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
Meanwhile, across the sea in the Iron Dominion, King Harland watched in disgust as a report detailed how seafood was becoming the new staple food of the world.“This is unacceptable,” he growled. “They’ve already taken our steel markets, our trade routes… and now they seek to control food itself?”His advisor hesitated. “Your Majesty, if we don’t allow seafood imports, our people will begin smuggling it in anyway. It’s too affordable, too abundant. Even the black markets are flooded with Aeternum’s products.”Harland slammed his fist on the table. “Then we must find a way to stop them!”But how could he stop an empire that owned the sea itself?Back in Aeternum, Andrea stood on the deck of The Leviathan, the largest fishing vessel ever built. Around her, massive mechanical harpoons, crane systems, and automated processing lines buzzed with activity. Below, the dark ocean churned with movement.“Status report?” Andrea asked, adjusting her high-tech monocle.Captain Redd, a burly fisher
In a bustling workshop, blacksmiths and engineers worked side by side, assembling something never before seen in Fantasma—mechanical prosthetic limbs.A veteran knight, Sir Alden, watched as an Aeternums doctor secured a sleek metal arm to his shoulder. He had lost his limb years ago and resigned himself to a life of uselessness.“Try moving it,” the doctor instructed.Alden clenched his jaw, then thought about moving his fingers. To his shock, the prosthetic responded instantly. His metal fingers curled into a fist, and his eyes widened in disbelief.“This… this shouldn’t be possible!”Andrea entered the room, arms crossed smugly. “In Aeternum, nothing is impossible.”She gestured to a row of people—farmers, merchants, soldiers—all missing limbs.“We’re mass-producing prosthetics. No longer will lost limbs be a death sentence. With our new designs, even the commoners can afford one.”Alden’s eyes welled with tears. “You mean… I can fight again?”Andrea chuckled. “Not just fight. Win.
One by one, other rulers followed. And so, Aeternum’s medical empire began. Months later, across the allied nations, Aeternian-built hospitals were established, vaccine programs were launched, and cheap, high-quality medicine flooded the markets. Life expectancy skyrocketed.People no longer relied on expensive healing potions. Instead, they turned to Aeternian drugs, Aeternian doctors, Aeternian research.Slowly but surely, the world grew dependent.In a dark chamber in the Iron Dominion, King Harland sat with his advisors, fuming.“They control our food. Our technology. Our culture. And now our very health?!” he spat.His advisor nodded grimly. “Aeternum has done what no conqueror ever could. The people don’t just respect them. They need them.”Harland clenched his fists. “Then we must find a way to break free.”Back in Aeternum, Mies and Rafaela stood on the presidential balcony, overlooking the sprawling metropolis below.“We’ve done it,” Rafaela murmured. “Medicine, food, technol
The emperor sat at the head of the table, silent. Then, he spoke.“We have two choices,” he said coldly. “We either submit willingly, or we find a way to break their hold on us.”Silence fell over the room.“Then… how do we fight an empire that doesn’t use weapons to conquer?”The emperor’s expression darkened.“… We find their weakness.”Back in Aeternum, the night was peaceful. Mies and his wives sat together on the grand balcony, the warm evening breeze brushing against them. It was rare for all of them to gather like this, away from politics and responsibilities.Mina playfully ran her fingers through Mies’ hair. “We should do this more often.”Elijah stretched, smirking. “If we weren’t so damn good at running the world, maybe we’d have more free time.”Andrea chuckled. “Still… seeing how easily we’re shaping the world, it almost feels unfair, doesn’t it?”Bina snorted. “Unfair? Please. If the world wants to enjoy what we give them, they can also serve us in return.”Rafaela swirl
