Victory did not echo the way legends claimed it would.
There were no songs yet.
No celebrations.
Only silence.
A silence that spread faster than screams.
Three days after Iskender Pasha fled the mountains, the system chimed again. This time, the tone was unfamiliar. Neither warning nor reward.
Recognition.
[Global Awareness Threshold Crossed]
Your actions have altered regional power perception.
New forces are watching.
Blendi stood in the war chamber, armor still unremoved, dried blood marking the edges. Lady Mira Kastrioti entered quietly, followed by two guards escorting unfamiliar figures.
Foreigners.
One wore silk trimmed with gold. Venetian craftsmanship.
The other wore dark red and black. Neapolitan.
The system responded immediately.
[Foreign Envoys Detected]
Republic of Venice
Kingdom of Naples
Intent
Observation
Containment
Opportunity Assessment
"So," Blendi murmured, "Europe wakes."
The Envoys Speak
The Venetian bowed deeply, a practiced gesture.
"I am Lorenzo Contarini, Envoy of the Most Serene Republic," he said smoothly. "Venice congratulates Albania on its… resilience."
Blendi did not smile.
The Neapolitan envoy stepped forward next.
"Sir Matteo di Aragon, speaking for His Majesty," he said. "Naples recognizes strength when it appears."
Lady Mira's eyes narrowed slightly.
Both men spoke carefully.
That meant fear.
Diplomatic Interface Unlocked
[Diplomacy Module Activated]
Available Actions
Accept Alliance
Negotiate Tribute
Reject Foreign Influence
Play Powers Against Each Other
Influence Slots: Limited
Golden text appeared beneath the options.
(All alliances bind future decisions)
Blendi studied the men.
"Speak," he said.
Lorenzo moved first.
"Venice offers recognition," he said. "Trade access. Weapons. Advisors."
Matteo smiled faintly.
"Naples offers protection," he countered. "Gold. Knights. A royal marriage proposal."
The room grew heavy.
This was how independence died.
Not in battle.
But in ink.
The Hidden Cost Revealed
The system flickered sharply.
[Warning]
Foreign Alliance Detected
Long Term Sovereignty Risk: High
Hidden Clauses Possible
Economic Dependency
Military Oversight
Succession Influence
Blendi closed his eyes for a heartbeat.
Then he spoke.
"Albania accepts neither protection nor chains."
Both envoys stiffened.
"But," he continued, "Albania welcomes competition."
Strategic Diplomacy Choice
[Choice Confirmed]
Play Powers Against Each Other
Effects
Tribute without submission
Arms trade without advisors
Recognition without control
Lady Mira allowed herself a brief nod.
"Well played," she whispered.
The Deals
Venice was offered limited trade access.
In exchange
Weapons shipments
Shipbuilding knowledge
No troops
No advisors
Naples was offered mercenary contracts.
In exchange
Gold
Elite cavalry instructors
No land rights
No succession ties
[Diplomatic Outcomes]
Venice
Trade Agreement Signed
Influence Limited
Naples
Military Contract Established
Influence Restricted
The system chimed again.
[Achievement: The Sovereign Who Refused the Crown]
You resisted foreign domination at peak vulnerability.
Rewards
Diplomatic resistance increased
Foreign manipulation reduced
Internal unity strengthened
[Hidden Reward]
Title Acquired
Breaker of Chains
Effects
Alliance penalties reduced
Tribute efficiency increased
Foreign pressure decays faster
Europe Reacts
Reports flooded in.
Venice debated.
Naples calculated.
Hungary watched.
Rome whispered.
And in the Ottoman court, silence fell.
[Ottoman Intelligence Update]
Shock Level: Severe
Blame Assigned: Iskender Pasha
Next Action
Reassessment
Internal Purge
Delayed Response
Blendi exhaled slowly.
Empires hated being embarrassed.
That meant the next strike would be smarter.
Deadlier.
Nation Status Update
Standing Army: 11,200
Elite Units: 820
Gold Reserves: 6,400
Trade Routes: Active
Unity: Absolute
Foreign Fear Index: Very High
Global Recognition: Rising
Eternal State Route Progress
23 percent
As night fell, Lady Mira approached quietly.
"You have stepped onto the world stage," she said. "There is no hiding now."
Blendi looked out over the mountains, torches burning in every valley.
"I did not come here to hide," he replied.
"I came to make sure Albania is never forgotten again."
The system pulsed softly.
[Next Major Arc Unlocked]
Arc Title
The War That Will Define Centuries
Upcoming Systems
Firearms Prototype
Spy Networks Expansion
Multi Nation War Logic
Succession Stress Test
History had stopped asking whether Albania would fall.
Now it was asking something far more dangerous.
What happens if it does not.