Chapter 14: The Chronicles of the Holy Darwinian Empire

Lelei La Lillehammer stood before General Itami, her heart pounding in her chest. She had endured weeks of cruel treatment and harsh conditions since the arrival of the Russian army in Falmart. The high-tech collar around her neck served as a constant reminder of her subservience, ready to administer painful punishment at the slightest defiance.

Today, Itami had given her a new purpose - to give advise to the egomaniac and malevolent Grand Duke Aleksandr Dolgorukov, a man known for his racist ideologies. As they approached Bridgehead Base, Lelei could feel a sense of foreboding weighing heavily upon her.

General Itami leaned in close, his voice filled with warning. "Remember, Lelei, obedience is paramount. These people are ruthless, and any wrong move could seal your fate."

Lelei nodded, understanding the gravity of her situation. Survival in this foreign and oppressive world had pushed her to drastic measures. She had resorted to selling her own body just to get enough food to sustain her weakened frame. It was a dark secret she carried, a compromise she made to survive.

Within General Itami's Antonov An-212 quad-rotor VTOL transport, an awe-inspiring vehicle that epitomized human ingenuity, Lelei listened intently to his words. "Bridgehead Base has a 20-mile thick kill zone surrounding it," he explained. "Anything that enters this radius triggers automated weapons defenses."

Lelei's eyes widened as she absorbed this information. The level of security and the meticulousness of the base's design were terrifying yet impressive. She couldn't help but wonder what awaited her as they approached their destination.

Stepping out of the aircraft into the vast expanse of Bridgehead Base, Lelei's eyes widened in awe. It was a sprawling city, fortified and thriving. As she stared at the colossal defensive walls that encircled the base, Lelei couldn't help but be awestruck by the sheer magnitude of the stronghold before her. Stretching for nineteen miles in circumference and standing at a formidable height of 100 meters, these walls were designed to keep the world of Falmart under the iron grip of the Greater Russian Empire. Half of the ring incorporated the vast ocean, providing the invaders with a heavily fortified port. It was an imposing sight, their fortification bristling with the weaponry designed to eliminate any potential threat.

Exiting the aircraft, General Itami, a stern and battle-worn man, gestured for Lelei to follow him. As they made their way through the bustling base, she couldn't help but notice the SKEL-clad soldiers patrolling the area, their metal exoskeletons gleaming in the sunlight. These imposing figures were a constant reminder of the Russian army's dominance over Falmart.

Passing through the gates, Lelei marveled at the massive structures that lined the streets. Towering factories hummed with activity, processing Falmart's resources for the benefit of the invaders. The air was thick with the scent of burning metal and the sound of machinery.

Itami's deep voice broke through her thoughts as they approached the looming figure of Governor Arakcou. Tall and imposing, he exuded an air of authority, his Russian Manchurian heritage was evident in his demeanor. His presence was intimidating, yet there was an unsettling charm to his smile.

"Welcome to Bridgehead," Arakcou proclaimed, his voice carrying a mixture of power and false warmth. "Prepare yourself for an audience with the Grand Duke." Lelei shuddered, feeling a chill crawl down her spine. She knew the true nature that lay beneath his composed facade.

As they proceeded, a soldier donned in a formidable SKEL suit joined them, guiding them through the dusty construction-filled pathways. The sight that awaited them was both haunting and horrifying. Grand Duke Dolgorukov stood there, encased in the same metal exoskeleton that now dominated Falmart, a symbol of power and cruelty. Before him hung a young Falmart adolescent elven boy, beaten and battered, his cries of pain mingling with the harsh blows delivered by Dolgorukov's whip. The scene etched into Lelei's mind, fueling her determination to survive and find a way to free her people from the clutches of these merciless conquerors.

Lelei's heart twisted in her chest, a mixture of horror and desperation flooding her senses. She had to do something, anything, to alleviate the suffering of her people. But her collar held her back, a reminder of the consequences she would face if she dared to defy her captors.

Itami leaned in closer to Lelei. "Do not forget your place," he whispered, his voice dripping with compassion. "The Grand Duke is not one to be trifled with. Obey his every command, or suffer a fate worse than death."

General Itami saluted Dolgorukov, his hand rising to his forehead in a rigid manner, his voice tinged with an adherence to hierarchical protocol. "Marshall Dolgorukov."

Dolgorukov's cold, grey eyes turned towards Lelei, a malicious grin spreading across his face. Her eyes met the cold gaze of the ruthless Marshall, his uniform adorned with medals and symbols of power. With a wave of his hand, he commanded her to kneel before him, stripped of her dignity, like an animal.

