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Chapter 24 - CHAPTER 22

The ground trembled beneath the colossal structure as it surged ahead, its motion fluid and purposeful. The earth seemed to transform into a rippling liquid, allowing the edifice to effortlessly glide across the terrain. At the heart of this spectacle, the Earth Hera wielders stood in perfect synchronization, their powers melding together in a mesmerizing display of control and finesse.

As the massive structure hurtled forward, the wind howled past, kicking up swirling clouds of dust and debris. The low rumble of the movement reverberated through every inch of the structure, yet within its walls, the Thorenzians and Vylonians sat in resolute silence, their expressions etched with resolve and anticipation.

The earth itself appeared to come alive, responding to the Earth Hera wielders' commands as it ebbed and flowed to drive the structure forward. This breathtaking demonstration of power and skill bore witness to the formidable might of Earth Hera and the prowess of those who commanded it.

Valerus, one of the Earth Hera wielders, maintained an air of calm and composure as he used his abilities to propel the structure. His mind, however, was deep in thought, grappling with something beyond the task at hand.

"Guys," Valerus said, addressing his fellow Earth Hera wielders, "Can I leave this to you? I wish to address everyone."

His request surprised and intrigued his fellow wielders, but Isolde, sensing the importance of his words, spoke for the group. "Of course, Valerus. We will maintain the structure's momentum. Go and speak your mind."

Valerus, grateful for their understanding, ceased his use of Earth Hera and made his way to the forefront of the assembled crowd, a sense of purpose guiding his steps.

Valerus cleared his throat, drawing the attention of the silent crowd. "People of Thorenzia and Vylonia," he began, his voice resonating through the space.

Princess Athena, her face a mix of surprise and a soft blush, whispered under her breath, Valerus?

"For too long, our people have been entangled in a bitter conflict," Valerus declared. "We have all suffered tremendous losses—families, friends, and loved ones, taken from us in the blink of an eye."

As confusion spread amongst the crowd, Valerus continued, "A thought occurred to me. The Vylonians, having lost their homeland, are now at our mercy. We could easily enslave you as your people did to us for centuries."

The room erupted in a cacophony of protests, with Prince Sunday's incredulous voice ringing out, "What?"

An irate Vylonia retorted, "It's clear we're wasting our time here."

A palpable tension filled the air as murmurs of dissent rippled through the crowd. Luisa's gaze remained fixed on Valerus, her thoughts swirling with uncertainty. Valerus, what are you doing?

Despite the growing unrest, Princess Athena found herself filled with a fierce determination to support Valerus. Her face flushed red as she thought, I don't care what's happening; I'm on Team Valerus!

Valerus, undeterred by the crowd's reaction, chuckled. "I see that the Vylonians understand the horrors of slavery all too well."

Once more, the room exploded into a chorus of protests and murmurs. The Vylonians, their anger palpable, prepared to strike at any moment.

Princess Alexandra, her gaze locked on Valerus, wondered about his intentions, while Valerus continued, "Let us end this conflict permanently, for the good of both our nations. This conflict has taken enough from us, and we cannot allow it to consume us further. What do you say?"

A hush fell over the crowd, the only sound emanating from the Earth Hera wielders as they diligently moved the structure with their powers. All eyes were fixed on Valerus, whose words hung heavy in the air.

"With Thorenzia, we have the soul of a nation," Valerus declared. "With Vylonia, we have the backbone of a nation. Together, we can forge a new Empire, one that transcends the scars of our past. Let us rise as the Chronohelix Empire!"

The room was quiet as the gravity of Valerus's proposal sunk in. His gaze swept over the faces of those before him, surprised by their muted reaction.

But then, as if a dam had burst, the room erupted into a deafening chorus of "Hell Yeah!" The people rose to their feet, embracing one another as they celebrated the birth of a new nation. The Earth Hera wielders couldn't help but smile as they continued to propel the structure forward, their hearts filled with a newfound sense of hope and unity.

The jubilant celebration of the newly formed Chronohelix Empire reached a fever pitch, the joyous cacophony filling the air with a sense of unity and hope.

"Now that's more like it," Prince Sunday mused, a grin spreading across his face.

Princess Alexandra, tears streaming down her cheeks, couldn't help but marvel at Valerus's courage and conviction. "Valerus, you're truly something else," she thought to herself, her heart swelling with pride.

Meanwhile, Princess Athena's heart raced as she recalled her earlier musings on the same idea of unity, a secret smile playing at her lips. "I thought about this earlier, but I didn't have the courage to speak up," she thought, "I was scared it might cause more conflict. But Valerus, you believed in our people and had the strength to act. That's why I love you."

