Eight Months Later...

The last breath of Permafrost, the second of the Four Winter Labors, came as a desperate attempt to reclaim what was lost.

The Erna Isles had suffered under the relentless grip of winter for far too long. Permafrost, a Divine that had shackled these lands in ice, had fallen beneath Vastarael's hand, his demise marking the second great Winter Labor to be erased from existence. With two gone, the balance shifted completely.

The transformation came in rippling waves. At first, the glacial sheets blanketing the land cracked and melted into rushing rivers. The frozen soil softened under the return of warmth, awakening seeds long trapped beneath. Then, within days, the tropical climate of the Erna Isles returned in full, as though the world had merely been waiting for its rightful state to be restored.

And at the heart of it all stood Halo Islands, its crescent-shaped lands embracing the central circular island like open arms, now freed from their icy chains.

Halo Islands had been desolate, its people barely scraping by under the cruel conditions forced upon them. The once-proud Runic Tribes, splintered and forced into hiding, had no true home, only whatever shelter they could carve out from caves and crumbling ruins. That era was over.

With Vastarael as the Towermaster of the Obsidian Runic Spire, everything changed.

The Obsidian Runic Spire, an ancient structure left behind by Erna, had always possessed unimaginable power, but it required the hands of a worthy master to awaken its full potential. As Towermaster, Vastarael's authority over the Spire extended beyond mere governance. It was a structure shaped by his imagination, capable of creating anything, so long as it was feasible within the Halo Islands and its floors.

And so, a new age began.

Among the Five Runic Tribes, two flourished under Vastarael's rule.

The Summer Tribe, who were the descendants of the original rulers of the Halo Islands, known for their deep connection to nature, agriculture, and their ability to harness solar-based Rune Magic.

The Phoenixborn, which is a lineage of warriors who thrived on battle, once nearly wiped out during the Winter's reign. They possessed the ability to use Elemental Runes, especially Flame Runes.

The two tribes had been at odds in the past, but necessity had long since forced them to work together. Now, with a leader who understood structure, unity, and the importance of civilization, they thrived in harmony.

A council was built, where both tribes could govern alongside Vastarael. Under his rule, laws were established, disputes settled, and for the first time in centuries, a true sense of peace prevailed.

The greatest challenge was not simply to restore civilization but to advance it. The Spire allowed Vastarael to construct anything within its influence, and with Phaenora's intellect, the advancements that followed were nothing short of miraculous.

The first and most crucial addition was a running water system, something medieval civilizations never achieved at such a scale.

Utilizing a network of enchanted aqueducts, Phaenora devised a way to filter and distribute clean water throughout the city. Reservoirs and underground channels ensured that water flowed directly into homes, public fountains, and most importantly, baths and toilets.

Public Bathhouses were established, inspired by ancient civilizations but with Vastarael's modern touch.

Private Bathrooms in homes, complete with showers, toilets and drainage systems, eliminated the unhygienic waste disposal problems that plagued medieval societies.

A groundbreaking feat using filtration, where waste was broken down through alchemical processes rather than dumped into streets or rivers was used.

The circular Halo Island at the center was designated purely for residential homes, allowing families to settle comfortably while keeping business and governance within the Spire. Instead of traditional medieval housing, stone-reinforced structures with advanced insulation were built to withstand both heat and rain.

Glowing Rune-lamps illuminated streets, providing the luxury of streetlights long before other civilizations would dream of them.

The Spire itself became more than just a fortress. It was a city within a city, its vast floors transformed into economic and social hubs, which took the 3rd to the 27th floors.

Merchants thrived within designated trade floors, selling rare runic artifacts, enchanted tools, food, and even exotic imports from other lands. With fresh produce and clean water, culinary arts flourished, leading to bustling eateries serving dishes from every culture imaginable. Blacksmiths, enchanters, and artisans found their place, forming teams that honed their crafts.

The Halo Islands were no longer a frozen graveyard. It was now a sanctuary for 459,000 beings, a number that only grew with each passing month.

The population consisted of 230,000 members of the Summer Tribe, who were farmers, scholars, builders, and merchants.

229,000 members were Phoenixborn, who were warriors, hunters, guards and mages.

With nearly half a million inhabitants, the Halo Islands became the most densely populated yet self-sustaining regions in the Erna Isles. Thanks to their cooperation and the resources Vastarael provided, hunger, disease and poverty were no longer concerns.

