Time flowed like a river, carrying Bane through the currents of change in his new life. With each passing day, he found himself gradually acclimating to his newfound circumstances. The sprawling halls of the Ironstalker estate had become his sanctuary, offering a refuge from the storms of his past and a gateway to the mysteries of his future.

Eston's decision to take Bane under his wing had transformed his world. No longer a lone figure struggling in the shadows, Bane now bore the title of "adopted son," a designation that bestowed upon him a sense of belonging he had never known. The warmth of Eston's guidance and Arya's camaraderie thawed the lingering chill of his past, allowing him to embrace the promise of a brighter tomorrow.

In the quiet corners of the estate, Bane's journey of self-discovery continued. Assigned a tutor by Eston's wisdom, he delved into the annals of knowledge that had once seemed out of reach. The tutor, a scholar with the wisdom of ages etched upon his countenance, became Bane's guide through the labyrinthine corridors of understanding.

Together, they embarked on a journey through the realms of the world's power. From the intricacies of Dominion Seekers to the mysterious arts of aura and magic, Bane's mind expanded like a canvas painted with new hues of understanding. The scholar's patient teachings and Bane's insatiable curiosity intertwined, creating a tapestry of enlightenment that would shape his path.

In a lonely study located in a quiet corner of the estate, Bane had been indulging in the knowledge bestowed upon him by his teacher.

"Think of the world as a carefully woven spider web, with each thread of silk being what we call mana, a fundamental essence comprising various fields of mystical energy that coexist alongside the other forces of this realm," the scholar's voice resonated like an ancient incantation. "Those who possess the innate ability to shape and manipulate these silk threads are known as mages. Mana's true essence lies in the art of sculpting it, channeling it from within, and projecting it outward—a practice we call Magic. This wondrous art takes myriad forms, each intertwined with the diverse elements of our world. However, not all elements can be harnessed by a single individual. Every soul is born with an affinity for a specific element, some fortunate enough to possess the talent to manipulate two."

Bane's curiosity bubbled within him, unable to restrain his eager question. "Like Arya?"

A knowing smile graced the scholar's lips, acknowledging Bane's observation. "Indeed, like our spirited Arya. She is among those gifted souls, wielding the power of two elements—a rarity among mortals. Yet, there exist even more prodigious individuals, capable of commanding three elements. They are the true luminaries of our world, bearing the mark of genius. Rumor has it that you might encounter such a prodigy when you set foot within the academy—a student said to possess the astonishing mastery of three elemental arts. The son of our Kingdom's esteemed lead mage, no less."

"But what truly distinguishes a mage is the creation of their mana core upon awakening," the scholar continued, delving deeper into the arcane mysteries. Bane's brow furrowed, his mind working to grasp this newfound knowledge.

"A mana core?" Bane inquired, his curiosity piqued.

"Yes, a mana core—a vital essence that takes form beside the heart of every mage. It serves as a reservoir for unrefined mana, the raw magical energy that suffuses our world. Through the art of meditation, mages refine this unrefined mana, ascending through different stages of their magical prowess. As the mana core is imbued with ever-purer mana, it bestows upon the mage the ability to ascend within their tier. This process not only enhances their mental faculties but also amplifies their proficiency in wielding magic."

"Will I obtain a mana core upon awakening?" Bane's excitement was palpable.

The scholar offered a measured response, his tone thoughtful. "Foretelling the exact nature of your awakening is a challenging endeavor. If you awaken as a mage, then indeed, you will develop a mana core. However, should your awakening lead you down the path of an aura user, then a different kind of power will become your hallmark. As for becoming a Dominion Seeker, it remains a distant aspiration for many commoners, largely hinging on lineage and serendipity. Even someone as accomplished as Eston, Arya's father, holds the esteemed title of a Dominion Seeker, while Arya herself awakened as a mage."

"So, if I'm not destined to be a mage, I become an aura user instead? Is that when I'll possess an aura core?" Bane's curiosity was unabated.

