The people of Gaitan were not ordinary. They were blessed.
Magic did not come to them through conquest or study alone, it was gifted. Drawn from the earth beneath their feet, whispered through spirits, and carried in the blood of their ancestors. Over time, it became more than power.
For the people of Gaiten, it became life.
Gaitan stood strong not because of walls or armies, but because of its people which are divided into five tribes, each carrying a role that shaped the nation.
The first was the Dark Tribe.
Those with the deepest skin tones were said to wield the strongest magic. Their arts were feared even among their own. They dabble in curses, potions, fire, and the summoning of dark spirits. Their power could bring chaos if left unchecked, yet they were highly respected. In times of crisis, it was often their strength that stood at the front.
Then came the Charoite Tribe.
Recognized by their blue and violet-tinted hair, they were the thinkers. The builders. Masters of machinery and stars. They studied the skies, crafted intricate devices, and experimented endlessly with minerals and magic. Knowledge was their hunger, and discovery their purpose.
The Earthen Tribe followed.
With sun-kissed skin that seemed to glow under light, they were the lifeblood of Gaitan. Farmers and nurturers of the land. They grew crops regardless of season, spoke with animals, and coaxed forests to life. Where they walked, the land flourished.
Next was the Blue Tribe.
Freckled and calm, they wielded dominion over water. Rivers bent to their will, rains answered their call. They ensured that every corner of Gaitan had life to drink from, their presence as steady and essential as the tides.
Together, these four tribes formed the foundation of Gaitan.
Each different and each necessary.
And above them all were the White Tribe.
They were the rarest.
Porcelain skin untouched by flaw, hair of white, silver, or gold, and an almost otherworldly presence. They did not appear weak, nor strong—but something beyond both. Like spirits walking among the living.
Their magic was not meant for destruction. It was meant for balance.
Healers, scholars, diplomats. They were the usual leaders.
For generations, Gaitan had been guided by White Mages. They spoke softly, rarely raised their voices, and carried themselves with quiet grace. At times gentle, at times firm, they ruled not with fear, but with understanding.
They did not command. They guided.
Like a drifting spirits. Unseen, yet always present.
And under their care, Gaitan had remained hidden, peaceful. Untouched.
Until now.
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Facing the Emperor of Epsos, Theana Glaic, the White Magis stood still, calm and unshaken.
Even as the cries of children echoed, her golden eyes rested on Lennix Depraysie, who sat tall upon his horse, pride and malice woven into his very presence. In his grasp, a child trembled, struggling against his hold.
"Shhhhh…" Theana whispered softly.
She raised her hand.
From her fingertips, small lights emerged—gentle, glowing butterflies drifting through the air. They fluttered toward the frightened children, settling around them like warm sunlight.
The crying slowed and the child's fear eased.
But the soldiers of Epsos reacted at once.
"Attack—!"
They surged forward, weapons drawn.
Theana simply lifted both hands.
"I mean no harm," she said calmly. "We will lower our weapons and you would free the innocent children. They have no place in this conversation between the esteemed Lennix of Epsos and the rulers of Gaitan."
Her voice remained soft, yet unwavering.
"I am Theana Glaic, chosen by my people to lead—"
"Spare me the introduction," Lennix cut in, his tone sharp with boredom. "I have no interest in wasting time."
A ripple of anger spread among her followers.
The Dark Magis stirred. The warriors tightened their grip.
But Theana turned slightly, offering only a small, gentle nod to calm her followers.
That was enough.
Slowly, she raised her hand to the side.
At once, the people of Gaitan on the upper parts of the gate had lowered their weapons.
Silence followed, then she looked back at Lennix.
A silent expectation.
For a moment, nothing happened.
Then—
Lennix snorted.
With careless ease, he tossed the child from his horse. One by one, his soldiers followed, dropping the others onto the ground like discarded items.
The children scrambled away, unharmed but shaken, rushing toward Theana. They clung to her robes, hiding behind her as if she alone could shield them from the world.
The woman with violet hair quickly guided them back toward the gates and only then did Lennix speak again.
"It is not peace that I want," he said coldly. "The army before you is merely a fraction of my strength."
His gaze darkened.
"I could burn this nation to the ground… and turn your people into nothing more than entertainment for the people of Epsos. Slaves even."
A surge of dark energy flared behind Theana.
Black smoke curled from the feet of a Dark Magis, his teeth clenched in fury.
But before it could grow, Theana gently placed a hand on his arm. She gave a slight smile and the Dark Magis smoke faded. Though he gritted his teeth in annoyance. Reluctantly, he stepped back.
Then, Theana looked forward once more.
"I have heard of you," she said, meeting Lennix's gaze. "Your conquests. Your victories. The lives lost. The blood spilled. Children...murdered."
Her voice did not tremble.
"You will not bring that war here."
Lennix laughed loud and mockingly.
"And who are you to deny me?" he sneered. "I take what I want. And now—I want all of you."
A pause. Then—
"Then so be it."
The words fell softly. But they struck like thunder.
Theana's followers froze. Even Lennix's smile faltered.
"Gaitan," she continued, "shall become part of Epsos."
Silence and then shock rippled through both sides.
No battle. No resistance.
She had… surrendered?
Lennix narrowed his eyes.
"You amuse me, woman," he said slowly. "What makes you think I would accept such an offer?"
Theana stepped forward.
"It is no secret that my people are… special," she said. "And Epsos, despite its strength…is crumbling."
For the first time, Lennix did not speak.
Because it was true.
War had made Epsos great.
But it had also hollowed it out.
Its coffers ran dry. Its people grew restless. Its politics fractured. And its emperor… stood far from his throne, chasing conquest after conquest.
"How…" Lennix muttered under his breath.
But Theana continued.
"Let us fix your empire."
Her voice remained calm.
Certain.
"My people will serve as your advisors. We will share our knowledge. Build your ministries, your schools, your cities."
A step closer.
"No more needless bloodshed today."
The wind stilled.
"Let Gaitan stand with Epsos," she said, "and together… we will build an empire worthy of its name."