The Power of Serra: Celesia and the Ancient Book of Secrets

Celesia entered the grand library of Castle Ryoger, seeking some quiet after a long day of training and preparations for the wedding. The library's shelves were filled with old books and rare documents, speaking of the empire's history and the secrets of its founding. As she wandered between the shelves, an old book with a brown leather cover caught her eye, bearing an intriguing title: "The System of Power". She took the book and sat in a quiet corner, beginning to read.

"The System of Power" by the Head of the Family, Nicholas Ryoger

Introduction:

In this book, I will present to you the fundamentals of the power system in our world, based on extensive research conducted over the ages. This system forms the foundation for all unique skills and abilities possessed by the nobility and warriors of the empire. This power is known as "Serra," the pure energy that flows with unlimited and continuous movement through the veins of every living being.

**1. Types of Serra:**

**Earth:**

Earth Serra draws its strength from solidity and stability. Users of this energy can control rocks and soil, creating walls and defensive barriers. They can also shape the land to suit their needs, whether by building fortifications or digging tunnels.

**Water:**

Water Serra grants the ability to control liquids, including turning them into ice. Users of this energy can create water-based defenses, powerful attacks using pressurized water, and even freeze their enemies. Mastery of water control requires flexibility and fluidity, making it the rarest type of Serra since the end of the Founding War.

**Fire:**

Fire Serra gives users the ability to generate and control flames. They use this power for both offense and defense, able to burn enemies or create fiery barriers. Controlling fire requires intense concentration and a strong will.

**Air:**

Air Serra grants speed and control over winds. Users can greatly increase their speed, create windstorms, and even fly short distances. Mastery of air control demands agility and quick reflexes.

These are the primary types of Serra, though other secondary types can be created, such as healing or ice...

**2. The Transfer of Power:**

Serra power is passed down through generations, enhanced through training and practice. Young individuals are trained from an early age to control and develop their skills, often being sent to specialized academies to reach their full potential. Success in using Serra relies on the balance between physical and spiritual effort, and on personal discipline. Additionally, Serra can be developed to form new types.

**3. Applications of Serra in Daily Life:**

Serra plays a major role in the daily lives of the inhabitants of Celesia. Artisans use it to enhance their products, soldiers depend on it in battles, and doctors benefit from its healing capabilities. Serra is not merely a power but an integral part of the fabric of society.

Despite its numerous benefits, using Serra comes with challenges and risks. Mastery of these powers requires precise training and self-discipline. Overuse of Serra can lead to exhaustion and physical damage. Some skills can be dangerous if misused.

---

Celesia lifted her eyes from the book, deep in thought about what she had read. "So Serra is the foundation of power in the world," she pondered. "But what caught my attention is the rarity of water wielders after the Founding War. That is, after the beginning of the Chaos Disease, and the first to be afflicted by it was the founder, Ilara Ryoger, after her battle against the Shadow Queen."

"So if I search in Ilara's records and memoirs, I might find useful information for my situation."

Celesia continued to search for books related to Ilara until she found a journal titled "Drift Among the Waves Like Forgotten Dreams."

"Drift Among the Waves Like Forgotten Dreams?" Celesia said in amazement. "Oh... does this refer to the descendants of water Serra wielders? I think it's the 'Unaria Cipher' that the history professor mentioned earlier."

"Did I understand it because I use water Serra?" "No matter... I think this is what I was looking for."

Celesia sat in the quiet corner of the library to open the journal and begin reading:

"I am Ilara Ryoger, the fourth daughter of Marquis Ryoger. I am currently eighteen years old. Our family is renowned for having the strongest water Serra wielders in the Kingdom of Shinya. It appears that the Shadow Kingdom has begun making moves against our kingdom, causing devastation and destruction. Due to their great strength, even the nobility will participate in this war, including us..."

. . .

"We have headed to the borders, and now the confrontations between us and them have begun. Blood and bodies are everywhere... and I am losing my family members one by one... Well, we are humans after all."

"Humans, in their cowardly and greedy nature, flee from facing harsh truths and pursue personal gains without hesitation. Their fears and selfishness turn into endless conflicts, shaping wars and ending peace. It is their inability to empathize with others and their pursuit of quick profits that drive humanity towards destruction and division."

"But we also have the ability to change. When we overcome our fears and let empathy and the common good guide us, we can create a better world, a world of peace and justice. We humans, the choice is ours, to be war-makers or peace-builders."

"And as long as I can choose, I will be a peace-builder even if it means my end."

. . .

A month has passed since the confrontations began. I am the last member of my family. "I will not let your blood go in vain," I vowed to avenge them.

The past confrontations have made me stronger and more experienced. With the help of warriors, we began to close in on the attackers' headquarters.

Then came the day I met the Shadow Queen leading the assault.

Our battle quickly began. She harbored great hatred towards our kingdom, and I did not know why. She possessed great power, making it difficult to kill her. I unleashed the Serra within me, and a strange mark appeared on my forehead.

We continued fighting until the perfect opportunity arose for me to strike her heart with all my might. But before she died, she cast part of her Serra onto me, and I began to lose consciousness, collapsing to the ground.

When I opened my eyes, I found the war had ended, and they told me I had been unconscious for a week.

Days passed, and peace and security returned to our kingdom, which expanded to become an empire after several territories joined us.

We were given the title of Duke, both myself and my comrades, in recognition of our efforts...

. . .

Years passed, and I became a mother of two. But since the battle, a feeling of heaviness and pain has lingered in my heart. Sometimes I lose control of my powers, fearing I might become a danger to my loved ones. So, I decided to isolate myself from them.

Years of isolation and loneliness passed, and I rarely saw my family. I am now sixty years old, feeling my end approaching little by little. The pain in my heart is stronger than before. But in the end, we all die. I hope I have left a good mark before my departure.

"In facing life's challenges, always remember that tough times shape you, not break you. Be like the ancient tree, with roots that run deep into the ground, impervious to even the fiercest winds. You may stumble, and you may fail, but true success lies in your ability to rise again and again, and in your strong faith that God will reward your patience and effort."

This is what life has taught me, and I want you to follow this saying.

 The End...

Celesia closed the book and returned it to its place on the shelf. "I think that's what I needed to hear," she gazed out the window with hope.

Now, she understood more deeply the power she possessed and the great importance of her training. It was clear that understanding the Serra system would grant her a significant advantage in the future, whether in her personal battles or in her role as the wife of Crown Prince Henry.

She felt excited for more discoveries and learning about Serra. With new knowledge comes new responsibilities.

"I must be prepared to face whatever awaits me."