POV: Chris Blackwood – The Architect of Authority
---
The Grand Council Hall was packed. Every noble. Every general. Every judge. Every official from every corner of the Blackwood Empire stood or sat in tense silence. Cameras were rolling. Every citizen tuned in. The broadcast was live across every screen, every wall, and every holographic feed.
Chris stood tall at the center, robed in imperial black, the seal of the Blackwood throne glowing on his chest. Beside him stood the Dictator—Christiana—stone-faced, loyal, and dangerous.
But today was not about her.
Today, power would be divided.
"Today, I reshape the pillars of this empire," Chris began, his voice echoing across the chamber like the tolling of war bells. "For too long, singularity of command has existed with one arm of enforcement. But as this empire grows, so too must its structure evolve."
He stepped forward.
"Effective immediately, I am creating a new position. One that will wield the same authority as the Dictator. Equal in rank. Equal in access. Equal in execution—except one difference…"
His gaze locked onto the front row—where a tall, imposing figure stood with silent poise.
"The Caniner."
The hall rippled with surprise. Murmurs rolled through the room like a wave, but none dared speak louder than a whisper.
Chris raised his hand and called forth the one man who would hold the title.
"Xavier Blackwood. Step forward."
Xavier, dressed in silver-lined tactical black, strode forward with the grace of a born commander and the presence of a reaper. His eyes never left Chris. No fear. No hesitation. Only purpose.
Chris extended his hand.
"You have led the Black Axe Men through ice and fire. You've executed justice where shadows had no name. Today, I give you a name that history will never forget."
He turned to the crowd.
"From this moment, Xavier Blackwood is the Caniner of the Empire—a second executor of my will. Where Christiana commands through law and structure, the Caniner shall command through strategy and operations. A perfect mirror of power. One male. One female. Balanced force. United terror."
Christiana's face didn't flinch—but something flickered in her eyes. This was no subordinate. This was no puppet.
This was a rival.
Chris continued.
"Xavier will answer to me, and me alone. His words are law. His movements are sacred. Every sword he draws shall be backed by the full wrath of the Empire. And I say this once—anyone who defies the Caniner defies me."
He looked Xavier dead in the eye.
"Do you accept this title? Do you swear eternal loyalty to the Blackwood name?"
Xavier knelt.
"With my blood and my soul. I am your blade."
Chris placed the official seal on his shoulder and raised his hand.
"Then rise, Xavier Blackwood, the First Caniner of the Empire."
The crowd erupted—not in cheer, but in a synchronized salute. Fists over hearts. Silence in reverence.
And the balance of power had shifted.
Two fists of Blackwood now ruled.
And the world would tremble beneath them.
---