111 The Holy Roman Empire
It's over.
The war finally came to an end.
Chaos, disorder, barbarian invasions, internal strife, and unrest—all the calamities had left the land of Rome.
Since 286 AD, when Emperor Diocletian first ascended to the throne, the Roman Empire gradually divided into Eastern and Western parts. It wasn't until 486 AD that Artorius became emperor and brought some semblance of peace.
Over the span of two centuries, the empire endured invasions by the Huns and waves of Germanic peoples entering its borders. Countless upheavals and unrest accompanied their incursions into the empire's territories.
The empire grew weaker and more helpless, and many thought it was on the brink of collapse.
However, they turned out to be mistaken.
At its darkest hour, the empire experienced a remarkable resurgence under the rule of Emperor Artorius the First, ushering in a new era of glory.
After defeating Lucius Tiberius, Artorius's armies swiftly took control of all of Italy and easily defeated the Vandals, who had invaded the southern regions and landed in Sicily, as well as the Ostrogoths who came from the east to challenge the Eastern Roman Empire.
Following a series of small-scale battles, these nations recognized the newfound power of the Western Roman Empire under Emperor Artorius, a force they could not contend with.
Since war was not an option, diplomacy became the way forward.
The Vandals, Ostrogoths, and Eastern Roman Empire each sent envoys to Orleans, the temporary capital of the new empire, and signed peace agreements with the emperor.
Emperor Anastasius I of the Eastern Roman Empire recognized Emperor Artorius I of the Western Roman Empire as the legitimate rulers of their respective empires, maintaining the appearance of unity within Rome.
This emperor, unlike his predecessor Zeno, prioritized economic and legal matters over expansion and warfare. He reformed Rome's taxation system and enriched the treasury, laying a solid foundation for future emperors.
Meanwhile, the Eastern Roman Empire was plagued and too busy by constant internal turmoil due to religious issues. Under these circumstances, the peace between Artorius and the Eastern Roman Empire could continue.
After the Eastern Roman Empire refused to engage in conflict with the New Western Roman Empire, the Ostrogoths and Vandals also backed down.
Faced with the powerful new empire, these two 'weak' Germanic kingdoms chose to submit. Of course, this submission was mostly symbolic. Artorius decided to temporarily spare them as his empire needed time to recuperate from the continuous warfare over the past two years.
In the future, these two kingdoms wouldn't pose any more trouble for Artorius. According to history, later on, the future emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire—Justinian I, driven by ambition—launched campaigns to conquer both Germanic kingdoms. Eventually, he succeeded in toppling them for good.
The Vandals and Ostrogoths, like countless countries that have risen and fallen throughout history, turned into mere dust in the annals of history. Their significance was merely a few lines in historical texts.
===
After the external wars concluded, the new empire was fully engaged in enthusiastic internal development.
Emperor Artorius launched an ambitious five-year plan that included the construction of a new road and transportation network, utilizing cement to repair old roads and build new Roman highways.
Canals were dug, waterways were dredged, and a tram system was attempted.
Shipyards and lumber mills also bustled with activity. The Mediterranean, North Sea, and Baltic Sea trade, which had dwindled with the collapse of the Western Roman Empire and the rise of the Germanic peoples, was set to thrive once more.
The foundation that underpinned this comprehensive transportation and infrastructure development was the empire's greatly enhanced agricultural level.
The Black Forest of Germania would be cleared, and marshlands filled in. New farms and pastures would be established in great numbers.
With the fall of the Western Roman Empire and the rise of the Germanic peoples, the Little Ice Age passed. The Earth's temperature warmed once again, heralding an era suitable for human habitation and cultivation.
The government of the empire would undergo reforms.
The empire's laws, tax systems, and economic structures would be reformed.
Even the empire itself would bear a new name.
The Holy Roman Empire.
All these changes signaled that the empire was about to enter a golden age.
Of course, there was still one prerequisite.
Talent.
The empire lacked enough talented individuals and a sufficient number of competent civil servants.
Without them to construct the government and carry out orders, all the reforms in the empire would be in vain.
Fortunately, Artorius had long been prepared.
===
Year 489, Orleans.
Deep beneath the capital city of the Holy Roman Empire, within the vast magic factory, thousands of homunculus had completed their final adjustments in the cultivation chambers. The Emperor of the Empire—Artorius the First, draped in purple robes, stood by these transparent chambers, eagerly examining the lifelike homunculus within.
"How? Do you like them?"
Morgan, one of the emperor's most cherished concubines, spoke with a proud tone:
"They are quite spectacular, aren't they? We can now mass-produce exceptional homunculus. The cultivation cycle takes only a month, requiring just a bit of nutrient fluid and biological factors to create an endless supply of slaves. They are absolutely loyal and fearless, with an IQ surpassing 160. Their physical abilities and magic circuits outperform ordinary people, and there are no issues with a short lifespan.
