"Detective Jobert..Detective Vera...So how are you both doing?..". (Captain Layla)
Captain Layla of The Aeternum police department was finally able to see her 2 newly appointed detectives. Both of them were employed by direct recommendations of The Black House itself, It was shocking news, as these 2 detectives were actually a famous Adventurer. Apparently, they both were found by The President himself as he saves both of them in the recent Dungeon Raid, Their employment was big news all over Aeternum, Because of Vera Deca grievous injury, everyone would've thought that she would somehow be a stump and be sold to slavery, Instead, Aeternum Government saves her by giving her new limbs and even got her a job as a public official.This surprising act of kindness by the government shocked everyone all over the central continent. This news as it was broadcast in the radios, improved the commoner perceptions of Aeternum. Thanks to that, Aeternum has seen a large inflFortress of Angel, Dukedom of Angela.Due to the Agreements between Aeternum and The Dukedom of Angela, Aeternum has sent 200 of it's Elite Soldiers to trained the 20 000 of the dukedom royal army. At first, the idea's got a little resistance from both the army and the noble generals, mostly due to the fact that the trainee was mainly females. But thanks to the Royal family itself permitted the co-training and mandated that all the chosen soldiers were obligated to attend the occasion, the resistance fell into only inwards in-satisfactions among the prideful group of individuals.Those ungrateful individuals often raise some conflict trying to underestimate the Aeternum trainer, edging them to slips up and trying to make them into a bunch of fools. Despite they trying all sort of attempts, Aeternum Trainer not even shows a hint of retaliating back, Instead, they just scoff it off, let the resistance bunch run off to the other places and continue training the on
"Like I said Princess…The Term and Conditions of our Trade agreements with Dukedom of Angela, was for We the Aeternum to train Your 'Selected Soldier's' Which will provide us with your full cooperation….But now….in just a few weeks, We heard the news that someone on your side tried to tarnish our good names…". (General Bina)A face to face confrontation was happening between, General Bina and The Royal Family of Angela Dukedom was going down at this moment. As soon as Major Colleen leave the palace, 2 hours later, she came back with General Bina, just the 2 of them confronting the entire front line up of Angela Dukedom Royal family. The Queen, Princess Angela, Princess Alfina, and Princess Elfina were sitting on their respected throne, whilst General Bina and Major Colleen proudly standing in front of them.Despite standing in front of the royal both the general and major never once kneel in greeting them, but instead they only light
The day of the duel has finally come, Angel City was in a celebration mood. Festival vibes were all over the city, nobles from all over the nations both in the Dukedom and out were flocking the city. It has surely had been blown over the proportions. The Royal Family were surprised by it, they were actually upstaged by the Longhodge family scheme. Everything was staged by the Longhodge family to make their plan of humiliating both the Royal family and Aeternum 100% successful.When they heard that Aeternum was somewhat replying to their obnoxious challenged and even got broadcast in their radios, The Longhodge family got even happier, that their plan now got even bigger than what they have originally planned. The thought of them failing does cross their mind but, the thought of their winning and the benefits that they will get was far out weight the other possibilities that might happen. The Longhodge family knew that what they have done has crossed the line, they have op
"Ma'am, HQ wants a direct line open..". (Major Colleen)As both of Bina and Colleen was standing in the middle of the field, Major Colleen who got her personal Phone called, she was contacted by the Black House itself, ordering her to inform her furious general. Calmly she offers an earpiece to General Bina."...I'm Here…". (General Bina)Still staring at the man on her feet, she wears the earpiece and talked."[Hello there General, This Albert speaking…Just to inform you, The whole event's will be recorded…and your performance will be evaluated by The President Himself later….Also, you got a direct order from the Vice President herself..]". (Albert/ T.A.S)With the same calm monotone, the transmission was cut and the next thing, VP breathing voice comes to Bina's ears."[Bina...This Elijah, do you copy?..]". (Elijah)"Copy, Proceed..". (General Bina)"[No weapons…don't kil
"<BEEP!! BEEP!!>"."Ughh…my head……huh?..where am I?..<Gasp!>…wait…". (Hwang Hwa Young)The moment her phone alarm beeping loudly to wake her up, Her morning dazed were interrupted by the unfamiliar scenery of a luxurious bedroom. The room was simply like a 5-star hotel room, with modern mixed with Victorian-era design. The Sunlight shines in from the large windows next to her bed, With her messy hairs, she sits up and tried to remember where she was exactly."<Knock! Knock!>...Miss Hwang...May I come in?..".(Woman Voice)Just as Hwa Young wanted to pound her head in frustrations, a knock and a voice stopped her from doing so. With a small voice, she replied to the door and gave her approval politely. The door was opened and a middle-aged woman wearing a full woman suits, the Lady was quite a looker, and more importantly, she carried some kind of seriousness and calm air around her, which
"<Poke~ Poke~>..".Hwa Young who suddenly appeared with a towel in her hand took advantage and start to wipe Mies sweats, she can't take her eyes off his unbelievable stature and started to touch his abs and chest."It's real…also can you please stop poking at my chest?…". (Mies)"ah!..um..sorry..". (Hwang Hwa Young)Embarrassed by her own act, like an innocent girl she covers her face with her hands."it's okay….what are you doing here?..". (Mies)Wearing a simple white T-Shirt that Bang Dae Jung brought to him, Mies asked Hwa Young."umm..the breakfast, it's ready…could you eat it with me?..it feels a bit odd for me to dine by myself at your house right?…". (Hwang Hwa Young)She actually wanted to act angry with Mies and asked him why he doesn't eat breakfast, but as she was standing in front of him, her whole plan was spoiled when she saw the man was half-naked.
