Siterion- 'Brave New World'

Throughout the night, they delved into the intricacies of the kingdom—its politics, geography, and the dynasty's history. The conversation was enlightening, painting a vivid picture of the current scenario for Arin.

Arin learned that the City of Siterion was a frontier town situated at the edge of the Grand Kingdom of Drihan. Beyond its walls lay the enigmatic Whispering Woods.

The Grand Kingdom of Drihan, a formidable force in the known world, was nestled between the misty shores of the Forbidden Jade Sea to the west and the ancient Whispering Woods to the east. This kingdom, also known as The Eternal Kingdom, stood as a beacon of humanity's might and influence in the world of Nyxoria. Bathed in the radiant glow of its patron deity, the God of Light Malkurt, Drihan was ruled by the venerable Driar Dynasty.

The Driar Dynasty was founded by the legendary hero, Seraphin Driar. The dynasty's origins were steeped in valor and divine favor. Seraphin, a warrior of unparalleled skill and virtue, rose to prominence during the last Demonic Invasion, a cataclysmic event that threatened to engulf Nyxoria in a fiery hellscape. He also initiated the crusade against the Dark Gods and their evil cults. Through his unwavering faith in Malkurt and his indomitable spirit, Seraphin rallied the fragmented human tribes, leading them to decisive victories—first against the Dark Forces and then against the demonic hordes.

Malkurt, the God of Light, was revered throughout Drihan as the eternal guardian against the forces of darkness. His temples, adorned with golden spires and sun-shaped mosaics, were sanctuaries where the faithful gathered to offer prayers and seek his blessings. The clergy, known as the Luminaries, played a pivotal role in guiding the kingdom's spiritual journey, ensuring that Malkurt's light continued to shine brightly upon the land. Their military wing, the Paladins of Light, were always vigilant in seeking out and rooting out evil and demonic incursions.

The Driar Dynasty was famous for its deep-rooted devotion to Malkurt and its unwavering commitment to the welfare of its subjects. Each ruler, descended from Seraphin, bore the title of Luminary King or Queen, symbolizing their role as both sovereign and spiritual guide. The current monarch, King Elahad Driar, was revered as a paragon of wisdom and grace, leading his people with a compassionate heart and unyielding resolve.

The legacy of Seraphin Driar permeated every facet of Drihan society. Statues and monuments in his honor dotted the capital city of Serapha, serving as constant reminders of his heroic deeds and the divine providence that saved Nyxoria. In Serapha, the annual Festival of Light commemorated Seraphin's triumph. This grand celebration was marked by vibrant parades, fervent prayers, and dazzling displays of magic.

Drihan's society was predominantly religious, with Malkurt as the Patron Deity. However, reverence for other gods was not shunned or prohibited. The capital housed temples for every major deity. Drihan boasted a formidable military and a vast trade network. Due to the constant exertion of religious pressure through state-funded missions, Drihan wielded significant cultural influence over most of its neighbors, except for the Elven Kingdom of Whispering Woods, the Warfathers of Tundra to the north, and the Beastmen Kingdom of Sahuka in the southern desert. Every species was allowed in Drihan, provided they followed the major human gods and goddesses, though humans were always treated a bit more favorably compared to other races.

Nyxoria was not fully explored; only the continent of Ferasa was well-charted. On this continent, there were four major powers. Drihan was the most prominent. Then there was the Kingdom of Sahuka—a federation of various tribes of Beastmen based in the southern desert of Sahuka. The Glorious Elven Kingdom of Aeloria, situated in the vast expanse of the Whispering Wood, was also a significant power. Lastly, the Warfathers of Tundra to the north, barbarian clans constantly at war with each other, would unite instantly if threatened by an outside force. There was a rumor that Seraphin Driar himself was a Warfather who led a pilgrimage to the south and unintentionally became entangled in the Crusades of Light and the Demonic War, ultimately becoming the Champion of Mankind. However, this was considered blasphemy within Drihan, and spreading it was punishable by the obliteration of one's entire lineage.