We've categorized the requirements into three types. The first consists of officials to fill military ranks, the second includes researchers skilled in magecraft, technology, and mathematics to provide assistance, and the third comprises civil servants equipped with expertise in governance and administration. These homunculi are capable of fulfilling any demand you may have, Your Majesty."
Morgan moved closer to the emperor and reached out to touch Artorius's face—though her attempt was quickly thwarted as he caught her hand.
"Remember, you promised me a 'reward', right?" Her eyes sparkled with delight, and it was evident what she desired as her prize.
However, an irritating voice interjected, "After consuming so many resources from the empire and drawing numerous mages, failing to achieve results would be utterly laughable."
It was Scathach who spoke, earning a furious glare from Morgan. "Besides, it's not just your merit alone, is it? Vivian also participated."
Morgan was left speechless by Scathach's remark.
Meanwhile, Vivian, the silver-haired and red-eyed fairy with limited screen time of late, turned curiously towards them and tilted her head. She grinned happily when Artorius reached out to headpat her.
Like Scathach, Vivian now inhabited an artificial body, not the homemade puppet-like version but a second-generation one crafted by Artorius himself. Aside from being essentially more human rather than a fairy, her new body was nearly identical to her previous form.
In this new form, Vivian could freely interact with the outside world and spend her days happily with Artorius, which made her feel like she never wanted to return to Avalon.
When Scathach mentioned her, Vivian, who had been educated well by Artorius, couldn't help but focus on the cultivation chamber where a similar-looking homunculus with silver hair and red eyes lay.
It turns out that while creating these homunculi, Vivian had mixed some of her own characteristics into certain ones, resulting in a batch of homunculus bearing her resemblance.
These silver-haired and red-eyed homunculi gave Artorius a sense of deja vu, but after some consideration, he decided not to delve too deeply into it.
"Now, one last thing..." Scathach said, leaving Morgan embarrassed and speechless after her previous heated exchange. "Do the rewards you seek truly hold any meaning? Even if you achieve nothing, Artorius will always make you content, won't he?"
"You—" Morgan clenched her teeth, angered by Scathach's words.
"Enough quarreling over such matters." Artorius intervened, soothing the situation. Lately, he couldn't help but notice that Scathach's words had become increasingly harsh and sharp. Perhaps witnessing his interactions with Morgan and the others had left her feeling restless and frustrated.
If that were indeed the case, he should find a way to ease her worries.
"You've all done an excellent job." Artorius praised Morgan and Vivian. "Every mage involved in this project will be credited, and an additional month's pay will be provided. Everyone will be pleased."
Hearing Artorius's words, Morgan continued happily, "You're right; everyone will be pleased."
While construction on the Empire's surface thrived, internal developments followed a similar course.
Merlin was right; he had many acquaintances on the Mystery side... including some who could be considered enemies.
During the first meeting of the Illuminati, he had promised to help Artorius recruit members. However, that ended up being nothing but a disappointment.
"I'm trying so hard you know, but nobody wants to join the Illuminati. I wonder why~? Poor me, it's so troublesome~" Merlin said carelessly and casually, without care.
Artorius managed to restrain himself from hitting him while watching Merlin, who furrowed his brow as if asking—"Why are you so upset?"
===
The true force that significantly boosted the Illuminati's power was still the empire's resounding success.
As the empire's territory expanded and its strength grew, a significant number of mages, who held high hopes for the empire's future, pledged their allegiance. Even the mysterious factions of this world—the Wandering Sea and the Atlas Academy—had to show respect to the empire by dispatching mages to carry out its orders and formally accepting its leadership.
However, the largest number of new members within the Illuminati consisted of those who were once independent or were expelled by the Wandering Sea and the Atlas Academy.
In the original timeline, they formed an organization known as the Clock Tower and became the most active mage organization of the next generation, without a doubt.
Many even equated the Clock Tower with the Mage's Association.
But now, they had become an internal force of the Empire. They became members of the Illuminati.
It was their efforts that enabled the Illuminati to accomplish the 'Magic Network Utilization', 'Magic Power Systems', 'Electricity Applications', and 'Mass Production of Homunculus' projects in the shortest amount of time.
Artorius liked to break traditions. Under his leadership, the mages who used to prefer solo-style magic workshops transformed towards more scientific research teams and large-scale magic factories.
With the motivation of magical supply, technology, honors, knowledge, and wealth provided by the empire, the mages erupted with unparalleled enthusiasm and research efficiency. A bright future was beckoning Artorius and his empire.
