The refugees of the Battle Star Empire were determined to prove themselves.The Aeternum government had granted them legal residency, but full citizenship required them to live lawfully, work hard, and integrate into society. It wasn’t a difficult requirement—the people wanted to stay, to belong, and they were more than willing to do whatever it took.Crime among the former refugees was almost nonexistent. They respected the law because they had never known justice before.Education was another priority. Schools and learning centers had been set up specifically for immigrants, teaching them not only about Aeternum’s history and culture but also modern skills—reading, writing, mathematics, and even vocational training.Mira had already enrolled in evening classes, determined to further her education.Her dream?To open her own tailoring business one day.Back in the Empire, she had been forced to sew uniforms for soldiers under brutal conditions, her work never appreciated, never compe
Inside the Presidential Office, I sat at my desk, reviewing a final document with Vice President Elijah and Minister of Culture, Evelyn Rhemis."Are we all in agreement?" I asked, setting the paper down.Elijah smirked, arms crossed. "Absolutely. A national holiday to celebrate our multicultural unity? It’s about time."Evelyn nodded in excitement. "This is more than just a celebration, Mr. President. This solidifies Aeternum’s identity as a nation of the future—a place where people, regardless of origin, can thrive under a common dream."The new holiday, aptly named "Unity Day," would be an annual celebration where all citizens, native-born and immigrant alike, could come together in festivals, concerts, and cultural showcases.It would be a reminder to everyone—past, present, and future—that Aeternum’s greatest strength was not just its technology, but its people.I smiled. "Then let’s make it official."The day of the first Unity Day festival had arrived, and the New City Central S
Back in New City, President Mies Sai sat in the war room, casually reading a report from the Aeternum Covert Intelligence Agency (ACIA).Elijah, standing beside him, smirked. “So, how are our ‘friends’ in the Empire doing?”Mies chuckled, tossing the report onto the table. “Exactly as we expected. They’re robbing merchant caravans like common thieves.”Elijah rolled her eyes. “Pathetic. They think that stealing a few televisions and radios will change anything?”Mies leaned back in his chair. “Let them enjoy their stolen luxuries. It’s amusing.”Unbeknownst to the Empire’s nobles, Aeternum’s response had already been set in motion.Across the Empire, ACIA agents had infiltrated various cities, spreading anti-government propaganda, inciting protests, and stirring civil unrest among the discontent lower classes. They didn’t even need to lift a finger militarily—the people of the Empire were already turning against their rulers on their own.Mies tapped his fingers on the table. “There’s
General Vasquez sighed. “With all due respect, Supreme Leader, the people don’t care about our rivalry. They see that Aeternum citizens are living better lives than they ever could. The football league, the television broadcasts, the high standard of living—all of it is making them question why we continue to live in this… stagnation.”Minister Delgado, the head of the internal affairs department, added, “The younger generation in particular is completely disillusioned with our leadership. They see Aeternum as the future and us as a relic of the past.”Marcos slammed his hands on the table. “I will not have my nation turned into a vassal of Aeternum!”“But what can we do?” Delgado asked cautiously. “Aeternum doesn’t even acknowledge us. They ignore our provocations, they don’t engage with us politically, and they act as if we don’t exist. The more we try to oppose them, the more we look like desperate fools.”Marcos gritted his teeth. That was the most frustrating part.Aeternum didn’
"Today, we will discuss the principles of Newtonian physics," Professor Ethan Graves, an Aeternum scientist, said as he wrote mathematical formulas on the board.Sir William of the Holy Kingdom of Yren, a scholar known for his deep studies of the stars, raised a hand. "Professor, I fail to understand. You claim that objects fall to the ground not because of divine will, but because of something called… ‘gravity’?"Graves sighed. "Yes. Gravity is a natural force. It governs the motion of planets, the tides, and even how we stand on the ground."Another scholar, Lady Margaret of Zaredon, frowned. "But… but that contradicts everything we’ve been taught! The gods hold the world in place, and the stars are divine lights, not burning spheres of gas!"Some murmured in agreement. Others, particularly scholars from neutral and allied nations, listened with rapt attention.Graves smirked. "I expected skepticism. That is why Aeternum relies on experimentation, not just theories. Would you like t
Foreign nobles, accustomed to the comforts of their prestigious but outdated academies, found themselves struggling to comprehend even the basic principles of modern mathematics and physics. Calculus, electromagnetism, and quantum mechanics were alien concepts, spoken of as if they were arcane incantations. Professors demonstrated theories that bent the very fabric of their understanding of the world—machines that defied gravity, medicines that could heal wounds in ways they once believed were miracles, and engines that powered entire cities with efficiency beyond their dreams.Some scholars embraced this knowledge, their minds igniting with newfound purpose. Neutral nations, unburdened by the fears of the old world, sent their best and brightest to learn and return home as pioneers of progress. They saw Aeternum as a mentor, a guiding force that could lift them from the shackles of the past into a new golden age of discovery.But not all welcomed this knowledge with open arms. Schola
Meanwhile, in the heart of Aeternum’s most daring attraction, a group of foreign travelers sat nervously inside an armored tour vehicle. The guide, an energetic young woman named Talia, grinned as she held onto the controls.“Alright, folks! Welcome to the Forbidden Wasteland Safari! You’re about to witness creatures you’ve only heard of in legend—massive sand lizards, dire wolves, and, if we’re lucky, the elusive Thunderbeast!”A knight from the Kingdom of Gelmaria clutched the side of his seat. “You mean we will see these monsters? In person? Not behind castle walls?”“Of course! Don’t worry, our vehicles are completely safe,” Talia assured them as the tour car revved up.Just then, a massive lizard the size of a carriage stomped out of the dunes, its golden eyes narrowing at the vehicle. The knight nearly jumped out of his seat, gripping his sword.“Relax!” Talia laughed. “He’s just curious. See? He’s harmless unless provoked.”The knight was unconvinced. “This land is insane.”As
The grand stadium of New City was filled with 80,000 roaring fans. Banners of Aeternum’s Royal Titans waved alongside the sigil of the visiting team—The Ironclad Warriors from the Kingdom of Grendor, a medieval land known for its powerful knights and ruthless warlords.On the field, two teams stood face to face. The Aeternums wore sleek, modern uniforms, while the Grendorian players looked almost ridiculous in their heavy leather tunics and chainmail leggings.The referee blew the whistle.From the start, it was clear that the Grendorians had no idea how to play. Their strategy was simple—charge at the ball like it was a battlefield. One of them, a burly knight named Sir Darric, simply picked up the ball and ran with it.The referee blew the whistle again.“WHAT?!” Darric bellowed. “You said we must take the ball to the goal! I am taking it there now!”The Aeternums captain, Marcus Vale, smirked. “With your feet, genius. This isn’t a jousting tournament.”The crowd erupted in laughter
“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