Chapter 6: Notebook

Brassington City was expansive, so much so that it was segmented into 12 distinct districts. Each district comprised between five to twelve streets, varying based on its significance and size.

The first three districts were the epitome of opulence, primarily reserved for the affluent. Clean streets and high-end amenities marked these regions. They were named District 1 - Palagas Divia, District 2 - Rigeo Locuples, and District 3 - Telleius Peguris.

District 4, known as the market district, and District 5, the blacksmith district, followed. While blacksmiths operated throughout the city, this district was their primary hub.

A canal ran through District Five, serving dual purposes. Not only did it act as a boundary, but it also facilitated the transportation of goods. Often referred to as a waterway, it was equipped with rune locks that could adjust the water's flow rate. The canal linked to a lake, enabling goods to be transported seamlessly to neighboring cities.

District Six bore the name District Meditas, and the seventh was referred to as Pualisae Medetre Mane. I resided in the seventh district, specifically on Rose Street.

District Eight was christened District Prergrinus, and the Ninth was dubbed Le' Mo'detoure' Gresi. These unusual names were attributed to the settlers from the Indus Federation who relocated here after the first wizarding war.

Gangster influence was most pronounced in Districts seven, eight, and nine. Some factions even vied for control over the underground market within the market district. Districts Ten, Eleven, and Twelve were respectively named Parietinae Cinis, Pauper Nudus, and Nibrus Nelee'.

These districts were also known as the Lower-class districts where hygiene was often overlooked, and tragically, many children living there didn't witness another birthday.

In Brassington City, 45% of its populace resided in these downtrodden districts, a somber testament to the times and the harsh realities of the era.

The desperation of their circumstances drove many to dire measures. Numerous mothers and women felt compelled to become street workers to provide for their families. Only in Nibrus Nelee', the twelfth district, also referred to as the red-light area, were there a few legal brothel centers.

But the shadow of illicit activities loomed large. Many were pulled into the snares of gangs; some became drug dealers, while others succumbed to addiction themselves. Still, others found themselves entrapped by predatory loan sharks.

Sigh, the memory capabilities of this body were quite impressive. Although I didn't inherit the direct memories of my predecessor, I certainly absorbed their knowledge. I found I could commit things to memory almost instantaneously.

Mulling over this, I made my way toward the house I'd be residing in. Rose Street was notably popular for its abundance of rental properties. The place I had opted to rent seemed commendably decent. Soon enough, I stood before the doorstep of my would-be home.

A gray-painted, three-story building stood before me. Taking another drag from my cigarette, I pulled out the pocket watch to check the time.

'Ten thirty in the morning.' The early morning fog, which usually lingered until about eight, had already dissipated, making the time quite evident.

With a satisfying click, I shut the pocket watch and slid it back into my jetted pocket. Taking one last drag from my cigarette, I made my way into the building.

The house I'd rented was situated on the second floor. Each floor contained three rooms, a refreshing difference from those crammed single-room dwellings where families of five shared space, often with a communal bathroom.

Making my way up, I didn't encounter anyone who might recognize 'me'. Arriving at my door, I rummaged through my coat for the key. 'How convenient,' I mused with a hint of sarcasm, fitting the key into the lock.

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

Upon entry, a lingering metallic odor greeted me. Despite having cleaned up the 'crimson' evidence before my departure, that unmistakable scent still hung in the air. The metallic smell would have been stronger if the blood in the tub was still present. However, it 'mysteriously' disappeared. In this world, the word mysterious was akin to a problem.

'Hold on a minute.' I froze, the unsettling memories of the grotesquely disfigured bodies flooding back. It was an oversight on my part not to consider it earlier – wouldn't there have been some resistance? The condition of the bodies hinted at torture. Whether it happened before or after their demise, there would have been a commotion, wouldn't there?

Quickly, I moved to the dressing table, grabbing a perfume bottle. Spraying it generously around the room, I tried to neutralize the haunting reminder of the scene I had encountered earlier.

