“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 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 officers snapped into action, relaying her orders to every corner of the base.Captain Angelina couldn’t help but smirk as the command center burst into activity. She glanced at Selie, who maintained her usual stoic expression.“Excited, Colonel?”Angelina asked teasingly, leaning closer to her superior.Selie shot her a sidelong glance, but her lips quirked ever so slightly.“This is war, Captain. Excitement has no place here.”Angelina chuckled softly.“Oh, of course, Colonel. And yet, you’re practically glowing. Can’t blame you, though. After all, we’re about to carve our names
In the Western Region, the city of Gust was alive with anticipation. The central square, which opened up to the western wall, was packed with thousands of onlookers, a sea of townsfolk and refugees who had sought shelter here during the turbulent war.On the raised platform near the western wall, Governor Duke Oliver Gust stood alongside General Lucas. Behind them, a breathtaking formation of Aeternum soldiers stood shoulder to shoulder with the Gust Ducal Family’s knights. The juxtaposition of modern Aeternum military vehicles and the gleaming armor of medieval-style knights painted a scene that spoke of unity between progress and tradition.The air was thick with anticipation as Duke Oliver Gust stepped forward. His sharp, noble features were illuminated by the midday sun, and his deep voice carried over the crowd with ease.“Citizens of Gust City!”he began, his tone resonating with authority and passion.“Today, we bear witness to a moment of unparalleled significance—not just for
“This is Quara Raedrim bringing you today’s top story on the Aeternum Radio Network.”She paused for effect, her emerald eyes glinting as she glanced at the breaking news memo in front of her.“Breaking news from the frontlines of Alemia Nation,”she announced, her tone rising with excitement.“This morning, it has been officially confirmed that His Excellency, President of Aeternum, has made the decisive move to restart the liberation campaign to bring the Alemia Nation fully under Aeternum governance.”Across New City, radios crackled in homes, cafes, and workplaces as citizens stopped what they were doing to listen.“Did you hear that?”a baker in the marketplace exclaimed, turning up the volume on his radio.“The President is leading the Eastern Army himself!”“I knew it,”a mother murmured to her young son, clutching his hand as they walked through the park.“He always fulfills his promises. Alemia will be whole again, under Aeternum’s light.”In the immigrant district, a group o
I took another sip of tea, letting the warmth spread through me.Because here’s the delicious irony: by copying our education system, they didn’t just adopt our books and schedules.They were adopting our mindset.Every child who learned using our curriculum. Every teacher trained by our methods. Every official who quoted Aeternum textbooks. They were all little seeds planted deep within foreign soil.In ten years?Those nations would think like us.In twenty?They would be like us. All without a single sword being drawn. I leaned back in my chair, utterly content.Without armies, without bloodshed, we were gaining soft political power over thirty-one nations.Real power.The kind that shaped futures. Mina clinked her cup lightly against mine in a silent toast, her green eyes sparkling.“To the future?” she teased.I smiled, lifting my cup.“To the future we’re writing,” I said.And out there, beneath the quiet, darkening sky, the seeds of a new world had already begun to bloom.The n
In New City, the public watched it all unfold on massive news screens and digital displays.A young woman in a coffee shop blinked back tears.“My mother couldn’t even sign her name,” she said. “Now, she’s going to school at sixty. Can you imagine?”A factory worker on break raised his can of iced tea. “They used to mock us for thinking machines would replace us. Now? My kid’s learning to design them.”Later that evening, President Mies stood at his office window in the Black House, overlooking a city glowing with lights and ambition.Minister Myers entered, holding the finalized signed charter.“It’s done,” he said quietly. “They all agreed. The future begins today.”Mies nodded. “We’ve unified their borders, their defense, and their markets,” he said. “Now, we unify their minds.”A long silence followed. Then, just a single line: “History will remember this moment.” And across the continent, it already had.The evening air was soft, almost languid, as I sat back in my chair, savorin
As the documents were sealed, cameras flashed and live broadcasts streamed the images of rulers shaking hands with President Mies—smiles genuine, eyes alight with purpose.The message to the world was unmistakable:Aeternum does not just lead with power—it leads with knowledge.Later, in a private conversation, Jonathan Myers turned to Mies.“This is more than we hoped.”Mies looked out the window of his office, where the UNA flags fluttered in a perfect row.“No,” he said. “This is exactly what I planned.”Jonathan raised a brow. “And what next?”Mies smiled faintly. “We teach the world… to think like us.”The central assembly hall of New Concordia UNA Headquarters—a gleaming white dome adorned with banners of thirty-one nations—had never been so full.Delegates filled every seat. National flags stood in perfect rows. The giant LED display behind the stage glowed with the symbol of the United Nation Alliance, now framed by a new banner in golden letters:"Education for All – A Future
