“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
“Well, congratulations, Chae Ri. You’ve certainly earned it.”. (Ran Hyun OK) Chae Ri’s chest puffed up with pride.“Thank you, Ran. It’s nice to be recognized, isn’t it?”. (Choi Chae Ri) Ran chuckled softly.“Oh, absolutely. Recognition is important.”. (Ran Hyun OK) With that, Chae Ri turned on her heel, her white heels clicking against the tarmac as she headed toward her own jet. Before boarding, she glanced back over her shoulder, waving dramatically.“Safe travels, Ran!”. (Choi Chae Ri) “Safe travels, Chae Ri,”. (Ran Hyun OK) Ran replied, her voice laced with amusement. As Chae Ri’s jet prepared for takeoff, Ran Hyun Ok leaned against her own aircraft, shaking her head with a laugh.“She really went all out for this,”. (Ran Hyun OK) she murmured to herself. Her assistant approached hesitantly.“Ma’am, is everything alright?” Ran straightened, her expression softening.“Yes. Everything’s fine. Actually, it’s... refreshing.”. (Ran Hyun OK) “Refreshing?”
“So,”. (Choi Jin Su)he began, his tone cautious but curious,“Why the sudden call to Virtuoso City? It’s rare for both Catherine Kent and Mies Sai to pull us out like this.”. (Choi Jin Su)Ran tilted her head slightly, her eyes still fixed on the horizon.“I don’t know,”. (Ran Hyun OK) she replied honestly.“Catherine didn’t share much, but her tone... it felt significant. Serious.”. (Ran Hyun OK) Kim Yeon Seo, seated beside Choi Jin Su, leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table.“Significant as in a crisis, or significant as in an opportunity?”. (Kim Yeon Seo)Ran turned to face them, her expression thoughtful.“If I had to guess, an opportunity. Catherine doesn’t call me out for trivial matters, and with Mies Sai there...”. (Ran Hyun OK) “...It’s big,”. (Choi Jin Su) Choi Jin Su finished, nodding.“Whenever the Big Boss is involved, it’s either monumental progress or monumental chaos.”. (Kim Yeon Seo)Kim chuckled softly, shaking her head.“Let’s hope it’s the former.
“Ran,”. (Catherine Kent) Catherine began, her gaze piercing.“You’ve done exceptional work in Korea. But now, we need you to step into a larger role. Mies and I have discussed this at length, and we’ve decided you’re the right person to take over a new global venture: Virtue Securities Management.”. (Catherine Kent)Ran’s expression hardened, her grip tightening on the glass. She set it down carefully before speaking.“Virtue Securities Management. A global venture. That’s... significant.”. (Ran Hyun OK) “It is,”. (Catherine Kent) Catherine said, her tone leaving no room for doubt.“This isn’t just about managing finances or markets. This is about control. Influence. Ensuring Virtue Financial International has the power to dictate terms on a global scale. And it requires someone who isn’t afraid to do what needs to be done.”. (Catherine Kent)Ran’s eyes narrowed slightly.“You mean someone who can handle the dirty work.”. (Ran Hyun OK) Catherine smiled faintly.“I mean someo
“You’ve done incredible things in Korea, Ran. You’ve proven time and again that you can handle pressure, make the hard calls, and come out stronger. But this...”. (Catherine Kent)She gestured subtly with her hand.“This is a different beast. And I won’t sugarcoat it. If you take this on, it will consume you. It will demand everything you have—and more.”. (Catherine Kent)Ran turned back to face her mentor, her gaze steady.“And if I don’t?”. (Ran Hyun OK) Catherine’s smile faded, replaced by a piercing look.“If you don’t, we’ll find someone else. But let me be clear—there aren’t many people I’d trust with this role. It has to be someone who understands what’s at stake. Someone who can navigate the shadows without losing sight of the light…above all, I suggested you….to Mies…So…”. (Catherine Kent)The room fell silent, the weight of Catherine’s words pressing down on them both.Finally, Ran spoke, her voice firm.“If I take this role, I’ll need full autonomy. No interference, no s
“I request a duel.”A murmur ran through both sides. Bina merely raised a single eyebrow.“A duel? Against me?” she said, tilting her head slightly, almost as if she hadn’t heard him correctly.Anton stood his ground.“If I win, you and your soldiers do not enter this palace.”Bina exhaled, her lips curving into something that wasn’t quite a smile.“And if you lose?”Anton’s jaw tightened.“Then my men will surrender peacefully.”A moment of silence passed between them.And then, Bina laughed.A deep, almost booming sound, filled with something akin to amusement… and disappointment.“You are either the bravest or the most foolish knight I have ever met, Captain Anton.” She rested her hand on the haft of her war axe, her fingers tightening around the weapon’s familiar grip.Anton did not flinch. Bina’s amusement faded. She gave him a firm nod. Both of them knew, this is actually a heartfelt plea from Anton, he wanted Grand General Bine to allow his men to live, this I his earnest beg.
