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
Catherine flipped through the dossiers until she landed on one name: Ran Hyun Ok, the CEO of Virtue Financial Korea. Her sharp features and piercing gaze stared back from the photo.“What about her?”. (Catherine Kent)Catherine asked, tapping the file.Mies’ eyes narrowed slightly, a glimmer of approval in his gaze.“Ran Hyun Ok. Ruthless. Intelligent. Loyal. She’s proven time and again that she can handle complex, high-stakes situations without faltering.”Catherine nodded slowly.“She’s also my apprentice,”. (Catherine Kent) she said with a hint of pride.“I trained her myself. If anyone can handle this, it’s her.”. (Catherine Kent)“Then it’s decided,”Mies said.Catherine picked up her phone, dialing a number with practiced precision. After a few rings, a confident voice answered.“Ran Hyun Ok speaking.”“Hyun Ok,”. (Catherine Kent)Catherine began, her tone firm but warm.“I need you to come to Virtuoso City immediately. It’s urgent.”. (Catherine Kent)There was a brief pause be
“But we’re not just surviving, are we? You want Virtue Financial to dominate. To become the apex predator in this corporate jungle.”. (Catherine Kent)“Exactly,”Mies said, his voice steady.“I don’t just want us to compete. I want us to lead. To be the name that sends shivers down the spines of our rivals. When they hear ‘Virtue Financial International,’ I want them to think twice before crossing us.”Catherine allowed a small smile to tug at her lips.“Fear as a weapon. Subtle, but effective.”. (Catherine Kent)“It’s not just about fear,”Mies clarified.“It’s about deterrence. If they know we’re untouchable, they won’t even try. And that’s where the shadow operations come in. They ensure that opposition is not just neutralized but transformed into support. Those who resist us today will be our strongest allies tomorrow…. Or they might simply be…gone.”Catherine leaned back in her chair, her eyes narrowing slightly.“And the person leading these shadow operations? They need to be so
“I didn’t think Kent had such persuasive powers.”“Oh, he’s full of surprises,”. (Catherine Kent)Catherine said, her voice tinged with affection.“Speaking of which, he’s been working late nights on his new game project. Did you know he’s with Nero Cat Game Studios now?”. (Catherine Kent)Mies nodded slowly.“I’m aware. It’s one of my private ventures.”Her eyes widened slightly in realization.“Of course. He found out about that when I mentioned it at dinner a few months ago. After that, it was relentless. He wouldn’t stop begging me to let him work there. He even made a PowerPoint presentation about why it was his dream job.”. (Catherine Kent)Mies chuckled lightly, shaking his head.“That sounds like Kent.”“It really does,”. (Catherine Kent)Catherine said, laughing along.“Eventually, I caved. I told him he could work from home. He’s happy as a clam now, locked in his little studio, designing characters and crafting storylines. Honestly, I don’t mind. It’s better than worrying a
“Any questions?”. (Ran Hyun Ok) she asked, her sharp gaze scanning the room. A junior manager raised his hand hesitantly.“Ms. Ran, should we expect any external pressures or inquiries during your absence?”Hyun Ok smiled faintly, a hint of reassurance in her otherwise steely demeanor.“That’s always a possibility, Mr. Han. But if you follow the protocols we’ve outlined, you’ll handle them just fine. Trust the system we’ve built.”. (Ran Hyun Ok)Her words carried the weight of confidence, and it was infectious. The room buzzed with renewed determination as tasks were delegated, and the team dispersed to execute her orders.An hour later, the conference room was empty, save for Hyun Ok. She sat at the long table, flipping through the notes her team had compiled. Everything was in order. The company would run smoothly in her absence.She leaned back in her chair, her fingers drumming lightly against the polished surface. Despite her calm exterior, her mind was alight with anticipation.
“You’re amazing, CEO Choi. And way prettier, too.”. (Hye Ran)Chae Ri couldn’t suppress a laugh at her assistant’s unabashed enthusiasm.“Thank you, Hye Ran. But it takes more than looks to get into the Inner Circle.”. (Choi Chae Ri)“Pfft. You’ll get there,”. (Hye Ran) Hye Ran said with a dismissive wave.“And when you do, I’ll make sure everyone knows you were destined for it.”. (Hye Ran)As Hye Ran chattered on, Chae Ri’s thoughts drifted. The Inner Circle wasn’t just a position—it was the pinnacle of power, influence, and respect within Virtue Financial International. Those who entered it were no longer mere CEOs; they became untouchable, their decisions shaping not just the company but the world.One day, Chae Ri vowed silently. One day, they’ll have no choice but to notice me.She straightened in her chair, her gaze sharpening.“Hye Ran,”. (Choi Chae Ri) she said, interrupting her assistant’s rambling.“Yes?”. (Hye Ran) Hye Ran replied, blinking wide-eyed at her boss.“Schedu
“[This is Mies Sai.]”. (Mies Sai)“Mr. Sai,”. (Choi Chae Ri) Chae Ri began, her tone steady but laced with determination.“This is Choi Chae Ri, CEO of VBC. I hope I’m not interrupting anything important.”. (Choi Chae Ri) “[Not at all,]”. (Mies Sai)Mies replied, his voice neutral but attentive.“[What can I do for you, Ms. Choi?]”. (Mies Sai)She took a deep breath.“I wanted to speak to you about the global expansion of Virtue Financial International. VBC has grown significantly under my leadership. We’re now a major player not just in Asia but across multiple continents. With the expansion underway, I believe VBC can play a crucial role in shaping the public narrative, countering negativity, and ensuring Virtue Financial maintains its image as a beacon of progress.”. (Choi Chae Ri) There was a pause on the other end of the line, and Chae Ri felt her heart race.“[I see,]”. (Mies Sai)Mies said finally.“[You’ve put a lot of thought into this.]”. (Mies Sai)“I have,”. (Choi Cha
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.