Despite the new discovery at the Field Medical Hospital in the Aeternum Wasteland Base, the rest of the base were moving just as the usual. To all Aeternums that were currently working on all of the aspect of the base, be it constructions, management and the soldiers, everyone were doing their best and enjoying to do so, as they all know and proud that they were the one that is selected to performed these honourable, duty, that is to spread the utopia known as Aeternum to the entire world. At the Base Aero Port which is known as one of the busiest place on the base, it was filled with actions, as the constant departure and arrival of Airship on the port and tarmac.“….alright stop backing up!…guys, let’s hurry up and load the frozen goods!…Wizards Staff, please maintained the temperature of the pallets as we moved the cargo!…let’s start moving people!!…Oh Corporal Milk…thanks for the help…”. (Supervisor Rio)“Nah don’t mention it, Supervisor Rio…beside us Transportation
Before anyone realize, the news about the base sudden changed of mission objectives has become spread all over the base and already reached Aeternum Mainland, all thanks to a single group conversation at the Tarmac, all the flight staff of the Airships that docks at the base, started to go around asking about these matters, as they have heard of it from the previous crews that flew from the base to Aeternum. All of the sudden, these humanitarian story from the Wasteland become famous, is a matter of a few hours.“Master, is it true that our Scouts now have an additional objectives?…what is is again….hmmm.. ah search and rescue…is that true?..”. (Colonel Yvone)“Hmm?…well, it was still under my consideration at the moment…I haven’t made it official yet….how did you heard about these?..”.It was 7 in the evening right now, Alessia has gone off to joined the Base wall inspections duty, whilst Yvone is just coming in duty after her brief travel back last night to Aeternum to arranged all
As the whole nation were currently speculating on their own, on whether the President is going to do another unexpected benevolence act or not. Meanwhile at the Wasteland Aeternum Base, everything were still continued at it’s own normal phase. Although just in the Command Centre alone, the fact that the Scouts would be having their objectives added, is already a well known agenda, as last evening the President has already discussed these matters to all the Commanding staff. Thanks to the President that are willing to air these matters to everyone in the Command Centre, everyone has gotten a clear pictures about why the President still haven’t confirmed anything.“Another Squads asking whether we will be doing Search and Rescue mission…….these guys is really have no patience at all..”.(Communication Officer Jane)Among the 10 Communication officer that are currently working inside the Command Center tent, Officer Jane, frustratingly ended up her recent call, with a clear annoyan
Inside of the Command Centre tent, at the Communication and Strategy sections, the Communication officers that were on duty has keeping track of everything and each single time that they received a contact from the A.C.I.A agents that were on the field, they would stands up and go to the Map of the wasteland that is centered around the base. As time goes by, the originally empty map, were now started to get filled. All the information about the terrain and situation around the base were carefully marked, be it dungeons, forest, mines, monster dens. Everything were being marked.The marking on the map is slowly being over crowded by icons, and one in particular that have been recently marked is the destroyed settlements and also the settlements around the Aeternum Base. The numbers of these settlements has been steadily going up, especially the fully destroyed ones, also, right now, there no sighting of any settlements that does not have any damaged at all, all of them were barely stan
In just a span of 2 days since their arrival, the A.C.I.A agents that I have put to task for collecting the information and also building a network of intelligence inside the Wasteland, they have already succeeded in doing so in just a single day. Not only that, these morning they also told me that they were able to also connected with the intelligence networks in the Dukedom of Angela, and already started to works of investigating the Guilds and also all those connected Merchant groups that has an hand in the Wasteland territory, and also covering the facts that Aeternum already set foot inside the Wasteland.Until now, it was safe to say that when in regards it was about controlling information, the A.C.I.A has already got everything under controlled. So since then, I were able to relaxed a little bit, because from now, Aeternum will have all the information that it needs to get everything under control. Also, due to some dig up works and also an assassination works that has silentl
