POV: Chris Blackwood
One week had passed since the events that shook the very foundation of Blackwood's power. The air felt different now—charged, expectant. The empire was moving forward, relentlessly, with the world bending to its will. And now, to cement that dominance, I needed something monumental, something that would echo throughout the entire empire.
I stood before the gathered council, my voice low but commanding.
> "It's time for a celebration, a display of Blackwood's might," I announced. "A festival, not just any festival, but one that will be the envy of the world. We will show them who we are. This will be the event of the century."
I turned to Amara, standing silently beside me. She was loyal, clever, and always up for a challenge, even when it wasn't her area of expertise.
> "Amara," I said, catching her attention. "I know this isn't exactly your line of work, but I trust you more than anyone else for this task. You have an eye for detail, and you understand what I want. I'm giving you a 50 billion budget—use it. Make this festival grand, something that will reverberate through history."
Her eyes briefly widened at the amount. Amara was no stranger to large sums, but this... this was a different scale. Still, she met my gaze with unwavering determination.
> "Understood, my lord. It will be nothing short of legendary."
A rare smile tugged at the corners of my lips. I could see it in her—she was already planning, calculating. Amara had the fire of someone who thrived under pressure. The festival would not just be a celebration; it would be a declaration of Blackwood's power, its vision, and its place at the top of the world.
> "I want everything," I said. "From the entertainment to the architecture, from the performances to the food. I want the people of Blackwood to feel as though they've entered a new era. This festival will mark the beginning of something larger, something they'll never forget."
Amara nodded, her eyes narrowing as she began to map out her plans.
> "Consider it done," she said, and with that, she was off, already making preparations. I knew she would deliver.
As she departed, I stood there for a moment, allowing myself to enjoy the thought of what was to come. This festival would not only showcase our might, it would serve as a reminder to everyone who had ever doubted Blackwood. No one would forget the empire I had built.
This would be my legacy.
The festival was only the beginning.