The sound of munching echoed through the house as Elyon and Richard happily devoured their food, clearly enjoying every bite. Their plates were nearly half-empty within minutes, and the pace didn't seem to slow.
As both Elyon and Richard continued to eat with enthusiasm, Lenea glanced at them from across the table and said with a teasing smile, "You both should slow down. The food isn't going anywhere."
"But it's really good, Mom," Elyon replied, speaking with his mouth still full.
Lenea chuckled. "You're really like your father, aren't you? Let's hope you don't pick up all of his bad habits too."
Richard narrowed his eyes slightly, a trace of frustration creeping into his voice. "What do you mean?" he asked, his gaze firm but not unkind.
Lenea simply giggled in response, her laugh light and airy, brushing off his question as if it were a playful jest.
Richard exhaled slowly and gave a small, resigned smile, letting the tension fade. Meanwhile, Elyon sat quietly at the table, focused on his meal. He didn't say a word, silently observing the exchange as he ate.
After dinner, Elyon took it upon himself to help his mother clean up. He gathered the plates from the table, stacking them with care and bringing them over to the sink. His mother gave him a grateful nod, and he returned it with a faint smile before stepping outside.
The evening air was cool and fresh. Elyon inhaled deeply, letting the crispness fill his lungs. For a moment, he simply stood there, listening to the faint rustling of leaves in the distance. The sky above was scattered with stars, and the quiet of the world seemed to stretch endlessly around him.
As he stared upward, a thought crept into his mind.
"If I want to improve my magical abilities," he mused silently, "I must learn from someone with real experience—someone who's lived through the mysteries and battles of magic."
He turned to glance back at the house, a knowing grin playing on his lips. There was something—or someone—inside who might be the key to that path.
Without wasting another moment, Elyon stepped back through the door. As he entered, his eyes were drawn to a stack of papers resting neatly on the counter. Curiosity stirred within him, and he walked over, picking up the top sheet.
It was a newspaper.
Elyon blinked, slightly stunned. He hadn't expected to find something like this in Eryndor. The idea of such a well-organized publication, printed with precision and delivered to the public, seemed out of place with what he knew about the current state of technology in the region.
"I underestimated the advancement of Eryndor," he thought, frowning slightly. "If something like this exists here, then the larger kingdoms and capital cities must be far more developed than I imagined."
As he flipped through the pages, one image in particular caught his attention. It was a disturbing photograph—a body lying motionless on the muddy forest floor. A gaping hole was visible in the skull, the lifeless face half-submerged in the wet earth. The image struck Elyon, and he leaned in closer to read the caption and article beneath it.
TRAGEDY IN DRYWOOD FOREST
Prince Ragen of Doroska Found Dead Under Mysterious Circumstances
Drywood Forest, Eryndor – In a shocking and tragic development, His Highness Prince Ragen, First Prince of Doroska, was discovered dead yesterday in the depths of Drywood Forest. The young royal was found with a fatal wound to the head, lying on his back on the muddy forest floor.
The Doroskan Guard Intelligence Division (DGID) has launched a formal investigation into the cause of death, though details remain scarce at this time.
Neither the Royal Family of Doroska nor the DGID have issued an official statement regarding the incident. Speculation continues to swirl among both citizens and nobles alike, as the kingdom reels from the sudden loss of its heir.
More updates will follow as information becomes available.
Elyon stared at the article, his expression unreadable. His face remained composed, but his mind was spinning.
"The death of someone so high in the social order will surely create widespread ripples," he thought. "Especially a prince—someone who was destined to rule an entire kingdom. In politics, such individuals are always targets, but this... this feels off."
He studied the image again. The forest setting, the silence surrounding the case, the wound—none of it added up.
"Drywood Forest is not a place for royalty to wander. The fact that he died there—alone, it seems—suggests this wasn't a random accident. This has all the signs of an assassination. But that raises a bigger question: what was the Prince even doing in Drywood Forest to begin with?"
Slowly, Elyon folded the newspaper and placed it back on the counter, his mind deep in thought. Something about this didn't sit right.
After some time had passed, Elyon found himself walking through the bustling village market, his hand gently clasped in Lenea's. The sun hung lazily above the rooftops, casting a golden glow over the lively crowd that moved in waves through the narrow, cobbled streets. Elyon's eyes wandered curiously from stall to stall, taking in the many colors, sounds, and scents that filled the air.
Everywhere he looked, there were shops and stands selling a variety of goods. Some displayed baskets overflowing with ripe fruits—shiny red apples, clusters of grapes, and thick-skinned oranges. Others offered warm loaves of bread stacked high, their crusts golden and fresh from the oven. The rich aroma of baked goods mingled with the earthy scent of vegetables and spices that filled the market square.
