The towering halls of the Blackwood Union headquarters echoed with the murmurs of the most powerful rulers and leaders under its dominion. The emblem of the B.U., a black crest adorned with golden laurels, loomed over the grand meeting chamber. Seated at the center of the hall, atop an elevated throne, was Ethan Blackwood, the Supreme Ruler of the Blackwood Empire and Union.
To his right sat Christiana, the Dictator of both the Empire and the Union, her presence alone commanding an unspoken authority. On his left, Classic observed silently, his role as Ethan's right-hand man ever solidified.
All eyes turned toward the throne as Ethan leaned forward, fingers steepled beneath his chin. The room fell into complete silence.
"We convene today not as separate nations, but as one force under the Blackwood Union," Ethan's voice echoed, calm yet absolute. "Our union has reshaped the world, and now, it is time to move forward."
Murmurs of agreement rippled through the room.
Ethan's eyes swept over the gathered leaders. "First, the matter of integration. The nations who have newly aligned with us must now fully commit. You are no longer individual states; you are part of something greater. The transition to our economic and military structure must be complete within the next quarter."
A ruler from a smaller nation cautiously stood. "Supreme Ruler, some of our systems are still adjusting. Is there room for negotiation on the timeline?"
Before Ethan could respond, Christiana's voice sliced through the room like a blade. "No."
A tense pause. The leader sat down immediately.
Ethan smirked slightly, letting Christiana's word settle before continuing. "The Dictator has spoken. Hesitation weakens us. The sooner you align, the sooner you prosper."
He shifted slightly. "Now, the issue of governance. As established, I am Supreme Ruler, and Christiana is the Dictator. There is no executive branch in the Union. However, local leadership will be assigned and overseen by the empire's appointed enforcers. Any resistance to this structure will be considered an act of defiance."
Classic leaned forward slightly. "We already have a list of those resisting full integration."
Ethan nodded. "Hand it to the Dictator. Those nations will be dealt with accordingly."
Christiana took the list without hesitation.
Ethan's expression darkened. "And now, the matter of currency. The Blackwood currency has been fully implemented in all member states. It is now the only recognized legal tender within our territories. Any attempt to use foreign currencies will be met with economic sanctions and resource restrictions."
A ruler from the eastern regions hesitated. "What of the global markets outside our jurisdiction?"
Ethan's gaze was unwavering. "They do not matter."
Another tense silence.
Finally, Ethan leaned back, his expression unwavering. "The world bends to the Blackwood Union. Not the other way around."
The meeting continued for hours, policies solidified, power cemented. And as the night stretched on, one thing became clear—
The Blackwood Union was no longer just an alliance.
It was the world's new ruling order.