Magic in this world was divided into five distinct stages with each level representing a particular set of magic. The first stage was known as the Elemental Stage. This stage involved control over the four classical elements: water, fire, earth and wind. The second stage introduced the Light and Dark Magic. Very less was known about light and dark magic as it delved into dualities like illumination and shadows, energy and void.
The third stage was called the Amalgam Stage. It blended the magic and principles of the first two stages to create advanced and hybrid magic such as healing or illusion magic. The fourth stage revolved around Creation Magic. This allowed practitioners to create things. Finally, the fifth and most legendary stage was the World Stage. It was said to grant control over dimensions, portals and in some legends, even the flow of time itself.
Ronny sighed in frustration while slumping onto a golden stool decorated with gems.
He was sitting in a dimly lit room while holding a leather-bound, worn-out book in his hands. The room was filled with alchemical instruments, ancient tomes and glowing vials along with some humanlike skulls and body parts. The only light source in the room were the small magic items across the polished obsidian counters.
“I’ve spent like two hours on these magical theories, and they still don’t make effing sense,” Ronny grumbled.
“Like, okay—Stage 1 is about controlling the basic elements like wind, fire, Earth and water… Apparently you can create water, fire and wind in the first stage but to create earth element you need stage four creation magic. Not just this, but there are gazillion other things that don’t make sense,” said Ronny
Across the room sat Ard who was lost in thought with his arms folded. His sharp features were illuminated by the eerie glow of a nearby magic crystal.
He adjusted his spectacles and chuckled softly. "That's because these classifications are based on vague observations rather than precise understanding.
Back home, people of my culture used to think along similar lines centuries ago. They believed the world was made of basic elements like earth, fire, wind and water. They even believed that our stomachs contained fire. Which was theorised to explain the burning sensation after a heavy meal. Of course, science later showed us that it was just hydrochloric acid at work... Their theories were formulated based on observations, same thing applies here.”
Ronny squinted. "So, you're saying these magic stages aren’t entirely accurate?"
Ard nodded. "Precisely. They reflect close guesses, not the true mechanisms. Though I’ll admit, the idea that magic stages depend on a practitioner’s magical capacity and progression isn’t far off."
Ronny perked up. "Wait... does that mean you’ve figured out the real classification?"
Ard smirked. "I believe I have."
"Teach me Sensei." Ronny leaned forward eagerly.
"Yeah sure. Take Stage 1 magic, for example. They claim it’s about manipulating basic elements like water, fire, wind and earth. But in actuality, it’s about controlling temperature and the states of matter—thermal manipulation, if you will. When someone creates water from thin air, they’re not creating it but condensing water vapor from the atmosphere.
Wind can be manipulated by altering temperature and pressure. Fire? That’s just a matter of increasing temperature to the point of ignition, or even ionizing air into plasma at higher levels. But Earth... well, that’s different. Regulating temperature can’t possibly create solid matter. That’s why Earth creation falls under Stage 4—Creation Magic."
Ronny’s eyes widened. "So, Stage 2 magic—Light and Dark—must be horseshit as well?"
"Absolutely," Ard replied. "For instance, they classify gravity as Dark Magic. We both know gravity isn’t some dark magic. Gravity is just a natural force—a field, to be precise. Lightning magic is explained as the ability to create lightning, but that’s merely the manipulation of electromagnetic fields.
Stage 2... It isn’t about light or darkness. It’s about controlling the forces and fields of nature. Gravitons for gravity, photons for light and electrons for electricity—it all boils down to scientific principles interpreted through magic."
“Okay, that makes sense,” Ronny said, nodding. “What about Amalgam Magic? The books say it’s a mixture of Stage 1 and Stage 2.”
“They’re not entirely wrong there," Ard admitted. "Amalgam Magic often combines thermal manipulation with force fields to achieve other effects. Healing magic, however, is more complex. The books claim it’s a mix of light, dark and elemental magic, but in reality, it’s mostly Creation Magic. In theory, healing might involve creating stem cells or accelerating the body’s metabolism. The former requires Stage 4 magic, while the latter is achievable through a blend of Stages 1 and 2.”