Lelei's heart pounded in her chest, her mind racing for a way out. Fear and desperation mingled within her, but she knew that resistance was futile in this merciless world. She sank to her knees to the uncaring gaze of her captors.

"What brings you here, girl?" Dolgorukov's voice dripped with contempt, his words laced with a sadistic pleasure.

Summoning what little strength she had left, Lelei raised her head, meeting Dolgorukov's gaze with defiance. "I am Lelei La Lillehammer, a mage of Coda Village. I offer my expertise as a local advisor."

Dolgorukov's laughter echoed through the courtyard, chilling the air. "A native advisor, you say? How amusing. Tell me, little girl, what value could you possibly bring to our cause?"

Lelei's voice quivered slightly, but she maintained her resolve. "I possess knowledge of the land, its people, and its magical potential. With my guidance, you can more effectively exploit our resources and strengthen your hold over Falmart."

Dolgorukov's eyes narrowed, his amusement shifting to curiosity. "Very well, Lelei La Lillehammer. Prove your worth, and perhaps I shall spare you from the fate that befalls those who displease me."

The weight of his words hung heavily in the air as Lelei contemplated the gravity of her situation. She had willingly stepped into the lion's den, hoping to survive by offering her knowledge to these invaders. But at what cost? The anguish and torment she had witnessed thus far painted a bleak picture of what awaited her.

Dolgorukov laughed uproariously, intoxicated by power. "Tell me, pathetic girl," he sneered, "which nations pose the greatest threat to the mighty Russian dream of conquest and enslavement in this wretched world of Falmart? Who must we crush to ensure our dominance?"

Drawing upon the courage within her, Lelei met Dolgorukov's scornful gaze, her voice steady. "The Holy Darwinian Empire, my homeland, named after the sea god Darwin, stands as the greatest threat to Russia's imperial ambitions," she declared. "We, the amphibious people, have carved our dominion over the vast oceans that surround this world. Our technological and magical prowess surpasses all others in Falmart."

A cruel smile twisted across Dolgorukov's face as he leaned back in his chair. "An empire of sea-dwellers, you say? How fascinating. Tell me, little advisor, what makes your people so formidable?"

Lelei's mind raced, searching for the right words to navigate this treacherous conversation. "The Holy Darwinian Empire possesses unmatched naval power, controlling vast territories upon the sea. Our navy is formidable, with millions of highly advanced vessels brimming with powerful weaponry. We utilize magical and technological innovations to strike fear into the hearts of our enemies. Our dominance over the oceans grants us a strategic advantage over any land-dwelling nations."

Intrigued, Dolgorukov leaned forward, his contemptuous expression momentarily replaced by curiosity. "Tell me more, native girl," he commanded. "Enlighten me about the history of your so-called empire."

Lelei's eyes darted nervously between Dolgorukov and General Itami. She knew that her next words could have dire consequences, but she had chosen this path, and she would see it through. She began to paint a picture of her motherland, the empire that boasted unrivaled technological advancements and an intimate understanding of the powers of the sea. Lelei gazed into the distance, her mind reaching back through the annals of time. "Long ago, our ancestral Pathians migrated from a distant world, spreading across Falmart, constructing magnificent cities and nations on land." she began, her voice laced with pride. "However, beneath the waves, the amphibious Pathians adopted a nomadic lifestyle, embracing the vastness of the oceans."

Her voice grew passionate, carrying the weight of centuries of history. "Everything changed twenty thousand years ago when the Chieftain of the Sadera tribe initiated a series of far-reaching reforms. His goal was to transform the tribal structure into an integrated meritocracy. Over the next thousand years, the Sadera Empire launched a campaign to unite the myriad amphibious tribes scattered across the seven oceans."

Lelei's eyes lit up with admiration as she continued. "Ultimately, the Sadera Empire emerged as the sole ruler of the oceans. They established a grand assembly called a Kurultai, consisting of a thousand Sea Lords. Here, the Emperor of Sadera adopted the title Darwinian Archon, meaning 'Master of the Oceans.' This title held immense significance, as the oceans surround the land, signifying the Emperor's role as the 'Universal Ruler'."

General Itami listened intently, intrigued by Lelei's tale. He had come to respect her wisdom and resourcefulness during their time together. For a moment, he couldn't help but think of the injustices imposed upon her people and the dire circumstances they now faced under Russian control.

Marshall Dolgorukov's expression remained stoic, the gears of his mind turning. "And what came after this proclamation?" he inquired coldly.

