Meanwhile, deep in the imperial palace's throne room, the three heroes gasped and shuttered. Once their patron placed the blessing, each of them endured immense pain.
The experience lasted only for a moment, but it was enough to bring all three to their knees. Gasping with strained breaths, they slowly ascended to their feet, to the emperor's joy.
Regious inspected the trinity, eventually falling back into comfort at their renewed vigour. Once the heroes had risen, each of them inspected their bodies for any changes.
They felt over their arms and torsos, frowning all the while. As they continued their inspection, the emperor patiently waited.
Jasmine was the first to complete and immediately turned to the throne. "What now?" She asked sternly, halfway between a request and an expectation.
Regious didn't react and instead cleared his throat, adjusted his position and then spoke, this time in a more casual tone. "Alright, heroes, I will level with you." The formerly regal emperor ascended from his throne, walking casually over. "Everything I said before you can ignore, mostly, it was all for show for the nobility." Stating matter-of-factly, he shrugged.
The three stood dumbfounded. "I don't understand. Are you trying to tell us that was all acting?" Jasmine asked, curious to see where this was going.
The emperor sighed, helplessly. "Unfortunately, yes." He crossed their path and moved to the side. "If you feel up for it, walk with me?"
The three assessed themselves and agreed to follow. A group of the emperor, three earthling heroes, several guards, and two robed men left the room.
Once entering the corridor, they took a left, leading to an opulent hallway adorned with gold and red. Spaced evenly were several portraits of past monarchs, painted in regal finery.
Regious turned to the heroes. "The situation is far more complicated than a simple demonic threat." He spoke with weariness, as if the words weighed heavier than expected.
Before the emperor could continue, Peter rudely interjected. "What do you mean? This isn't a whole fight the demon king type deal?" Rattling out two abrupt questions, he remained oblivious to the fact that he interrupted royalty.
The guards frowned, prompting Regious to calm them. Returning to meet the young man's gaze, he answered. "No, it is not. There hasn't been a king of demons for over five hundred years, not since the rift in the lower planes was closed." Looking at the ceiling, he recalled memories from the long past.
The emperor looked wistful and sombre. It was as if he could see the past between the lines of the decorative ceiling carved centuries ago.
Peter and Lucy both look confused, but Jasmine remains unfazed. They all continued down the hallway until Regious stopped at a portrait. The painting depicted was in bright pastel colours, the visage of a beautiful dark-skinned woman.
She appeared to be in her early twenties; she wore a long flowing red gown and a crown neatly placed on her head. Her face was without blemish, except for a mole on her left cheek. She had lustrous red hair and smiled brightly.
Regious gazed at the portrait longingly, his eyes turning cloudy. Quickly, he shook his head and turned to the heroes. "Who is she?" Jasmine asked softly, as if she noticed the man's inner turmoil.
The emperor's shoulders slumped, reaching out to caress the image as if he could somehow bring her to life. Alas, he retracted and turned back to the three.
"Her name was Samara, and she was my wife." He visibly slumped, and his entire presence seemed to dim. Still, he clenched his fist and held his head up high. "Over a year ago, federation extremists assassinated her," he said. "No, that's not accurate. The assassin claimed to be of the federation, but he was not. He was of the Legion, part of the new pro Demi-human movement."
Regious noticed their confusion and quickly collected himself. Looking back at the portrait, he lingered for a moment before continuing. "Your summoning was to prevent a war between my nation and there's. Since neither of us has any desire for a war at all." The moment he uttered those words, all three heroes stopped in their tracks.
Peter was the first to speak, his face keenly interested. "If you all want peace, then why aren't you guys just going after the Legion or whatever they are called?" Asking the obvious question with a certain naivety.
"A fine question, lad. In truth, many of our citizens don't see a difference between these extremists and federation citizens." Sighing, he looked down at his fine robes, brushing his fingers down the gold filigree. "As the situation gets worse, more Demi-humans will join their cause and soon we will have no choice but to respond."
Still slightly confused, Peter spoke again. "But if both of you guys are on the same page, can't you just tell your people to stop fighting?"