Ronny asked in shock, “so… you’re saying that Creation Magic can make living beings?”
“Technically, yes," Ard said. "Creation is about assembling elements, compounds and mixtures. Combining these at an advanced level could easily create living things. As the book mentioned, healing magic isn’t rare but regenerating entire limbs or so is rare. It’s because the regeneration part requires stage 4 creation magic.”
"What about that invisibility magic those bandits used? The books said it was rare Stage 3 magic,” asked Ronny.
Ard shook his head. "Not quite.... When I examined their hideout and their bodies, I found traces of a material—nanoparticles capable of bending or deflecting light. The bandits used these particles, combined with electromagnetic manipulation from Stage 2, to cloak themselves. Technically, it’s a Stage 3 effect, but yeahh... it leans heavily on Creation Part."
Ronny grinned. "And the legendary Stage 5 magic? That’s just Space-Time manipulation, right?"
“Just?” Ard chuckled. "Controlling space-time isn’t simple, Ronny. But yes, you are correct. It is Space-Time manipulation.”
Ronny leaned back, “Wow… I hate to say it but it is as you said. Magic is just complex science.”
Ard smirked. “That’s because in this universe magic is just another set of natural laws—laws we’re still trying to fully understand.”
“At first, all of this felt like some kind of fairy tale nonsense to me,” Ronny admitted while pacing back and forth in the dimly lit study. “But now, it’s starting to make sense. Still, I can’t wrap my head around one thing—how are humans able to use such incredible power? There has to be some kind of mechanism behind it, right?”
Ard leaned back thoughtfully. His gaze drifted to the high-arched ceiling. “I’m close to figuring that out,” he said. “Almost everything in this universe mirrors the principles of our own—same forces, same fields and fundamental particles. The only outlier here is magic.
It’s only logical to apply theories from our universe to this one, but that brings their problems along as well.” Gesturing with his hands, “take gravity and quantum mechanics for instance. The grand unification of gravity in the quantum physics had been the focus of physicists for the past half a century in our world. But... there was this one theory that explained this anomaly…uhh I think it was called the Brane World Scenario.”
Ronny tilted his head. “Brain... what?”
“In the Brane World Scenario,” Ard began with a hint of excitement creeping into his voice, “our universe is thought to be a three-dimensional ‘brane’—a slice of space—within a larger and higher-dimensional ‘bulk’ universe.
Gravity is weaker compared to other forces because gravitons, the hypothetical particles responsible for gravity, escapes into the bulk. Other particles remain confined to our brane because they are too weak to break the barrier. But gravitons are far stronger, and they only exist in the brane in their lowest energy state. Higher energy states gravitons reside in dimensions above us.”
“So... it’s like gravity leaks into other dimensions?” Ronny ventured.
“You can say that.” Ard said while adjusting his specs again. “Of course, it was just a theory back home. But now, I think it might actually be true. Picture this, the Cosmic Genesis of universe as a kind of dimensional leak. Originally, there was nothing but true, empty space. The creators—those devil gods—used a process that leaked other fundamental particles and their fields in the empty space. Then they stabilized everything with gravitons.
But in the observation these gravitons appear weak. It’s because they’re pulling the entire dimension together.”
“But here’s the twist. In this universe, there’s another universal particle—a particle that doesn’t exist in ours. I’ve named it Matrium. This particle and its field are the key to everything. Like gravitons, Matrium can access higher dimensions, but unlike gravitons, it interacts with all other particles in unique ways. It doesn’t just manipulate fields—it alters them as well.”
Ronny’s eyes widened. “Hold your horses sensei, you’re saying this particle is responsible for magic?”
“Yeahh that’s what I think right now.” Ard replied. “My research on those bandits supports this theory. Matrium’s field enables humans here to manipulate the forces of nature. Ahhhh… I’m this close to understanding how living beings harness it.
And as much as I despise those devil gods, I have to admit—creating a universe like this? Genius. Lord Croxeus was right. I’m nowhere near capable of matching them yet. I can’t even approach their mental capacity let alone the physical one.”
