The Mechanical Era

After 6 days of traveling on the sailboat, suffering from seasickness, vomiting, and nausea, Kant finally arrived at the city of Vallina on the 5th of Initium, 5019. Part of him wished he was back home, where he could celebrate the New Year with his people in Hoverdam.

They had this tradition where the people get to build a giant hay statue of an old man, before burning it to the ground.  Despite making it to the city on the 5th, he was still stuck to the damn sailboat for the night.

Though his cabin featured many luxury amenities, such as a proper bed, a clean room where it won\'t smell of sweat, tar, and charcoal, along with some windows, he would have preferred a modest hotel room on land, where he wouldn\'t be seasick all the time. 

This was an experience he shared with the other northern kings of Aceaton, who had all risen to power just a few months after himself. Although they weren\'t as seasick as Kant was, they had a lot more experience traveling around the continent inside of a boat. 

6th of Initium, 5019. 

Before the sun could rise up and shine its golden rays on Kant\'s face through the cabin window, he woke up early in the morning, to quickly prepare himself to head over to the Palace of Valline for this strange meeting.

He took a short bath, cleansing himself of the sweat and vomit that clung to his skin. The cool water rejuvenated him, washing away the remnants of his seasickness and invigorating his senses.

After drying off, he went over to get dressed in the royal attire that he had brought along. His choice consisted of a long-sleeved white shirt underneath a black doublet, along with black leggings and brown leather shoes. Once well dressed, he soon headed down the wooden bridge, into a carriage stationed to fetch Kant and the others.

Once inside the carriage, Kant settled into the plush seat, grateful for the stability and stillness it offered. As the carriage rumbled along the smooth streets of Vallina, he gazed out the window, taking in the sights and sounds of the waking city.

The city of Vallina greeted him with bustling activity as the sun began to rise. He could see the merchants setting up their stalls, his nose picking up the aroma of freshly baked goods wafting through the air, and his ears notice the sound of vendors hawking their wares filling the streets.

As the carriage ventured further into the city, the scenery changed quite a bit. The giant palace, that dominated the flat city\'s skyline, grew closer than ever. It was a marvelous piece of architecture that is considered to be the largest, and tallest in the entire continent of Aceaton.

Though impressive, many kings coming over felt envy string in their hearts. It was a symbol of power and prestige, surpassing the grandeur of their own residences in their own capital cities. Many wondered what it would be like to rule from such a majestic seat of authority.

The carriage passes through the front gates and halts just outside the palace doors. After stepping out of his ride, he is greeted by a group of Vallinian knights, clad in steel armor. 

"Your majesty, we are here to guide you to the room in which the meeting is taking place," one of the Vallian knights announced with a respectful bow. Kant nodded appreciatively and followed the knights through the grand entrance of the palace. 

Walking through the palace\'s ornate halls, he encountered magnificent tapestries, depicting heroic tales along with marble statues that paid homage to the kingdom\'s rich history. The tapestries told stories of valor and triumph, while the marble statues immortalized the great leaders of the past.

To many, it was a testament to the legacy and grandeur of the kingdom of Vallina. To Kant, it was a setup, meant to invoke authority and power over the smaller kings of the continent. The tapestries and statues were strategically placed, to show off to the other kings making their way who was the boss. Though he wasn\'t sure how successful their efforts might have been, he was sure that it would have evoked envy in the hearts of others. 

As they continued deeper into the palace, the knights led Kant and the other kings to a lavishly decorated chamber. The room was adorned with elegant glass chandeliers, plush violet velvet curtains, and a long table covered with a long white tablecloth, set with fine crystal goblets and silverware. It was a space deemed fitting for the weighty discussions that were to take place.

"Her imperial majesty, Empress Rose Valline will soon make her way down to the chamber. Until then, we advise you all to patiently wait for her arrival," the knight informed Kant. In response, he simply nodded, before taking his seat among the rest of the kings. The air was thick with anticipation as they waited for the meeting to commence.

Kant\'s ears pick up the sound of whispers and chatter in the air. He could sense a mix of excitement, curiosity, and anticipation among the kings, who had traveled far and wide to make themselves present for this important meeting. It was clear that they were all eager to meet Empress Rose Valline and discover the purpose of this meeting.

Suddenly, the grand entrance doors swing open, silencing the murmurs of the kings in an instant. Empress Rose Valline, wearing her white royal gown, enters the room and takes her seat at the table. She had long wavy brown hair, with a pair of cocoa-brown eyes. On her head, she wore a tiara, made with a golden frame, and fitted with the finest white jewels one could find. 

She took her time to observe the gathered kings, her gaze sweeping across the room. Then, with a calm yet authoritative voice, she began to speak.

"Esteemed Kings of the Vassal States of the North, and the leaders of the provides of the Aceaton Empire, I am glad to see you all present with us today," Empress Rose Valline addressed the gathered kings, her voice carrying a tone of grace and authority.

"I have called this meeting to discuss a matter of great significance—a threat that looms over our continent and requires our united efforts to overcome." The kings leaned forward, their attention fully focused on the empress. Kant\'s curiosity heightened, eager to hear the nature of the threat that had prompted such a gathering.

"What is this great threat, your imperial majesty?" one of the kings queried Rose.

"I will get to it, my dear kings," Empress Rose Valline replied, her voice steady and composed. 

"However, I need to provide you all with context first, as I suspect you will have a hard time believing what I have to say without it," she claimed. One of her advisors then hands over a piece of paper. Rose turned her gaze down to face the paper and read out its contents. 

"A few months ago, an explorer had reported a discovery that they had found an abandoned demon fortress in the middle of the forest.

Sensing an opportunity to gather more information about the demons, I sent in an explorer that goes by the name \'Jonus Hull\' and his team of explorers to investigate the abandoned compound.

Their mission was to record and find any new piece of information we could find out about the demons, their origins, and their species as a whole. To assist them with their venture, I had also provided them with 5 of my finest knights, along with 6 loyal musketeers, to protect them from any dangers lurking within the place,"  she stated.

Rose then goes on to state the names of the knights and musketeers involved in the group, along with their rankings in the military structure of the Empire, in hopes of adding more credibility to the story.

"Now this is where things get intriguing..." she claimed. The kings lent her their ears, eager to know what happens next. 

"When they ventured inside the fortress, they encountered an alien creature, who they claim \'Managed to possess Knight Esther Ho and use him as a communication vessel\'.

These creatures were said to have read the memories of Knight Esther Hoe, which shocked him to the point that he had to be hospitalized and treated. 

Although the explorers found themselves surrounded, they managed to communicate with the creatures effectively, cooperate with the group, and guide them through the abandoned fortress.

They uncovered a lot of information regarding the demons, where they come from, what their goal is, and so on. One of which, is how they came to our world. After some time, they stumble upon a portal room, where they soon learn about the event, referred to by the creatures, as \'the great calamity\'." Kant leaned in further, his curiosity and interest sparked by the strange tales he hear. He wanted to learn more, about what these creatures are.