Chapter 2: The Dawn of a New Federation

The rhythmic thump-thump of piledrivers, the low growl of excavators, and the harmonious chatter of various races at work echoed across the rapidly blossoming city of Sonka. Amidst this symphony of modern construction, a lone woman with disheveled blonde hair stood rigidly, her eyes wide with utter bewilderment, surveying the impossible scene. Her dirty, slightly torn clothes starkly contrasted with the neat uniforms of the modern workers and the crisp military attire Amano wore.

Amano Hiragi, who was examining a digital blueprint on his tablet, sensed that unfamiliar aura. He turned, and his eyes narrowed, disbelieving what he saw.

"A-Amano-kun...?" The hoarse, questioning voice trembled from her lips. It was a voice incredibly familiar, one that always signaled the start of a boring history lesson.

"Aree...? Sensei?" Amano exclaimed, his steps quickening. His messy black hair swayed slightly as he moved. "Kikuchi-sensei? Why... why are you in this isekai world too? Were you summoned?"

Kikuchi-sensei nodded slowly, her eyes still scanning the impossible modern cityscape before her. "Yes, or more precisely, it was when I was about to enter your classroom. Suddenly, a strange light appeared and took me. I briefly saw all of you, the entire class, but only you, Amano, weren't there. I... I don't even remember how I got here, or how long it's been."

Amano nodded, his expression turning serious. He led Kikuchi-sensei to a simple yet clean temporary office, furnished with a desk and chairs he had created himself. There, amidst the faint scent of fresh paper and wood, Amano recounted everything: his summoning, the declaration of him being "magic-less," Goddess Helena and Hiyori's abandonment, his banishment to a dying Gelmist, the gift from the divine old man and woman, and his unwavering resolve to build a new civilization from the ashes. He explained how his skills, Build-Up, Creation, and Imagination, allowed him to manifest modern technology and transform these ruins.

Kikuchi-sensei listened intently, her eyes occasionally widening in awe, sometimes filling with guilt when she heard about Amano's rejection by his classmates. "So that's how it is... it must have been very hard, Amano-kun," she murmured, her voice filled with genuine sympathy. "By the way, what kind of skills do you possess that you could build this modern civilization?"

Amano then explained his three skills in more detail, how he utilized them to replicate technology from his original world, and the basic principles of physics and logistics behind it, far removed from the ordinary magic known in this world. Kikuchi-sensei, being a teacher, quickly grasped the essence, her eyes sparkling at the immense potential.

Just as Amano finished explaining, a knock came at the office door. A golden-brown furry wolf beastkin man, with anxiously twitching ears and an occasional wagging tail, entered in a hurry. This was the young man Amano had first met in the squalid village, now wearing a neat administrative uniform.

"Lord Amano!" the wolf man exclaimed, bowing respectfully. "Forgive the interruption, but... many delegations from neighboring countries wish to meet you. They said they were desperate to meet you after you allowed the import of vegetables and fruits. They claim this is the first time they've received such fresh produce, considering their own harvests always fail due to demon curses."

Amano frowned. He had indeed opened small trade routes to test his logistics system and showcase his capabilities. He hadn't expected the impact to be this significant.

Before Amano could reply, an Elven woman with long ears and pale, olive skin, also wearing an administrative uniform, appeared at the doorway, looking a bit fatigued.

"Excuse me, Lord Amano, but there's another delegation from the Kingdom of Costa who wishes to meet you directly!" she reported, slightly breathless. "They are very interested in our bath soap and shampoo. Their demand is incredibly high!"

Amano sighed. "Bath soap and shampoo?" He turned to Kikuchi-sensei, his expression slightly overwhelmed. "Sensei, you can see for yourself, right? They're flocking here, I don't have enough time to handle all of this."

Kikuchi-sensei smiled faintly. Her youthful eyes gazed at Amano with tenderness. "Amano-kun, why don't you leave these delegation matters to me? I am a teacher, Amano-kun. I understand how to speak with people. Besides, I have to help somehow, right? You can focus on construction, and I'll handle diplomatic relations and education."