Ronny clapped Ard on the shoulder. “Don’t sell yourself short sensei. You’ve managed to piece together the mechanics of an entirely new universe in just two days. That’s incredible. Even lord Croxeus hasn’t returned yet, he is still trying to understand the mechanism of this universe.”
Ard shook his head. “You’re wrong, Ronny. Lord Croxeus is far more intelligent than I could ever hope to be.”
“What makes you say that?” Ronny asked, frowning.
“Do you see the barrier around this castle?” Ard gestured toward the faint shimmer visible through the high windows. “It’s not just an invisibility barrier. It’s protecting us from harmful radiation emitted by Matrium particles. Prolonged exposure could damage our genes—possibly even cause cancer. I just figured this out while researching.” Ard’s gaze was now fixed in wonder, “the moment we stepped foot into this world, Lord Croxeus created this barrier to shield us. That level of foresight? It’s beyond anything I could have achieved. Not to mention the equipment he left behind. These equipment… most of them don’t even use magic… they seem like so futuristic.”
Ronny was slack jawed. “I had no idea. Lord Croxeus is smarter than I thought.”
Ard nodded solemnly. “He’s more than smart. His magic... it’s incomprehensible. It’s like a new Cosmic Genesis itself—something entirely beyond our dimension. Every time I try to analyse it, I fail. His wisdom, his power and his humility—they make him the greatest being I’ve ever known. No one can surpass him.”
Ronny sighed while leaning against a desk. “If we’re going to defeat those gods, shouldn’t we study his magic and the astral plane? Why waste time learning about this world’s third-rate magic?”
“You’re missing the point, Ronny,” Ard said (now standing). “We have to prove ourselves worthy. Only by mastering this world, by conquering its challenges… we can show that we deserve to understand his magic and gain his wisdom.”
“Yeah, I guess you’re right,” Ronny said with a faint smile. “I just hope we are able to prove ourselves.”
“We will,” Ard said confidently.
Ronny glanced toward the ceiling. “I wonder what Lord Croxeus is doing right now.”
“That’s quite simple. He’s busy recovering the magical energy he expended in transporting us here,” Ard replied.
*
“Aaachoooo!” A powerful sneeze echoed through the air, coming from a man dressed in full silver plate armour.
His huge figure with broad shoulders and muscular arms looked like the kind of earned through years of training. He had a stern expression on his face. His short black hair and the faint scar on his forehead made him look like a seasoned warrior.
He sat in the middle of a horse-drawn cart, surrounded by bundles of peculiar green plants. These plants had tangled stems with purple-tinged flowers and pods peeking through their verdant mass.
The moving cart creaked and groaned with each jolt along the uneven path while the wheels stirred up clouds of dust as they rolled forward.
At the reins sat an old man, his triangular hat tilted slightly to shield his face from the sun. His worn attire spoke of a simple life. In the middle of the journey, he kept on turning back and grinning at the young man who sat inside.
Hearing the sneeze, he glanced back at the armoured man. “Ahhhaaa, you sneezed,” the old man said with a grin. “That means someone’s remembering you.” He said with a teasing voice.
“Do you think so?” the man replied with a deep and hard voice. For a moment, his gaze drifted into the distance. I wonder if it’s my brother. It’s been a month since I have talked to him….
The monologue of this young man was same as Avin Levi’s voice (which is same for the Croxeus) which means this man was Croxeus in disguise. (The voice of Croxeus is different than the voice of Avin, but monologue retains Avin’s voice).
I took up this escort job to learn more about this place, he thought. His fingers began absently brushing the copper badge hanging from a simple necklace around his neck.
I could have used my flight magic to survey this place from above…. but that would’ve only scratched the surface. But by spending some time among the people like this, I can establish a real presence and probably blend in here.
Besides... this adventurer thing is pretty exciting on its own. Copper rank, huh? Looks like I’ve got a long way to go...
The Adventurers’ Guild was one of the things that surprised Croxeus a lot.
In the city of Jul, he had registered himself under the name Markus and under a new appearance, created using illusion magic. The guild reminded him of mercenary networks from old stories. But Adventurers here weren’t just hired swords—they performed a range of tasks, from hunting fearsome monsters to assisting with mundane jobs. The guild itself operated with a ranking system, from copper to the coveted adamantium. Though the Adventurer’s guild wasn’t really big in most of the kingdoms.
