Beyond just housing, Project Haven was an ecosystem of opportunity.Officer Calloway continued explaining the many opportunities available to the refugees:Public schools were being built for their children, where education was free for all—boys and girls alike. Aeternum-funded hospitals offered medical care without cost, something unheard of in the Empire. Job training programs had already started, helping former farmers, craftsmen, and even soldiers find new roles in society.And, most importantly—There were no nobles.No ruling elite to oppress them.No forced conscription, no tax collectors stripping them of their hard-earned food, no death sentences for speaking against a ruler.For the first time in history, these people were citizens, not subjects.As the tour ended, Calloway clapped his hands together and smiled."Any questions?" he asked.The refugees remained silent, overwhelmed.Mara stepped forward, her heart pounding."How can we repay this kindness?" she asked.Calloway
Madeline, another single mother, found herself equally overwhelmed—but for an entirely different reason. Back in the Empire, food was a luxury.If you were lucky, you had stale bread, old vegetables, or a tiny scrap of meat to share with your family. Shopping for food was never a choice—you simply took whatever was available and prayed that it would last.But in Aeternum’s markets, things were completely different.One afternoon, she stood frozen in the middle of a supermarket aisle, staring at the endless rows of fresh produce, canned goods, dairy products, and even exotic spices from other parts of the world.She could hardly comprehend what she was looking at.It wasn’t just that there was food available—it was the sheer abundance of it. She felt anxious. Lost. Uncertain.She turned to the store worker nearby, a cheerful young woman dressed in the green uniform of Haven Mart, the government-affiliated grocery chain."How… how do I know what to pick?" Madeline asked hesitantly.The
Across the different worksites, the harmony between technology and magic became apparent. Aeternum was the only nation in the world that had successfully merged magic with engineering, creating an industrial revolution like no other.Water Mages worked in tandem with high-powered water filtration systems, providing fresh, clean water to new housing districts within hours instead of weeks.Wind Mages generated artificial air currents, assisting the construction of massive skyscrapers without the need for medieval-style scaffolding.Lightning Mages charged up Mana Generators, providing clean, renewable electricity to power Aeternum’s growing urban expansion.The Alemia and Battle Star refugees had never seen anything like it.They had always been told that magic and technology could never coexist—that magic was only for battle and technology was inferior to the will of the gods.But here, in Aeternum, they saw the truth. Magic was not just for war. Technology was not just for the privil
For centuries, The Institute of Artemesia had been one of the world’s most respected academic and magical research institutions. But they had always struggled with one thing—funding and access to knowledge.Aeternum had solved both problems. Inside the Grand Royal Library of Aeternum, Head Scholar Callisto Verdan stood in awe.She ran her hands over the massive tomes of knowledge, collected from all over the world and carefully preserved in Aeternum’s archives.Rare magical research, ancient history, modern technological advancements—it was all here.“Aeternum’s funding has allowed us to expand our studies beyond imagination,” she murmured, her voice trembling with excitement.“With access to this library, we are no longer bound by the limitations of our past.”Beside her, Professor Aldrich—one of Artemesia’s leading scholars—nodded.“The rest of the world still clings to outdated traditions,” he said. “But here? Here we can create the future.”Aeternum had become the center of knowle
“Aeternum plans to construct the longest and most advanced railway system in the continent,” Mies explained, unfolding a detailed map of Central Continent on the table.“We wish to connect New City to the Forbidden Wasteland, and we have chosen the Dukedom of Angela as the interconnection point.”Queen Angela studied the map carefully. “So, Angela would serve as the bridge between Aeternum’s mainland and its Wasteland territories?”“Yes,” Minister Andrea confirmed. “We will be using Mana-powered maglev technology, capable of traveling at speeds unheard of in this world.”Princess Angela’s eyes widened. “You mean to tell me… you’re planning to build a train that runs on magic and technology?”Mies smirked. “That’s exactly what we’re doing.”“This will be the first of its kind,” Vice President Elijah added. “And it will set the foundation for global transportation.”The Dukedom of Angela would become the gateway between two of the most significant territories in the world—Aeternum’s mai
The Dukedom of Angela was no longer just a small kingdom caught between larger powers—it was now on its way to becoming a global trade hub.To further solidify their partnership, Aeternum opened job opportunities for Angela’s citizens. Engineering apprenticeships were offered to young scholars eager to learn Aeternum’s technology. Labor positions in railway maintenance, track laying, and station operations provided work for thousands.Even hospitality and tourism sectors saw a boom, with people preparing for the influx of travelers who would soon visit their cities. Aeternum made one thing clear—this railway wasn’t just for Aeternum’s benefit, but for Angela’s prosperity as well.However, not everyone was happy about this monumental project.The Kingdom of Hallerus and the Golden Triangle Nation, both long-time rivals of Aeternum, watched the cooperation between Aeternum and Angela with growing jealousy and frustration.For years, both nations had sought to expand their influence in t
While Angela embraced its partnership with Aeternum, its rival nations were watching with envy and resentment.The Kingdom of Hallerus and the Golden Triangle Nation, both historical adversaries of Aeternum, knew they had missed their chance to secure such a lucrative alliance.In the Hallerus Royal Palace, King Hadrian scowled as he studied a detailed report on the Aeternum-Angela railway project.“They are modernizing too quickly,” he muttered. “Soon, Angela will be just as powerful as Aeternum.”His advisors nodded grimly, but they knew there was nothing they could do.Meanwhile, in the Golden Triangle Nation, Emperor Verix tapped his fingers on his throne, deep in thought.“Aeternum is changing the continent,” he murmured. “And we are falling behind.”With Angela fully embracing progress, Aeternum’s expansion showed no signs of stopping. The railway was more than just steel and tracks—it was the path to a new era. A nation modernizing at unprecedented speed. A people eager to grow
“This railway is not merely a connection between nations,” Queen Angela declared, “but a symbol of progress. A bridge between past traditions and the bright future we shall build together.”President Mies added, “With this project, Angela will no longer be isolated or vulnerable. It will be a thriving hub of innovation and prosperity.”The people roared with approval, commoners eager for job opportunities, and nobles eager for increased wealth.Meanwhile, across the border, envoys from Hallerus Kingdom and the Golden Triangle Nation secretly observed the Angela-Aeternum railway collaboration.One Hallerus official slammed his fist onto his desk upon receiving the report. “They’re building a rail network that connects Aeternum to the Forbidden Wasteland?! If this continues, Angela will become untouchable!”A Golden Triangle merchant sneered. “Tch. Those fools in Angela have completely sold themselves to Aeternum. But we can do nothing. Our king already declared hostilities. We are lock
“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