As the secret mass of exodus happened all around the Battle Star Empire, on the border of Battle Star Empire, the west side of it, a small town inside the Forbidden Wasteland, Gulmina Town a peaceful Demi-Human town, who frequently visited by the Battle Star Empire merchants. In the town mayor office. A rather unsettling news reached Mayor Thunder, a Rabbitkin mayor, who prompted him to go to the basement of Mayor office at once.“Is this true, Mayor Thunder?” a woman, dressed in a full black suit, read the note on her desk“I believed so, Madam Rose, this information comes from our agent inside of the Battle Star Empire, there is no mistake there at all, I guarantee it…”. Mayor Thunder says, confidently.“Alright…Agent Lilac, open communication order to all of our agents in Battle Star Empire…My order, all agents are to gather information of this odd mas movement towards Forbidden Wasteland coming from Battle Star Empire, approach with caution and readiness… we suspected there will b
Back in Gulmina Town, Rose received another update from her field agents. The movements from the Battle Star Empire were increasing by the hour. The number of fleeing citizens wasn’t in the hundreds—it was reaching the tens of thousands."Ma’am," Agent Dandelion’s voice crackled over the secured radio line, "This isn’t just a few families running. It’s an exodus. We’re talking about entire villages emptying overnight. And… I don’t think the Empire is going to let them go so easily."Rose tightened her grip on the receiver. "Understood. Keep tracking the movements. If the Empire retaliates, we’ll have to consider intervention. I need a report every hour."As the radio clicked off, Rose exhaled sharply. "It looks like the world is about to change again."Director Rose sat in her dimly lit office, the glow of the intelligence reports reflecting in her piercing eyes. The weight of the information she had just received pressed heavily on her. She had seen many things in her time leading th
As night fell over Gulmina Town, the agents of the Flower Division prepared for their mission. Meanwhile, miles away, thousands of desperate souls navigated through the treacherous paths of the Battle Star Empire, their hearts filled with equal parts fear and hope. Unbeknownst to them, a lifeline had already been thrown their way, which is a help that these fleeing people would really need at the moment.“Agent Tulip, this is flower garden, we are permitted to assist the ‘Suspected group’ safe passage to the Flower Garden, order is coming from the tops, over and out”. Agent Lilac voice comes from the cellphone on Agent Tulip hands. “Order received, Over and out,”At the moment, Agent Tulip is walking in the shadow at the outskirts of Penny City, her base of operation was Penny City, where she had been collecting information inside the city for over a few months now. she was shocked when just a day ago over a few thousand people silently slipping out of the city in the middle of the ni
"Agent Tulip," she introduced herself, lowering her weapon. "A.C.I.A."Madeline, still gripping her dagger, felt her knees weaken in relief."Aeternum? You’re... you’re from Aeternum?"Tulip gave a small nod. "That’s right. And I’ve been following your group for some time now. You’re heading for the Wasteland, correct? Trying to reach Aeternum?"Madeline’s eyes burned with emotion. "Yes. We want to leave this godforsaken empire behind. We want a better life."Tulip studied the desperate faces before her. "You’re not alone. There are thousands just like you all across the Empire, moving in different groups, all heading for Aeternum."Murmurs of shock spread through the crowd."You mean... others are escaping too?" an older woman asked, voice trembling with hope.Tulip nodded. "Yes. And Aeternum knows about it. We’ve been monitoring the situation, and Vice President Elijah has given orders to ensure your safe passage. The agents in Gulmina Town are working to assist as many of you as po
That morning, the Royal Air Force transport ships arrived, descending from the sky like iron birds. For many in Madeline’s group, it was the first time they had ever seen such machines. They gawked in awe, some even dropping to their knees, unsure of what to make of the sight.A kind-looking Aeternum officer, Captain Lionel, stepped forward with a reassuring smile. "You’re safe now. Welcome to Aeternum."As the first groups boarded the aircraft, a sense of relief washed over Madeline. She held her children's hands tighter, tears brimming in her eyes. They were leaving behind a life of oppression, stepping into a future filled with hope.Meanwhile, across Aeternum, preparations were in full swing. Temporary housing, employment programs, and citizenship processing centers were established. The government, military, and civilian volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure that every refugee received what they needed to start anew.And as the first waves of refugees arrived in Aeternum territo
Lt. Colonel Mara, the commanding officer of the Aeternum Commandos, leaned back in her chair, her feline tail flicking with interest as she listened to the orders. A wide, predatory grin stretched across her lips.“So, we have permission to strike?” she mused, her sharp canines glinting under the dim light.Director Rose nodded. “Yes, but keep it covert. No bodies left behind. No traces of Aeternum involvement. The Hunters need to disappear, one by one.”Mara let out a pleased hum, stretching her arms. “Finally, some action.”She turned to her squad, a unit made entirely of Demi-Human soldiers, hardened warriors who had once been outcasts but were now the elite protectors of Aeternum. Their eyes gleamed with anticipation.“You heard the orders,” Mara said. “Hunt the Hunters.”A chorus of agreement rumbled through the squad as they stood, gathering their weapons and preparing to move.Within the hour, the first Hunter would vanish without a trace. Then the second. Then the third. By th
