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
Paul’s bony fingers tapped rhythmically on the desk as he considered the question.“If there’s one thing you can count on,”he said, his hollow voice firm,“it’s that His Excellency always finishes what he starts.”As the broadcast neared its conclusion, Quara leaned closer to the microphone, her voice filled with pride.“To the brave men and women of the Aeternum Army, and to our beloved President leading them—may you march forward with strength and honor. The people of Aeternum stand behind you, united in hope and faith. This is not just a battle—it is the dawn of a new era for Alemia and Aeternum alike.”The closing theme played, and as the broadcast ended, applause erupted in the studio. Quara removed her headphones, her heart swelling with pride.“Another stellar broadcast,”Paul commented, his skeletal hand giving her a rare approving gesture.“Thank you, Director,”Quara replied, smiling warmly.“Let’s hope the troops hear this and know we’re all rooting for them.”As the day u
“The Aeternum Army hasn’t even arrived, and they’re already running with their tails between their legs.”The scene galvanized the townsfolk. For years, they had suffered under the tyranny of these same elites, who now abandoned them without a second thought.“We don’t need them!”a blacksmith shouted, raising his hammer into the air.“We can rebuild this town under Aeternum’s banner!”The crowd roared in agreement. Farmers, tradesmen, and laborers began organizing themselves, discussing how they could prepare for the Aeternum Army’s arrival. Some offered to clear the streets of debris, while others spoke of gathering supplies to welcome their liberators.As the chaos of the fleeing elites faded into the distance, the people of Black Eagle Town felt a renewed sense of purpose. For the first time in decades, they saw a future where they could live without fear, where justice and prosperity were not just dreams but tangible goals within their grasp.Standing amidst the crowd, Johny Eagl
9:00 AM, Black Eagle TownThe ornate halls of Baron Mikhail’s manor, which had always been filled with the echoes of lavish banquets and self-serving discussions, were eerily chaotic this morning. Servants scurried through the corridors, hastily packing valuables into crates and trunks. The once-proud lord of Black Eagle Town, Baron Mikhail, paced frantically in his study, his face pale and drenched in sweat.The news from the Aeternum Radio Broadcast had hit him like a thunderclap. The Aeternum Army, led by none other than the President of Aeternum himself, was marching toward the central region—and Black Eagle Town was directly in their path.Baron Mikhail slammed a trembling hand on his mahogany desk, glaring at the messenger who had delivered the dreadful news.“Do you understand what this means?”the Baron shouted, his voice a mix of terror and fury.“They’re coming for us—for me!”The messenger, a young man who had seen little of the luxury that surrounded him, stammered nervou
“This is it, Melinda,”he said softly.“This is the beginning of something new—for all of us.”“And it’s all thanks to Aeternum,”she replied, her voice filled with gratitude. As the people of Black Eagle Town came together to rebuild, their eyes turned to the horizon, waiting eagerly for the arrival of their liberators. The streets of Black Eagle Town were in utter chaos. Wealthy nobles, lords, and merchants, along with their families, had clogged the narrow cobblestone roads with carriages loaded with valuables. Gilded trunks and ornate chests teetered precariously atop the carriages, spilling jewels and fine silks as servants scrambled to secure their masters' possessions. Horses neighed and stomped, struggling to pull the overloaded carriages as the morning sun cast a harsh glare on the chaotic exodus.The townsfolk stood on the sidelines, watching with a mixture of amusement and contempt as the upper class fled.“Look at them,”Johny Eagle said, shaking his head as he leaned agai
