Section 1: Summer Vacation
World Description:
* Central Kingdom of Eldoria: Where our protagonist belongs. This kingdom is diverse, with a mix of humans and other beings.
* Southwest Kingdom of Fortisar: Fortisar is renowned for its impressive fortifications that stretch across its borders. A hub for merchants and traders, its bustling marketplaces attract visitors from all around. The predominantly human population is proud of its rich cultural heritage that differentiates it from neighboring kingdoms..
* Southeast of Eldralore: Enveloped in the heart of the mystical Eldralore forest, the elves thrive in a land that is as much a part of them as they are of it. This dense and magical woodland isn't just a beacon of nature's beauty, but also a stronghold of ancient wisdom. The entirety of Eldralore is surrounded by a powerful magical barrier, safeguarding its inhabitants and keeping intruders at bay. While the elves possess profound knowledge and magic, they often maintain a deliberate distance from the outer world, adding an air of enigma to their already isolated existence.
* Eastern Kingdom of Gorakhael: Nestled amidst the rugged and unforgiving terrain of Gorakhael, the orcs and goblins have carved out a harsh existence. The landscape, reflecting its inhabitants, is both wild and beautiful. Constant skirmishes between tribes mark the history of this kingdom, with every clan fiercely guarding its own territory. However, amidst this seemingly chaotic environment, pockets of diplomacy emerge. Several tribes, recognizing the benefits of commerce and alliances, have entered into trade and peace treaties with neighboring kingdoms. While the reputation of Gorakhael might predominantly be one of volatility, it's also a land of hidden opportunities and alliances waiting to be forged.
* West Kingdom of Arlandia: Arlandia is a kingdom that values peace and diplomacy. While not the strongest in terms of military might, they thrive in commerce, arts, and cultural exchanges. Their reliance on the Central Kingdom for military backing shows their strategic alliances and preference for peaceful resolutions.
* Far West Kingdom of Duragon: Duragon is a rigid and militaristic realm. The inhabitants are staunch in their beliefs and traditions. Their frequent threats to Arlandia show their aggressive expansionist tendencies and desire for dominance in the western region.
* Northeastern Kingdom of Nocturne: The enigmatic kingdom of Nocturne lies shrouded in perpetual mist and mystery. The land, perpetually bathed in twilight, is home to the Nosferan, vampire-like creatures known for their insatiable thirst and unparalleled stealth. The dense fog not only hides their gothic cities and castles but also serves as a warning to any outsider of the dangers that lurk within.
Venturing into Nocturne is akin to signing one's own death warrant. Tales speak of audacious explorers and merchants from the Central Kingdom who dared to cross the border, never to be heard from again. It is said that the haunting cries heard in the depths of Nocturne's fog are the souls of those unfortunate wanderers, forever lost.
Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.
But it's not just the natural barriers that keep Nocturne's threats at bay. Powerful magical barriers, erected by the greatest mages of the Central Kingdom, combined with vigilant guards, stand as the last bastion against the Nosferan. Without these defenses, the Nosferan, driven by their hunger, would have long since spilled into the Central Kingdom, turning its inhabitants into mere prey.
Thus, the borders between Nocturne and its neighbors stand not just as a boundary between lands but as a fragile line between survival and annihilation.
Chapter 1: Unintended Eavesdropping
The scorching sun of summer shines bright, casting a golden glow over the kingdom. Citizens go about their day, children play in the streets, and the atmosphere is one of a relaxed holiday.
Zephyr, taking advantage of the summer break from his intensive training, strolls the stone-paved pathways of the military complex. A stray ball from kids playing nearby veers off, and he instinctively catches it, throwing it back with a playful grin. With a spring in his step, Zephyr headed back to his barracks, eager to delve into the latest book about his hero, Sirion the Valiant. Sirion's golden armor and unwavering dedication to his people serves as a ceaseless inspiration for Zephyr.
He continues walking, and as he passes by a slightly ajar door, he overhears the distressed voices of two commanders.
"I just don't know who to send. It's my granddaughter, for heaven's sake! The Goblin King's domain is not to be treaded lightly," says one voice, a hint of desperation seeping through.
The second commander replies, "We can't risk sending a seasoned soldier. If we're caught, the political fallout would be catastrophic. We need someone off the books, someone young but skilled enough to handle the mission."
Unbeknownst to the commanders, Zephyr stands frozen, absorbing every word.