12 Chapter 12 — Propaganda

POV Chapter — Elisia's POV

Elisia Rosewood is a young girl living in the slums of Canariel. The slums were a large section of the outer ring ruled by gangs. Her parents had abandoned her, and she lived her life stealing food and running away from the local gangs that ruled and exploited the population of the slums. Although the nobles knew of this happening, they didn't care as it didn't affect them. The ministers were also happy to let the slums rule themselves since they couldn't be bothered doing the work themselves. They had more important things to do. As for removing the slums, it was not like nobody thought of it, but what would they do with all the displaced people?

Elisia had heard of the war with the Elsass Kingdom but didn't know much about it. All she had heard from the rumours around the slums was that they were losing. Personally, she didn't care who ruled over her, as like many other people living in the slums, she didn't hold any goodwill towards the Canary Kingdom who ignored their existence.

That was until it was announced that the Canary Kingdom was annexed by the Third Reich, who defeated the army of the Elsass Kingdom. From that day onwards, the whole atmosphere of the city changed. New, foreign soldiers dressed in dark uniforms now patrolled the streets, carrying muskets they called the "HK 417". Along with them came many strange inventions.

First, the cobblestone streets were dug up by big and heavy iron chariots that spewed steam and somehow moved on their own, and the houses next to the streets were demolished to make the road wider. The soldiers then poured down a solution called "Concrete" which hardened to create a hard road! None of the residents dared to complain about their houses being destroyed, and the heads of those who did were still hanging by the main gate.

Elisia later learned that the iron chariots were in fact "Steam Engines", the future of the country! Elisia learned this through the overwhelming propaganda that was being deployed throughout the city. Posters were hanging everywhere, promoting the greatness of the Third Reich and the new steam energy. "Steam is the engine of the future!".

Leaflets were dropped from the sky, detailing the greatness of the country they were now a part of and the successful defeat of the Elsass Empire.

All citizens had been mandated to watch demonstrations of the newly introduced steam power. The crowds watched in astonishment as steam-powered cars carrying heavy loads reached incredible speeds by themselves! Large machinery automatically planted and harvested crops, doing the job of a hundred men! Steam trains easily dragged tons of supplies on rails. Weaving machines weaved cloth at lightning-fast speeds. In the air, "Steam-powered" planes flew over the city, leaving white trails. An announcer spoke through the loudspeaker.

[The new age of steam engines has brought new life and prosperity to our nation. The Third Reich has ushered in a new era of progress and advancement, and it's up to us to keep up with it. The future is steam! Long live the Third Reich!]

Life in the city just seemed to get better every day. Soldiers sang songs praising Konrad's accomplishments and how he led the nation to victory. Newspapers were being issued across the entire city and while the content was obviously propaganda, it was quite convincing.

The whole country was called to unite together and face the Elsass Empire. Loudspeakers were installed throughout the city, constantly rallying the people to work hard towards a better future. Loud heroic music was played every morning to wake the city, and everyone was given food based on how hard they contributed to the country.

Crime was basically eliminated as gangsters found that all the soldiers could not be bribed and were endlessly loyal to their country. Anyone who dared violate the laws was either ruthlessly executed or sent to "Re-education camps" to change their incorrect views and turn them into model citizens. Life was optimistic, the future was bright, and people could be seen smiling everywhere!

However, there were some sinister signs showing as well. A strict identification system was imposed, with each citizen being issued identification documents. Anyone found without their papers would be heavily fined and punished. A curfew was imposed and only Konrad's soldiers were allowed out at night. Slave trading was fully made legal, but with laws that made it borderline impossible for slaves to regain their freedom and become citizens.

Additionally, along with the usual propaganda, increasingly xenophobic and pro-human thinking were spread, blaming the problems of the country on demi-humans. The position of demi-humans in the country was getting closer to second-class citizens...

Over the past few weeks, Elisia had been required to attend the country's "Indoctrination Classes", a program that sought to teach kids how to read and write as well as teach ideological beliefs. The classes were held in the newly built Enlightenment Institute, and all kids 8 to 16 years old, regardless of background, were mandated to attend.

In addition to literacy, a number of subjects were being taught, including "The importance of obedience and loyalty to the Third Reich", "History and Literature of the Third Reich's accomplishments", "Enemies of the country that threaten our survival", "We are alone in this world", "The superiority of the Third Reich's ideology and worldviews", "The dangers and inferiority of foreign ideologies and worldviews", "The future with Steam Energy", "Superiority of humans over demi-humans", and daily singings of propaganda songs.

In Elisia's class, the teacher was currently chanting with the students.

[Who are we loyal to?]

[[[The Third Reich!!!]]]

[What is the best species?]

[[[Humans!!!]]]

[Who is our enemy?]

[[[The Elsass Empire!]]]

[What is our saying?]

[[[If you're not with us, you're against us!!!]]]

[What is the ultimate glory of a brave citizen of the Third Reich?]

[[[TO DIE IN BATTLE!!!]]]

The teacher nodded, satisfied. She could tell that when this generation grew up, they would become the most loyal backbone of the Third Reich.

[Alright class, our glorious leader Supreme General Konrad had declared that all students will take the talent test, with all costs being borne by the government! Those who are talented will get the chance to join the "Magic Academy for the Chosen and Elite", or the Imperial Magical Academy]

The class was shocked, then cheered happily. In order to consolidate their power and prevent any peasants from rising, the ruling class heavily controlled the spread of magic and who could use it. However, Konrad didn't care about those things and only cared about increasing the national power, so he directly ordered all children in the ideal age range for learning magic to be tested regardless of background and sent to his magical academy.

The students came up one by one and placed their hands on the magic ball located in the front of the class. However, the ball only mildly reacted for a couple of students. But when Elisia put her hand on the ball, it glowed extremely brightly, like a small sun shining on Elisia and blowing light winds across the classroom. The teacher covered her mouth with shock.

Elisia clenched her fists and silently made a vow.

[Thank you, Supreme General Konrad for this opportunity. I swear to not let the Third Reich down!]

End of POV chapter ~ Back to Konrad!