Chapter 13: Ingralia

[New Quest Unlocked]

[Quest Title: The Path to Ascension]

[Objective: Advance to a new stage of power by achieving the next stage of awakening, known as Ascended.]

'Ascension…' Dawn thought to himself, staring at the notification that had appeared before him. 'Sounds intriguing... getting stronger would undoubtedly be beneficial…' 

He lifted his hand to his chin, absent of any hair, and began stroking it, his expression reflecting his deep thought.

'But how does one ascend in the first place? The material I've read so far doesn't provide any specific information about it… I might be able to figure out something by reading more but…' 

Dawn glanced down at the map spread out before him. 

'I'll worry about the quest later… for now, let's get a proper understanding of this new world…' With that decision, Dawn returned his attention to the map and tome before him, ready to delve deeper into his analysis.

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Ingralia, that was the name of this new world.

Ingralia boasted floating islands, regions of lush forests teeming with vibrant wildlife—home to elves, spirits and monsters—and zones fraught with dangerous ancient ruins safeguarding lost artifacts. 

All of these fascinating features could be found on the single continent depicted on the map: Mythtasia. This vastscape was home to three kingdoms.

To the west of Mythtasia was Obsyria, a realm of gently rolling green hills, fertile farmlands, and majestic rivers. Its capital, Steraldis, found its place beside the grand Lake Lorian, a shimmering body of water reflecting the lush landscape. 

The western edge of Obsyria bordered the expansive Sea of Whispers, where jagged cliffs met the relentless ocean waves. The map depicted a golden gryphon on a field of green as Obsyria's emblem.

Northeast of Obsyria lay Aradia, a kingdom of contrasts where the lush Forest of Whispers transitioned into chilling snow-capped mountains. Aradia was renowned for its extremely cold environment and fortified city of Argenthall, an imposing stronghold nestled amidst the mountain passes. 

According to the information on the tome, the kingdom was home to many of different races, from humans to elves, to dwarves and other beings as they expanded their civilisation. The crest of Aradia bore a silver phoenix set against a backdrop of red and white stripes.

Southeast of Obsyria and Aradia stretched the coastal kingdom of Lyrondale, boasting an extensive coastline and some of the wealthiest ports in Mythtasia. The inland was sprinkled with vineyards and olive groves, which thrived in the region's temperate climate.

What really piqued Dawn's interest was the fact that Lyrondale's navy was unrivaled, and its merchant fleets travelled far and wide across the known world.

'The tome refers to the known world, but the only continent shown on this map is Mythtasia...' Dawn mused to himself. 'I'll need to find out more about the other continents... or find another map.' He concluded, returning to his analysis.

The capital, Azul Keep, overlooks the sea and is known for its bustling markets and towering lighthouse. Lyrondale's emblem features a cerulean wyvern coiled around an anchor on a field of gold and navy blue.

The three kingdoms have shared borders, loaded with political tension and rich history.

'Hmm… this is quite the fantasy world… from diverse races to monsters and well-constructed kingdoms, it certainly has it all… this map is also incredibly detailed, and the information in this tome seems accurate…' Dawn furrowed his brows, 'The only drawback is that it only shows one continent…'

Dawn shook his head.

"Let's not be too critical… this is already a ton of invaluable information… I only wish I knew exactly which kingdom we were in, or where we were…"

Upon hearing this, Aella, who had stood to return her book to the shelve, spoke quietly enough for only him to hear.

"...Obsyria," she muttered.

Upon hearing this, Dawn perked up.

'That's right, I was reincarnated into this new body, but the people here have lived in this world their whole lives… she might have some useful insights.'

"Obsyria, huh… that explains why this map has more details on it. Aella, do you know where we might be?" Dawn asked, his eyes scanning the map.

Upon hearing his question, Aella put her book on the shelf and walked over to Dawn, bending down next to him. Her stoic expression remained unchanged as she looked at the map beside him.

"Here." she said, pointing to a spot on the map.

Dawn's eyes narrowed as he looked at the spot she had pointed out. It was located within an area known as The Vast Expanse, a region of lush forests home to dangerous monsters within the kingdom of Obsyria.

She pointed to a seemingly random spot in the forest where a small black hole sat amidst the trees. There was something small written beside the black hole— 'Labyrinth Of The Abyss.' 

"What a scary name…" Dawn shivered. "A labyrinth… that explains a lot…"

Dawn had encountered a brief mention of labyrinths in one of his scrolls. In this world, labyrinths—complex and intricate networks of underground paths or passages—had existed before the formation of the kingdoms. 

The deeper one ventured, the riskier it became. However, the existence of artifacts, ancient treasures with potent properties, made the exploration a worthwhile endeavor.

"This vast cave system couldn't possibly have been made by them… the most they did was modify it… that being said, how do you know that we're here? Did you see them bring us here?" 

The other children, like Dawn, had awoken in confusion, unaware of their location. Yet, somehow, she seemed to know.

"...I just know." she replied before abruptly getting up and walking away.

Dawn watched as she left the library, not sparing him a second glance.

"Did I say something wrong…?" He muttered before yawning. "I still had a bit more information I needed to get from her but oh well… I'd better get back to my research…"

'I might discover something useful… perhaps even something about the parasite...' With that thought, Dawn dove back into the books, ready to uncover their secrets.

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Dawn's eyes snapped open, finding himself surrounded by a pile of books. He rubbed his tired eyes and took a look around.

"Hm...? Someone really was here..." Spoke the familiar voice.

His attention was drawn to the library entrance where a figure stood. Recognizing her at a glance, he identified the girl as Ayleth.

"Hey, you... the guard has arrived. He's gathering everyone up and said that anyone who doesn't show will be punished. Everyone's already lining up."

Shoving the books off himself, Dawn slowly rose and stretched.

"Is that so…?" He yawned. "Alright, let's go." He murmured, following Ayleth out of the library.

Outside, as Ayleth had mentioned, the other awakeneds were already lined up--both the forcibly and naturally awakened ones. At the head of the group stood a man Dawn recognized; Rek, the one who had caught him when he used [Inspect].

As Dawn made his way to the group, he felt Ayleth's gaze on him. She seemed to want to say something.

"What is it? Do I have something on my face?" Dawn asked, flicking his gaze towards her.

Ayleth looked towards the library they had just left.

"You can read?" She inquired.

"Yeah, just barely," He responded.

"What noble family do you belong to?" She pursued further.

"Noble?"

"Of course, there's no way a commoner your age could read. You must come from a noble family, right?" She deduced. 

Realization dawned on Dawn with her question; education in this world was not as easily accessible as in his previous world. While most children became literate by the age of twelve in his past life, it seemed things were different here.

'Commoners and nobles, huh… I'll need to read more into that later.' He concluded mentally.

"Who knows... rather than worrying about me, I think you should be more concerned about what that man will make us do." Dawn replied with a nervous smile. He then quickened his pace, leaving her behind.

Ayleth watched his distancing figure until he melded into the line with the others.

Dawn had resolved not to get too close to anyone unless necessary. He wondered when that might become unavoidable.

"...Is this everyone?" Rek asked.

"I think so..." Freya confirmed, glancing towards Ayleth, who gave her a confirming nod after joining the line.

"...Follow me," Rek commanded, turning to lead the way.

Without any questions, the group fell in line and followed him.