Regious and Jasmine both chucked almost instantaneously. The two exchanged a look. "Because, my dear boy, a nation is not its rulers." Regious looked poignantly at Peter like a teacher to a student.
Before he could finish, Jasmine completed his sentence. Jasmine completed his sentence before he could finish, saying, "A nation is its people, and I'm guessing your people are not as unified?"
The emperor nodded. "You are correct, my dear. The empire has many parts, just like the federation. They are not all are on the same parchment." He explained.
The group lingered in silence. No one spoke, not even a whisper. "This is all pretty complicated. What exactly do you want us to do?" Peter asked with reckless abandon, not even considering or noticing the complete annoyance on every imperial guard.
The emperor raised a hand, and the guards stood to attention. Their muscles seemed to tighten, and their faces were stern, without a shred of emotion.
The emperor coughed to get the attention of all. With all their gazes set upon him, he unveiled his intentions. "Well, first you three need to learn." His eyes glowed with a mischievous air, accompanied by a wide smug smile. With the confused attention of the heroes, the emperor gestured.
"Master Scholar Davos, please come here." Gazing past the heroes towards the robed men. "Master Spiritus Rita, please come as well." Prompted by his imperial majesty, the two-robed figures approached.
Appearing just to the emperor's side, they both lowered their hoods, revealing themselves. An elderly man in his sixties was on the left, closest to the emperor. His face held the years he had lived with every crease and wrinkle. Wearing a simple grey robe with the insignia of a book and quill on the left breast. The elderly man appeared to be a stereotypical old wise man.
Rita was young and elegant, looking to be around her early thirties. Her dark auburn hair was short and neatly tied up in a bun. The smile adorned her pale and unblemished face and denoted a joyful and carefree appearance.
With both masters standing before them, Davos spoke up first. "Now, young heroes, I will be your teacher," he said, nodding his head to each of them as if they were already his students. "I will be your guide in all things history, culture, religion, politics and your place in it." Stating with a flourish of his wrists. He listed various subjects.
The three heroes immediately reacted differently from each other. Jasmine's eyes perk up in interest, while Peter and Lucy show dejected expressions at the thought of returning to school. Before Davos could speak, to further extol the virtues of his class, Rita cut in.
"While this geezer will teach you such important knowledge, I will be your instructor in magic and the spirits." Adding a little sarcasm to her voice and sliding her gaze to Davos, Rita smiled.
In a flash, the three heroes found themselves seated evenly in what they could identify as a classroom. However, the environment was much more primitive than what either of them was used to. Indeed, it was a classroom, a place where young minds learn. They all occupied wooden chairs with small desks in front of them. Jasmine was on the right, Peter in the middle, and Lucy on the left. The room was bland, as if the designer went for functionality over gaudiness. In front of them was a black chalkboard with several notes of writing here and there.
Standing before them was the scholar Davos, the imperial master scholar, as he liked to call himself. Davos was writing a few lines on the board, outlining a brief introduction to imperial history. Droning on and on caused two of the heroes to zone out, with only Jasmine paying attention. After some time, Jasmine raised her hand. She moved swiftly, almost elegantly, as if that was a practised motion. She stood up straight, not even a trace of a slouch in her posture.
"Master Scholar, may I ask a question?" She asked with an even tone and narrowed eyes.
Davos turned his gaze to her, his face alight with intrigue and a faint trace of surprise. "Of course, my dear, you may." Tripping over his words, he finally gets out his response with a smile adorning his wrinkled face.
Nodding her head a few times, Jasmine collects herself and then speaks clearly. "I would like to ask why the vassal kingdoms could keep their crowns after the unification wars?" Gesturing with her right hand bobbing up and down to convey her point.
Scholar Davos nodded a few times, as if this was a surprising yet apt question. Straightening his imperial robe, he spoke in reply. "A good question my dear, the answer is simple, the first emperor, may he prosper in the realm of spirits, had no blood claim to the throne of humanity." Volunteering this information without hesitation, he continued.
