Prologe.

Third Era, year 1113.

"You've lasted almost a minute in this state. The consequences of exceeding the time limit are random. You don't want to ruin your lineage, do you? " a female voice said, with a strong tone of mockery in her words, though there was a hint of fear. 

How could she not be afraid? Even though her figure was covered by the Gray Mist she was producing, the man in front of her was like a merciless beast, constantly swinging his sword at her body, no matter how hidden she was. 

The battle had gone on for days, perhaps weeks, without a break. The constant explosions echoed, the screams of pain from humans and beasts never stopped, but the fog was always there, like a threat. 

Worst of all, there were traces of the other two entities nearby, abnormal creatures crawling around the battlefield, watching the incessant fighting as if they were just passengers. 

Mechanical entities with red eyes were recording everything for their master, recording a part of the history of this world as always, following the insane desire of something supernatural to have everything under control.

"I have no problem using this minute to get you out of here," the man replied hesitantly before swinging his greatsword at his enemy.

An invisible wave seemed to emerge from the man's ferocious swing, shattering everything in front of him, no matter if they were flesh, mechanical, or energy bodies, nothing could stop this person who seemed to be at one with the world.

Despicable human! You have been blessed, but you still refuse to yield. In the First Age, one person remained. Although that civilization collapsed, its uncompromising spirit was burned into human DNA. 

In the Second Age, someone awakened, enlightened by taboo knowledge, and created a way for humans to expand beyond their world and destiny. Burning the thirst for exploration into the DNA.

And now, in the Third Age, someone will rise again. The woman glared hatefully at the humans protected by this man, and they glared back even more hatefully, with murderous intent, aiming their weapons powered by an ancient energy source, Steam! 

They dared to attack her with weapons powered by gunpowder and steam! But she still suffered, especially from the strength of her main opponent. She could see it, the man's heart unleashing a wave of invisible power with every beat that strengthened her body. 

Not only that, the man's special condition connected him to the world, giving him the authority that had always belonged to mankind since the first man who decided to challenge her and her sisters. The power of a ruler.

"I see... it looks like you humans want to play like this," the woman said before she disappeared, the fog that followed her dissipated and the sun shone again.

At that moment, the enemies seemed to have received orders from some unknown source and began to evacuate. Only two beings remained, an amalgam of flesh that barely resembled a living being, and a humanoid figure.

This last one was strange and gave me a bad feeling, its appearance was very similar to a human, but there was the rub, it didn't come close to what a human was, it stayed somewhere in between, which made it uncomfortable. 

Its face, covered in what appeared to be white porcelain, had nothing but features that simulated a natural expression. Its eyes glowed with an unnatural red light, but it didn't move.

"You resisted bravely this time, Humans, but will you always be able to do so? State your name, Ruler," the humanoid said in a metallic, somewhat distorted voice. 

"My last name is Araziel, that is all you need to know," the man said, coming out of that strange state where his whole being was connected to the energy of this world.

"Your name will be recorded," the figure declared, its eyes glowing more intensely before it looked at the monster beside it.

The amalgamated monster roared, perhaps in anger, perhaps in pain at its existence, but it too did not move, and then a feminine laugh erupted from the creature.

"You're funny, Human! Much better than the previous two. I hope you can bring me more fun!" the voice had a strange charm that could make anyone extremely smitten.

But he wasn't. Even in his current state, with his trembling body, blurred vision, headache, and blood pouring from his mouth, he raised his greatsword. A red glow covered the weapon as several lines carved into it were activated. 

Both entities simply watched this declarative action before retreating, finally clearing the field. The Rosicrucian Federation had once again defended itself.

Would it be able to do so in the years to come? 

The man named Araziel didn't know, but he would do his duty to the last ounce of his strength, rising when necessary, even if his body was broken as it was now.

Others like him fought on other fronts, others contributed technology and enchantments. No one stood still, not when the survival of the nation hung in the balance. 

Before he passed out, the man watched as one of his friends approached him, a man with an unusual white tuft in his thick black hair.