Meanwhile, deep in enemy territory, Major Riker’s team was executing their sabotage mission with terrifying precision. Explosions ripped through granaries, armories, and supply wagons. Horses screamed as stables were set ablaze, and Empire officers barked orders in panic, unable to comprehend the invisible force dismantling their infrastructure before their very eyes.Inside one of the fortified garrisons, an Empire noble lord clutched his gilded breastplate, his face drenched in sweat. "We’re being destroyed from the shadows! This is not a battle, it’s slaughter! Who is responsible for this?!"A terrified messenger, barely keeping his composure, stammered, "It’s the Aeternum, my lord… they wield weapons that spit fire and strike from afar like the gods themselves! We can’t—"Before he could finish, a single suppressed bullet pierced through the noble’s skull, dropping him lifelessly onto his grand war map."Target down. Moving to extraction," an Aeternum sniper reported through the r
Deep inside the Empire’s territory, a convoy of refugees moved cautiously through the dense forests of the Eastern States. The night air was cold, their breaths visible in the dim light of the moon. Leading the group was Marie, her heart pounding as she tried to keep her people silent. They had evaded the Empire’s patrols so far, but she knew their luck wouldn’t last forever.A rustling in the trees sent a ripple of fear through the group. Weapons—rudimentary and almost useless against trained soldiers—were gripped tighter. The faint echo of a whistle sliced through the silence, a signal they had been discovered.Suddenly, the trees erupted with gunfire. Sharp, precise shots rang through the air, and the unmistakable sound of bodies hitting the ground followed.“Stay down!” a gruff voice called out from the darkness.Out of the shadows, Aeternum’s Special Forces emerged, their dark uniforms blending into the surroundings. Their leader, Captain Soren of the 4th Special Operations Unit,
Alessia smirked. "Then it’s a good thing I’m here to help."Rose raised a curious brow. "Help? How?"The vampire turned her piercing gaze toward the director, a sly smile forming on her lips. "The President wants the Battle Star Empire to plunge into a massive state of confusion."Rose blinked. "Define 'massive confusion’?"Alessia placed a gloved hand on the table and leaned forward. "Aeternum has been extracting refugees under the Empire’s nose without them realizing. But it’s only a matter of time before they start piecing things together. Before that happens, we need to make sure they have bigger problems to worry about."Rose smirked. "Sabotage?"Alessia nodded. "Exactly. If the Empire is preoccupied with internal chaos, their forces won’t have the manpower or resources to focus on hunting refugees. I’ve already mobilized several of my best operatives from Wasteland Command. Our objective is to destabilize key areas near the border—supply chains, noble estates, military outposts.
-New City – The Presidential Office-In the heart of New City, the capital of Aeternum, President Kaiser Mies Sai sat in his office, listening intently as Vice President Elijah outlined the current situation. Ministers Andrea of Resource Development and Rafela of Health, Education, and Science were also present, reviewing projections and risk assessments."With the sheer number of refugees arriving, we have two immediate concerns," Elijah stated, placing two documents in front of the President. "First, food and medical supplies. Second, permanent housing and employment. Without a clear plan, we risk destabilizing our own economy."President Mies skimmed the reports before nodding. “We’re already in the process of integrating Alemia Region, and now we have to build an entirely new infrastructure from scratch to support these people.”“That’s where Project Haven comes in,” Andrea interjected. She pulled out detailed blueprints, rolling them open across the large conference table. "We’ve
That night, Aeternum Special Forces operatives moved swiftly.At the city granaries, timed magic explosives were discreetly planted, set to ignite just before dawn. The city's key merchant houses received false messages, each forged to appear as if their rivals had plotted against them.Two high-ranking commanders of Velkan’s security forces were silently assassinated, their deaths staged as an internal betrayal. By the next morning, Velkan descended into anarchy. With food supplies mysteriously destroyed, merchants at each other’s throats, and security forces crippled, riots broke out across the city.The Empire’s forces stationed nearby? They were too afraid to step in, fearing yet another noble feud.As the fourteenth and final day of the operation arrived, General Xing stood on the hills outside Velkan, watching through his binoculars as the city descended into madness. The streets were filled with smoke from burning buildings, merchants clashed violently, and governors had begun
“How… how does this place exist?” she asked hesitantly.The woman smiled kindly, but there was a hint of amusement in her golden eyes. “This is Aeternum,” she said. “And if you think this is impressive… just wait until you see the capital.”Marie and Madeline found themselves in a crowded plaza, where refugees were being processed for temporary housing and work permits. A man—a former Empire soldier—stood beside them, his arms crossed and eyes dark with unease.He had expected harsh treatment, possibly execution. Instead, a polite officer handed him a form and simply said, “You’ll be assigned to manual labor duty in the city cleanup effort. After three months of good conduct, you’ll be eligible for a new job.”He stared at the officer in disbelief.“Just… like that?” he whispered.The officer raised an eyebrow. “What, did you think we’d cut your head off?”The soldier didn’t answer. Because that’s exactly what would’ve happened in the Empire. Marie watched his expression crumble, as i