Amano looked at Kikuchi-sensei. There was a calming spark of trust and competence in his teacher's eyes. This was someone from his world, someone he could fully trust, who also possessed the intelligence and social experience he needed.

"Sensei..." Amano smiled faintly, a sense of relief spreading through his chest. "In that case, I'll leave it to you. Thank you very much."

Kikuchi-sensei nodded firmly. "Leave it to me. This is my best way to contribute to this 'modern civilization'."

The next day, Kikuchi-sensei began her work as the diplomatic and education advisor for the New Gelmist Federation. Dressed in much neater and more formal attire (which she borrowed from the supplies Amano had created), she received numerous guests from neighboring countries. Her desk was never empty. She capably negotiated trade, cultural exchange, and even alliance proposals.

In between meetings, Kikuchi-sensei also gathered much important information about the continent's conditions. She learned that the Kingdom of Felda, one of the formerly prosperous neighboring nations, was experiencing complex internal problems. And there was also a country called Zomun, located near Felda and known for being extremely anti-criticism. She heard rumors that many people who disagreed with its king or regulations there suddenly disappeared without a trace. A worrying piece of information, and surely relevant to Amano and his new federation.

On the other side of the continent, far from the dynamic construction buzz of Sonka City, Hiyori Kushida felt the biting cold of abandonment pierce her to the bone. After being declared no longer needed by the noble hero party—because her healing abilities were deemed not as strong as another newly discovered healer—she was simply cast aside. Sitting forlornly in a squalid inn in a foreign city, that bitter memory kept replaying in her mind.

"Sorry, Hiyori. But you're no longer needed."

Those sharp words echoed, spoken by the Hero himself. Ironically, now she felt what Amano had once felt. The pain of being ignored, abandoned, deemed useless. Flashes of past memories crossed her mind: Amano Hiragi's face, which used to look at her with hidden admiration, the small acts of kindness she used to take for granted.

How foolish I was. Hiyori clenched her fingers. Back then, Amano was the only one who cared. He sought me out, even when everyone else thought he was trash. And I... I didn't even turn my head.

Bitter regret crept into her heart. She remembered how Amano was discarded by the Goddess, branded 'magic-less', and she—who should have been hope and light—instead turned away, lured by the promise of false power. Now, she ended up similarly: discarded.

With resolute decision, Hiyori gathered the last remnants of her courage. She had heard rumors of a "poor country" in the south that was suddenly rapidly developing. A place where outcasts and mixed races found hope. With what little money she had left, she hired a seat on a horse-drawn carriage heading in that direction, without knowing exactly where fate would take her.

The journey felt long and exhausting, filled with jolts and loneliness. When she awoke from a short, restless sleep, an unexpected sight greeted her eyes. Instead of the squalid countryside she had imagined from the "poor country" rumors, what stretched before her was an incredible panorama.

Clearly visible in the distance was a sturdy city wall, not of ancient stone, but of an alien yet modern material, reflecting the morning sunlight. And most surprisingly, it wasn't a wooden or stone gate guarded by armored soldiers, but a neat border checkpoint, with an automatic barrier rising. There, lined up were strange vehicles moving without horses—some of them emitting thin smoke and perfectly round wheels, driving on smooth asphalt roads. Cars.

Hiyori was stunned. The soldiers guarding the border post were no less strange. They didn't wear plate armor, but sleek, dark military uniforms that fit their bodies, with long, unfamiliar barreled weapons. And, most astonishingly, most of them were mixed races—humans, elves, beastkin—standing shoulder to shoulder, efficiently checking every merchant who passed.

Even more surprisingly, amidst their chatter, Hiyori heard words that were incredibly familiar.

"...it's clear. Please proceed." "...make sure there are no smuggled goods."

