Long Bark Forest, Southern Alemia.
After running for 5 minutes straight, Alehandro and Sasu finally arrived back at the tower. The Undead under Alfred's control has started to seriously put pressure to push all the Seed of the Deep Ones further towards the lake. Loud noises of battles echo throughout the whole forest, making the atmosphere turned intense."Sir…is the backup on the way?..". (Alehandro)Panting and huffing as he lays down on the floor on top of the tower."I've called…in a few minutes she should be here….".I have already gotten the replies from Elijah and the War room informing me that Eliza will be personally piloting the EA-01. I don't really worried if she were the one who did the attack, because she was the best pilot that Aeternum currently had. Still, she could just send her other pilots, they should be able to do the job."She?…who, general Bina?..". (Sasu)As the mushroom cloud of destructions slowly settles down in front of us, with the help of my Holographic map, there is no longer any living thing in the vicinity of the Lake, all the red dots that filled the area has gone from the map.Needless to say, by the time the mushroom cloud really was gone, the area of 3km2 around the lake including the lake itself was nothing but a desolate crater. The lake was gone so is the vegetation around it. Everything was left in dust and burning soils."...Sir, what is that?..". (Alehandro)Even though what just happened was real, for the three of them, the sheer power of destruction has made them questioned their sanity."That is an AGM-New type Magic Maverick…a new type of weapon release by our R&D Department…also apart of the Military top-secret research [Project Angel]… Quite a good right?..".It's actually an improved AGM-65 Maverick, enhanced by enchantment magic
Instead of stopping at the Forest Village, together with the Floating City, I told Alfred to head straight to Aeternum. It would be a mess if anyone saw a large landmass suddenly floating around. Also, the conditions of the City itself make it hard for it to be stopped at will. The City Anchor that stopped the city in one place were only left with one, the other 3 was already damaged and rusted beyond use."Sir..this is awesome…having a flying city that can be easily moved around…if we turned this into a mobile army base…we probably have a high percentage of winning every war we got ourselves into…". (Sasu)Admiring the entire ruined city as the three of us were taking our time leisurely walking around in the city. The Undead by now no longer attack us, also due to Alfred order the undead has started to repaired many large buildings, and then they use that large building as their new home. Little by little the undead which previously
"Hello, Elijah…look, I'm gonna bring something rather big back…so can you go on the city-wide announcement telling out people, not to panic…and also, please bring an escort out for us..".I called Elijah personally because by the time we arrive at Aeternum, there's no point in hiding this large floating island anymore. Due to the power problem, we can't really fly the Floating City high in the altitude, It would take too much power, at best we can only be brought it as high as 2 kilometer up in the air, which since now it's nearly at the end of the winter season, the sky was fairly clear."<Sigh~> I understand, I will handle it… by the way can you please park the island near the Dragon Mountain..that place is a bit clearer than the rest…do you need anything else master?..". (Elijah)Sighing as nothing she can do to really control the matter, in her opinion such a big thing was better if it was kept under
"I've always thought all those things from the past were nothing but a fairy tale…but now, seeing this floating city right before my eyes…it was simply unbelievable…". (Andrea)After the thunderous celebration all over the city, the Floating City Floris were parked on the empty land plot, near the mountainous region in the vicinity of the Industrial District. The Police force was tasked to secure the area, whilst the Resource department was tasked to repaired and maintained the floating island, R&D Department was also deployed to record all the artifacts and also research the mechanism surrounding the whole island."Well, I'm sure by now…you should consider everything from the past is real…after all, you have a high human as your leader…by the way, there's about half a million undead on that island, and don't worry it was our undead…this is Alfred apparently he was my family Butler…talk to him about ev
"Then that's settled on the domestic issues…how about our newly acquired territory?…has the wall construction has been started?.."."Right now, only the first 3 territories and only half of the new one has been installed with a wire fence wall…but all the borderline has been marked and so is the map has been updated…given to the time that was are on right now..completing all the wall is not possible, War and the Monster Stampede is a large impending disaster..even if we continued building them…it's will only get damaged and that will only incur another cost for us..". (Elijah)What Elijah said was true, it is my wrong to push the immediate building of the wall. The Wae has yet over and so is the monster Stampede, if we build one right now, surely this will only make us in lost than what is necessary. But for sure, we needed some kind of bordering measure, to prevent an illegal entrance and even makeup as a warning system, In t
Ever since Alfred arrive in Aeternum and started to serve his new master, due to the difference of culture, Alfred has been very dedicated to his study and tasked. In his life serving as a butler to several of the noble houses, he has never seen a peaceful and delightful workplace atmosphere.All the staff here, from the gardener to the maids, were dedicated to their work and they were happy at their work as if they can't wait to go to work every day. Alfred was definitely a Pro, and when he was working in such an environment was almost non-existent. Normally house staff was eager to leave their work and if they can they will surely be evaded working hard."To be Honest working in the Presidential mansion, serving the President and the 5 Minister were, in fact, a dream for most Aeternum..". (Amely)"Why would you said that?..". (Alfred)Politely asking one of the Maid that was one of the veteran maids in the mansion."Hmm&hellip
Due to the urgent reorganizations of the newly obtained territory Aeternum, under the leadership of Vice President Elijah will personally lead a new impromptu Management Division that will handle all the reformations of the new territory. With the declarations of the from the office of President, the new territory will be named 'Shark' all 4 territories will be combined into one, all town and cities that were currently available will be re-evaluated and after calculations, drastic actions will be taken.This news spread shock all over the newly named Shark territories, although most of the people who are in the lower class were happy about the news, the upper class namely nobles, were somewhat afraid and concerned about their well being, in the Shark territory, all the noble that was currently living in it were about 15% of the entire population and among that 15% only 5% that have considerable wealth and land, also the one who vocal about their rights."Madam,
The meeting between Elijah and Count Monti does not happen as quickly as Count Monti hoped for, his first request was rejected. After waiting for another few days, finally, he was being let through to enter the Meeting room by Major Selie, the Aeternum central department's first secretary of state. Since he holds the position of Shark City Observer, all the Aeternum officials treated him with respect."Major Selie, how is Madam Vice President?..". (Count Monti)Today once again he visited the Shark City, temporary Region Administrative Office. Hoping to have a meeting with the Vice President."Observer Count Monti, you should be able to meet her today…Vice President has finally managed to find a time to free her schedule…you should enter the meeting room and wait for her there…By the way, Observer Count Monti, next time please remember, only an official post personnel were allowed to enter the Administrative building…pleas
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.