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
Duke Clarence and his companions exchanged glances. The idea of a nobility focused on economy and culture rather than ruling and taxation was unthinkable in the Dukedom of Angela.At that moment, Countess Vivian Lancaster, a noblewoman from Aeternum’s east, approached the group with a knowing smile. “And you should know, Duke Clarence,” she said smoothly, “there is far more wealth and prestige in industry than in ruling over struggling farmers.”She produced a document, sliding it across the table. It was an investment portfolio—Aeternum Nobles had turned entire mountain valleys into profitable spa resorts, old castles into boutique hotels, and hunting grounds into elite golf courses.Marquis Alistair leaned forward, his eyes widening at the immense profits outlined in the reports. “By the heavens… you’re making millions in mere months,” he whispered.Viscount Lionel nodded, clearly enjoying their shock. “And it is all because we embraced progress, rather than clinging to the past.”Ba
Aeternum would continue to offer education, security, and infrastructure assistance—but always in a way that ensured we maintained our lead.We would teach them how to build schools, but we would own the publishing rights to the most advanced textbooks. We would help them create local militias, but they would still call for Aeternum troops when true threats loomed.We would help them modernize, industrialize, prosper—but they would know, always know, that Aeternum had already blazed the trail further ahead. I didn’t want vassals. I wanted allies who could never quite catch up—because they didn’t need to. They needed us to lead.I rose from my chair and walked toward the window. New City stretched into the horizon, its shining towers and clean streets proof of what discipline and vision could achieve.If left alone, the world would fall back into darkness. If left to their own devices, these medieval kings and nobles would tear each other apart again. The future needed guardians. The U
I knew what was at stake. We had to uphold this example. We had to show, beyond doubt, that the age of “Human First” was over.That the only supremacy left was the supremacy of character. Wisdom. Unity. Vision. And if we could carve that truth into the very soul of the UNA—if we could bury the old hatreds under libraries, not graves—then maybe, just maybe, this world could finally, finally leave its chains behind.I stood up from my chair, moving to the window. Out there, the city pulsed—an endless, living testament to what was possible when walls were torn down, not built higher. I closed my eyes for a moment. I didn’t want to be remembered as the conqueror of nations. I wanted to be remembered as the architect of a new era.One where no child was born inferior. One where no citizen was condemned by the shape of their ears or the color of their skin or the tail on their back. One where power didn’t mean oppression—but opportunity.Aeternum would be the beacon. And the UNA? The vessel
I took another sip of tea, letting the warmth spread through me.Because here’s the delicious irony: by copying our education system, they didn’t just adopt our books and schedules.They were adopting our mindset.Every child who learned using our curriculum. Every teacher trained by our methods. Every official who quoted Aeternum textbooks. They were all little seeds planted deep within foreign soil.In ten years?Those nations would think like us.In twenty?They would be like us. All without a single sword being drawn. I leaned back in my chair, utterly content.Without armies, without bloodshed, we were gaining soft political power over thirty-one nations.Real power.The kind that shaped futures. Mina clinked her cup lightly against mine in a silent toast, her green eyes sparkling.“To the future?” she teased.I smiled, lifting my cup.“To the future we’re writing,” I said.And out there, beneath the quiet, darkening sky, the seeds of a new world had already begun to bloom.The n
In New City, the public watched it all unfold on massive news screens and digital displays.A young woman in a coffee shop blinked back tears.“My mother couldn’t even sign her name,” she said. “Now, she’s going to school at sixty. Can you imagine?”A factory worker on break raised his can of iced tea. “They used to mock us for thinking machines would replace us. Now? My kid’s learning to design them.”Later that evening, President Mies stood at his office window in the Black House, overlooking a city glowing with lights and ambition.Minister Myers entered, holding the finalized signed charter.“It’s done,” he said quietly. “They all agreed. The future begins today.”Mies nodded. “We’ve unified their borders, their defense, and their markets,” he said. “Now, we unify their minds.”A long silence followed. Then, just a single line: “History will remember this moment.” And across the continent, it already had.The evening air was soft, almost languid, as I sat back in my chair, savorin
