After its formation, the Heavens Council swiftly became a beacon of justice, extinguishing evil forces that threatened the balance of the world. Under the leadership of the fourth council head, Blythe Sanseedrion, a new era of governance emerged. Blythe, unlike his predecessors, believed that peace could not be maintained through violence alone. He took cautious approaches to containing the spread of chaos, favoring strategy and diplomacy over brute force. Yet, in doing so, the council faced unusual challenges as dark organizations began to rise, determined to destroy the peace he planned.

To counter this growing threat, Blythe Sanseedrion created the Four King System. These Four Kings, rulers of the most powerful kingdoms, would each bear responsibility for protecting one of the world’s major continents. Their combined might became a shield for the globe, standing strong against any entity that threatened its peace. Though each kingdom had its own strengths and unique cultures, together they formed a unified front, preserving order in a fragile world.

[ Realm of the Arcane Masters: Azaroth Kingdom ]

Azaroth Kingdom, located in the North Continent, is renowned as the heart of magical prowess. The kingdom is ruled by King Eldric Thalor, a master wizard whose power is respected across all lands.

Azaroth Academy, a prestigious institution within the kingdom, draws the brightest minds from around the world, training them in the creative art of wizardry. The Ironheart family, led by Dyven Ironheart, holds a special place in this realm. Dyven, one of the Four Great Wizards, was a key figure in the battle against the Seven Deadly Sins, a notorious group that once tried to destroy the Heavens Council.

The kingdom itself, placed among trees with vibrant, multicolored leaves and towering spires, is both beautiful and overwhelming. Its wealth is in part due to the rare purple dust, which is used to create strong mystical items such as the Elderstaves, which are made of Lumisyl wood, a rare material produced only within the Elarindor Kingdom.

[ Stronghold of the Thunderclad: Thundrim Kingdom ]

In the South Continent lies Thundrim Kingdom, ruled by the powerful King Borin Stoneforge. This realm is famous for its dwarves and its elite warriors, known as the Thunderclad. Thundrim, rich in rare magic metals, provides the world with the greatest weapons, which are cherished by blacksmiths and warriors everywhere. Its strong Vikings are as well-known as its beloved beer, which are crafted with the same loving attention as their solid weapons.

Thundrim's culture is one of strength, with people who value power above all else. Despite the noise of battle and the clang of metal, the kingdom remains an inspiration of stability, safeguarding the South's safety.

[ Land of the Elven People: Elarindor Kingdom ]

The western lands are home to the enchanting Elarindor Kingdom, ruled by the graceful King Faelivrin Aelarion. Here, in this land of eternal beauty, stands the majestic Eldertree Lumisyl, whose sacred wood is admired across the world. Only the most trusted people are permitted to harvest from these ancient trees, and even they must first seek permission from the fairies who guard the forests.

Elarindor is more than just a kingdom of trees and magic. It is a place where traditions are honored, where elves and fairies alike live in harmony to maintain the sacredness of the land. Visitors come from across the globe to look at its beauty, but they are always reminded to exercise caution carefully, for Elarindor’s rules are strict and its people fiercely protective.

[ Stronghold of the Sharpened Edge: Bladewyn Kingdom ]

To the east lies the formidable Bladewyn Kingdom, ruled by King Darius Hawkthorne. Known for its master swordsmiths and elite swordmasters, Bladewyn is where warriors from all corners of the world come to perfect their craft. The Shinzu family, although small in number, has left a lasting legacy in Bladewyn. Their tragic history has only made them more determined to uphold the kingdom’s traditions of honor and discipline.

Bladewyn is also a land where legends linger. It was here that one of the members of the infamous Seven Deadly Sins was born, a dark reminder of the constant threat that lurks even within the most guarded kingdoms.

Each of these four kingdoms looks after the protection of a continent.

[ North Continent: Azaroth Kingdom

South Continent: Thundrim Kingdom

West Continent: Elarindor Kingdom

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East Continent: Bladewyn Kingdom ]

In addition to the four major continents, the smaller continents are jointly protected by neighboring kingdoms. The Four King System ensures that no corner of the world is left at risk to the ever-present forces of darkness. With their military might and magical expertise, the four kingdoms stand as sentinels, guarding the realms from the evil that once roamed unchecked.

[ Northwest: Azaroth/Elarindor Kingdom

Northeast: Azaroth/Bladewyn Kingdom

Southwest: Thundrim/Elarindor Kingdom

Southeast: Thundrim/Bladewyn Kingdom ]

The four kingdoms may hold dominion over the world’s lands, but scattered across these kingdoms are the Eight Royal Families, ancient and powerful dynasties that have existed since the dawn of time. Each family holds influence over a specific domain, maintaining their traditions and power through generations.

These families, though often divided by personal rivalries, are united in one cause: the protection of their realms. Whether through alliances with the Four Kings or by acting independently, the royal families serve as both protectors and enforcers, ensuring that the peace established by the Heavens Council is not broken.

The Ironheart Family, led by Dyven Ironheart, boasts a lineage of powerful wizards in Azaroth.

