Synopsis
Born into prestige and gifted with talent, Pascal was a promising officer cadet whose deeds caught even the King's gaze. At the mere age of twenty, he had everything a young, ambitious man could need to begin a promising career.
Except his habitual arrogance had destroyed every opportunity of a close friendship outside his political marriage.
Seeking a companion who meets his protracted list of requirements, Pascal decided to craft the 'perfect spell' for the upcoming familiar ceremony. If those around him were not fit to accompany his genius, then he would summon a best friend through his own hands -- one that was mature, intelligent, knowledgeable, bright, and cute as well.
He received far more than he bargained for... and in turn, so did the shifting geopolitical power balance of his world.
[ Note: if you've seen previous versions of this story, see foreword in 1st chapter for how this relates to the older versions. ]
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Disclaimer:
This is not a power-fantasy or a 'feel-good' story. If you feel that a protagonist should never lack agency (especially in early story) or make compromises due to difficult circumstances, then this fiction is probably not for you.
Daybreak is a story that delves deep into real world sociological/psychological subjects and explores many topics of gray morality. I wrote it because I like stories that makes me think more about the world around us, not to detach myself from reality.
Some things you can expect include:
- [Ruling Class]: political drama, geopolitical/geoeconomic strategy- [High Fantasy]: how magic changes the sociotechnological evolution of civilization- [Genderbender]: exploration of gender identity, gender role, and discussion of social expectations- [Progression]: career capital accumulation and rank ladder-climbing- [War and Military]: massive battles featuring in-depth planning, combined arms, and operational logistics
This story is primarily hosted on my blog, where all the art/map assets can be found as well as the latest chapters.
Cover art by Nanang (lineart) + AbsolutePower (coloring)
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Table of Contents
- 1Volume 1 Chapter 1 - The Curse of Prodigy2024-11-13
- 2Volume 1 Chapter 2 – By the Runelord’s Will2024-11-13
- 3Volume 1 Chapter 3 – Master and Familiar2024-11-13
- 4Volume 1 Chapter 4 – Regressions of Time2024-11-13
- 5Volume 1 Chapter 5 - Status of Life2024-11-13
- 6Volume 1 Chapter 6 - A Peaceful Day2024-11-13
- 7Volume 1 Chapter 7 - The Perfect Contrast2024-11-13
- 8Volume 1 Chapter 8 - Inquisitive Hope2024-11-13
- 9Volume 1 Chapter 9 - Bonds of Faith2024-11-13
- 10Volume 1 Chapter 10 - Critical Appeal2024-11-13
- 11Volume 1 Chapter 11 - For Country, Not You2024-11-13
- 12Volume 1 Chapter 12 - Better Late Than Never2024-11-13
- 13Volume 1 Chapter 13 - A World of Difference2024-11-13
- 14Volume 1 Chapter 14 - Outbreak of War2024-11-13
- 15Volume 1 Epilogue2024-11-13
- 16Extra Chapter 1 - Switched Perspectives2024-11-13
- 17Extra Chapter 2 - Magic and Hierarchy2024-11-13
- 18Volume 2 Chapter 1 - By the Crossroad Shores2024-11-13
- 19Volume 2 Chapter 2 - Gendered Recollections2024-11-13
- 20Volume 2 Chapter 3 - The Oriflamme Princess2024-11-13
- 21Volume 2 Chapter 4 - Council of War2024-11-13
- 22Volume 2 Chapter 5 - A Royal Eccentricity2024-11-13
- 23Volume 2 Chapter 6 – The Third Wheel2024-11-13
- 24Volume 2 Chapter 7 – Pecking Order2024-11-13
- 25Volume 2 Chapter 8 - Logistical Wizardry2024-11-13
- 26Volume 2 Chapter 9 - Strategic Ambition2024-11-13
- 27Volume 2 Chapter 10 - Homecoming in Nordkreuz2024-11-13
- 28Volume 2 Chapter 11 - Realigning Interests2024-11-13
- 29Volume 2 Chapter 11.5 Interlude - The Coming Storm2024-11-13
- 30Volume 2 Chapter 12 - Late Night Confidence2024-11-13
- 31Volume 2 Chapter 13 - Heroic Legacy2024-11-13
- 32Volume 2 Chapter 13.5 Interlude - Chaos Rising2024-11-13
- 33Volume 2 Chapter 14 - The Storm Front2024-11-13
- 34Volume 2 Chapter 15 - Massive Strike2024-11-13
- 35Volume 2 Chapter 16 - Decisive Action2024-11-13
- 36Volume 2 Chapter 17 - Desperate Assault2024-11-13
- 37Volume 2 Chapter 18 - Baptism of Fire2024-11-13
- 38Volume 2 Chapter 19 - Hail the Black Dragon2024-11-13
- 39Volume 2 Chapter 20 - What A General Needs2024-11-13
- 40Volume 2 Epilogue2024-11-13
- 41Volume 2 Extra Chapter 1 - Bathhouse Cultural Exchange2024-11-13
- 42Volume 3 Chapter 1 - Irrational Facade2024-11-13
- 43Volume 3 Chapter 2 - Conscientious Choice2024-11-13
- 44Volume 3 Chapter 3 - Strategy for Legitimacy2024-11-13
- 45Volume 3 Chapter 4 - Budding Familiarity2024-11-13
- 46Volume 3 Chapter 5 - Arsenal of Faith2024-11-13
- 47Volume 3 Chapter 6 - Unquestioned Authority2024-11-13
- 48Volume 3 Chapter 7 - The Polar Cross2024-11-13
- 49Volume 3 Chapter 8 - Extreme Turbulence2024-11-13
- 50Volume 3 Chapter 9 - Fundamental Bias2024-11-13
- 51Volume 3 Chapter 10 - Benign Interference2024-11-13
- 52Volume 3 Chapter 11 - As God Wills It2024-11-13
- 53Volume 3 Chapter 12 - Never Leave Regrets2024-11-13
- 54Volume 3 Chapter 13 - Ten Thousand A Day2024-11-13
- 55Volume 3 Chapter 14 - Desperate Authority2024-11-13
- 56Volume 3 Chapter 15 - Breaking Point2024-11-13
- 57Volume 3 Chapter 16 - Reason to Be2024-11-13
- 58Volume 3 Chapter 17 - Judgment at Dawn2024-11-13
- 59Volume 3 Chapter 18 - The Knights' Oath2024-11-13
- 60Volume 3 Chapter 19 - Didactic Reckoning2024-11-13
- 61Chapter 20 - The Perfect Flaw2024-11-13
- 62Volume 3 Epilogue Interlude - The Stage Is Set2024-11-13