Horizon before dawn

Thank you for the Power Stones. New chapter today. 

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In the past two years, we have not been idle. Under my command, the construction of a new capital commenced, Mother's Light. While Mother's Forge and Mother's Song thrived as industrial and agricultural centers, their terrain limited expansion. Mother's Light would surpass these limitations, becoming the heart of our kingdom, crafted with the finest materials, armed with the most advanced weapons, and guided by the brightest minds we have cultivated.

At its core stands my Palace, a structure not merely for Albedo and me to reside in but to rule from. It serves as both our home and a parliamentary house, embodying practicality and authority rather than opulence. This imposing edifice symbolizes our governance, a beacon of order and strength.

Education is paramount in Mother's Light. A grand school was erected to nurture our children, offering them the best education derived from recovered data caches and our accumulated knowledge. No longer will children scavenge for survival; now, they will learn, grow, and contribute to our society's future.

To oversee and expand our commerce, a Trader Guild was established, managing trade routes with the Banuk, Oseram, and within our own territories. This guild ensures a steady flow of shards and materials, fueling our continuous growth.

Complementing this, the Hunter Guild provides opportunities for those brave souls who, while not soldiers, seek adventure and fortune by hunting machines and exploring the wilds. Their endeavors supply valuable resources and bolster our defenses.

Security remains a cornerstone of our capital. A formidable fort, capable of housing a significant garrison and an arsenal, stands ready to defend Mother's Light against any threat. This bastion ensures our safety and serves as a deterrent to potential invaders.

Our technological prowess is showcased in the numerous forges constructed throughout the city. Here, skilled craftsmen produce weapons, armor, tools, and more, supporting our burgeoning tech kingdom and ensuring our readiness for any challenge.

Surrounding the capital, vast fields have been cleared for agriculture and livestock, securing a stable food supply for our growing population. Modern housing, equipped with amenities like hot water, sewer systems, and electricity, offers comfort and security to our people, reflecting our commitment to their well-being.

This monumental endeavor required the collective effort of our people and half our military force, gathering materials and knowledge to build such a formidable city in the "Savage East." Yet, with determination and unity, Mother's Light is taking shape, destined to be the seat of our power.

Though the war nears its end, complacency is not an option. This is merely the calm before the true storm. HADES, the rogue AI bent on annihilation, must be stopped. Helis and the Shadow Carja remain threats that cannot be ignored. We prepare not just for peace, but for the battles that lie ahead.

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over Mother's Light, I found myself standing atop the Palace balcony with Albedo.

"It's almost over," She murmured, her gaze fixed on the bustling streets below. "The war that shaped us, defined us. But what comes after?" Her voice carried a mix of relief and uncertainty.

I crossed my arms, my expression thoughtful. "The end of this war isn't the end of conflict. It's the beginning of a new era, one where we dictate the terms. But we must be vigilant. Complacency is a seed that grows into weakness."

She nodded, feeling the weight of my words settle over her. "You're right. This peace is fragile, a thin veil over the chaos waiting to resurface. HADES still lurks, and Helis with his fanatics won't fade quietly into the shadows. We prepare, not for the absence of war, but for the inevitability of its return."

"Send one hundred Spartans to Carja lands to plunder and create some chaos, let Jon and Jane lead them, I want to put pressure on the new Sun king Avad, when we negotiate it will be on our terms." I say to my queen. 

"Understood" she nods "Are you really sure he will negotiate peace?" She asks 

"Yes, he is not his father, he did stop the blood sacrifices and slavery, he is someone we can negotiate, it is time for peace." 

Later that night, in the quiet of the Palace, Albedo found me alone in the war room, tracing maps with a distant gaze. She approached softly, her steps almost silent on the polished floor.

"Noir," she said gently, drawing my attention. 

"Albedo," I replied, setting down my pen. "What is it?"

She took a deep breath, her hand resting briefly on her stomach before meeting my eyes. "I have something to tell you. Something that changes everything, even more than this war."

My brow furrowed slightly, concern flickering my eyes. "What is it?"

She stepped closer, her voice a quiet whisper filled with emotion. "I'm pregnant."

For a moment, silence hung between us, the words sinking. 

"You're… we're going to have a child?" I breathed, stepping closer, my hand reaching to gently rest over hers belly.

Albedo nodded, a rare softness in her expression. "Yes. Amidst all this chaos, there's a new life growing."

"Hahahaha, that's great my love, we going to be parents... hahahaha." I smile and laugh while holding her up, this is great, a parent hum? 

One more reason to fight the homicidal AIs and aliens out there.