Across the Continent
The war had ended.
The ink had just begun.
The Empire's Report
"GLORIOUS VICTORY FOR THE CROWN"
The headlines spread fast.
Faster than truth.
Under the brilliant command of His Majesty, Imperial forces launched a decisive strike against multiple rebel strongholds.
One major city of traitors was purged, eliminating over 30,000 enemies of the Empire.
Despite minor resistance from disorganized rebel factions, Imperial forces demonstrated overwhelming superiority.
The success of this campaign proves once again the unmatched strength and divine favor of the Empire.
No mention of Lisbeth being their own.
No mention of civilians.
No mention of failure.
Instead—
A hero general was named.
A story was crafted.
A victory declared.
The United Kingdoms' Report
"FOUR FRONTS. ONE ALLIANCE. TOTAL VICTORY."
In an unprecedented display of unity, the United Kingdoms successfully repelled a coordinated invasion across five battlefronts.
Over 20,000 Imperial troops were neutralized across four separate engagements.
This marks the first recorded joint operation between Elven, Rabbitkin, Canine, and Fairy forces.
Losses among allied forces were minimal.
In contrast, the Empire committed atrocities against the town of Lisbeth—slaughtering its entire population, including women and children.
This report did not hide the truth.
It highlighted it.
Not just victory—
But cost.
Jax's Statement
It was brief.
Unfiltered.
"We won the battles that mattered. But we failed to protect everyone who needed us."
"The attack on Lisbeth was not predicted. That failure is mine."
"The Empire chose to slaughter the defenseless. That is theirs."
"We will not let it happen again."
No excuses.
No blame shifting.
Just weight.
Editorials
Across the United Kingdoms—
Writers responded.
"For perhaps the first time in modern history, we see a leader claim responsibility not for victory—but for failure."
"Jax Darquebane did not need to take blame for Lisbeth. Yet he did. That alone separates him from every ruler we have known."
"Power is easy to praise. Accountability is not. Today, we witnessed both."
The people read.
And they remembered.
The Streets
The reaction was… divided.
Some mourned Lisbeth.
Others didn't.
"It wasn't even one of ours."
"They supported the Empire."
"They would've turned on us anyway."
But even those voices—
Lowered.
Because something else had taken hold.
Excitement.
The alliance.
The battles.
The outcome.
And one phrase—
"Special Forces."
Jax had said it once.
Casually.
And it spread like wildfire.
Across taverns.
Across markets.
Across cities.
"Did you hear? The Special Forces wiped out twenty thousand troops."
"They say it was just a few hundred soldiers."
"No—it was just Jax and the Vixens."
"I heard he fought an entire army alone."
Stories grew.
Art followed.
Paintings of the Vixens appeared across the United Kingdoms—
Exaggerated armor.
Glowing weapons.
Impossible poses.
Nyxian depicted like a war goddess.
Llandra as a celestial archer.
Bunny as a towering hammer-wielding titan.
Zee as a radiant shield of light.
None of it accurate.
All of it believed.
Because the truth—
Was somehow even more unbelievable.
The Empire Throne Room
The King slammed his fist down.
"It's a good thing I ordered five cities instead of three!"
His voice echoed.
"Or you would have had ZERO victories to report!"
The generals stood in silence.
One finally spoke.
Carefully.
"It is because of the additional targets that our forces were spread thin—"
"Do not speak back to me!"
The King's eyes burned.
"It was my brilliance that ensured this campaign had any success at all!"
A pause.
"Perhaps your troops are simply not being led properly."
Silence returned.
Heavier this time.
Then—
The Queen spoke.
Soft.
Measured.
Deadly.
"Oh, I agree, my lord."
All eyes turned to her.
"The decision to strike five targets… was inspired."
A small smile.
"A lesser mind would not have seen such opportunity."
The King's anger softened instantly.
She continued—
"This was merely a temporary setback."
Her eyes glinted.
"We will regroup."
"And when we do…"
Her voice dropped.
"We will crush these rebel nations."
A pause.
"And when we are done…"
She looked at the King.
"Statues of your greatness will be worshipped across the continent."
The room bowed.
The King smiled.
But behind that moment—
Plans were already shifting.
Truth vs Story
Across the world—
Two versions of the same war spread.
One of glory.
One of truth.
One of control.
One of accountability.
And somewhere between them—
A new legend was forming.
Not just of armies.
Not just of alliances.
But of one man—
Who stood alone in a field…
And declared—
He never was....Alone.