"Having trouble with the carts?"Cedric straightened immediately, his noble pride kicking in. "Ah, President Mies! No, no, of course not. I was merely… assessing its security. One cannot be too careful with, uh, automated devices."Mies smirked. "Right. Well, let me show you how it works."With effortless ease, he grabbed a bottle of Aeternum’s premium wine, scanned it at the self-checkout, tapped his bank token, and finished the purchase within seconds.The screen blinked: "Thank you for shopping with us!"The knight and noble stared in awe."It’s that simple," Mies said casually.Lord Cedric rubbed his chin, intrigued. "Hmm… fascinating. Perhaps this convenience is not so barbaric after all."Behind them, the knight was still holding the bread."What… now?" the knight asked hesitantly.The old woman sighed. "You bag it, dear."As Mies made his way back to Mina—who was now carrying an absurd amount of milk—the TV cameras zoomed in for the closing segment."Today, Aeternum has once ag
The coaster blasted through the tracks at insane speeds, looping, twisting, and hurtling downward with breathtaking force. By the end, the challenger was laughing hysterically while his friend sat completely pale, gripping the seat like his life depended on it."D-Did we just die?!""No, but let’s go again!"Back with Mies and his family, the group had finally chosen their first ride—the Aether Sky Carousel, a floating carousel of beautifully sculpted air beasts that soared gracefully through the sky.Yggdrasil giggled as she rode on a glowing mana-dragon, while Mina picked the biggest griffon she could find.Elijah, sitting beside Mies, sighed. "You know, I never thought this would be our legacy. I figured you’d be conquering nations, not building theme parks."Mies smirked. "Conquest comes in many forms, love."Elijah chuckled. "So, what’s next? Aeternum-brand beach resorts?"Mina gasped. "Mies! Can we do that next?!"Mies laughed. "Let’s just enjoy today first."As the sun set, the
“But that’s not all,” he said. “We’re not just building stores. We’re buying land.”Elijah’s eyes narrowed. “Land?”Andrea arched a brow. “Personal Aeternum-controlled territory?”“Exactly,” Mies said. “We’ll negotiate the purchase and designation of sovereign Aeternum land within Hallerus. Locations where we will build permanent structures—embassies, farms, factories. Property they can’t touch. Not legally. Not politically.”Andrea crossed her arms. “You want to turn this alliance into territorial leverage.”“I want security,” Mies said. “We trusted them once. And they betrayed us. This time, we own the pieces on the board. If they want access to food and prosperity, they give us something real in return. Soil.”Elijah nodded. “No oversight from their monarchy. No interference. Full extraterritorial jurisdiction.”Mies smiled. “Exactly. We build an Aeternum that lives inside their walls. One they can’t tear down without declaring war.”Andrea added, “And when we build those farms and
“We’re proud Aeternians now,” said one local organizer. “But we remember where we came from. If we can help fix the old home while serving the new one, why not?”In university lecture halls, students debated passionately.“Strategically, re-integrating Hallerus into Aeternum’s economic sphere is a no-brainer,” one economics major argued. “We’ll be able to shape their policies from within.”“But trust is a currency too,” another replied. “If we spend it on the wrong partner again, we might pay more than we think.”In a small park in the east district, a group of Aeternum veterans sat on a bench, medals on their coats, eyes on the screens showing news footage of Andrea’s visit.“You remember that street?” one said, pointing.“I remember clearing it house by house,” another replied. “They cheered us one day. Chased us out the next.”The youngest of them, silent until now, finally spoke.“We gave them peace once. Maybe it’s time to give them a future.”Silence followed. No one disagreed.
