Arius took a step forward, bowing slightly with a posture of manufactured respect, and then spoke in a calm, calculated voice: "My Lady… the first task I wish to undertake is the organization of your great army. During my time here, I noticed a disturbing matter: your army—despite its greatness—lacks sufficient discipline, and they underestimate matters that may seem simple. This is a mistake borne by the army itself, not just the commander."
Nahira raised her eyebrow, a smile gleaming slightly with schadenfreude, and replied with a flash of cunning: "Ah, have you noticed that too, Arius? Well. It is good that you wandered among the soldiers' barracks and inspected their conditions—I thought you were wasting your time on what is useless."
Arius advanced slightly, his tone intensified with firmness rather than humility: "My Lady, I have inspected the guard posts and reviewed the capabilities of the fighters. Their combat strength is good… but their individual levels vary to a terrifying extent: their average capabilities range between five to eight billion—this is a very low number compared to a cosmic-level fighter. Faced with a threat from a single entity of cosmic power, your entire army might perish."
The hall fell silent for a moment, then whispers of fascination escalated. Glances interchanged between astonishment and apprehension; how could anyone here bring strength measurements with such precision? Nahira turned to him and asked in a slightly sharp voice: "And how do you know all this? How do you measure the energy of fighters with such ease?"
Arius smiled inside his chest, then replied in a slightly sarcastic voice that appeared innocent on the surface inside his mind: "The matter is simpler than you think, you fools… a single glance is enough for me to estimate the energy of others. In addition, I have my own organized private army—and on the sidelines, I do not deny that the books I read at our house on Planet Earth when I was young benefited me greatly."
Then he turned back to address the audience in a less suggestive and clearer tone:
"In short: use your minds, and do not rely on vanity and unclear matters without verifying them well, like a banana that looks spoiled from the outside but from the inside is as sweet as honey."
Nahira laughed softly, concealing part of her disdain: "Do you mean that you were using your mind in the past?"
Arius replied, mimicking the situation: "Hahaha… My Lady, here you are embarrassing me."
Nahira breathed for a moment, then spoke with decisive determination: "Well… do what you want, Arius. As for me, I will leave the planet for three months—to destroy groups of despicable universes and allow the construction of better ones in their place. During my absence, they are all completely at your disposal. Do with them as you wish, and without hesitation, my dear."
A single, unified cry echoed through the hall: "Understood, my lord!" Then batch after batch exited, bowing and withdrawing.
Nahira remained seated for a short minute, watching Arius with an eye gleaming with calculations undisclosed by her face, then she turned and left—leaving behind the echo of a decision whose consequences would soon manifest.
Arius smiled in silence, saying to himself with calculated coldness: "Well… let's begin the hard work." Then he turned to one of those present and called out to him: "You there." The man raised his head and replied with disciplined respect: "Yes, sir." Arius asked him in a short, clear voice: "What is your job?" The man replied seriously: "I am responsible for organizing the resources sent to the soldiers—foodstuffs, supplies, medical equipment…" Arius nodded with slight satisfaction and said: "Good. And is there anyone among you who handles training matters?" A girl with a pale gaze stepped forward with professional coldness, saying in a steady voice: "I am, sir—responsible for the instructors who train the entire army." A sign of approval appeared on his face, so he ordered her immediately: "I want you to gather all the instructors now in a closed hall. And you—the resource manager—prepare a detailed report on everything that enters and exits: food, clothes, armor, medical equipment… everything." The manager replied quickly: "Your command, sir!" and hurried off to execute the orders. Likewise, the training manager moved immediately: "I will gather them at once, sir." Arius left them to turn toward Gelius, who was about to depart. Arius checked his step with firm steadiness: "Stop, Gelius." The latter stopped, turned with a defiant coldness, and said: "What? Did you permit me to leave? Who do you think you are to speak to me like this?" Arius's gaze did not waver, and his voice was calm yet venomous: "Remember: I am the right hand of the Lady. This means my orders are not suggestions. And any disobedience will be met with severe measures." Gelius lunged in anger, shouting: "Come fight me if you dare! No one threatens me like this!"
Arius laughed a short, cold laugh and said: "You are truly funny. But remember that I defeated you—and I have no desire to expose my superior to additional anger. So watch out when you address me. Understood?" The tone of rage intensified in Gelius, and his veins swelled from internal anger, so he finally said in a choked voice: "Fine… and what do you want from me now?" Arius smiled a small smile and said indifferently: "Nothing big. I will send you on a reconnaissance mission: Universe 92, Apex of Promise Galaxy—the southern region. Check if it is habitable or not." The color of Gelius's face changed, and everyone noticed the nature of the order: the universe in question was barren, snowy, and sparsely populated—not a place to send a boastful man without preparation. But an order had been issued, and it had to be executed.