Other prominent powers included the Concord of Freehold, an alliance of wealthy but militarily weak city-states. Their lack of military power was countered by the 'Unseen'—the most efficient assassin clan on the continent—and their vast funds to hire the strongest sell-swords. The subterranean empire of the Dusk Elves or Dark Elves, the Turags of the Steppes, who were loosely affiliated with the Sahuka Empire, and the Cinder Empire of Dark Iron Dwarves in the mountain range south of the Whispering Wood were also notable. The Dark Iron Dwarves openly declared themselves worshippers of the Dark Gods. However, the treacherous mountains and their advanced warfare technology made organizing an effective crusade against them nearly impossible.

The continent had been subjected to periodic demonic invasions, each more brutal than the last, bringing civilization to the brink of destruction every time. Although every invasion had been repelled, victory always came at a huge cost, setting the civilizations of the continent centuries behind.

Arin received almost all the information he needed to stay updated in this world.

He also came across an interesting piece of information. The castle he had chosen as his base was in Dark Wood. Dark Wood was an extension of the Whispering Wood and served as a buffer state between Drihan and Aeloria. Although technically part of the Whispering Wood, neither Drihan nor the Elves of Whispering Wood exerted direct control over Dark Wood. More intriguingly, there was a rumor that Dark Wood had been the capital of the Dark Lord before the last demonic invasion. The Crusade of Light destroyed both the Temple City Siraya and the Dark Lord's capital. Siraya was demolished, and Siterion was built on its ruins. The Whispering Wood gradually covered the ravaged, forgotten city of the Dark Lord. But the strong dark energy seeped into the soil and air, turning Whispering Wood into Dark Wood, a mysterious forest between Drihan and Aeloria.

Arin was pleased that morning, having earned 200 gold coins for the two quicksilver bars. Aedric wanted to pay him more, but Arin saw no need to take extra. He had always been hungry for power; money was just a means to gain it. Wealth never held much interest for him.

Now, he needed to complete his first quest, get a second quest, and go outside. He needed to check on the kids and his castle. Suddenly, a voice echoed in his mind: "My Lord, can you hear me? Your humble servant begs your attention!" It was Zulkarnash. Arin realized the Archlich was contacting him telepathically.

"You have my attention," Arin replied in his mind.

"Thank you, Milord. The minions you bestowed upon me have discovered a route to reach the ground. Now we await your permission," Zulkarnash spoke.

Arin advised, "Wait for now. Start your digging at midnight, and try to finish before dawn. Scout the area to ensure it is secluded, and then proceed above ground."

"As my sire wills!" Zulkarnash responded.

Arin inquired, "The humans may descend this morning at the sewer. Make sure they do not trace you or discover the secret chamber!"

"It has been taken care of!" the Archlich assured.

Arin felt that things were finally starting to fall into place. He entered the Guild Hall. It was nearly empty, with only a few drunken adventurers sleeping on tables, likely after a grand celebration the previous night. Arin looked around and suddenly felt a slap on the back of his head. "Good morning, ya wimpy kid!" Arin recognized the voice immediately. "When have you seen me crying or whining?" Arin asked as he turned around. Ragna playfully shook his shoulders. "Ya do, that's why ya hide yarself behind a mask, so no one can see ya cry!" Arin fist-bumped with her. "What brings you here this morning?" Arin inquired. "Don't you have a quest with your friends?"

"Yes, we will meet here and start our quest!" she replied. They chatted for a while until the Elf Lady from the previous day entered the guild hall. She sighed with disgust upon seeing Ragna chatting with Arin. "Get up, Icehead. We are waiting for you outside!"

Ragna gave Arin a dry smile and waved goodbye. "Next time we will quest together, promise?" she said. Arin unexpectedly replied, "Promise!" He was surprised at himself for the spontaneous response. Watching her leave with the Elf lady, he felt a pang of sadness, though he couldn't quite understand why.