This system originally began from the kingdom of Hami, where the army and noble faction didn’t possess much power. Whereas the Maya kingdom allowed working of Adventurer’s guild in their kingdom to have friendly relations with different factions of Hami.
It was in Jul where he had met the old farmer. The man needed an escort to the capital city of Doon and Croxeus was also headed there.
Though completing a private job like an escort job wasn’t going to improve his rank but it provided him with a chance to explore this world.
The guild’s ranking system was deliberately designed to prioritize monster hunting as the primary method for advancing one’s rankings. While private jobs, such as escort missions contributed minimally to rankings due to the logistical challenges and various other reasons.
This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it
This structure encouraged adventurers to focus on monster hunting to climb the ranks, as higher rankings served as a badge of credibility when seeking lucrative private contracts. Hence, creating a balance between reputation-building and monetary gain.
The cart jolted over another rut in the road which made Croxeus grip to the edge to steady himself. The sensation was new, almost thrilling in its simplicity. Back home, hyperloops and levitating pods had eliminated any transit time. The travel was instantaneous as no journey took more than ten minutes. Here, spending two full days on the road felt alien—but not unwelcome.
Still, it was strangely captivating. Each mile brought new sights and sounds that Croxeus found himself marvelling at. The rhythmic creak of the wooden wheels, the earthy scent of the road and the vibrant scenery of rolling fields and distant forests—all of it somehow felt alive.
This is incredible, he thought, leaning slightly to peer at a group of children waving excitedly by the roadside.
Are they waving at the cart? Or at me? What’s so exciting about a horse-drawn cart? Surely, they’ve seen hundreds...
But the children’s joy was infectious as it made Croxeus smile faintly.
People here are so happy to see one another…. Back home, it wasn’t like this. Even with all our time saving technology, everyone seemed so busy… so detached. No one had time to even look at each other, let alone smile like that.
His thoughts turned to the previous night where he spent the night at random farmer’s house. Those strangers had offered them food and shelter without hesitation and with no expectations in return.
They had so little… but still they were willing to share everything. In my world, we were taught that people in pre-technological eras lived in constant suffering—wars, famine and slavery and all… But here… it’s different. They find happiness in simplicity… in community. Maybe the truth was never as black-and-white as we believed.
The sunlight filtering through the trees warmed his face which made him close his eyes, briefly savouring the moment.
Time feels different here, too. It moves so slow as if it’s inviting me to truly live each moment. The way those clouds shift lazily in the sky. The way the light flickers through the trees... Even the creak of this cart feels soothing. The warmth of the sun… the brightness of the sky... I never appreciated these things before.
The old man’s voice broke through his thoughts. "I know I never asked this," he said while turning back with his ever-present smile, "but are you by chance from the kingdom of Hami?"
Croxeus hesitated briefly before replying. “Ye—Yeah, you’re right, old man. I’m from Hami.”
"As expected," the farmer said with a knowing chuckle. "Folks from Hami are always strong, like you. Adventuring suits them well. But I have to admit, I’m surprised to see someone as capable as you at copper rank.”
“I started adventuring recently,” Croxeus said, weaving a careful lie. “I lost someone dear and decided to leave my old life behind and start fresh here.”
The old man’s face softened. "Ah... I’m sorry to hear that."
"No worries," Croxeus said with a faint smile.
"If you need help settling in, just let me know," the farmer offered. "I know a fair bit about this kingdom and its ways."
"That would be most helpful," Croxeus replied. "Tell me more about Maya. I’d like to learn everything I can.”
“Well, the kingdom of Maya isn’t as grand as Hami perhaps, but it has its own charm,” he said.
“It’s a good place for a fresh start, you know. Life’s pretty peaceful here. The land’s fertile, the people are kind and there’s not much trouble apart from the occasional bandit or monster attacks. Makes it a great place for an adventurer like you.”
