Despite centuries of exploration and conflict, only thirteen nations have ever been officially recorded on the world's ancient scrolls. Their borders, carved by war and diplomacy, span vast terrains — from the frostbitten peaks of Hyldar to the desert spires of Vardune. A map drawn by the hands of kings and scholars hangs above the great halls, its surface etched with colored borders and names that echo with history. And yet... the land does not end there.
Beyond the known territories lies an untouched expanse — endless forests cloaked in mist, broken mountains lost to time, seas that stretch into a horizon no sailor has returned from. These lands are not marked, not spoken of in courts, and not whispered in temples. They are old. Older than the twelve nations combined. What lies beyond them remains cloaked in silence and shadow — waiting, watching.
Some call it myth. Others fear it is truth.
Cynora, Himavanta, Serkavia, Elvaran, Ostravia, Valderra, Tenshogai, Luneberia, Velvaran, Drevalin, Naros, Avestra, and Tianshou
these are the nations recognized today.
Some have stood for countless centuries. Elvaran, home of the elves. Drevalin, the mountain realm of dwarves. Naros, a mixed-race coastal nation. Tenshogai, land of the samurai—where Ryouma was born. And Tianshou, a martial country ruled under the long shadow of the Hei Dynasty.
Yet, for all their history and power, none have mapped the whole of this world. Outside their borders lie wild and hostile lands—territories of monsters, beasts, and even demons, each holding dominion over their own domain. Records from wandering adventurers speak of sealed lands, endless wastelands, and floating islands in the sky, ruled by beings far beyond mortal reach.
But the strength to challenge such places has long since faded. The ancient martial powers of history have vanished, leaving behind only the paths of Ki, Mana, and Qi—the last surviving methods in this age.
Even within these nations, danger lurks. Monsters roam the wilds, labyrinths hide deep underground, and dungeons appear without warning. The land itself feels as if it is wrapped in secrets no one has yet unraveled.
Present:
Every nation holds its own primary path of cultivation. In Tianshou, the people hone their Qi above all else. In Tenshogai, the focus lies on mastering Ki. Beyond these two, most other realms devote themselves to Mana, weaving spells and elemental arts as their primary strength.
Tenshogai was the only nation that had ever attempted to cultivate not just Ki, but other affinities alongside it. As a result, every soldier possessed at least two affinities. However, without the ability to fully master them, advance to higher stages, or strengthen their internal energy through martial arts and cultivation, the army gradually weakened.
Corruption seeped into the government. The nobles began to look down on those of lower birth, worship wealth, and pursue nothing but money. Some even sought to make the king dance to their tune.
It was during this time that Kiryuu Isshin, father of Lord Hanzou, rose to the position of Lord of Tenshogai. When his turn came, Lord Isshin championed equality, granted opportunities to the talented regardless of birth, worked to curb political corruption, and sought to strengthen Tenshogai's military power—aware that other nations had long kept their eyes on his homeland.
But before he could fully enact his reforms, develop the nation, and bring lasting change, tragedy struck. While leading a group of soldiers into a powerful labyrinth, Lord Isshin fought a fearsome monster. In the midst of battle, he threw himself into harm's way to save his men—only to fall from a great height and vanish. Despite extensive searches, his body was never found, and he was declared dead.
At just twenty-five years old, Lord Hanzou was crowned King of Tenshogai. To the political elders and noble families—who had served under the Kiryuu dynasty for generations—this martial arts–focused young man was an opportunity.
Lord Hanzou quickly showed his dangerous nature. He executed several government officials and launched investigations into the nobles. Yet without concrete evidence against certain families and elders, he was forced into silence. Even so, he never stopped watching for an opening. His unexpected knowledge of politics and strategy shocked—and unnerved—many.
In time, newly appointed elders, seeking to strengthen the nation, proposed a political marriage between Lord Hanzou and Princess Reina Reinhart, the eldest daughter of King Theo Reinhart of Luneberia, Tenshogai's eastern neighbor. Seeing no other way forward given the state of his country, Lord Hanzou accepted.
Thus, through a political marriage, an alliance was forged between Tenshogai and Luneberia. The move forced Velvaran, another neighboring nation that had been preparing for war, to halt its plans. Though Luneberia was smaller in size, its military strength was formidable, and now Tenshogai would gain that support. Velvaran refrained from attacking—but began building its own forces, waiting for the right moment to strike
Velvaran once again seeked to seize the borders. At that very moment, a voice echoed, "Oh, so that's why I saw everyone a little frightened in our manor just now."
As the scene unfolds, a child wearing a beautiful kimono appeared. This child was none other than Ryouma. The focus then shifted to Lady Akane, a woman with deep crimson red hair and eyes, black with golden lines colour dressed a kimono. She was seated in front of Ryouma, recounting the history of Tenshogai, a subject they will never study in the academy. The reality of original history of Tenshogai.
Ryouma, now seven years old, asked,"So that's how father and Lady Reina got married, mother?"
Lady Akane smiled and replied, "Yes, that's correct."
Hearing this,Ryoma's curious eyes looked up as he asked, "Then how did you and Father meet?"
Lady Akane smiled softly and said, "I'll tell you that story another time."
Ryouma pouted and said, "Hmm... you always do this, you never tell me."
"Okay, okay, my boy! I promise I'll tell you next time, alright?" Lady Akane coaxed him.
"Promise? You have to really tell me this time," Ryouma insisted.
"Yes, yes, I will," Lady Akane agreed.
ThenRyouma's expression softened as he asked, "Why hasn't Lady Sayaka come today? I really wanted to see my little siblings."
Lady Akane replied, "Don't worry, Lady Sayaka has some work at the royal palace. But she said she'll send the children here."
Ryouma became very happy hearing this.
But immediately, his face darkened, and he said,"But why don't my elder brother Renjiro and younger sister Sakura from Lady Reina's manor come here? And why am I not allowed to go there? I don't even know what they look like. I barely know my elder brother - I have only seen him once but I only know my younger sister Sakura's name. Is it true that I won't be allowed to leave this manor until I turn eleven?"
Lady Akane sighed softly, placing a gentle hand on Ryoma's shoulder.
"You're not allowed to leave yet because the world outside is dangerous, especially now with Velvaran stirring trouble. Renjiro and Sakura have their own duties, but they care about you very much."
Ryoma looked down, still uneasy but understanding a little.
"I just want to know more about them..."
Before Lady Akane could answer, the sound of approaching footsteps echoed down the hall — Lady Sayaka had finally arrived.
Lady Akane looked surprised. "Lady Sayaka, you're supposed to be at the royal palace. How are you here?"
Lady Sayaka replied calmly, "It's nothing. I had some small errands today, nothing urgent. So I just came here. By the way, what were you telling Ryoma earlier?"
Smiling softly, Lady Akane said, "Oh, nothing much. Ryoma was asking why Young Master Renjiro and Young Lady Sakura don't come here often. I was just telling him that even if they aren't around, they love him very much. After all, they are his siblings."
Lady Sayaka's voice softened, tinged with a hint of sadness. "Why do we lie to poor Ryoma and give him false hope for no reason?"
Lady Akane's expression turned gentle but firm. She wished that the siblings would never quarrel and would always care for each other.