“Welcome Back, Your Highness…”.(Holgun Iron Horn)“Welcome Back, Your Highness…”.(Marlo)“I’m back, Holgun…The city….from up top…it looks fine…I’m glad that you were doing fine as well…also, Marlo….looks like you settle in just fine here as well…”.“It is all, thanks to your grace, Your Highness…finally this servant can once again serve our great nation…”.(Marlo)As I got off from my Airship, as always, Holgun and the entire welcoming staff were already lined up perfectly to greet me. At this point I don’t even want to say anything to rebuke their efforts in welcoming me, I just accept them all. Holgun, naturally were at the head of the pack on the right side, and then the Old Marlo, on the left side, fully dressed in his new official, office suit. It just a simple Navy blue office suit with white button shirt inside and a black necktie to finish it off. On earth, this outfit kinda a bit lack luster, but in Aeternum here in Fantasma, this suit is expensive and also, it was only issued
“Sure, Marlo….I hope that the others were also able to settle down as well?..”.“Yes, they are, Your Highness….all of the Apprentices has resume their duty as per your order…all of us has reached every single settlements in the Eastern and Southern Region….and hence, smoothing the transition of our proceeding even more….”.(Marlo)It is great to hear that all the apprentice that I saved are already getting comfortable in their new job. Old Marlo sure is enjoying his life now, he is even fuller now than when I meet him last time.“Good….so, how about the rest of the apprentice in the other 3 region?…have you managed to get in contact with them?..”.“Umm….about that, your Highness…..Actually…I do obtained news about them…all of them….but…unfortunately…”.(Marlo)Somehow Old Marlo expression turned sour at this moment, and he was visibly turned his head down to avert a direct eye contact with me. Surely it was a bad news, but I can’t always act like I know and predict everything so it is b
“Hmm?…unfortunately what? Marlo?…talk..”.“Un..unfortunately, Your Highness….only half of our Apprentices left alive…in that remaining 3 regions…..all that were dead were either be hunted by the recently came in power nobles, and being used by them as the war slaves….200 people….all died…your highness…”.(Marlo)It was visibly painful for him to say that, after all they were his comrade and colleague, who trained with him when they were appointed as apprentices, and now they were all dead. Everyone kept their silence as well, weighing the weight of the somber situation at the moment, as for me, I am very annoyed right now, because I have lost 200 trained and dedicated apprentices, those that I left in this land to help it prosper and advanced, yet all that effort goes down in a drain.“...Sigh~….you see that Holgun….200 people….200 People!!!..I trained them…guided them….all for the benefits of this land…the last time, before I left this land peacefully…I have the correct people left be
“...Sigh~….you see that Holgun….200 people….200 People!!!..I trained them…guided them….all for the benefits of this land…the last time, before I left this land peacefully…I have the correct people left behind so that everything will be fine…..and yet…look….instead of having these trained people be in the lead….these bastards of a nobles…punished them and make an example of them!…..That..That act alone already shows everyone just how stupid they are..how they undeserved to be in the throne…All my efforts were wasted by those people…Wasted!..”.Frustrated, and angry is what I vented out right now. Holgun on my side just nodding all the way, and he too shared the same sentiment as me, in fact every single person here felt the same as well.“This people doesn’t know how to be grateful, Your Highness….they only think about themselves….as for the others..the are more than comfortable to leave them dies in a ditch somewhere….Yet often times, they always pride themselves as classy and highbo
“This people doesn’t know how to be grateful, Your Highness….they only think about themselves….as for the others..the are more than comfortable to leave them dies in a ditch somewhere….Yet often times, they always pride themselves as classy and highborn…whilst labeling Demi-Human as barbaric and mindless….Hmph!…That is why, Sir…it is the best if we just rule these entire land….”.(Holgun Iron Horn)“I agreed, Your Highness…under Aeternum….only with your rule and guidance shall this land prosper…”.(Marlo)“I guess..that was for the best…correct?..”.“Naturally, Your Highness..”.(Holgun Iron Horn)It was true that I am a bit emotional just a few seconds ago, but at the same time I added a flair of dramatic a little bit, just so it was relatable to everyone, and thankfully it did, as I can see that everybody eyes were flaming with passion and support for me and Aeternum.“.…Now that thy have eradicated half of our Apprentices…we can’t let the survivor suffered any longer….Holgun…Prepared
“It will be as you command, Your Highness..”.(Holgun Iron Horn)“Oh…Your Highness….Th..Thank you..”.(Marlo)On the contrary to the Hyped up Holgun, Old Marlo as well as all the other staffs around us were all jus simply agape with touched and emotional, as I tasked the Special Forces to saved the remaining apprentices. Certainty from their point of view, it seems that I am just too kind hearted and magnanimous, to go to such length to save a few common people, that isn’t worth much at all, it was the kind of things that no nobles, leaders or even monarch wanted to do, and the people of this era already got used to this type of thing, the lesser people got abandoned. But me on the other hand, actually ordering our elite forces to save these ‘lesser’ people, is a surprising moves and certainly a controversial ones. Whilst in reality at this point, perhaps only me knows that those ‘lesser’ common people, to me is much more worth it than any nobles.Since the side plan were already agreed
