Coinciding with the Re-Estize Kingdom's stabilization, power of nations rose, adventuring became a professional occupation, and trade agreements across the continent came to be. The world was filled with the light of a new age, just as Tsa had predicted… The age of nations was here, and now.
Not everyone was pleased with this age, some for obvious reasons, others were just complaining about doing the actual work of improving things on their own. However, out of all these nations, only one, could display their frustration, with the shamelessness of a millions of evil men… The same place the goddess had once squashed their fall to fascism… The Slane Theocracy.
They'd recovered most of their initial military might within 2 years. They'd ramped up production of all resources, to include the population… The act sickened them…
"Ugh, it's both good, and absolutely horrible!"
"Oh shut up! We had to order such a thing to keep our advantages over the other nations stable."
"I don't care about that shit! Of course we had to do it. But still, it feels-"
"It feels like we took a page out of that Demoness' play book."
"Be careful, if that idea comes out now, we could find ourselves in a heap of trouble. Trouble we aren't prepared for."
"Don't say that, you know good and well, we aren't remotely prepared for the explosion of our population. And our last and final God-kin has yet to produce a single heir to his power."
"Achem… Anyway, the reports from every sector look like we're well on our track towards ascension. I doubt there's anything we need to worry about."
"Except for that wall the rebels built up, with the aid of Re-Estize. Apparently they had a fair exchange of aid, and didn't need to contact us… Not good friends."
"Indeed, their resentment runs deep-"
"WHAT COULD WE DO! We struggled to take one of those horrifying things! There's no way we could handle two of them, let alone four of them!"
"Calm down. This resentment, provided the demi-humans keep pestering the rebels forces, will eventually cease. We just need to work to make that happen, after which we can work on uniting humanity properly." … "How else will we ever hope to stand against that horrifying bitch of a demon wearing the skin of an elf."
…
In the underground, and hidden nation of Tus Nadair. Their people lived full lives, wanting for nothing. To the people here, their lives hadn't changed at all. These giant underground spaces are so spacious and open, it's impossible to feel claustrophobic. Moreover, the simulated sky has a day and night cycle… It wasn't even obvious that they were underground.
Right now, a powerful figure laid in the public center, where many large hammocks, and natural beds were laid out. There were other things like games, and obstacle courses, but the main reason children came here was to hear stories from the caretakers, and then the chance to have that caretaker be the goddess that made all of this possible. Right now, she was alone with no-one but her babies feeding from her bosom.
"Heh, Slane Theocracy, do you really think I can't see what you're doing? You were on the right track before. But it seems I'll need to punish your actions… But first, I'll allow you the chance to screw up before granting those beautiful oracles my divine word." The silver haired, elven woman said, then re focused on her babies again.
…
In another nation, one that had fallen to ruin due to their actions, a giant dragon rose from her slumber, and spread her sense out over the world.
"It seems she really isn't here in this world anymore… I may be weakened now… But I haven't given up. Dragons are meant to rule over all others!"
The Great Dragon Mother began charging her own recovery. She abandoned any notion of continuing her species for the moment, her children could take care of that… The ones who stayed true to their roots that is.
…
The years passed, and soon the count reached 50, and the nations rose to prominence. Some were greater than others, but that was only under one view point. For, Re-Estize, they could farm enough food to feed the continent… That's just how much they'd invested into farming technology. As for other nations, they had some pluses, and minuses… But the overall ratings landed the Robel Holy Kingdom as first, their constant improvement under the threat of the demi-human races was enough to constantly stimulate the desire to fight back, and even spur on natural desire to build bonds of family, with little restrictions on the latter to mirror Tus Nadair, it was obvious that barring god-kin, Robel Holy Kingdom's people were the strongest, healthiest and overall most prosperous.
The Dragon Kingdom and The Elven Kingdom were both tied for second place. And then it was a toss up between the; Re-Estize Kingdom, Baharuth Empire, Argland Council State, and Slane Theocracy. All for different reasons.
There was also, a moment, in a place far away from other cities, and the like, where a group of hopeful nomads gathered at a special place, one that was once held sacred. When a portal appeared and they walked through to see the goddess they worship in all her beauty, along with some of her sons and daughters there, ready to help.
…
Finally, 100 years passed, and a man by the name of Thomas Carne, set out with his family. They'd been tasked to settle a new fertile land that had just become available due to the active suppression of monsters in the area.
Their journey from their home to a new place to live and settle the land, was long and arduous, but, with the aid of the state provided funds, he was able to hire a few adventurers to come with him. And through his careful negotiation tactics, and charisma, he convinced many homeless men, women, and children to come settle the land with him. A chance they sprung at.
However, just as they reached the lands they wished to settle. A figure appeared, Thomas' little girl noticed the figure first.
"Daddy, look, look, a pretty lady!"
"Huh? Oh my gosh, is she a goddess?"
"I'll keep this short, but, what exactly is your purpose here, in this land?"
"My name is Thomas Carne, and I am here to settle a new village, and tend to the land, using the earth, and my labor, to feed my people."
"I see, in that case I'll allow it, on the condition that if you start to feel something odd about an area, that you stay away from it. Here lies the remains of something that once threatened the world. It's dead, but the malice remains. So, be careful."
"I promise, anything other than building homes, we won't do anything other than some light hunting in the forest-"
"You won't need the forest for wood." Suddenly, as she disappeared, a small patch of trees grew.
The one druidic adventurer gasped. "WAS THAT HER! THE GODDESS!"
With the one guy retelling the stories he'd heard, as everyone worked to build some homes, Thomas Carne felt a new sense of attachment with the land. Wiping his brow…
"I'll do my best to show you how thankful we are to live in such a wonderful land."
…