Chapter 4 - The World Beyond Solna
A few days after beginning their physical training, the children of Solna found themselves gathered once more within the training hall. This time, however, there were no stones to lift or beams to balance upon.
Instead, Master Rylas stood at the front with an elder beside him—an aged man with a silver beard, draped in simple robes embroidered with ancient symbols. His name was Elder Seryth, the village's historian and one of the few who had studied the greater world beyond Solna.
"Sit," Elder Seryth commanded in a voice that, though old, carried strength.
The children obeyed, settling cross-legged on the cool stone floor. Eryon sat between Kael and Ryn, their faces curious.
"Strength without knowledge," Seryth began, "is like a ship without a rudder. Today, you learn of the world you were born into—and the path that awaits you."
The old man took a long breath, his eyes distant, as if recalling scenes from another lifetime.
"Nearly nine centuries ago, Earth was a different place. Nations ruled by technology, not cultivation, spanned the globe. Then came the Great Evolution—an awakening of energies buried deep within our planet, energies connected to the laws that govern existence itself."
The children listened, enraptured.
"The old nations crumbled, unable to adapt. In their place rose the Five Great Empires: Solar Eternus, Void Abyss, Tianlong Dominion, Glacial Aetherys, and Verdant Verdantis. Each draws power from different aspects of the cosmic forces that now permeate our world."
Seryth's voice grew heavier.
"Yet unity is a dream long forgotten. Frictions between the empires are constant—skirmishes over sacred resources, ancient artifacts, and fertile lands are common. Our Solar Eternus Empire holds its strength through loyalty to the sun and perseverance of spirit, but we are not invulnerable."
The children's faces grew more serious.
"And beyond our kind," Seryth continued, "there are the beasts."
He gestured toward the windows, where the distant cries of seabirds echoed.
"The Great Evolution did not bless only humanity. Creatures—both land and sea—have been twisted and empowered by the cosmic energies. Some have gained intelligence; others, monstrous strength. Entire regions beyond our borders remain untamed, ruled by feral kings of fang and claw."
Kael swallowed nervously.
"Are the beasts stronger than us?" he asked.
"Some," Seryth said grimly. "Some beasts rival even our mightiest cultivators. Only by training your bodies, sharpening your minds, and mastering your energies can you hope to survive—let alone protect those you love."
He raised a hand, and light from the open windows seemed to dance around him as he spoke.
"The path, as we know it today, is divided into three great realms here on Earth:
The Stellar Forger: where one tempers the body and soul with the basic energy of the cosmos.
The Rune Warden: where one inscribes cosmic runes upon the soul, gaining deeper connection to the laws.
The Void Walker: where one comprehends the rudimentary aspects of space and existence, capable of limited manipulation of the world around them."
Eryon leaned forward, heart pounding. So far, no one in Solna had surpassed the first stage, and Void Walkers were considered living legends.
Seryth let the silence linger before speaking again.
"For now, all of you are too young to begin true cultivation. Until the age of eight, your task is simple yet vital: strengthen your bodies, sharpen your spirits, and build a foundation that can bear the weight of cosmic energy."
The children listened, wide-eyed.
"When you reach eight years of age," Seryth continued, "you may earn the right to participate in the examinations to enter the Capital City Academy. There, you would receive formal training—true techniques, energy manipulation, and access to resources our small village cannot provide."
He paused, his gaze sweeping across them.
"But entry is not guaranteed. You must pass the academy's tests and demonstrate a talent that sets you apart—a spark that proves you are worth forging into a true cultivator."
A hush fell over the hall.
In that moment, staring at the way the sunlight caught in Elder Seryth's silver hair, Eryon made another silent promise.
Not only would he become strong.
He would reach beyond the Void. Beyond what anyone believed possible.
Even if he had to forge a path alone, he would become the first to grasp the power of the stars themselves.
Kael and Ryn exchanged glances beside him—they too had felt the stirring in the air, a silent challenge delivered to every young heart in that hall.
And in Eryon's case, the fire in his blood answered with a ferocity that shook his very soul.