Croxeus remembered about the monster attacks mentioned in the guild bulletin board. “Peaceful, huh? Then why does the guild bulletin have more job requests than I’ve ever seen in one place?”
The farmer chuckled. “Fair point. Maya might look calm on the surface, but when you dig a little deeper, you’ll find the usual troubles. Bandits get bold on the trade routes, monsters wander too close to the villages... And, well, there’s always a bit of tension between the nobles.” His voice grew quieter. “Not all of them are as concerned with the people’s welfare as they should be.”
“That’s... troubling,” Croxeus said carefully. “Doesn’t the king do anything about it?”
The farmer tilted his head as though considering the question. “King Yuyutsu, eh? Now, that’s a man with a reputation. They say he’s got eyes everywhere—spies, informants, you name it. Some even say he can change his form and slip into the dens of his enemies unnoticed.” He chuckled. “Makes you wonder if the person sitting next to you might be him, doesn’t it?”
Croxeus chuckled. “Sounds like a smart way to keep people in line. Do you think those stories are true?”
The farmer shrugged, an enigmatic twinkle in his eye. “Who knows? Folks like to exaggerate, but there’s usually a kernel of truth in every tale. Either way, the man’s done well enough. Kept the trade routes open, kept the peace with our neighbours. You can’t argue with results, I suppose.”
“Sounds like you approve of him,” Croxeus said, studying the old man’s expression.
“I wouldn’t go that far,” the farmer replied while leaning back. “The king’s just a man, like any other. He’s made mistakes, too. Some folks think he’s too heavy-handed with his spies… that he’s paranoid. Others think he focuses too much on diplomacy and not enough on the troubles at home. What about you, Hami boy? What do you think of a king like that?”
Caught off guard, Croxeus hesitated. “I... don’t know yet. I haven’t been here long enough to form an opinion.”
“A fair answer,” the farmer said with a nod. “But mark my words, lad—whether you’re a farmer or an adventurer, a king’s choices affect everyone. You’ll see it soon enough.”
Croxeus frowned, unsure if the old man’s words were a warning or simple musings. “What about the capital? Doon, right? Is it as prosperous as they say?”
The farmer’s eyes brightened at the question. “Ah, Doon. Now that’s a sight to behold. It’s the heart of Maya’s trade, bustling with caravans heading to and from the Ketu. You’ll find merchants selling goods from every corner of the land, from spices and silks to weapons and those weird enchanted trinkets... whatever you want you will get there. If you ask me, it’s a good place for a fresh start.”
“I might check it out,” Croxeus said. “Thanks for the advice, old man.”
The farmer waved a hand dismissively. “Bah, no need for thanks. Just do some good out there, and we’ll call it even.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” Croxeus said while watching the old man shuffle off toward his small cart.
I don’t know what Ard and the others might be doing right now. They’re probably working in that laboratory I gave them, trying to make sense of this world. Honestly, I’m ashamed to admit it, but I only have a basic understanding of science. It felt... right to let them take the lead. They’re scientists, after all.
The cart jostled as it hit a small bump. On the outside this place feels just like SUN-SAAR. My magic works the same. Could this be a new simulation? Did they repurpose the old data to create this place?... That would explain how we ended up here.
Should I try to contact them? No… that’s probably a bad idea. If they discover that my consciousness was transferred here intact, I might end up as their next guinea pig…. It’s too risky.
Not that I am dying to go back. There isn’t even anything for me there. Except… His chest tightened. I miss my brother. More than anything. If only there was a way to talk to him… just once.
His eyes softened as he looked around the serene beauty of the countryside. The vibrant colours of the fields, the crisp air and the peaceful hum of life—it was perfect… in its own way.
This world is so good. There’s no pressure, no tasks… no deadlines. I can do whatever I want here. It’s like I’m finally free.
Still… I can’t be too careless. I can’t let myself be discovered. If this truly is a simulation, then I need to lay low. For now, I’ll gather as much information as I can.
-
The sun dipped below the horizon as the cart rolled into Doon, the capital city of the Maya Kingdom. The towering gates at the entrance stood as the sentinels of the city. Soldiers on the front door were dressed in polished armour. Their job was to inspect every individual and cart that passed through.