Since the side plan were already agreed upon as soon as I touched the ground, naturally it was time to discussed it in detailed in a more appropriate locations, which naturally not on the tarmac of an Airport. The Airport in the Alemia Region naturally were this one, I actually have them finished it before I go back, in fact it was the first construction project that I begin as soon as Sunders City were fallen in my hands. This Airport were located just outside the city adjacent to the Government District of the City. It is not a large airport at all, just a small one, that are capable of holding 10 Airship landing at one time, small, but it is already enough and sufficient. My plans were to make sure that every region have their own Airport, and thus easing the commune for everyone, after all, Aeternum had to look different from every other nation in these Continent.“...The city looks even better down here, Holgun….the changes is very apparent…”.As we left the airport and headed t
“...The city looks even better down here, Holgun….the changes is very apparent…”.As we left the airport and headed to my new estate/office, naturally we passed through the city. And honestly the view of the city is very positive, it van be said that only about 10% of the old visage of the city still remained. It was intentionally kept this was just for a vibes and historical values only, meanwhile the entire infrastructure and the utility of the city has changed completely. We just kept the remnant of the old looks here and there, the things that were older were intentionally kept just for aesthetic value. The rest it was completely overhauled.“I have all the roads in the city to be completed first…luckily the citizens here learned fast to no longer use the road the same way the always did…thanks to that we have less traffic accident than before….and the city beauty were preserved..”.(Holgun Iron Horn)“Good Work…the people had to know the difference, so that everything will be in i
As life in Angela rapidly modernized, one final surprise awaited its citizens—a marvel unlike anything they had ever seen before.Under President Mies’ orders, Minister Rafaela of A.R.D.H.M. (Art, Research, Development, Health, and Magic) had finally completed a project years in the making.Aeternum had officially invented the world’s first television.At Angela’s Grand Plaza, a massive gathering of people stood in front of a newly constructed screen.“Is this… some kind of moving painting?” an old man asked, adjusting his spectacles.His grandson, a curious boy named Emile, tugged on his sleeve. “Grandpa, look! The picture is… changing!”The crowd gasped as the screen flickered to life, revealing an image of DJ Skelly and Quara Raedrim, two of Aeternum’s most famous radio hosts.“Greetings, citizens of Angela!” DJ Skelly’s booming voice echoed across the plaza. “Today is a historic day! For the first time ever, the people of Aeternum and Angela will witness the future of entertainmen
At Fort Steelward, a border outpost near the west, Angela’s Captain Cedric Durand stood alongside Aeternum’s Colonel Matthias Kael, watching as their combined forces executed a tactical drill.“You train your men well,” Captain Cedric admitted, watching as Aeternum’s soldiers swiftly took down training dummies with precise gunfire and coordinated tactics.Colonel Kael smirked. “Efficiency is key. We fight with strategy, discipline, and superior equipment.”Angela’s soldiers were still adjusting to Aeternum’s modernized warfare, but the results spoke for themselves. Crime rates near the border had dropped by 60% in just three months, and monster activity was at an all-time low.For Angela’s government, this was the best possible outcome. A safer nation meant a stronger economy, happier citizens, and more stability.In the halls of Angela’s Royal Palace, the nation’s ministers convened for a special meeting to discuss the growing partnership with Aeternum.“I must admit,” Minister Jean-
“So…” Baroness Elise folded her arms. “Are you telling us that our businesses are failing because we refuse to acknowledge the common folk as valuable clients?”“Precisely,” Lionel said. “Look, my friends—tradition is fine, but wealth does not care about tradition. You must ask yourselves, do you wish to cling to outdated ideals and watch your investments fail? Or will you embrace modernity and open your doors to the true economy?”The Angela nobles were silent.Marquis Alistair eventually exhaled. “Damn… I hate to admit it, but you’re right.”Duke Clarence sighed, rubbing his temples. “It seems we have much to reconsider.”Lionel smirked. “That’s the first step to success. Now… shall we discuss how to properly revamp your business strategies?”By the time Angela’s nobles returned home, their entire perspective had changed. Within weeks, their resorts underwent major rebranding, opening their services to the wealthy merchants, military officers, and successful craftsmen that made up A
