Meanwhile, chaos erupted in the United States as Virtue Financial International began its systematic evacuation. Subsidiaries, branches, and investments vanished from the American landscape one by one, leaving behind a void that sent shockwaves through the economy. Protests broke out across major cities as employees, shareholders, and citizens struggled to comprehend the loss.Within the White House, panic ruled the day. In the Oval Office, the President paced back and forth, his phone clutched tightly in his hand.“Have we gotten through to Catherine Kent yet?”. (The President)he barked at his Chief of Staff. The Chief of Staff shook his head, beads of sweat visible on his brow.“No, sir. All our calls to Virtue Financial International are being ignored. Emails, messages—everything’s bouncing back or left unanswered.”. (Chief Of Staff)The President slammed the phone down on his desk.“Damn it! Do they not realize the damage they’re doing? Without Virtue Financial’s investments, our
“I’m angry. We’re all angry. But we need to ask ourselves: Why did this happen? Why did Virtue Financial International feel so pushed that they had to make this drastic decision? Could it be… could it be that we drove them to this? That our own government’s greed and mismanagement pushed this great company to its breaking point?”. (News Anchor Kelly Clark)The shift in tone startled viewers. For a moment, the rage simmered down, replaced by a collective pause for thought. Online forums lit up with debates as people began dissecting the deeper causes of the crisis.As the evening approached, Kelly Clark returned for another segment, her fiery demeanor replaced with visible frustration. Her hands gestured emphatically as she addressed the audience.“Virtue Financial International isn’t just leaving,”. (News Anchor Kelly Clark) she said, her voice tinged with desperation.“They’re taking with them the livelihoods of thousands of Americans. They’re taking critical medicines, cutting-edg
“Good morning, everyone,”. (Maria Hills)she said, her gaze sweeping across the sea of journalists.“I stand before you today with a heavy heart. It is a day none of us wanted to see, but one that circumstances have forced upon us.”. (Maria Hills) She paused, letting her words sink in.“For years, Virtue Medical International has been a cornerstone of medical innovation and care in this country. We have treated millions, saved lives, and pushed the boundaries of what is possible in healthcare. But recent pressures, both political and systemic, have created an environment where we can no longer operate safely or effectively. This is not a decision we made lightly.”. (Maria Hills)The crowd murmured as she continued.“Effective immediately, all operations of Virtue Medical International within the United States will cease. To our patients currently undergoing treatment—those who have placed their trust in us—we are transferring your care to our facilities in Canada and Mexico, free of
Meanwhile, thousands of miles away in the Russian Far East, Mies Sai stepped off a private jet onto the sprawling expanse of Sakhalin Island. The air was crisp and cool, carrying the scent of pine trees and the distant ocean. Half of this island now belonged to him—a gift from the Russian government, secured through deft negotiations and mutually beneficial agreements. Officially recorded as a privately owned property, this section of Sakhalin had been transformed into Mies Sai’s sovereign territory.As Mies Sai walked along the island’s rugged terrain, accompanied by a team of engineers and architects, the vision for what this land could become began to take shape. Towering cranes loomed in the distance, and the sound of machinery echoed across the landscape as construction crews worked tirelessly to bring the plans to life.A foreman approached; his hard hat slightly askew.“Mr. Sai, the town center’s foundations are ready to pour. We’re following the blueprints you approved, but th
Meanwhile, in the United States, the coverage was bitter yet compulsive. On Silver Fox News, Kelly Clark returned to her fiery commentary:“Once again, America’s loss is someone else’s gain!”. (Kelly Clark) she thundered, her voice filled with frustration.“Virtue Financial International is pouring billions into this new African city—billions that could have been ours. Let me remind you, this was a company built on American soil, thriving because of our system. And now? They’ve turned their backs on us to chase greener pastures abroad!”.(Kelly Clark)Her co-anchor interjected cautiously,“Well, Kelly, some argue that this partnership could bring stability and innovation to Africa, creating a ripple effect of economic growth...”.Kelly shot him a glare.“That’s not the point! The point is, we let them slip through our fingers, and now they’re proving exactly why they were indispensable!”.(Kelly Clark)Despite the bitterness, even American networks couldn’t deny the grandeur of Virtuos
“You’re remarkable, Hwa Young.”“And don’t you forget it,”. (Hwang Hwa Young) she teased, her lighthearted tone breaking the tension.After dinner, they strolled along the rooftop garden, the city lights shimmering below. Mies stopped to face her, his hands resting gently on her shoulders.“I promise,”he said softly,“That whenever I have time, I’ll spend it with you. No matter where I am, no matter what I’m doing, you’ll always be my priority.”Hwa Young’s eyes glistened as she leaned into his embrace.“And I promise to always be here, waiting for you. For as long as it takes.”. (Hwang Hwa Young)The two stood together under the stars, their connection unspoken yet profoundly felt. In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, their bond remained a haven of peace and understanding.After an intimate and blissful evening together, Hwang Hwa Young insisted on accompanying Mies Sai to the airport despite her exhaustion. She moved gingerly, clearly feeling the aftereffects of their sh
The office was quiet, the only sound the faint hum of the air conditioner and the occasional click of a pen against glass. Catherine Kent sat opposite Mies Sai, her brow furrowed as she sifted through a series of graphs and reports on her tablet. Mies, sitting in his usual composed manner, observed her. His demeanor was calm, yet there was an unmistakable intensity in his gaze. “So,”. (Catherine Kent)Catherine began, breaking the silence,“You want to expand Virtue Financial into every possible sector. Finance, medical, technology—everything. You do realize how massive of a goal that is, right?”. (Catherine Kent) Mies inclined his head slightly.“Massive, yes. But not impossible. The foundation is already there. We just need to build upon it.” Catherine set her tablet down and leaned forward, her elbows resting on the desk.“Alright, let’s break this down. You’re asking me to push Virtue Financial into becoming a global juggernaut—a brand synonymous with positivity, progress, a
Catherine Kent stood near the large window of her office in Virtuoso City, gazing out at the horizon where construction cranes towered over the landscape. The vibrant city bustled below, a testament to Virtue Financial International’s rapid growth.She turned back to face Mies Sai, who sat across from her at the table, calm and composed as ever. Spread before them were dossiers, each file containing information about Virtue Financial’s top executives—potential candidates to wield the company’s shadow power.“You know,”. (Catherine Kent)Catherine began, her voice carrying a blend of skepticism and curiosity,“These plans of yours—they’re... bold. Almost uncomfortably so. Turning small nations upside down, installing our own leaders... It sounds more like political warfare than business.”. (Catherine Kent)Mies folded his hands on the table, his expression unreadable.“It’s both,”he said simply.“The lines between business and politics are often blurred. If we want Virtue Financial to
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.