VOLUME TWO ( CHAPTER SEVENTEEN )

Chapter Seventeen

In the Falmart continent, negotiations with the Saderan Empire were abruptly cut short as the small yet elite expeditionary force of the Great Hania Empire annihilated the remaining Saderan forces. Within days, the entire continent of Falmart capitulated, falling under the dominion of the Great Hania Empire. However, instead of oppression, reforms were swiftly enacted—slavery was abolished, suffering eradicated, and significant advancements were introduced. The people of Falmart, once living under the yoke of outdated regimes, now experienced rapid progress, improved living standards, and newfound opportunities under Hanian rule.

Emperor Molt Sol Augustus and his entire family, instead of facing execution or exile, were integrated into the Imperial Familia of the Great Hania Empire. Yet, they were carefully monitored by Hanian interior officials, ensuring that they posed no threat and fully assimilated into the empire's structure. The continent, once a land of turmoil and primitive rule, became a vassal region filled with prosperity and order under Nicholas' unwavering rule.

Back in the heart of the Great Hania Empire, thousands of reports flooded in from the expeditionary forces who had ventured into the infinite realms beyond the Rift Gate. The intelligence gathered was beyond comprehension—detailed accounts of Earth spanning from 200,000 BCE to 10,000 CE, along with numerous alternate Earths teeming with superheroes, legendary figures, gods, and unfathomable cosmic forces. Reports detailed encounters with the likes of DC, Marvel, Doctor Who, and other fictional yet now tangible universes. There were also reports of encounters in AnimeUniverses and countless other alternate and unknown worlds. The vast knowledge and potential harnessed from these explorations presented Nicholas with endless opportunities, placing him leagues beyond the comprehension of any mortal ruler.

Meanwhile, in the North Wasteland, a storm of fear swept through the entire supercontinent. The rulers and spiritual leaders trembled at the mere thought of Nicholas Liao Cheng, for their ancient prophecies and psychic commanders foresaw his true nature. To them, he was Nosvorgrod—the godfather of all their pagan deities, a being beyond divinity itself. Realizing the futility of resistance, the entire northern supercontinent willingly submitted to the Great Hania Empire, integrating itself as new autonomous regions. They had foreseen what would happen if they defied him. The conclusion was clear—if they dared to stand against him, they would be utterly doomed. With their surrender, the Great Hania Empire expanded even further, solidifying its unparalleled influence.

On the Great Desert Continent, only a handful of independent nations remained, their numbers dwindling in the wake of Hanian expansion. The remaining sovereign entities included the Holy Polesian Empire, the Third Elysrian Empire, the Holy Sandrian Empire, the Holy Graegradian Empire, the Kazun Kingdom, the Trucial Kingdoms, the Larcussa Empire, the Great Auraban Empire, the Hamilisa Empire, the Ragador Kingdom, the Empire of Kambazesia, the Rayaz Kingdom, the Tribullar Kingdom, and the Parsyria Empire—which had grown from a kingdom into an empire following the annexation of Tambalakkar, Chita, Pelbuld, and Ymyka. The Great Hania Empire itself had also secured a foothold on the continent through its annexation of Schink. However, new and unknown lands had begun to materialize at the borders of the Great Hania Empire, presenting both an enigma and a challenge.

Across the sea, the once-powerful Empestad Empire had descended into absolute chaos, its foundations crumbling under the weight of internal conflict. Amidst the turmoil, three new entities emerged—the Socialist Republic of Empestad, the Hejaza Empire, and the Marlefau Republic. Yet, before any further bloodshed could take place, the Great Hania Empire intervened, executing a flawless takeover. Without firing a single shot, the Hanian forces orchestrated the capitulation and annexation of the entire Empestad region, pacifying the conflict before it could escalate into a prolonged civil war.

Now, within the Prime Insulaes, only two primary factions remained—the Western Coalition and the Great Hania Empire. Unlike the swift conquest of Empestad, Nicholas took a more insidious approach with the Western Coalition, exploiting their weaknesses from within. Slowly but surely, he planted the seeds of influence, weaving a grand strategy of subversion and indirect control. The oppressed masses within the Coalition began to see the truth, witnessing the undeniable prosperity brought by Hanian rule. As Nicholas maneuvered his forces with precision, the Western Coalition found itself on the verge of an inevitable reckoning.

As the calendar marked the 1st of July, 7 IE, Nicholas reflected upon his journey. Seven years had passed since the founding of the Great Hania Empire, an empire that now stood beyond the comprehension of all who beheld it. Nicholas himself had transcended mortality—he never aged, never weakened, and remained an enigma beyond understanding. Unmatched, undefeated, and absolute, he was an existence beyond human perception.

In honor of his achievements, July was declared a national holiday month throughout the empire, a time of grand celebration and reverence. The Great Hania Empire's technological advancements had already surpassed the 2500s, rendering them untouchable by any force in existence. Yet, as the celebrations commenced, Nicholas' gaze remained fixated on the horizon. The deadline for the Great War loomed in the distance—a mere ten years, two months, and sixteen days away. As the clock ticked forward, the world braced itself for the next inevitable chapter in Nicholas' ever-expanding dominion.

(CHAPTER SEVENTEEN END)