News of Aeternum’s Army had spread like wildfire, but even the swiftest whispers across the land had not prepared the people for this. Just hours after hearing that the army was mobilizing, Black Eagle Town found itself under the shadow of Aeternum’s infamous Iron Birds.“Impossible!”Johny Eagle exclaimed, his voice filled with awe as he gazed at the helicopters hovering above.“How can they already be here?”The patrons of his underground tavern murmured in agreement; their eyes wide as they watched the scene unfold from the streets.“It’s them,”Melinda said with certainty.“No one else has those flying machines. It’s the Aeternum Army.”All around them, the townsfolk shared similar sentiments. The speed at which Aeternum moved was nothing short of miraculous to the common people. To those who had lived under tyranny and chaos, it felt like divine intervention. While the nobles and lords continued their desperate attempts to flee the town, their carriages grinding to a halt as the
Children ran through the streets, mimicking the sound of helicopters with their arms outstretched like blades. Mothers wept tears of joy, holding their children close. Fathers stood tall, their hearts swelling with hope for the first time in years.Within minutes, Black Eagle Town was under complete control of the Aeternum Army. The streets were silent, save for the disciplined movements of the soldiers securing their positions. The nobles and lords, now trapped within the town, huddled together in their carriages, their faces pale and their dreams of escape shattered.From his carriage, Baron Mikhail peeked out at the soldiers surrounding the gates. His voice quivered as he muttered,“It’s over... We can’t escape.”The arrival of Aeternum’s Iron Birds and their soldiers had turned the tide. What had once been a town divided between oppressors and oppressed was now united under a single banner—the banner of Aeternum. For the people of Black Eagle Town, this was more than just the arri
“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.
“Accepted,” Helen said firmly.Andrea paused. “You are aware that this pricing is higher than what our allied nations pay?”“I am.”“And that it reflects the cost of your past decisions.”“I am aware.”Andrea’s expression didn’t soften. But there was a shift. A sliver of respect, perhaps.“We also request that Queen Helen and her full court travel to New Concordia,” Andrea said. “To sign the official alliance treaty in Aeternum, under President Mies' direct oversight.”That stung.A silent reminder: You no longer stand as an equal.But Helen did not flinch. “We will come.”Merrica remained quiet beside her, eyes locked forward, proud but weathered. He knew this was necessary. He knew, like her, that survival always demanded a cost.And this was the only path forward.Andrea stood, signaling the end of the meeting. “Then prepare your delegation. You have one week.”As Andrea and her entourage exited, Helen remained still, her hand brushing the edge of the map of Hallerus that lay on th
“I can prep the full economic framework in three days. I’ll soften it slightly—give them just enough dignity to sign without choking.”“Good,” I said. “Let them keep their crown and their pride, as long as we own their economy.”Andrea gave a subtle nod. “Then I’ll schedule the official visit. They’ll come to us.”“And when they do,” I said, voice cold and precise, “we’ll welcome them with smiles. And let them know who holds the scales now.”Andrea paused. “Anything else you want me to add in the background?”“Yes,” I said after a moment. “Tell them we’ll open an Aeternum Super Store in the capital as a gesture of goodwill. Make it sound benevolent.”Andrea smirked. “And on the inside?”“It’s a spearhead,” I said. “Once we’re in, we don’t leave.”“Understood, Mr. President.”The screen blinked as the call ended. I turned to Elijah, who was already compiling the summary.“Draft the formal invitation,” I ordered. “Summon Queen Helen and her full court to New City. They’ll arrive as sove
“This city is broken,” she said at last.“Which means it’s ripe,” Jessica added with a glint in her eye. “Imagine if we opened Aeternum Super Store branches here. Not just in the capital—but in every major city.”Robert nodded. “We’d dominate the market before they even knew what hit them. Food, tech, textiles. We could monopolize the entire consumer chain.”Andrew chuckled, finally seeing the silver lining. “We’d be heroes to the people. And villains to the nobles—well, if any are still left standing.”“People like what fills their stomachs,” Jessica said. “Right now, they’re starving for quality. They’ll welcome us like saviors.”Andrea folded her arms, surveying the square again. She could already envision the clean, modern storefronts replacing the crumbling stalls. Self-sanitizing kiosks. Subsidized food packs. Nutritional water stations. Supply chains optimized by Aeternum AI logistics.“This city’s a blank slate now,” she said softly. “Their failure is our opportunity. And this
