Chapter 191 — The Birth of Meridian
S.C. 1512 — Early Spring
Hidden Island — Central Planning Hall
The meeting hall wasn't even fully finished.
Half the walls still showed exposed titan-wood frames.
The large windows lacked shutters.
Tools lay scattered across the floor.
But everyone present stood straight, silent, waiting.
Ren stood at the front of the long wooden table, Zemo at his side, Kiro beside him, and Mira standing with her hands clasped neatly.
Behind them—
Leo, Bram, and over 40 selected refugees stood ready.
And outside, workers, builders, and newly evolved sub-races were gathering silently around the hall, hoping to hear even a fragment of the speech.
The dawn sunlight flowed through the window frames as Ren began.
He placed one hand on the table and spoke calmly:
"Today is the beginning of the real future."
The room stiffened.
1. A New Reality
Ren lifted a wooden folder containing the economic reports.
"In the last four months, we built an island.
A haven.
Homes.
Farms.
Genetic enhancements.
First-generation industrial machines.
A shipyard capable of building giants."
He paused.
"And now… we must run it like a true force."
Kiro stepped forward.
"In this sea, survival isn't enough.
We need identity.
Structure.
A name."
Ren nodded slowly.
"A banner to gather around."
He placed a hand over a sheet.
It showed a symbol:
A rising sun over a curved horizon, three rays green, silver, and red.
Ren looked up.
"From today onward—this island, our people, and all business we conduct…
will be known as the Meridian Group."
A soft murmur vibrated through the hall.
The new name settled like a foundation stone.
2. Three Divisions
Ren revealed three symbols—simple, but sharp.
NEW DAWN
A rising golden sun.
Elite traders. Luxury brand.
SILVER MOON
A silver crescent.
Main merchant body and builders.
CRIMSON HAND
A red, open palm.
Shadow network. Intelligence and infiltration.
The room fell into dead silence at the third one.
Ren rarely spoke of the darker work needed in this world.
His voice lowered slightly.
"These three divisions will build, protect, and expand our name throughout East Blue.
Each of you will choose your path.
But remember—each division carries weight and responsibility."
He turned to his three lieutenants.
3. Kiro's Appointment
Ren looked at Kiro.
"You will command New Dawn."
Kiro didn't respond immediately. He inhaled deeply, shoulders stiffening.
"Luxury goods. High-value trade. Diplomatic interactions.
You will speak for Meridian in noble territories."
Kiro bowed slightly.
"Understood."
Ren placed a hand on his shoulder.
"You built yourself from nothing.
Now build this division."
Kiro's eyes sharpened with purpose.
4. Mira's Appointment
Mira stepped forward.
Her presence was gentler, but her gaze was intense.
Ren handed her the silver crescent emblem.
"You will lead Silver Moon."
She looked shocked.
"M-Me?"
Ren nodded firmly.
"You understand people.
You understand survival.
You know what it means to go hungry—and what it means to rebuild a life."
He gestured to the workers outside.
"They trust you. Follow you.
You have the strength and the heart to guide them."
Mira's lips trembled slightly before she controlled herself.
"I… I won't fail you."
"I know."
5. Crimson Hand
Ren placed the crimson emblem on the table.
"This division has no members yet.
But one day… it will protect all we build from the shadows."
No one dared speak.
Everyone understood the weight behind that decision.
6. The Oath of Meridian
Ren unrolled a long parchment.
"This is the oath of Meridian.
All members, regardless of division, will follow it."
His voice carried like a steady tide.
Oath of Meridian
"Against the greed that stains the sea,
We stand with truth and unity.
Through storm, through fire, through darkest end—
Meridian lives.
Meridian defends."
Every person in the hall repeated it quietly.
A wave of unity swept through the crowd, grounding their purpose.
7. The First Meridian Ship
Ren gestured to the shipyard blueprint pinned to the wall.
"The ship we build next will be the first vessel to bear our name."
A hush fell.
Ren continued:
"A merchant-class vessel.
Fast.
Armored with titan-wood.
Fitted with second-gen steam assist.
Storage for long voyages.
Weapon mounts in case of pirates."
Leo whispered, "A true flag ship…"
Ren nodded.
"And New Dawn will sail it."
Kiro's eyes widened.
"I'll ready myself."
8. The Shadow Cost of Power
Ren's voice lowered.
"Our strength will draw enemies."
Everyone tensed.
"The nobles of Goa.
Pirates of East Blue.
Rival merchants.
Even the Navy, if we grow too fast."
He raised the Golden Sun emblem.
"But we won't be crushed."
His telepathic presence flickered faintly— only Zemo sensed it fully.
"We have science.
We have strength.
We have unity.
And soon… we will have power no small kingdom can ignore."
Silence.
Then Zemo barked loudly, tail flicking.
Many people laughed, the tension breaking.
9. Evening — A Name Echoes
By nightfall, people still whispered:
"Meridian… Meridian… Meridian…"
Children repeated the oath like a song.
Women traced the symbols into wooden boards.
Even the genetically modified animals seemed calmer, as if sensing the shift in the air.
Ren stood alone at the high cliff, watching torches flicker across the island.
Zemo sat beside him.
Kiro, Mira, Leo, Bram, and two dozen workers gathered below, setting up new storage tents with renewed energy.
Ren whispered,
"It begins."
Zemo pressed against his leg.
The Merchant Group Meridian was born.
End of Chapter 191