"He was a minor knight of Sylvan, a history he never concealed from the scholars of ages. His right to rule was primarily a decree by the spirits." Turning back to his board, he started writing again. He arranged the words Sylvan, Helgos, and Tarkon around the word Judica.
All three heroes tilt their heads, with Peter and Lucy leaving their state of daydreaming. Davos turned around to face his students, pointed at the word Sylvan, and started speaking. "The Kingdom of Sylvan is the birthplace of our glorious founding emperor; he was a knight of the Judica house, minor nobility, and gained his title through the strength of arms." Stopping for an abrupt break to survey his students, he smiled at their rapt attention.
Suddenly Peter spoke up, absent of any hands raised. "So, he was some badass knight that conquered the kingdoms... awesome." Nodding his head a few times, Peter smiled widely before thrusting his palm forward to move a cup of water with his mind.
Both Jasmine and Lucy looked at the immature boy with disappointment. Jasmine returned her gaze to Davos, while Lucy secretly threw a gaze at the flickering candle on the wall. She futilely tried to control the fire with her mind out of everyone's sight.
While the two were trying to utilise their magic superpowers, Davos cleared his throat and continued his lesson. "Though I do not know what the term badass represents, you are correct, though conquering all the kingdoms is a tad inaccurate." Turning back to his board, he points to the word Sylvan.
"The Kingdom of Sylvan lies in the west. It is an island kingdom, distributed across several island colonies." Stopping for a moment to catch his breath, he continued. "Sylvan is rich in sea-born trade and is the first kingdom to be graced patronage by the spirit goddess herself, Lady Aquara. Granting her blessing and sending her children to aid sailors who follow her faith." Pausing for a moment, he turns to his students.
Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.
"The induction of the spirit faith into Sylvanian society eventually leads to a civil war between the faith and the crown." Leaving his words on that last note, he allowed for questions.
Peter was the first to speak up. "Aww sweet, you mean Aquara, the spirit that blesses me with her awesome powers. Is the head of some sort of seafaring religion?" Asking excitedly. His smile widens with an expectant face. Davos then nods a little apprehensively, affirming the young man's question.
"That is so cool!" He exclaimed even more excitedly before he reaffirmed his efforts to water bend.
While the immature Peter continues to try various poses to make the water move. Lucy spoke up with a meek tone. "So, they fought over religion?" She asks with a voice almost akin to a whisper, before lowering her gaze when receiving a reaction.
Davos nodded a few times, turning his gaze to Lucy with a sincere smile. "In a sense, yes, the spread of the spirit faith threatened the monarchy's control over the kingdom. Several island colonies rebelled in small ways against the anti-religious sentiment of the reigning king." Turning back to the board, he continues his explanation.
"In the end, a civil war broke out between the faithful and the monarch loyalists. The monarchy fell after a decisive battle in the capital city and the king was executed for his many crimes." Drawing his chalk to the board, he wrote a name with a deft hand.
"Sir Willhelm Judica led the faith militant to seize the throne and the remaining royal family. Granted the title of Lord Regent, he ruled the Kingdom of Sylvan in place of the last royal heir, Princess Elisa, five years old." Waving his chalk at Peter and Lucy, who had once more let their attention drift, Davos continued.
"Lord Regent Wilhelm's son set off on a holy pilgrimage to the mainland of Hestia and founded the holy city of Judica." Ending his explanation there, Davos paused for a moment, his face exuding satisfaction and expectation.
Peter and Lucy just sat there frowning while Jasmine's face frowned in contemplation. After a few moments, Jasmine raised her hand. Receiving a nod from Davos, she spoke. "So, from there, the Lord Regent expanded the spirit faith to Helgos and Tarkon, unifying them into the current empire?" She asked, expecting her words to be validated.
Davos nodded approvingly before speaking. "Indeed, Wilhelm united the human kingdoms into one empire. The northern Helgosians resisted. For a time, their wizardry was antitheses to the spirit faith, and the newly discovered spiritus art." Turning his gaze back to the board, he shifted over to the words Helgos and Tarkon.
