Chapter Sixteen
In the vast and treacherous northern supercontinent known as the North Wasteland, the rulers of its many powerful nations were thrown into turmoil as they received reports detailing the strength and influence of the Great Hania Empire. Among them, Emperor-Regent Balachovk III of the Greater Zharovian Empire found himself overwhelmed by fear and uncertainty upon hearing the shocking rumors. Recognizing the potential threat that the Great Hania Empire posed, he wasted no time in dispatching ambassadors to gather intelligence and negotiate diplomatic terms.
The Marjuka Empire, along with its vassalsâthe Klhava Kingdom, the Yanarr Kingdom, and the Drivadria Kingdomâalso received similar reports, prompting them to shift their focus from their harassment wars against the Greater Zharovian Empire to diplomatic efforts with the Great Hania Empire. Their sudden shift in priorities set off a ripple effect across the entire continent. Soon after, the Kanbovgrod Empire, the Killusivut Kingdom, the Holy Tradosvona Empire, the Sevrondo Kingdom, the Paupov Kingdom, the Braudlov Empire, the Graeslom Empire, the Norkbarbos Kingdom, the Pamarlamdd Kingdom, the Angslediv Kingdom, the Plovdiv Kingdom, the Larsvia Kingdom, the Tunovk Empire, the Belktarv Kingdom, the Greteria Kingdom, the Doldova Kingdom, the Usardovria Dynasty, the Tohkont Kingdom, the Chugoku Dynasty, and the Gokomt Kingdom all followed suit. The entirety of the North Wasteland was now preparing diplomatic missions to establish formal relations with the Great Hania Empire.
Meanwhile, in the Prime Insulaes, both the Empestad Empire and the Western Coalition faced deep economic recession, widespread corruption, and increasing skepticism from their own citizens. Their fragile political structures were beginning to crack, and their leaders struggled to maintain control over their disillusioned populations. As instability festered, a growing number of influential figures speculated on whether the Great Hania Empire would intervene in their affairs.
Across the Great Desert Continent, a significant development occurred as the princesses from three major nationsâRagador, Kambazesia, and Taraianâreturned to their homelands. However, the princess of the now-extinct Second Taraian Empire was left devastated upon learning that her kingdom had been fully annexed by the Holy Polesian Empire. With no kingdom to return to, she sought refuge within the Hamilisa Empire.
As the region reeled from these changes, a new threat emerged. The Schink Kingdom, a small but strategically located nation, became the latest victim of conquest. Without warning, a massive stone structureâthe Gateâappeared on the outskirts of its capital city. This mysterious portal, belonging to the Saderan Empire from another world, allowed an army to pour through, swiftly overwhelming the Schinkese forces. The Saderan invaders crushed all resistance, enslaving the Schinkese people and displaying the mutilated bodies of the Schink royal family in the town square as a grim warning against defiance.
Back in the Saderan Empire's homeland, Emperor Molt Sol Augustus and his children, including Pina Co Lada and Zorzal El Caesar, convened an urgent council meeting. With great anticipation, they discussed their conquest of the new world and strategized on their next military objectives. Yet, unbeknownst to them, their empire was now under the watchful eyes of the Great Hania Empire.
As soon as intelligence reports reached Hanian officials, they mobilized an immediate response. While the Taraian princess wandered in despair, seeking refuge and safety, spies from the Great Hania Empire meticulously gathered information on the Saderan incursion. A few days later, the Saderan Empire launched an invasion of the Hamilisa Empire, believing it to be an easy target. However, they failed to anticipate the technological disparity between the two nations. While the Saderan Empire relied on 1800s-era weaponry, the Hamilisa Empire possessed technology akin to that of the 1930s. The result was a brutal and unbalanced battle that quickly turned against the invaders.
As the conflict raged on, the Empire of Kambazesia and the Ragador Kingdom, recognizing the threat posed by the Saderans, intervened to support the Hamilisa Empire. Elsewhere, opportunistic nations sought to expand their own influence. The Khwadoe Empire successfully annexed several territories, including the Kingdom of Elesektria, the Fombe Kingdom, the Golmurd Kingdom, the Korzohrod Kingdom, the Free States of Tambulu and Sandamo, and the Sturgzar Kingdom. However, this rapid expansion was abruptly halted when the Great Auraban Empire betrayed Khwadoe, swiftly annexing it along with all of its newly acquired lands.
Further conflicts erupted as the Cartengero Kingdom, the Calcudid Kingdom, and the Hangkon Kingdom fell under invasion by the Tribullar Kingdom. Shortly afterward, the Rayaz Kingdom allied with Tribullar, aiming to carve out even more territory for themselves. With war breaking out across multiple fronts, the political landscape of the Great Desert Continent descended into chaos.
Meanwhile, at the Rift Gate, the Hanian expeditionary forcesânumbering approximately 780,000 soldiersâdivided into hundreds of specialized groups, each tasked with venturing into different worlds. Some explored alternate realities, some encountered extraterrestrial civilizations, and others infiltrated divine realms occupied by gods and legendary mythos. In one particularly momentous discovery, a faction of the expedition found itself on EarthâNicholas's former home world.
To remain undetected, the Hanian operatives employed meticulous disguise tactics. Equipped with forged passports, new identities, and fabricated backgrounds, they blended seamlessly into their respective worlds. Many established themselves as aristocrats, businessmen, politicians, farmers, and spies, each with the singular purpose of gathering intelligence for the Great Hania Empire. Their work extended across past, present, and future timelines, ensuring that Nicholas's dominion would stretch beyond the limits of any single world or era.
Back on the Great Desert Continent, the war between the Hamilisa Empire and the Saderan Empire took a drastic turn. The Saderan forces suffered catastrophic losses, with nearly 40% of their entire army annihilated. Seeing an opportunity, the Great Hania Empire deployed an additional 50,000 troops, accompanied by air and naval support, to directly intervene in the conflict. With overwhelming firepower and advanced strategy, Hanian forces rapidly crushed the remaining Saderan troops and secured access to the Gate itself.
Unlike the Rift Gate, which was stationed in the heart of the Great Hania Empire, this new portal was located at sea. As Hanian soldiers and war machines passed through, they entered the world of Falmart, bringing the influence of the Great Hania Empire into yet another realm. The captured Saderans, now prisoners of war, were transported through the portal as well, further strengthening Hania's foothold in this new world.
What lay ahead for the continent of Falmart? Would its rulers recognize the impending storm before it was too late? As the wheels of destiny turned, one truth became undeniable: The Great Hania Empire was unstoppable, and its dominion over time, space, and reality itself was only beginning.
(CHAPTER SIXTEEN END)