Their watchful eyes scanned Croxeus and the old farmer as they approached.
"State your business," one of the guards shouted as they reached the gates.
“Delivering purple herbs to the Lord Saran,” the old man replied in his polite tone.
The guard nodded and after a brief inspection, he waved them through. They paid the entry fee and entered the bustling city just as the first stars began to shimmer in the sky.
The streets were alive with the fading echoes of daytime activity.
The merchants were closing their stalls, children were darting between alleys and lanterns started to flicker light along the cobblestone pathways.
As they moved deeper into the city, the old farmer turned to Croxeus (now going by his alias Markus)
“I know our arrangement was just for escorting me here,” he began, scratching the back of his neck, “but my back isn’t what it used to be... Think you could help unload the herbs at the noble’s house? Your muscles could make quick work of it.”
Markus—Croxeus—nodded without hesitation. “Of course. Lead the way.”
They soon arrived at the gates of Noble Saran's estate. It was an ostentatious mansion surrounded by high walls and guarded by soldiers who seemed more for show than actual protection.
The farmer informed the guards of their delivery. After a short wait, the noble himself emerged from the front door of the mansion, flanked by a handful of his men.
Saran was a thin, wiry man with sharp features that twisted into an expression of disdain as he approached. His silk robes were embroidered with gold which glimmered under the lantern light. By his attire he looked a wealthy noble, but his demeanour was far from royal.
“You brought the herbs, I see,” Saran said with his tone dripping with impatience. Without waiting for a response, he leaned in to inspect the bundles on the cart. As he began his inspection, his lips curled in disapproval.
“Yes, my lord,” the farmer said while bowing slightly. “I grew them myself and transported them all the way here.”
Lord Saran waved his hand dismissively. “How much are you asking for this... ragged bunch?”
“Twenty-one gold coins, my lord,” the farmer said in his steady voice despite the noble’s tone.
Saran scoffed. His annoyance was evident on his face. “Twenty-one? For this?” He gestured at the herbs dismissively. “These look like they were picked out of a ditch. The leaves are wilted, the colour’s off—I won’t give a dime more than nine gold coins.”
The farmer’s expression faltered, but he still persisted. “My lord, I came from far away. These herbs took months to grow and tend. I even hired an adventurer for one gold coins to ensure their safe delivery.” He gestured toward Croxeus, who shifted uncomfortably under the noble’s dismissive glance.
Saran’s face darkened. As he took a menacing step forward. “I don’t care how far you came or what you paid. I didn’t ask for these! And these herbs are garbage—probably stink like the muck they grew in. Seven gold coins, and not a penny more.”
“What did you just say about the royal farmlands?” The farmer’s voice changed, now calm and soothing. His voice now seemed to ripple with an authority that demanded attention.
Before anyone could react, the old farmer’s appearance began to change. His hunched posture straightened. His weathered skin smoothed and his simple clothes shimmered into fine royal garments with gleaming jewelleries.
As he transformed, light seemed to radiate around him. And where the farmer had stood, now was a young and strikingly handsome man with golden hair that seemed to glow in the moonlight.
The soldiers and Markus stood frozen in shock.
“K—K—King Yuyutsu? Your Majesty?” Saran stammered while stumbling backward. His face turned pale as his arrogance evaporated. “Why are you here?”
Yuyutsu’s serene expression remained unchanged. “I’m here to investigate you, of course,” he said. “I’ve received numerous anonymous complaints about your dealings with the farmers under your care. It seems those complaints were accurate.”
“No, Your Majesty, I assure you, they were just simple misunderstandings!” Saran’s voice cracked as he scrambled to save himself. He shoved one of his soldiers forward. “This fool—he smells awful, that’s why I thought the stench came from the herbs! And it is nighttime. So—I—I couldn’t see the quality properly...”
“That’s enough, Saran,” Yuyutsu interrupted in a sharp tone. “Stop making excuses.” He raised his hand and armed soldiers appeared from the shadows. Among them was a man in elegant attire who was probably the kingdom’s prime minister.
“Guards, arrest him,” the king commanded.