Lelei's voice carried a hint of sadness as she spoke of the past. "About 150 year later, the Fifth Darwinian Archon initiated a global naval blockade upon all the land-dwelling nations of Falmart. The Great Naval War ensued, lasting for two long decades. It was a cataclysmic conflict where the land dwellers lost nearly all of their fleets, with only a meager 3% remaining. The oceans became a stronghold of the Holy Darwinian Empire, and all maritime trade had to be conducted through Sadera vessels."

General Itami's brows furrowed, troubled by the intensity of the war and the resulting devastation. He wondered how land-dwelling nations had managed to survive and rebuild after such a catastrophic event.

Lelei continued her account with a touch of pride in her voice. "Being cut off from the seas meant that most nations, heavily reliant on maritime trade, became beholden to the Holy Darwinian Empire," she continued, her voice tinged with a mix of awe and bitterness. "This situation bestowed upon them unprecedented wealth and power, transforming the empire into the wealthiest realm in existence. The Empire boasts two million warships and war submarines divided across a thousand fleets, and a merchant fleet of an astounding four million ships and submarines."

As Lelei concluded her tale, a sinister smile twisted across Dolgorukov's lips, his eyes ablaze with ambition. "You have piqued my interest, Lelei," Dolgorukov proclaimed. The Marshall leaned back in his chair, a newfound respect glimmering in his eyes. "Impressive. Such power and control over the seas... It seems the Holy Darwinian Empire poses a significant threat to the Russian dream of conquering Falmart. Rest assured, the Holy Darwinian Empire shall face the full wrath of the Greater Russian Empire. Your people will learn the true extent of our power."

Dolgorukov's eyes gleamed with malice, relishing the challenge that lay ahead. "So tell me, Lelei, how does one tame the unconquerable?"

Lelei hesitated for a moment, gathering her thoughts. "I cannot deny that the Holy Darwinian Empire's magical advancements and industrial prowess make them a formidable foe," she replied, her voice laced with caution. "But they are not invincible. They are a proud people, fiercely protective of their territories, but like any nation, they have their weaknesses."

Itami's grip tightened on Lelei's shoulder, an unspoken reminder of the consequences she would face if she revealed too much. Lelei continued, her words carefully chosen. "Their reliance on the sea for sustenance and trade leaves them vulnerable to disruption. Severing their supply lines or targeting their underwater infrastructure could weaken their grip on the oceans."

As the conversation continued, Dolgorukov pressed Lelei for more information, extracting details about the empire's military tactics, technological advancements, and politically influential figures. With every word, Lelei struggled to strike a balance between providing enough information to satisfy her captor's curiosity while concealing the empire's true vulnerabilities.

Hours passed, and as Lelei finally concluded her account, Dolgorukov smiled with a newfound sense of confidence. "Thank you, my dear. You have proven most informative," he sneered, rising from his seat. "I believe we have much to discuss with our generals. You have served your purpose for now."

Marshall Dolgorukov's face hardened, his focus sharpening. "General Itami. I want all available information on the Holy Darwinian Empire. We must be prepared for whatever lies ahead."

General Itami nodded, his mind already racing with possibilities. "Yes, Marshal. I will gather our intelligence experts and begin the necessary investigations."

Lelei let out a silent sigh of relief, grateful that she had navigated this treacherous conversation without endangering her homeland further. General Itami's grip on her shoulder loosened slightly, a small gesture of reassurance.

Itami studied Lelei for a moment, his expression torn between concern and admiration for her bravery. "Lelei, remember this," he said softly. " Dolgorukov is a dangerous man. Never underestimate his cruelty and the lengths he'll go to achieve his goals. Be cautious, obedient, and play his game, but always remember who you truly are."

Lelei nodded, absorbing Itami's words. She suppressed a shudder as she realized she was nothing more than a pawn in a dangerous game of power. Dolgorukov cruel exploitation of her knowledge left her feeling exposed, but she refused to let despair consume her. She knew that her actions would shape the destiny of her people, and she pledged to herself that she would find a way to turn the tides of this cruel fate. Despite the fear that coiled within her, Lelei maintained her composure. She knew the path she had chosen was treacherous, but it was her only chance to reclaim her people's freedom. In Dolgorukov's presence, she saw a glimpse of the darkness that plagued Falmart, the cruelty that ravaged its inhabitants. Lelei's determination hardened, fueled by the atrocities she had endured. She vowed to seize any opportunity to turn the tide, to bring hope to her people and free them from the clutches of this ruthless regime.