Duke Clarence and his companions exchanged glances. The idea of a nobility focused on economy and culture rather than ruling and taxation was unthinkable in the Dukedom of Angela.At that moment, Countess Vivian Lancaster, a noblewoman from Aeternum’s east, approached the group with a knowing smile. “And you should know, Duke Clarence,” she said smoothly, “there is far more wealth and prestige in industry than in ruling over struggling farmers.”She produced a document, sliding it across the table. It was an investment portfolio—Aeternum Nobles had turned entire mountain valleys into profitable spa resorts, old castles into boutique hotels, and hunting grounds into elite golf courses.Marquis Alistair leaned forward, his eyes widening at the immense profits outlined in the reports. “By the heavens… you’re making millions in mere months,” he whispered.Viscount Lionel nodded, clearly enjoying their shock. “And it is all because we embraced progress, rather than clinging to the past.”Ba
“This railway is not merely a connection between nations,” Queen Angela declared, “but a symbol of progress. A bridge between past traditions and the bright future we shall build together.”President Mies added, “With this project, Angela will no longer be isolated or vulnerable. It will be a thriving hub of innovation and prosperity.”The people roared with approval, commoners eager for job opportunities, and nobles eager for increased wealth.Meanwhile, across the border, envoys from Hallerus Kingdom and the Golden Triangle Nation secretly observed the Angela-Aeternum railway collaboration.One Hallerus official slammed his fist onto his desk upon receiving the report. “They’re building a rail network that connects Aeternum to the Forbidden Wasteland?! If this continues, Angela will become untouchable!”A Golden Triangle merchant sneered. “Tch. Those fools in Angela have completely sold themselves to Aeternum. But we can do nothing. Our king already declared hostilities. We are lock
While Angela embraced its partnership with Aeternum, its rival nations were watching with envy and resentment.The Kingdom of Hallerus and the Golden Triangle Nation, both historical adversaries of Aeternum, knew they had missed their chance to secure such a lucrative alliance.In the Hallerus Royal Palace, King Hadrian scowled as he studied a detailed report on the Aeternum-Angela railway project.“They are modernizing too quickly,” he muttered. “Soon, Angela will be just as powerful as Aeternum.”His advisors nodded grimly, but they knew there was nothing they could do.Meanwhile, in the Golden Triangle Nation, Emperor Verix tapped his fingers on his throne, deep in thought.“Aeternum is changing the continent,” he murmured. “And we are falling behind.”With Angela fully embracing progress, Aeternum’s expansion showed no signs of stopping. The railway was more than just steel and tracks—it was the path to a new era. A nation modernizing at unprecedented speed. A people eager to grow
The Dukedom of Angela was no longer just a small kingdom caught between larger powers—it was now on its way to becoming a global trade hub.To further solidify their partnership, Aeternum opened job opportunities for Angela’s citizens. Engineering apprenticeships were offered to young scholars eager to learn Aeternum’s technology. Labor positions in railway maintenance, track laying, and station operations provided work for thousands.Even hospitality and tourism sectors saw a boom, with people preparing for the influx of travelers who would soon visit their cities. Aeternum made one thing clear—this railway wasn’t just for Aeternum’s benefit, but for Angela’s prosperity as well.However, not everyone was happy about this monumental project.The Kingdom of Hallerus and the Golden Triangle Nation, both long-time rivals of Aeternum, watched the cooperation between Aeternum and Angela with growing jealousy and frustration.For years, both nations had sought to expand their influence in t
“Aeternum plans to construct the longest and most advanced railway system in the continent,” Mies explained, unfolding a detailed map of Central Continent on the table.“We wish to connect New City to the Forbidden Wasteland, and we have chosen the Dukedom of Angela as the interconnection point.”Queen Angela studied the map carefully. “So, Angela would serve as the bridge between Aeternum’s mainland and its Wasteland territories?”“Yes,” Minister Andrea confirmed. “We will be using Mana-powered maglev technology, capable of traveling at speeds unheard of in this world.”Princess Angela’s eyes widened. “You mean to tell me… you’re planning to build a train that runs on magic and technology?”Mies smirked. “That’s exactly what we’re doing.”“This will be the first of its kind,” Vice President Elijah added. “And it will set the foundation for global transportation.”The Dukedom of Angela would become the gateway between two of the most significant territories in the world—Aeternum’s mai
For centuries, The Institute of Artemesia had been one of the world’s most respected academic and magical research institutions. But they had always struggled with one thing—funding and access to knowledge.Aeternum had solved both problems. Inside the Grand Royal Library of Aeternum, Head Scholar Callisto Verdan stood in awe.She ran her hands over the massive tomes of knowledge, collected from all over the world and carefully preserved in Aeternum’s archives.Rare magical research, ancient history, modern technological advancements—it was all here.“Aeternum’s funding has allowed us to expand our studies beyond imagination,” she murmured, her voice trembling with excitement.“With access to this library, we are no longer bound by the limitations of our past.”Beside her, Professor Aldrich—one of Artemesia’s leading scholars—nodded.“The rest of the world still clings to outdated traditions,” he said. “But here? Here we can create the future.”Aeternum had become the center of knowle