The Coalition's emergency summit convened in Brussels—a fortress of steel and stone, its walls lined with watchful sentinels and the banners of Europe's most powerful guilds and governments. Representatives from every corner of the continent filed into the grand hall, their eyes sharp, their words measured.
At the center of the storm stood Hans Reinhardt.
But he was not alone.
Beside him stood Mehmed, the Lion of Istanbul, whose presence was as commanding as the Bosphorus itself. And joining them was a new figure, Viktor Molnar—the stoic Hungarian Guildmaster and leader of Hungary's fragile government, a man with a reputation for shrewd diplomacy and unyielding resolve.
Inside the Summit Hall
The Coalition's chairperson, a tall woman draped in an elegant cloak adorned with Coalition insignias, opened the session.
"Europe faces an unprecedented crisis. The rise of independent powers, led by Hans Reinhardt, threatens the fragile order we have fought to maintain."
Murmurs echoed through the room.
Hans stepped forward, the scar on his face visible under the harsh lights. His voice rang clear and steady.
"Order," Hans began, "is not built on fear or control. It is born of unity and respect. Austria, fractured and bleeding, needs not more chains but a hand to lift it."
He scanned the room, meeting eyes of guild leaders, diplomats, and soldiers alike.
"I come not as a conqueror but as a unifier. With Mehmed's support and the guidance of Viktor Molnar, I propose a path forward. After Austria is stabilized, we will turn to Czechia—offering them a choice: join us in peace or face continued chaos."
Mehmed nodded beside him, his gaze unwavering.
Viktor's voice followed, calm but firm.
"A strong Austria, aligned with its neighbors, is the bulwark against both the Gates and external manipulation. Hungary stands ready to aid this vision."
A Tense Silence
The room held its breath.
Coalition delegates exchanged uneasy glances.
Then, the British representative broke the silence.
"Reinhardt, you speak of unity, yet your actions have defied the Coalition's authority. How do we trust that this vision isn't a veiled quest for power?"
Hans smiled faintly.
"Trust is earned through deeds, not decrees. Watch closely, and you will see I seek not domination, but survival—ours all."
Closing the Session
The chairperson's voice cut through.
"This summit will consider Hans's proposals carefully. But remember—the Coalition's mandate is peace and stability."
As the delegates dispersed, Hans felt the weight of countless eyes on him.
But beside him, Mehmed clapped a hand on his shoulder.
"The hardest battles are often those fought in halls, not on fields."
Viktor added, "And words can be as sharp as any blade. Use them wisely."
Outside the Hall
Hans stepped into the cool evening air, the city's lights flickering like distant stars.
He pulled his coat tighter and whispered, "This is only the beginning."