In Fantasma the Winter last for 6 months, starting from the month of October to march, at the same time in January and to March. Usually, around this time everything was stopped, even wars were seldom fought at this time frame, it's also the time where the death toll was on the highest rate, millions of people died at this time of the years. But unlike other nations in Fantasma, Aeternum was the one that won't stop developing, various project was under-way it's constructions, what more bizarre about it no people died at the time, no one died due to that cold nor starvations.The refugee who comes from all over the place thought Aeternum, New City were just another fortified city or town that can shelter them from the stampede and winter. At first, they thought this will be the same as other cities, where they will be struggling to survive the moment they set foot in it. Instead, their perception and predictions were proven wrong, the people and the City itself treat them
Under my command, I ordered an extensive military training, I knew that it's only a matter of time before anyone from the Alemia Nation make contact with me or my government. I spent most of my time here in the military base, training my soldiers for every situation."45 minutes…that's is quite good, but it can be better..You all got information to be utilized..yet somewhat you were delayed by a few militias carrying a pitchfork and shovels…Like I said you all are soldiers of Aeternum…each and every single one of you need to be decisive!!…If the target were hostile that can harm you or your comrade, you take it down!!.. WAR IS MESSY AND UNFORGIVING!!…remember this, you fight so that your loved one won't have to…YOU KILL SO THAT YOU CAN PROTECT!!…indecisive will kill you, failure will destroy you and everything you have ever fought for…UNDERSTOOD!!.."."YES SIR!!!". (Soldiers)The practice skirmi
“But that’s not all,” he said. “We’re not just building stores. We’re buying land.”Elijah’s eyes narrowed. “Land?”Andrea arched a brow. “Personal Aeternum-controlled territory?”“Exactly,” Mies said. “We’ll negotiate the purchase and designation of sovereign Aeternum land within Hallerus. Locations where we will build permanent structures—embassies, farms, factories. Property they can’t touch. Not legally. Not politically.”Andrea crossed her arms. “You want to turn this alliance into territorial leverage.”“I want security,” Mies said. “We trusted them once. And they betrayed us. This time, we own the pieces on the board. If they want access to food and prosperity, they give us something real in return. Soil.”Elijah nodded. “No oversight from their monarchy. No interference. Full extraterritorial jurisdiction.”Mies smiled. “Exactly. We build an Aeternum that lives inside their walls. One they can’t tear down without declaring war.”Andrea added, “And when we build those farms and
“We’re proud Aeternians now,” said one local organizer. “But we remember where we came from. If we can help fix the old home while serving the new one, why not?”In university lecture halls, students debated passionately.“Strategically, re-integrating Hallerus into Aeternum’s economic sphere is a no-brainer,” one economics major argued. “We’ll be able to shape their policies from within.”“But trust is a currency too,” another replied. “If we spend it on the wrong partner again, we might pay more than we think.”In a small park in the east district, a group of Aeternum veterans sat on a bench, medals on their coats, eyes on the screens showing news footage of Andrea’s visit.“You remember that street?” one said, pointing.“I remember clearing it house by house,” another replied. “They cheered us one day. Chased us out the next.”The youngest of them, silent until now, finally spoke.“We gave them peace once. Maybe it’s time to give them a future.”Silence followed. No one disagreed.
