Three years had passed since had begun his conquest. The Maharlika Dominion, as it was now called, had expanded its borders beyond its original lands. From the archipelagos of Southeast Asia to the northern reaches where trade routes intertwined, Louigi had meticulously built an empire of discipline, power, and prosperity.
In the early days of his rule, Louigi focused on unifying his people under a singular belief—Catholicism. Having been raised in the modern world with knowledge of the faith's historical influence, he saw it as a crucial tool for strengthening the empire. He ordered the construction of grand churches in every major settlement and invited missionaries from allied territories."The faith will give our people not only hope but unity," Louigi declared in a council meeting. "It is not just a religion—it is a foundation for civilization."
Priests were trained, and Latin prayers became common in the streets. Sundays were declared days of worship, and religious festivals were introduced to reinforce cultural identity. Though resistance arose in certain regions, Louigi personally visited these lands, debating their leaders and demonstrating the power of his rule. Through diplomacy and, at times, force, Maharlika became a bastion of Catholicism.
Territories Under Maharlika Rule encompassed:
The Central Archipelago(The Visayas region, including Cebu, Panay, Negros, and nearby islands.) – The heart of Maharlika, where agriculture flourished and trade boomed.
The Eastern Isles (The eastern Philippines, like Samar, Leyte, and parts of Mindanao, known for their rich natural resources.)– Rich in natural resources, including iron and timber essential for shipbuilding.
The Northern Trading Ports (Luzon's coastal areas, particularly Manila, Ilocos, and Cagayan, which were historically key trading hubs.) – Controlled crucial maritime routes, ensuring a steady influx of wealth.
The Southern Bastion (Mindanao, especially Zamboanga, Cotabato, and the Sulu Archipelago, where fortified settlements would be necessary due to resistance from local sultanates) – Fortified lands that acted as a shield against potential invaders from rival sultanates.
Western Outposts (Palawan and the Spratly Islands, possibly extending toward Borneo's northern coast) – Established near former enemy territories, now converted into strongholds of Maharlikan influence.
The grand palace stood at the center of Maharlika's capital. Banners of gold and crimson flew high as people gathered to witness history unfold. Louigi, now a ruler feared and respected, stood before the crowd, donned in royal regalia—an armor adorned with intricate carvings of past victories, a crimson cloak symbolizing the blood shed for unity, and a crown of silver and gold representing wisdom and strength.As Louigi ascended the grand stone dais in the heart of the capital, the gathered crowd—tens of thousands of warriors, nobles, merchants, and commoners—erupted into a deafening cheer. Drums thundered, banners of Maharlika billowed in the wind, and the city square, once a humble marketplace, now stood as a monumental testament to the empire's rise.
The High Priest, draped in gold and crimson robes, raised the sacred crown above Louigi's head. "By divine will and the strength of his rule, we appoint Louigi Lakandula Nillos as the first Emperor of Maharlika!"The crown—a masterpiece of craftsmanship, adorned with pearls, emeralds, and symbols of conquest—was placed upon his head. A moment of silence followed. Then, a roar surged through the crowd, shaking the very earth.His father, Datu Magat, stood at the front of the nobles, clad in ceremonial armor. His usual stoic expression faltered as he gazed upon his son—not as a boy, nor as an heir, but as the Emperor of Maharlika.
"My son… my Emperor." His voice was rough, filled with pride and something else—humility. The same boy he had once trained with a wooden spear had now surpassed him in every way.Beside him, Louigi's mother, Dayang Mayari, wiped away silent tears. She had always known her son was special, but to see him here, revered by thousands, was beyond her imagination.
She clutched her chest, whispering, "Our son has become a legend."
Louigi's uncles and elder relatives, once skeptical of his ambitions, exchanged glances. Datu Luntian, his father's cousin, shook his head with a chuckle."I used to think the boy was too young for such dreams… But now? He has achieved more than any of us ever dared."
His younger relatives, including his cousins, stared in open-mouthed wonder. Some whispered among themselves, struggling to believe that the boy they had once played with in the fields was now Emperor.As the ceremony reached its peak, Louigi turned to face the crowd.The crowd erupted in chants and cheers as Louigi stepped forward. He raised his sword high, his voice carrying across the vast city.
"I stand before you not as a king of land, but as a ruler of destiny! The Maharlikan Empire shall not falter, shall not yield. From this day forth, let the world know: We are not mere tribes or factions—we are a civilization destined to stand the test of time!"This speech would later be remembered by historians as the defining moment of Maharlika's rise. A single phrase from it would echo in history books:
"We are not mere tribes or factions—we are a civilization destined to stand the test of time."
His most trusted generals knelt before him, fists over their hearts. Rajah Dumagat, the Supreme General, had an uncharacteristic grin. "From the day we first fought beside you, we knew this moment would come, my Emperor."Amaya, now the Minister of Trade and Economy, whispered in awe, "History is being made today." Her diplomatic rivals in the audience—envoys from China, Japan, and the distant lands of India—watched with cautious admiration.Lakambini, the elder overseeing law and order, wiped a tear from her aged eyes. "We have lived to see the birth of a true empire."
Among the masses, battle-hardened warriors pounded their chests in loyalty. "MAHARLIKA! MAHARLIKA!" The chant spread like wildfire, a thunderous declaration of unity and power.
Even the foreign dignitaries, some who had once doubted Louigi's ambitions, whispered among themselves. "This boy... no, this man, has done what no one thought possible."
Louigi understood that for Maharlika to remain dominant, military superiority was crucial. Having studied the advancements of European and Chinese warfare, he had set his mind on one thing: firearms.
In his private study, he examined various texts brought in by merchants and spies. Diagrams of arquebuses and cannons lay scattered across the table.
"We need steel of higher quality," Louigi muttered, turning to Bautista, the empire's master blacksmith. "Can it be done?"
Bautista studied the sketches and nodded. "With the right resources, we can forge something beyond anything this land has seen."
Kapitan Suma, now High Admiral, crossed his arms. "Ships equipped with cannons will make Maharlika's navy unstoppable. Our enemies will not see it coming."
Plans were set into motion. Mines were expanded, forges burned brighter, and craftsmen toiled day and night. Within the next year, Maharlika would be armed with weapons that no neighboring empire had ever encountered.
Louigi's Current Stats
Name: Louigi O. Nillos
Age: 19
Title: Emperor of Maharlika
Intelligence: 98 (+10 from experience)
Wisdom: 95 (+7 from leadership)
Physique: 87 (+5 from combat training)
Skills:
Strategic Mastery (Level 5) – Can predict enemy movements with high accuracy.
Diplomatic Influence (Level 4) – Capable of negotiating beneficial treaties.
Military Tactician (Level 6) – Leads armies with unparalleled efficiency.
Naval Warfare (Level 4) – Expanding maritime dominance.
Religious Unifier (Level 3) – Strengthens loyalty through faith.
Mission: Expand Maharlika's Borders
Objective: Conquer and integrate three new regions.
Rewards: +2 Territory Slots, +15,000 New Soldiers, New Skill: Grand Conqueror.