The guards moved swiftly and binded the sputtering noble. Saran shouted protests, but his voice grew faint as they dragged him away.
The prime minister stepped forward. His face was a mix of respect and concern. “Your Majesty, was it truly necessary to handle this matter personally? We could have dealt with it without exposing you to danger.”
Yuyutsu smiled faintly. “A king must walk among his people, Prime Minister. How else can I truly understand their lives? This was not just about Saran. I’ve learned so much during my time here, and I needed to see with my own eyes what was happening in my kingdom.”
His gaze shifted to Croxeus. “Besides, I had this young man to protect me.”
Croxeus blinked as he was caught off guard by the compliment. “I... I didn’t do much, Your Ma—jesty.”
Croxeus stood frozen. His mind was struggling to reconcile what he was seeing. Just moments ago, the old farmer had seemed like an ordinary man. Now, in his place, stood King Yuyutsu, the leader of the Maya Kingdom. A leader of an entire nation.
The change in atmosphere was so sudden. The light right now, shimmered differently around the king. It was like an unspoken authority radiated from him which even made the air feel heavier.
This wasn’t the carefully protected and manufactured respect Croxeus had seen for politicians in his world. Politicians, Presidents and Prime Ministers held little or no respect in the real world. Those were just empty posts filled by faceless fools.
But this, this was real respect and authority, which was earned through deeds and the loyalty of those under his rule.
Croxeus’s thoughts raced. So, this is what a true leader looks like. In the real world, the Prime Minister was nothing more than a joke—a figurehead for photos and formalities. People mocked him openly and called him good for nothing. But this man—King Yuyutsu holds such authority so effortlessly. Even the Prime Minister at his side carries himself with so respect for him.
Yuyutsu’s calm voice broke the silence. “Even if I wish to reward you, I cannot disrespect you or the terms of our agreement.” He glanced at the Prime Minister and nodded. “One gold coin, as promised.”
The Prime Minister stepped forward, handing over the coins without hesitation. Croxeus accepted them.
The king’s expression softened slightly. And a hint of a smile crept on his lips. “However,” Yuyutsu continued, “I would also like to offer you something more—a place among the royal guards. You seem a capable warrior and this position would not only pay handsomely but also ensure you are well-settled in my kingdom. What do you say?”
Croxeus thought to himself, while this may be an excellent way to make connections…but…
After a moment’s hesitation, he said, “It’s... an incredibly generous offer, Your Ma—jesty. But I think I want to roam the world… see different things, before I settle into a role. Adventuring gives me freedom.”
Yuyutsu smiled faintly, as if he had already predicted the answer. “Haha Spoken like a true Hami native. Your people are known for their free spirits.” He stepped closer, “Still, I wanted to try… Perhaps our paths will cross again someday, Markus.”
With that, the king turned and began walking away and the Prime Minister followed him closely behind.
When they moved out of Markus’ earshot, the Prime Minister leaned towards the king and spoke in an urgent tone. “While you were out, we received troubling reports. King Raaz of the Meer Kingdom launched an attack on the Ketu Empire—and he apparently lost.... His forces suffered a devastating defeat, estimated loss is of fifty thousand soldiers.”
Yuyutsu replied in a shocking manner, “King Raaz? Attacking Ketu? Has he lost his mind?”
The Prime Minister shook his head. “The reasons for his attack are still unclear. But now, there’s speculation that Ketu might retaliate. If they decide to take action against Meer, should we intervene?”
Yuyutsu’s response came without hesitation. “No. We will abide by our long-standing policy. The Maya Kingdom will not engage in conflicts between other nations. Our priority is to maintain friendly relationships with all kingdoms.”
“But…” the Prime Minister pressed with a cautious tone, “diplomacy says, aligning with the stronger side is always better. Also, our borders are with the Ketu Empire, not Meer. If we somehow offend Emperor Shyok, we might face repercussions—his wrath is not something to underestimate.”
The king replied after a short pause, “King Shyok is a wise ruler. He won’t be offended by our neutrality. Our stance will be clear. We condemn King Raaz’s actions as reckless and unjust. Beyond that, we will wait to see how events unfold before taking any further steps. Emperor Shyok hasn’t even announced his decision regarding Meer yet, am I correct?”
