“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
“So…” Baroness Elise folded her arms. “Are you telling us that our businesses are failing because we refuse to acknowledge the common folk as valuable clients?”“Precisely,” Lionel said. “Look, my friends—tradition is fine, but wealth does not care about tradition. You must ask yourselves, do you wish to cling to outdated ideals and watch your investments fail? Or will you embrace modernity and open your doors to the true economy?”The Angela nobles were silent.Marquis Alistair eventually exhaled. “Damn… I hate to admit it, but you’re right.”Duke Clarence sighed, rubbing his temples. “It seems we have much to reconsider.”Lionel smirked. “That’s the first step to success. Now… shall we discuss how to properly revamp your business strategies?”By the time Angela’s nobles returned home, their entire perspective had changed. Within weeks, their resorts underwent major rebranding, opening their services to the wealthy merchants, military officers, and successful craftsmen that made up A
At Fort Steelward, a border outpost near the west, Angela’s Captain Cedric Durand stood alongside Aeternum’s Colonel Matthias Kael, watching as their combined forces executed a tactical drill.“You train your men well,” Captain Cedric admitted, watching as Aeternum’s soldiers swiftly took down training dummies with precise gunfire and coordinated tactics.Colonel Kael smirked. “Efficiency is key. We fight with strategy, discipline, and superior equipment.”Angela’s soldiers were still adjusting to Aeternum’s modernized warfare, but the results spoke for themselves. Crime rates near the border had dropped by 60% in just three months, and monster activity was at an all-time low.For Angela’s government, this was the best possible outcome. A safer nation meant a stronger economy, happier citizens, and more stability.In the halls of Angela’s Royal Palace, the nation’s ministers convened for a special meeting to discuss the growing partnership with Aeternum.“I must admit,” Minister Jean-
As life in Angela rapidly modernized, one final surprise awaited its citizens—a marvel unlike anything they had ever seen before.Under President Mies’ orders, Minister Rafaela of A.R.D.H.M. (Art, Research, Development, Health, and Magic) had finally completed a project years in the making.Aeternum had officially invented the world’s first television.At Angela’s Grand Plaza, a massive gathering of people stood in front of a newly constructed screen.“Is this… some kind of moving painting?” an old man asked, adjusting his spectacles.His grandson, a curious boy named Emile, tugged on his sleeve. “Grandpa, look! The picture is… changing!”The crowd gasped as the screen flickered to life, revealing an image of DJ Skelly and Quara Raedrim, two of Aeternum’s most famous radio hosts.“Greetings, citizens of Angela!” DJ Skelly’s booming voice echoed across the plaza. “Today is a historic day! For the first time ever, the people of Aeternum and Angela will witness the future of entertainmen
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
“Merrica understands that if Hallerus moves against Aeternum, we won’t hold back.”Kasuma gave a knowing smirk. “And you won’t hesitate to destroy them.”I met her gaze, unblinking.“No.”A heavy silence fell between us.Kasuma leaned forward, her voice softer but firm. “You don’t want war with Hallerus.”“No, I don’t,” I admitted. “The people of Hallerus don’t deserve to suffer for their queen’s mistakes. Merrica doesn’t deserve to be put in that position.”Kasuma studied me for a moment before sighing. “Then let’s hope Duke Merrica succeeds.”I ran a hand through my hair, my thoughts swirling. Visma was controlled. Chaos was their prison, and we held the keys. Hallerus, however, was different.It was once an ally, a friend, a brother. But betrayal had shattered that bond. Still… I didn’t want to be the one to crush it completely. I drummed my fingers on my desk. If Helen could be saved, then perhaps—A knock interrupted my thoughts.“Enter,” I called.An ACIA officer stepped in, bowi