They were speaking Japanese! It was the language of her world! Hiyori couldn't hold back her gasp. A poor kingdom, yet so advanced. Japanese. This must be the country she heard about, the one led by...

Her heart pounded. Without waiting any longer, she jumped from the still-queuing carriage, her eyes staring in disbelief towards the city within.

As soon as she stepped inside, Hiyori felt as if she had teleported back to Japan. The main roads were made of smooth asphalt, not dirt or stone. The buildings alongside them stood solidly with modern architecture, many equipped with large, clean glass windows. There were no more decrepit shacks or disgusting mud.

She saw a large wheeled vehicle resembling a bus, carrying many people inside, moving on a dedicated lane. At an intersection, there were poles with alternating colored lights. Traffic lights.

Not far from there, children of various races, wearing neat uniforms similar to school uniforms, seemed to be just returning home. They laughed joyfully, carrying bags on their backs, and ran along the sidewalks. That sight, the warm dusk, the sound of children's laughter, and modern traffic... it all reminded her of Japan. This was a sight vastly different from the cruel fantasy world where she had been discarded.

Hiyori was utterly amazed, her head tilted back, her eyes exploring every detail with wonder. She didn't even realize she was standing in the middle of the main road. Suddenly, the loud, urgent blare of a car horn broke her reverie.

"Move it, miss! I'm late!"

Hiyori jumped in surprise. She immediately bowed, apologizing. "Ah, I'm sorry, sir! My deepest apologies!"

The car's driver, a beastkin man with a loose tie, simply shook his head before his car sped away. Hiyori still remained rooted to the spot. Her feelings were a mix: awe, confusion, and embarrassment. How could this be? She couldn't believe there was a nation dubbed a "poor country" that turned out to be so advanced, prosperous, and modern. The complete opposite of everything she had seen in this world.

However, in the midst of all this, a big question consumed her mind: Who had managed to build all of this? And would... would she meet him again in this unexpected place?

Hiyori continued her steps, walking along Sonka's clean and neat streets. The further she walked, the more familiar sights from Japan greeted her. A small cafe with the fragrant aroma of coffee wafting from its open door. Restaurants with modern signboards, displaying alien yet appetizing dishes. Even, in one corner of the street, she saw a building with blinking lights and faint music drifting out—a karaoke place. A pang of longing for her home in Japan stung her heart. This wasn't just an advanced city; this was a perfectly replicated piece of her world in the middle of a fantasy world.

She turned into a quieter narrow alley, attracted by the sound of hammers striking stone and the trickling of water. There, at an unfinished construction site, an unexpected sight again greeted her. A young man with messy black hair, wearing pants and a T-shirt that clung to his sweaty body, was bending over, expertly operating a small, wheeled machine that was carefully lifting a large stone. He laughed, giving instructions to a beastkin worker, occasionally wiping sweat from his forehead.

Amano Hiragi.

Hiyori gasped. Her eyes widened, then blurred with sudden tears. Amano! He's here! And he... he looks like a construction supervisor. Hiyori's entire body trembled violently. The guilt that had gnawed at her heart surged to the surface, mingling with deep pity. She had thought Amano had fallen so far, become a slave or a lowly worker, after everything that happened to him. A heartbreaking sight, seeing Amano, whom she had once abandoned, now working so hard like this.

With faltering yet quick steps, Hiyori approached Amano, tears streaming uncontrollably down her cheeks. "Amano-kun...!" she called out, her voice choked, full of relief and genuine sorrow. Before Amano could react, Hiyori had already lunged, hugging him tightly, burying her face in Amano's sweat-soaked shoulder. She didn't care about the dirt or the smell of sweat. What mattered was that Amano was here, alive, and she could touch him.

Amano was startled. His brain took a few seconds to process the situation. The sweet, familiar scent of Hiyori's hair reached his senses. "Hiyori...?" he murmured, his hands hesitantly returning the embrace. There was a slight surprise, but also an undeniable relief. He hadn't expected to meet Hiyori here again. "Are you... are you okay?"