The Prime Minister nodded his head. Then inclined his head to acknowledge the king’s reasoning. “As you say, Lord Yuyutsu.”
Yuyutsu’s expression softened slightly. “Remember, diplomacy isn’t just about taking sides—it’s about ensuring the best outcome for our people. Maya has thrived because we focus on peace, not war. Let’s not stray from that path.”
As the two men continued their conversation, Croxeus stood rooted in place while watching them disappear into the night.
For a moment there. I was worried… I don’t even know how to behave in front of a king.
I used to get so nervous in front of our bosses and he—he was a king.
Ufff… I think this is enough information for now. I should rest in an inn here and head to castle tomorrow.
*
Inside a dimly lit palace which was far smaller and less grandiose than the main royal residence, a tense atmosphere permeated the air. The grand hall was shrouded in shadows. In the front of the hall, there were a wide set of steps leading up to an imposing throne. At the top of the throne sat a strong but weathered man.
His broad shoulders and sharp jawline gave him an air of authority, while his piercing eyes reflected a mix of fury and worry. Age had left its mark on his face, but the power he exuded was unmistakable.
The silence of the room was broken as King Raaz entered through the front entrance, flanked by a small group of guards. His steps echoed across the hall as he approached in front of the throne.
Stopping before the older man, Raaz bowed slightly and greeted him. “Good evening, Father. I have returned.”
The old man’s reply was as sharp as a blade. “There is nothing good about this evening, you FOOL.”
Raaz straightened as he was startled by the harsh tone. “Father, if this is about—”.
“Silence!” after a short pause he continued, “will you care to explain to me why the hell you attacked the Ketu Empire?... I was so proud of you after your last two victories—so proud! Never—ever, even in my darkest dreams, did I imagine you would do something so foolish.”
“Father, it was necessary,” Raaz began in a respectful tone. “We cannot allow the Ketu Empire to dominate like this. Their influence and power over other kingdoms pose a direct threat to us. With our recent military strength, it seemed right to strike first—”
“Enough!” the old man barked. “You can’t fool me anymore Raaz. I know the real reason you attacked Ketu. It’s that damned Irgis.”
Raaz replied in slightly raised voice, “father, leave Lady Irgis out of this!”
“Silence!” his father roared in anger. “Where did I go wrong in raising you? Were the countless women in your harem not enough? What spell did that vixen cast on you to make you lose all sense?”
“FATHER!” Raaz snapped and his fists clenched, but the older man ignored him.
“You still don’t see it, do you? She doesn’t care about you, boy. If she did, she would’ve shown it after your first victory, or your second. She’s using you—manipulating you for her own schemes. And you, blinded by desire, have thrown away everything.”
“That’s not true—”
“Don’t interrupt me, boy!” his father thundered as his tone shifted to one of bitter disappointment.
“Wisdom is chasing you, Raaz, but you’re running even faster—after a DAMNED WOMAN! Do you even realize what you’ve done? You’ve not only lost the battle but cost fifty thousand soldiers their lives. Fifty thousand! Ahhhh… (the man sighed). Do you have any idea how much I’ve sacrificed to maintain peace with the Ketu Empire? Decades of diplomacy, countless efforts—all undone in a single, thoughtless act.”
Raaz opened his mouth to reply, but his father raised a hand to silence him. “Perhaps I was too hasty in your coronation. Maybe I should have kept the crown a few years longer—taught you the art of diplomacy instead of warfare.”
The man turned to the elderly advisor standing at his side. “Gush, prepare for my departure tomorrow. I will go myself to speak with Emperor Shlok. We must repair this disaster before it worsens.”
“Yes, Your Highness,” Gush replied while bowing deeply.
“And ensure the finest treats and offerings are prepared for the Emperor,” the old man added.
He shot one last withering glance at Raaz. “Pray that I can undo the damage you’ve caused. Pray, for all our sakes.”
Raaz remained silent as his jaw clenched in shame and frustration. Despite his anger and shame, he knew the old man was right.