The city of Gust, the capital of the Western Region, radiated an aura of peace and prosperity that seemed almost otherworldly to those who had known nothing but strife. The towering walls stood strong yet inviting, adorned with the Aeternum insignia—a symbol that had come to mean safety and order to the Alemia people.As they passed through the gates, the refugees were greeted by sights and sounds that filled their hearts with hope. Cobblestone streets bustled with activity, but not the chaotic kind they had fled from. This was the lively hum of a thriving community: merchants hawking their wares, children laughing as they played, and townsfolk chatting amicably by fountains that sparkled in the midday sun.An elderly man, his face lined with the hardships of life in the war-torn northern regions, clutched his walking stick tightly as he stopped to take it all in.“Is this... really Alemia?”he asked, his voice trembling with disbelief. His daughter, holding her infant child close to
“Do you hear that?”the man asked, his voice tinged with disbelief. His wife tilted her head, confused.“Hear what?”“Exactly,”he said with a small smile.“No cries, no screams, no clashing of swords. Just... peace.”She leaned her head against his shoulder, her own smile forming.“Maybe this is where we can finally start again.”For the refugees, Gust City wasn’t just a city; it was a promise of what their lives could become—a life of safety, hope, and renewal under the watchful governance of Aeternum.The Gust Ducal Palace stood as a beacon of Aeternum’s prosperity within the Western Region of Alemia. Its grand architecture, a blend of Alemia’s traditional designs and Aeternum’s modern sensibilities, reflected the harmony achieved under Duke Oliver Gust’s leadership. Within its marble halls, the duke’s study served as a sanctuary for strategy and reflection.Seated within the study’s richly adorned walls, Duke Oliver Gust and General Lucas shared an air of camaraderie, their conver
Across the vast lands of Alemia Nation, Aeternum’s military leaders waited with bated breath for the President’s final command. Each commander, a cornerstone of Aeternum’s might, stood ready to execute their orders with precision and discipline.Grand General Bina and Admiral Duchess Kolarova controlled the southern front, where they had long solidified their hold over the region. General Eliza and Colonel Giuseppe De Gianna dominated the north with their air superiority and meticulous tactics. Governor Duke Oliver Gust and General Lucas ensured the western front remained both peaceful and ready for action. In the east, the President of Aeternum himself prepared for the ultimate moment to unify these forces into one decisive movement.The morning sun rose over Georgina City, casting a golden glow over the bustling streets below. I stood on the balcony of the Georgina Castle, savoring the aroma of my freshly brewed coffee. The city was alive, its people moving with purpose and contentm
“Your Highness,”an advisor ventured cautiously, bowing low,“The city’s defenders are cunning and have fortified their position. But I assure you, with just a bit more time, victory will be ours.”Prince Amariss sneered.“Time? Time is a luxury for the weak! I did not bring this army to dawdle! Do you not realize that my patience is not infinite?”Baron Louise stepped forward, his demeanor calm and composed, his tone calculated to stroke the prince’s ego.“Your Highness, your vision is unparalleled, and your leadership unmatched. The wall may hold now, but it is no match for the brilliance of your strategy. Victory is inevitable.”The Crown Prince’s features softened slightly; his ego sufficiently massaged.“Hmph. At least someone here recognizes my greatness. Tell me, Baron Louise, what of the Aeternum Army? Are they still cowering in the east?”Baron Louise bowed his head, a sly glint in his eyes.“Indeed, Your Highness. Reports indicate that the Aeternum forces remain stationary.
“This war will end not with chaos but with calculated and decisive action. The Central Region must be taken swiftly, but with care. Our objective is not just victory, but the establishment of lasting peace.”The commanders exchanged brief glances, their faces reflecting a mix of determination and anticipation.“General Eliza,”I addressed her directly,“Your air superiority has been unmatched. Continue to secure the skies and ensure that our forces on the ground advance without hindrance.”Eliza nodded, a confident smile tugging at her lips.“It will be done, Your Excellency. The skies belong to us.”“Governor Gust, General Lucas,”I continued,“Your region has been a beacon of stability. Use your position to support the final push. Ensure that supplies and reinforcements flow seamlessly to the frontlines.”Both men bowed slightly in acknowledgment, Lucas’s leonine features set in a firm expression.“Consider it done, Your Excellency,”Lucas said, his deep voice resonating through the
“Governor Gust,”I continued, shifting my attention.“How fares the Western Region?”Duke Oliver Gust bowed slightly, his noble demeanor radiating pride.“Your Excellency, the Western Region has become a model of prosperity. The people have embraced Aeternum governance wholeheartedly. Thanks to the reforms we’ve introduced—education, healthcare, and economic opportunities—the populace is more motivated and productive than ever.”“Are there any signs of rebellion or unrest?”I asked.“None,”Gust declared firmly.“On the contrary, the people are eager to contribute to Aeternum’s growth. Farmers are producing surplus crops, artisans are thriving under fair trade policies, and even the nobles who initially hesitated have come around. They’ve seen the undeniable benefits of aligning with Aeternum.”General Lucas interjected, his deep voice resonating through the screen.“If I may add, Your Excellency, the Western troops are also flourishing. Morale is high, not only among soldiers but als
“You’ve done well—each of you. Your dedication and understanding of the mission have ensured our success thus far. But now, the time has come for the final push. By tomorrow, all forces under your direct command will begin their advance into the Central Region of Alemia Nation.”The seriousness of my tone resonated, and the atmosphere on the video call grew tense yet charged with anticipation.“Each front will move in unison,”I continued.“We will maintain the same strategy that has brought us success: conquer and consolidate. Every settlement behind our advancing forces must be secured, stabilized, and brought under our governance. No region can be left in chaos.”General Eliza nodded; her grin replaced by a focused expression.“Understood, Your Excellency. The Northern Front is ready to move at your command.”Admiral Duchess Kolarova added, her voice firm.“The South has been prepared for this moment, Your Excellency. We’ll press forward and ensure every piece of ground we take rem
“Lt. Colonel Selie,”Angelina greeted, her sharp eyes immediately noticing the subtle glimmer of excitement in Selie’s otherwise steely expression.Selie acknowledged her with a nod.“Captain Angelina, it’s time. The troops are to mobilize immediately. We move today.”Selie and Angelina entered the command center, where the hum of activity filled the air—officers at their stations, maps sprawled across tables, and communication lines buzzing with orders. Selie wasted no time addressing the assembled personnel.“Attention, everyone,”Selie announced, her voice carrying a resolute edge.“The President has given the final command. Today, we march towards the Central Region of Alemia. Prepare the men and women of this army. Ensure every soldier, vehicle, and piece of equipment is battle-ready within the hour. This is the last battle of the war. Let’s finish what we started.”The command center fell silent for a moment, the gravity of her words sinking in. Then, like a well-oiled machine,
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.