Louigi sat with his council, ready to address new policies.
"Before we march to war, we must ensure Maharlika does not collapse from within," he began, his sharp gaze moving across his ministers.
Lakambini, the Minister of Law and Order, nodded. "The justice system has reduced crime significantly, but we need stronger enforcement in rural areas."
He turned to Rajah Dumagat, his Supreme General. "I want detachments of soldiers deployed to troubled regions. They are to maintain peace and handle any rebellion swiftly."
Rajah Dumagat slammed his fist against his chest. "It will be done, my lord."
He then addressed the issue of internal communication. "We must establish a courier system to ensure messages and decrees travel swiftly across our lands. Roads should be improved, and relay stations set up in key locations."
Amaya, the Minister of Trade and Economy, stood. "The economy is thriving, but to sustain growth, we need stronger trade agreements. Our silver currency is stable, but foreign merchants hesitate to fully embrace it."
He smirked. "Then we give them no choice. Increase incentives for those who adopt Maharlikan currency and impose tariffs on those who refuse."
Amaya smiled. "A brilliant move, my lord."
Meanwhile, Bautista, the master blacksmith, reported on industrial production. "Weapon and armor forging has doubled, and our iron mines are yielding more than ever. Soon, we'll rival the West in craftsmanship."
He nodded. "We must prepare. The world will not stand idle while we grow."
To further strengthen commerce, he ordered the construction of grand markets in every major city and a naval trade hub along the coastline to facilitate international trade.
Kapitan Suma entered the chamber, bringing news of naval progress. "Our fleet now stands at 350 warships. We have adapted European shipbuilding techniques and incorporated Chinese sailing designs."
Rajah Dumagat added, "Our standing army has reached 80,000 strong, including 15,000 cavalry. Our weapons are superior, and our tactics more refined."
Louigi stood, a determined expression on his face. "That is good. But an army's strength is not just in numbers. I want elite units formed—men who can strike fear into the hearts of our enemies."
Rajah Dumagat grinned. "I already have the perfect candidates."
To bolster training, he established a military academy where young warriors could train in advanced tactics and strategy.
Beyond Maharlika's borders, rival nations had taken notice of its meteoric rise. In the halls of Brunei, the Sultan fumed at his spies' reports.
"They expand too quickly," he muttered. "We must strike before they become unstoppable."
Meanwhile, in the Ming Dynasty, Emperor Hongzhi observed maps of the region. "This Maharlika intrigues me," he said. "Perhaps we should test their strength."
And across the seas, in Portugal and Spain, rumors of a rising power in the East reached the ears of ambitious conquerors.Back in Maharlika, Louigi stood before his generals, overlooking a map of the world.
As night fell, Louigi walked through the streets of the capital, listening to the conversations of merchants, farmers, and soldiers. He saw children learning to read, blacksmiths forging weapons, and soldiers training under torchlight. A sense of pride welled up in him.
"This is only the beginning," he whispered to himself, gazing at the vast sky. "The council reconvened weeks later, with reports indicating that Brunei was secretly amassing forces along the northern border. He sat at the head of the table, his expression unreadable as he read through the detailed intelligence reports provided by his spies.
"So, they make their move," he muttered, placing the parchment down. "How many troops?"
Rajah Dumagat stepped forward. "At least 30,000 warriors, mostly seasoned fighters. They are being supplied by foreign merchants—Portuguese and some Ming-aligned traders."
Louigi tapped his fingers against the table. "And our forces?"
"We have 80,000 trained soldiers, including 15,000 cavalry. The advantage is ours, but they will likely use naval superiority to their benefit," Dumagat replied.
Kapitan Suma interjected. "Our navy may not be as large as Brunei's yet, but our warships are far superior. The European-style vessels we have built are faster and more maneuverable."
Louigi nodded. "Then we set a trap. We let them believe we are unprepared and lure them into our waters."
Amaya, ever the strategist, leaned forward. "We can also use deception. Let word slip that our forces are divided, that we are struggling with governance. When they strike, we'll be ready."
The council agreed, and over the next few weeks, Maharlika's forces drilled day and night. Fortifications were reinforced, supply lines secured, and soldiers equipped with the best weapons available.
Bautista worked tirelessly, ensuring that blacksmiths produced enough swords, armor, and crossbows to equip every warrior. "Every man must be armed with the best we can offer," he declared.
The capital buzzed with anticipation. Citizens trained in militias, farmers stockpiled food, and scouts patrolled the borders. The air was thick with tension—war was inevitable.
The sun rose over the fortified capital of Maharlika, casting golden light upon the bustling city. The people moved with purpose, merchants conducting last-minute trades, blacksmiths hammering steel, and farmers bringing in their harvest. But amid the daily life, an undeniable tension lingered in the air. War was coming.
Louigi O. Nillos stood upon the high walls of his citadel, gazing out towards the horizon. His once-boyish features had hardened with experience, his piercing eyes filled with the weight of leadership. At sixteen, he was no longer a mere ruler—he was a warlord preparing for the battle that would define his empire's future.Within the grand hall, a war council had convened. Seated around the heavy wooden table were the minds that had forged Maharlika's power: Supreme General Rajah Dumagat, High Admiral Kapitan Suma, Minister of Trade Amaya, and Minister of Law Lakambini. Also present were newly appointed regional lords, each overseeing strategic territories.
"Reports from our scouts confirm that the enemy forces will reach our borders within a fortnight," Dumagat announced, his grizzled face showing no fear.
"How many?" Louigi asked, his tone even.
"Around 40,000 men," Dumagat replied. "The combined might of the Muslim sultanates and their foreign allies. They outnumber us nearly two to one."
A murmur passed through the council, but Louigi remained unshaken. "And our forces?"
"25,000 trained soldiers," Dumagat responded. "An additional 10,000 militia can be mobilized from the villages."
Louigi nodded. "We will need more than just numbers to win this war." He turned to Kapitan Suma. "How is our navy positioned?"
"Our fleet of 200 warships is prepared," Suma said with a smirk. "If they think they can blockade us, they will be in for a surprise."
Louigi allowed himself a small smile. "Then we have options. We will not let them dictate the battlefield."
Strategic Formations
The war council mapped out their strategy. Rather than meeting the enemy in open battle where numbers would overwhelm them, Louigi devised a three-pronged approach:
1. Fortified Defense – The main force would hold the central fortress lines, with reinforced walls and strategically placed artillery.
2. Guerrilla Warfare – Elite skirmishers, trained in ambush tactics, would harass enemy supply lines and weaken their morale.
3. Naval Superiority – Kapitan Suma's fleet would cut off the enemy's reinforcements and provide coastal bombardment.
Louigi personally inspected the troops. He walked among them, speaking words of encouragement."You fight not just for yourselves, but for your families, your children, and the future of Maharlika," he declared. "We may be outnumbered, but we are stronger, smarter, and more determined."The soldiers roared in response, banging their weapons against their shields. The sound echoed through the camp, a declaration of defiance.
From the distant hills, a spy watched the Maharlikan preparations. He was an envoy from the Ottoman Empire, sent to observe this rising power. His reports would determine whether the great empire would intervene in the coming war.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the war drums began to beat. Maharlika was ready. The enemy approached, unaware that they were walking into the greatest battle of their lives.
The conquest was about to begin.