In bustling city squares, people gathered around public radios and large screens broadcasting the speech. Patriotic songs erupted spontaneously, as street performers played instruments, and the crowds joined in singing with fervor. The sight of Aeternum’s blue-and-gold banners fluttering in the wind became a symbol of hope and unity.For Alemia immigrants like Dario, a young carpenter who fled his homeland years ago, the news hit like a thunderbolt. Dario’s hands trembled as he gripped the edge of the workbench he was leaning on.“They’re going to free it,”he whispered, disbelief coloring his voice. His coworker, an Aeternum citizen, clapped him on the back and said with a wide grin,“Not ‘they.’ We are going to free it.”Dario smiled for the first time in years, tears glistening in his eyes.“Yes. We are.”For the millions of Alemia refugees living in Aeternum, this was a moment of vindication. They had fled their homeland in search of safety, many of them leaving loved ones behind.
The café, with its elegant glass windows and flourishing ivy, was abuzz with its usual morning crowd. However, one table in the corner stood out. Crown Princess Angela, seated with her usual poise, sipped her chamomile tea as she addressed the gathering of foreign dignitaries.Around her sat Countess Hessina Redwall of the Setting Sun Kingdom, a cunning diplomat who rarely minced words, Princess Yuneda Crystal of the Giant Lake Crystal Duchy, known for her charm and pragmatism, and Princess Nelly Nirewin of the Kingdom of Nirewin, a fiery orator with a sharp tongue. Despite their differences in personality and origin, all shared one thing in common: their countries' fates were intertwined with Aeternum’s ambitions.Angela placed her teacup gently on the saucer and let her steely gaze sweep across the table.“Ladies, let us dispense with pretenses,”she began, her voice firm but elegant.“Today marks the beginning of a new era—not just for Aeternum, but for the entire Central Continent
“Madam Vice President, all personnel have boarded. The airships are ready for departure.”Elijah turned to him, her expression one of quiet determination.“Good. Ensure they have a secure flight. The success of this mission doesn’t just depend on the battlefield—it hinges on our ability to stabilize Alemia the moment it falls.”As the airships began to lift off, Elijah clasped her hands behind her back, watching the fleet ascend into the sky. She allowed herself a brief moment of satisfaction. Aeternum’s reach was about to extend further than ever before.In a private moment, Elijah returned to the War Room and gazed at the holographic map of Alemia Nation. The Central Region, highlighted in red, was slowly being surrounded by the advancing Aeternum forces.T.A.S, the President’s sentient AI, chimed in through the room’s speakers.“Madam Vice President, all preparations are proceeding according to plan. Victory is statistically inevitable.”Elijah smirked.“It’s not just about victory
“Mama, will the President make our whole country like Brighthelm?”The mother smiled, tears glistening in her eyes.“Yes, my child. He will. And no one will ever hurt us again.”An older man, a former soldier of Alemia’s army, clenched his fists.“This is what we’ve been waiting for. Aeternum doesn’t just bring soldiers—they bring hope. Let them march. Let them finish this.”For the Aeternum soldiers, the atmosphere was one of steely determination. The order had come down from the President himself: March forward. No more stops. No more delays. The war ends now.In the Eastern front, soldiers moved in unison, their steps a rhythmic cadence that mirrored their collective resolve. Vehicles rolled steadily forward, their engines humming a low, determined growl. Tanks, Humvees, and armored carriers trailed the long columns of soldiers, while helicopters hovered overhead, their shadows dancing on the ground.Inside one of the vehicles, a young recruit turned to his comrade.“Do you think w
“T.A.S.,”Mies Sai said, his tone shifting to one of command,“Open the communication line to the admiral.”Within seconds, the image of Admiral Duchess Kolarova appeared on the screen. Dressed in her pristine navy uniform, her sharp features exuded authority and confidence.“Admiral,”Mies Sai began,“I want your fleet to break away from the southern troops and position yourselves for long-range artillery bombardment. Your fleet’s firepower is unmatched, and I want the enemy to understand the futility of their resistance.”Kolarova saluted crisply.“Understood, Mr. President. The fleet will move into position immediately.”“Additionally,”Mies Sai continued,“Prepare to launch one small missile during the bombardment. It’s not about destruction—it’s about sending a message. Let the enemy see what they’re up against.”A sly smile crossed Kolarova’s lips.“Consider it done, sir. The missile will remind them why Aeternum is a force to be reckoned with.”The Aeternum Royal Navy, with its
At the city square, a young boy tugged on his mother’s sleeve, pointing to the horizon.“Mama, is it true? Are they here to save us?”The mother, her eyes brimming with tears, nodded.“Yes, my child. Aeternum is here. We are saved.”As the Aeternum Army drew closer, their banners unfurled, and the symbol of Aeternum—a golden tree encircled by a shining sun—fluttered proudly in the wind. The soldiers marched in unison, their disciplined movements a stark contrast to the chaos that had gripped the city for so long.In the midst of the approaching forces, the Dragon One Airship hovered like a mighty eagle surveying its prey. Onboard, Mies Sai stood at the helm, his eyes fixed on the Alemia Capital City.“This is it,”he said softly, his voice carrying a weight that no one else could fully understand. Beside him, Lt. Colonel Selie and T.A.S. stood ready, their expressions mirroring his determination.“Mr. President,”Selie said, her voice firm but reverent,“Your orders?”Mies Sai glanced
Inside the Crown Prince’s opulent command tent, General Legal burst in, sweat dripping down his brow. The Crown Prince, lounging lazily on a golden throne, barely acknowledged him at first.“What is it now, Legal?”Amariss drawled, swirling a goblet of wine. General Legal’s voice cracked as he spoke.“Your Highness... Aeternum... They’ve arrived.”The goblet slipped from Amariss’ fingers, shattering on the floor.“What?!” he roared, bolting upright. “How? Why wasn’t I informed sooner?”“They just appeared, Your Highness,”Legal stammered.“At the edge of the battlefield. Their forces... They’ve surrounded us.”Amariss paced frantically, his face contorted in a mixture of fear and indignation.“This can’t be happening! We’re not ready for them!”Back on the battlefield, the silence was deafening. Both the Queen’s forces and the Crown Prince’s forces stood in uneasy truce, their weapons lowered but their hearts pounding.For the soldiers, the presence of Aeternum felt like being caught
“Your Highness, I must remind you... Aeternum is not here to negotiate. They have come to end this war.”Amariss froze, his eyes wide with terror. The realization that there might be no room for diplomacy hit him like a hammer. Both the Queen's court and the Crown Prince's council were gripped by the same paralyzing fear: what if Aeternum's method of ending the war included their complete eradication?For decades, the ruling classes of Alemia had thrived on corruption, exploitation, and oppression. They knew they were guilty of crimes that Aeternum, with its modern ideals of governance and justice, would never tolerate.“It’s not just the Crown Prince,”whispered a noblewoman in Queen Romella's court.“It’s all of us. Do you think they’ll spare us once they see how we’ve ruled?”Another courtier replied grimly,“Spare us? If we’re lucky, we’ll be given a quick death. If not...”The room fell silent, each person consumed by their own visions of impending doom. Meanwhile, the Aeternum A
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.