Chapter 196 — The Three Divisions Are Born
S.C. 1512 — Late Night
Hidden Island — Central Campfire Grounds
The night was deep.
Stars shimmered over the half-built shipyard, the cranes, the new homes, and the rising walls around the island.
A bright fire crackled in the center of the clearing.
Every refugee who could stand had gathered.
Three hundred people.
All watching Ren.
At his side stood Kiro, Mira, Leo, Bram, and Zemo.
Tonight wasn't about food or shelter or survival.
Tonight was the birth of a force that would soon influence all of East Blue—
Merchant Group Meridian.
Ren stepped forward.
His voice carried through the firelit clearing.
"Everyone here came from suffering."
Faces lowered; memories of starvation, fear, and loss stirred.
"But now," Ren continued quietly, "you stand on an island no map knows. You stand under a roof no tyrant controls. You stand with strength no noble can take from you."
A murmur spread through the crowd.
Ren raised a hand.
"From this day, we build more than homes.
We build a future.
For that, we form three divisions."
He motioned.
Three large banners were unfurled beside him.
White.
Silver.
Crimson.
Each marked with a symbol.
1. The White Division — NEW DAWN
Ren unfolded the first banner.
A white field.
A rising silver sun behind a crest of sharp lines.
"The first division," Ren announced, "belongs to intelligence, trade, diplomacy, and elite protection."
Mira stepped forward, her wolf eyes glowing softly.
Ren placed the white badge on her chest.
"Mira, you will lead New Dawn."
She bowed once, gaze steady.
Ren continued:
"Your members will handle elite business, high-value trade, noble markets, rare goods, and diplomatic contact.
You are the face of Meridian."
He raised his hand.
"Your oath is—"
"In clarity we strive,
In foresight we rise,
We bring the dawn where darkness lies."
A soft wave of approval spread through the refugees.
2. The Silver Division — SILVER MOON
Ren held up the second banner.
Silver field.
A crescent moon above a crossed hammer and wheat stalk.
"For the second division," Ren said, "we need builders. Farmers. Craftsmen. Sailors. Guards."
Leo stepped forward, wings folding neatly behind him.
Ren placed the silver badge on his shoulder.
"Leo, you will stand beside Mira as co-leader of Silver Moon."
Leo bowed deeply.
Ren's voice rose.
"Your division builds the foundations of our power.
You will spread operations to nearby islands, supply towns, ships, and villages.
You will build docks. Harvest. Trade. Defend."
The crowd murmured with excitement.
Ren raised a hand.
"Your oath—"
"Through labor and steel,
Through moonlight and will,
We rise steady, unbroken,
Our strength quiet, but real."
Many refugees nodded, recognizing their place.
3. The Crimson Division — CRIMSON HAND
The last banner unfurled.
Deep crimson.
A stylized hand of five sharp lines curled inward—like a claw or a shadow.
The crowd went silent.
Ren spoke slowly.
"The third division … is different."
Zemo growled softly beside him.
"This division is not seen.
Not known.
Not acknowledged."
Whispers spread.
Ren's eyes sharpened.
"Crimson Hand has no members today.
No uniform.
No public role."
He raised the crimson badge.
"It will be built from those with talent for shadows—
spies, analysts, trackers, infiltrators."
Bram stepped forward without waiting.
"I'll join if you want—"
Ren cut him off with a calm shake of the head.
"No. Not yet. Not today."
Silence.
Ren's voice lowered.
"This division will operate in the dark.
Move unseen.
Gather intelligence.
Eliminate threats before they reach us."
Finally he spoke the oath.
Soft.
Quiet.
Deadly.
"Unseen in our tread,
Unheard in our stand,
We guard the future
With a silent hand."
Even the wind stilled when he spoke it.
4. Meridian's First Command Structure
Ren stepped back so all three banners could be seen at once.
White.
Silver.
Crimson.
He spoke with a clarity that cut through the night.
"From this day—
Meridian is no longer only a refuge.
It is a force."
He pointed to Mira and Leo.
"Mira — New Dawn.
Leo — Silver Moon.
You will lead the first two divisions."
Bram stepped forward proudly. "And me?"
Ren placed a hand on Bram's shoulder.
"You will be the training captain for both divisions.
Your strength will mold theirs."
Bram grinned so wide it almost split his face.
Kiro then stepped forward.
"And me, Boss?"
Ren smiled faintly.
"You will be the head navigator, strategist, and operational overseer for all division fleets."
Kiro straightened proudly.
5. The People Accept Their Future
Ren raised his voice once more.
"Meridian is our banner.
These divisions are our foundation.
From this night, every member has a place—
and every place has a purpose."
The refugees bowed.
Some cried quietly.
Some clenched fists.
Some whispered their new allegiance.
Ren felt the weight settle on his shoulders.
But it wasn't a burden.
It was responsibility.
It was purpose.
It was the future.
Zemo barked sharply once.
Ren spoke the final words:
"Meridian rises now."
The fire roared.
Three banners snapped in the wind.
And under the moonlight, the Merchant Group Meridian was officially born.
End of Chapter 196