"Miss Song He Yun, Please have a seat…".
As soon as the door was opened and she entered, the sight of me and my line of lawyers shocked her. For sure she does not anticipate having a meeting with me, Considering as to Ran Hyun Ok has been delaying her request, she was prepared to beg to her again today, but now the tide has somehow changed for her, Probably."Mr. Mies, It's my pleasure to meet you, I am Song He Yun, President of Meteor Dynamics…". (Song He Yun)Greets me with a handshake and sits at her chairs on my right."It's quite a predicament that you are in right now…yet, you are still able to preserve until now…such caliber is hard to find nowadays…".I do find her admirable, it's easy to give up but harder to keep it together when the difficult time comes. I understand her to be exact, a company that you built on your own was something that akin to your child, no matter how bad it is, It wil"I normally don't even care what the company does…because I respected their opinion, but still, since my money was still in their hands…at the very least I don't want to see it got to waste…".The meeting was already ended, so does the mind games between both of us. We currently inside Virtue cafeteria, having our lunch, Song He Yun was pleased to accompany me and seems eager to get on my good side."That's is understandable…but, one thing that struck my thought…why would you willing to spend so much for Meteor Dynamics…". (Song He Yun)"...Because I need it…I want to buy stuff from you…from Meteor Dynamics…".As I said, she stopped her spoon and look straight at me."…off record?..". (Song He Yun)Instead of rejecting, she seems to know what in my mind."Yes..large amount, and fast….I know what you were thinking…this stuff won't
"Yes I invested in it…Don't worry it's only for my personal use…nothing will come out of it that will potentiality affected Virtue.."."[It's better be that way, if any smokes come out…you handle everything yourselves…].". (Catherine)Apparently, she caught wind of it, Catherine knew about the meeting and the deal I signed with Meteor Dynamics. She was very furious about it, but since I told her that I will be handling everything, she let it go, ultimately she knew I'm good at what I am doing and after all, it's my money that I spent."Is something wrong?…". (Hwang Hwa Young)Carefully read my face, as I talk to on the phone for a few minutes."Emm?…no, it's nothing, just some work stuff…By the way, is 'this' normal for you?…".I pointed out at the outside of the windows, where there's a bunch of fans and reporters just sat outside
Thanks yo major Juliet fast actions and Alemia Royalty fast approval, the forward operation base has already been built and fully operational. According to major Juliet hourly reports, Queen Romella herself has provided the Aeternum Army to fully occupied her Knight Training ground, which has sufficient infrastructure and open land plots large enough for the Airship land.With order, video conference was initiated. After a few minutes, the call finally went through with no buffers at all, Major Juliet was ready on the other side, wearing her full combat attire. I noticed that she seemingly panting and looks as if she was in the middle of something."Major…how's on the other side?.."."Everything is good Sir, the base is up and running, ready to receive the next deployment…The Queen herself was ready and willing to provide us with full cooperation…But they wish for us to share our intel with them and prefers to be included in the
After the video call was disconnected, Queen Romella who's standing on the side feels awkward, she heard the President of Aeternum said that he will arrange a reinforcement to be sent there, But to be honest, considering the time frame and the situation at hand now, unless Aeternum sends at least a hundred thousand of soldiers in a few hours time, this situation will stay the same for at least a few days."I supposed there's no changed to the plan right now, right major Juliet?…". (Queen Romella)She deduced that the reinforcement will only arrive in the few hours."No..just as my president has said…no soldier will leave the wall…for safety reason…". (Major Juliet)She said without a hint of changing her expression.Major Juliet along with Queen Romella returned to the wall, as soon as they arrived there, they were greeted by a tense atmosphere, this is the front line defense against the crazy monster stampede. T
Everything outside the wall has turned into a black charred field, desolate of any life. The sight of emptiness, show Alemia nations a part of their mysterious allies Aeternum, which at this point has proven themselves to be much more than meets the eyes. Every Alemia soldier who looks at the sight was stunned, all of them were in awe and thankful that they had a strong partner to call an ally.Aeternum soldier that has fought right by their side for the last few days, has shown themselves to be a better soldier and a deadly fighter. Although Alemia soldier does question their looks and effectiveness since their attire and weapons were such an oddity and weird. Using a cloth looking armor and using a weird musket to fight the monster, is simply akin to suicide, the day they arrive at the wall everyone doubted their capability, though they do not greet them with hostility, it was enough for the Alemia soldiers to look at them pitifully and disdain. But after th
With the confirmations from both Alemia and Aeternum leader, the campaign to subdue the Alemia rebel has officially started, As soon as the order was given out, Aeternum Army and Alemia Army were combined into one unit, and now, the first Combined unit were already formed and on standby waiting to board the Airship stationed at the Alemia Royal Knight exercise field."Is 2000 of us enough to do this?..". (Knight Commander Leonardo)He was assigned to be the leader for the Alemia army, for this first operation. Standing inside the captain cockpit on his side was Major Juliet who silently looking over the plan she had received from the HQ last night."2000 was already more than enough…without force combined, we can easily subdue any retaliation they have in store…". (Major Juliet)She said with utter confidence."Still, I do kind of excited to see how those buffoon of a noble will react when we rain down on them…". (Knigh
"[Compound area secured..].."."[Guard post North Secured, allies in place..].."."[Guard post South Secured, allies in place..]..".Back in Alemia capital Aeternum F.O.B, Queen Romella along with her closes minister was in spectating mode. They glue their eyes and ears on the multiple screens, displaying the direct video feed from the current operation. But since the language that Aeternum soldier uses were so different from and considered new to them, they constantly asked the operation operator which sitting right in front of the monitor. Major Juliet's second in command was in the F.O.B, Captain Anna was in charge of the camp and due to the royals who demanded that they wanted to see everything, she had to stand in and become their translator."So you were saying they currently IN the Duke places..and already started to take control of the outside of his mansion….up until now they still went unnoticed?
"What do you mean don't kill them?..". (Queen Romella)With the success of the raid of Duke Harringfold estate went without a hitch, all the high-value target, Duke Harringfold, and the two of his vassal were all detained and kept alive, were on the way to be transported back to the Alemia Capital. Although the mission was already considered a success by Aeternum, Queen Romella do not share the same joy as them, seeing such a traitorous person still alive, she was upset, she wanted the Duke to be killed at once, with boiling unsatisfactory she immediately asked for explanations from President Mies."you need them alive…for now.."."Even so, that man is a traitor of my kingdom, his sentences were already set the moment he did so…he deserve to be decapitated…". (Queen Romella)She pounds her chair armrest for the unknown times, voicing her fury."He does deserve that…but then what?… those who committed
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.