The weight of exhaustion settled on me, pushing me to sit on the chair while rubbing my temples. My not-so-sharp IQ struggled with processing everything, turning my refreshing stroll in this Victorian world into a growing headache. It seems headaches have a fondness for me.

I then placed the notebook, which was the magical guide, on the table. After thinking for a bit, I set it aside along with the other items I had purchased. I then picked up a blank notebook neatly arranged on the table. Taking the feathered pen, I dismantled it and filled it with ink, pouring from the ink bottle. Regrettably, a few drops spilt, staining the table.

Closing my eyes, I delved deep into my memories of the novel "Lord of the Realms," focusing intently on the first volume. It was a stroke of luck that I had been re-reading this particular volume, scouring for any foreshadowed events.

Eyes snapping open with clarity, I flipped the notebook and began to scribble. My handwriting wasn't the best – perhaps due to this body's unfamiliarity with writing in English or maybe a mismatch of muscle memory.

Having read numerous novels of this sort, I knew better than to pass up such a useful advantage. This could serve as a coded language decipherable only by me, but if there happened to be another transmigrator, they too might recognize it. Turning my full attention back to the notebook, a playful smirk appeared on my face, and I humorously noted, 'Warning! Big info dump ahead!'

This world is filled with dangers: demons, gods, abominations, and various other mystical entities. For the common man, these threats are tales of the past, and the current times are deemed safe. But this belief is a thin veil.

The Books.

I scribbled these two words at the top of the page. Instead of dividing time by ages or eras, or BCE and CE, people here used 'books' as markers. These books were then divided into volumes, much like eras.

The First Book - Pre-Creation Age: This is an enigma in history. As though shrouded in darkness, there remain no records of this period.

The Second Book - Age of Gods: Legends say that gods walked the earth during this period. Fragments of historical records hint at their existence. Over time, historians pieced together information, approximating the start of this book around 4000 BCE (Before the Chaos Era). This book is further segmented into three volumes.

* Volume 1: Ancient Civilizations of Demons and Gods (4000 BCE - 3,000 BCE)

* Volume 2: The War of Glory (3,000 BCE - 2,500 BCE)

* Volume 3: The Chaos Era (2,500 BCE - 1 BCE)

The Third Book - Ages of Human Civilization: This period marked the establishment of a stable civilization, fostering advancements in machinery and various other fields.

This book encompasses a vast stretch of history, spanning approximately 20 volumes (0 - 1512 ACE).

The Fourth Book - The Industrial and Magical Age: This represents the present era, currently divided into three volumes. This book chronicles the significant growth and evolution of magic and technological advancements. It also showcases their fusion

Flipping the page, I once again scribbled two words:

Current World.

Though my insights on this topic were limited, being a privileged reader certainly had its advantages. Is this the boon of buying privilege chapters?

I cleared my mind of those stray thoughts and refocused on the notebook in front of me.

Currently, the world comprises four major continents:

* Luminara

* Obsidionis

* Thalassar

* Celesterra

Yet, as with many fantasy tales, there's always a hidden land. In this novel, that elusive continent is named Draken Isle. The details about Draken Isle were scanty and often shrouded in mystery, but from the snippets provided, it's evident that the continent was remarkably prosperous.

If my recollections are accurate, I'm currently residing in the Celesterra Continent, within the Clandonshire kingdom, under the rule of King Badenvingustus IV. In this kingdom, there are three countries: Lenoxier Country, Medegeas Country, and Thailayne Country.

Other than Clandonshire, my notable impressions were of the Indus Federation, half the size of Clandonshire; Hungrine, a kingdom in the Luminara continent; and Obsidionis, not just a continent but also a vast empire ruled by Emperor Rex Suole.

My mood shifted as memories of the novel's events flooded in. The story delved into the depths of darkness, touching upon racism, gore, and sheer brutality - all the elements of a grim tale.

Will I even be able to survive in this world?