Long ago, since the very beginning of the world itself, Magna had always existed.
Every being was said to possess it—from the earth beneath one's feet, to the flowing rivers, to every creature that walked the surface of Gaia.
Time and time again, legendary figures had risen to prominence from both humble and extraordinary beginnings.
Empires stretching across millions of miles had risen... and fallen.
It was a vicious yet necessary cycle of birth and destruction, one that never ceased and never strayed from its path.
Many powerful beings sought ways to break this endless cycle.
Whether any of them succeeded remained unknown to this very day.
At some point in history, a strange theory surfaced from an unknown source.
It spread like wildfire across the world.
The theory claimed that Gaia itself possessed a consciousness—an unseen will that silently observed every living being with perfect fairness...
...save for a select few whom it favored.
People were quick to believe such a theory.
After all, history contained too many unexplained miracles and impossible events to dismiss it outright.
Thus, the theory endured through the ages.
Now then...
You're probably wondering who's been speaking all this time.
Heh.
If I were you, I'd remember the Taichi Symbol—or, as we call it here in Gaia...
The Symbol of Day and Night.
Who knows?
It might help you realize something later.
Hehehe...
Oh, and one more thing.
Remember this well...
Magna comes from belief.
"Oi, old man!"
"Damn brat!"
"Have you gone senile again? You've been muttering to yourself for the last ten minutes."
"I'll kill you, brat!"
"Oi, oi! Old man, I'm sorry!"
"Hmph... Let's see you talk nonsense again."
"...Stinky old man."
"What was that?"
"Nothing, sir."
"Hmph. That's what I thought."
Watching the young man disappear into the distance, the white-haired narrator sighed and shook his head.
"Ah... where was I again?"
"Hmm..."
"Oh! I remember now."
"...Wait."
"Damn."
"I forgot again."
"Ah, whatever."
"Let's return to the story."
Gardenia Empire
The Royal Palace
The Gardenia Empire stood as one of the greatest powers on the Melika Continent.
Its swordsmanship was renowned throughout the world, feared for its overwhelming destructive might.
It was also the homeland of the legendary Fifth War God—Dimitri, a man whose strength and wisdom had become the stuff of myths.
Though many years had passed since his disappearance, the empire remained as powerful as ever.
However...
Today would become another turning point in its history.
BOOM!
Two colossal pillars of light erupted from the heart of the Royal Palace.
Their brilliance illuminated the heavens, visible from hundreds of miles away.
"Your Majesty has truly been blessed!" one minister exclaimed before bowing deeply.
"Indeed! A dragon could never give birth to a snake!"
The Emperor sat silently upon his magnificent throne, dressed in majestic purple robes.
His cold golden eyes calmly gazed into the distance.
Without saying a single word...
He vanished.
The ministers trembled.
"As expected..."
"His Majesty's strength has reached another unfathomable level."
Moments later...
"Y-Your Majesty!"
A maid hurriedly bowed.
The Emperor acknowledged no one.
The grand double doors opened by themselves.
Inside the lavish chamber lay an incomparably beautiful woman.
She possessed flowing golden hair and enchanting crimson eyes.
Resting within her arms...
Were two newborn babies.
Their cries competed with one another as though each wished to prove who possessed the louder voice.
The moment the Emperor entered...
His normally emotionless face softened.
A gentle smile appeared.
He walked toward the bed.
Standing before his wife and children...
His golden eyes briefly shone.
Only for a moment.
Then...
His heart trembled.
His children possessed unimaginable quantities of Magna.
Even more astonishing...
Their potential appeared limitless.
A rare smile spread across his face.
"Our children..."
"They will become legends."
"True dragons among mankind."
The Empress smiled warmly.
"I'm sorry I won't be able to stay awake much longer."
"I promise I'll spend more time with you later."
The Emperor gently held her hand.
"It's alright."
"I understand."
He leaned forward and kissed her forehead.
"Get some rest."
"Don't overwork yourself."
Turning toward the doorway...
His voice echoed throughout the palace.
"The naming ceremony of my two children shall be held two weeks from today!"
"Every nation..."
"Every empire..."
"And every honored guest..."
"...is invited!"
His voice traveled across the capital and beyond.
With those final words...
He disappeared once again.
Before long, the news spread throughout the Gardenia Empire.
Soon...
It crossed national borders.
To some...
It was wonderful news.
To others...
It marked the birth of future enemies.
To be continued...