Ch. 3 – Maiden Voyage: Inaugural Steps into the Unknown P.5

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(At night - Stewart House)

That time, Elijah and I were together with Lady Stewart in her reading room. We both are tired from spending our time with Arnold outside of the house in the evening.

"Now it looks like an enormous tree in the middle of the ocean." Ellis told me the story while Elijah and I listened to it.

The story ends there as she closes the book.

She told me that no one ever passed the dungeon in that tree. Many enormous monsters live inside it. People make that place a prison to keep powerful villains there. Wisdom has used his power to create an anti magic barrier and weaken everyone inside that tree. Nothing works except anti magic user or unless you defeat him. Plus, his magic is stronger as he is the son of Philip.

I was wondering if my parents were locked up at that prison. But I think it would be impossible because they are not even hostile. I wish they were not there, at least I need to worry.

… 

(In the reading room - Alone with Ellis, while Elijah sleeping in bedroom)

I was impressed as I listened to Lady Stewart's stories, flipping through an extraordinary book she had given me. The book had a magical hologram that allowed me to see the stories unfold before my eyes. The vivid illustrations and holographic projections brought the tales to life in a way I had never experienced before. It was an incredible piece of magical craftsmanship, and I was thoroughly engrossed.

Ellis noticed my fascination and smiled warmly. "It's almost late. Would you stay at our home for the night?" she asked, her voice filled with genuine kindness.

I glanced out the window, seeing the sky painted in shades of orange and pink as the sun set behind the mountains. The idea of staying in their warm, welcoming home was tempting, especially after our long and tiring journey.

"Thanks. That would be my pleasure," I replied gratefully, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. The prospect of a safe place to rest, even for one night, was comforting.

…

That night, after a night meal, Ellis showed us to a cozy room where we could sleep. The room was simple but inviting, with soft beds and warm blankets. Elijah immediately jumped onto one of the beds, his face lighting up with excitement.

"Brother, this is so comfortable!" he exclaimed, burying himself in the blankets.

I chuckled and ruffled his hair. "I'm glad you like it, Eli. Get some rest; we have a big day ahead of us tomorrow."

Ellis left us to settle in, and I took a moment to reflect on the kindness we had received. Despite our struggles and the challenges we faced, there were still good people in the world willing to lend a helping hand. It gave me hope and strengthened my resolve to protect Elijah and ensure a better future for both of us.

After taking Elijah to bed and making sure he was fast asleep, I left the bedroom and headed to the reading room.

Earlier, I borrowed Ellis's books to study more about this country. Even she was surprised that I wanted the book. She thought I was only looking at the hologram and didn't know that I am able to read. I want to continue reading the book because I was eager to know more about this world. There are 3 kingdoms inside this continent. This continent is divided into 4 lands: Land of humans with 3 different kingdoms, Sacred Forest of Elves (Alfheim), Dwarves Earth (Nidavellir), and Forgotten land of Orc (Faerun).

"Just how big is this place?!" I was amazed by my own thoughts while reading this book.

I was surprised by so many things in this world.

"How can they live with other kinds of species?" a sudden question crossed my mind.

I started to have my own thoughts about it. It would be so amazing to see another species other than human at the Capital and it amaze me.

… 

I even did not know how many human races on Earth that also have a different culture and sub-group. I think maybe a big world will also have a more kind of creation. But for this world, it has different types of sub-people.

After that, I found out the name of a kingdom living in the human realm on this continent. The biggest kingdom is Altyzurian, where I will go on my journey. My parents will be in their court for a verdict. This kingdom has the famous magic academy from all around the world. Many students enrol in this school that do not matter with their background. 

Several years ago, the human realm made an allegiance with other races. The council decided to combine our power to protect this continent. On behalf of a human is the form of a union of 3 kingdoms. Despite that, only Orc leaders come out with agreement and not participate in this meeting. However, the human Wizard King is wise to deal with him by offering a yearly supply of clean water from Sacred Lakes of Elves and tons of high-quality meat from human land. The dwarves only provide them with armour and weapons as they are expert in this field, so the orc could survive and hunt monsters.

Second is Hixellestine, a kingdom of powerful army. They use a term soul and gift that refer to magic like soul weapon and soul beast. They are the next in line to the most developed kingdom in terms of economy. Their citizens are famous for using a unique kind of magic which allows them to create a puppet that can cast strong magic in battle combat and known as puppeteer. This helps prevent many human losses when war or battling with monsters. They also invented the memory substance that when destroyed, it could attach back like normal by using magic. Every building at the Capital now has this technology to protect the city from destruction when natural disaster occurs or after war. Just imagine the cost-saving to rebuild the kingdom. This is such a clever idea.

Lastly is Stanexium, the kingdom of strongest mana weapons. On this land, they are unique ore that contain a high level of magic. They use this crystal mana to conjure a blast magic damage that could destroy a mountain in one hit. I believe the Master told me this country (human realm) has a secret destructive weapon and needs to be cautious with this one. In this world, not many people are able to use magic. Thankfully to this mana ore, they are able to give unfortunate people to use magic like others. Other Kingdom also bought the ore from them and traded with them for the good.

The only thing that catches my eyes is the council where there are 13 councillors from 3 kingdoms that are selected by the Kings and Queens from each realm (human realm is upon discussion from 3 kingdoms) and approved by the current Wizard King. They were all selected by their performance and strength. Thus, the Wizard King selection is an agreement upon by 13 councillors to choose. From that, I wonder how strong the Wizard King is in this continent. All the 13 selected are from various races; humans (4), elves (3), dwarves (3), orcs (3). As humans have larger numbers in proportion, they get to have extra representation as well their life is considered shorter than other races.

~

In the past, I still remember the Master's advice.

"One thing you must remember in your head. There is always someone stronger." he said that to make sure I never forget his warning about this new world.

He keeps reminding me that. That gives me goosebumps when I hear that from him.

"Does that mean there are much more powerful beings in other continents?" I asked myself.

My question was left without an answer which I have to figure it out myself. I don't know why I was suddenly reminded of those words.

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