Kastia's Nine Champions

Let's talk about the Champions. 

Currently, in Kastia, there are nine individuals officially recognized as Champions. 

Official here means they are known to the public and are affiliated with one of the human nations. 

Those from the Abyss, like the Demon General, or those from Yutopia, known as the Elders, are not considered Champions. 

However, it cannot be denied that the Demon General and the Elders hold a status equivalent to that of a Champion in Kastia.

Now, for the Champions themselves. 

From the Kingdom of Westya, there are two individuals. 

The first is Lindell Zephiras, a woman who is known to be one of the three strongest people in Kastia. Lindell had a nickname, the Nature Fairy, because the nature deeply loves this woman.

The second Champion belonging to Westya is Karilon Armstorm, a man currently recognized as one deserving the title of Magic Swordsman. 

He is a master of both magic and the sword. The public has bestowed upon him the moniker "Karilon of a Thousand Swords."

Westya has two Champions, but it is Karilon alone who is often seen defending the kingdom. 

He is the one stationed in Lumiere, guarding Westya's new territory against the Huntara threat.

As for Lindell, she remains an enigmatic figure, elusive and hard to find. 

Not only the public but even the King and the high-ranking officials of the Kingdom of Westya find it difficult to meet her. It seems as though this woman is not bound by Westya.

However, should a threat arise that cannot be thwarted by Karilon and Westya, Lindell has promised to lend her assistance.

Moving to the northern kingdom, the Kingdom of Huntara also boasts two Champions. 

The first is Signa Wayde, known as The Guardian of the North. 

Signa's name gained even more renown across the continent of Kastia after he single-handedly thwarted an Abyss invasion in the eastern regions of Huntara.

The second Champion in Huntara is Rudeus Crandell, an old magician whose age remains one of the world's mysteries. 

Rudeus is believed to have been around for two hundred years and is still active in mentoring and educating young magicians in Huntara. 

One of Rudeus's famous disciples is Anita, who is expected to become a Champion in her own right within the next ten years.

Moving on to the next kingdom, Mandora, it's the last kingdom with two Champions. 

The first is the Grand General of the Kingdom of Mandora, Sandra Rockheart. 

Even though Sandra is in her late forties, she appears much younger due to her fit physique. 

Sandra is currently busy defending the northern border of Mandora against the onslaught of Asmodeus forces. 

She is a no-nonsense general with a highly respected leadership style, not only among her allies and subordinates but also among her adversaries. 

Sandra has two nicknames bestowed upon her by the public: The Sun General and the Unbreakable.

The second Champion from Mandora is Prince Hanibal. 

He is the only royalty or member of a royal family to hold the title of Champion. Hanibal is also regarded as the youngest human to achieve this status. 

In the present era, Hanibal is considered the number one genius in Kastia. Like Sandra, Hanibal has two nicknames: The Royal Champion and the Sandlord.

Now, let's shift our focus to the eastern part of Kastia. 

Here, there are two Champions, one hailing from the Holy Kingdom of Divinia and the other from the Fire Kingdom.

From the Fire Kingdom, a man named Ragna Gramroad stands as their sole Champion. 

A middle-aged man believed to be one of the three strongest individuals in Kastia. Ragna carries the moniker "The Hellfist."

Now, turning to the Champion from Divinia, a man by the name of Arthur Edenlight holds that esteemed position. 

He, along with Lindell and Ragna, is counted among the three strongest in Kastia. Among these three, the public believes Arthur to be the mightiest in Kastia at the moment.

However, this belief was shaken somewhat with the emergence of the name Cien Millard. 

Unfortunately, Cien is not a Champion, so Arthur's title as the strongest remains unchallenged. 

This is further supported by statements from representatives of the Guild Federation who have visited Arcadia. 

They assert that Cien's power level (Rank) has not yet reached the minimum Rank of Jack, which is required to be considered a Champion.

Arthur's reputation as the strongest stems from his mastery of Creation Magic, which enables him to counter all kinds of magic and demons with ease. 

Some argue that Arthur's status as the strongest is influenced by his widespread public appeal, as the followers of the God of Creation are the most numerous in Kastia.

Arthur bears two nicknames, simple yet awe-inspiring: "The Judge" and "the Strongest." These titles alone command respect.

As for the ninth Champion in Kastia, or the latest addition, it is a Champion recently introduced and confirmed by the Guild Federation after visiting Arcadia.

Yes, it's Fenrir, the Champion of Arcadia.

