A New World
As the two figures drew near, they moved with a seamless grace that belied their individuality. Together, they lowered themselves to the ground, their synchronized movements so fluid and precise that it seemed as though they had practiced this very act for ages. I watched them intently, but chose not to intrude upon their reverent display. A true leader knows the importance of conducting oneself with poise and decorum, especially when faced with the unwavering devotion of their followers.
Despite the fact that they are both right in front of me, the aura and presence that they each exude can only be described as nothing less than absolute magnificence. The way they carry themselves, the way they speak, the way they look at me with their captivating eyes, it's all so overwhelming and awe-inspiring. It's as if they each possess a kind of ethereal quality that sets them apart from the rest.
However, for some reason, despite their undeniable grandeur and the fact that they are standing right in front of me, I find myself unable to fully grasp their significance. No... It's not that I don't feel their presence or that I am not in awe of them, it's just that I seem to see them as any other ordinary individual. It's as if they were just another person walking in a crowded city, no different from the rest of the faceless, nameless masses that surround us every day.
In a completely casual and relaxed tone, without any hint of hesitation or urgency, I nonchalantly let out the words, "Please feel free to lift your heads," as if I had used this phrase an incalculable amount of times in the past. And then, without skipping a beat, I smoothly continued, "Come and join me," as I gazed effortlessly at the two other chairs that my dear maid Evangeline had hastily and efficiently prepared for Lyra and Draven. My voice emanated a sense of cool confidence, as if I had been in this exact scenario countless times before. The words flowed out of my mouth like a well-rehearsed script, each syllable enunciated with perfect clarity and precision.
After taking a momentary break to wet my whistle with a delightful sip of my hot, freshly brewed tea, I turned my attention to the matter at hand and addressed the two people in front of me, eager to learn as much as possible. "Now, as for why I called you here," I began, my voice clear and unwavering as I spoke. "There's something that's been weighing heavily on my mind lately, and I simply must know more about it. You see, it's been quite some time since I last walked this earth, over a century in fact, and I'm eager to learn about all that has happened in my absence. Every detail, every event, every little thing that's occurred while I was away. So, if you wouldn't mind, I demand if you could tell me everything that has transpired since I've been gone."
I aimed to project the image of someone who has traversed this world for as long as I can remember. My intention was to come across as the one in charge, rather than an outsider. Even though this world may have been created as a game, I take responsibility for bringing it to life. At any rate, this is my reality now and I must carry myself as though I have experienced every corner of it.
"As your Highness wishes," spoke Lyra with a respectful bow, her tone tinged with deference as she awaited my command. With a graceful gesture, she extended her left hand, and in the blink of an eye, a luminous, three-dimensional map appeared before all of us. Lyra's delicate fingers traced the intricate lines and contours of the map, expertly highlighting key locations and landmarks that shimmered in the soft glow emanating from the device.
"Before we proceed any further, Your Highness, there is something of great import that I must share with you," Lyra began, her voice clear and steady. "You see, the world as we once knew it no longer exists. It has not been destroyed, per se, but rather we have been transported to a new and distinct realm. I am not certain what has befallen our former home, but it is clear that we are no longer a part of it."
Lyra paused for a moment, allowing her words to sink in. She could see the confusion and concern etched on my face and knew that she needed to provide more context. "This new world we find ourselves in is both similar and yet vastly different from our previous one. There are new landscapes to explore, new peoples to encounter, and new challenges to overcome. It is a world that is full of wonder and possibility," she continued, her words measured and thoughtful.
"Your Majesty," Draven interjected, fixing his gaze upon me, "I implore you not to be misled. This world, though vast and sprawling, is home to naught but feeble and unsophisticated races."
"Indeed, the various races which inhabit this world are nothing more than insignificant insects, scurrying about in a world that unquestionably and rightfully belongs to her Majesty."
"I couldn't have said it any better myself, truly those are misguided fools that do not know their place"
listening to their words, it feels as if they are speaking in my name, as if the very essence of my being is reflected in the utterances that they voice. The words ring out, loud and clear, and though I do not entirely agree with what is being said, there is a part of me that is compelled to listen. It is as if a new window has opened up in my soul, revealing something previously unknown to me. It is a curious feeling, a mix of confusion and excitement, as if I am embarking on a journey to discover an uncharted terrain.