"Project Haven is now in full swing," she announced, satisfaction evident in her tone. "As planned, my Ministry has allocated seventy percent of the project to public bidding."That immediately caught my attention. "Good move. We need to expand the private sector’s capabilities in large-scale infrastructure development."Andrea leaned back in her chair. "The response has been overwhelming. Many companies are eager to participate, and some are even willing to work for lower profits just to secure a spot in the project."I grinned. "Competition breeds excellence. That means we’ll get high-quality results at a faster pace."Elijah nodded in agreement. "We’re not just building infrastructure—we’re fostering economic growth."Andrea smirked. "Exactly. Project Haven isn’t just about housing the refugees—it’s about creating jobs, expanding industries, and ensuring that Aeternum’s economy flourishes."With half a million refugees now inside Aeternum, the next challenge was integration.Elijah
The rolling plains of Alemia Region had once been battle-scarred and ruined by civil war. The lands, once soaked in despair and ruled by corrupt nobles, now thrived under Aeternum’s governance. The change was nothing short of miraculous.And at the center of this transformation was Project Haven—Aeternum’s most ambitious infrastructure project yet.Stretching over hundreds of kilometers, Project Haven was designed to house, rehabilitate, and integrate the 500,000 refugees who had fled from the oppressive grasp of the Battle Star Empire.What was once empty land was now a vast construction site, bustling with workers, engineers, and military personnel overseeing the rapid urban expansion. Tower cranes reached toward the sky, steel beams framed new residential buildings, and hundreds of machines worked tirelessly to create a city unlike any other in the world.This was Project Haven—Aeternum’s gift to those seeking a second chance.Among the many refugees was Mara Elise, a former citize
“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
A trusted royal scribe—a man who had served the palace for over a decade—was found dead before sunrise. A dagger coated in poison was discovered strapped to his leg. The second attempt followed soon after.A servant carrying tea for the Queen was intercepted before she could enter the throne room. Hidden beneath the silver tray was a vial of deadroot extract, a lethal poison. The servant, after interrogation, confessed that her family had been taken hostage by nobles who ordered the hit.Then came the third, fourth, and fifth attempts. Archers on rooftops. Explosives set along the Queen’s carriage route. Blades hidden in the folds of a courtier’s robes.Each time, the assassins failed. Each time, they disappeared without a trace. Helen knew who was behind it. But rather than show fear, she faced the storm head-on.Seated in her war room, Helen traced her fingers along a map of Hallerus, where red ink circled enemy strongholds. Duke Merrica stood beside her, arms folded, his sharp eyes
Aeternum had taught her a valuable lesson—control is not about force, but manipulation. So, she would make them turn on each other.Helen began summoning the nobles one by one, speaking to them in private meetings. She whispered honeyed words into their ears.“Viscount Talis, I need a reliable man. Duke Rehn is plotting against me, and I require your loyalty.”“Countess Ferros, your influence is invaluable. I fear Duke Rehn is siphoning funds, and I need someone I trust to investigate.”“Duke Rehn, the other nobles are moving against you. You must act swiftly before they remove you from power.”With every meeting, seeds of distrust were sown.The nobles—drunk on greed—were too blind to see that they were being played.And so, one by one, they began to conspire against each other.As the nobles scrambled to destroy each other, Helen’s true loyalists made their move.Under the cover of darkness, handpicked assassins carried out eliminations with precision.Duke Rehn?Found dead in his s
“Then Mies will destroy Hallerus.”Helen turned sharply toward him. “You think he would go that far?”Merrica didn’t even hesitate. “Yes.”Helen stared at him, searching for a lie. A hint of hesitation. But there was none.“He will not give you mercy a second time, Helen,” Merrica said. “If those nobles push for war, if they even dare to challenge Aeternum—you will lose.”He took another step forward, his voice heavy. “And I will not be able to protect you.”For the first time in their conversation, Helen looked away. Merrica saw it. The fear. The realization.She already knew everything he was saying was true. She had just been too proud—too trapped—to admit it.Silence hung between them. Then, at last, Helen spoke.“…What do you want me to do?”Merrica finally allowed himself a small sigh of relief.“You already know what must be done, Helen,” he said gently. “You must take back your court.”Helen slowly nodded, though her expression remained grim. “Those nobles will not leave peace