Chapter 25: The Age of Sage

"In an era long before the borders have fragmented mankind, there flourished a realm of magic and myth across the ancient lands. And the vast land was united under one ruler. Rich and prosperous were the citizens and thriving was the civilization. The sages spread knowledge and protected the realm."

The book's narrative continued, painting a vivid picture of a bygone era.

"In the ancient days, humanity knew no borders. The vast continent was a single, united realm where peace and prosperity reigned supreme. Under the wise and benevolent rule of the High King, people from all walks of life thrived. The land was fertile, cities flourished, and art and culture reached unparalleled heights.

At the heart of this thriving civilization were the sages, beings of supreme knowledge and power. The sages were the pillars of society, guiding and protecting the realm with their unparalleled wisdom and strength. They were revered as the keepers of balance, their presence ensuring that harmony prevailed.

A sage was a being who had transcended the limitations of humanity. Known as "The one who knows everything yet knows nothing," a sage possessed the power to bend nature to their will. They had mastered the elements, and their abilities were both awe-inspiring and fearsome.

With a mere flick of their fingers, mountains could rise from the earth, rivers could change their course, and forests could spring to life or wither away. Sages could summon storms and calm them, call upon earthquakes, and halt them. Their power over nature was absolute, and they used it to maintain balance and order.

The immense power of a sage was not merely a gift; it was a responsibility. Only a sage could teach and pass on their knowledge and powers, ensuring that their wisdom continued to guide the realm. The process of becoming a sage was shrouded in mystery, known only to the sages themselves. It was said that only those with a pure heart and an unyielding commitment to goodness could attain such a status.

The sages lived by a strict ideology of benevolence and justice. Despite their immense power, they were humble and driven by a desire to make the world a better place. They used their abilities to heal the sick, protect the innocent, and foster growth and prosperity. Their presence was a beacon of hope and a symbol of the divine.

Above all sages stood the Great Primordial Ancient Sage, the all-knowing and all-powerful. This being was the first sage, the source of all wisdom and strength. The Primordial Ancient Sage was said to have existed since the dawn of time, their knowledge encompassing the secrets of the universe.

The Primordial Ancient Sage had let go of all worldly desires, submitting to a life of internal meditation under the great Ashvathaa tree. This magnificent tree, spanning over hundreds of kilometers, was a symbol of life and eternity. Its roots dug deep into the earth, and its branches reached high into the heavens, providing a serene and sacred place for the Sage's eternal contemplation.

Ruling over the sages with unmatched authority, the Primordial Ancient Sage was the ultimate guardian of the realm. His presence ensured that the sages remained true to their ideals and that the realm continued to thrive. The Great Sage's wisdom was sought by all, and his decrees were absolute.

It is also said that the dragons, majestic and terrifying creatures, once aimlessly wandered the realm. When in hibernation, they slept for 100s of years, and when awake, they often terrorized the weak, their immense power unchecked and their wrath uncontained. Their presence was a constant source of fear and destruction.

The Primordial Ancient Sage, in his boundless wisdom, saw the potential within these creatures. He approached the dragons not with force, but with understanding and respect. Through a series of profound and mystical encounters, the Sage tamed the dragons, revealing to them a greater purpose.

Under the guidance of the Primordial Ancient Sage, the dragons accepted their duty to guard the realms. They became the Guardians of Peace and Balance, their immense power now a force for good. These dragons patrolled the skies and mountains, their presence a deterrent to those who would threaten the harmony of the realm.

During the reign of the Primordial Ancient Sage, the realm experienced a golden age. Knowledge flowed freely, and every citizen had the opportunity to learn and grow. The Sages established great academies where scholars from all over the continent gathered to study and share their discoveries.

The arts flourished under the patronage of the sages, with grand sculptures, magnificent architecture, and exquisite paintings adorning cities and towns. Music and literature reached new heights, inspired by the wisdom and guidance of the sages. The economy thrived as well, with trade routes spanning the continent and bringing wealth to every corner of the realm.

Despite their power, the sages were not rulers in the traditional sense. They did not govern through force or fear but through wisdom and example. The High King ruled the realm, supported by a council of sages who advised him on matters of state. This balance of power ensured that the realm was governed with both wisdom and strength, preventing any single entity from becoming too dominant.

The sages worked tirelessly to maintain this balance, using their powers to mediate disputes, protect the realm from external threats, and ensure that justice was upheld. They were the guardians of peace, and their presence was a constant reminder of the ideals that the realm stood for.

The legacy of the sages endured long after the golden age had passed. Their teachings and wisdom were recorded in countless tomes and passed down through generations. Even as the realm eventually fragmented into smaller kingdoms, the memory of the sages continued to inspire people.

However, as time went on, the sages mysteriously faded from the world. Their power diminished, and now only mages remain, beings who can borrow from nature but are a shadow of the sages' former glory. Today, a mage is a far weaker being compared to a sage, their abilities limited and their influence much reduced.

To this day, the sages are remembered as the paragons of virtue and the guardians of knowledge. Their legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of those who strive to make the world a better place, guided by the timeless wisdom of the sages.

As Kellan read the book, he felt a deep sense of awe and inspiration. The tales of the sages were more than just stories. With each page, Kellan's understanding of the world deepened, and he felt a renewed sense of purpose. As well as a lot of curiosity rose in his heart, keeping him awake throughout the night.