The arrival of Aeternum Army brought back memories of the first civil war for everyone in the palace. That war had been a brutal lesson, one that the Alemia leadership had clearly failed to learn from.The words of the Aeternum President echoed in the minds of the queen and her advisors:"If this nation fails to be led with justice, I will take it away from all of you."And now, as the president’s army loomed at their doorstep, those words felt like a prophecy fulfilled."Your Majesty,"a trembling advisor ventured cautiously,"What... what shall we do?"The queen’s head snapped up; her eyes wild with desperation."Do? What can we do? They’re already here!""But surely, Your Majesty,"another courtier interjected,"Perhaps we can negotiate? Offer terms of surrender?"The room fell silent. Everyone knew the truth: Aeternum did not negotiate with failures."Silence!"the queen shrieked, her voice cracking."We are not finished yet! There must be something we can do!"Her outburst only d
"Baron Louise,"Count Dracul greeted, his voice low and even."Count Dracul,"Louise replied with a faint smirk.For a moment, they stared at each other in silence. Then, when they were certain no one could overhear them, both men let out soft chuckles."Of all the people they could have chosen,"Louise said, shaking his head,"They picked us."Dracul smirked."Poetic, isn’t it? Two of Aeternum's informers sent to negotiate on behalf of these fools."Louise let out a short laugh."It’s almost too easy.""Let’s not keep them waiting,"Dracul said, gesturing toward the Aeternum Army in the distance."The sooner we meet with the president, the sooner we can get back to work."Together, the two men rode toward the Aeternum frontlines, their hearts light with the knowledge that they were returning to their true allegiance.As they neared the Aeternum encampment, they were greeted by a group of soldiers, their imposing figures silhouetted against the setting sun. The soldiers didn’t speak,
"Your Excellency,"they said in unison."Stand,"the president ordered, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips."You’ve served Aeternum well. There’s no need for formalities here."As they rose to their feet, Baron Louise dared to speak."It is an honor to finally meet you, sir. I’ve waited a long time for this moment.""And I,"Count Dracul added,"Am humbled to stand before you."The president leaned forward, resting his elbows on the armrests of his throne."I’ve read the reports from Selie. Your contributions to this campaign have been invaluable.""Thank you, sir,"Louise said."But the work isn’t done,"the president continued, his tone growing serious."Your roles as messengers are not just a formality. You will return to your respective factions and deliver a clear message from Aeternum: the war ends now."Both men nodded."And if they refuse?"Dracul asked cautiously. The president’s gaze hardened."They won’t have a choice."The room fell silent, the weight of his w
"Every time I read these reports, it makes my blood boil,"Captain Lionel, who was standing nearby, muttered. His fists were clenched at his sides, his anger barely contained.I nodded, my expression hardening."It’s unacceptable. This war, this suffering—it ends now."The reports from Baron Louise and Count Dracul only reinforced my resolve. Both sides were guilty. Their leaders were corrupt, their nobles complicit, and their soldiers nothing more than pawns in a game of greed and power. There was no redemption to be found in either faction."They have chosen their fates,"I said, my voice cold and final."They had every opportunity to rule justly, to care for their people, to avoid this war. Instead, they chose greed and tyranny. When we move forward, we do so with a clear conscience."Despite the clarity of my decision, there was no denying the gravity of the situation. The suffering of the Alemia people weighed heavily on everyone aboard the Dragon One. Around me, the bridge crew
"This is why we step up,"I said quietly, almost to myself but loud enough for everyone to hear."Because no one else will.""Aeternum leads,"Selie said, her voice steady."And we don’t falter,"Captain Lionel added. The room was silent once more, but this time it wasn’t somber. It was charged with purpose.As the clock ticked closer to the final battle, the Aeternum Army continued its march, undeterred and unwavering. On all fronts—north, south, east, and west—the troops advanced with a singular purpose: to bring justice, order, and prosperity to Alemia.For the first time in a long time, Alemia’s people would have something to believe in—a government that didn’t just promise change but delivered it.And as the Dragon One flew high above the battlefield, its presence a symbol of Aeternum’s strength and resolve, everyone knew that this was more than just a war. This was a turning point—a moment that would define not just Alemia’s future but the very essence of what Aeternum stood for
In the higher echelons of command, the reactions were just as impassioned. Grand General Bina and General Lucas, in particular, were vocal about their disgust."This is beyond negligence,"Bina said during a video conference."It’s a betrayal of everything a government is supposed to stand for. These people aren’t leaders—they’re parasites."Lucas, ever the fiery lion demi-human, growled in agreement."They’ve lost the right to govern. We’re not just here to fight a war—we’re here to restore dignity to this land. And by the time we’re done, Alemia will be a shining example of what Aeternum can achieve."Even General Eliza, known for her bubbly personality, was unusually serious."I’ve always thought of war as a necessary evil,"she said."But this? This is justice. And I can’t wait to see the look on those nobles’ faces when they realize their time is up."By the time the army resumed its march, every soldier was fully motivated, their spirits higher than ever. The Aeternum Army wasn’
On the Aeternum side, the mood couldn’t have been more different. The soldiers, aware of the psychological impact their stillness was having on the enemy, were brimming with confidence.“This is genius,”Private Luthar said, his voice filled with admiration.“The President doesn’t even need to lift a finger, and they’re already falling apart.”Sergeant Maia, a veteran soldier, nodded.“That’s why I serve him. He doesn’t just fight wars—he wins them before they even start.”Another soldier chuckled.“Can you imagine what they must be thinking right now? All those nobles and commanders, shaking in their boots, wondering when we’re going to strike. It’s beautiful.”The soldiers also appreciated the transparency I had shown by sharing the compiled evidence of Alemia’s crimes. For many, it reinforced their faith in Aeternum’s leadership and the righteousness of their cause.“I’ve served in armies before,”Corporal Darius said,“But never in one where the leader actually tells you why you’r
“You know what I appreciate most about this war?”he asked, his voice thoughtful.“It’s the transparency. The president told us everything—why we’re here, what we’re fighting for. I’ve never served in an army like this before.”The others nodded in agreement.“That’s because there isn’t another army like this,”a veteran said proudly.“We’re not just fighting for a paycheck or some king’s ego. We’re fighting for something real—for justice, for the people who’ve been suffering under their rule.”The soldiers’ confidence was unshakable. They knew they were on the right side of history, and the enemy’s disarray only reinforced their belief in the righteousness of their cause. As the sun began to set, the Aeternum Army remained motionless, their lines unbroken, their discipline unwavering. On the horizon, the camps of Crown Prince Amariss and Queen Romella descended further into chaos, their once-proud armies teetering on the brink of collapse. Inside the Dragon One, I stood at the observ
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.