The Foundations of August

The sun was high in the sky as Kael leaned against a weathered tree, the cool shade casting long shadows across the training grounds. Cynus, Lyric, and Ren sat in a semi-circle before him, their training session temporarily paused. The intensity of the morning had left them drained, yet Kael's tone was sharp as ever.

"You've done well so far," Kael began, his scarred face serious. "But strength without understanding is like wielding a blade with no handle. If you don't know where you come from, you'll never know where you're going."

Cynus, his body still aching from the day's trials, furrowed his brow. "What do you mean?"

Kael gestured to the fragment in Cynus's hands, its glow subdued but steady. "The power you're starting to grasp isn't just yours. It's tied to the kingdom's history—its rise, its rulers, and the balance of magic itself. And it all begins with one name: Leopold August."

The First King

Kael's voice took on a reverent tone as he began his tale. "Centuries ago, Leopold August was a common soldier, nothing more than a nameless fighter in an era of chaos. The land was fractured, ruled by warring clans and petty kings. Magic was powerful but unregulated, and the strongest ruled with fear."

Ren leaned back against a rock, feigning disinterest but clearly listening. "Sounds like a great time to be alive."

Lyric shot him a glare, but Kael ignored the comment. "Leopold was different. He wasn't the most powerful wizard, but he was clever, resourceful, and relentless. What he lacked in raw strength, he made up for with vision. While others fought for dominance, he forged alliances, uniting clans under a single banner. It was Leopold who first declared that magic should serve the people, not enslave them."

Cynus's amber eyes widened. "He united the kingdom?"

Kael nodded. "Through diplomacy, strategy, and—when necessary—war. But his greatest achievement came when he founded the Guilds."

Kael crossed his arms, his gaze distant. "Leopold understood that magic was the kingdom's lifeblood, but it was also its greatest danger. To maintain balance, he established the Guilds—organizations that would train wizards, regulate magic, and ensure its responsible use. Each Guild had its own identity, specializing in different disciplines of magic or ways of life."

Lyric tilted her head, intrigued. "How many Guilds are there?"

Kael smirked faintly. "Too many to count now, but the original seven were the most influential. They were known as the Founding Guilds, each one representing a core principle of Leopold's vision."

He began listing them off, his tone measured:

"Silver Flame: Masters of elemental fire and combat, known for their discipline and resilience."

"Verdant Oath: Keepers of earth magic and guardians of nature's balance."

"Azure Tide: Specialists in water magic, healers, and navigators of the kingdom's rivers and seas."

"Celestial Winds: Air wizards who prized agility, precision, and speed, often acting as messengers and scouts."

"Stormcallers: Wielders of lightning magic, infamous for their raw power and unrelenting strikes."

"Ebon Shade: Experts in shadow magic and subterfuge, often tasked with intelligence and covert operations."

"Arcanum: Scholars and researchers who studied the deeper mysteries of magic."

Ren whistled softly. "Let me guess—you were part of the Ebon Shade?"

Kael's smirk returned briefly. "Once. But those days are long past."

Kael's tone grew more serious. "The Guilds weren't just about specialization. They introduced structure—ranks that determined a wizard's skill, achievements, and responsibilities. At the bottom were Apprentices, learning the basics. Above them were Adepts, trained enough to serve their Guilds but still growing."

Cynus leaned forward, listening intently.

Kael continued. "Next were Masters, the core of each Guild. They were skilled and experienced, trusted with missions and leadership. Above them were the Elites, rare wizards who excelled in both power and knowledge."

Ren raised an eyebrow. "And the Archons?"

Kael's expression darkened slightly. "The Archons stand above all. They are the kingdom's most powerful wizards, chosen to uphold its laws and protect its people—or so they claim. But power corrupts, and not all Archons remember their duty."

Lyric's voice was quiet. "Have you ever faced one?"

Kael's jaw tightened, and for a moment, he said nothing. Finally, he replied, "Once. It's a story for another time."

Kael gestured toward the fragment in Cynus's hands. "This kingdom was built on the promise of balance, but that balance is fragile. The Archons rule from on high, deciding what magic is acceptable and what is forbidden. They shattered the Primal Cores to cement their control, and now, anyone who seeks to challenge their authority is labeled a threat."

Cynus felt a chill despite the fragment's warmth. "You're saying they'll come after me?"

Kael's gaze hardened. "If they discover what you carry, yes. And they won't stop until they have it—or destroy it."

Kael straightened, his voice steady. "That's why we can't stay here much longer. You've learned the basics, but real growth happens in the field. Your training ends here, but your journey is just beginning."

Ren smirked, though there was a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes. "About time. I was starting to get tired of this place."

Lyric crossed her arms, her sharp gaze on Kael. "Where do we go from here?"

Kael's expression softened slightly. "There's a small town a day's travel from here—Ravenspire. It's far enough to avoid attention for now, but it's also a crossroads for adventurers. If you want to grow stronger, that's where you'll start."

Cynus rose to his feet, clutching the fragment tightly. "We're ready."

Kael nodded, though his eyes lingered on the group. "Stay sharp. The world beyond these woods isn't kind to dreamers."