Chapter Fifteen: The Measure of Strength

The sky over Eternis Primus was painted with the hues of a setting sun, casting long shadows across the towering spires and bustling streets. The air was thick with anticipation—Vandemir's citizens had caught wind of the Iron Dominion's impending visit, and speculation ran wild. Some whispered of war, others of opportunity, but all understood one thing: this was no ordinary diplomatic exchange.

Aedric stood atop the Grand Bastion, the highest tower of his newly completed Dominion Castle, watching as his city prepared. Down below, the streets pulsed with activity—engineers fine-tuned the airship docks, soldiers trained relentlessly in the War College, and artisans finalized banners bearing the phoenix crest of Vandemir.

Sebastian arrived without a sound, his presence marked only by the quiet rustle of his coat. "The Iron Dominion's delegation will arrive in three days, my lord. Our scouts have sighted their fleet—four Dreadnought-Class Warships, heavily armored and bristling with artillery. They have also dispatched a land contingent via armored transport."

Aedric smirked. "They want us to see their strength before they ever set foot in our city."

Sebastian nodded. "A display of force, but not outright aggression. They are testing us."

Aedric's gaze drifted toward the naval yards of Auralis, where his own Leviathan-Class Warship was nearing completion. The towering vessel would be the pride of Vandemir's navy, a hybrid of steam, magic, and Whalefolk innovation. Across the skies, the Sky Bastion was also making progress, its framework nearly finished.

"Then we shall test them in turn," Aedric murmured. "Prepare a full reception at the Hall of Lords. And ensure our fleets—both air and sea—are positioned where they can be seen."

Sebastian inclined his head. "A silent negotiation before the real one begins."

Aedric turned from the city and into the chamber, where blueprints of fortresses, refineries, and settlements lay unfurled. "Speaking of negotiations, let's ensure Vandemir continues to grow while the world watches."

Though Vandemir had made its mark on the world stage, its homeland was still largely uncharted wilderness. Aedric had sent three expedition forces to survey and claim strategic locations. Reports had just begun returning.

The Northern Highlands – A region of towering peaks and frigid winds. Scouts reported strange monolithic structures embedded into the cliffs, inscribed with unknown runes. Mining teams also discovered deep veins of mithral and arcane crystals.

The Verdant Marshes – A sprawling wetland to the southwest, rich in medicinal herbs and alchemical reagents. However, scouts reported hostile fauna—creatures adapted to the deep magic that infused the land.

The Black Ruins – An island off the eastern coast, shrouded in perpetual mist. An abandoned fortress sat atop its highest cliffs, its halls eerily untouched. Something lurked within.

Aedric studied the reports carefully, already considering fortifications, settlements, and research outposts.

"We will claim these lands," he said. "Send reinforcements with the expedition teams. I want detailed surveys and potential settlement plans."

Sebastian marked the orders, but his eyes flickered toward the last report. "The Black Ruins… do you wish to send a military detachment?"

Aedric tapped the parchment thoughtfully. "Not yet. Send an arcane reconnaissance team instead. I want to know what still lingers there before we commit resources."

Beyond military and territorial expansion, Vandemir's economic and technological advancements were equally vital.

The Arcane Foundries had begun mass production of Enchanted Alloy Plating, a fusion of mithral and reinforced steel, designed for use in both airships and heavy infantry armor.

Auralis was expanding its trade network, establishing maritime trade routes with neutral islands, leveraging Whalefolk connections to secure exclusive undersea resources.

The Grand Academy launched the first military-engineering curriculum, training officers in both tactical warfare and steam-magic integration, creating a new breed of hybrid commanders.

Standing in the newly constructed Trade Council Chambers, Aedric reviewed shipments with his Trade Minister, Lord Varion Eddelmar.

"Exports are increasing," Varion reported, adjusting his monocle. "However, Argos merchants are beginning to inquire about our mithral deposits. They wish to open direct negotiations."

Aedric exhaled slowly. "They will not be the only ones. Soon, Solencia and the Iron Dominion will demand access as well."

He glanced toward the map. "Limit the exports for now. We control the supply—we control the balance."

Varion smirked. "Supply and demand, my lord. A game we are well prepared to play."

As development surged forward, the Dominion System issued a new series of objectives, marking critical milestones for Vandemir's ascension.

New Quests Unlocked:

The Northern Bastion (Establish a fortress in the Highlands; uncover the secrets of the ancient monoliths.)

Mastery of Alchemy (Construct an alchemical research center in the Verdant Marshes; harness its rare reagents for potions and warfare.)

The Phantom Fortress (Investigate the Black Ruins; uncover what lingers within before making a claim.)

Sovereign of Skies (Complete the Sky Bastion and finalize the integration of Vandemir's aerial supremacy.)

The Industrial Renaissance (Expand the Arcane Foundries to support full-scale production of advanced weapons and armor.)

Aedric watched as the system's interface displayed the rewards and risks associated with each endeavor. Some offered economic benefits, others increased military strength, but the Black Ruins remained an unknown variable.

He leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. "We are entering the next phase of Vandemir's growth. The world is watching, and challenges are rising to meet us."

Sebastian stood beside him, his gaze unreadable. "And how do you wish to proceed, my lord?"

Aedric's smirk was almost wolfish.

"We proceed forward, Sebastian. Always forward."

The third day arrived with the low hum of Dominion Warships on the horizon. Unlike the elegant vessels of Argos or the enchanted galleons of Solencia, these ships were steel-plated behemoths, bristling with cannons and reinforced by steam-powered armor.

From the Grand Harbor, Captain Darius observed the approaching fleet with a mixture of curiosity and readiness. "They travel as if prepared for war."

Aedric, standing beside him, did not seem concerned. "That is the only way the Dominion knows how to travel."

Minutes later, the land transport arrived, escorted by heavily armored Iron Legionnaires. They moved with precise, mechanical efficiency, their armor thick with steam-powered enhancements, their helms featureless save for glowing slits where eyes should be.

At their center stood the envoy—a towering man clad in obsidian-black war-plate, his left arm fully mechanical, humming with latent energy. His presence alone carried the weight of a battlefield hardened by steel and fire.

The Iron Dominion had arrived.

And Vandemir stood ready to meet them.