At precisely 10 AM, just as the dust from the explosions had barely begun to settle, a deep echoing voice rang across the battlefield.“To the soldiers and citizens of Alemia!”It was him.The President of Aeternum.His voice carried through the winds, reverberating through the ruined streets, projected through Aeternum’s massive military speakers for all to hear.“Your war is over. Lay down your arms. Submit to the governance of Aeternum, and you will be spared.”His words hung in the air like a final judgment.And then, like a descending storm, the Aeternum Army finally began to move.It was a terrifyingly unified march.Thousands upon thousands of troops moved in perfect synchronicity, their steel boots pounding against the earth like a drum of war. Tanks rolled forward, massive military vehicles flanking the advancing battalions, gunships and airships circling the skies like mechanical reapers.At that moment, the people of Alemia saw it—the unstoppable tide of Aeternum’s might de
“Then let’s make history. Order the Navy Fleet 01 to launch three additional Type-1 Missiles. Targets: The East, North, and West gates of the capital.”The entire command bridge fell into stunned silence.Every officer, every technician, every strategist momentarily froze. Their eyes flickered with a mix of shock and anxiety as they processed my command. Even the seasoned veterans among them seemed momentarily taken aback.It was one thing to deploy a single missile.But three at once?That wasn’t just warfare—it was an annihilation order.Bina, Lucas, and Eliza, who had been following the situation via video conference, immediately reacted. Their holographic images flickered on the massive display before me, each one expressing their own unique emotions.Bina, ever the stoic and composed tactician, furrowed her brows, tapping her fingers against the table.“Mr. President… I assume you understand the full implications of this move?”I met her gaze without hesitation.“I do. This is th
At 6:45 AM, the order was given. Admiral Duchess Kolarova, commanding the Navy Fleet from the southern front, initiated the launch sequence. The missile streaked across the sky like a comet, its white trail a harbinger of devastation.From the Dragon One, I stood on the bridge, watching intently as the missile’s trajectory was displayed on the holographic screens. My officers around me held their breath, anticipation thick in the air.A few moments later, the missile hit its mark. The explosion that followed was nothing short of spectacular. The Alemia Capital City gates were obliterated, along with the surrounding walls and everything within a 100-meter radius. Dust and debris rose into the sky like a dark mushroom cloud, blotting out the early morning sun.The impact was beyond what any of us had anticipated. The "lowest-grade" missile had proven to be anything but low-grade.The news of the missile strike spread like wildfire through the Aeternum ranks. Soldiers, commanders, and of
BOOM!The object slammed into the city gates, unleashing a deafening explosion that shook the ground beneath their feet. The shockwave rippled outward, sending soldiers sprawling and shattering windows across the city. Dust and debris filled the air as the once-mighty gates crumbled into a smoking ruin.Amariss stumbled backward, his sword clattering to the ground as he stared in horror at the devastation.“What… what is this? What is happening?!”he stammered, his voice trembling with fear. In the distance, the Aeternum Navy Fleet stood poised, their warships bristling with firepower. The single missile had been a warning—a demonstration of Aeternum’s overwhelming strength and precision. And it had achieved its purpose.The soldiers of Amariss’s army, already demoralized and terrified, broke ranks almost immediately. Dropping their weapons and abandoning their positions, they fled in every direction, their panic spreading like wildfire.“Come back! COME BACK, YOU COWARDS!”Amariss sc
