Chapter 13 — The Map of the World and Kael’s Mission

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The candlelight flickered as Kael unrolled a well-defined map across the wooden table. The parchment shimmered faintly, imbued with a strange glow, as if it held something more than just geographical details. Emily and Ray leaned in, their eyes tracing the intricate lines and markings.

"This is our continent," Kael began, his voice steady. "And in this world, there are five continents in total, each connected by seven major water bodies."

Emily tilted her head. "Seven? But there are only five continents. What about the other two?"

Kael nodded, as if expecting the question. "Each continent controls one main water body, which is divided into two parts: one for trade—like oceans and seas—and one for supplying fresh water for survival. But the remaining two water bodies?" His expression darkened. "They are controlled by demons."

Emily frowned. "Demons? I thought they were just creatures lurking in the shadows. Do they have their own lands?"

Kael shook his head. "No. They don't have a physical kingdom or territory in this world. They come from a different dimension but hold dominion over these two massive water bodies. And because water is life, they hold immense power in trade, warfare, and even survival."

Ray remained silent, absorbing the information.

Kael continued, "Each continent is divided into multiple kingdoms. Every king rules their own territory, but all kings from a continent gather for meetings—where they discuss trade, alliances, and matters concerning the world."

He pointed at the five names inscribed on the map:

1. Velmora

2. Xandor

3. Brithalys

4. Orvethis

5. Zephiron

"And this," he tapped a specific section, "is our continent—Orvethis."

Emily squinted at the map. "Looks huge."

Kael traced his fingers over the borders. "It is. But there's a problem. Most kingdoms were built under the protection of gods or goddesses. They chose the best lands, leaving behind the places that were too dangerous or unstable. The people who couldn't fit into a kingdom stayed behind in these unclaimed lands, still technically part of Orvethis, but without direct protection."

Ray glanced up. "Then who protects them?"

Kael's eyes flickered. "High-level beings—spirits, fae, or even avatars of gods and goddesses. They safeguard these forgotten lands." He paused, then pointed to a specific spot on the map. "This… this is my home."

Emily leaned in closer. "And who protects it?"

Kael's voice softened. "A spirit named Vaelthys—a direct descendant of the Goddess of Knowledge."

Ray's eyes narrowed. "A descendant of a goddess?"

Kael nodded. "She has protected us for centuries, shielding us from threats that even the kingdoms would fear. But one day, a black fog appeared. It slowly engulfed our land, poisoning it, weakening Vaelthys. She could have fought back, but instead… she chose to use all her strength to protect us—especially the children. She knew that if she fought directly, the land itself would become unlivable before the real attack even began."

A heavy silence filled the room.

Kael clenched his fists. "We call our home the Land of Knowledge because we hold the oldest library in Orvethis. Vaelthys resides there, guarding thousands of ancient books. Most of us can't read them, but…" He hesitated. "For some reason, I can."

Emily blinked. "Wait. You can read books written by a spirit?"

Kael nodded. "And one day, as the fog spread, I found something. A book of prophecy—one that described the exact events we were going through. It said that a warrior would come… the only one capable of dispelling the fog."

He reached into his cloak and pulled out a small, delicate flower. It was strange—its petals shifted between colors, vibrating softly in his hand.

"This flower," Kael said, "was the key to finding the warrior. It reacts when the warrior is nearby. So I packed my things and set off to find him."

Ray exhaled, his arms crossed. "And you think that warrior is me?"

Kael looked up, meeting Ray's gaze. "I don't just think. I know."

Ray remained unreadable. "Why?"

Kael swallowed. "Because the moment I met you… this flower reacted."

The room fell silent.

Emily stared at the flower, then at Ray. "Well… that settles it, right?"

Ray ran a hand through his hair. "I don't know if I'm this warrior or not. But…" He glanced at Kael. "I'll help your village. I'll do what I can."

Kael let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. "Thank you, Ray."

Emily grinned. "So, when do we leave?"

Ray stood up. "Tomorrow."

Departure from Astravane

The next morning, they prepared to leave. As they packed their supplies, Garrick Ironhand leaned against the shop's entrance, arms crossed.

"You're leaving already?" the blacksmith grumbled. "You barely got here."

Kael adjusted his cloak. "No rest for the restless."

Garrick snorted. "Guess not. Here—your weapons." He handed Kael a finely crafted dagger and tossed Ray a sword. "Not that you need one, but a warrior's gotta have a blade, right?"

Ray inspected the sword, nodding in approval. "Thanks."

Garrick smirked. "Try not to break it too quickly."

Emily stretched her arms. "Alright! Let's go!"

As they stepped onto the streets of Astravane, Kael took one last look at the city.

Ray noticed and asked, "Something on your mind?"

Kael hesitated. "Just thinking… We're heading into the unknown. And once we start this journey, there's no turning back."

Ray placed a hand on Kael's shoulder. "Then let's make sure we finish it."

With that, they left Astravane.

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To Be Continued…