It was on the second day after I received and collected all the gathered information that the A.C.I.A agents has collected, that finally the Radio News Reporter comes to the Wasteland Base for their own coverage of the news. Naturally I have decided and also only permitted the news to only broadcast the news regarding anything about these matters only on the limited and restricted local news sections. Since at these time advertising that Aeternum is now entering and expanding it’s territory isn’t really a bright thing to do. Beside before the base can fully stands on it’s own and functions as any other Aeternum towns or cities, I dared not to have it opened as of yet.“So, Your Highness, what is the Wasteland Base main priority as of now?…”. (Quara Raedrim)“Hmm…for now, naturally it was for us to fully established ourselves in these new foreign land…although we are invited here by the locals….the matter of our safety and security is entirely up to ourselves to maintained….hence, in
Right After the Command Center Building were finished, I immediately ordered for the search and rescue mission to be launched. After all, with these building now up and running and can be used, I can keep up with the Aeternum good image, after all, I don’t want all the rescued survivor arrived at the base and saw that the entire command structures of those that saved them are still doing their duty from inside a tent. Rather than reassuring them, instead they would think that Aeternum is nothing better than themselves. To me, that is important, and image of Aeternum is doing much better than all of them.By now, I am sure that everyone in the wasteland saw that Aeternums are not that much different from them as Aeternum is diverse in race, these people can see themselves in Aeternums, as they were the same Demi-Human as any of them, but what differentiate them with Aeternum, is how better Aeternum are doing than them, not only living a good life and stronger than them, instead Aeternu
10 Kilometers north of Aeternum Wasteland Base, in the area where it was consisted of a small stony mountains that seems to stretch for a long whiles. Originally at the base of in between these mountains were a few small village, to be more precise it was 3 small villages of a small tribes of Rhino Demi-Human, Elephant Demi-Human and also the Grey Dwarf. Since forever, perhaps right after the Great Race war, these 3 tribes has been living in this places for all their history and lives. Naturally since they lived in these harsh conditions lands, it wasn’t easy for each tribes but they still survived in harmony together. Over the course of time the 3 small village already become one small territory but, due to their own stubborn headed mind, they still insisted of doing things and living in their own lands.Lives has been hard for all 3 of these villages, they lived by just mining irons all over their surrounding and also sustained themselves by hunting for meat and also trading with la
The project would take time—perhaps years—but its impact would begin in weeks.“Once the roads are in place,” Merrica said, entering her chamber with a report in hand, “we’ll be able to move goods faster, respond to crises quicker, and prepare for the second phase: economic zone development.”Helen took the report with a tired, but satisfied smile. “This… this they will see. This they will believe.”“And when they do,” Merrica said, “they’ll follow.”Late that night, as the wind howled against the palace windows, Helen stood in her private study, gazing out at the flickering torches lining the city streets. In her hand was a smooth, curved stone from the first road pile—just a plain stone, but to her, it was the beginning of a foundation.Her fingers closed around it as she whispered to herself, “Let this road lead us to a better kingdom.” And with that, the first steps into a new Hallerus had begun.The throne room had seen war plans, council betrayals, and royal declarations. But on
The ministers eagerly pointed out their favorite places from their student years.“Over there—that café served synthetic ice cream you have to try.”“That’s the district where I first saw a holographic opera.”“This is where I spent hours in the central library—eight floors of pure knowledge.”Helen listened with quiet amusement and growing wonder. These weren’t just stories. This was the future.They stopped first at a shopping promenade, where modern boutiques lined the plaza. Aeternum fashion—streamlined, elegant, tailored for form and comfort—was on full display.Helen tried on a pale blue dress lined with iridescent threads that shifted color slightly under different lighting. She admired herself in the mirror. Regal, yet free. She hadn’t felt this light in years.Merrica chuckled as she twirled slightly. “Careful. You’ll make the palace tailors obsolete.”Next came the Aeternum cuisine district. The aroma of spices, imported meats, baked delicacies and exotic fruit blends filled