But not everything was food. Elyon noticed several shops selling strange bottles filled with colorful liquids—some glowing faintly, others thick and dark like ink. The labels were written in a script he couldn't quite understand, yet there was something mysterious and almost magical about them. He paused a moment, eyeing a bottle filled with a deep blue liquid that shimmered as it caught the sunlight. What could it be? A potion? A drink? A remedy?
Further along the street, he saw a blacksmith's stand, where a variety of weapons and armor were on display. Swords with ornate hilts lay side by side with curved daggers and short spears. Shields hung from wooden posts, each one bearing different emblems—dragons, wolves, flames, and more. The air near the forge was thick with heat and the sharp tang of metal. Elyon could hear the rhythmic clanging of hammer against steel somewhere nearby, echoing faintly through the alleyways.
All the while, Lenea remained close, her fingers wrapped gently around his. She was chatting with one of the shop ladies, her tone light and friendly as she inquired about a basket of apples resting on a worn wooden table. The woman behind the stand, with graying hair tied back and hands stained red from fruit, smiled as she handed over a few shiny apples.
After completing the small exchange, Lenea and Elyon continued on their way, slipping back into the crowd. Elyon glanced over his shoulder once more, watching as the market buzzed with life. He looked down at the apple Lenea had handed him, turning it over in his hand, then tucked it into his satchel.
His thoughts wandered as they walked. This world's currency seems to be that strange coin with the lion's symbol, he mused silently. That's what the people were giving each other—small, golden coins with the roaring lion stamped in the center. I've only seen them in books before, but now they're real. Tangible.
As they strolled away from the busy market square, the noise gradually softened behind them, replaced by the calmer sounds of the village—birds calling from nearby trees, a dog barking in the distance, the gentle chatter of villagers enjoying the afternoon.
Elyon's thoughts deepened. I only knew everything about this world from the comfort of my home, he reflected. From books, scrolls, and stories. But from what I've seen and learned today… there is a lot more to this world than what I thought I knew. A lot more hidden beneath the surface—waiting to be explored, to be understood.
He squeezed Lenea's hand gently, grateful for her presence as the path ahead unfolded, unknown and full of wonder.
After resting from the market, Elyon sat quietly in his room, a thoughtful expression on his face. He realized there was so much more about the history of this world that he didn't yet understand.
He spoke softly, "Elren."
As soon as the name left his lips, Elren appeared in a soft flicker of light.
"Yes, what would you like?" Elren asked.
"Tell me more about this world," Elyon said.
"Would you like a detailed explanation?" Elren inquired.
"No, just give me the basics," Elyon replied.
"Very well then," Elren nodded.
"Eryndor is a vast and diverse world, similar in shape to Earth, yet significantly larger in volume, offering a broader expanse of untamed lands, deep oceans, and mystical skies. It is a planet of ancient magic, cosmic mysteries, and a rich tapestry of cultures and civilizations. The world is divided into four major continents, each with its unique environment, dominant races, and sociopolitical systems. These continents not only differ geographically but also serve as spiritual and cultural anchors for their inhabitants.
The Four Continents of Eryndor
1. Veloria – The Heart of Civilization
Veloria, located at the center of Eryndor, is the most populous and politically complex continent. Often referred to as the Heart of Civilization, it is primarily inhabited by humans, though other races also reside in its diverse biomes—elves in the forested north, dwarves in the mountainous regions, and halfling communities nestled within the western valleys.
Veloria is renowned for its temperate climate and fertile lands, making it an ideal hub for trade, agriculture, and innovation. Over generations, human civilizations here have established sprawling cities, intricate roadways, and prestigious magical academies.
Great Power: Serenos – The Holy Kingdom
The most dominant force in Veloria is the Kingdom of Serenos, often called the Holy Kingdom. It is distinguished by its deep integration of religion and magic. In Serenos, faith is not merely a personal matter—it is deeply woven into governance, magical practice, and educational institutions. Serenos is also home to the Religious Magic Investigation Department, the first of its kind, which is responsible for the study and regulation of divine magic and spiritual phenomena.
Other Notable Kingdoms of Veloria:
Liria – Known for its rich artistic traditions and bustling trade ports.
Doroska – A heavily fortified realm, famed for its military strength and ancient stonework.
Varnoth – A frigid, mountainous land where scholarly orders and reclusive mystics delve into arcane studies.
Eldarim – A coastal kingdom celebrated for its shipbuilding and vast maritime guilds.
Thalmark – Recognized for its alchemical breakthroughs and energetic marketplaces.
Nerathil – Home to the oldest surviving library on the continent; a sanctuary for scholars, historians, and wizards.
Each of these kingdoms shares cultural roots with Serenos but varies in economics, education, landmarks, and religious customs, contributing to Veloria's rich and complex diversity."