“Accepted,” Helen said firmly.Andrea paused. “You are aware that this pricing is higher than what our allied nations pay?”“I am.”“And that it reflects the cost of your past decisions.”“I am aware.”Andrea’s expression didn’t soften. But there was a shift. A sliver of respect, perhaps.“We also request that Queen Helen and her full court travel to New Concordia,” Andrea said. “To sign the official alliance treaty in Aeternum, under President Mies' direct oversight.”That stung.A silent reminder: You no longer stand as an equal.But Helen did not flinch. “We will come.”Merrica remained quiet beside her, eyes locked forward, proud but weathered. He knew this was necessary. He knew, like her, that survival always demanded a cost.And this was the only path forward.Andrea stood, signaling the end of the meeting. “Then prepare your delegation. You have one week.”As Andrea and her entourage exited, Helen remained still, her hand brushing the edge of the map of Hallerus that lay on th
“I can prep the full economic framework in three days. I’ll soften it slightly—give them just enough dignity to sign without choking.”“Good,” I said. “Let them keep their crown and their pride, as long as we own their economy.”Andrea gave a subtle nod. “Then I’ll schedule the official visit. They’ll come to us.”“And when they do,” I said, voice cold and precise, “we’ll welcome them with smiles. And let them know who holds the scales now.”Andrea paused. “Anything else you want me to add in the background?”“Yes,” I said after a moment. “Tell them we’ll open an Aeternum Super Store in the capital as a gesture of goodwill. Make it sound benevolent.”Andrea smirked. “And on the inside?”“It’s a spearhead,” I said. “Once we’re in, we don’t leave.”“Understood, Mr. President.”The screen blinked as the call ended. I turned to Elijah, who was already compiling the summary.“Draft the formal invitation,” I ordered. “Summon Queen Helen and her full court to New City. They’ll arrive as sove
“This city is broken,” she said at last.“Which means it’s ripe,” Jessica added with a glint in her eye. “Imagine if we opened Aeternum Super Store branches here. Not just in the capital—but in every major city.”Robert nodded. “We’d dominate the market before they even knew what hit them. Food, tech, textiles. We could monopolize the entire consumer chain.”Andrew chuckled, finally seeing the silver lining. “We’d be heroes to the people. And villains to the nobles—well, if any are still left standing.”“People like what fills their stomachs,” Jessica said. “Right now, they’re starving for quality. They’ll welcome us like saviors.”Andrea folded her arms, surveying the square again. She could already envision the clean, modern storefronts replacing the crumbling stalls. Self-sanitizing kiosks. Subsidized food packs. Nutritional water stations. Supply chains optimized by Aeternum AI logistics.“This city’s a blank slate now,” she said softly. “Their failure is our opportunity. And this
“Minister Andrea, Her Majesty sends word. She invites you to join her in the council chamber once your tour is complete.”Andrea nodded without looking at him. “Tell her I’ll return shortly. Let her know the city has spoken louder than any court could.”The young man paled but bowed again and hurried off.Andrea resumed walking. “They’re ashamed. Helen saw the city, I’m sure. She knew I’d see this mess.”“She should be ashamed,” Jessica said. “But she’s trying. And she listened to her uncle, at least.”“Yes,” Andrea admitted. “That’s the only reason we’re even here.”They continued walking in silence until they reached the edge of the once-thriving industrial sector. The machinery was still, some pieces looted, others rusting like ancient bones. Andrea crouched beside a discarded engine part, running her fingers over the insignia stamped on the metal.“Aeternum-built,” she whispered. “We left it here. And they left it to rot.”She stood, her voice tightening. “No more gifts. No more r
“I come bearing news from President Mies,” Andrea said. “He has authorized me to reestablish economic relations between Aeternum and Hallerus.”The words fell like rain on droughted soil. Gasps. Whispers. And then—cheers stifled by etiquette.Helen blinked. “You’re serious?”Andrea raised a brow. “I don’t waste time, Your Majesty. Our logistics and trade units will begin routing initial shipments within two weeks. In exchange, we’d like preferred trading status for key Hallerian exports. Wheat. Marble. Blackvine spices.”Helen nodded rapidly. “Of course. Anything.”Andrea turned her gaze slightly. “Be aware: the initial tariffs will reflect… the past breakdown in our diplomatic relations.”A slight smile touched her lips. Not warm. Calculated.Helen bowed her head, just enough. “A fair penalty. One we accept.”Andrea’s expression softened—barely. “Good. Then consider today the first page in a new chapter.”Helen stepped forward. “Minister Andrea, may I speak plainly?”Andrea nodded on
“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