Chapter 22: City of Chains and Wealth
Chapter 22: City of Chains and Wealth
POV: Prince Aung (Jason)
The air in Khachin Province was different.
The sky above was a pale shade of blue, but the wind carried with it the scent of metal, coal, and something far more oppressive—the smell of desperation.
Jason rode at the head of his forces, his golden eyes scanning the rocky terrain leading to Myint Kyi Naw, the capital of the Khachin Province. Unlike the cities he had passed before, this land had no lush greenery, no golden fields of grain, and no vibrant markets overflowing with merchants. Instead, the ground was rough, darkened by soot from endless mining operations, and even from afar, he could see the gaunt figures of laborers hauling carts of mana stones.
This province was built on the back of exploitation.
It was clear the Duke of Khachin, Duke Myint Myat Kyaw Saw, ruled this land with an iron fist.
Jason had read every report he could get his hands on before arriving. This man was no fool. He was the older brother of the Queen, the uncle of the Crown Prince, and one of the most powerful nobles in the Empire.
But he was also one of the most ruthless.
His province shared a border with the Demon Territory, a vast land so enormous that it was said to rival both the Magul Empire and the Pagan Empire combined. The only reason the demons hadn't invaded was the presence of the True Ice Dragon that resided in the mountains.
That fact alone kept the Duke's lands relatively safe from large-scale demonic incursions.
However, the province still suffered from magical outbreaks—occasional surges of mana-rich creatures that emerged due to the abundance of mana stones buried beneath the land.
Mana stones.
The lifeblood in this world.
Used in everything from lighting homes to powering war machines, mana stones were an invaluable resource, making this province the second wealthiest in the entire Empire.
And yet, despite its immense wealth and military strength, Jason could see with his own eyes that the people were suffering.
---
As they neared the city gates, Jason's enhanced vision took in the reality of Myint Kyi Naw.
The people—thin, malnourished, and weary. Many of them were covered in soot, their skin pale from working underground for too long. Jason's gaze moved to the slave caravans, where beaten and bruised non-humans were being led into the city in chains.
So this is the highest slave-holding province in the Empire…
Unlike in other regions where slavery was restricted to criminals and prisoners of war, here, slavery was thriving because of a legal loophole. The Empire had outlawed the enslavement of humans, but no such protections existed for other races.
Elves, beastkin, dwarves, and even rare races such as draconians were forced into servitude, their bodies treated as nothing more than tools.
Jason clenched his fists.
Father tried to stop this once.
The King, despite his declining health, had attempted to abolish this cruelty.
But the nobles—especially the Dukes—had resisted.
The Duke of the Khachin province was one of the loudest voices against the reform.
Jason had no authority to change this now.
Not yet.
But when he ascended the throne, he would make sure this practice was erased from history.
His thoughts were interrupted as the massive gates of Myint Kyi Naw came into view.
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Unlike Thazin, which was built for trade, and Myint Zine, which thrived on commerce, Myint Kyi Naw was a fortress first and a city second.
- Massive stone walls, enchanted with mana-resistant barriers.
- Heavy steel gates, capable of withstanding siege weapons.
- Defensive towers at every major intersection.
- Armored battalions of soldiers patrolling every district.
This was a city built for war.
Jason didn't need to activate his Appraisal to know that if the Duke ever decided to rebel, it would be a nightmare to siege this city.
Beyond the military strength, the province boasted one of the largest personal forces in the Empire.
Khachin Province's Military Strength:
- 10,000 Royal Army Troops (Imperial forces stationed in the region by the Empire)
- 30,000 Personal Forces of Duke Min Htin Kyaw Saw(Elite warriors, mages, and battle-hardened veterans)
This made Khachin the third strongest military force in the Empire, just below the Imperial Capital and the Magul Border Forces.
If war ever broke out between the Duke and the Empire, it would not be an easy fight.
Jason knew that the Duke was already aware of his approach.
In fact, he had no doubt that the Duke had been notified in advance by the Imperial Court.
He must be debating whether I am a threat or an opportunity.
Jason smirked.
Let him wonder.
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As his army approached the city gates, the guards did not dare to delay them.
Jason was still royalty, and despite the Duke's control, disrespecting a Prince openly was not something even he would allow.
The massive gates groaned open, revealing the inner city of Myint Kyi Naw.
Jason's golden eyes scanned the towering buildings, the enormous forges spewing smoke into the air, the slave markets operating in broad daylight, and the military presence looming over every street.
This city was built on iron, mana, and suffering.
Jason exhaled slowly.
"Let's see what kind of game you plan to play, Duke Kyaw Min."
And with that, Jason entered the City of Chains and Wealth—where his next great trial awaited.
(Continue….)