Amusement twinkled in the scholar's eyes as he responded, his laughter resonating through the room. "No, my young student, aura users also harness mana, albeit in a more physical manner. They channel mana through mana vessels in their body gained once awakening to enhance their bodies and weapons, weaving it into their very being. With sufficient mastery, aura can even take on a tangible form, enabling its users to manifest powerful attacks without the need for physical weapons. However, this advanced technique is typically only accessible to aura users of tier 5 and beyond."

Bane's brow furrowed. "But if aura users use mana too, where does this mana get stored?"

The scholar's voice carried an air of wisdom. "In the realm of aura users, your entire being serves as a conduit for mana, so the need to store mana isn't necessary as your whole body becomes a mana storage. The mana veins present, allow for the strengthening of body parts, and even senses. Just as with mages, different types of aura users exist, each attuned to a specific aspect of mana within the world. The opponent you faced likely harnessed wind mana, the mana of the air, to strengthen his attacks and movements. In his case, it appears he unconsciously released all of his aura in the heat of battle."

"So, are aura users just physically strong mages?" Bane inquired, seeking clarification.

"In a sense, you could say that, albeit aura users can not use spells like mages," the scholar responded with a thoughtful nod.

"Please, tell me more about dominion seekers now," Bane urged eagerly.

The scholar pondered for a moment before launching into an explanation. "Dominion seekers are a sought-after power in every kingdom's military. They possess a unique ability known as a spatial realm. Unlocking this realm requires exceptional willpower; otherwise, attempting to access it could lead to disastrous consequences, even death. Tragically, we've lost four potential dominion seekers within our kingdom over the past decade due to this perilous endeavor."

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

Like a child in a candy shop, Bane's eyes sparked with curiosity. "A spatial realm? What exactly is that?"

The scholar's expression grew contemplative as he sought to simplify the concept. "Think of it as a dominion seeker's specialized mana core. It's a mental realm created when a dominion seeker awakens. This realm is a sub-space of reality. The size of your spatial realm directly correlates with your potential. It determines how many and how powerful the beasts you can tame and command. Through a test of willpower, dominion seekers engage in a mental battle with the beast, and if victorious, they gain a beastly companion that holds full loyalty toward them."

Bane furrowed his brow. "So, having a larger spatial realm means you can tame and use more beasts, while a smaller one limits that ability?"

"Exactly," the scholar affirmed. "In that same breath dominion seekers should never be underestimated. Their abilities extend beyond taming beasts; they can even acquire unique powers from the creatures they command."

Bane raised an eyebrow. "Doesn't that make them a bit too overpowered compared to being a mage, or aura user?"

A knowing smile graced the scholar's lips. "Indeed, being a dominion seeker is often considered quite advantageous. As they tame and bond with beasts, their own body and mind grow stronger, and their abilities expand in tandem with the creatures they master."

"I want to become a dominion seeker!" Bane exclaimed with a sense of excitement.

The scholar offered a warm smile. "Only time will reveal your true path," he responded, his voice carrying a gentle reassurance. As he carefully began to gather his books and belongings, he continued, "Remember, the path you're given matters less than the effort you invest. With dedication and determination, you have the potential to become a formidable presence in our kingdom."

Slinging his bag over his shoulder, the scholar prepared to depart. "That concludes our lesson for today," he announced. "Take these teachings to heart, and may your journey be one of growth and discovery." With those parting words, the scholar left the study, leaving Bane to contemplate the boundless possibilities that lay ahead.

Alone once more in the study, Bane reached for a book that had been thoughtfully bestowed upon him by his teacher—a tome bearing the title "The History of the Yobian Empire." With a sense of eager anticipation, he carefully opened the book's weathered pages, embarking on a journey through time and knowledge.

As his eyes traced the lines of text and his fingers delicately turned each page, Bane found himself immersed in the rich history of the Yobian Empire's past. The narrative unveiled tales of courage and triumph, chronicling the rise of a fledgling community from its humble origins to the formidable kingdom it had become. He read about the valiant pioneers who had first settled the land, drawn by its strategic positioning and abundant resources, and the challenges they had overcome to establish their foothold.

