Introduction to a new world.

I was untangling the vines in my head when I heard a deep feminine chuckle. I looked up to see the woman observing me.

" You must be Liz," the woman began, finally finding her bearings and I nodded.

She looked through a stack of papers From who knows where. Before, letting the paper fly and giving me some. She said, " read this".

Then. Then, she buzzed nonstop: " This is Enderwaul, you will live here , someone ....."

Wait, what? I...

"Hey!", she screamed at me, noting my unfocused eyes.

She sighed in frustration.

" YOU! ", she exclaimed. " listen here! I'm only saying this once , just once, you hear!" She suddenly appeared. Floating infront of me. That's right . Floating and from 7 meters away. She snapped a finger to point at my forehead.

" Look here, this is Enderwaul. Your spawn point would be, somwhere between here or here." She said, pointing at 2 places at once. From a map that also appeared, OUT OF NOWHERE.

she gave me the map. Demonstrating to the two, worm like words.

Honestly, her terms were hard to understand.

"Ze- ra- thorne", she spelled out for me. " Grim- vald", at the place close to it. I was too speechless to understand, so I followed her looking at the stack of papers before me.

The rest was readable, it said:

1.Volderhelm

Representing strength and defense, but now also evokes a modern nation with advanced military technology and a strong cybersecurity infrastructure.

Once a northern, mountainous kingdom known for its elite warriors, Volderhelm has evolved into a global powerhouse, leveraging its strategic location for technological and industrial development. It leads in global defense systems, while maintaining a rich tradition of military prowess.

2. Drakenfell

Myths and Legends associates the land with dragons and dangerous terrain, but also represents a country rich in geothermal energy and cutting-edge environmental technologies.

The volcanic region still clings to its ancient dragon myths, but modern Drakenfell is known for harnessing its geothermal resources. Its brave innovators have made the country a leader in sustainable energy, while its mages have become renowned scientists and engineers, blending tradition with modernity.

3. Elderspire

Reflects a global center of knowledge, education, and technological innovation, embodying a place where intellectual and scientific progress flourishes.

Once a kingdom of scholars and magical secrets, Elderspire is now home to some of the world's top universities and research institutions. Known for its technological breakthroughs in artificial intelligence and biotechnology, it has a strong influence in global policymaking regarding knowledge-sharing and innovation.

4. Zerathorne

Continues to suggest a harsh environment, but now symbolizes a country rich in natural resources like minerals and rare metals critical to global industries.

The cold, barren country has become a key supplier of precious minerals vital for the production of smartphones, electric cars, and other technologies. Despite its isolationist tendencies and harsh living conditions, Zerathorne has become a crucial player in the global supply chain, with a fiercely independent populace who thrive in its extreme environment.

5. Grimvald

An authority and control, representing a modern authoritarian state that tightly controls media and political dissent.

Once a shadowy, militaristic empire, Grimvald has transformed into a highly centralized, surveillance-heavy state with a booming industrial sector. While its government exerts strict control over its citizens and aggressively monitors all aspects of life, it has become a leading exporter of military equipment and advanced surveillance technologies to other regimes.

...

It was such an amazing map,

there were information popping up from places, when you point at it. The guide was easy enough to understand, too.

Okay, from the map it's Northern Volderhelm, Southern East Drakenfells, Central Elderspire, Eastern Grimvald and Western Zerathorne.

But, from what I can see, hermits in the east, next to a country with guinea pigs and slavery from the left. The only good prospects is 6 months of no sun and then, Grimvald. Yey.

More importantly, whats this go to do with me?

I looked bewildered at the woman, who probably noticed my confusion.

The woman spoke again behind me.

"Oh yeah, Good luck kid, its your coming of age ceremony, yeah? 12 , right?."

She grinned at me. Trying some small talk or like an elder asking her junior ; what's up?

" yes",

I answered hestitant to even give one, confused.

Talking with her for a few minutes, already gave me the gist of how of an eccentric she was. I thought, rolling an invisible eye in my head. It was the most tiring in contrast to my father's affiliations.

To which, she looked at me, all giddy.

Using the same tone for :

" it's alright, just few more steps" to a toddler.

She said: " Then this is great, this task is easy for you," passing me another paper.

Scribbled there was an information about a girl.

" You see this. She's Zinga. She's your target..."

"WAIT!", I exclaimed, hands high interrupting her.

"What is this? Is this some hit or kill?"

I asked, ready to hit and run.

"No..", in a long confused tone, her gait obviously paused and she looked at me from head to toe.

" What kind of education do you recieve?"

She questioned, her tone bad and inquiring.

Like, an investigator and I'm a convicted felon.

Not that I'm not. It's just, this is too much!

I sleepwalked through the affidavit or confessions. Couldn't even plead guilty and be vindicated. Something that nailed the last nail on my coffin. What's more, who doesn't read a few questionable books for entertainment. But, before I could explain.

She rolled her eyes at me, looked to the side, all haughty and said,

" we don't give such hard tasks on newcomers."

My lips twitched in disbelief. So, you do kill.

" Did you lose a part of your soul?",

I heard her ask another question.

Its relevance baffling me. So, I simply culed my tongue and stayed quiet.

Watching her continue to chatteraway. Hands resting on her hips, while she floated around muttering if she forgot anything. Explaining common knowledge inbetween.

Then, she pulled something out again .

Still, can't get used to it.

" This is a storage ring , It's got everything you need. After you go there remember to find the girl, she is crucial for your tasks. If you fail", she paused, giving an ultimatum.

"That must not happen", in the shadow of a mother, who in her worry packed a months' luggage for a weeks trip when asked, to pack lightly. She handed me the ring which I lifted under the light. It looked so elegant and simple. I loved it so much, I wanted to thank her but I swallowed it back as she shook her head worriedly, her eyes on mine in pity,

"this is bad".

Like, a good master sending his page away for a task when he is so gull.

Exasperated but, also a feeling of dread settling in me.

But, before I could ask: why?

A portal opened behind me and I felt a push as a burning sensation enveloped me. My vision blurred and, then-- darkness.