“The situation in Battle Star Empire is escalating,” she announced, her voice carrying an unmistakable edge of intrigue.I picked up the documents and scanned through them quickly. What I read brought a slow, satisfied smile to my face.“Oh? Now this is interesting,” I mused, setting the papers down.Duke Oliver raised an eyebrow, intrigued by my reaction. “Something good?”“Something amusing,” I corrected. “It seems the great Battle Star Empire, with all its strength and military prowess, is facing an issue it never anticipated.”Jelina leaned forward, curiosity lighting up her features. “Do tell.”Elijah took over, her expression remaining composed but with a slight smirk tugging at her lips. “The mass exodus from Battle Star Empire is reaching unprecedented levels. The people—especially women, elderly, and laborers—are fleeing by the tens of thousands. They’re abandoning the empire in droves, crossing dangerous terrain, risking their lives just to get away.”I nodded, already pieci
I folded my arms, contemplating the next course of action. "We can’t let this turn into a full-scale war—not yet. Our priority is getting those people to safety. The Commandos are the best suited for this kind of engagement, but if they’re overwhelmed, we may need to deploy additional assets."Elijah nodded. "I already have aerial reconnaissance keeping track of the Hunters' movements. The issue is, they’re spreading out, making it difficult to predict where they’ll strike next. We need to coordinate a response that not only intercepts them but also ensures we don’t expose our involvement too soon."I smirked. "That means it’s time to play this smart. We use the terrain, our intelligence, and most importantly—our unpredictability. The Empire thinks they’re hunting defenseless refugees. Let’s turn the tables."Elijah grinned, already knowing where I was going with this. "I'll have the Commandos set up strategic ambush points along the expected routes. If we can strike fast and hard, we
“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
"Your Majesty, to attempt full restoration in so short a time—""Will cost," she interrupted. "Yes, I know. But the people have paid enough. Now it’s our turn."What followed was a flurry of action unlike anything Hallerus had seen in decades. Labor crews moved out in droves. Merchants were granted tax reprieves to reopen. Public works officials received emergency authority. For once, the gears of governance turned swiftly.But still, the people watched with wary eyes.In the village of Elbarrow, a merchant shook his head as soldiers repaired a broken bridge."They say it’s Queen Helen’s will," he muttered. "But we've heard such promises before.""Aye," replied a farmer, watching with folded arms. "But maybe this time it sticks. She walked among us, didn’t she? My cousin swears she saw her with the duke."Rumors of the queen’s journey spread like wildfire. With them came cautious hope.One evening, at a small gathering hosted by village elders in Merrowind, Helen removed her hood and
"Transparency will be paramount. Council sessions will be documented, and decisions made in conjunction with the Crown will be communicated openly. This is not a move to consolidate power, but to distribute it wisely, ensuring that the governance of Hallerus reflects the will and welfare of its people."Lord Dallren, who had been silently observing, stepped forward. "Your Majesty, such a council could indeed bridge the gap between the Crown and the nobility, fostering unity. I support this initiative."A ripple of agreement spread through the assembly.Helen continued, "Furthermore, to address the grievances of our citizens and promote economic growth, we shall implement reforms aimed at equitable taxation and the eradication of corrupt practices that have long plagued our administration."Duke Merrica added, "These reforms will not only strengthen our internal stability but also enhance our standing among neighboring realms, fostering alliances and trade relations."Viscount Rellan,
A murmur of agreement rippled through the assembly.Helen's gaze swept over the room, her eyes meeting those of each noble in turn. "I have summoned you here not only to reaffirm our unity but to propose measures that will ensure the stability and prosperity of Hallerus for generations to come."Viscount Rellan, his earlier defiance now replaced with a veneer of compliance, inclined his head. "Your Majesty, what measures do you propose?"Helen took a measured breath. "Firstly, we shall establish a council comprising representatives from each noble house. This council will serve as an advisory body, ensuring that all voices are heard and that governance is conducted with transparency and fairness."Baroness Yvette Darrow, her scepticism barely concealed, arched an eyebrow. "And what powers would this council hold, Your Majesty?"Helen met Yvette's gaze unwaveringly. "The council will have the authority to propose legislation and oversee its implementation. However, ultimate executive p
Amidst the turmoil, Duke Merrica found himself face-to-face with Lord Dallren."Merrica," Dallren sneered, blood trickling from a wound on his brow. "Betraying your own kind for that girl?"Merrica's grip tightened on his sword. "My loyalty lies with Hallerus, not with those who would see it rot from within."Their blades met in a fierce exchange, each strike echoing their clashing ideologies.Nearby, Baroness Yvette confronted Queen Helen."Your Majesty," Yvette began, her tone almost mocking, "you've become quite the thorn in our side."Helen met her gaze unwaveringly. "And you, Baroness, have leeched off this kingdom for too long."Yvette smirked, drawing her dagger. "Let's see if you're as formidable with a blade as you are with words."As the battle raged on, it became evident that the Queen's Faction held the advantage. The support of the common folk had bolstered their numbers, and the corrupt nobles' forces began to waver.Count Vorell, witnessing the disarray, turned to his r