Title: The Blackwood Empire's Final Judgment
Chris' POV:
The full scale of the operation was set in motion, and as I stood in the command room overseeing the final preparations, a deep sense of anticipation stirred within me. The Black Axe Men were ready, their loyalty unparalleled, and the Valtours—those who dared to betray our empire—would soon feel the full weight of our wrath. The world had been put on notice, and no one was above the reach of the Blackwood Empire.
Every aspect of the plan had been set meticulously into motion, from the deployment of troops to the distribution of resources. The Valtours would not escape. The families who sided with them would be obliterated, and the traitors within our walls would see firsthand the consequence of turning their backs on their own blood.
Christiana had been exceptional in orchestrating this operation. Her strategic thinking was sharper than ever, and it was clear to me that she had learned everything I could ever teach her and more. But even so, the true test lay in the execution, and no matter how well-planned, the brutality of what was coming would be something she had to witness firsthand. I knew that no matter how strong she was, the severity of the punishment would weigh on her. But I had no choice. The empire's survival depended on it.
---
The Black Axe Men's deployment had begun at precisely midnight. Every soldier moved in silence, like a deadly shadow, each unit infiltrating its designated target with precision. The first wave struck at the Valtour estate—an overwhelming force, too powerful and too fast for anyone to respond. The estate's walls crumbled, as if they were made of paper, and the Valtours were swept away before they even had time to realize what was happening.
By the time the second wave hit the military installations, it was clear that no one in the Valtour camp was prepared for the full force of the Black Axe Men. The installations, once thought to be strongholds of the empire, were obliterated. Communication lines were severed, and within hours, their military strength was neutralized.
The third wave targeted the trade routes—the heart of the Valtour's power. These were the lines they used to funnel resources and influence, to maintain their hold on the empire. No longer. Every road, every port, and every checkpoint was seized, and anyone caught in the crossfire was treated as an enemy. No exceptions. The Black Axe Men moved like a storm, leaving nothing untouched in their wake.
In the midst of it all, I had ordered that we bring down the full force of our power, every resource at our disposal being used to ensure that there was no chance of the Valtours or their allies rising again. I knew that to eradicate them from our world, I had to sever their connections everywhere—politically, economically, and socially. And this, I knew, was just the beginning.
---
As I stood at the helm of our empire, I felt the weight of my decisions bearing down on me. The Blackwood Empire had grown from a stronghold of wealth and influence to a formidable force that no one could challenge. Yet, even now, I knew there were still threats that lingered, shadows that would not be easily extinguished. But for tonight, for this moment, the empire had reaffirmed its dominance.
Christiana entered the command room, her expression unreadable, but I could see the exhaustion in her eyes. The operation had been swift and brutal, but I knew it would leave a mark on her. She was my daughter, but she was also my heir—and like me, she was learning what it truly meant to hold the reins of power.
"Father," she said, her voice steady but with a hint of something I couldn't quite place, "It's done. The Valtours... they're finished."
I nodded, my gaze never leaving the reports in front of me. "Good. We've sent a clear message. This empire does not tolerate betrayal."
She stood silent for a moment, her hands clenched at her sides, before she spoke again. "I didn't expect it to feel like this. The weight of it... it's one thing to plan it, but another to see it unfold."
I turned to face her, seeing the conflict in her eyes. I knew she was struggling with the enormity of the decision, but I also knew she was strong. Stronger than most. "The empire requires sacrifices, Christiana. It requires those who can carry out the necessary actions without hesitation. You did well. You are ready."
She looked at me, and for the first time, I saw a trace of uncertainty flicker across her face. "But at what cost, Father? How many more will we have to eliminate to secure our future?"
I placed a hand on her shoulder, my voice firm yet understanding. "In this world, you must protect what is yours, Christiana. And sometimes, that means erasing the threats before they can grow too large. We will build an empire without weakness, without hesitation. But yes, it will come at a cost."
She nodded slowly, her face hardening with resolve. "I understand."
---
With the operation nearly complete, I turned my attention to the next steps. The Valtour's assets were now ours, their influence shattered, their names erased from the history books of the Blackwood Empire. We had taken everything from them—lands, wealth, and power—leaving only ashes in their wake. But that was not enough.
The Blackwood Empire would not stop until there was no longer a trace of rebellion. Every dissenting voice would be silenced, every rebellious force crushed underfoot. There could be no compromise, no leniency, not with what was at stake.
The Black Axe Men would remain vigilant, as they always had. And as I surveyed the landscape of the empire, I knew that while the dust had settled for now, the true strength of the Blackwood Empire had just begun to be fully realized. It was time for us to take our place among the greatest powers in the world. Time to ensure that no one ever doubted our supremacy.
"There will be no mercy for traitors," I said softly, more to myself than anyone else. "And the Blackwood Empire will stand for eternity."