The arrival of the Lords and also Aeternum Traders fortunately calmed the masses down before the situations got out of control. Everyone decided to wait, as the Lord are preparing for something, which surely an annoucement to explained the entire situations to everyone. Whilst the Lords and the guards were setting up the place for the Lord to speak. Meanwhile a lot of Aeternum Trader staff, already doing their works. Off loading all the Merchandise, setting up tents and tables.Compared to the lords and the City guards who in the middle of everything, the appearance of Aeternum Traders is far more eye catching to all of them. With their carriage and their neat and healthy looking appearance, it was clear to everyone that these bunch of new people is certainly not a slaves or any common Demi-Human like all of them. What is even more interesting to the masses is when sacks of grains and spices were taken out of the wooden crates and then pilled up neatly on top of the pallets, these set
The first reactions to many of the people of Stammler City, the Independent State of Aeternum is certainly something that many of them didn’t know about, they knows that it was a country in the Central Continent, but what are Aeternum really was, they didn’t know too much about it, and the reason why the Lord were so confident about it also something that they didn’t understand too much. Naturally everyone just keep quiet and be patience as they continues to listened to the lord speech, at the end of the day, for the masses, they didn’t really care who it is as long as they can sell their wares and find ways to feed themselves and their families, it was already enough for them.“All 4 of the Lords of the biggest domains in Wasteland has come together to create an alliance, with Aeternum…and we have decided to discard and expelled the Guilds…Aeternum has provided us with a better options of choice…which will help the entire Wasteland become more advance!…these is what I truly believed!
Once Lord Louis Stammler finished with his transaction demonstrations, he left the Aeternum Trader area, which is now already filled with customers. And decided to looked over everything from on top of the wall, after all, no one will be able to get comfortable with him being around the people, he is the Lord of the city, his people have to stay of their tip toes around him. At the moment, he can finally heave a sigh of relief, because truly the situations has already settled down, the masses has calmed down and started to smile again, the Market Areas has started to shine once again, the local merchants that have their own stalls, surprisingly didn’t opened their stall at all. Rather they all flocked at the Aeternum Traders.The locals shops that opened right now, is the tavern, restaurants and the smiths. All the foods related stalls were all close so, currently in the market Area, the only stall that is opened is Aeternum Traders ones. Surprisingly everyone were fast to adapt, they
“Our President said…in order to reach a true freedom off governance, and ensure that the promise of true utopia were reached…one must be completely independent on oneself…it anyone wanted to create a strong society, do not follow the same path of others….this is how the non-human and the oppressed can truly survived in these world….If we still used the currency that many were still using…they can simply used that currency against us….as the matter of Aeternum competing with the Continent…well, to be truthful…we just don’t really care about what anyone think about us….”.(Agent Smith)Standing on top of the wall, Agent Smith shares his words, for Lord Louis and his wife, they can certainly feels Agent Smith admiration and proud as an Aeternum. Which is something that nearly no Demi-Human has ever been able to show such traits after the Great Race Wars. It an awe inspiring looks by Aeternum. And the Last bit where Agent Smith said that Aeternum doesn’t really care about others thought ab
As Aeternum and the Wasteland Lords has now already in a good friendly relationship after the alliance signing then with the sudden helps. It can be said the situations in the Wasteland has been steadily improved, it has been 2 days since Aeternum Traders from the base started to makes it round every day to all 4 of the Major city for business, the reactions from the masses has been spectacular from day one, and as the time passed by it was only getting better and better. Right as of now, everyone already started to forget about the Guilds and the Major Merchant groups existence already. In fact, currently at all the major cities, the Lords has already confiscated the guilds property and even offers to sells it to Aeternum, which Aeternums Traders were more than happy to buy them off the lords hands.“Master…our operators has managed to intercept all the Major Merchant groups that were able to run away…we even managed to captured those that were about to come in as well….”.(Colonel Yv
Since the initial trades has been successfully done on all of the 4 cities, nothing much really happened other than Aeternum steady rise in fame. Now that it was already entering the 4th days of Aeternum Trades with the wasteland started, the Guilds and all the Large Merchant Groups traces has been fully eradicated from the Wasteland. No one knows about these secret facts, other than me and the operators itself, it was a vicious operations with over a thousand of death counts on the enemy sides, but such endeavour is needed for a peaceful and smooth transitions of the entire Wasteland.As for the results, right now, all the cities has already adapted to Aeternum Trading styles, and even right now all of the people has already get used to Aeternum Currency use. I predicted from the currency exchanged only, Aeternum will gain over 500 million credits, it everyone decided to convert to Aeternum Credits, which is estimated will be fully complete after 1 month or so. As for the matters of
All 3 of them just decided to throw, Agent Smith as the candidate. Which to me, I also think he somewhat capable of doing such thing, after all, he is a great diplomat all these times, Smith is a great agents, his loyalty is also undeniable. I supposed I can leave him in charged for now, and should he do a great job then the job is his. For stuff like these, Aeternum is a little bit lacking, Aeternum is filled with a great talent, but as of the moment, there is no one that we can really use at the moment, Even the 2nd Generation Maiden which I’ve raised to be the leaders of many Aeternum positions, is still in training.Not to mention there is also those university students, there were a few that were capable there that will be able to shoulders some responsibility of a leaderships, but until they graduated, it will definitely takes more time. Aeternum need more leaders, but that kind of a thing cannot be forced, only now that I realized these issues, luckily I have already scaled bac
At Stammler City, ever since Aeternum forces officially entered the city with the approval and invitations from the Lord himself. It couldn’t be more sweeter, for all of Aeternum hidden forces that were working in the city, this includes Agent Smith, who’s has been working as the Senior Agent of the A.C.I.A and also the Operation leaders for the Stammler City, Aeternum Covert team. In the light he’s working as the Aeternum Diplomat, and because of these, he was well known in the city. As of lately everyone in the city can instantly recognized an Aeternums when they saw ones.“We can start by cleaning off the rubble and the plot right now…also we can afford to hire about a few hundreds people on site…since our machinery is still haven’t arrived…and possibly will not be used here…we should just go forwards with the schedules..”.(Agent Smith)“Alright, sir…I guess with a few of us now working as a diplomats here…the people has been rather accommodating to all of us..”.(Agent Spider)“Yea
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.