Plans were beginning to fall into motion. Over the next 6 months, the largest army ever assembled in one place gathered outside the gates of Hannover.
With each passing week, the tent city grew and grew, stretching for miles upon the horizon. Soldiers from Simbar, Bulgar and Zandar all gathered for this momentous occasion. They may have spoken three different languages, but many could act as translators, especially all the summoned soldiers Victor had summoned on Zandar and Simbar.
In total, there were 630,000 infantrymen, 90,000 cavalrymen and 2,700 cannons from all of Victor's 18 corps. From Simbar, General Kan Ki and General Gaku Rai lead 300,000 infantrymen, 30,000 cavalrymen and 800 cannons. From Zandar, General Valerius led an army of 170,000 infantrymen, 20,000 cavalrymen and 500 cannons.
Victor did not call upon every single soldier of the Luxenberg Army. The war with the Sultunate would present rebellious elements and the Tsardom of Mikhailovich an opportunity to gain while Victor and his men were away in Asharan.
In total, over 1 million infantrymen, 150,000 cavalrymen and 4,000 cannons had gathered to partake in the war with the Sultunate. This total was superior to the Sultunate Army, which was believed to be roughly two-thirds of what Victor's army was.
When the entire army gathered in front of Hannover, they outnumbered the blades of grass that were outside the city. Victor had never seen the majority of his army gathered all in one place. His sons, Anton and Henri, stood next to him atop the walls of Hannover, accompanied by all the commanding generals and Cardinal Pompallier.
Victor went to address the soldiers, but he was worried his voice would not carry that far. Especially when faced with over a million men. But alas, he had to do his best to try to reach as many soldiers as possible.
In a commanding and booming voice, Victor shouted at his men. "My soldiers, do you hear me!" All those close by immediately stood at attention, while those further back could not hear him, but followed what the soldiers in front were doing.
"Soldiers! Today, we make history. Gathered here is the largest army ever assembled. From three continents, we have gathered the finest soldiers available. Veterans of my wars, it is time for one final war. A war to unite the world and eliminate all those that would dare threaten peace."
The soldiers erupted in cheers, causing a large soundwave that echoed for miles. The noise was so loud that Victor raised his hand, silencing his enthusiastic soldiers. With such high morale, Victor made a very important announcement.
"With you all here, I am proud to announce that the Kingdom of Luxenberg will be reorganised into the first Holy Empire. Long live the Holy Luxenberg Empire!" Victor yelled with all his might.
Every soldier cheered at the top of their lungs. A holy empire was historic; no kingdom in the history of Syronnea had ever achieved such a thing. They felt a sense of immense pride that they were living in such a historic time.
While the soldiers were cheering, Victor dropped to his knees in front of Cardinal Pompallier. The cardinal then performed a small prayer before placing a golden wreath on Victor's head. It was similar to what Julius Caesar had worn in Victor's previous world.
All the Generals and both of Victor's sons applauded as Victor was crowned. This historic moment was surreal for them. It was a shame that the entire royal family was not present for such an event. Given that this was a military event, Victor only allowed his two eldest sons to attend. They were to be adjutants, so it was important that they attended.
With the ceremony and gathering done, Victor then began issuing orders to his commanders. The 18 Corps from Bulgar would depart in two days for Basra, the northern port city of the Hakim Sultunate. It was just under two months away if the weather conditions were favourable.
As Victor descended from the walls and returned to the palace, news of the declaration began to travel. Messenger pigeons were dispatched to all the nobles in Bulgar, alerting them of the historic news. Everyone rejoiced at the news, claiming that a new era was on the horizon.
Victor's family were quick to celebrate, holding a lavish feast for themselves and all the commanders present. Some of these commanders were only meeting for the first time, so it was important to hold such a feast to get them all acquainted. Food was eaten, drinks were drunk, and laughter was had.
After the feast, Victor walked the palace gardens, taking in the night air as he walked through the flowers. It was nice for him to get away from all the noise and be alone with his thoughts. It was hard to believe that over twenty five years ago, this place was merely an impoverished city ruled by a failing Duke.
Victor was reminded of his journey to get to where he is. All the battles he had fought, all the enemies that were slain, all the friends that were lost along the way. It was a long and eventful tale, one of which he was sure to look back on time and time again. But now he needed to set his sights on the future.
The biggest war in the world's history was about to commence. Tens of thousands of soldiers were likely to die. Lives would be changed forever, some for the better, but more likely for the worse.
There was no telling how the war would unfold. Victor could not expect to march into Asharan and easily conquer it like Zandar. Everything in Asharan was different, their religion, their beliefs and morals. If Victor was looking to find another easy war, then he was certainly looking in the wrong place.
One thing that would help Victor was the system, which had a message for him.