The beastkin worker nearby stopped his work, looking confusedly at the sudden scene.

Hiyori released the embrace, looking at Amano with tear-filled eyes. "Amano-kun... I'm so glad to see you. I thought... I thought you were..." Her sentence trailed off, unable to utter the word 'slave'. "I'm so sorry... I'm so sorry I abandoned you back then."

Amano merely smiled faintly. "It's alright, that's in the past." He pointed at the excavation before them. "You thought I became a slave? This..." He gestured around the construction site. "I'm supervising the construction of a hot spring bathhouse. This will be one of our city's recreational facilities."

Hiyori became even more confused. A hot spring bathhouse? Our city?

The two then sat on a wooden bench Amano had created nearby, sharing their stories. Hiyori recounted how she was discarded by the hero party, felt the bitterness of abandonment, and how she eventually heard rumors about this nation. Meanwhile, Amano told his complete story, from his lowest point until he decided to build this New Gelmist Federation. He explained his vision, his determination to create a fair place for all outcasts, and how he used his skills to build this modern civilization.

As Amano was explaining with enthusiasm, suddenly Kikuchi-sensei's voice drifted over from the main street. "Oh, rupanya kau di sini, Amano? Aku mencarimu."

Amano and Hiyori turned simultaneously. Kikuchi-sensei approached with a gentle smile and eyes twinkling with meaning. "Ara-ara, look who just arrived!" she said, her gaze shifting to Hiyori with an even wider smile.

"Sensei?" Hiyori was surprised again, this time seeing her teacher in an unexpected place and time. "You... you came to isekai too?"

"Yes, something like that," Kikuchi-sensei replied, approaching. "And I'm now working for Amano-kun here, helping with diplomatic relations."

They were then interrupted by a group of schoolchildren, just returning home, in neat uniforms and cheerful faces, running past the alley. They stopped briefly, their eyes sparkling as they looked at Amano.

"Look! Look, Lord Amano!" one beastkin child happily exclaimed, pointing at Amano. "Lord Amano is supervising the hot spring bathhouse construction!"

"Greetings, Lord Amano!" the other children shouted in unison, bowing respectfully, before running home again with joyous laughter.

Hiyori was stunned. Her eyes widened, looking at Amano with a completely new gaze. "Lord... Amano?" she murmured, her lips slightly parted. So... Amano didn't just survive, he... he was the leader of all this?

Amano merely smiled awkwardly. He scratched his head. "Well... something like that. They call me that."

They then headed to a comfortable modern restaurant, one of the many facilities Amano had built, to share more stories and celebrate this unexpected reunion. Amidst delicious dishes and a warm atmosphere, Hiyori listened carefully to Kikuchi-sensei's story, and also how she now served as a diplomatic advisor under Amano's leadership.

After all the stories had unfolded, Hiyori suddenly stood up from her chair. With a serious expression and a determined gaze, she bowed deeply before Amano and Kikuchi-sensei.

"Lord Amano," Hiyori said with a firm voice, "I know I may not be worthy, and I once... I am deeply regretful. But, please, allow me to join. I want to be a part of this federation!" She raised her face, looking at Amano with pleading eyes. "Although I no longer have a 'party' to join, I want to offer my abilities. I... I once aspired to be a doctor. I deeply understand how doctors and medicine work. I can be your medical personnel!"

Amano looked at Hiyori. There was a slight pang of pain in his heart, a remnant of past abandonment. However, he saw sincerity and strong determination in Hiyori's eyes. More than that, he saw potential and a desperate need for medical expertise in his new federation. For him, the most important thing now was to build everyone's dreams, including a second chance for those who wished to contribute.

"Alright, Hiyori," Amano replied, a faint smile spreading across his lips. "I accept you. Welcome to the New Gelmist Federation."

