I was quite shocked to see that the Forward Operation Base has turned into a small village right now. Camps all around it, but seeing these pictures, to me it wasn’t really a big deal. Because compared to the modern settings, at least here in Aeternum everything around the base is fully under the military control. On top of it the base itself has a strict no access rules and it was being upheld without any compromise at all. Bina and as well as the Base commander, Colonel Amanadea Trident, has enacted the ‘Kill upon non-compliance’ protocol on the entire base.“ATTENTION!!!…His Highness President and Grand General in presence!…SALUTE!!…..”. (Colonel Amanadea Trident)As soon as I turned my back on the cheering crowds, outside the base gate, Colonel Amanadea were standing before me, I can sense no fault on her at all, instead all that I can feel is her radiating aura of a discipline seasoned soldier, a tempered warrior that has gone through countless battles. She almost feels
At 10 in the morning, where in Fantasma, the sun already shining on the sky, and the day was as just beautiful as the others. About 300 meters away from the Agriculture Town Military forward operation base, Right in the vicinity of 3 recently exploded dungeons, a group of Mercenaries were running on their feet, all 10 of them were visibly battered and injured. A few of them were even barely alive with grave wound and lost limbs, as they were carried around by their members. They are the Golden Eagle Mercenary Group, a Silver Tiered Mercenary group from the Hallerus Kingdom, that associated with the Mercenary Guilds, that has been rendered obsolete here in Aeternum.Though Aeternum has not yet put any restrictions upon these opened quest, that only a qualified ones that can take the quest and ventured into the dungeons. Still due to Aeternum recent policy regarding the private organizations, the Golden Eagle Mercenary group felt offended by Aeternum Associations, being not as friendly
“…ATTENTION ALL PERSONNEL!!…STAMPEDE ATTACKS DETEDTED IN THE VICINITY OF THE BASE….ALL PERSONNEL BACK TO YOUR STATION AND PREPARED FOR COMBAT!!….THIS IS NOT A DRILL…REPEAT..THIS IS NOT A DRILL!!….ATTENTION, TO ALL NON MILITARY PERSONNEL…THERE IS AN ATTACK COMING FROM THE WEST SIDE OF THESE BASE…PLEASE EVACUATE TO SAFETY, FOLLOWING OUR SOLDIERS…PLEASE REMAIN CALM AND FOLLOW OUR SOLDIERS ORDER…TO ANY PERSON THAT WANTED TO REMAINED AND ASSIST TO THE FIGHT..PLEASE REPORT YOURSELF AT THE MILITARY VOLUNTEER BOOTH AT ONCE!…AND FOLLOW AETERNUM MILITARY ORDER….”. (P.A speaker)In a matter of seconds, the lax looking and the friendly looking Aeternum soldier, has quickly and visibly changed to moving all over the place, orderly and the looks on their face, is more serious than ever. At the same time, Adventurer and mercenary that were in the area, were quickly act also, they stopped whatever they were doing and rearmed themselves. They dismantle their camps and tent and organized th
Right in the middle of them talking the Seasoned Scar Face Mercenary leader suddenly looked up to the sky and smiles and he pointed his finger up.“Because of that..young ones..”.(Seasoned scar face Mercenary leader B)“…..…...”.Then everyone on the base, especially the newcomers, and also the foreign forces, were all stunned silly and shocked by what just happened. Like a whistle of death and a booming sonic boom exploded on top of their heads, an Aeternum Air Force, Fighter Jet, just whizzed on top of them, and majestically launched a missile at the directions of the stampede. Seconds later as they saw the trails of the missile tails head to the horizon a mushroom clouds of explosion booms out, the sonic waves of explosion even reached to where they were and some were even knocked to the ground.“You see, young ones…here in Aeternum…the military..were not some flimsy nobles that went on a battlefield to play sold
Usually when a large scale battles, skirmish or in these case, a considerably life threatening events that can be resulted in a catastrophic failure of a country chain of command. The person that hold the highest positions in the said government should be evacuated to safety as fast as possible. But on these case, especially right now and with me in the pictures, I don’t really think that way. Nor do I even have any inkling of running away from the battlefield and to the safety. Because, the very situations that I am in right now, is something that never happened at any places at all, and these is one of the greatest way to show all these people, especially my soldiers and also Aeternum citizen that I am different, for me, it was a sure way to obtained the highest approval ratings ever.“You really should stayed on the rear, Master..we should let the soldiers dealt with these stampede, as always…we can risk anything happening to you at all…”. (Bina)“Madame Grand General is right, You
As the mushroom cloud were still blooming on the horizon, a few hundred meters away from where I stood, just barely, I can see the dust that were kicked off into the air, signaling that even though the preemptive attacks were proven effective and have its effects to the stampede, there is still a lot of those berserk monsters that were able to survive and still heading right into our directions. Which to me, is quite a good thing after all, it would be an embarrassing if I already fully equipped and ready for actions and the enemy were already fully gone. Since these was the case, it was time for me to get into action, so I prompt my Assault Rifle on the Protective Cover and assume position of sniping.“Are you going to start shooting right now?…it is quite far away…”. (Bina)“I’m not going to shoot now…naturally…but the situations is warranted…there’s a truck there in front of the entire pack…and it’s ours…and from the looks of it, the monster behind it were getting closer and closer