As the documents were sealed, cameras flashed and live broadcasts streamed the images of rulers shaking hands with President Mies—smiles genuine, eyes alight with purpose.The message to the world was unmistakable:Aeternum does not just lead with power—it leads with knowledge.Later, in a private conversation, Jonathan Myers turned to Mies.“This is more than we hoped.”Mies looked out the window of his office, where the UNA flags fluttered in a perfect row.“No,” he said. “This is exactly what I planned.”Jonathan raised a brow. “And what next?”Mies smiled faintly. “We teach the world… to think like us.”The central assembly hall of New Concordia UNA Headquarters—a gleaming white dome adorned with banners of thirty-one nations—had never been so full.Delegates filled every seat. National flags stood in perfect rows. The giant LED display behind the stage glowed with the symbol of the United Nation Alliance, now framed by a new banner in golden letters:"Education for All – A Future
Outside the palace gates, the citizens of Hallerus City buzzed with excitement. News traveled fast: another king had come, and he, too, had seen the truth.And far beyond the city walls, whispers began in other UNA courts:“Perhaps we should ask Queen Helen for assistance.”“Maybe Aeternum’s model isn’t just for them.”“Could we build this future too?”In the Black House of New City, when President Mies received the report of King Leopold’s visit, he simply closed the folder and smiled slightly."One seed sows a thousand trees," he murmured.And in the fields of Fantasma, the seeds of knowledge had already begun to sprout.The towering skyline of New City shimmered beneath a clear morning sky. It was a perfect day for diplomacy—and a historic one.Within the great glass-paneled east wing of the Black House, Aeternum’s political nerve center, a long oval table had been prepared. Security was tight, the air dignified, yet the atmosphere was distinctly welcoming. For today, President Mie
That evening, Queen Helen hosted a quiet reception for the UNA visitors. Modest food, strong Hallerian tea, and conversation flowed freely.“We’re not pretending it’s perfect,” Helen told them. “But we’re not pretending it’s impossible, either.”One observer raised a hand, smiling. “Would you be open to helping other nations start similar programs?”Helen looked to Merrica, then back to them.“Of course,” she said. “We’ve taken help. It would be wrong not to offer it.”It was the kind of answer that made diplomats take notes. And so, Hallerus—once a fractured kingdom cast in shadow—began to shine in a new light. Not as a symbol of power. But as a model of transformation. And as the scholars walked the streets of Hallerus City, alongside teachers and curious children, they quietly realized: The future wasn’t just being forged in Aeternum anymore. It was spreading.The scent of blooming gardenias filled the royal courtyard of Hallerus Royal Palace. The sun hung high above the battlement
“It’s… beautiful,” she said.Jonathan smiled. “It’s sure is,.”The first major step was the immediate conversion of six major city libraries into public education centers. Then came the pilot schools—one for each major region of the kingdom. Each staffed with a blend of local teachers (newly trained) and educational experts from Aeternum who came to oversee implementation.Within a month, Hallerus Elementary Schools opened their doors for the first time. Children from farming villages and mining towns, who had never once held a book of their own, were now reading stories about space, science, and society. They learned arithmetic on digital chalkboards and watched recorded lectures from Aeternum instructors. Classrooms were modest, but organized. Desks were salvaged, but steady.The change was jarring. But it was real. Queen Helen visited one of these pilot schools in the outskirts of Archenport. There, she saw barefoot children reciting alphabet lines. She watched a young girl raise h
Outside in the streets of New City, a mural was already being painted on the wall of a youth center—depicting two children, one Aeternian and one Hallerian, sitting together at a shared desk beneath the words:"Wisdom Unites What War Divides."The mural was uncommission—but no one was taking it down. From within the homes, classrooms, and council chambers of Aeternum, the message was clear: the world was learning, and they were learning from Aeternum.And that made the people walk taller.Because every road rebuilt in Hallerus, every classroom opened, every young mind taught in their system—was a quiet victory for Aeternum’s vision. The age of empires was ending. The age of influence had begun.The great hall of Hallerus Royal Palace hadn’t hosted a summit like this in over a generation. Not for war. Not for taxation. But for education.Long tables stretched beneath arched stone windows, newly adorned with fresh flags representing each province of the Hallerus Kingdom. The air smelled