In a world filled with boundless wonders and lurking mysteries, uncertainties linger deep within its core. A world where dreams solidify into reality, nightmares brim with certainty and scorching desires of the fallen remain woven into the very fabric of reality.
Atheria, the immersive world, holds countless obscure phenomena that are beyond human comprehension.
These phenomena have no known origin or function. For those who seek their secrets fall prey, vanishing from existence. Therefore, these phenomena remain concealed, with irreparable consequences. Hence they are called mysteries.
Although these mysteries defy absolute understanding, humankind has managed to unravel a few. These discoveries have blessed humankind with knowledge and power beyond imagination.
Though a small glimpse in the grand scheme of the unknown, it is a testament to humanity's resilience and thirst for knowledge. But the information about the mysteries remain restricted to those of high stature, who forbid its widespread distribution, to maintain their high positions in society.
Concurrent with these discoveries, humankind witnessed the emergence of hidden supernatural abilities. Where only about a handful of individuals manifested these abilities which were far from ordinary.
These intriguing powers quickly became a prevailing topic, being known as sentients. Why were these powers called sentients? Were they connected to the lurking mysteries? Questions lingered on the surface.
A growing unease settled over the world, as whispers of these sentients spread, their cause unknown to most people. The very fabric of society began to unravel; for this sudden shift in power ignited not just awe, but fear.
People grew more attached to power, their minds twisted by the allure of sentients. Chaos spread throughout the world like wildfire.
For instance thrones changed hands, royal blood stained the palace floors, kings' loyal guards betrayed their lords whom they had sworn to protect , sworn brothers turned against each other, sons killed their own father—destroying long held relations.
As a result, nations fractured; wars were waged to seize control of these powers, while very few desperately sought to balance them. The world had descended into a fevered madness, where even the most virtuous were tempted by the promise of power.
The cobblestone streets of kingdoms, once bustling with trade, now echoed with the clang of steel. Royal banners, once proudly displayed, lay trampled in the mud. The scent of woodsmoke mingled with the acrid tang of blood, a testament to many cities fall.
The cries of orphaned infants echoed with the stench of blood-soaked earth, lying beside lumps of cold flesh which they once knew as family, on the cobblestone paths.Newborns, silent and still, curled beside their fallen mothers. A child's laughter, once a melody, was now a hollow echo in the wind.
While the sentient users enthroned themselves in the ashes of the world.
Amidst the chaos, a few sanctuaries sought to preserve peace headed far away,far from the ravages of war. The village of Aphanes, nestled in a mountain range overlooking the shimmering Lumina River, was one of them. Here, individuals pursued research and lived simple lives as farmers or fishermen.
Silas, blissfully unaware of the horrors beyond the mountains, walked through the village square. Thinking to himself, " I wish to live in aphanes like this forever. But curiosity hits me sometimes. What lies beyond this village . Why is no one going outside the village"
Eight-year-old Silas, son of the respected village chief, knew only the gentle rhythm of village life, a world untouched by the madness beyond. Could such tranquility endure in a world consumed by chaos?