Countries and Symbols

Shen and Zara arrived at their destination as the sun started to drop. They decided to walk instead, taking a shortcut that was only accessible by foot. Despite being overgrown and narrow, the path offered efficiency and safety. Their footsteps crunched on a scattering of leaves and stones beneath the cool shadow of the thick forest canopy. Apart from the sound of the wind and the rustle of the leaves, there was a profound silence that piqued Shen's interest.

But as he moved, Shen was plagued by a strange feeling of dislocation. His thoughts strayed to the realities he was aware of—and the ones he made a concerted effort to conceal.
"I'm not really from here," he thought. I was thrust into this world, and it is my responsibility to adapt, learn, and live. Steeling himself, he squeezed his lips together. I must learn every aspect of this kingdom, from how people communicate to how choices are made, if I am to become a leader and safeguard its citizens. I owe it to both myself and them.

Shen turned to Zara after a while of walking in thoughtful silence, his voice tinged with hesitation. He started, "Zara, I notice a number of names on the map—Regalia, Unitas, Maveron. To be honest, I don't know much about the other nations, but I do know a little about our kingdom. Could you elaborate on those for me?

Zara stopped in the middle of her stride and looked at Shen with amazement. With a tone of incredulity, she questioned, "You don't know?" Shen's training had led her to believe that he would have a firm understanding of the political environment. Her surprise, however, was lessened by his honest and forthright face.
She nodded and sighed rather than reprimanding him. "All right, let me explain."

Zara started to describe the structures and history of the surrounding countries without slowing down. As you are aware, Maveron is our domain. In the monarchy in which we live, the king's authority is derived from the combined might of his army and the allegiance of his subjects. It isn't the biggest kingdom, though. Unitas is the owner of that title.

Shen's eyebrows shot up in curiosity. "Unitas?" he said again. "Isn't that the republic?"

Zara gave a nod. Indeed. Leaders chosen by the populace run Unitas. It's big, rich, and strong. However, overseeing such a vast area is not without its difficulties. On the outside, they appear to be equal, yet underneath, there are power battles. Not all people are as "equal" as they would like to think.

Shen arched an eyebrow in skepticism. "It must be a nightmare to manage something that large."

Zara affirmed, "Yes." And Unitas isn't the only one. Emporia is a completely different animal. At least in name, it is an empire. In actuality, its rich elite have the real power. The rich families and trade lords wield the strings while the emperor sits on the throne. Money is more important to Emporia's control than politics. The empire is ruled by those in control of the wealth.

Shen gave a contemplative nod, taking in what she had said. "So, money is equal to power in Emporia."
Zara laughed resentfully. "Exactly. You can rule as effortlessly as any noble in Emporia if you're wealthy.

After walking forward in quiet for a while, Shen spoke again, his mind still focused on another name. Regalia, what about her? I also recall seeing that on the map. You mentioned that it was formerly a part of Emporia, correct?

Zara inhaled deeply before speaking again. Indeed, Regalia was formerly ruled by Emporia. However, they became a monarchy after declaring their independence years ago. Since he secured their freedom, the majority of the populace is devoted to their military commander leader.
Regalia's disciplined army is its greatest asset, but military authority has drawbacks of its own. Sometimes, order can turn into oppression.

Shen scowled as she thought about the consequences. Does that imply that their leader maintains strict control over the populace?

Zara gave a shrug. Yes, in certain respects. However, a large number of individuals accept it. They feel that the freedom and security they have gained from Emporia outweigh the sacrifices.

The intricacies of the countries Zara detailed left Shen in awe. Every one of them had distinct systems and challenges that reflected their values and history. One name, though, continued to gnaw in the back of his mind. "What about Exilia? I also noticed that on the map.

Zara's face became a little more serious. "Exilia. They proclaimed their independence long ago, yet it was once a part of our kingdom. They desired to break away from Maveron and create their own route. However, their independence has not been free. Emporia is currently dominating their territory. Although they proclaimed freedom, it has become brittle due to living under Emporia's shadow.

Shen cocked his head, a hint of sadness in his interest. "What has our kingdom done to assist them?"
Zara let out a sigh and looked away. Because Emporia is hazardous in addition to being strong. There would be enormous slaughter on both sides if war were waged against them. Being careful, our kingdom stays out of confrontation unless it is absolutely essential. Besides, if we attempted, Unitas wouldn't stand by. They favor the current distribution of power.

