𝑾𝑰𝑪𝑲𝑬𝑫 𝑫𝑹𝑬𝑨𝑴𝑺 ━━ 𝚂𝚝𝚎𝚟𝚎 𝚁𝚘𝚐𝚎𝚛𝚜

24 A New Era

The council chamber buzzed with a hum of uneasy conversation. Tensions in Adalynne City had been rising for some time, and it was palpable in the air as council members discussed the grievances of the common folk. The issues were hardly new but felt more urgent now—shortages of food, inflated prices in the marketplace, and rising concerns over the city's protection.

Councilman Voss leaned forward, his hands folded in thought. "We've been hearing the same complaints for months now. Safety, food scarcity, inflation. We need more trading opportunities to keep the city thriving."

Councilwoman Maera nodded, her voice calm but edged with concern. "Our citizens need to feel secure, especially if our resources continue to dwindle. We're nearing a tipping point if we don't take action soon."

The council was in agreement, their voices blending into a plan to fortify the city's economy and improve conditions for its people. But before they could finalize a single vote, the heavy doors at the back of the chamber creaked open, and a chilling silence fell over the room.

Queen Medusa strode in, flanked by her guards. Her eyes swept the chamber, dismissing the council's discussions with a slight, disdainful curl of her lip. She took her place at the head of the room, commanding all attention.

"I tire of these petty discussions," Medusa announced, her voice sharp. "Enough of this hiding, enough of this focus on minor domestic squabbles. Adalynne City is destined for far more. You're all thinking far too small."

The council members shifted uncomfortably, exchanging nervous glances. Councilman Voss dared to speak, his voice cautious but curious. "What... what are you suggesting, Your Majesty?"

Medusa's eyes gleamed with something fierce and unsettling. "I propose a new era," she declared. "We have concealed our strength long enough. We are beyond ready to enter the real world—to form alliances with powerful nations, and offer them our weapons, our unmatched technology, and our advanced medicine. Let them wield our gifts against one another, let them drain themselves with our toys. And when the time is right..." She paused, her gaze hardening. "We will emerge, not as equals but as their saviors, and they will have no choice but to bow before us."

There was a beat of silence as her words sunk in. Council members exchanged alarmed looks. This was no longer a conversation about security or resources—this was a strategy for domination.

One councilman, known for his boldness, finally stood. His voice wavered, but he pressed on, his face set with defiance. "Your Majesty, this is madness. You would endanger our people, and bring about unnecessary bloodshed. We have peace here—we must keep to it, focus on Adalynne City's own needs."

The council chamber pulsed with tension as the discussions grew more heated. Councilman Voss leaned forward, his brows knitted, his tone unyielding. "If we're to open our borders, it should be for the benefit of our people, not for conflict. We can strike alliances with other nations, and trade our medicines for their resources, especially food. With how supplies have dwindled, we can't ignore the potential gains here, but arming them with our technology and weapons? We know all too well where that path leads."

Medusa's eyes narrowed, but Voss continued, undeterred by her growing ire. "We remember what happened with HYDRA. We handed over our knowledge, and they twisted it into tools of terror, weapons that nearly destroyed us. You can't expect us to support an initiative that could lead to another disaster like that."

Murmurs of agreement stirred around the table. Councilwoman Maera nodded solemnly. "Opening our borders cautiously could relieve our food scarcity and open up new opportunities for trade, but arming outsiders, especially with our advanced technology... the risk is unimaginable. Perhaps we can find common ground here, Your Majesty."