"The Kingdom of Tarkon was embroiled in a bitter conflict with the Lankosian clans. Leaving their western border open for Helgosian attack, this war was resolved when the faith militant aided Tarkon with substantial reinforcements." Leaving that last statement hanging there, he eyed each of his students.
All three showed mild interest, except for Jasmine, who revealed eyes filled with keen interest. "I see, so that means assisting the Kingdom of Tarkon with the Lankosians. You could secure them as an ally in the conquest of Helgos." Placing her slender fingers on her chin, she caressed her skin carefully, her eyes brimming with contemplation.
Davos smiles widely, the picture of a delighted teacher graced by a student with intellect. Nodding a few times excitedly, he speaks up happily. "Indeed, my dear, that is correct. Assisting the Tarkonian dynasty with foreign threats, the regent could secure them as allies. Once the mainland was secure, they began the siege of Helgos. The kingdom endured bitterly from the attack on both sides. In the end, they capitulated and became a vassal state under the newly established Empire of Judica." Circling the word Judica, he turned back to his students to gauge their reactions.
They remained quiet; each contemplating various topics as depicted by their frowned expressions. "Then why did the new empire allow the vassal kingdoms to keep their dynasties?" Jasmine asked quickly after some time pondering.
"A good question, my dear. It was the emperor's intention to preserve the culture of humanity. By allowing the vassal kingdoms to keep their rule in part, humanity could remain diverse." Davos explained with a slight twitch of his left eye.
Noting this, Jasmine spoke up. "Do you not agree with the first emperor's decision?" She asked with her head tilted to the side.
Shrugging his shoulders in a manner strange to his advanced age, Davos replied half-heartedly. "The emperor's will be the will of the spirits, yet allowing the vassals to keep their crowns had led to discontent over the years. The Helgosian Wizard revolt and subsequent migration across the northern pass and don't get me started on the impudent Tarkonian king." Speaking with greater passion than he once had, his tone got heated, before simmering with calm.
Coughing a few times to clear his throat, he started again. "We are getting off-topic, I am sorry students, we shall turn to the Federation of Demonus." Stating firmly, Davos erased the board with a dirty rag and began writing unfamiliar words. With chalk in hand, he wrote the United Realms of Lankos in large letters.
"Now the Lankosians are a major faction in the federation and the first race humanity met." Gesturing with his chalk, he pointed at the board while assessing the faces of his students.
His expression shifted in annoyance at the utter indifference of the two of his students. Stepping forward, he slammed his fist onto Peter's table, causing the wood to shake under his pressure. Out of reflex, the young Peter sat up straight. Years of high school had conditioned him to react this way. Davos glared down at him before peering over to Lucy, who equally sat up straight. Satisfied, he returned to his board and continued his lesson.
Writing a few more words spaced equally below, he explained each one. "The Realm of Lankos is composed of various Lankosian city-states. From our historical records, the Lankosians were a savage race of bipedal beasts, segregated into many tribes." Speaking as he wrote, he shuffled to the side with every word written across the board.
"Over the cause of seven hundred years, the tribes of old ceased fighting one another and united, forming the city-state union there is today." Returning his gaze back to his students, observant faces happily greeted him.
Emboldened by his student's attention, he continued. "The first and oldest of the city-states is Teskamir. It is reported in the historical archives that the entire city began as a trading camp. All merchants were welcome to set up shop and sell their wares." Placing his finger on the board, he shifted to the next one.
"The City of Kormath is another and was founded by Lankosian warlords fleeing the failed invasion of Nemora. They ruled for a time before they were quickly overthrown by their own soldiers. Kormath has then established a sovereign state, completely pulling out of the war with Tarkon." Shifting to the next word.
"And finally, the Chiefdom of Baru, considered being the centre of political and military power. Baru is a collection of Lankosian tribes united under the High Chief. The tribes of Baru were the main military force in the century-long conflict with Tarkon. They maintain peace and order within the realms and have limited imperial expansion of decades." Ending his explanation, he hurries over to his desk. Opening a drawer, he pulls forth a large rolled-up piece of parchment.
