Governor Duke Oliver Gust, still standing beside Old Corg, turned to the Cabinet members and spoke with the authority of a leader who knew the importance of the moment.“Let this day be remembered as the day we reaffirmed our commitment to the fight for freedom,”. (Governor Duke Oliver Gust)he declared, his voice ringing with conviction.“The people have spoken, and we will honor their will. We will continue this war until Alemia is free, and we will not rest until justice is done.”.(Governor Duke Oliver Gust)His words were met with nods of agreement and murmurs of approval. The decision had been made, and the path was clear. The war would continue, but now, it would do so with the full support of the nation—united in purpose and determined to see it through to the end.As Old Corg prepared to leave the hall, he felt a sense of closure, but also a sense of beginning. He had played his part, but the real work was just beginning. The future was uncertain, but for the first time in a l
Today will go down in history as a momentous occasion for everyone. The people have risen to challenge the absurdity taking place within the Cabinet—the very heart of where the nation's crucial decisions are made. Through their unified demands and unwavering opinions, a decision was reached that resonated with the voice of the populace. Not only was the war saved from the brink of discontinuation, but the nation's attention and focus were also firmly redirected back to the battlefield. Everyone was determined to see the war through to its conclusion, with a renewed fervor driving them forward.For Elijah, today was nothing short of triumphant. She had successfully achieved her goal: ensuring that under no circumstances would anyone, be it the people or the leaders, object to the war. No one would dare question its purpose or direction. The people of Aeternum, along with the entire nation, were now united behind the war effort, supporting it wholeheartedly, no matter what challenges la
"You know how eager and capable the Eternal Night Division is, especially at night. When they asked for my permission, they executed their orders with full force... and that’s exactly what happened," .(President Mies )President Mies explained, his voice a blend of satisfaction and mild amusement."I see... I know how they operate. Sitting around idly must have been intolerable for them," .(Elijah)Elijah responded, her tone becoming more serious."But I hope the Eternal Night Division will remain confined to the Northern Region. We cannot afford to expose their existence or their capabilities to the outside world... not yet.".(Elijah)The Eternal Night Division was one of Aeternum's many secret military divisions, but it was undoubtedly the most formidable. Unlike the Special Forces, the Eternal Night Division surpassed all others in every aspect—physical attributes, effectiveness, and tactical prowess. What set them apart even further was the fact that every soldier in the division
Among the populace, there was a sense of vindication. The trials represented more than just a legal proceeding; they were a symbolic act of retribution, a cathartic release for years of pent-up anger and frustration. The people of Alemia Nation had suffered under the yoke of their lords for too long, and now, with the arrival of Aeternum, they saw a glimmer of hope.Inside the makeshift courtroom, I observed the preparations with a critical eye. Since I will be the one that will be overseeing the trials, ensuring that everything went according to plan is just natural. It was a delicate balance—on the one hand, I needed to demonstrate Aeternum’s strength and resolve; on the other, they had to do so in a way that would win the hearts and minds of the people.“Everything must be perfect,”.she instructed her aides, her voice firm.“The people need to see that we are not just punishing these nobles out of vengeance, but because it is the right thing to do. This is about justice, not reven
“People of Georgina City….Today….we will be holding a trial….a trial to judged over these people….these worms that had been plaguing this land….plaguing your lives for so long….Today...I promise all of you that all your grudge and anger would be settled once and for all….”.Truth to be said, the crowd has yet come to believe that this trial would do anything, it was understandable for them to react as such, after all, I am sure that before me there were other trials has been held by their previous lord, and in which inside that trial it was never gone to the way the people want the to be. But little that these people know that this trial would be something that made their heads turns 360 degree.“Will…things even be right?…I doubt it…”.(Reginald)In the midst of the massive crowds, Reginald were there standing in the spectator area along with the other citizen of Georgina City, looking a the massive makeshift trial court with skeptical views. Which is something that he can’t help to b
All the nobles and lords who had heard the verdict lost the shine in their faces and fell into a gloomy silence. They wanted to plead, as they had always done in the past, but this time, no words could escape their lips. Silenced all at once, they were forcefully escorted back to their prison cells, their fates now sealed. All they could do was wait for the inevitable—the day when death would finally claim them.As for the people of Georgina City, they were only just beginning to regain their senses after the shock of what they had witnessed. The trial, to their amazement, had been a truly lawful proceeding. No trickery, no hidden agenda. Aeternum had conducted the trial with honesty and transparency, showing everyone what true justice looked like. This is what fairness should be, they thought. This is how a just society should work.“BAM! BAM! BAM!”The sound of the gavel echoed throughout the plaza, marking the official end of the court proceedings. The magistrate’s voice rang out:
Meanwhile, at the back of the stage, as the trial concludes, President Mies quietly makes his way toward the colossal administrative building situated just behind the City Centre. Once inside the grand room on the second floor, he stands near a tall window, his gaze drifting over the jubilant crowds gathered outside. They are in full celebration of the successful court proceedings that have just taken place. Today, a significant number of nobles and lords stood trial, all of whom have been sentenced. Their executions are scheduled to begin tomorrow.**"How are the people reacting?"President Mies asks, his voice calm yet purposeful, still watching the masses below.Special Agent Marisko, standing just behind him, replies with a tone of satisfaction."It’s been overwhelmingly positive, Your Highness. As you can see for yourself, the people are celebrating. It’s safe to say that, from this moment on, our government has earned their full support and cooperation." Mies nods slightly, ac
They were leasing farmland at rates 200% higher than reasonable. Is that accurate?" Marisko nods gravely. "Yes, Your Highness. The high rent was deliberately designed to trap the people in debt. And when they inevitably couldn’t pay, the nobles would turn them into slaves. Their intention wasn’t to cultivate crops; it was to harvest the people themselves."(Marisko)Mies clenches his fist in anger. "What a sinister scheme."Marisko continues, his voice filled with disdain."Sinister indeed, sir. And they have been operating like this for quite some time now, exploiting the people while hiding the true nature of their contracts."(Marisko)Mies shakes his head, disgusted. These nobles had been using the farmland not to produce food for the nation but to exploit the very people who toiled on it. The entire system had been built on lies, with contracts carefully shrouded in secrecy. Even worse, the nobles had collaborated with one another to ensure they all played the same twisted ga
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.