As the base is currently witnessing something that stunned everyone that were in the vicinity and looking at the person that everyone thought would not be able to achieved or do such of things. Right in front of the Stampede, the Rescue Squad 05, is currently driving their truck at the top speed, pedal to the metal, while the team 2 medic that were on board the trucks were busy performing first aid on all the injured Adventurer and Mercenaries that they picked up all over the place as they made their run to the base.“Captain!…monster on the left side are approaching!!…we can’t take them down!!…we run out of ammo!…it’s giant Troll!!!…”.(Rescue Squad 05 Corporal)“Damn it!…we can’t go any faster…these is the top speed already…”. (Rescue Squad 05 Captain)Currently the trucks were in solemn silence, they are already seeing the visage of the base at the moment, but the chaotic ride, made them unable to fathom whether they will be fine or not. And upon hearing the threat is coming closer
Once the rescue truck that I were covering, passed the engagement lines,as well as the monster behind them did. All of a sudden, the entire base, from the defensive turret all the way to all the soldiers that were behind the the Protective covers, all of them at the same time pulled their triggers. And what had happened just now, is probably one of the most majestic, organize and powerful display of Aeternum military strength, like it was never been see before. Even all the adventurer and the mercenaries that were all have seen, the way of the base being defended, never seen such display before.In another words, it was an overwhelming shows of Aeternum military domination of supremacy. They have never been drown in a loud sounds of gunshots that drowning every sounds in the areas. They have just witnessed and Aeternum fighter jet that reign the skies and delivered an explosions that can easily leveled an entire town or village. Then right now, they saw, just how dominating the Aetern
"Your Majesty, to attempt full restoration in so short a time—""Will cost," she interrupted. "Yes, I know. But the people have paid enough. Now it’s our turn."What followed was a flurry of action unlike anything Hallerus had seen in decades. Labor crews moved out in droves. Merchants were granted tax reprieves to reopen. Public works officials received emergency authority. For once, the gears of governance turned swiftly.But still, the people watched with wary eyes.In the village of Elbarrow, a merchant shook his head as soldiers repaired a broken bridge."They say it’s Queen Helen’s will," he muttered. "But we've heard such promises before.""Aye," replied a farmer, watching with folded arms. "But maybe this time it sticks. She walked among us, didn’t she? My cousin swears she saw her with the duke."Rumors of the queen’s journey spread like wildfire. With them came cautious hope.One evening, at a small gathering hosted by village elders in Merrowind, Helen removed her hood and
"Transparency will be paramount. Council sessions will be documented, and decisions made in conjunction with the Crown will be communicated openly. This is not a move to consolidate power, but to distribute it wisely, ensuring that the governance of Hallerus reflects the will and welfare of its people."Lord Dallren, who had been silently observing, stepped forward. "Your Majesty, such a council could indeed bridge the gap between the Crown and the nobility, fostering unity. I support this initiative."A ripple of agreement spread through the assembly.Helen continued, "Furthermore, to address the grievances of our citizens and promote economic growth, we shall implement reforms aimed at equitable taxation and the eradication of corrupt practices that have long plagued our administration."Duke Merrica added, "These reforms will not only strengthen our internal stability but also enhance our standing among neighboring realms, fostering alliances and trade relations."Viscount Rellan,
A murmur of agreement rippled through the assembly.Helen's gaze swept over the room, her eyes meeting those of each noble in turn. "I have summoned you here not only to reaffirm our unity but to propose measures that will ensure the stability and prosperity of Hallerus for generations to come."Viscount Rellan, his earlier defiance now replaced with a veneer of compliance, inclined his head. "Your Majesty, what measures do you propose?"Helen took a measured breath. "Firstly, we shall establish a council comprising representatives from each noble house. This council will serve as an advisory body, ensuring that all voices are heard and that governance is conducted with transparency and fairness."Baroness Yvette Darrow, her scepticism barely concealed, arched an eyebrow. "And what powers would this council hold, Your Majesty?"Helen met Yvette's gaze unwaveringly. "The council will have the authority to propose legislation and oversee its implementation. However, ultimate executive p