The next day, the Office of the Minister of Health officially opened in Sonka, complete with a modern and fully functional hospital, created by Amano overnight. Hiyori, now wearing a neat and clean doctor's uniform, looked enthusiastic, organizing workers from various races: elves, wolf and cat beastkin, even humans. Both men and women, all worked together in the medical field, under Hiyori's guidance, beginning a new era of health in this new Federation.

Meanwhile, in a magnificent throne room made of white marble and adorned with glittering jewels in the Kingdom of Felda, the atmosphere was tense and seething with anger. King Felda, a middle-aged man with a neat silvery beard whose face was now crimson, slammed his hand onto his throne's armrest. The thud echoed throughout the room, making the assembled advisors and nobles cower in fear.

"Unbelievable!" the King roared, his voice thundering. "Again and again! These reports... are you certain?!"

One of the ministers nervously stepped forward, "Forgive me, Your Majesty. The reports from all our trading posts are the same. Merchants from the Kingdoms of Baron, Costa, even Gulmist, all of them... they all now prefer to trade with this New Federation, wherever it came from."

"The New Gelmist Federation!" King Felda growled. "A nation on the verge of collapse, now daring to steal our market?! What do they possess that those greedy merchants are turning away from the great Kingdom of Felda?!"

"According to our spy reports, Your Majesty," another minister ventured. "They offer agricultural products that are much fresher and cheaper, daily necessities like soap and shampoo of a quality we've never encountered, and most astonishingly... they have incredibly low, almost nonexistent, tax policies for foreign merchants."

King Felda's rage intensified. Low taxes meant massive losses for his royal treasury. This was not just a matter of competition; it was an insult to his economic dominance. "Nonsense! A country always on the brink of ruin cannot possibly have such resources. This must be a cunning trick!"

"Your Majesty!" Suddenly, a firm yet calming voice broke the tension. Vionna Angelica, Princess of the Kingdom of Felda, stepped forward gracefully. Her red hair shimmered under the candlelight, and her eyes radiated intelligence and resolve. She wore a beautiful yet unostentatious gown, showing her readiness for matters of state. Sarah, her loyal bodyguard and maid, stood alert behind her.

"Princess Vionna," King Felda looked at his daughter, his anger slightly subsiding, replaced by an expression of weariness and frustration. "You have heard the reports. Our kingdom is suffering great losses. Our prestige is at stake."

Vionna nodded, her expression serious. "I have heard, Father. And I suspect there is more than just 'coincidence' behind all this. A nation so poor would not suddenly be able to produce such advanced products and technology, let alone with such extreme tax policies." She glanced at the still-trembling ministers. "Unless, there is someone with unusual power and vision behind it."

King Felda looked at his daughter, a flash of thought crossing his eyes. "In that case, Vionna. I commission you. Go to... this New Gelmist Federation. Investigate what is truly happening. Find out what their strength is, who is leading them, and why they are so bold as to challenge the existing order. And... find a way to stop these losses. If necessary, assert the position of the Kingdom of Felda!"

Vionna bowed respectfully. "I shall fulfill your command, King Father. I will return with all the answers."

With burning determination in her eyes, Princess Vionna Angelica left the throne room. The investigative mission given by her father, though born of anger, now led her towards a modern civilization she had never imagined, and towards a meeting with the mysterious figure who had changed the fate of a dying kingdom.

At that very moment, concealed within the shadows of the Felda castle, a cloaked spy from the Zomun nation murmured into a hidden communication device. Their voice was laced with cold malice. "Target is in sight. Commence the assassination. Let's prove to that senile old king that the true Felda belongs to the people, not his corrupt lineage."

Hidden amongst the bustling streets, another Zomun agent, disguised as a common merchant, subtly signaled a driver. The carriage belonging to Princess Vionna, laden with her guards, was cunningly diverted. Instead of the safe, established road, its wheels now veered onto a rarely used forest path—a shortcut, deceptively, leading deep into the shadows where no princess should ever tread. The night awaited.