With the Eastern Plains now under his influence, Jack wasted no time solidifying his control. The villages had pledged their loyalty, and the merchants had integrated into his growing trade network. But control was not enough—he needed to ensure the region would thrive, not just survive. Aetheria had become a beacon of his power, but now it was time to mold the Eastern Plains into something equally formidable.
Ela oversaw the region's economic transformation. Roads that had once been dirt paths were widened and reinforced with stone, ensuring that merchants could travel safely between settlements. Bridges were built over rivers that had once been natural barriers, allowing easier trade and communication.
"The easier we make it for them to move, the more they will rely on us," Ela explained to Jack during one of their strategy meetings. "Every step we take to improve their lives ensures they cannot function without our guidance."