“Accepted,” Helen said firmly.Andrea paused. “You are aware that this pricing is higher than what our allied nations pay?”“I am.”“And that it reflects the cost of your past decisions.”“I am aware.”Andrea’s expression didn’t soften. But there was a shift. A sliver of respect, perhaps.“We also request that Queen Helen and her full court travel to New Concordia,” Andrea said. “To sign the official alliance treaty in Aeternum, under President Mies' direct oversight.”That stung.A silent reminder: You no longer stand as an equal.But Helen did not flinch. “We will come.”Merrica remained quiet beside her, eyes locked forward, proud but weathered. He knew this was necessary. He knew, like her, that survival always demanded a cost.And this was the only path forward.Andrea stood, signaling the end of the meeting. “Then prepare your delegation. You have one week.”As Andrea and her entourage exited, Helen remained still, her hand brushing the edge of the map of Hallerus that lay on th
“I can prep the full economic framework in three days. I’ll soften it slightly—give them just enough dignity to sign without choking.”“Good,” I said. “Let them keep their crown and their pride, as long as we own their economy.”Andrea gave a subtle nod. “Then I’ll schedule the official visit. They’ll come to us.”“And when they do,” I said, voice cold and precise, “we’ll welcome them with smiles. And let them know who holds the scales now.”Andrea paused. “Anything else you want me to add in the background?”“Yes,” I said after a moment. “Tell them we’ll open an Aeternum Super Store in the capital as a gesture of goodwill. Make it sound benevolent.”Andrea smirked. “And on the inside?”“It’s a spearhead,” I said. “Once we’re in, we don’t leave.”“Understood, Mr. President.”The screen blinked as the call ended. I turned to Elijah, who was already compiling the summary.“Draft the formal invitation,” I ordered. “Summon Queen Helen and her full court to New City. They’ll arrive as sove
“This city is broken,” she said at last.“Which means it’s ripe,” Jessica added with a glint in her eye. “Imagine if we opened Aeternum Super Store branches here. Not just in the capital—but in every major city.”Robert nodded. “We’d dominate the market before they even knew what hit them. Food, tech, textiles. We could monopolize the entire consumer chain.”Andrew chuckled, finally seeing the silver lining. “We’d be heroes to the people. And villains to the nobles—well, if any are still left standing.”“People like what fills their stomachs,” Jessica said. “Right now, they’re starving for quality. They’ll welcome us like saviors.”Andrea folded her arms, surveying the square again. She could already envision the clean, modern storefronts replacing the crumbling stalls. Self-sanitizing kiosks. Subsidized food packs. Nutritional water stations. Supply chains optimized by Aeternum AI logistics.“This city’s a blank slate now,” she said softly. “Their failure is our opportunity. And this
“Minister Andrea, Her Majesty sends word. She invites you to join her in the council chamber once your tour is complete.”Andrea nodded without looking at him. “Tell her I’ll return shortly. Let her know the city has spoken louder than any court could.”The young man paled but bowed again and hurried off.Andrea resumed walking. “They’re ashamed. Helen saw the city, I’m sure. She knew I’d see this mess.”“She should be ashamed,” Jessica said. “But she’s trying. And she listened to her uncle, at least.”“Yes,” Andrea admitted. “That’s the only reason we’re even here.”They continued walking in silence until they reached the edge of the once-thriving industrial sector. The machinery was still, some pieces looted, others rusting like ancient bones. Andrea crouched beside a discarded engine part, running her fingers over the insignia stamped on the metal.“Aeternum-built,” she whispered. “We left it here. And they left it to rot.”She stood, her voice tightening. “No more gifts. No more r
“I come bearing news from President Mies,” Andrea said. “He has authorized me to reestablish economic relations between Aeternum and Hallerus.”The words fell like rain on droughted soil. Gasps. Whispers. And then—cheers stifled by etiquette.Helen blinked. “You’re serious?”Andrea raised a brow. “I don’t waste time, Your Majesty. Our logistics and trade units will begin routing initial shipments within two weeks. In exchange, we’d like preferred trading status for key Hallerian exports. Wheat. Marble. Blackvine spices.”Helen nodded rapidly. “Of course. Anything.”Andrea turned her gaze slightly. “Be aware: the initial tariffs will reflect… the past breakdown in our diplomatic relations.”A slight smile touched her lips. Not warm. Calculated.Helen bowed her head, just enough. “A fair penalty. One we accept.”Andrea’s expression softened—barely. “Good. Then consider today the first page in a new chapter.”Helen stepped forward. “Minister Andrea, may I speak plainly?”Andrea nodded on
“We’re sending an envoy,” I said. “I want a diplomatic team ready to leave within the week. Formal clothes, soft language, but firm posture. They’ll deliver the proposal to reopen channels with Hallerus.”Andrea raised an eyebrow. “And if they hesitate?”“They won’t,” I said. “Helen’s smarter than she was. She knows what Aeternum means now—not just power. Stability. Progress. A future. Her people know it too. They’re already lining up to buy our products again. Her economy needs us more than she’d ever admit.”Andrea took notes. “Do we offer full partnership or just trade?”“Start with trade. Let her work for the rest.”Elijah crossed his arms. “You’re playing the long game.”“Always,” I said. “She showed backbone. Now she has to show consistency. If Hallerus stays clean, stays reformed, we talk alliance in two years. Maybe joint ventures. Maybe intelligence sharing.”Andrea looked up. “And if they regress?”“Then the gloves come off,” I said. “I owe Merrica nothing now. The ledger is
“Shadow diplomacy?”“Shared progress,” I corrected. “No puppet states. No conquest. We build allies, not subjects.”“And if she fails?”“She won’t.”“You trust her?”“I trust momentum.”Silence settled between us. Weighty. Calculated.“She came to the edge,” I said. “She looked down. She chose to climb.”I placed my palm on the table. Pulled up the interlink data from the last ACIA relay. A still frame of Helen and Merrica, standing beside a new council—half of them former commoners. Not a single noble.“She’s rewriting the code of kingship,” Elijah said.“She’s writing history.”Elijah nodded. “I’ll alert the Council of Governors. Phase One integration can begin. Cultural exchange programs. Civil training volunteers.”“Quiet. Measured.”“As always.”I watched the horizon past the glass. My reflection stared back. Older now. Sharper.“Hallerus lives,” I said.Elijah placed the closed folder back into his case. “And Aeternum listens.”I sat behind the presidential desk, sunlight spilli