Reincarnated with a Country Creation System

March 7th, 1939.

The air inside the Volkshalle command center was stifling, charged with an anxious energy that permeated every corner. The telegraph machines clattered incessantly, transmitting a flood of reports from across Valoria's borders. Officers shuffled in and out, their faces taut with urgency, their whispered conversations laced with a palpable sense of dread. Outside, the winter storm that had raged throughout the night was finally beginning to ease, but within the command center, a far more ominous storm was brewing.

In his private office, Alexander sat behind his massive oak desk, reviewing the latest intelligence reports. His sharp, calculating eyes darted over the pages, absorbing each detail with an intensity that betrayed the storm brewing beneath his otherwise calm exterior. He had slept little since the naval engagement two nights ago. The victory at sea had been a significant blow to Ruthenia, but Alexander knew it was only the beginning. Valoria's true challenge was yet to come.

A knock on the heavy wooden door broke the silence. Alexander looked up, his expression darkening as Julieanne entered the room. Her usually composed demeanor was visibly shaken, her eyes wide with urgency.

"Your Excellency," she began, her voice steadier than her trembling hands, "urgent news has arrived from Ruthenia. You need to hear this immediately."

Alexander's gaze sharpened. "What is it, Julieanne? Speak plainly."

Without a word, she crossed the room and handed him the hastily transcribed message. Alexander's eyes scanned the document, and as he read, his expression turned from one of curiosity to grim realization. The message was clear, its words laced with the fury of a cornered empire:

"By order of His Imperial Majesty, Tsar Ivan Alexandrovich, Ruthenia formally declares war upon Valoria. This act is in response to your nation's unprovoked aggression against our sovereign fleet. Ruthenia shall not rest until Valoria has been brought to its knees."

Alexander set the paper down, his face a mask of cold fury. "So, the Tsar has finally decided to play his hand," he muttered. "He's decided that the humiliation of his fleet is worth the cost of open war."

Julieanne nodded, her eyes fixed on Alexander's as she awaited his response. "The declaration was made public just hours ago. The Ruthenian military is mobilizing along our northern border. Their forces are amassing rapidly."

For a moment, Alexander was silent, his mind racing through a thousand calculations. The declaration of war had been inevitable, but the speed with which Ruthenia had moved was surprising. He had expected Tsar Ivan to bluster and threaten for a few more weeks, but clearly, the man's pride had been wounded beyond repair.

"Very well," Alexander said finally, his voice calm, almost cold. "If Ivan wants a war, then we shall give him one. But it will not be on his terms." He rose from his chair, his imposing figure casting a long shadow across the room as he strode to the large map pinned against the wall.

Julieanne followed, her heart pounding as she watched the Supreme Leader's eyes scan the map of the northern territories. "What are your orders, sir?" she asked quietly, her voice barely more than a whisper.

Alexander's finger traced the border between Valoria and Ruthenia, stopping at key positions where their defenses were strongest. "We have the advantage of preparation," he said slowly, as if speaking more to himself than to her. "Ruthenia may have declared war, but they will not find us unprepared. Order General Brandt to reinforce our northern defenses. I want artillery and anti-aircraft batteries doubled along the border."

Julieanne nodded, quickly scribbling down his orders. "And the fleet, Your Excellency? Should we redeploy our naval forces?"

"No," Alexander replied, shaking his head. "The Ruthenians are desperate. They will throw their forces at us in a bid to reclaim their lost honor. We'll keep our fleet on standby, but the main thrust will come on land. They'll try to overwhelm us with numbers. We must not give them that chance."

As she turned to leave, Alexander's voice stopped her. "And, Julieanne," he added, his tone suddenly softer, "prepare a public address. The people of Valoria must know what is coming. We will not hide from this conflict, nor will we allow the Ruthenians to think they can intimidate us."

Julieanne nodded, her resolve hardening. "Yes, Your Excellency. I will arrange it immediately."

The great dome of the Volkshalle was filled with the muted hum of anticipation. Citizens, officials, and soldiers gathered in the vast hall, their faces illuminated by the flickering light of torches lining the walls. The tension in the air was electric. They had heard the rumors, the whispers that had spread through the city like wildfire: Ruthenia had declared war.

A hush fell over the crowd as Alexander appeared on the grand balcony, his figure illuminated by the harsh glare of spotlights. He stood tall, his presence commanding the attention of every man and woman in the hall. The people watched, their eyes filled with a mix of fear and hope, waiting to hear the words of their Supreme Leader.

"Citizens of Valoria," Alexander began, his voice resonating through the hall, amplified by the acoustics of the great dome. "Today, a grave message has reached us from the north. The Ruthenian Empire, in their arrogance and desperation, has declared war upon us. They believe that they can intimidate Valoria, that they can force us into submission through threats and declarations."

He paused, letting his words sink in. The crowd stood silent, every eye fixed on him.

"They are wrong," Alexander continued, his voice rising. "They have mistaken our patience for weakness. They have mistaken our restraint for cowardice. But let me be clear—Valoria does not fear Ruthenia. We do not fear their armies, nor their fleets, nor their threats."

A murmur of agreement rippled through the crowd, growing louder with each word.

"We are a proud and strong nation," Alexander declared, his fist clenched above his head. "We have faced adversaries before, and we have always prevailed. This time will be no different. Ruthenia believes they can bring us to our knees, but they will soon learn the price of underestimating Valoria."

The hall erupted in cheers, the roar of the crowd echoing through the chamber like thunder. Alexander waited, allowing the fervor to build before raising his hand for silence.

"To every citizen, every soldier, every loyal servant of Valoria," he said, his voice softer now but no less intense, "know this: we will not falter. We will not surrender. Ruthenia has made their choice, and now they will face the consequences."

He paused, letting his gaze sweep over the crowd. "Prepare yourselves, for the days ahead will not be easy. But I promise you this: we will emerge from this conflict stronger, more united, and victorious. Valoria shall not fall."

As the cheers reached a crescendo, Alexander turned, his expression one of cold determination. The declaration of war had been made. Now, it was up to him to ensure that Valoria emerged triumphant. He would not rest until Tsar Ivan regretted the day he had chosen to challenge the might of Valoria.

"Julieanne," he said quietly, as she approached him once more, "send word to our commanders. The time for waiting is over. Let Ruthenia feel the full force of our retaliation."

Julieanne nodded, her eyes reflecting the same fierce resolve as her leader's. The war had begun, and Valoria was ready.