As Valerus was greeted by the elated crowd, Luisa approached him, a twinkle of admiration in her eyes. "Chronohelix, huh? I like the name," she said, nodding in approval.

Valerus, feeling a sense of relief, replied, "I just thought that since we've both lost so much in this conflict, why don't we start over?"

Luisa, her gaze shifting to her daughter, couldn't help but feel a surge of pride. "Athena had the exact same idea earlier," she revealed, "though she didn't have a name for it yet. She dreamed of us becoming one nation, and just like that, you've made it a reality."

Valerus's eyes widened in surprise as he turned to Princess Athena, who blushed under his gaze. "She did?" he asked, his voice filled with admiration.

"Yes, she did," Luisa affirmed, her own gaze fixed on her daughter. "When she told me, I felt so proud. My daughter has grown into a remarkable young woman."

With his gaze still trained on Princess Athena, Valerus couldn't help but smile. "She's such a beautiful lady," he said, his voice tinged with wonder.

Luisa returned his smile, her heart warmed by the genuine affection in Valerus's words.

"Hey Luisa," Valerus called out, a hint of regret coloring his voice.

"Hm? What is it?" Luisa replied, her attention fully on the young man before her.

"About earlier," Valerus began, his voice laced with remorse, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to speak to you like that."

Luisa's smile was understanding, her eyes conveying a sense of empathy that only a mother could possess. "Don't worry about it," she said, "I understand how you felt."

Valerus's features softened, gratitude washing over him. "Thank you for saving my life back there," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Don't worry about that either," Luisa said, her eyes sparkling with warmth, "I'm just glad you're alright now."

Deep within the Aethelgard Empire's palace, Emperor Arthur Delacronix reclined on a massive bed, surrounded by five unclothed ladies. Each held a glass of wine, and a platter of sliced fruit rested on a nearby stool, providing sustenance for their sensual gathering.

Without warning, Lysandra Delacronix strode into the chamber, her fury palpable as she took in the scene of debauchery before her. "What in the world is going on here?" she bellowed.

Arthur, unperturbed by her sudden arrival, casually remarked, "Ah, the Queen of the Aethelgard Empire has returned from her extended vacation."

"What vacation? Is this how you spend your time while I work tirelessly to secure our Empire's dominance? By betraying our marriage vows?" Lysandra seethed, her anger bubbling over.

Arthur, rising to meet her fiery gaze, countered, "My dear Lysandra, we have both been unfaithful. You married Emperor Absalom Uranus, did you not?"

Lysandra, bristling with rage, commanded the five naked women, "Leave us at once!" They obeyed without hesitation, their bare forms unashamed as they exited the chamber.

"What did you just say?" Lysandra questioned, her voice laced with both anger and guilt.

Arthur donned his clothing as he continued, "You heard me. Do not pretend otherwise. You wedded another man, did you not? And while you were away, did you not lay with other men besides Absalom?"

Filled with a sense of guilt, Lysandra remained silent, unable to form a response.

Arthur, sensing her tacit admission, laughed mockingly. "How intriguing," he mused.

Lysandra, her anger reaching its peak, shouted, "Everything I did was for the mission, Arthur! I did it all for you!"

Arthur's laughter subsided as he retorted, "Now you seek to justify your infidelity with claims of duty and loyalty?"

"It is the truth!" Lysandra exclaimed, her voice rising to a fevered pitch.

Arthur, his expression hardening, scoffed at her words. Lysandra, her fury reaching a crescendo, spat, "Just forget about it!"

"How did your endeavor fare?" Arthur inquired, his tone shifting from accusatory to curious.

"Vylonia has fallen," Lysandra replied, a hint of satisfaction in her voice.

Arthur's brow furrowed as he pressed, "Were there any survivors?"

Lysandra deflected the question, her own curiosity growing. "Do you believe anyone could have escaped such a cataclysmic event?"

"It is within the realm of possibility that one might survive, even in the face of all-consuming flames," Arthur mused.

"I departed as soon as the nation crumbled," Lysandra explained, "so I doubt anyone lived to tell the tale."

"Not even the Thorenzians?" Arthur persisted.

"Should we not consider them the least of our worries?" Lysandra questioned, a note of confusion in her voice.

Arthur's tone grew serious as he corrected her, "No, they pose a significant threat."

Lysandra's curiosity was piqued as she pressed further, "And why is that? Is it because of the Oathkeeper's Shadow?"

"That is but half the answer," Arthur admitted.

"What other secrets are you harboring?" Lysandra questioned, her interest growing with each passing moment.

"Are you not aware?" Arthur asked, his gaze searching her face for any sign of knowledge.

"Aware of what?" Lysandra questioned, her impatience mounting.

"This land," Arthur began, his voice heavy with the weight of his words, "rightfully belongs to the Thorenzians."

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