On top of the highest tower of the Blackthorn castle, There sat a handsome boy, with black curly hair that framed his face, and emerald green eyes that sparkled with intelligence and curiosity. His expression was thoughtful, as if he was weighing his options and making his plans.

This boy was Theon gazing at the land that his ancestors had once ruled with honor. He felt a pang of sadness as he saw the city of Veridium below him, a shadow of its former glory. The streets that used to be filled with life and joy were now dark and dismal, plagued by hunger and misery.

In ages past, Veridium was a jewel among cities, renowned for its beauty and prosperity. It was a melting pot of cultures and civilizations, where humans, elves, and dwarfs lived side by side in harmony. Each race had its own district within the city, with the humans occupying the bustling marketplace, the elves residing in the lush forests surrounding the city, and the dwarfs delving deep into the earth beneath.

But as time passed and the world changed, Veridium fell from grace, its glory faded and its prosperity waned. Wars, famine, and political intrigue took their toll on the once-great city, leaving it a shadow of its former self.

Beyond the borders of Veridium, the world was divided into six continents, each home to a different race. The dwarfs claimed dominion over the continents of Eredor and Khazum, where they carved magnificent cities and strongholds into the mountainsides, and delved deep into the earth in search of precious metals and gems. The elves made their home on the continents of Arathel and Silvanea, dwelling among the ancient forests and mystical glades, and guarding the secrets of nature with reverence. Humans, the most widespread of all races, inhabited the continents of Thaloria and Astoria, where they built great cities and kingdoms that spanned the land, and forged alliances with other races in their quest for power and dominance.

In the center of the world map stood the Central Republic, a neutral organization that governed over all six continents.

The Central Government, also known as the Central Republic, was established ages ago with the primary purpose of maintaining peace, order, and stability throughout the world. Comprised of ten high-ranking members, known as the Council of Elders, this governing body represented the pinnacle of power and authority in the realm.

The Council of Elders was comprised of the strongest and most influential individuals from each family, kingdom, and continent, chosen for their wisdom, strength, and integrity. These individuals wielded immense political, magical, and martial prowess, making them the undisputed leaders of their respective domains.

The Central Government operated on a system of checks and balances, with each member of the Council representing the interests of their people and ensuring that no single faction held too much power. Decisions were made through consensus and deliberation, with each member having an equal voice in the proceedings.

The primary responsibilities of the Central Government included mediating disputes between factions, enforcing laws and regulations, and overseeing matters of national security and defense. They also played a crucial role in coordinating efforts to combat external threats, such as invading armies or rampaging monsters, ensuring that the world remained safe for all its inhabitants.

In addition to their political duties, the Council of Elders also served as guardians of ancient knowledge and wisdom, preserving the secrets of the past and guiding the course of the future. Their authority was respected and revered by all, and their word was considered law throughout the land. Unless a faction of similar standing had something to say about it.

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Despite their power and influence, the Council of Elders was not immune to corruption or intrigue. Rivalries and conflicts often arose between members, as factions vied for control and dominance within the Council. However, through diplomacy, compromise, and the occasional show of force, the Central Government managed to maintain relative peace and stability in the world.

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As Theon contemplated the state of his city, his thoughts turned to the hidden realms that lay beyond the mortal realm. These temporal Pockets Scattered throughout the realms are dimension pocket—areas where time flows differently. Adventurers might discover hidden realms with unique challenges, magical creatures, or ancient civilizations frozen in time. Each realm imbued with its own unique properties and mana levels, had its own characteristics, which determined its value and difficulty. The realms were graded from D to S, with D being the lowest and S being the highest. However, there were rumors of two more grades above S, which were so rare and elusive that they were almost mythical.

As opportunistic as they are, the realms were said to contain unimaginable power and secrets, but were often filled with danger. Therefore to completely tame and have full access to one, it had to be taken control of and conquered.

The Blackthorn family had once possessed a hidden realm of S grade, but over the centuries, its mana levels had declined, and some poor decisions were made in it management which caused it to become a pale shadow of its former self.

As Theon stood on the balcony, overlooking the sprawling landscape of Veridium, his mind raced with plans for the future.

"Reynolds," he called out, his voice echoing in the empty air.

In an instant, the master butler appeared behind him, his presence as silent and graceful as a wisp of smoke. "My lord, how may I be of service?" Reynolds inquired, his tone deferential as always.

Theon turned to face him, his expression resolute. "Gather the branch leaders of our family council, as well as all other family members who are currently away," he instructed, his voice firm with authority. "Inform them that there will be a council meeting in five days' time, and that their presence is required."

Reynolds nodded in understanding, already moving to carry out Theon's commands. "Of course, my lord. Shall I also prepare the necessary accommodations for their arrival?"

Theon considered the question for a moment before responding. "Yes, do so," he replied, his mind already moving on to the next matter at hand. "And Reynolds, use 10 million from the reimbursement to purchase six A-grade mana contracts.

As Reynolds turned to leave, Theon's thoughts drifted to another matter that weighed heavily on his mind.

"Reynolds," Theon called out once more, stopping the butler in his tracks. "Do you know the whereabouts of our family's retired guardian? The one who was injured defending us a few years ago?"

Reynolds paused, his brow furrowing in thought. "Ah, you're referring to Sir Garrick," he replied, his tone tinged with a hint of sadness. "After his retirement, he chose to live a quiet life in the countryside, far from the bustle of city life."

Theon's eyes narrowed slightly as he pondered Reynolds' words. "I need you to find him, Reynolds," he stated firmly. "We may require his expertise once more."

Reynolds nodded in understanding, his expression reflecting the gravity of the situation. "As you wish, my lord. I shall send word to him immediately."

Theon's gaze softened as he met Reynolds' eyes. "And if he is reluctant to return, inform him that I have a way to heal his injuries," he added, his voice tinged with determination.

Reynolds' eyes widened in surprise at Theon's words. "Heal his injuries, my lord?" he echoed, his tone laced with curiosity and disbelief.

Theon nodded, a faint smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Indeed," he affirmed.

" But young master, his injuries cannot be healed unless you count in the rumors of a divine herb with unparalleled healing properties, rumored to exist only in the mythical realms beyond our own" said Reynolds.

" Don't worry I'll take care of it" Theon reassured.

Reynolds regarded Theon with a mixture of admiration and respect. "Very well, my lord," he replied, his tone filled with unwavering loyalty. "I shall convey your message to Sir Garrick and make the necessary arrangements."

With that, Reynolds bowed respectfully before taking his leave, leaving Theon alone with his thoughts