Chapter 1: Prologue
In the past, the Inmitten Continent was divided among six major kingdoms: the Ashborne Kingdom of Cybertech in the northwest, the Arcane Kingdom of Sabre near the southwestern border, the Central Kingdom of Black-Everglades spanning from the frozen north to scorching south, the Mediterranean Kingdom of Turks by the southeastern shores, and two nameless, mysterious kingdoms hidden in the eastern highlands. Each kingdom ruled over vast cities, towns, lands, and resources.
The Ashborne Kingdom, nestled deep within the blackened Desert of Ashre, was a technological marvel. Shrouded in constant black mist and battered by ceaseless black sandstorms, the region was nearly impenetrable realm of shadows and silence. Its people, known as Cybertechs, were rumoured to be half-human and half-machine, wielding technologies far beyond the bounds of human imagination and mind that blurred the line between man and machine.
To the southwest lay the Arcane Kingdom of Sabre, renowned for its towering mechas—machines of immense power and defense capable of shifting the course of war with a single strike. The Sabreans had mastered metallurgy, mining vital minerals from the mountains, and their skybound cities floated on vast hovering islands that drifted across the skies.
At the heart of the continent stood the Kingdom of Black-Everglades, the largest and most populous of all. Its veins ran deep, with labyrinthine tunnels and cavern-cities housing millions in the underworld. Above and below, it commanded the richest veins of resource and trade, binding east and west in uneasy unity.
The Mediterranean Kingdom of Turks, located along the southeastern coast, consisted of people of unshakable faith and fierce resolve who believed in the oneness of Allah. Though they possessed the fewest resources and limited technology, their brilliance in strategy and unbreakable brotherhood earned them great respect—and fear. Their mighty Titanic ships, each the size of a city, ruled the Middle-Earth Sea like floating fortresses of steel and prayer.
Far to the east and northeast lay the two nameless kingdoms, veiled in secrecy and long-forgotten history. Isolated by the colossal Great Bizarre Mountain Range, they remained inaccessible and hostile to outsiders. The inhabitants were known for their aggression and reclusiveness, guarding their lands and mysteries with blood from all who approached.
Then came the Sixth Great World War, a conflict that spanned three decades. In its wake, the age of kingdoms fell, giving rise to empires.
From the ashes and sparks emerged three dominant powers in Inmitten Continent:
The Covert Empire of Armain in the North, cold and calculating.
The Blood Empire of Vyrm, forged in fire and conquest, ruling the west.
The Empire of Turks in the East, standing steadfast and resilient in faith and unity.
After the war and the emergence of empires, from the ruined lands arose the Devourers—monstrous beasts of varied size and shape, hostile to all life and to each other. The Lands of Ash and the Great Bizarre Mountain Range became completely inaccessible, swallowed by chaos, cursed lands where no banner could stand.
Yet, each year, expeditions are launched by the three empires, drawn by the tempting riches of forgotten technologies, lost cities, and the secrets buried beneath the ash.
What lies hidden may yet change the fate of Inmitten once more.