This internal conflict between my old self and this new sensation is so intense that it seems to drive me to the brink of madness. It feels as though I am on the verge of losing my previous self, and it is a disorienting experience. I am torn between the comfort of the familiar and the allure of the unknown. Every fiber of my being is resisting this change, and yet, at the same time, I cannot help but be drawn towards it.
"Cease this bickering, for there is yet much knowledge that eludes me," I assert with an authoritative air.
"Forgive us your Majesty" Lyra said with a bow
"Yes, Forgive us" Draven said right after
I sat comfortably in my chair, my hand gently grasping the delicate handle of my tea cup, I took a sip savoring the intricate blend of flavors, the subtle notes of bergamot and jasmine intermingling perfectly with the smooth texture of the tea. Beside me, both Lyra and Draven sat in a similar state of serene contemplation, their own tea cups held delicately in their hands. I could see the same look of contentment in their eyes as they took in the flavor and aroma of their drinks. As the warm liquid flowed down my throat, I raised my gaze to Lyra, silently indicating for her to continue our conversation. Her eyes met mine, and with a slight nod, she began to speak.
"Now as I have previously conveyed, we are currently situated in a realm that is distinct from the one we once called home, yet bears striking similarities. This new world possesses a comparable magnitude and topographical features to that which we are accustomed to, albeit with a multitude of intriguing deviations. It is pertinent to note that not only our surroundings but also our entire landmass has been transported to this unfamiliar plane of existence. This includes every nook and cranny of the terrain we once traversed with familiarity, as well as all the landmarks and territories that defined our collective identity. Our territory"
With a fervent passion, she meticulously tweaks the map, imbuing it with even greater detail to showcase not just any nation, but our nation, resplendent in all its glory. "Observe how, despite having integrated our entire territory into this new world, it scarcely occupies a mere five percent of the Earth's vast expanse. This serves as a testament to its immense scope, akin to that of our ancient homeland."
It is abundantly evident that our nation, by no means, can be classified as small or insignificant. In fact, it is quite the opposite. If we were to consider a scenario where all the continents of the world that I once knew were to merge into one colossal, unified nation, it would still only account for a mere ten percent of the vast territory that we currently occupy. That is an astonishingly large expanse of land. Despite this, we only take up a minuscule five percent of the total space available on this unique and distinctive world.
It is evident as I observe the holographic representation before my very eyes, it becomes indisputably clear that our beloved nation is situated amidst a vast expanse of water. The surrounding aqueous expanse appears boundless and endless, as far as the eye can see, and it instills a sense of awe and respect in me for the sheer power and vastness of Mother Nature.
Furthermore, as I continue to study the intricate details of the hologram map, I cannot help but notice the presence of other continental masses situated beyond the boundaries of our nation. These massive land masses, occupying the northern, eastern, southern, and western regions of the world, are distinguishable from one another in terms of their shape, size, and geographical features.
Lyra's voice brimmed with disgust as she shared her research findings. "Our investigations have revealed that every land mass is home to various races, each with their unique identity and a deep-seated animosity towards the others. Though there may not be an ongoing war, the precariousness of the situation leaves no guarantees for a peaceful future," she concluded, her words heavy with foreboding.
"Inevitably, in the absence of a unifying leader, it was bound to end this way - a congregation of foolish individuals who are undeserving of the greatness of Her Majesty." With a keen eye for the perfect moment, Draven leapt at the chance to interject with his own remark.
I can't seem to disagree, in a mystical and enchanting world where sorcery reigns supreme and spells abound, the possibilities for strength and power are seemingly endless. However, in this realm of incantations and enchantments, there can only be one true ruler, and that individual must possess strength that surpasses even the most powerful magic wielders. This individual must be a paragon of strength, possessing an immense fortitude and an unwavering will that cannot be swayed by the lure of power or the siren song of the throne. They must be so formidable and indomitable in their abilities that even those who would covet the throne would think twice before attempting to take it for themselves.
Indeed, the would-be ruler must be a towering figure of strength and might, a being whose very presence inspires awe and fear in all who behold them. Their power must be absolute and unyielding, for any sign of weakness or doubt could prove disastrous in this world of magical warfare and fierce competition. However, not a single ruler has emerged to assert their authority and establish order. The absence of such a leader has undoubtedly contributed to the dire circumstances that have befallen this world, as without a central figure to guide and govern the races that inhabit it, chaos and disarray have become the norm.