By the eighth month, the transformation was undeniable.

The lands once buried in endless frost now bloomed with lush greenery, golden fields, and towering trees. The once ruined homes now stood proud, bustling with trade, laughter, and life.

Vastarael had grown up surrounded by politics. From the grand halls of Richinaria Palace, he had been taught by some of the greatest minds in Anqerise, including his father, whose understanding of governance was unparalleled. He had learned that power without competence was dangerous, that leadership without accountability was ruinous, and that favoritism bred stagnation.

So when the Halo Islands were restored, he didn't just rebuild the land. He rebuilt the very foundations of governance itself.

The Council of the Halo Islands, comprised of the Summer Tribe and the Phoenixborn, was meant to ensure that the new civilization would never fall into the same failures as the old world. And at the heart of this governance was a true meritocracy, one that did not reward birthright, wealth, or nepotism, but capability, dedication, and achievement.

The result? A system more efficient, fair, and prosperous than even Anqerise itself.

Building a meritocracy wasn't just about declaring that "the best shall rise". It required an entire infrastructure to identify, measure and reward competence.

The Anqerise Meritocracy was based on five essential criteria, known as The Pillars of Contribution. Every individual, regardless of tribe, birth, or previous standing, was judged by five principles.

Competence, Diligence, Integrity, Innovation and Leadership.

Every role in society, from governance to military, from trade to infrastructure, was earned based on these criteria.

A meritocratic system is only as good as its method of evaluation. To ensure fairness, Anqerise implemented the Merit Trials, an intensive process designed to assess individuals based on ability and results, not social standing.

For scholars, healers, and administrators, written and practical tests determined knowledge, critical thinking, and ethical reasoning.

For warriors and enforcers, rigorous tests measured tactical prowess, adaptability and discipline rather than just brute strength.

Instead of placing people in positions immediately, candidates had to prove themselves in real-world scenarios under the guidance of experts.

Artisans, merchants, and inventors had to demonstrate their value through tangible contributions, whether that meant creating new tools, improving agricultural methods, or running a successful trade venture.

Once proven capable, individuals were awarded rank and privilege, with higher positions offering greater responsibility, but also greater scrutiny.

No one could hold a position indefinitely without proving they were still the best fit. If someone underperformed, they were demoted or replaced by someone more capable.

Dynasty Richinaria believed that talent can emerge from anywhere. Just because someone started as a farmer or craftsman didn't mean they lacked the potential to become a leader, strategist, or innovator.

Thus, they enacted a law, which stated that anyone, regardless of birth, tribe, or background, could challenge a position if they believed they were more competent. A formal challenge would initiate a trial of skill, intelligence and leadership in front of the leaders and the public.

If the challenger proved their superiority, they earned the position. If they failed, they gained experience and could challenge again in the future.

This meant that Anqerise never lacked ambition, competition, or progress. There were no hereditary rulers, no positions held purely by tradition.

And Vastarael introduced this same system onto the Halo Islands.

By the eighth month, the results of Vastarael's Meritocracy were undeniable.

Trade flourished because merchants and traders had to prove their expertise, ensuring that only the best negotiated deals and managed resources.

Infrastructure boomed because the most skilled engineers, planners, and rune-crafters were actively competing to innovate and improve public works. Education thrived because only the most knowledgeable scholars and teachers were allowed to guide the next generation.

There was no resentment between the tribes since all positions were earned, not inherited, there was no favoritism or tribal supremacy.

Crime dropped significantly, since law enforcement was based on merit, only the most disciplined, fair, and tactical individuals held authority, preventing corruption and abuse of power.

Citizens took pride in their roles, knowing that every position was earned, people respected the system, making society more cooperative and motivated.

What Vastarael created in eight months was a revolution in governance.

His father and tutors in Anqerise had given him the foundation, but he had surpassed even their expectations by creating a system of governance more effective than anything the Richinaria Dynasty had ever seen.

It was not a monarchy, a democracy or a dictatorship.

It was a system where only the worthy could lead, where power was an achievement, not a birthright.

And for the 459,000 beings of the Halo Islands, it was not just a government.

It was home. And of course, above it all, they placed Vastarael Richinaria, Phaenora and Siranna as the top three leaders.

And with that, Vastarael was ready to head to the Fallen Bridge. And that was days after he showed Adelasta his memories in the Spire.