The Woods Family, residing in the Northwest Continent, is headed by the reluctant Simon Woods.

The Tiffany Family, sharpshooting experts in the Northeast, are led by Johanna Tiffany.

The Vandey Family, a quiet yet skilled family in the South, is led by Dred Vandey.

The Kent Family, fierce and unyielding, resides in the Southeast, ruled by Arsenal Kent.

The Orglack Family, a close ally of the Kents, lives in the Southwest under Dàmon Orglack’s rule.

The Shinzu Family, few in number but unmatched in swordsmanship, come from the East.

The Sayon Family, stalwart guardians of the West, are led by Christopher Sayon.

Each family plays a crucial role in maintaining peace across their respective domains, and when the time comes, they unite to form the Supreme Defense System, the ultimate line of defense against the forces of darkness. It was Blythe Sanseedrion who formalized this system, ensuring that the world would always have a means of protection, even when the Heavens Council could not intervene directly.

*

The Vandey residence, located in the peaceful countryside of Denku Country, displayed a quiet warmth on this particular day. Surrounded by lush rice fields and tall forests, the house was a sanctuary of serenity. But within, excitement hummed in the air.

Miya Vandey lay in labor, her voice strained as she endured the final moments of childbirth. Dred, her husband, stood by her side, offering encouragement with every push. Outside the room, Blud, the family patriarch, paced anxiously, joined by a handful of trusted servants. The usually calm estate was filled with anticipation.

At long last, a newborn's cry echoed through the halls. The midwife, Ms. Well, stepped out of the room, her face warm with a tired smile.

"You may come in now," she said softly.

Blud’s weathered face lit up, a grin spreading across his features. "Thank you, Ms. Well," he said, grasping her hand. "You've been with this family for so long. I remember when you helped bring Dred into the world, and now you've done the same for my grandchild."

"It has been my honor, Blud," she replied with a gentle bow. "This family has always been dear to me. I’m glad I could be part of this special moment."

As Ms. Well took her leave, the family gathered around the new mother and child. Miya, resting on the bed, held the infant in her arms, her face glowing with a blend of exhaustion and joy. Dred sat beside her, his hand resting gently on her shoulder as they both gazed at their newborn with child.

"Hello, little one," Claire, one of the elder sisters, whispered as she approached. She extended a finger, which the baby instinctively grasped. "I'm Claire, your big sister. We'll all take good care of you."

The room was filled with soft murmurs of introductions from the rest of the family, each member eager to welcome the newest Vandey. Miya smiled, her heart swelling with pride. "You’ll be surrounded by love, little one. We’ll protect you and teach you everything you need to know."

Dred, still caught in the moment, suddenly spoke. "I’ve been thinking about a name for him." He paused, glancing at Miya before continuing. "Azrael. Azrael Vandey."

Miya tilted her head, a thoughtful look crossing her face. "Azrael... It’s strong. I like it." She kissed the baby’s forehead. "Welcome to the world, Azrael."

As the family celebrated, the house’s usual peacefulness returned, though now with an added sense of joy. The sound of laughter echoed through the halls as preparations for dinner began. In the kitchen, Jun was busy chopping vegetables while Blud helped organize ingredients.

"Isn’t this a bit much?" Blud asked, eyeing the assortment of meats, vegetables, and spices.

"Not at all," Jun replied with a grin. "We have to celebrate the birth of the young master properly."

Claire, having just left the new parents' side, skipped into the kitchen. "I’ll help with dinner!" she announced cheerfully.

Jun raised an eyebrow. "You? Cooking? I thought you’d be painting or doing something else."

Claire shrugged. "I finished my painting for the day. Besides, it’s a special occasion."

Jun sighed, already imagining the chaos she would bring. "Fine, just this once. But don’t complain if I ask you to clean up afterward."

As dinner preparations continued, the Vandey house buzzed with activity. Though not all members were related by blood, each person in the family was bound by a strong sense of belonging. They had been brought together by Blud and Dred during their travels to other countries, and despite their different origins, they all shared a deep bond.

Later that evening, the entire family gathered around a large circular table, the aroma of freshly cooked dishes filling the air. Miya, holding baby Azrael in one arm, sat beside Dred, who carefully cut her food for her. The atmosphere was filled with warmth and laughter as they enjoyed the meal together, celebrating the arrival of a new generation in the Vandey family.

Once dinner was over, Jun and Claire found themselves back in the kitchen, cleaning up. Claire hummed softly as she dried the dishes, her joy from the day still evident.

"You’re in a good mood," Jun observed.

"Of course! The young master has arrived," Claire beamed. "When he’s older, I’ll teach him all the magic I know. He’s going to be amazing."

Jun rolled his eyes. "Young master, huh? You’re really going all out with that title."

"Of course! We need to show him the respect he deserves." She playfully nudged Jun. "You’ll see. He’s going to be someone great."

Jun muttered something under his breath but couldn’t help the small smile tugging at his lips. Despite the teasing, he shared Claire’s excitement. Azrael’s arrival had filled the house with new energy, and they all felt it.