Bane's mind wandered through the epochs, capturing glimpses of the empire's growth—its thriving agriculture, bustling markets, and flourishing mining industry. He marveled at the accounts of awakeners venturing into the mystical dungeons that dotted the landscape, honing their skills and reaping the rewards of their daring endeavors. The stories of battles won and alliances forged painted a vivid picture of unity and resilience, forging a legacy of strength that endured through the ages.

Page after page, Bane delved deeper into the annals of history, savoring each revelation and insight. The book became a portal to a world previously unknown to him, a world shaped by the collective efforts and aspirations of countless individuals. As he continued to read, he felt a sense of connection to the past and a growing appreciation for the legacy that he now found himself a part of.

In the quiet solitude of his room, Bane's heart quickened with a newfound excitement—a thirst for knowledge that mirrored his insatiable hunger for a life beyond the slums. With each turn of the page, he eagerly absorbed the lessons and experiences of those who had come before him, drawing inspiration from their journeys and achievements. The history of the Yobian Empire unfolded before him, a story of growth, discovery, and the boundless potential that lay within the grasp of those who dared to dream and forge their own destinies.

Hours later Bane's head drooped slightly, eyelids growing heavy as his mind succumbed to the allure of slumber. The intricate tales of battles and conquests that had danced before his eyes began to blur, their vibrant colors blending into a haze of dreams. Oslo's breathing grew steady and rhythmic, a soothing tempo that echoed in harmony with the gentle rustle of parchment.

The History of the Yobian Empire- Chapter 1:

In the heart of a land blessed by both strategic positioning and abundant resources, the Yobian Empire emerged from humble beginnings. It all started with a small group of fifty pioneers who recognized the hidden potential of their chosen territory. Nestled within a valley surrounded by towering mountains, the region provided a natural fortress-like advantage, offering a haven of safety and protection during times of conflict.

With a temperate climate and fertile soil, the early settlers discovered the land's agricultural prowess, allowing them to cultivate a variety of crops that sustained their growing community. As the word spread of this thriving pocket of prosperity, more individuals from distant lands were drawn to the promise of a better life within the burgeoning Yobian Empire.

Yet, it wasn't just the bountiful fields and flourishing farms that attracted newcomers. The mountains that encircled the valley harbored rich veins of precious metals, gemstones, and other valuable resources. This abundance of minerals fueled a robust mining industry, generating wealth and prosperity for the empire. The mines not only provided economic sustenance but also the raw materials necessary for crafting and forging, allowing the Yobian Empire to establish a reputation for producing high-quality weapons and armor.

One of the most captivating aspects of the Yobian Empire, however, was the mystifying dungeons scattered across its landscape. These mystical and dangerous domains served as proving grounds for awakeners—individuals who harnessed the world's powers to extraordinary effect. Venturing into these dungeons, awakeners faced formidable challenges, battling fierce creatures and overcoming intricate traps to emerge victorious. The rewards were bountiful, from rare and powerful artifacts to the very essence that fueled their abilities.

As the empire grew, it forged a unique identity characterized by unity, resilience, and a shared commitment to progress. From its modest origins, the Yobian Empire expanded its influence, forging alliances with neighboring regions and establishing itself as a beacon of strength and stability in a world where power and resources often dictated the fate of nations.

Today, the Yobian Empire stands as a testament to the potential inherent in even the most unassuming beginnings. Its history is a testament to the remarkable achievements that can arise from a convergence of strategic location, abundant resources, and the collective determination of a community united by a shared vision of prosperity and greatness.

At the heart of this burgeoning kingdom stood its first king, Tumen Yobian, a resolute Tier 10 Dominion Seeker. His power was a force to be reckoned with, as he commanded the loyalty of two mighty dragons, a feat that would remain unmatched throughout the annals of The Empire of Yobian's history. Tumen's indomitable spirit and unparalleled mastery paved the way for the empire's rise, serving as the cornerstone upon which it stood proudly and reached unprecedented heights.