The revelation of Fenrir's existence sent shockwaves throughout all of Kastia. 

Citizens and leaders in every kingdom had not expected that a small kingdom named Arcadia possessed a Champion.

For those in the northern regions of Kastia, the surprise was even greater. 

Fenrir was a name associated with a legendary monster passed down through generations. 

Consequently, while the majority of people did not know the specifics of Fenrir and its abilities, the white wolf now has a nickname attached to it.

Fenrir the Myth.

With that, the nine Champions of Kastia have been introduced, the important figures destined to play their roles on the chaotic stage of the world.

Right and wrong.

Just and evil.

Life and death.

Human and demon.

On which side will they ultimately stand? When most of them will meet in the drama known as "The Conferences of the Kings."

***

Returning to the story.

In the northern region of the Kingdom of Westya lies a city chosen by people from all corners of the world as the most beautiful place in Kastia. 

It's a city where harmony with nature is evident at every turn.

The lush greenery that blankets the rooftops of houses, the myriad colors of hundreds of types of flowers lining the streets, and the fresh air that, when breathed, rejuvenates one's spirit. 

Beautiful and sweet women, akin to fairies from fairy tales, can be seen throughout the city, offering warm smiles and tranquility to visitors.

But that's not all. Cleanliness, orderliness, and the friendliness of the city's inhabitants are also striking features. 

Only in this city do you not witness destitute street children in the same squalor as in other places.

Admittedly, there are street children here too, but their clothing is not as tattered and grimy as in other cities.

The city's residents always provide new clothing to street children when they appear to be in dire need. 

They also set aside a bit of food for these children, aiming to keep them away from criminal activities.

The city in northern Westya is consistently referred to as the best city in Kastia, where crime is low, and the scenery is beautiful.

It's the greenest city in all of Kastia—The Garden of Kastia, Edenia.

Entering this city is a delegation from Arcadia, led by Princess Kirana, who heads straight to one of her mother's residences or one of the bases of C-Owl.

Upon arriving at the residence, Kirana and the others were warmly welcomed by the orphanage children. 

They assisted the caravan party by guiding them to the parking lot and then inviting the entire group inside to rest.

"Welcome, Young Miss."

"Long time no see, Isabelle. How have you been?" 

Kirana greeted the head of C-Owl's Edenia branch.

"I'm healthy and well, Young Miss. Oh, or perhaps I should call you 'Your Highness.'"

"Hahaha," Kirana chuckled softly, "No need to worry, just call me as usual."

"Very well, Young Miss."

"Please lead the group I brought to empty rooms for some rest. And please send a message to Count Turelina, letting him know that Luis and I would like to pay a visit."

"Understood, Young Miss."

Isabelle promptly instructed a few people to carry out the assigned tasks. Afterward, she led Kirana to the main bedroom in the residence.

Upon reaching her bedroom, Kirana was eager to lie down and rest. However, before doing so, she needed to write a letter that had to be sent through C-Owl's information network.

The letter Kirana composed was intended for her friends in Yutopia, requesting their assistance as her father had planned. 

Kirana didn't know the way to Yutopia. After her father disappeared, she lost contact with her friends there—two friends from different races, an elf and a demon. 

But now, with the knowledge of how to reach Yutopia, Kirana eagerly anticipated their reunion after ten years.

"Please send this letter to the southern branch of C-Owl in Westya. From there, I want someone to deliver this letter to a place called Illusion Hill. I've included a map of the location behind the letter; they just need to follow it. Don't enter, though. Anyone, if uninvited and not a friend of the elves, who enters won't be able to return."

"Is this... Yutopia?"

Kirana nodded. "Yes, why? Are you afraid?"

Isabelle shook her head. "No. It's just been so long since I heard the name of this kingdom. Yutopia. I think most of the people in Kastia have forgotten that such a place exists."

"Well, what can you do? They've closed themselves off without revealing their existence for the past ten years. Even before that, they were considered a myth kingdom, where only a few were allowed in. It made a lot of people skeptical. So it's understandable if it's forgotten.

"But, that place is real and magical. Hmm, just make sure to warn the message courier to be careful. The people of Yutopia can't be underestimated."

After hearing this, Isabelle promptly left to send Kirana's letter.

Alone in her room, Kirana found herself lost in thought, reminiscing about her two childhood friends from Yutopia.

Kirana had only been to Yutopia twice, but her two friends had visited her nearly every week at her home, which had made them close.

"Sigh... how are you both, Lynn... Pokam..."