Gelius froze for a moment as if the words had struck him across the face. He said in a voice laden with bitterness: "Universe 92? What nonsense is this? There is nothing of note there."
Arius smiled a cold, malicious smile, like one placing the last piece in his trap, saying with deadly calmness: "Yes, I know. But I am sending you to look for resources that might benefit us. Do you understand?"
The fire in Gelius's eyes did not stop burning. He raised his head slowly and said: "Fine… but when I return—you will pay dearly." Then he stormed out of the hall like a fierce tempest, leaving behind the wind of rage.
A few hours later, Gelius found himself preparing his crew, loading provisions and vehicles, and taking a small, selected group with him to that frozen universe. Before their departure, Arius cast his final warning in a solid voice: "Do not return to the planet before a full month has passed. Anyone who returns before that will be severely punished."
Arius smiled inwardly with a dark smile: "I am finally done with this nuisance. Now everything will fit the measure of my plan and comfort—without obstacles."
The hall returned to its calmness, and when it emptied of the clamor of those departing, Arius headed to the private meeting room, where the commanders and officials had gathered. He sat in a seat elevated by the prestige of the arena, and signaled with a gentle motion for everyone to listen to him. Silence spread like a thick blanket.
Arius said, his voice tempered with practical harshness: "Do you know what we will do now? Listen carefully."
He directed his words to the instructors first: "What kind of training is implemented among you?"
One of the senior instructors stepped forward, his voice carrying professionalism mixed with bitter experience: "Sir, we rely on absolute severity. We intensify exercises and hardships so that bodies become tougher and souls endure."
Arius tapped his head as if he had listened to the endings of a repeated episode, then said in a sharp tone: "Good words… but here lies the greatest mistake: that you press to the point of depletion. You do not grant the soldiers an opportunity to show their true talents, so you manufacture a machine that breaks down at the first unusual test."
The faces of the attendees filled with astonishment and surprise. One of them dared to ask: "And how do we fix that, sir?"
Arius smiled a smile that did not hide his confidence: "We will not fix anything partially. We will change everything fundamentally. A new training program, mandatory for all instructors—until you see the difference with your own eyes. This is not a suggestion; this is an order that will change our strength to the highest level."
Everyone chanted in one voice: "Understood, sir."
Then he turned to the resource manager, who brought in his report with organized steps and placed it before Arius. Arius took the report and began scanning it with an investigator's eye; his eyes passed over the numbers as a blueprint passes through a network of strengths and weaknesses. Pages after pages—sources, inventory, expenditures, supply gaps, vulnerabilities in the supply chain. Every line in it was like a painting a commander draws in his mind before rearranging the world.
Arius's gaze was firm, and a decision long made appeared in his features: a comprehensive restructuring—training, resources, and chain of command—until the army becomes an invincible machine, executing his will without hesitation, and loyal to him alone.
Arius stood up, the look in his eyes sharp, like someone holding a thread ruling an entire network. After reading the report with an investigator's eye, he realized how large the gaps were—not just in equipment, but in the very spirit of the army. He raised his head slowly and looked at the resource manager who was waiting for him expectantly, then spoke in a calm but strict voice:
"There are grave weaknesses here. They must be fixed immediately."
Questions gathered on the faces of those present, but Arius did not waste time. He pointed to the first page of the report and began listing his first step like a judge announcing a verdict based on evidence.
"Look at the monetary values the soldiers receive—it is a farce. The lowest wage on this planet, and this kills desire before it is even born. The soldiers are not rebels and will not revolt treacherously, but they will work without desire, without spirit. This does not serve us. The first proposal: raising salary rates radically."
Everyone fell silent for a moment, then the resource manager spoke up, heartened by readiness: "Sir, tell me everything you want to change, and my team and I are ready for implementation."
Arius smiled a short smile that expressed not joy, but a firm decision. He said clearly with no room for argument:
"Start from the regular soldier. Instead of receiving 30 silver pieces daily, make him receive the equivalent of 10 gold pieces—which is about 3,000 silver pieces. I want this soldier to live a decent life, not to stand worried about a family that eats or does not eat because of his absence on a mission. This will grant loyalty. This is the first step to building an army that works with love, not fear."
Murmurs rose in the hall. The numbers seemed exaggerated at first glance, but Arius left no room for objection.
