Reincarnated with the Country System

The city of Odo was once a busy center for adventurers and traders, as it was a city near the Mountain range. So this place was once famous for mineral resources and monster hunting. However, after Caspian became king, he forcibly recruited the adventurers into the army and took control of all the mines in the mountains. This greatly reduced the city's business, and the city's fame also decreased.

Two guards stood at the main gate, their spears resting against their shoulders as they exchanged idle chatter.

"It's been so quiet lately," one guard remarked, his voice tinged with boredom. "Hardly anyone comes to the city anymore."

"You're right," the other guard replied, scratching his chin. "I wonder if those rumours are true. You know, the ones about our navy being defeated."

The first guard scoffed. "Don't be ridiculous. Our country is powerful. The naval headquarters in Kuro is impenetrable. No one on the Ostra continent could possibly challenge us."

"I suppose you're right," the second guard conceded. "Rumors spread like wildfire these days."

As they spoke, their attention was drawn to something in the distance. Strange, metallic shapes were approaching the city gates, moving with an unnatural precision. The guards squinted, trying to make sense of what they were seeing.

"What in the world are those things?" one guard exclaimed, his voice rising in alarm.

"They look like… iron monsters!" the other stammered, his grip tightening on his spear.

"I've never seen anything like them," the first guard said, his heart pounding. "Quick, call the captain!"

♦♦♦

Hans stepped out of his armoured vehicle and raised a pair of binoculars to his eyes. He scanned the city walls, his sharp gaze taking in every detail. Behind him, Eric, Edith, and Hannah waited, their expressions a mix of determination and apprehension.

"So," Hans said, lowering the binoculars and turning to Eric. "Should we attack, or do you want to try talking to them first?"

Eric hesitated for a moment, his mind racing. "I think I should try talking to them. The Lord of Odo was a close friend of my father's. If anyone in this city might be willing to help us, it's him."

Hans nodded, his expression unreadable. "Alright. But if things go south, we'll need to act fast." He raised a walkie-talkie to his lips and barked an order. "Keep eyes open. If there's any sign of danger, let me know immediately." Experience tales at My Virtual Library Empire

He then turned to his subordinates. "Surround the city. No one gets in or out without my say-so."

"Understood, sir," the soldiers replied in unison, moving swiftly to carry out his orders.

Eric, Edith, and Hannah began their approach to the city gates. As they drew closer, the guards stationed at the entrance grew visibly nervous. The captain of the guard stepped forward, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.

"Halt!" the captain called out, his voice firm but tinged with uncertainty. "State your business!"

Eric raised his hands in a gesture of peace. "It's been a long time, Captain," he said, his voice calm and steady. "Do you not recognize me?"

The captain squinted, his eyes widening in shock as recognition dawned. "Prince Eric? You're… you're alive!"

"I am," Eric replied, a faint smile playing on his lips. "I need to speak with the Lord of Odo. I hope he won't refuse to see me."

The captain hesitated, glancing back at the other guards before nodding. "Very well. You may enter."

.....

The Lord of Odo was an elderly man, his face lined with the weight of years and the burdens of leadership. He sat in a grand hall, his hands clasped tightly in front of him as Eric, Edith, and Hannah were ushered in. His eyes widened in surprise as he recognized the prince.

"Eric," the Lord said, his voice trembling with emotion. "I'm glad to see you're still alive. But you shouldn't have come here. If your brother finds out, he'll kill you."

"I'm not afraid of Caspian," Eric replied, his voice steady. "I've come to bring him down. And I need your help to do it."

The Lord's expression darkened. "Your brother is powerful, Eric. If I help you, he'll kill me and my family, just as he did to those who supported you before."

Eric stepped forward, holding out a scroll. "You may have heard rumours about the fall of our navy. Let me assure you, they are not rumours. They are true."

The Lord took the scroll, his hands shaking as he unrolled it. His eyes scanned the contents, growing wider with each passing moment. The document bore the signatures of the Lord of Ladar and the son of the governor of Kuro, both of whom had pledged their support to Eric's cause.

"This… this can't be," the Lord stammered, his voice barely above a whisper. "How is this possible?"

The captain of the guard, who had accompanied them, spoke up. "My lord, Prince Eric has brought with him strange iron monsters. I think he did all this with these."

Eric nodded. "These are not monsters. They are machines of war, tools of the Bernard Empire. With their help, we've already taken Ladar and Kuro. Odo is next. But I don't want to take it by force. You were a friend to my father. I'm asking you to join us willingly."

The Lord of Odo sank back into his chair, his face pale. "Even if what you say is true, Caspian is still dangerous. If he somehow wins, our situation will become far worse."

"We don't have time to hesitate. This is our chance to stand up to a tyrant like Caspian. If we don't act now, we may never get another opportunity."

The room fell silent, the weight of the decision hanging heavily in the air. The Lord of Odo looked at Eric, then at the scroll in his hands, and finally at the determined faces of Edith and Hannah. Slowly, he nodded.

"Alright," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'll help you. But know this—if we fail, we're all dead."

Eric's face broke into a relieved smile. "Thank you. Together, we'll bring an end to Caspian's tyranny."