Steel Tyrant: Sovereign of the WarForged Imperium

Chapter 128: A World Divided

The Aftermath of the Broadcast

Jack's words echoed across the continent, amplified by the Aetherial communication technology. In every nation, from the holy sanctuaries of Elarion to the deep dwarven forges and the elven forests, leaders and citizens alike were stunned by the revelation of the Celestial Imperium's discovery of the Core—and its call for unity.

In Solara Prime, Jack stood in the command center, watching as data streams from the broadcast poured in. Reports of reactions from across the continent began to flood in, each marked with uncertainty.

"They're listening," Eryndra said, standing beside him, her silver eyes scanning the reports. "But I wouldn't call this unity."

Jack's lips pressed into a thin line. "It was never going to be that easy."

General Callan, who had been silent until now, crossed his arms. "The Holy Kingdom is already mobilizing troops along their border. They're not taking this as an invitation to join us—they're taking it as a threat."

Astraeus materialized in the room, its golden form shimmering faintly. "Fear drives them. The unknown often does. Your broadcast has planted a seed, Commander, but it will take time to see what grows."

Jack exhaled sharply. "Time we don't have."

The Holy Kingdom's Response

In the grand halls of the Holy Kingdom of Elarion, the council erupted in chaos as the broadcast ended. The projection of Jack's image flickered out, leaving silence in its wake before the uproar began.

Archbishop Rendahl slammed his staff on the floor, his voice booming over the noise. "This... abomination cannot be allowed to continue! The Imperium's arrogance threatens the very fabric of this world!"

Derek, his frustration barely contained, stood from his seat. "The demons are at our gates, and you're worried about arrogance? We should be working with them, not fighting them!"

"Working with them would be blasphemy!" Rendahl shot back. "They've meddled with forces beyond comprehension. The Core is an affront to the gods!"

Ryan, seated quietly at the edge of the room, finally spoke. "Maybe the gods aren't enough this time."

The statement hung in the air like a thunderclap. All eyes turned to him, some filled with shock, others with anger. Sarah, seated beside him, reached out as if to stop him from saying more, but he continued.

"We've been clinging to the gods' blessings for years, and look where it's gotten us," Ryan said, his voice steady despite the weight of the room's attention. "Meanwhile, the Imperium is building, advancing, surviving. Maybe it's time we stopped seeing them as the enemy."

"You dare question divine will?" Rendahl's voice was icy, his eyes burning with fury. "You forget your place, hero."

Ryan rose to his feet, meeting the Archbishop's gaze. "I haven't forgotten anything. But maybe it's time you started thinking about saving this world instead of clinging to traditions that won't."

The room fell into tense silence as Ryan left the chamber, his footsteps echoing behind him.

A Rift Between Nations

As Jack predicted, the broadcast had not inspired unity—it had deepened the divides between factions. The dwarves, reclusive in their mountain cities, sent cryptic messages of interest, intrigued by the technology but unwilling to commit to an alliance. The elves of distant enclaves debated whether to risk aligning with the Imperium or remain neutral.

Smaller human kingdoms, caught between the Holy Kingdom and the Imperium, struggled to choose sides. Some saw Jack as a savior; others feared him as a conqueror.

Eryndra watched the reports stream in, her expression pensive. "This could fracture the continent even further."

Jack leaned against the console, his gaze distant. "Then we'll have to show them what's at stake."

The Rift Expands

Deep in the Abyssal Wastes, the rift pulsed with violent energy, its tendrils spreading further into the land. The ground cracked and split as demonic creatures poured forth, their forms twisted and monstrous.

The Demon King stood atop a jagged spire, his burning eyes fixed on the horizon. Beside him, Syvalis the Shadowmancer knelt, his voice quiet but reverent. "The mortals are turning on each other, my lord. The Imperium's broadcast has sown discord."

The Demon King's lips curled into a cruel smile. "Good. Let them squabble over their petty alliances. It will make their fall all the sweeter."

Syvalis hesitated. "And the Core?"

The Demon King's gaze darkened. "The Core is a beacon. It draws the rift closer, feeding its power. Soon, the mortals will see the true cost of their ambition."

He turned to his assembled legions, his voice a low growl that carried across the desolate landscape. "Prepare the final wave. Let them choke on their progress."

A Plan for the Rift

In Solara Prime, Jack convened a meeting with his top advisors, including Eryndra, General Callan, and Dr. Renwald. Astraeus's hologram hovered above the table, projecting a detailed map of the Abyssal Wastes.

"The rift's growth is accelerating," Astraeus said, its tone grave. "If it continues unchecked, it will destabilize the surrounding mana fields, triggering catastrophic collapses across the continent."

Dr. Renwald frowned. "And you're saying the Core is making it worse?"

"The Core amplifies all energy sources around it," Astraeus explained. "It is not inherently destructive, but its activation has increased the rift's draw. If we cannot contain the rift, the demons will overwhelm you."

Jack's gaze hardened. "Then we need to strike now. A preemptive assault before the rift reaches critical mass."

Eryndra crossed her arms. "Even with the Core, the demons have the advantage. Their forces are growing faster than ours. We'll need allies if we're going to succeed."

Jack leaned forward, his voice cold and determined. "Then we'll make them see reason. If the other factions won't join us willingly, we'll give them a choice: unite or face extinction."

A Shadow of Betrayal

As the Imperium prepared for its next move, shadows stirred within its borders. Spies from rival factions, including the Holy Kingdom, moved discreetly through the cities, gathering intel on the Core and the Imperium's plans.

Among them was a figure cloaked in the robes of an outsider—one of Jack's former classmates, sent by the Holy Kingdom to observe and report on the Imperium's activities. They moved carefully, slipping through the crowds unnoticed.

But Astraeus had already detected their presence.

In the research facility, Astraeus addressed Jack privately. "An intruder has entered your city. Their movements suggest a connection to the Holy Kingdom."

Jack's expression darkened. "Let them watch. We'll make sure they see exactly what we want them to."

End of Chapter 128