Chapter 9: The Birth of the Supreme Law and Provinces
Chapter 9: The Birth of the Supreme Law
In the marble chamber of his newly constructed palace, Karnelius sat upon his obsidian throne, the golden phoenix emblem of the Aetherian Empire carved high above him. Sunlight filtered through the stained-glass windows, casting regal hues across the polished floor. Ministers stood silently around the room, awaiting the moment their Emperor would finalize the laws that would shape the fate of the empire.
The Empire System interface hovered before him, glowing faintly with a list of governance tools. At the top was an option: [Draft Constitution].
Karnelius selected it without hesitation.
> [Please outline the governing laws and supreme decrees of the Aetherian Empire.]
He leaned forward, eyes gleaming with power. This was not just a document—it was a declaration to the world. A declaration that Karnelius was supreme.
He began typing, his fingers swift, decisive.
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The Imperial Constitution of the Aetherian Empire
Preamble: We, the Aetherian Empire, founded by the divine will of the Supreme Ruler, His Imperial Majesty Karnelius, hereby establish this Constitution to affirm his eternal sovereignty, maintain imperial order, and ensure the stability of our great Empire.
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Article I – The Supreme Authority
1. The Emperor of Aetheria, Karnelius, holds absolute and unquestionable power over all aspects of the Empire.
2. His word is law. His will is divine. No authority, mortal or divine, shall stand above him.
Article II – Ownership and Property
1. All lands, natural resources, waters, skies, structures, and creations within the Empire belong to the Emperor.
2. Citizens may be granted temporary land usage rights as leases, revocable at the Emperor's will.
3. No subject shall claim personal ownership of any asset without Imperial decree.
Article III – Judicial Authority
1. The Emperor is above all courts and laws.
2. No crime can be charged against the Emperor by any person, council, or force.
3. The Emperor may accuse any subject of any crime at any time, and such accusation shall be accepted as judgment.
Article IV – Warfare and Punishment
1. The Emperor may wage war without reason or restriction.
2. The Emperor may command the execution, imprisonment, exile, or pardon of any subject without trial.
3. No subject may question the Emperor's decisions or face charges of treason.
Article V – Governance
1. Ministers shall serve under the Emperor's command and shall be replaced or executed at his discretion.
2. Laws may be made, changed, or discarded at any time by the Emperor.
3. The Emperor may appoint successors, titles, or noble ranks without consultation.
Article VI – Worship and Loyalty
1. The Emperor shall be regarded as the sole divine authority within the Empire.
2. No other god, entity, or being shall be worshipped within Aetherian lands.
3. Citizens must show reverence to the Emperor through festivals, tributes, and oaths of loyalty.
Closing Decree: This Constitution is immutable unless altered by the Emperor. None shall rise above its word, for its word is the Emperor's will.
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> [Upload Constitution to Imperial Records?]
Confirm [✔]
Karnelius confirmed. The Constitution was sealed in golden light, burned into the magical records of the Empire System. A second notification followed.
> [System Notification: Imperial Constitution Activated]
All ministers and future citizens shall abide by these laws. Influence and authority of the Emperor have increased.**
The ministers bowed deeply. There were no objections, no questions. They were bound to his word.
A smirk played on his lips.
"Now the foundation is set," he said aloud. "Let the world learn what true supremacy is"
Now, he would take another step toward building his empire.
"LIRA," Karnelius called, his voice calm and authoritative.
A holographic interface appeared before him, accompanied by the soft voice of his AI assistant. "Yes, Your Majesty."
"Open the Territorial Management tab. It is time to divide this land."
"Understood. Displaying province customization settings."
A detailed 3D map of the entire empire hovered in front of him. With a simple thought, Karnelius began to shape his empire into ten distinct provinces. He waved his hand, and boundaries formed, each glowing with arcane light as he named them one by one.
1. Solmara Province – The Heartland The first and most central province, Solmara, would be the crown jewel of the empire. This fertile region, encircling the capital, contained vast plains ideal for agriculture. Massive rivers wove through the land, their banks brimming with exotic, magically-enhanced crops. Solmara would become the breadbasket of the Empire, a place of opulence and refinement. It would be governed directly by Karnelius until he deemed someone worthy to oversee it.
2. Vardun Peaks – The Mountain Province To the northeast rose a range of majestic, snow-capped mountains known as the Vardun Peaks. Steep cliffs, glacial lakes, and roaring waterfalls gave this province a harsh but stunning landscape. This territory would specialize in mining rare magical ores and cultivating aerial beasts. It would also house elite training grounds for high-altitude warriors and draconic riders. Fortresses would be carved into the mountainsides, blending with nature yet impenetrable to invaders.
3. Nytherian Vale – The Forest Province This expansive province was blanketed with ancient, enchanted forests filled with mystical flora and fauna. Ethereal deer with silver antlers roamed freely, while glowing mushrooms lit paths even in pitch darkness. Nytherian Vale would be home to researchers, druids, magical botanists, and herbalists. This land pulsed with mana and would become the hub of magical knowledge and beast taming.
4. Veridan Coast – The Coastal Province Stretching across the empire's southern seaboard was the Veridan Coast. With endless beaches of black and white sand, vibrant coral reefs, and sea-bound cliffs, it would be the Empire's naval and trade center. Great ports would rise here, and airships would launch from hidden hangars. Veridan Coast would also be the domain of merchants, explorers, and the Imperial Fleet.
5. Tharaxis Expanse – The Arid Frontier To the west, a dry, scorched land known as Tharaxis Expanse stretched like a golden scar across the landscape. Windswept dunes, jagged canyons, and ancient ruins dotted the terrain. Though harsh, it held valuable resources—mana crystals, volcanic gems, and buried secrets of lost civilizations. Karnelius designated this as a frontier province, ruled by an iron hand, ideal for training war-hardened soldiers and summoning fire-based magical beasts.
6. Glaciera Domain – The Frozen Realm Far to the north, the land turned to snow and ice. Towering glaciers sparkled beneath the auroras that danced in the sky each night. Glaciera Domain would become the Empire's stronghold of cold-based magic and frost beasts. The people here would be resilient, their culture steeped in silence, survival, and strength. Magical hot springs lay hidden beneath the snow, providing warmth and healing.
7. Lunareth Basin – The Mystic Lake Province At the center of this serene province lay the Moonmirror Lake, a vast body of water with silver tides that shimmered beneath the stars. Surrounded by gentle hills and flower-laden meadows, this land was attuned to dream magic and spiritual energy. It would house temples, academies, and spiritual healers. The lake itself was rumored to grant visions to those worthy enough to gaze into its depths.
8. Emberreach – The Volcanic Province Toward the empire's eastern frontier lay Emberreach, a land of active volcanoes, flowing lava rivers, and basalt plateaus. Despite its dangerous landscape, it held immense geothermal energy and was rich in obsidian and dark mana. Factories and magical forges would rise here, crafting weapons and enchanted gear for the empire's growing armies.
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Once the provinces were marked and finalized, a system notification echoed in Karnelius's mind.
> DING! Congratulations! You have officially created 8 unique provinces for your empire. Reward: 50,000 System Coins. Bonus: Access to the "Province Management" sub-menu in the System Interface.
"Efficient and elegant," LIRA commented. "Each province complements the other. Together, they shall sustain the Empire for centuries."
Karnelius smiled. With the structure of his Empire taking shape, a foundation was now laid for future expansion. Next would come the governors, cities, roads, trade routes, and eventually... conquest.
But for now, Karnelius stood still, watching the winds swirl across his diverse empire, knowing that this land—every inch of it—was his, and his alone.