“Minister Andrea, Her Majesty sends word. She invites you to join her in the council chamber once your tour is complete.”Andrea nodded without looking at him. “Tell her I’ll return shortly. Let her know the city has spoken louder than any court could.”The young man paled but bowed again and hurried off.Andrea resumed walking. “They’re ashamed. Helen saw the city, I’m sure. She knew I’d see this mess.”“She should be ashamed,” Jessica said. “But she’s trying. And she listened to her uncle, at least.”“Yes,” Andrea admitted. “That’s the only reason we’re even here.”They continued walking in silence until they reached the edge of the once-thriving industrial sector. The machinery was still, some pieces looted, others rusting like ancient bones. Andrea crouched beside a discarded engine part, running her fingers over the insignia stamped on the metal.“Aeternum-built,” she whispered. “We left it here. And they left it to rot.”She stood, her voice tightening. “No more gifts. No more r
“I come bearing news from President Mies,” Andrea said. “He has authorized me to reestablish economic relations between Aeternum and Hallerus.”The words fell like rain on droughted soil. Gasps. Whispers. And then—cheers stifled by etiquette.Helen blinked. “You’re serious?”Andrea raised a brow. “I don’t waste time, Your Majesty. Our logistics and trade units will begin routing initial shipments within two weeks. In exchange, we’d like preferred trading status for key Hallerian exports. Wheat. Marble. Blackvine spices.”Helen nodded rapidly. “Of course. Anything.”Andrea turned her gaze slightly. “Be aware: the initial tariffs will reflect… the past breakdown in our diplomatic relations.”A slight smile touched her lips. Not warm. Calculated.Helen bowed her head, just enough. “A fair penalty. One we accept.”Andrea’s expression softened—barely. “Good. Then consider today the first page in a new chapter.”Helen stepped forward. “Minister Andrea, may I speak plainly?”Andrea nodded on
“We’re sending an envoy,” I said. “I want a diplomatic team ready to leave within the week. Formal clothes, soft language, but firm posture. They’ll deliver the proposal to reopen channels with Hallerus.”Andrea raised an eyebrow. “And if they hesitate?”“They won’t,” I said. “Helen’s smarter than she was. She knows what Aeternum means now—not just power. Stability. Progress. A future. Her people know it too. They’re already lining up to buy our products again. Her economy needs us more than she’d ever admit.”Andrea took notes. “Do we offer full partnership or just trade?”“Start with trade. Let her work for the rest.”Elijah crossed his arms. “You’re playing the long game.”“Always,” I said. “She showed backbone. Now she has to show consistency. If Hallerus stays clean, stays reformed, we talk alliance in two years. Maybe joint ventures. Maybe intelligence sharing.”Andrea looked up. “And if they regress?”“Then the gloves come off,” I said. “I owe Merrica nothing now. The ledger is
“Shadow diplomacy?”“Shared progress,” I corrected. “No puppet states. No conquest. We build allies, not subjects.”“And if she fails?”“She won’t.”“You trust her?”“I trust momentum.”Silence settled between us. Weighty. Calculated.“She came to the edge,” I said. “She looked down. She chose to climb.”I placed my palm on the table. Pulled up the interlink data from the last ACIA relay. A still frame of Helen and Merrica, standing beside a new council—half of them former commoners. Not a single noble.“She’s rewriting the code of kingship,” Elijah said.“She’s writing history.”Elijah nodded. “I’ll alert the Council of Governors. Phase One integration can begin. Cultural exchange programs. Civil training volunteers.”“Quiet. Measured.”“As always.”I watched the horizon past the glass. My reflection stared back. Older now. Sharper.“Hallerus lives,” I said.Elijah placed the closed folder back into his case. “And Aeternum listens.”I sat behind the presidential desk, sunlight spilli