The smell of blood still lingered in the air.
The assassins lay scattered across the ground, their bodies evidence of the Human Nation's treachery. Lyra wiped her blade clean, her emerald eyes sharp with fury.
"How dare they," she muttered. "Sending killers into Everwood like this."
Selena frowned, clutching her merchant's cloak tightly. "This proves it. The Human Nation fears Itsuki's rise."
Itsuki stood calmly in the middle of the square, his rifle still smoking from the last shot. His expression was unreadable, but inside his mind burned with resolve.
"They made one mistake," he said quietly. "They came here thinking Everwood was weak. From this day forward, no one will underestimate us again."
The Gathering
The following morning, Itsuki summoned the entire village to the central plaza. The walls of Everwood stood tall behind him, glowing faintly under the light of the enchanted street lamps he had created.
By sunrise, Itsuki stood on a wooden platform in the center of the village. The plaza brimmed with villagers—elves, beastkin, merchants, hunters—all waiting, tense but hopeful.
"My people," Itsuki began, his voice carrying across the square, "last night assassins tried to end me, and with me, Everwood's future. But they failed, because this village is not weak. You are not weak."
He spread his hand toward the towering walls, the glowing street lamps, the homes they had built together.
"Everwood is no longer just a place to survive. It is our home, our strength, our promise. From this day forth, we are a nation. A nation that will not bow to kings or empires. A nation that will decide its own fate!"
The roar that followed shook the very air:
"Everwood! Everwood! Everwood!"
The Oath of Unity
Lyra stepped to his side, bow in hand. "I, Lyra of the Silverwood Elves, swear my loyalty to Everwood."
Elara drew her sword, kneeling before the crowd. "I, Elara, pledge my blade to our king."
Selena raised her hand, her merchant's crest shining faintly. "I, Selena, bind my wealth and knowledge to Everwood's prosperity."
Lunaria, her beastkin tail flicking with pride, pressed her hand to her chest. "I, Lunaria, daughter of the Beastkin King, swear Everwood is my people's second home."
The villagers followed, one by one, raising their voices, their tools, their weapons—each swearing to protect Everwood's future.
The World Reacts
Far away, in the Human Nation's royal capital, nobles whispered with dread.
"The assassins failed…? And now they've declared themselves a nation?"
In the Beastkin court, Lunaria's father clenched his jaw but allowed a smile. "So, daughter… you've chosen your place."
And in the Dragon Nation, a mighty king stirred. "The Creator has taken his throne… interesting."
The ripple spread to every great nation. Six powers, once balanced, now had to account for a seventh.
The Birth of Everwood
That night, the villagers lit a great bonfire in celebration. Children danced, warriors toasted, and for the first time, laughter rang without fear.
Itsuki watched from the balcony of the village hall. His hands tightened on the railing.
This is just the beginning. If assassins came once, they'll come again. And war… war will come eventually.
Beneath the hall, in hidden chambers only a handful knew of, his secret weapons. tanks, cannons, and the towering frame of a giant advance robot. Tools for the future. Safeguards for Everwood's survival.
As the flames of celebration reached the sky, Itsuki spoke softly to himself:
"From today, Everwood is a nation. And I'll make sure it becomes the strongest one this world has ever seen."
🔥End of volume-1...