After the decisive victory of Arkania against the Phoenix Empire's fleet eight, the world map changed. The feared fleet and general were dead. Using this as a chance, the Lornik Islands nation launched a war of independence and, in some months, liberated their country from the now weakened Phoenix Empire. With this, followed the liberation of several countries in the north, and by the year 2045, all colonies except for Solphin and the Land of North were liberated.
Zaphlis, Zerathia, Margus, and Tartus hadn't recovered from operation Heaven's Tears. Dormis and Barkil were out of troops and funds after the Battle of Targalia. Velkaria had the power. But the Phoenix Empire dissolved the Hectagon Alliance. Zaphlis had backed down as well and had accepted defeat. So Velkaria had no reason to fight us. So the whole alliance accepted defeat.
Arkania earned huge support and a reputation around the world. We were known as the Killer of the Phoenix. To prevent future attacks, Arkania signed a defence deal with the Lornik Islands and Centris. Centris was in the centre of the continent. And the Lornik Islands were right below the Phoenix Empire. Our industries bloomed again, and trade began. As the Phoenix Empire had lost its control over the world and had gone weak, they were forced to give us funds for rebuilding the country.
Even after this, the destruction spread in Arkania couldn't be repaired with trade and industries. It required years, not just a few years, but decades. But with effective planning, the goal could be achieved. We lost approximately 208,000 soldiers, 112,000 civilians due to war and starvation. The financial loss was estimated to be above 45 billion Arkis. It could have been more, but the workers in the industries didn't take any wages during the war and not even after it ended. They said we are doing this for our own country, we don't need payment for it. The victory of Arkania is enough for us.
Arkania began to develop again. The aid from the Lornik Islands and Centris helped us a lot. We didn't make any blind deals, unlike before. We did what was important for the country. We sold some resources and kept the rare ones for ourselves. So after five years of destructive war, Arkania's economy was back on track and our defences were stronger than ever.
Five years had passed since the war ended. I had left my post as army commander after the war, and I returned to being the assistant to the supreme commander, with my authority remaining unchanged. I was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel due to successful planning and the victory against the Hectagon Forces. I was awarded the Medal of Honour and the title of Master Strategist. Alfred was promoted to Major and, at his request, posted in the capital; he refused to leave my side. Barnett had woken up from her coma. Her health improved over time, but she resigned from the army, stating she wanted to spend more time with her parents. At my grandmother's request, she was married to me last year. The supreme commander was personally quite shocked.
"That was…unexpected." This was his response to the news.
Actually, Barnett, Alfred, and I never saw that coming. When the news reached me and when the two of us met, we both looked at each other like we were ancient enemies. Well, it was true, and we got married.
I remember the day ten years ago. The day the war began. I always wished for peace. But now, when I think about my time in the war. I am sure the 14-year-old knucklehead Martin would have never imagined this. But I fought, alongside Valkin, Ferry, Barnett, Alfred, Captain Pierson, Captain Tyrnik, and many soldiers of the Crescent Army. I still remember my father's words.
"But whenever you get the chance to fight for Arkania, give it your all."
And I was delighted that I was able to fulfil his words. After ten years of endless struggle, I had achieved the peace I had dreamed of. And one thing more.
Father, I know how beautiful my mother was.
And with this, my tale, the tale of Martin Arkila, in the Hectagon War ends.
Martin stopped writing and began looking at the words he had written. He had tears. He looked outside the window of his room and saw children playing. He wiped his tears and closed his diary.
The 14-year-old boy from Pharkis never thought he would fight in a war. But he did, and after five years of battle, five years of sacrifices, five years of struggle, he had won. He had succeeded in his dream of peace. He had no regret. He had only happiness for his new family and the country.
The orphan, Martin Arkila, had truly won.