Shen's thoughts kept returning to the map as they traveled further. He had noticed one particular detail: the weapon insignia next to each nation's name. He remained silent for a while before asking his query. "Zara, I saw symbols for weapons next to each nation on the map. A fighting axe for Emporia, a weapon for our kingdom... What do those symbols represent?

Zara gave him a quick glance, her eyes brightening with comprehension. Indeed, they do. These weapons are symbols of each country's identity and ideals, not merely instruments of war. Consider them to be symbols, such as a flag. Each one captures the essence and personality of the nation it stands for.

As Zara started to explain the significance of the symbols, Shen nodded in interest.

With a hint of pride in her voice, she declared, "The sword is in our kingdom, Maveron." The sword represents bravery and dignity. It stands for the sense of dignity and justice in our kingdom. As much as they use their weapons, our soldiers also hold this ideal.

Zara spoke on, and Shen listened to her words with interest.

The combat axe is used by Emporia. It represents strength and control. Strength, both political and physical, is essential to Emporia. Their brutal policies and unrelenting desire to control everything are reflected in the sharp edge of the axe.

The description chilled Shen, the symbolism of the axe mirroring Emporia's reputation. Zara continued.
The shield is Exilia's emblem. It stands for defense and safety. Exilia had to fight to maintain their independence after seceding from Maveron. The shield is now more than simply a symbol; it serves as a reminder of their fight for survival as Emporia's shadow hangs over them.

As Zara relocated to the next country, Shen continued to think about Exilia's predicament.

The spear is used by Regalia. The spear represents accuracy and self-control. Regalia's status as a military-led nation is based on the power and discipline of its armed forces. They have unmatched dedication and tenacity in defending their hard-won freedom.

Regalia's troops must be proud of their emblem, and Shen pictured their crisp, orderly lines. Zara finally spoke to Unitas.

"The hammer is a symbol of unitas," she stated. The hammer represents perseverance and solidarity. The strength of their people as a whole is what makes them a republic. The hammer serves as a reminder to everyone that their country was founded on cooperation and teamwork.

Shen nodded slowly, realizing that each weapon was a reflection of a country's spirit as well as a symbol of conflict. "There's more to them than just weapons," he stated. "They are identities."

“Just right,” Zara concurred. "Every country has a reason for choosing its emblem; it's an integral part of their identity."

The history, politics, and symbolism of the countries Zara had mentioned whirled through Shen's mind as he slipped into a contemplative stillness. Their trail wound through light and darkness as they resumed their journey through the woodland.

At that moment, a tiny clearing appeared as the constricted route opened significantly. With their rifles at their sides, three Maveron troops stood at attention. They looked like a scouting party in advance. After giving Shen the signal to stop, Zara turned to face him gravely.

"This is a great opportunity for you to begin learning how to give instructions, She stated quietly.
Even if you don't now hold an official position, you must command respect because we are here on the king's mission. These soldiers are waiting for orders. Proceed—talk to them.

Shen's heart was racing as he paused. This was not where he was from. In a world like this, he had never truly assumed the role of authority. But I have to change, he told himself. I'm more than simply a trainee now. To calm himself, he took a deep breath.

He stepped up and did his best to speak in a calm and clear voice. Feeling the weight of every word, he said, "Soldiers, we're heading to the northern pass." Here, list your names and your goals.

After exchanging doubtful looks, the soldiers jolted to attention. "We are Corporal Danel's unit," one of them said with a salute. We were positioned here to guarantee the security of Maveron-loyal travelers.

Shen nodded, attempting to remember the procedures he had briefly covered in training. "All right. Have you noticed any questionable activity along this path?

"No, sir," the soldier said once more. Everything has been silent. However, there are reports of a small group of outlaws close to the border. We have boosted the number of patrols.

Shen sought confirmation from Zara. She gave him a small nod, urging him on.

Shen's mind was racing inside. He was aware of the theoretical aspects of leadership, such as planning and study, but it was a very another matter to stand in front of these warriors and give orders. But as he thought back on Zara's lessons and all he had seen from Sergeant Raiden, the words occurred to him.

"All right," he continued in a more composed tone, "be alert. Send a runner to alert the local garrison commander if you see anything out of the ordinary. Do you understand?

The troops gave a salute. "Yes, sir!"

Zara nodded in agreement while keeping a cautious eye on the conversation. Then she lowered her voice and pulled Shen aside. She remarked, "You did well for a first try." "Make sure your instructions are clear. Your voice should never falter. In leadership, confidence is half the fight. Don't show it even if you're not sure.

Shen forced a tiny smile, relieved but still nervous. He considered how confidently he and his brother, Geno, and Sergeant Raiden would handle such a crisis.