Amidst the turmoil, Duke Merrica found himself face-to-face with Lord Dallren."Merrica," Dallren sneered, blood trickling from a wound on his brow. "Betraying your own kind for that girl?"Merrica's grip tightened on his sword. "My loyalty lies with Hallerus, not with those who would see it rot from within."Their blades met in a fierce exchange, each strike echoing their clashing ideologies.Nearby, Baroness Yvette confronted Queen Helen."Your Majesty," Yvette began, her tone almost mocking, "you've become quite the thorn in our side."Helen met her gaze unwaveringly. "And you, Baroness, have leeched off this kingdom for too long."Yvette smirked, drawing her dagger. "Let's see if you're as formidable with a blade as you are with words."As the battle raged on, it became evident that the Queen's Faction held the advantage. The support of the common folk had bolstered their numbers, and the corrupt nobles' forces began to waver.Count Vorell, witnessing the disarray, turned to his r
A trusted royal scribe—a man who had served the palace for over a decade—was found dead before sunrise. A dagger coated in poison was discovered strapped to his leg. The second attempt followed soon after.A servant carrying tea for the Queen was intercepted before she could enter the throne room. Hidden beneath the silver tray was a vial of deadroot extract, a lethal poison. The servant, after interrogation, confessed that her family had been taken hostage by nobles who ordered the hit.Then came the third, fourth, and fifth attempts. Archers on rooftops. Explosives set along the Queen’s carriage route. Blades hidden in the folds of a courtier’s robes.Each time, the assassins failed. Each time, they disappeared without a trace. Helen knew who was behind it. But rather than show fear, she faced the storm head-on.Seated in her war room, Helen traced her fingers along a map of Hallerus, where red ink circled enemy strongholds. Duke Merrica stood beside her, arms folded, his sharp eyes
Aeternum had taught her a valuable lesson—control is not about force, but manipulation. So, she would make them turn on each other.Helen began summoning the nobles one by one, speaking to them in private meetings. She whispered honeyed words into their ears.“Viscount Talis, I need a reliable man. Duke Rehn is plotting against me, and I require your loyalty.”“Countess Ferros, your influence is invaluable. I fear Duke Rehn is siphoning funds, and I need someone I trust to investigate.”“Duke Rehn, the other nobles are moving against you. You must act swiftly before they remove you from power.”With every meeting, seeds of distrust were sown.The nobles—drunk on greed—were too blind to see that they were being played.And so, one by one, they began to conspire against each other.As the nobles scrambled to destroy each other, Helen’s true loyalists made their move.Under the cover of darkness, handpicked assassins carried out eliminations with precision.Duke Rehn?Found dead in his s
“Then Mies will destroy Hallerus.”Helen turned sharply toward him. “You think he would go that far?”Merrica didn’t even hesitate. “Yes.”Helen stared at him, searching for a lie. A hint of hesitation. But there was none.“He will not give you mercy a second time, Helen,” Merrica said. “If those nobles push for war, if they even dare to challenge Aeternum—you will lose.”He took another step forward, his voice heavy. “And I will not be able to protect you.”For the first time in their conversation, Helen looked away. Merrica saw it. The fear. The realization.She already knew everything he was saying was true. She had just been too proud—too trapped—to admit it.Silence hung between them. Then, at last, Helen spoke.“…What do you want me to do?”Merrica finally allowed himself a small sigh of relief.“You already know what must be done, Helen,” he said gently. “You must take back your court.”Helen slowly nodded, though her expression remained grim. “Those nobles will not leave peace
“Merrica understands that if Hallerus moves against Aeternum, we won’t hold back.”Kasuma gave a knowing smirk. “And you won’t hesitate to destroy them.”I met her gaze, unblinking.“No.”A heavy silence fell between us.Kasuma leaned forward, her voice softer but firm. “You don’t want war with Hallerus.”“No, I don’t,” I admitted. “The people of Hallerus don’t deserve to suffer for their queen’s mistakes. Merrica doesn’t deserve to be put in that position.”Kasuma studied me for a moment before sighing. “Then let’s hope Duke Merrica succeeds.”I ran a hand through my hair, my thoughts swirling. Visma was controlled. Chaos was their prison, and we held the keys. Hallerus, however, was different.It was once an ally, a friend, a brother. But betrayal had shattered that bond. Still… I didn’t want to be the one to crush it completely. I drummed my fingers on my desk. If Helen could be saved, then perhaps—A knock interrupted my thoughts.“Enter,” I called.An ACIA officer stepped in, bowi
The Merchant Guild Leader, Darvio Vinn, who had profited the most from blocking Aeternum trade. His warehouses stored inferior goods at premium prices, keeping the economy strangled in his grip.The General of the Royal Army, Lionel Ferin, who had bled the treasury dry with excessive military spending, preaching about “independence” while weakening their forces with outdated tactics.They had to be removed. One by one, quietly, without causing suspicion. But how? Merrica could not simply accuse them—Helen trusted them. If he moved too boldly, she would see him as the enemy.No, he had to be careful. He had to play the game. Merrica stood, pouring himself another glass of wine. He would begin by exposing the corruption—turning the people against the parasites that fed on Hallerus.The merchants would learn how Darvio Vinn had been overpricing basic goods. The military officers would see how General Lionel Ferin had been wasting funds on obsolete strategies. The court would hear whisper