"As for the military commanders—" he completed, staring into their faces one by one "—their ranks are exaggerated relative to the reality of production. Instead of a commander receiving 300 gold pieces, I want it reduced to at least 50 gold pieces. Why? Because the commander must be close to his soldier. Equality is not an indignity; it is a pillar. What actions does a commander provide that surpass the daily suffering of a soldier? If you want a strong army, you must place values where they achieve stability, not where they generate gaps."
Silence was present for a moment, then some of those present began to murmur in objection. But Arius raised his hand once—to command silence. His words were not directed to block ears, but to plant an unarguable idea: an army is a force raised from the dignity of the individual, not scattered by obscene disparities.
The features of the attendees shifted from astonishment to conviction little by little, as Arius's arguments were not just emotional slogans, but cold calculations about targeted loyalty and long-term stability. At that moment, it became clear that a major decision was being forged in the heart of the hall—a decision not just for the hand that holds the sword, but for a heart that knows how to make the soldier a human being, not merely a number in a supply registry.
After that, outside, Loranda was standing with one of the assistants in the long corridor outside the meeting hall. The silver light reflecting from the palace ceiling cast still shadows on the marble floor. Loranda stood beside one of the assistants, slightly tense from the length of her waiting, her eyes turning toward the closed doors separating her from Arius and the council.
Four full hours passed, and the door was still closed. She sighed softly, then said in an astonished tone carrying a hint of admiration:
"Four full hours and he is discussing with them inside... I haven't seen anyone do that in years."
The assistant smiled shyly, then said in a low voice, making sure no one heard him:
"Yes, Lord Arius is completely different from Lady Nahira...
He seems astonishingly diligent in his work.
Lady Nahira did not like meetings at all; she used to leave everything to the officials, commanders, and nobles...
As for her, her focus was directed toward destruction, fighting, and entertainment only."
He approached slightly and whispered to her seriously:
"Please, let what I said remain a secret between us... but I see that Lord Arius possesses a great leadership future... even better than Lady Nahira herself."
Loranda exchanged a short glance with him, then smiled a small smile she tried to hide and said:
"Hehe, maybe you are right... although it has only been one week since his arrival,
yet sometimes I feel as if he has lived here an entire lifetime."
The assistant nodded in agreement and added, looking steadily toward the doors:
"In fact... he was living here a long time ago.
But things happened that made him leave...
And here we are today seeing him return, as if time itself bowed to his return."
No sooner had he finished his words than the door of the hall opened with a heavy slowness, as if the air itself stopped moving.
The officials came out one after another, their faces pale and exhausted,
but features of discipline and submission were clear in their eyes—
as if something had changed in the order of this world during that long session.
And among them, Arius emerged with calm steps and balanced eyes, carrying in his features the confidence of a leader, not the fatigue of a warrior.
Loranda approached him quickly, bowing slightly, saying with clear respect:
"Sir... how was your first meeting?"
Arius looked at her with a slight side smile and said in a calm voice carrying a mysterious tone:
"It was good... not bad.
But I am not done yet, I have only placed the beginning.
I will wait until the rest of the developments reach me... then we will truly begin."
Then he passed beside her, heading toward another corridor leading downward.
Loranda followed him with cautious steps synchronized with his steps,
and on their way to the lower arena, silence filled the place except for the echo of their footsteps.
When they arrived, Arius stood in the middle of the arena, the cold wind passing through the edges of his long cloak.
He raised his head toward the vast sky, and the stars there were twinkling as if listening to what he would say.
He whispered to himself in a deep tone carrying a hint of darkness and resolve:
"The time has come... be ready at my signal, my loyal followers."
The corners of his lips curved into a sly smile,
that smile you only see when the threads of a plan take shape inside his mind.
Loranda noticed his features and said with innocent surprise:
"Sir... why are you smiling this way?"
He turned his head toward her slowly, his smile still present, and said in a calm voice like one hiding untold secrets behind it:
"Because I will soon obtain a great treasure, my dear."
She raised her eyebrow slightly and said with sincere astonishment:
"A treasure? And what is this treasure, sir?"
Arius raised his gaze again toward the sky,
and his voice became calmer, as if whispering to a distant time heard only by the universes:
"Sometimes, my dear...
Silence is the treasure that a human needs.
Silence alone... might save a person from drowning."
Loranda stood silent, staring into his face without understanding the meaning of his words.
But despite that, she felt something strange... a mixture of awe and mystery,
as if every breath Arius exhaled was drawing a new page of a hidden destiny forming before her slowly.
