A little about of History

As soon as we stepped through the door of our home, a sense of urgency drove me toward the library. My heart raced as I pulled open the heavy oak shelves, gathering every history book I could find, their spines worn with age and dust. Once I was safely ensconced in my room, I locked the door behind me, creating a sanctuary from the outside world.

The awakening ceremony had left an indelible mark on me, a vivid reminder of the powerful energies swirling just beyond my understanding. Shadows of uncertainty flickered at the edges of my thoughts as I contemplated my own untested abilities with ether—a mysterious force I had only begun to comprehend.

I felt like a ship adrift in an uncharted sea, acutely aware of the lurking dangers that threatened my very life and freedom in this strange realm. Determined to make sense of the complexities of this new existence, I realized that knowledge would be my greatest ally. I dove into the pages of history, eager to uncover the secrets that would help me navigate the powerful forces that lay ahead.

I chose to start with the fundamental principles by exploring "History and Modern Nations of Anatilos," penned by the notable cartographer and explorer, Tuk.

"Welcome, dear readers, to an engaging journey into the most thorough and captivating account of our world, Anatilos. As of the year this book was written (704 H.E. - Human Era), our planet was home to a mind-boggling population of 150 billion people spread across its various landmasses. There are three main sub-continents: North, East, and West.

In the North, we uncover five principal powers. At the extreme northern end lies the Holy Kingdom of Spirit, a monarchy where the king also serves as the head of the Spirit Church. This region is notable for its mausoleums, all under the auspices of the Spirit Church, which makes them quite significant. Keep this in mind!"

First up is the Rista Republic, a small oligarchic state that emerged when influential merchants within the Trade Alliance of the Free Isles sought greater power and orchestrated a coup. The resulting civil war was fierce, and ultimately, these rebellious merchants struck a deal and were exiled to this new land under the watchful gaze of the Holy Kingdom.

Adjacent to it lies the Beastman Kingdom, a sanctuary for beast-people where they can assert their authority free from human interference. This kingdom boasts numerous embassies worldwide, dedicated to fostering friendship and advocating for fair treatment of all beastmen. It's crucial to understand that to be recognized as a beastman, one must gather enough ether while in animal form to morph into a human shape; as a result, many of them are formidable warriors, especially in their intermediate stages.

Further north, on another significant island, we find the Farti Kingdom and the region known as the Desolate. The Farti Kingdom stands as a human realm that embraces dwarves and elves as equals. Historically, they were renowned for their raiding prowess due to their swift ships, though their effectiveness in this area has waned over time. The inhabitants of the Farti Kingdom have a high tolerance for cold weather, and they often display greater strength and aggression compared to ordinary humans.

The Desolate is a region dominated by a single major city, yet it remains largely uncharted and teeming with fearsome monsters and grave dangers. Adventurers and mercenaries seeking fame flock here, drawn by legends of boundless wealth—but the air can often be deadly. Despite its stunning landscapes, I recommend finishing your ascension before setting foot in such treacherous territory, unless, of course, you are already there.

Between the North sub-continent and the East and West sub-continents lies a vast ocean dotted with islands that collectively form the Trade Alliance of the Free Isles. This meritocratic republic is run by a senate comprised of the world's most influential merchants. If you're in need of something, you can bet the Free Isles will have it.

In the East sub-continent, two dominant powers emerge: the Molhul Kingdom, which evolved from a nomadic tribal group that united to become the leading livestock producer globally. While the people here tend to be shorter compared to other humans, they excel as riders and archers.

The other significant power is the Suhi Empire, established by humans near a sturdy dwarf stronghold. Following the dawn of the Human Era, they combined forces to form the Suhi Empire. This region holds the distinction of being the first to harness steam power, marking the beginning of a new age of productivity and abundance. For scientists and knowledge-seekers, this land is seen as the birthplace of the innovative magic of metal and steam.

In the West sub-continent, we encounter the Arvon Empire and the Vinci Republic as the two major powers, alongside a coalition of kingdoms that has recently banded together to stand against these formidable entities. The Arvon Empire is a rigid military-style monarchy. Despite criticism for its lack of compassion, it stands as the most meritocratic nation in existence. As the founding emperor famously proclaimed, "Respect the strong and intelligent if you want to avoid a sword at your back or your heart."

The Vinci Republic, on the other hand, emerged from the ashes of the Vinci Kingdom after a rebellion fueled by high taxes and relentless oppression from the ruling class. This revolt, marked by brutality, still sends chills through kingdoms today.

Nestled between the rich cultures of the East and West, the Free State of Astor stands out for its steadfast commitment to neutrality. This region has become a haven for those in search of excellence across various fields, housing some of the world's leading institutions dedicated to research, banking, and the precise cultivation of ether—a mystical energy source celebrated for its diverse applications.

At the core of this distinguished landscape is the First Academy, a prestigious institution known for its cutting-edge methods in ether cultivation. Within its historic walls, echoes of past scholars resonate, while its lush botanical gardens are home to rare ether plants. The academy symbolizes knowledge and innovation, but gaining admission here is no easy task; prospective students must navigate a complex set of stringent criteria and face daunting tuition fees that can deter even the most talented individuals.

Consequently, many aspiring scholars, despite possessing remarkable abilities and potential, often find themselves seeking education at one of the ten other academies spread around the globe. While each of these institutions holds its own significance, they simply do not match the First Academy's exceptional reputation and advanced resources. This stark contrast highlights the obstacles faced by those without the financial means to access Astor's premier educational opportunities, creating a gap in the pursuit of knowledge amid the allure of the ether realm."

Now, I finally have a clearer vision of what lies ahead. As a citizen of the Arvon Empire, it's essential for me to showcase my strength and capabilities to the Emperor himself. It seems my most promising path will be through military service, a journey that requires awakening my latent ether talents and sharpening my skills. My ultimate aim is to gain admission to one of the prestigious academies, particularly the esteemed one in the capital city. Securing a spot there could set me on a prosperous trajectory for my future.

Yet, there's a bittersweet aspect to this ambition—I will have to leave my home behind. The capital, a vibrant metropolis brimming with opportunities, is situated nearly on the opposite side of the vast empire. While I eagerly anticipate the adventures that await, I hope to stay closely connected with my parents and visit them as often as I can.

If I don't awaken with the aptitude I desire, I have a backup plan: establishing a place for myself in the scientific community. My ambition would then lead me to the Suhi Empire, where I can delve into the fascinating world of cutting-edge steam engines and the exciting new field of metalworking. For now, the clock is ticking, and all I can do is strategize and prepare for the upcoming awakening ceremony.

With only six months left until this crucial moment, I feel the urgency of my training. To maximize this time, I plan to spend my days soaking up the sun while diligently studying and honing my abilities. There's so much untapped potential within me, and I am determined to unleash it. I need to train harder than ever before!