“The reports… the soldiers… they are abandoning their posts. Even the Prime Minister has—”“I know,”she interrupted, her voice calm but laced with resignation.“Let them go. They were never loyal to me to begin with.”Her Royal Knight Commander, Lucas Perdue, entered moments later, his face grim.“Your Majesty, the palace remains secure for now, but the city is unraveling. The people are heeding Aeternum’s call, not ours. And the army… they’ve lost the will to fight.”The Queen closed her eyes, taking a deep breath.“Lucas, prepare for the inevitable. Lock down the palace. Imprison those who remain loyal to the Prime Minister and the other schemers. And… prepare for my surrender to Aeternum.”Lucas hesitated, his hand tightening on the hilt of his sword.“Are you certain, Your Majesty? To surrender is to admit—”“To admit that we’ve failed,”she finished for him.“Yes. Because we have failed. And the longer we cling to this throne, the more my people suffer….it is of no point to figh
Back at the frontlines, as soldiers readied themselves for the final march, they were moved by the reports circulating from command. The evidence of Alemia’s corruption and the suffering of its people only solidified their resolve. Around campfires and inside armored vehicles, soldiers shared their thoughts openly.One young soldier spoke with determination:“It’s not just about winning the war. We’re here to do something right—to fix what’s broken.”Another nodded, clenching her rifle tightly.“The President and the Vice President have never hidden anything from us. They’ve told us why we’re fighting, and that’s why I’d follow them anywhere.”Even the most hardened veterans were touched by the weight of their mission. One grizzled commander, looking out at the stars, muttered to himself,“We’re not just soldiers. We’re builders of a better future.”As the evening turned to night, a quiet anticipation spread across Aeternum and the liberated regions of Alemia. Farmers working their fi
“[To the citizens of Aeternum, know this: our soldiers, our leaders, and our government are united in our cause. We fight not for conquest, but for liberation. We fight to bring light to a land that has known darkness for far too long. And we fight because we believe in a better future for all.]”As she reached the conclusion of her address, Elijah’s voice softened slightly, carrying a note of hope.“[Let us move forward together—with courage, with resolve, and with the knowledge that we are on the side of justice. Aeternum stands as a beacon of hope, and together, we will bring peace to Alemia Nation. Thank you, and may we all stay safe in the hours ahead.]”The response to Elijah’s address was immediate and palpable. Across Aeternum, workers paused their tasks, families huddled around radios, and soldiers standing in the encampments felt a renewed sense of purpose.In one bustling Aeternum farm, a group of farmers stood together, their hands still muddy from the fields, listening in
“This is why I serve Aeternum,”he said.“Our government doesn’t hide anything from us. The President shows us the truth—the corruption, the suffering, everything. We’re not here for conquest. We’re here to fix what’s broken.”A sergeant nearby nodded.“And the Crown Prince? He deserves everything that’s coming to him. My wife is from Alemia, and she told me stories of what that man has done—taxing people into starvation while throwing lavish parties. It’s disgusting.”Another soldier, a former immigrant from Alemia, added,“It’s not just him. The entire royal family let this happen. But the fact that the President is willing to spare Queen Romella and preserve a part of Alemia’s heritage? That shows we’re not here to destroy—we’re here to rebuild.”Even the officers echoed similar sentiments. In the command tent, a group of captains discussed the decision over steaming mugs of coffee.“This is why we’re different,” one of them said.“Other nations would have razed Alemia to the groun