In a realm beyond mortal understanding, on a three-mooned planet, the landscape is dotted with man-made empires of incomprehensible scale. Their architecture filling the horizon with the dazzling glow of the stars standing alongside them, and their buildings piercing the clouds themselves. In a world overseen by divine beings, humanity was gifted the ability to manipulate various phenomena through one’s willpower and soul alone—a power called “magic”—granting them their endless capabilities. Specific techniques were called "Skills", and through gradual development with them, their influence spread across the planet and beyond. Many considered it a blessing, or so it was believed.
Humanity’s history stretched countless millennia into the past, with the strongest and most expansive nations possessing unmatched power. Their long years of existence developed their god-given strength to unimaginable scale, fuelling the very engines of their society. This was a golden age of magic, bringing greatness and advancement. But eventually, also great peril to the world.
Humanity grew stronger overtime, however, conflicts amongst themselves also became more destructive. Throughout history, the most powerful mortals fought for their empires and nations, tearing time and space itself as their wills clashed. The strength of civilisation started spiralling out of control, as magic, once seen as a blessing, soon became a double-edged blade to these civilisations.
If nothing was done, the apogee of human power would abruptly end with the rapid destruction of existence itself, an event known as “The Collapse”. Thus, the inhabitants of this world during this time, under their current circumstances, would be the last of their generation if nothing was done.
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In the far past, an elderly man, dressed in a long, flowing black cloak, stands amongst a vast and sandy surface, gazing towards the far-away horizon. His eyes were focused on the towering monuments of the regius empire in the distance, as the clouds above created a foggy view, the only noise echoing through the expanse was that of the gentle breeze in the wind. This man had far outlasted the lifespan of his comrades, possessing incredible will and proficiency in magic despite his age. This earned him his place amongst the palaces of his nation, guiding the children of the empires' royal family towards only their highest potential, as both magic users and leaders.
The sound of a portal opening interrupts the silence of the man. A smaller, dark-haired girl emerged from it, her crimson eyes directed towards the cloaked man. She was one of the strongest and most dedicated amongst her siblings during their many trials and tribulations, and the man had seen it first-hand many times.
“Greetings, little one.” He finally spoke, before turning towards the girl with a sincere smile as the portal behind the girl fades into obscurity. The man clearly knew who the young girl was. “You’ve come for... what we discussed earlier, correct?” He asked, his eyes narrowing.
“Yes, master.” She replied. Contrary to many other children her age, she was usually calm and focused. Thanks to her many years worth of discipline, she had matured incredibly quickly, yet the man gave off an aura that almost felt calming to her, she was always much more vulnerable than normal around him. “I'm ready. I want to know what this untold relic is.”
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The man nodded, silently acknowledging her request with a simple gesture. He extends his hand, opening his palm to reveal a steel-carved emblem, resonating with an otherworldly glow. The girl felt drawn to it, feeling as though it was calling to her, practically begging for her to uncover it's mysteries and find out more about it.
“This is an amulet.” The old man said, taking note of her now curious gaze. “I’m sure you understand that the souls of our comrades are normally... lost once they are deceased. However, our top minds discovered long ago a way to preserve their skills and strength. By imbuing their magic into an amulet, another individual can tap into their strength if it is in their possession, even if they are no longer with us."
The man explained, before gently placing the amulet into the girls hand. She seemed a little surprised having seemingly incomprehensible strength in the palm of her hand. Her usual steadfast demeanour wavered slightly, her mind searching for answers on where this was going, and why.
"But... why are you giving it to me?" She questions, visibly unsure. "Isn't someone else more worthy of such a tool?"
"You doubt your own potential too much. You are very humble." The man chuckled, before continuing. "But i'm not giving it to you simply as a mere weapon of war. Rather, i want to show you something that could not be described through mere words. A prophecy from the greatest seers themselves. It is important to all of mankind, and your future."
He waved his hand around the amulet, using [Dispel] to break the external seal of the amulet and unlock the memories within, causing it to illuminate with a bright, white glow. The amulet began to form sentences with white, mysterious dust, unravelling it's secrets to the duo.
A New Age
In the age of chaos, in the midst of war and brutality,
An unstoppable might shall emerge from it's ashes, their will surpassing infinity,
Their heart grief-stricken, yet also empowered by their losses,
Their strength stemming from mortal power, yet reaching for the gods themselves.
Their mercy impossible, yet their wrath clear as day, the desire to change the future lighting their very spirit.
Thus, humanity's enemy will no longer be opposing teams of themselves, nor the flame of their own candle extinguishing, but an external threat,
As armies of dark and fury-born creatures descend upon the nations.
The sun will rise on humanity's greatest conflict yet, as realms tremble and crumble,
Echoing the sounds of war across existence, even as humanity's populace fade from this world, perishing one by one.
The world will soon call them their emperor, ruling over all with the power to challenge the gods,
As the sun then sets at the end of everything.
"What? This can't be true!" Understandably, the girl was shocked. Something much worse than the collapse was on the horizon. She turns to her master. "What can we do? Surely we can prevent this before it happens!"
The old man didn't seem very shaken at all, he had seen this before. It was a testament to his will, developed over centuries. His belief in humanity was evidently unwavering. He turns back towards the girl, his expression undeterred, as though he wanted her to remain at peace, despite such information.
"We cannot fight a god-like mortal." He gently took the girls' hand as he bent down to one knee, a gesture of comfort. The wind around them picks up, creating a soothing melody in their ears.
"Dark times will surely come, and our great empire will likely cease to exist soon, but we have to trust in the gods to guide one of our own to glory, a war hero. I have seen our species overcome impossible odds many times. You will understand that when the time is right."