She raised her gaze toward the sky just as he did,
staring into the same void he was seeing,
without knowing that what awaited him was not a material treasure,
but the beginning of the awakening of something much larger...
something for which the beats of time itself were setting the rhythm at that very moment.
After that, days and weeks passed, and Arius began inspecting the conditions of the soldiers, especially the soldiers of the villages outside the capital, to see their conditions, taking many inspection tours and evaluating their status as a beginning. After that, he decided what to do next, drawing an evaluative map showing him that the capital's soldiers were the ones benefiting and favored most compared to the other soldiers outside the capital. Arius sat with himself, thinking about how to contain the problem suffered by the soldiers of the distant branches. Days passed while he thought and thought, until Loranda noticed great exhaustion on him. One day, Arius decided on a matter that might help him, setting off from the palace toward the house of his friend Ramin. Moments passed, and he arrived at the door of his house. The garden was under the warm sunlight, and the breeze passed gently between the trees, while the loud playing sounds of children filled the place. Arius stood for a moment watching Ryan and Ren play, then descended calmly to the ground, smiling as he greeted them. The children looked at him with joy, and Ren shouted: "Uncle Arius has come!", rushing inside to summon her father.
Ramin came out quickly to receive him, a wide smile on his face, and said: "Welcome, my friend! I never believed you would forget me, and why do you never visit me?" Arius embraced him warmly and laughed, saying: "I apologize, man, but the truth is I came today to request something from you… something very important."
Ramin raised his eyebrows in surprise and said: "What do you mean?" Arius pointed to a bench in the garden and said: "Let's sit first." They sat side by side, and calmness enveloped the place for a short moment, then Arius began his speech in a calm tone, full of sincerity and cunning at the same time: "My friend Ramin, I came to you today with an important topic, and I hope you accept it."
Ramin smiled and said: "Of course, ask what you wish, I am ready for you, my brother."
Arius looked at him with stern eyes and a faint smile on his lips, saying: "The truth is I do not want anything from you… but on the contrary, I came to grant you something."
Ramin stopped for a moment, surprised by his talk, and said with curiosity: "What do you mean?"
Arius completed his speech, speaking with seriousness mixed with affection: "I know your current situation, and I know that you suffer to provide a living for your children, and I know your difficult circumstances, my friend. Therefore, I suggest to you—and I hope you accept—to become my private advisor."
Ramin stared at Arius with utter astonishment, and felt a mixture of surprise and gratitude flood his heart, saying: "An advisor? Why? And what is your work, my brother?"
Arius smiled a mysterious smile, his eyes gleaming with calm malice, and said: "I will show you everything in its time, but trust me, this will be the beginning of a new chapter for you, and for what we are approaching together."
The garden was silent for a moment, except for the sounds of the children, as if the entire world stopped to listen to the moment of decision that would change Ramin's path, and perhaps the path of many, with Arius.
Arius smiled with sparkling eyes and said: "What do you think, my brother?"
Ramin smiled with confusion and said: "You have surprised me… but really, what is the work?"
Arius looked at him with seriousness and said: "An advisor… truly, I am not joking."
Ramin stared at Arius in astonishment, then said: "And what is the occasion?"
Arius smiled a slight smile and said: "Do you accept or not?"
Ramin hesitated for a moment, then said firmly: "I accept… but, what really is the occasion?"
Arius laughed softly and said: "Because I am now one of the big heads in this world, my brother."
Ramin stopped for a moment, his eyes widening with astonishment, and said: "What do you mean? I don't understand anything."
Arius smiled cunningly, and began explaining everything to him from the beginning, the details of his mission, the organization of the army, the powers granted to him, and how he had now become the most important element in this world, and a person of very high value to Nahira, more than ever before.
Ramin swallowed his saliva, dazed by what he heard, and said cautiously: "Are… you really Arius?"
Arius looked at him with confidence, a sarcastic smile appearing on his face, and said: "Rather, I am better than the Arius you used to know."
Ramin laughed with confusion, then Arius burst out behind him with a deep laugh, as if a great joke had just been told, filled with confidence and control.
Arius completed, saying: "I will wait for you tomorrow at Nahira's palace, and you must not be late."
Ramin smiled and said with confidence: "I won't be late, my brother."
In a fleeting moment, Arius flew from the place with astonishing speed, leaving Ramin standing in the garden, his eyes wide and astonishment drawn on his face, contemplating the extent of the rapid and amazing development his friend had achieved in just a few weeks.
The wind was passing around him, and the echo of Arius's laugh still resonated in his ears, a sign of a new strength and an upcoming adventure that would change everything.