Piece

As the cool breeze swept along the grass and tree that Ark was sitting under, he flipped another page. He just finished reading a story from Grop's book. It filled him with interest and a sort of insight in this world he was currently in. Although, it was just a legend, he cannot ignore the fact that it might be real. Who knows? This world is too foreign for someone like him.

After the story, the next page was filled with historic figures and places. More importantly, the place he came to was called 'Aruvun', the Kingdom of Unity. The book provided a scaled-down map of the entire world. Ark could not believe his eyes. It was... big!

In fact, Aruvun seemed to be so small compared to the other kingdoms. He looked at the names - Stoichus, Midrad, Heptris, and so many more.

Ark turned another page. The title read, 'The Beginning of an Age.' Written on it was the entire history of the world.

According to the book, the world Ark has many names, but it was commonly called 'Alvana'.

"In the very beginning, Alvana is devoid of magic, with beings tending along their lives with no trouble. It was theorized that a sudden rift in dimension caused a gigantic flow of magical energies throughout the world. Briefly, these energies engulfed everything in their path and at the start, it was chaos. The rifts eventually subsided and peace was restored once again."

Ark's raised an eyebrow. 'Odd, no mention of the first story. Must be a myth then.'

"Magic became a stable part of living beings. As it enveloped them, it manifested a core. An empty shell able to sustain and contain magical energies. As time went on, everyone knew the potential of magic. People learned to harness the rain and the soil for their crops. They learned how to control the path of weather using elemental winds. They learned how to use fire to help craft weapons, to help warm themselves during the night, and to ward off the eternal darkness."

Ark turned the page.

"However, with all the good that came from this blessing, so does the harm that it contains. Ever since the tear in dimensions, creatures of all kind, even bad-willed are able to harness the darkness within the magical energies. The forces of nature are more dangerous than ever. Yet, the problem was not done."

Ark looked down before the page. Below the words, showed a picture that depicted two-sides of artwork. Split on the left depicted a well-drawn land, flourishing with life and happiness. On the other side, show a more sinister picture. It showed beasts of all shapes preying upon a burning village. Ark gulped, but continued reading.

"Humans, Demi-Humans, Beast-men, Harphyles, and many more all have evil intents. With life having new magical possibilities, no one is safe. In order to combat the possibility of a magical purge, the Council of Magic was formed. This council wrote all the laws about magic, and they alone can permit the use of it."

Once again, Ark reached the end of the page. Licking his finger, he turned the page.

"Although the Council of Magic controls the use of magic, they are not the most powerful in strength. Below the magical ladder of hierarchy comes the Aegis, chosen magical beings whose magical prowess surpass the capabilities of mortal limits. In times of great peril, the Council has the ability to call upon these beings to eliminate any threat. Currently, there are four known Aegi that are open to the public."

Ark's eyes became enthralled with interest. To his current knowledge, these are the most powerful beings in the land.

"The Demi-Human, Shira. The Mermaid, Thalass. The Mendei, Kar'cith. The Living Armor, Gregus-"

Ark suddenly found himself chuckling. "Gregus." he mumbled. However, his expression turned to extreme confusion.

"Greg?"