Recently all over the central continent entertainment and news has goes to another era, Thanks to the Aeternum Super Store Core Radio. It has become the most sought after items, even a royal palace has a few installed in the palace. Not only it provides top quality song and poem, but also News and very informative advice, the whole continent now know that drinking uncooked water is bad for health. Having a breakfast while hearing a radio broadcast has been a normal occurrence now, since it will air the weather forecast for the day.
"Dear Listener all over Central Continent, We apologize for interrupting this morning weather forecast to brought you a breaking news…Earlier this month, with the co-operations of Mercenary Associations, Dukedom of Northern Hallerus Kingdom, The Maidens Mercenary group and Independent State of Aeternum, the threat of Bandit infestation that has running rampant for 50 years in the Tri-Nation Valley and road has final
Today was another peaceful day in Aeternum, Works carry on as usual, my Army still training hard and as for me, i got a lot of free time. So today my schedule is, tending my garden that filled with magical plant.[For a rough person, you're quite delicate with your plant.. ]. (T.A.S)".…I just love gardening, it's one of my stress relief method…beside, just leave a Ygdrasil unattended in my front yard, is kinda irresponsible…Anyway, is there any development about the monster stampede?..".[There's no large movement at the moment, there's a few of suspected gathering spot all over the Central continent..the closes spot to Aeternum is 5 gathering spot in the Desert of Nothing. From the 5 point, only 1 gathering spot 45% probability it would head towards the Back Gate of New City..]. (T.A.S)"Is that so?..then just keep monitoring….".I know the effec
Everything in the conversation between Mies and Duke Merrica a week ago comes true. Earlier today a messenger from Hallurusia comes to Merrina town and into Duke Merrica house.Normally a the messenger from a capital would be someone with a noble rank, but instead a Priest by the name Father Herman standing in front of Duke Merrica. From the get go, the Priest has been bombarding Duke with mountains of question, every single question that comes out were questioning who his allies, how he do it, why aren't he asked for help from other noble or the crown, little by little the tone change and further going downhill to accusations."You were saying that..with your order and digressions that the whole thing possible?..". (Father Herman)"Yes…Murr House never eat on their words, we can stand on our own even without the royal help...I remember asking for help, sending letter after letter, tribute after tribute….no
It's been a few months since Xing and co. entered the Aeternum army, while other's has chosen to enter the various department, Xing applies to stay in the army even after the mandatory training and service. He was glad and proud to call himself an Aeternum Soldier, wearing the all-black military uniform was his pride, and by the second months he entered the Dungeon Clearing and Expedition Division, he got recommended to enter a Special division called Aeternum Special Forces, known to Aeternums as the Swords of Aeternum.Only the best of the best can enter the divisions, among 100 that were recommended only 10 stayed, the training they had in the division was the hardest and the toughest even the Knights Crusade training can't be compared to it. Some say that Special Forces soldiers were the 3rd most powerful Division after The Maidens of Aeternum that were personally trained by His Excellency Mr.President himself. At this moment there's only 100 Special Force Soldier tha
Operations Death Stroke is a 2 way covert assault, aiming at the Current King of Hallerus and The Principality of Light grip on the Duke Merrica territory. In a span of 2 weeks, my force will assassinate all the nobles that were involved in the Bandit Uprising plans, which 57 families all resides in the northern Hallerus, and at the same time my troops will be entering the Principality of Light and attack it's strategic points like their fort, cathedrals.The both attack will be pinned on the fabricated coalition of bandits/assassin that wanted a revenge on the their comrade falls after being thrown aside by The Church and the King, it's also will be broadcast in the radios, as to spreading the news. This will make the public questions the Church and The Current King credibility, thus weaken their influences, of course I won't directly frame the king but instead accusing the royal advisor Leonardo Delarno of bewitching the King, and to strengthen the facts, I wi
"You guys doing good?.."."Yes Sir!..". (Xing)"That's wrong Xing..we are bandits now remember, call me boss..stay in character for the next 2 hours.."."Yes...s…Boss!!..". (Xing)".….Let's go...Leku, scout.."."On the move boss!..". (Leku)Leku the handsome dark elf starts climbing the highest tree he could find, me and the rest of team 57 member Xing, Alehandro and Lucas started to walk slowly towards the Legro family mansions at the edge of Loft Village. This is the last operation in Duke Merrica territory, Loft village was a poor farming village on the west end of Northern Hallerus. Surrounded with the wheat field, it was a picturesque view, the life standard for the commoner in the village was low, living in a mud house and working in the field that was own by the Legro family their whole life. Quite a Sad story but this story was normal all around Fantasma, if you were born in the lower caste, chan
"Take everything, kill everyone that related to Legro family..".Nodded at my order, Xing, Alehandro and Lucas spreads out and entered the mansion. 24 out of 30 guards were already dead, the rest were unconscious on the ground from blood loss, I could care less about them, if they live, they live, if they don't then I got nothing to lose, the whole scene needs to look as horrendous as possible. Emotions is useless at time like this, as Xing and the other's started the 'cleaning up' process, I entered the mansion as well and headed for the second floor to find a library or office of some kind.All nobles everywhere have the same lifestyle, owning a personal library or a collections of books is a symbols of wealth. This mansion were no different from others, in fact Legro Family was known to be boasting that they were a long generations of wizards, also in the inner circle of nobles, Legro family have a knack for anything that was taboo. Accor
"So you were saying that, they look interesting that's why you give them your ring?..I'm sorry sir but that was just too random…but still for Elven Tree Watcher to come into Human territory…are they wagging a war?..". (Elijah)"I don't know…but it's kinda interesting to see where this is going…..oh right, is the Duchess Confessions going well?.."."It is…it cause quite a stir yesterday..Sebastian said, the public has begun to sway from the church…they avoid, and try to questions church….the only reasons why there's still people in the church was because of their healing business..". (Elijah)"Hmmm…then continue with the pressure, also make sure Paul announce the news as usual, and have the Duchess to reassure her husband territory by saying that Duke army already hunting the bandits…it's better that they heard from their own people after all..".
In a few weeks the ever so high Church of Light popularity has been smudge, their unruly and dirty act was exposed every day on the radio broadcast. The pressure and the discovery of their heinous act made by the local lords investigations all over the central continent, made the public belief wavers.Holy City of Selenia is Principality of Light main capital, the place where the pious and the holy army resides, the holy land for the church of light follower, the supposed land where the gods set foots to deliver his divine commandment, in the middle of the city was the continent Largest cathedral, St. Monical the place were the Pope of Light, the revered Pope Leonardo von Elyuise resides. On the top floor of the Cathedral lies the biggest room in the building, it's the most heavily guarded room in the whole Principality. Though the outside of the room seem holy and pure, in the inside it was filled with wild stench, sour and the sweetness of arousing aroma. Sitt
“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