Meerkat sipped from his flask; eyes gleaming. “Monster cores alone could offset our collective energy reliance on Aeternum’s hybrid reactors. If those dungeons are stabilized and regulated under UNA protocols, we’re looking at a resource boom.”Angela arched an eyebrow. “All that assumes stability. A kingdom can’t regulate dungeons if they can’t regulate their own court.”“Well,” Meerkat said with a shrug, “that’s what Merrica’s for, isn’t it?”They all laughed lightly—because it was true. The man’s reputation preceded him. Hallerus may have signed with a queen, but Merrica had built the bridge.Kaneda leaned forward. “It’s risky, but it’s a calculated risk. We’re not signing blind loyalty here. We’re watching. Evaluating. But make no mistake—if this works, Hallerus becomes the keystone of continental connectivity.”Redwall drummed his fingers on his knee. “I suppose that’s why we’re here. Not to clap at the signing. But to see if the queen is truly changed.”“She is,” Angela said qui
“And now, a major announcement: With the signing complete, Hallerus Kingdom is formally inducted into the United Nation Alliance as its thirty-first member. This marks a turning point—not only for Hallerus, but for the entire Central Continent.”“The UNA, now composed of thirty-one sovereign nations, officially becomes the largest unified alliance in the world’s history—its reach, economic power, and strategic cooperation unmatched by any prior coalition.”“Following this event, Aeternum has confirmed it will begin a nationwide rollout of its Super Stores, factories, and humanitarian infrastructure in Hallerus territory. In exchange, Hallerus will provide critical resources and cultural integration into the alliance structure.”“Public reaction is already beginning to surface—here in New City, spontaneous celebrations have begun in the multicultural districts where former Hallerians live. Meanwhile, markets across the UNA are surging in response to the stability this alliance signifie
“I don’t forget betrayal easily,” I said. “And Aeternum doesn’t forget pain lightly. What happened between us—it scarred people. People who trusted Hallerus. Soldiers who bled for your freedom. Civilians who saw us pulled out overnight.”“I know,” Helen said. “And I accept the cost.”“But,” I said, letting the word hang before softening my tone, “I do respect accountability.”Her eyes met mine. “Then we start again?”“We do,” I said, extending a hand.She took it. Her grip was firm.“We bury the hatchet,” I added. “But let’s be clear—this is not a return to old friendship. This is a new foundation. One built on lessons learned.”Helen nodded. “Agreed.”Merrica exhaled, satisfied. “It’s what both sides need.”I looked at Helen, voice calm. “You have a second chance now. Few leaders get that. Don’t waste it.”She nodded again, quietly this time. “I won’t.”“Good,” I said. “Because your people need you more than ever. Rule wisely. Rule well. Let this alliance be your legacy.”For the fir
“We’ll export more to Hallerus—especially food. You’ll need it. In return, we’ll import more raw ore and minerals. Your mining sector’s still decent, right?”“It is.”“Then let’s grow that. More volume, more jobs, more imports on both sides.”He beamed. “Thank you, my friend.”I smiled back. “You’ll find I don’t just use the whip.”“A carrot, then?”“Always. A balanced hand is how you keep control. Too much punishment, and you push people away. Too much reward, and they forget who they owe.”Merrica nodded slowly. “You’ve become a real ruler.”I stood, offering my hand again. “I became what this world needed.”He shook it. “And I’ll make sure Hallerus becomes what Aeternum can trust.”We stood in silence for a moment longer. The sound of cheering still floated in faintly from the streets below. Somewhere out there, Queen Helen was being paraded through New City—through a modern marvel built from vision and precision. Through a world she couldn’t have imagined a year ago.And now, she’
“They’re… happy to see us?” she asked, disbelief in her voice.Duke Merrica gave her a half-smile. “Some of them, yes. The others are watching. Judging. As they should.”One young woman in the crowd, her hair wrapped in Aeternum’s signature style, waved a small Hallerus flag and called out, “Welcome back! My family’s from Archenport—we’re with you!”Helen felt a warmth rise in her chest. Her lips curled, hesitant, but sincere. She lifted a gloved hand and waved back.Her ministers behind her smiled with relief. The people hadn’t forgotten them. Or maybe… maybe Aeternum’s citizens were willing to forgive, even if their leaders were not.Still, with each new marvel the city revealed, her pride took another small wound.Digital traffic signs shifted in real-time. Elevated walkways moved gently above the streets. Tall towers bore solar glass and climate control systems beyond her comprehension. Everything was clean. Efficient. Vibrant.Hallerus, by contrast, was still struggling to clear
“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.