Aktis Carto II

Aktis Carto was the sixth Emperor of the Carto Empire. He was named after his grandfather, Emperor Aktis Carto. He is known for continuing the War of Revenge with Ilaka and the razing of Kras.

## Early Life

Aktis Carto II was the first child of Emperor Adonis Carto and Queen Cincia. He was born in **579PR** in the Carton capital, Helicules.

His early life was pleasant, spending as much time with his father as they could and looking after his sister, Clodia, who was born in **582PR**. Rather than be forced into the role of Emperor, Cincia wished for her son to have a normal life, letting him make friends and go to more public schools instead of the private royal school.

## Adulthood

In **599PR** Aktis met the love of his life, Seo Fidalgo, at a gathering with their fathers, Emperor Adonis and King Daniel Fidalgo of Gonarundu. Despite many believing it was political pressures that forced them together, the two fell in deep love naturally, spending a year travelling together.

In **600PR** Aktis spent most of his time in Gonarundu, improving relations with the nation and getting a good understanding of his role in the future.

In **602PR** Aktis II and Seo got married, having a huge wedding in both Gonarundu and the Carto Empire. As their love was real they were celebrated by the people, becoming popular royals.

In **604PR** Adonis began grooming Aktis II to become the next Emperor, a task Aktis was happy to take. Throughout the apprenticeship he was taught closely by his father and sent to deal with major political events, giving him much needed experience. To help with public perception, Seo was even crowned a Carton Princess, something illegal for royals unless they are of Carton blood (the title of Queen does not adhere to this rule).

## Reign

In **608PR** Adonis officially relinquished the throne in favour of Aktis II, making him the Emperor of the Carto Empire.

In **611PR** Aktis dealt with the Plague of the 6th Century, a rampant mutant of the Hilan Plague that had killed so many in the 5th Century. Thankfully he was able to take inspiration from his ancestors and ordered many mandates relating to hygiene and personal health. As the Carto Empire was close to the initial infection site in Gonarundu, some settlements were almost completely wiped out, even with the practices. When it ended in **613PR**, the Carto Empire slowly returned to its original status in **616PR**.

Still dealing with the aftermath of the Plague, Aktis decided to reignite tensions with Ilaka as a distraction and chance to conquer more land. This came via insults to current Ilakan King, Athen Kostides, similar to those that Vibius Calenus used against a previous Ilakan King in the Asger War.

Now hostile on both sides, and having the support of the people, Aktis II officially declared war on Ilaka and sent his army across the border, led by General Nilus Eruch.

### War of Revenge

*See: War of Revenge*

The War of Revenge lasted for nearly the rest of Aktis’s lifetime, making it a significant part of his reign. In the beginning it was a huge success for him, his army winning the Battle of Kras and subsequently taking the Ilakan capital all within **618PR**.

Feeling hatred towards the Ilakans from his predecessors, Aktis called for the razing of Kras, losing the world a lot of history with the destruction of the Library of Andreas.

With the Ilakans on the retreat he was able to conquer new lands, sending out new political officers and generals to help calm and assimilate the new areas and people into Cartons. This was a tough task, but Aktis trusted in his officials, offering them whatever resources they required in order for an easier transition. Later he would have to send soldiers as some of his officials used the opportunity to become regional rulers of the lands they were meant to make Carton.

In **620PR** Aktis received constantly changing news. Firstly, he heard about three military defeats as the Ilakans fought back, along with another two later in the year before they were finally slowed down. Anxious about an outcome, Aktis travelled to the new lands and inspired the troops, who would later end the war with the Battle of Old Ilaka in **621PR**, though took so many losses that Aktis was forced to pursue peace rather than risk the war straining on.

Still, the War of Revenge was a good look for the Emperor, proving he had brought up strong military commanders he could rely on.

## Death

In **621PR**, after returning from a parade celebrating the victories of Nilus and the Cartons in the War of Revenge, Aktis felt a severe pain in his chest. Though, after telling Seo of the occurrence, felt better and decided to go to sleep rather than see a doctor. During the night, Seo reports Aktis waking up screaming, the pain too much for him to bear. Before the doctor arrived, Aktis was dead.

### Succession

The sudden death of the Emperor was a huge scare for the Carto Empire. No one had prepared for him to pass away so unexpectedly, as he had always remained in good health. Even Aktis’s son and heir, Astacos, was not prepared for his duty, though stood up for the role.

By the end of **621PR**, Astacos became Emperor, leading a fragile position he was not skilled for.

## Personal Life

In **603PR** Aktis II and Seo had their first children, daughters named Maia and Alcandre. The couple had their third child in **604PR**, revealing a son named Astacos, and a fourth daughter in **606PR** named Nikaia.

Aktis has been called by historians as a welcoming father but a horrible parent. While his children were loved he showered them in gifts, creating a group of spoiled children that were unable to relate to the world outside the rich.