Chapter 8: The Rise of Kings

As Novus Mundus grew, so too did the complexity of its governance. Cities began to spring up across the vast lands, each with its own culture and needs. The people looked to the Council for guidance, but as the world expanded, local governance became necessary.

In the southern plains of Caelum, a young Aurelian named Valerius rose to prominence. Valerius was not like Seren or Kael—he was ambitious, driven by the desire to carve out his own legacy. He believed that the power of leadership should not rest in the hands of a distant Council, but in the hands of those who lived and breathed the land they governed.

Valerius gathered a following, proclaiming himself the rightful ruler of Caelum, not as a mere governor, but as a King. "Let the Council rule over Auroria," he said to his followers. "But here, we will have a king, a leader who knows the hearts of the people and can lead them to greatness."

His charisma and bold vision attracted many, and soon, Valerius crowned himself King of Caelum. He was the first of the Aurelian kings, and his city flourished under his rule. His reign was one of prosperity, but also of hierarchy. Valerius appointed Nobles to govern the various regions of his kingdom, creating a social structure that had not existed before.

 For the first time, the Aurelians experienced class distinctions. The Nobles were wealthy, landowners and advisors to the king, while the common people, though still free, found themselves bound to the decisions of their rulers. A system of Lords and Ladies arose, each overseeing vast estates and commanding the loyalty of the people beneath them.