The Merchant Guild Leader, Darvio Vinn, who had profited the most from blocking Aeternum trade. His warehouses stored inferior goods at premium prices, keeping the economy strangled in his grip.The General of the Royal Army, Lionel Ferin, who had bled the treasury dry with excessive military spending, preaching about “independence” while weakening their forces with outdated tactics.They had to be removed. One by one, quietly, without causing suspicion. But how? Merrica could not simply accuse them—Helen trusted them. If he moved too boldly, she would see him as the enemy.No, he had to be careful. He had to play the game. Merrica stood, pouring himself another glass of wine. He would begin by exposing the corruption—turning the people against the parasites that fed on Hallerus.The merchants would learn how Darvio Vinn had been overpricing basic goods. The military officers would see how General Lionel Ferin had been wasting funds on obsolete strategies. The court would hear whisper
At a local tavern, I overheard a group of soldiers drunkenly complaining."Our weapons are old.""Our rations taste like pig slop.""Did you hear? Even Alemia is receiving Aeternum goods now.""We should have never broken ties."I smirked. They knew. Their queen had failed them, and their nation was falling behind while the rest of the world thrived under Aeternum’s soft power. The people of Hallerus were not fools. They saw the rising prosperity of the allied nations, the luxurious goods, the technological marvels, the entertainment, the food. They could only watch in envy.At sunset, I met with Duke Merrica Murrs at his estate. His once-proud posture had been replaced with exhaustion. His eyes, which once held confidence, now carried deep regret.We sat in his grand study, the silence stretching between us. Finally, he spoke."I should have stopped her."I said nothing."I vouched for her. I believed in her." He exhaled, shaking his head. "And now, my people suffer because of my mis
Meanwhile, in Yulga, Maria sat comfortably in her study, reading the latest reports.Lysander stood beside her, amused. "Another assassin failed. This is getting predictable."Maria smirked. "Vismal thinks he’s playing chess, but he’s only moving pawns."She set down her glass, her eyes gleaming with amusement. "Let him keep trying. Let him think he has control.""And when he finally realizes he doesn’t?" Lysander asked.Maria leaned back, exhaling softly. "By then, he won’t be king anymore."While King Vismal wasted his energy plotting assassinations, he failed to see the true danger.His nobles squabbled over the black market. His people secretly craved Aeternum goods. His own soldiers whispered of defecting.Visma was rotting from the inside out. And Maria? She simply watched it happen. She wasn’t just controlling the black market. She was controlling Visma’s fate. One failed assassination at a time.King Vismal III believed he could eliminate Maria Yulga. He believed he could take
"Oi, you got the stuff?""Yeah, yeah, keep it down!"A merchant nervously looked around before handing over a carefully wrapped package."This is the good stuff—straight from Aeternum. Papa Pizza’s special cheese blend. Got it from a merchant who knows a guy who knows a guy."The buyer, a Visma noble in disguise, snatched it eagerly."Finally! I’ve been dying to try this! You have no idea how boring Visma’s food is compared to Aeternum’s cuisine!""Yeah, yeah, pay up first.""Fine, fine—how much?""Two hundred gold pieces."The noble nearly choked. "T-Two hundred?! That’s robbery!"The merchant smirked. "And yet, you’re still going to pay it, aren’t you?"The noble gritted his teeth, but handed over the money anyway. Aeternum’s products were so desirable that people were willing to spend fortunes just to get a taste.And that was exactly what ACIA wanted. By controlling the underground economy, Aeternum achieved multiple goals:Economic Control – Even though Visma banned Aeternum’s pr
The people were asking too many questions. The smugglers were getting bolder. Even their own guards and soldiers were caught listening to Aeternum’s broadcasts in secret. A revolution wasn’t just coming—it was being broadcast live.In an attempt to regain control, the non-allied nations did the only thing they knew how to do—They cracked down. Massive raids were conducted in the dead of night. Entire villages were searched. Merchants were arrested. Radios were smashed in public squares.But no matter how many products they confiscated, no matter how many smugglers they punished, it didn’t stop. Aeternum’s influence was already too deep. The people had tasted the forbidden fruit—and they weren’t about to let go of it.What made matters worse was that not everyone in power was loyal to the cause. Behind closed doors, even high-ranking nobles were secretly buying Aeternum’s products for themselves. Some were sneaking off to allied territories under the guise of “diplomatic visits” just s