Walking back over to face his three students, he layers the parchment across their seats. His action prompted Peter to grab the cup of water quickly, saving it from potentially falling to the floor. Unravelling it reveals it to be a map detailing a massive continent. Below the continent is the name Hestia written in cursive. The rest of the map denotes a large continent with three smaller islands to the west.
Placing his finger on the western region, he points out the locations of Sylvan, Helgos, Judica and Tarkon. Sylvan encompassed the western islands and western shore of Hestia. Helgos was in the northwestern mountain range. The holy city of Judica was in the centre, while the vast plains of Tarkon existed to the east.
"Here is the domain of humanity, the Holy Empire of Judica." Shifting his finger further east, he outlines the Federation of Demonus and its member states. "The United Realms of Lankos." His index finger maneuvered to the southern region of the map, identifying three cities encompassing the Lankosian realm.
All three nod, with Peter muttering something to himself. "Sweet getting some lore. This is so epic." He mutters just under his breath, gaining no one's attention except for Lucy, who smiles shyly.
Davos continued with his explanation. "Continuing to the south-west, we have the Republic of Solaris. Not much is known about them, except for minor rumours from traders that reach that far south. From what we can gather, they are strange creatures, deeply religious, and worship the sun." This caused Peter to chuckle, prompting all eyes to focus on him.
Finding their gazes a tad oppressive, he speaks up in reply, albeit in a meek tone. "They must be gamers, probably hardcore Shadow Vitalis players, big sun-worshippers they were." His comment elicited stunned silence as those around him stared at him confusedly.
Jasmine glared at him with annoyance on her face. Lucy turned back to her candle, attempting once more to control it with her mind. Davos showed mild surprise and interest before speaking. "So, there are similar religions in your world?" He asked, curiosity beaming on his face.
Deciding to cut this short, Jasmine cut in. "Don't listen to him. He is talking about a game. Please continue." She stated with a harsh glare at Peter, who shrank back like a disciplined puppy.
Thoroughly confused, Davos shrugged before continuing. "Well then, if we go north, we have the domains of the wizards and mages. The Wizard State of Ikarus and the Magara Council of Mages. Both are populated by citizens that practise magic and are loosely aligned with the Federation." Glossing over them, he hurried to the central region and pointed at a map marker.
"This is the capital of the federation, the city of Demonus. Once the seat of power for the demons of old, it is now the political base of the federation." Gesturing to the map marker, he outlines the entire territory of the federation in a wide circle encompassing the entire eastern region.
"It is known that veritable demons still rule there in a limited capacity as both peace keepers and diplomats of the federation. This information was, of course, not well received by the empire's populace, with many believing it to be rumours or blatant lies." Adding to that comment at the end of his statement, he stepped back to assess his students' reactions.
All three remained as they were, showing remarkably different reactions. Jasmine remained thoughtful; Peter showed an excited face while Lucy still stared intensely at the candle. Time flowed by as no one spoke until suddenly the candle on the left side wall erupted into a raging fire. The room soon fell into chaos as Davos stepped back, letting out a high-pitched scream. Lucy rose from her chair with a fearful expression, slowly stepping back while muttering to herself in a panic.
Peter, noticing the fire, pulled himself out of his own thoughts and acted on reflex. With a thought fuelled by a human's base fear of fire, he directed the cupped water to rise from its container. The water condensed into a spherical ball and propelled against the open flame. Splattering against it, the water cooled swiftly, freezing the flame with an aura of absolute zero.
With the immediate threat dealt with, Jasmine rose to her feet, anger sprawled across her face. Before she could yell her fury, she heard the wood creaking. Looking down, she saw her hands gripping the desk. Her palms cracked and indented the wood, ready to fracture at any moment. Despite her hands gripping sharp wooden shards, she barely felt anything as if the wood wasn't even penetrating the skin.
With his students now in various states of shock, Davos spoke a single sentence. "Today's lesson should be sufficient for the students," Davos said. The only sound left was the dripping of water, descending from the frozen candle.