Infinitum Crystals - Conquest of Virtue [4]

Chapter 5.10 - White - Glorious Kingdom of Spectrum

After getting caught in Sam Maximus's encampment, I was immediately turned into a prisoner for Queen Sam's kingdom, The Glorious Kingdom of Spectrum. What happened with Valenciaga? Lord Azreal wasn't able to hold themselves against the almighty force of the Queen. The fire spread to quick and by the time the Queen's knight had arrived, they were already restless to fight back. In the end, The Night Raid on Valenciaga ended with Azreal's troop surrendering themselves. Azreal was then brought in as a prisoner same as I am.

But the difference was that I had a shorter time in prison. It was probably because I am still considered to be a Pantheon which also means that the Queen does not wish to be brought upon some 'divine intervention'.

Before I move on, the status of being a Pantheon so far hasn't been fully realized yet as I was more like a wandering person. A better definition for a Pantheon in Virtue is actually not as vaguely described previously. I am not some god that can give wonderful blessings. No, being a Pantheon only means that I have the ability to turn the fate of the world. It's like another word for hero or chosen one, really. The reason it's called Pantheon is because the chosen Pantheon are representing a divine being. A more simpler term would be Apostles. The Pantheon are basically Apostles. Either pioneering or advocating a particular idea is our unique traits. I honestly don't know yet what I'm advocating for because I haven't seen enough of what Virtue has to offer. I'm quite sure the other 6 Pantheon feels the same as well.

Leaving that aside, it has already been a month since we all started this huge game. Which means that it has been an hour in the real world. It feels very surreal when thinking about it. But there was nothing else I could do but endure it. Aside from that, I was then released from the prison only to be brought to serve The Queen of Spectrum.

Within my time in prison, which was about two weeks, Queen Sam has conquered not one, but five different Lords already. All of them are now serving under the queen's flag. Once I was released from jail, the Queen conquered another Lord and they were brought into prison to serve their time in confinement, replacing my cell. The Queen made quick work on capturing most threats. It is scarily amazing how The Queen was able to conquer six different Lords in just a month.

"What do you think, White?" The Queen questioned me as she stood by the veranda of her room.

I sipped a cup of tea that was prepared previously and asked her back, "About what?"

"About me. About how I was able to defeat six other lords in just one month. Not to mention, I also got myself a Pantheon here."

She was definitely asking for a compliment but I did not think I wanted to play that game with her. I ended up saying what I truthfully think.

"If I you want an honest opinion...I'll be blunt. Are you sure you want to hear it?"

The Queen was unfazed as she responded with, "As long as its a valid criticism, I don't mind. Criticism can be learned."

"Well then, you won because you focus on you played your card correctly. You used the number in order to demoralize your enemy. From what I heard about your last campaign, you brought 1000 troops to crush a measly 200 others."

"That is true." She did not deny it.

"And it wasn't even a battle. Apparently they surrendered as soon as your forces has set up camp near their area of sovereign. You lead your force with sheer numbers alone and that is what brought you here today, Queen."

"Indeed. As soon as I got into Virtue, I immediately began rallying my troops just in case for a surprise attack from any threats. What happened however was a contrary. Few Lords decided to pledge their allegiance to me immediately after we started. They say that I am deserving of the title Queen and I am the Absolute Order."

Absolute Order, Sam's unique ability. That term was able to get through the minds of his followers now. It was terrifying to know that such a woman could carry such an authority on her own. But she only got this far because of one reason other than loyalty...

"The only reason that this is now an established kingdom today is because of one thing. It's not resolution, strength or love. It's not even loyalty. But fear. Fear alone."

Sam finally turned around and faced me. She starred at me as she awaits me finishing my sentences.

I continued, "The Lords that pledged under you are all afraid of you. They know they are powerless against you and they know that you are powerful. They know that in order to survive, they had to cling to you. Their only hope is you. They know that no one dares to step on you and they know that you will be leading them to victory."

"So?"

"So how about this...A prediction. Maybe." I clasped my hand and said, "That fear you have been cooking up all this time could potentially become a storm. A revolution might happen if you continue this way. Perhaps its time to look back about what you've done, Queen Sam?"

Sam then slowly got back into her room as she said, "There is also another saying about criticism...Criticism, can also be ignored. Because it may plant the seed of doubt on themselves. Fear alone is what makes me powerful, so be it! I will continue conquest in capturing the rest of Virtue. You may leave. Now!"

The queen's demeanor looked calm but her face tells me that she wasn't. She was intimidated by my words.

"One more thing, White. Thank you for reminding me."

"Of what, your majesty?"

"Thank you for reminding me, that I have to empower my followers so that they may not revolt and betray me."

She then shut the door to her bedroom, leaving me outside. After this, The Queen of Spectrum has established her own special unit that was all manned by AIs. Their duty was to stay on guard on all of the other ex-lords that was under her kingdom. It sounds harmless at first, but it got bad in the span of another week. The numbers of this special unit had increased and even the ex-lords themselves have begun to realize that they are being watched. This all could potentially be the beginning of a downfall.

I believed that I have seen enough of this kingdom and felt like it was time for me to sneak out of this place. I just had to pick the right time and place. My intention to leave started to develop once I heard rumors of an empire that has recently started trading in the kingdom. An empire rich in their economics. An empire filled with entrepreneurs. An empire filled with deceit and lies. I knew exactly who this entails to...

TO BE CONTINUED