Prologue - 0
Mythrails is a fantasy world where magic fills the air, mythical creatures roam freely, and ancient mysteries challenges the brave. The world unfolds across diverse landscapes—enchanted forests pulsing with arcane energy, towering mountain ranges that hide secret realms, vast deserts, and mysterious underwater domains.
Our tale begins on the Eastern Continent, one of the five vast continents of Mythrails and the second largest of them all. Here, two superpowers dominate the rich lands—the Legendary Eldorion Empire, ruled by the Dracon dynasty, and the Astorian Empire, led by the Pinnacle dynasty.
First Day of Martius, Ain Year 382...
In the ancient precincts of Eldorion—a city steeped in antiquity and mystery—the birth of the late emperor, Arthur Von Dracon, was heralded beneath a blood-red moon. Eldorion, at the heart of the Imperial Realm, with its towering spires and winding corridors, whispered tales of bygone eras.
Young Arthur was born into a world where arcane forces intertwined with the fate of rulers. The great citadel, perched on a rugged cliff overlooking the Crystal Sea, bore silent witness to the prophetic arrival of a future sovereign. His first cries harmonised with the distant hum of magical energies pulsating through Eldorion's ancient bedrock—a birth swathed in omens, foretelling an era of enigma and greatness.
A few days later, the aristocrats of Eldorion gathered for the proclamation of the new emperor. The Great Hall of Cardinal buzzed with activity as preparations for the upcoming ceremonies unfolded. Two figures commanded particular attention—Duke Karl Van Raul, patriarch of the esteemed Raul family and Prime Minister of Eldorion, and Archduke Douglas Van Aquila, a shrewd and ambitious elder, as well as the maternal grandfather of the young emperor.
In a moment filled with subtle tension, Duke Raul remarked, concealing his true feelings beneath a veneer of concern, "It is nice to see you in fine fettle, Archduke Aquila. I trust you did not encounter too many 'inconveniences' along your journey?"
With a light, mocking laugh, Archduke Aquila replied, "Thank you for your concern, Duke Raul. Indeed, I faced a few minor inconveniences, but my Aura soldiers swiftly dispatched them. Clearly, the plotters behind this attack had a screw loose—a poorly executed plan, I must say."
Before the tension could escalate further, all eyes turned to the entrance as the young emperor's mother made her grand entrance. A vision of beauty, with blonde hair, ruby lips, and striking emerald eyes, she was followed by an entourage of devoted maids and eunuchs. As she gracefully advanced, every gaze in the hall naturally fell upon her. Reaching the imperial throne—a golden cradle specially prepared for this moment—she gently placed her little son inside it.
The assembled aristocrats paid their respects in the traditional manner of Eldora. With a charm inherited from his mother's beauty and his father's otherworldly blue eyes, the infant Arthur captivated all who beheld him. The high-ranking priest of the Western Sect of the Holy Seal religion led the ceremony, his voice resounding across the hall as he commanded, "Kneel before the new emperor and swear your sacred allegiance!"
As the ceremony drew to a close, the priest urged all attendees to kneel before the young sovereign, who was now being elevated by his gentle hands. "Kneel, for the rule of the sovereign is eternal!" he proclaimed.
Later that day, an exhausted Arthur succumbed to slumber. His mother, Alicia Von Dracon, left him in the cradle under the watchful care of a maid. In haste, she departed for a late-night appointment, bidding the maid, "Keep a close eye on him. I shall return shortly."
Left alone, Arthur awoke and gazed out upon the balcony at the crimson moon. In that quiet moment, a majestic, ethereal energy converged upon the cradle, bathing it in a radiant glow. Beneath the vast canopy of moon and stars, Arthur's latent magical potential was revealed—a luminous white core forming around his tiny heart, hinting at a future filled with extraordinary promise.
(Note: In this work, "Ain" denotes the Common Era (CE) of this world.)
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Fast forward four years, and we find ourselves in the lush gardens of the Imperial Palace, Cardinal, resplendent with exotic flora and fauna. In this enchanting setting, a young, blonde child with captivating celestial blue eyes—Arthur—giggles merrily amidst nature's whispers. His nanny, a striking young woman with a gentle smile and kind eyes, watches him with both amusement and affection.
"Nanny, if you want me to sit through those boring lectures, you must catch me first!" the little lad calls out cheerfully, darting away with a mischievous grin.
"Oh, really? Well then, prepare yourself, Your Majesty," she teases in a playful tone. With a graceful flick of her wrist and a subtle invocation of wind magic, she lifts Arthur effortlessly into her arms. His giggles mingle with the soft rustle of leaves, and the magic fills the air with delight.
"This is amazing! Do it again, Nanny!" Arthur exclaims, his eyes twinkling with wonder as he clutches at her dress.
His nanny laughs warmly. "As much as I would love to continue our flying adventures, it is time for your language lesson now, Your Majesty."
Despite his playful protest—"Learning language is so boring!" he pouts—the little emperor understands deep down that knowledge is as essential as magic for his future. Resolute yet still brimming with excitement, he adds, "Fine, but you must promise to show me more magic afterwards!"
With a knowing smile, his nanny replies, "Deal, Your Majesty. Let us make language as enchanting as the spells you will one day master." As they walk together toward the study, Arthur's eyes sparkle with curiosity and determination.
"Nanny, why don't we learn magic instead? It is far more exciting!" he pleads.
Gently, she explains, "Magic requires discipline, Your Majesty. But if you attend your lessons diligently, I promise to reveal another enchanting trick for you later."
"Really? In that case, I'll do my boring lessons, but you must keep your promise for more magic!" Arthur exclaims, his voice full of exuberance.
"Agreed, Your Majesty," she says with a light laugh, as they continue toward his tutor. In that moment, the little emperor's determination shines like a beacon, each step a promise to grow stronger and brave the shadows that lurk within the grand palace.
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