through the majestic corridors of the Crimson Palace, she led him to a grand balcony overlooking the breathtaking landscape of the Empire of Crimson Land. The view was nothing short of epic.

Before them stretched a vast expanse of land, a kingdom painted in various shades of crimson. The architecture was a stunning blend of Gothic grandeur and modern innovation. Towers and spires reached for the heavens, their crimson hues contrasting with the deep blue sky. The cityscape below was a masterpiece of design, with winding streets and bustling marketplaces.

In the distance, the Crimson Queen's palace stood as a testament to her rule, a towering fortress with walls that seemed to touch the sky. The palace was adorned with intricate carvings and majestic banners that billowed in the wind. It exuded an air of regal authority and power.

Beyond the city, the landscape extended into the horizon, where rolling hills and lush forests met the shores of the Crimson Sea. The sea itself shimmered with a deep crimson hue, a phenomenon unique to the Empire of Crimson Land, giving the kingdom its name.

Joseph couldn't help but marvel at the uniqueness of the Empire of Crimson Land. As they continued their walk, he noticed a squadron of crimson mechs soaring through the sky, their sleek forms glinting in the sunlight.

Pointing towards the impressive display, Joseph inquired, "Scarlett, what are those magnificent machines?"

Scarlett replied with pride in her voice, "Ah, those are the Crimson Knights, our elite mech unit. They are the guardians of the Empire of Crimson Land and renowned as one of the most fearsome mech units in the entire region."

The crimson mechs moved with remarkable precision and grace, leaving vibrant contrails of red as they streaked across the sky. Their presence added to the epic ambiance of the Empire, showcasing its military prowess and technological advancement.

Scarlett can't help but chuckled at Joseph "Anyway, Joseph, thank you. I appreciate your interest about our empire," said Scarlett.

"You're welcome, Scarlett," said Joseph, as he felt it was time to leave. Scarlett accompanied him to the main gate of the Crimson Palace, watching him from afar as he entered the teleportation room. To her shock, her mother, Karina the Crimson Queen, appeared beside her. In silence, her mother returned to the room.

As Joseph returned to the Silver Prism motherbase, he was greeted by Eliza. She inquired, "So, how was the trip? Did you acquire any valuable information?"

Joseph nodded and replied, "Yes, I obtained information directly from the Crimson Queen herself."

Eliza raised an intrigued eyebrow and said, "From the Crimson Queen? Well then, let's discuss this in my office." She led Joseph to her office, where she took a seat on the couch with her legs crossed.

Sitting across from her, Joseph began, "It's about my mother. The truth is, my mother is Professor Alice Whittaker. She worked alongside the former Crimson King, Frederick Winstanley, in the development of GENESIS."

Eliza absorbed this revelation and asked, "And then what happened?"

Joseph continued, "After GENESIS successfully fought against the ARTIFICIAL, the first pilot made a grave mistake by resetting and altering the code, believing it would transform the ARTIFICIAL into something benevolent. Instead, it worsened the situation. This led to conflicts among the royals of that era, particularly between the Crimson King and the Azure King. The Azure King secretly leaked information about the GENESIS project."

Eliza interjected, "I see. It's highly likely that the conflicts among the royals were connected to the Void War as well. In any case, Joseph, thank you for sharing this crucial information. Anyway, we've managed to pinpoint Luther's location," Eliza stated.

Joseph, clearly eager to know, asked, "So, where is he located?"

Eliza explained, "Thanks to Jericho's investigation skills, we've traced Luther's whereabouts. It turns out he's in a prison facility, quite a distance away, in Zone 2."

"Zone 2?" Joseph inquired.

"Yes, Zone 2 is the second floor of our world, and it's not the safest place. We have no idea what we might encounter there," Eliza cautioned.

Joseph, determined, asked, "How can we access Zone 2?"

Eliza replied, "Entering Zone 2 through the sky pillar in Zone 1 would expose us to government scrutiny. Our best bet is to take an illicit route."

Joseph, intrigued, "How? "

Eliza answered Joseph, "There's a connection between Zone 1 and Zone 2 through an abandoned mine. By secretly traveling through the mine, we may be able to reach Zone 2 undetected. Thanks to the Hell Brothers, they managed to find the abandoned mine during their investigations."

"Joseph, I want you and the Hell Brothers to secure the area around the abandoned mine. Once it's confirmed safe, send us a signal, and the Silver Prism motherbase will move in," said Eliza.

Meanwhile, within the towering ARTIFICIAL Tower, a mysterious figure a good looking man, made his way to meet the artificial intelligence being. "Welcome, Ariarathes Weisman, the White King himself," greeted the artificial intelligence.

Ariarathes continued, "We have finally managed to locate his whereabouts."

The Artificial Intelligence being replied, "Indeed. I will dispatch the Black Hound unit to set up an ambush."

Ariarathes responded, "I will also deploy the Seven Sword Unit to support your ambush. We must not underestimate this man."

The Artificial Intelligence being acknowledged, saying, "Inevitably, you're right. Thank you."

After the discussion concluded, Ariarathes Weisman made his way back to his empire, known as the Empire of the White Land.

The Empire of the White Land stood as a beacon of purity amidst the vast expanse of its own world. The cityscape gleamed like polished ivory, with streets paved in marble that glistened beneath the radiant sun. In this majestic empire, the air was filled with the fragrance of blooming gardens the grand archways and monumental courtyards. Its people, embodying a noble spirit that mirrored the empire's resplendent splendor. Ariarathes Weisman, the White King himself, ruled with an unwavering dedication to his people and an unyielding vision for the future. The Empire of the White Land was a land where the light of knowledge banished the shadows of ignorance, and where the quest for greatness knew no bounds.

From a young age, Ariarathes Weisman displayed a remarkable and innate aptitude for leadership that set him apart from his peers. He seemed to be naturally born to ascend the throne of the Empire of the White Land. Even as a child, he carried himself with a regal air, and his presence exuded an aura of authority. Ariarathes possessed a rare combination of wisdom beyond his years, charisma that drew people toward him. His intellect shone brightly, and he quickly became known for his sagacious counsel, often sought out by elders and advisors.

Ariarathes, with a firm resolve, called upon his loyal butler, Cisseus, a trusted and devoted servant who had served the White King for many years. Cisseus approached his lord with utmost respect and readiness.

"Yes, my lord?" Cisseus inquired, awaiting Ariarathes' command.

Ariarathes, issued his decree, "Deploy the Seven Sword Unit."

Cisseus, fully aware of the White King's command, responded with a simple yet earnest acknowledgment, "Yes, my lord. I will see to it."

With a profound understanding of the unwavering loyalty between them, Cisseus departed to carry out the orders of the White King, for the command of the sovereign was absolute, and the Seven Sword Unit would soon be set into motion.