Whilst the Stammler family Mansion in the Stammler city were in a good vibes as all the Lords were listening to Agent Smith tales about Aeternum, on the other part of the city the night isn’t as peaceful as everyone thought it might be. Especially for the 3 Major Guilds that is currently bewildered as to why they haven’t received any information about what is going on inside the Stammler Family Mansion as they usually does every day or when something important happened. Everything has been a smooth sailing for them ever since they set foots on these lands, not only they were revered by everyone but also they have been living like kings for so long that a mere Guild Master were able to make anything they liked.“Why is that Lingard Joel is far too late these days…we haven’t got any reports from them at all?…even our people in the mansion haven’t come out from that place at all?…did all the lord having a party of any kind?..”.(Merchant Guild Master Relius Jack)Sitting inside on the top
As that atmosphere at the secret top floor of the Merchant guild become more merry, at a dilapidated mud house right across the street of it, were all silence and filled with seriousness. From the outside, the mud house looked exactly the same as any other houses beside it and in the city. But in the inside it was different, because at the moment, the sound of people gearing up and racking their silenced firearms were constantly reverberate. The entire house were filled with Aeternum A.C.I.A agents, which is all of them above Tier 2, it can be said that in the entire Stammler City these is the strongest gathering of powerhouse.“All these greedy pigs talking with each others disgust me!…Ptui!…”.(Agent Spider @ 02)“There will always people like them in these world, 02…these kind of people are normal in Fantasma, we Aeternums were the only kind that is different…as we all have values and humanity in us…03, can you pass me that Flash bomb…I’m gonna blind those bastard the first thing I
“Sir, all assault squads has mobilized…time limit counter has started, 59 minutes until mission time ended….receiving live feeds from all Squads…Stammler City Squad 3 has initiated the Perimeter Operation barrier….no civilians nor, the Stammler City official personnel inside the operation radius…Squad 1 and 3 are moving in on target…”.(First Lieutenant Chiyou)“All communication office stay on alert..monitor the surrounding carefully…make sure that the operation stayed covert…once there is variable comes up…the remainder of the Third Squads will move in and subdued the Variable…”.“Roger that sir,…All communication officers, Opened the secure covert channel to all designated ‘Executioners’…Permission to eliminate Variables is permitted..Permissible actions is Option 2…”.(First Lieutenant Chiyou)Whilst those that were on the field were working hard, those that were in the War Room is also doing as much hard worked as all of them, rather than using their physical prowess those that wer
“As always…Maiden Unit is just too overpowered…Look at that Maiden Eleanor..she is only using a handgun the entire time. Yet she can easily punctured the head of the Tier 3 Minotaur warrior, whilst he was showing off his Aura, that is just insane…”.(Colonel Alessia)On one of the screen, it shows that whilst the chaos were happening, Maiden Eleanor which has become Colonel Alessia interest, is actually just showing a spectacular skills at defeating all of her foes. Whilst dressed in her signature revealing maid uniforms and equipped with not armor and just donning a handgun and a swords, she cut down everything in her path. In fact, it wasn’t just her, but all the Maiden Unit is just like her, they were keeping up with the Squads tempo whilst easily handling their own work and even helping others.“Hmm…as a Chosen Maiden Unit Operator, she naturally has to performed like these…these ladies were still the trainees…for a trainees their performance is acceptable for me…just acceptable…no
As at the Aeternum Wasteland Base, War Room were getting rather tense, the same thing is happening at the Stammler city and also all the operation locations, all the operator as of the moment are already entering the most critical phase of their operation. At the Stammler City, Squad 1 is already engaging with the occupants of the Merchant Guilds top floors, where all the 3 major guild, guild masters and also the merchant groups owners were having their party. For once in their lives they never would’ve thought that they were attacked like these in the ground where they are confident that are theirs for so long.“Who are you?!…how dare you break into these room!!..do you know who we are?..”.(Merchant Guild Master Relius Jack)The first thing that the famed Greedy Pig of the Stammler City Merchant guild could utter from his mouth at the apparent disruption before him, is lashing out with his worthless words of threats. Everyone in the room were drunk and already incoherent beyond measu
It doesn’t take too long or too complicated process after all agents were to get their designated arrested, because after that, for the remaining ones that were left behind after all the actions were handled by the Maiden Unit. Aside from Squad leader Rosee and Maiden Eleanor, agent 02,03 and 04 already dragging their unconscious target out. As the chaotic scene passed, there is not a single person in the room has any capacity to be a threat, so everything went to silence at once.“Miss, what should we do about these slaves?..”.(Squad Leader Agent Rosee @ 01)“...What slaves?…01…we are in an operation ground and procedures…naturally it falls into the collateral damage category…besides…look at them…ending their suffering whilst avenging them are the best that we can do for them…”.(Maiden Eleanor)“.…..I apologize..it was out of line of me…”.(Squad Leader Agent Rosee @ 01)“Good…step out of the room…only come in after the sound stops…”.(Maiden Eleanor)It was clear what is going to happ
Today seems like any average normal day in the Wasteland, and for wasteland people once the day rise come, it is once again a hot sweltering days for all of them to work s they always does. But somehow, today somethings seems different, because unlike before, the usually Market roads or areas in all of the 4 Wasteland major settlements seems a little bit different, seems a little bit too silent, unlike the days before these. And it was more apparent when the stores that usually opened were still closed, in fact the only traders that can be seen on the market, or that opening the stores were the ones that own by the native peoples.Not a single stores that were owned by many of the large Merchant groups open at all. Their doors were still close, even the local labour that usually were already started working by hauling sacks in front of the stores are all currently waiting to be called. These is all seems extremely weird to everyone to the point where they started to feel a little bit
The sudden emptiness in the Market areas and also the guilds of Merchants, adventurer and Mercenary that has been a significant locations inside of all 4 of the Wasteland Major city, is something that shook the entire city, these situations wasn’t just unique to just Stammler city only, but the same kind of disappearance also happened on all of the Major city that have decided to follow in Aeternum alliance. With such major incident happening in the City naturally the City Guards went off ans scrambled to all the interest places to protect the area and control the masses panic. Meanwhile at the Stammler City on the other hand, the anxious City Head Guard, Warrior Kev, just like he just said, he was already rushing towards the Stammler Family Mansion on his horse.“..…My lord, The City Head Guard, Warrior Kev, is in the audience hall, requesting to meet you…it was an urgent matter…”.(Stammler Family Butler,Ben)Inside the Stammler Family Mansion, Dining room, the breakf
“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
"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