Outside the palace gates, the citizens of Hallerus City buzzed with excitement. News traveled fast: another king had come, and he, too, had seen the truth.And far beyond the city walls, whispers began in other UNA courts:“Perhaps we should ask Queen Helen for assistance.”“Maybe Aeternum’s model isn’t just for them.”“Could we build this future too?”In the Black House of New City, when President Mies received the report of King Leopold’s visit, he simply closed the folder and smiled slightly."One seed sows a thousand trees," he murmured.And in the fields of Fantasma, the seeds of knowledge had already begun to sprout.The towering skyline of New City shimmered beneath a clear morning sky. It was a perfect day for diplomacy—and a historic one.Within the great glass-paneled east wing of the Black House, Aeternum’s political nerve center, a long oval table had been prepared. Security was tight, the air dignified, yet the atmosphere was distinctly welcoming. For today, President Mie
That evening, Queen Helen hosted a quiet reception for the UNA visitors. Modest food, strong Hallerian tea, and conversation flowed freely.“We’re not pretending it’s perfect,” Helen told them. “But we’re not pretending it’s impossible, either.”One observer raised a hand, smiling. “Would you be open to helping other nations start similar programs?”Helen looked to Merrica, then back to them.“Of course,” she said. “We’ve taken help. It would be wrong not to offer it.”It was the kind of answer that made diplomats take notes. And so, Hallerus—once a fractured kingdom cast in shadow—began to shine in a new light. Not as a symbol of power. But as a model of transformation. And as the scholars walked the streets of Hallerus City, alongside teachers and curious children, they quietly realized: The future wasn’t just being forged in Aeternum anymore. It was spreading.The scent of blooming gardenias filled the royal courtyard of Hallerus Royal Palace. The sun hung high above the battlement
“It’s… beautiful,” she said.Jonathan smiled. “It’s sure is,.”The first major step was the immediate conversion of six major city libraries into public education centers. Then came the pilot schools—one for each major region of the kingdom. Each staffed with a blend of local teachers (newly trained) and educational experts from Aeternum who came to oversee implementation.Within a month, Hallerus Elementary Schools opened their doors for the first time. Children from farming villages and mining towns, who had never once held a book of their own, were now reading stories about space, science, and society. They learned arithmetic on digital chalkboards and watched recorded lectures from Aeternum instructors. Classrooms were modest, but organized. Desks were salvaged, but steady.The change was jarring. But it was real. Queen Helen visited one of these pilot schools in the outskirts of Archenport. There, she saw barefoot children reciting alphabet lines. She watched a young girl raise h
Outside in the streets of New City, a mural was already being painted on the wall of a youth center—depicting two children, one Aeternian and one Hallerian, sitting together at a shared desk beneath the words:"Wisdom Unites What War Divides."The mural was uncommission—but no one was taking it down. From within the homes, classrooms, and council chambers of Aeternum, the message was clear: the world was learning, and they were learning from Aeternum.And that made the people walk taller.Because every road rebuilt in Hallerus, every classroom opened, every young mind taught in their system—was a quiet victory for Aeternum’s vision. The age of empires was ending. The age of influence had begun.The great hall of Hallerus Royal Palace hadn’t hosted a summit like this in over a generation. Not for war. Not for taxation. But for education.Long tables stretched beneath arched stone windows, newly adorned with fresh flags representing each province of the Hallerus Kingdom. The air smelled
Contracts were awarded to the newly established Hallerus Road Commission, overseen by both local talent and advisory engineers from Aeternum. Bright orange marker flags began appearing all over the kingdom, outlining future road paths. Caravans brought in equipment, gravel, construction tools—and, notably, several transport trucks from Aeternum carrying the first batch of reinforced roadstone, a durable blend sourced from the Stone Ring mountains.Helen personally visited the first construction site just outside the capital—a winding, broken stretch leading to a key trade town in the east.She knelt beside the workers, running her fingers through the packed dirt and gravel. “This path,” she said to a nearby foreman, “will be the spine of our kingdom.”He blinked, surprised at her presence, then bowed. “Then we’ll make sure it’s strong, Your Majesty.”As roadwork began, the kingdom watched. Villages previously isolated by floods or rough terrain saw the first signs of inclusion. Mercha
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