“Under siege?…Huh?..Rafaela..what’s wrong?..”.
I noticed that Rafaela were scrunching her eyebrows and also her wings at the back has already fully come out and her hand gripped tight at her morning star maced.
“Sire…it’s Monster Horde attack…I can sense them, the monsters that has lost their sanity and fell into savagery of their truest nature!…all of them were sea Monsters…they were right below us…in the sea…”. (Rafaela)
This is one of Rafaela unique traits that I have discovered, the other called it intuitions, but I know why, it was one of her natural birth gifts as a Demi-Human of mixed blood angel, it was a special skill called ( Divine Sense), it was a skill that naturally heightened her senses, and also made her very sensitive to the changed of air, especially those that were concerning berserk nature such as the event of Monster
Captain Polly Grokham still haven’t leave the already crumbling watch tower, and right to her side, fighting and protecting her were the Eloesa Knight, holding onto her round shield and also her sharp silver gladius Knightess Despina, While on their side sitting down whilst still holding her AK-47 with her head bleeding red, was the injured First Lieutenant Plum Rose, who refused to leave her captain side as she still wanting to fight and able to. Knightess Despina ward off any Sea Monster that comes close to the tower, First Lieutenant Plum Rose snipe all the monster that within her scopes and Captain Polly Grokham were raining down her grenade bullets, using her Dwarven hand canon that she hold in her hand, which is large than her, while also acting as the spotter for the Artillery unit and Wizard Unit.“Polly!!!…We need to leave this tower now!!…the sea monster has already piling up at the bottom into a freaking ladder!!!…<
“What is that Maiden Unit?…are they powerful?..”. (Knightess Despina)“...I supposed so…that what’s the rumours says…but honestly I never see them myself…but, Captain said she once fight beside them in the Tri-Nation Valley war…me personally I think they were probably not that great…”.(First Lieutenant Plum Rose)“It was understanding that many thought that way…you new recruits were like that…but let me tell you..there a reason as to why they were special that the special force unit and also why they were tasked to protect all the ministers and also the president himself…Maiden Unit, is to me..is a literal monster…I once fought beside them…at that time…we are not that fully equipped as we are tight now…but even then, a single Maiden…can kill hundreds of undeads using only a single handgun and a combat knife&he
“Colonel…watch you words….he is listening…Polly..clear that area…The President is coming down..”. (High General Bina)Polly nodded at her new order and shot her hand cannon, clearing the area about 100 meter away at he base of the watchtower, de voiding it from any monsters. Only those who have fought beside the President knows what the petal signifies, at the sight of it, many of Aeternum seasoned Soldier stood straight, stop what they were doing and performed a salute. This prompted the recruits to follow along and puzzled the Eloesa Soldiers, Including Duchess Kolarova, who Is getting antsy by the incoming monster Horde that is coming closer. Then suddenly like a carpet bombing that were amplifies by thousand, the entire beach along the long Eloesa Beach walls and the sea shores were painted with large explosion of multiple colours.All kinds of elements exploded at the same time, some were even lar
“I want both of you to stand guard her at this spot..protect Vice President Elijah, Minister Rafaela…Governor Jelina, Colonel Alessia and High General Bina…you will be the vanguard to the Spell caster!..I want them fully protected…not a single monster can get passed you..to them..Is that clear?!..”.“SIR YES SIR!!..”. (Bina, Alessia & Jelina)All 3 of them immediately took an arrow head position, with Bina stood at the top and front most while Alessia on the right and Jelina on the left, all 3 of them pulled out their swords and stab them on the ground and rest both of their hands on the pommel of their sword.“Rafaela, Elijah..your target will be those of Tier 5 and 4..concentrate on single target and concentrated attacks…kill anything that will be a threat..is that clear?!..”.“YES SIR!!..MAIDENS WIZARD IN POSTIONS!!…R
“<SWWOOOF!!..SWWOOFFF!!>…<PSSSSHHHH!!!!…>…<BBOOOOOOOMMMMM!!!!!>..<BBBOOOMMMM!!!>…”.As everyone were overwhelmed by fear of the scene of the countless building tall Sea Monster that were marching ever so closely to the beach walls, and the numbers of those ravaging smaller monster that moves as if they were swarms of ants. Suddenly like a thunderous of wake up call, 4 Helicopters hovers on top of the Eloesa beach walls, above the head of every Aeternum and Eloesa soldier, with their loud sound of metals blades rotating fast and the loud sound of music, that is known to every should of Aeternums as the Anthem of Aeternum National song, the ‘Imperial March of Freedom’. Everyone broke of their long numb of fears and get their bearing together. They looked as the 4 helicopter, fired upon countless missiles and showering their mini gun at the crowds of monster that that were oncoming to
“Save us!!..help us!!…let this nightmare end!!..”. (Eloesan People)Eloesan that were unable to hold their emotions cried as they asking for help, from the Aeternum soldier who is standing near them.“NOO!!!..WE WILL FIGHT!!..FIGHT FOR FUTURE!!..FIGHT FOR FREEDOM!!…”. (Aeternum Soldier)“My soldier!!…pick up you guns!!..and ready yourself!!…Stood tall and proud!..for you are an Aeternums!!..ELOESA!!…Pick up your swords and Shield!! and stood beside my men and women!!..for today we are one and the same!!!…WE ARE SOLDIERS WITH ONE AIM AND ONE SOUL!!!…TODAY!!…WE WILL DESTROYED THIS SAVAGE MONSTERS AND FREE ELOESA FROM THIS ILL FATE!!!…”.“<BBOOMM!!>…HAH!!..”. (Eloesan & Aeternum Soldiers)Every single soldier, men and women, stood side by side, with their w
“Concentrated fire at north east…fire at will…Elijah, Rafaela…how’s the situations?..”.“The tides has receded…Thanks to you sir…Also, Rafaela also detected that, the horde will stopped after this last wave…”. (Elijah)The battles which we thought would last a few hours, took one whole day and night. After a single full day has passed, finally I can see the gap between the monsters and I can finally witnessed for the first time a sunrises a the horizon of the ocean. Truth to be told, it has been a long time since I get involved in this kind of intense battle, I acknowledge that I am a little bit rusty after years has passed.But still, I can tell and also be proud that, at the moment, I and the one that has rakes the highest kill of the entire defensive lines. I can bragged for that, but at this point I realizes that I might have to restructure
As only the 2 of us were left standing at the wall, for a good 5 minutes neither of us were talking, instead both of us just stood there and appreciates the sun rises on the horizon and the scene of monster emerging from the sea water does not even fazed us. It was as if what is going on around us were nothing but a white noise running in the background.“Sire…what are you thought on my homeland?…”. (Queen Aqeesha)She was the one that break the ice and asked, though the questioned sounded simple, but it’s actually consisted of many hidden message and intentions. As any Medieval culture, people of high born tend to acted in a roundabout kinda way.“...Beautiful…sturdy…but right now..it was in shambles…on the verge of being consumed..by either monsters of your enemies….let’s be honest…we both know..that the ‘pirates’ are not just a
“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
"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