Closure and sense of retributions is what is to be achieved by capturing the enemy leaders and brought them to justice, the fact that the people of Alemia Nation has suffered for far too long and they too need something or someone to bear their grudges, is something that need to be said and considered. As I said so and now they heard the reason as to why I wanted to do the hassle for just not killing the captives, or rather the soon to be captives, everyone in the room went into silence and contemplation, as if all f them found some moment of amazement for them.“The people has suffered for a long time….and I am sure that they all just full and seething with anger and dissatisfaction at this point…..in fact, some might even don’t know who to blame for their misfortune after so long being in the dark….Since we are about to help them out…why not do it with more sincerity….rather than be one of those that rose to the power like they all know before….right?..”.My tone were light at the m
Feeling the heated gaze of admiration for everyone inside the meeting room, I rather felt really awkward at the moment. Nevertheless everyone seems to be very proud of who they are and the fact that they are working for me to serve the nation and it’s people, In a manner of patriotism and loyalty to me, this people certainly have that notion and quality in them that is already undoubtedly unshakable. From the start of the meeting as we all review every aspect of the preparation for war, everything were already in it’s place and all ready for me to give the command, as with the current preparation that are already ready, all that we need is to win the war and that is it.“Ladies and Gentlemen, I am sure that after all that we have listened and reviews regarding our nation preparation….I must say, that I am very proud of your achievements…I acknowledge and understand..that my order and request are really tall this time….but let me assured you all….that it was a necessary one..”.In the
Right after the meeting, everyone went back to their duty, as for me, I took a little bit of time off, and went for a walk in the city with Duke Oliver Gust. At the meeting today, I can certainly noticed that amongst everyone that attended the meeting his emotional state were the one that is very much fluctuated at every moment when I were saying something. Although that fluctuation isn’t something defiant of me at all, rather that he was in a turbulence since Aeternum finally going to move against Alemia Nation, and for certain war is always going to changed a lot of things, this would perhaps be a good thing for him or perhaps not, hence I have to settled his emotional state down.As of right now, we are taking a stroll, inside of Yggdrasil Shopping Mall, and currently stopping in front of the famous ice cream parlor in the mall and the city, Royal Robin Ice Cream Shop. Naturally from the name it is a store that belonged to me and the Aeternum Royal Family, in fact this mall is actu
Whilst all over Aeternum, the words of the war is already a final one, in Alemia Nation, which more accurately all over the entire nation. The situation were mostly still the same as it is, which is chaotic and just unstable as it always does be it in the time of war or not.At sunders City, Eastern Alemia Region, Sunders City were considered to be the largest and most secured city in the Eastern Region, why, because it hosted the Famous tyrant of the Eastern Region, Baron Sunders and his entire family. The city got it’s famous 2 storey tall stone wall, that is fully guarded at all time as it’s famous and proud security. Then paired with the subservient and docile population that always bowed their heads to the tyrant, the Family of Sunders felt as if that they were the king of the world.Although for the last few days, that serene and secure feeling that they enjoyed, after the last civil war, that took 60% of the Eastern Alemia region away from the Alemia Nation to the Aeternum, the
Whist Baron Sunders and his sons with all his closest aide inside the Master Study room discussing what is going on in the entire world, and whether it would come crashing down on them, due to their own stupidity. Right Outside the room, 2 maids, one of them were clearly that higher ranks of the 2, nodded at the other maid before both of them just steadily walked away in a different direction, as if nothing ever happened. Castle Baron Sunders, is a large estate, building with many floors and wide, that hosted many people living in it, and certainly the servants were also many, reaching even hundreds of staffs. And all these staff were covered from many different class, from the lowest of slaves to the abandoned noble, all of them living their daily lives serving the Sunders Family.One would thought that these people that worked everyday in this estate were probably loyal, most of them perhaps, but the reality of it is far from any of it. In fact inside the Castle Baron Sunders, all o
Currently inside of Aeternum secret hidden base, Ava, The Baron Sunders family head maid, are right now talking in one of the Iron Horn Division Captain, Jolgun, he was the designated operation leader for the Aeternum army in Sunders City. Under Captain Jolgun, he and his team has been monitoring the entire city, when they were tasked with these duty from their chief, Holgun. They were apart of a secret operation team of the M.I Agency, naturally they were elite of the elite. Since Captain Jolgun took the command of the Aeternum Military stationed in the city, they have been actively recruiting locals to their cause.How they did it, is rather simple, the people of Sunders City, is already fed up with their lords, filled with anger towards their baron for everything that is wrong in their lives. With that mentality from the locals and paired with Aeternum famous good reputation amidst the locals, thanks to the once Aeternum peace and prosper governing in their distance memory. The loc
Apprentice Cadet Ava, or Head Maid Ava were still riled up about the recent, information that she had just delivered, she is one that filled with vengeance naturally were eager to fight or rather sees that ugly Baron to die, but unlike her eagerness, Captain Jolgun does not shared the same fiery passion as her. After all, he is a trained personnel that is ready for war and any kind of action and hailed from the Aeternum. The 2 were different, one with an outstanding discipline and another were just a maid with no training in military operation whatsoever. Nevertheless, for Ava when Captain Jolgun that he got news from the capital, meaning the New City, capital of Aeternum, naturally she also interested to know about it.“News?..what news, Sir…aren’t the radio got nothing these days…it has been weeks since the radio aired any news at all…all we got just radio drama and music…”.(Apprentice Cadet Ava)What Ava said is true, ever since the attack by Baron Sunders against the Aeternum vess
For the many secretly assembled rebellion forces that are cooperating with Aeternum, the news revelation that Aeternum right now are gearing for war, is a welcomed and most anticipated news that they have been waiting for far too long now. All of them felt like the gods are finally answering all of their prayers when it all seems like it would be too late. Lest not forget that, right now, the Rebel Forces that would be raising to arms, right now were all just weak forces, that is formed from all sort of people from all walks of life. A lot of the members were just the surviving family members of the armies, the wives, daughters, sons and elders of the common folks.In terms of combat prowess or even numbers these folks were not even capable to do anything at all. Still even thought the reality were harsh, the many Aeternum hidden forces that are supporting these rebels, the rebel army play a quite significant roles for Aeternums. It is because of them that monitoring and information c
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.