After months of struggling with the language barrier, Nik Owl could finally converse in the native tongue of Biringan, thanks to the tireless efforts of Arion and the supportive community. Now that she could communicate effectively, her next goal was to investigate the clues her father had left behind, which she was certain would lead her to some answers in Biringan.
Determined to follow her father's trail, Nik Owl made her way to the grand library of Biringan, a towering structure of ancient stone and carved wood that seemed to hold the weight of centuries within its walls. The air inside was thick with the scent of aged parchment and ink, and the soft rustle of pages turning was the only sound that disturbed the silence.
Approaching the front desk, she greeted the attendant, a middle-aged man with a kind face and spectacles perched on the end of his nose. "Good morning," she began, her accent still evident but her words clear. "I would like to read some books. "
The attendant looked up, surprised but pleased to hear her speaking the language so well. "Of course," he said warmly. "What specifically are you interested in?"
"I'm not sure," Nik Owl replied cautiously, not wanting to reveal her true motive. "I just want to understand more about this world. I know very little about it."
"Ah, a seeker of knowledge," the attendant said with a smile. "Follow me, and I will show you where to start."
He led her through rows of towering bookshelves to a section dedicated to the history and geography of Mayari. He pulled out several large tomes and spread them out on a nearby table.
"This is the realm of Mayari," he began, his voice carrying the reverence of a storyteller. "It consists of five great continents: Aruga, Dalisay, Luminao, Halimuyak, and Alitaptap. Each has its own unique environment and power."
Then the attendant gave her books about geography and history of Mayari.
Aruga, the land of eternal dawn, was home to the Diwata, beings of light and nature. Their cities, built within vast forests and atop towering trees, shimmered with ethereal beauty.
Dalisay, the continent of pure waters, was inhabited by the Anito, guardians of rivers and seas, who crafted their homes from coral and pearl.
Luminao, the realm of eternal twilight, was the domain of the Lamanlupa, creatures of earth and stone, who built sprawling underground cities.
Halimuyak, the land of fragrant winds, was ruled by the Bayani, heroic warriors and scholars who lived in grand citadels and academies.
Finally, Alitaptap, the continent of endless night, was the shadowy stronghold of the Aswang and Halimaw, creatures of darkness and fear, who dwelled in fearsome fortresses.
Nik Owl listened intently as he continued. "The Aruga Continent, where Biringan City is located, is home to the Diwata, nature spirits who ensure the balance and beauty of their lands. These spirits are organized into various clans, each with specific responsibilities. The Mayumi and Marikit clans are the most prominent clans overseeing the land's overall harmony and aesthetic."
He paused to adjust his glasses. "The Dalisay Continent, the smallest of all, is home to the Anito. The Makiling clan is the most powerful clan there deeply connected to the spiritual ley lines of Dalisay. The Panday clan is renowned for their blacksmithing skills and creation of spiritual artifacts. The Anitun Tabu clan consists of weather spirits who control the elements. The Umalagad clan serves as mediators between the mortal and spirit worlds. Spirit guardians, such as Katalonan and Makiling, possess ancestral wisdom and guide the living."
The Continent of Luminao is home to the Lamanlupa, who are divided into several powerful clans. The Sagipbato clan dominates with their unmatched mining skills and control over precious metals. The Earthbound Ones, comprising the Anakpugad and Lupatala clans, control vast swathes of fertile land and underground riches.
The Halimuyak Continent, a land of breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cultures, is home to the noble Bayani. These hero clans are revered for their unwavering commitment to justice and the protection of the innocent. The Tanglaw and Kalasag clans stand at the forefront, their valor and guardianship legendary among the people. The Lakandula clan is celebrated for their integrity and unmatched bravery, embodying the true spirit of heroism. The Alab clan serves as a beacon of hope and valor, inspiring courage in all who encounter them. The Bagwis clan, protectors of the skies and winds, ensure the safety of their realm from above. Finally, the Ilaw clan shines as a guiding light in times of darkness, their wisdom and leadership providing solace and direction to the people of Halimuyak. Together, these clans weave the rich tapestry of heroism that defines this remarkable continent.
The Alitaptap Continent, the largest of all continents, is home to various Halimaw clans and Aswang tribes. The Bungisngis and Amihan clans are known for their strategic prowess in battle. The Sibatkilaw and Bakunawa monster clans are both feared and respected, their territories marked by their ferocity. The Tariktik and Laksamana clans thrive in the harshest environments, ruling with an iron fist. The Bakunawa clan is particularly infamous for their destructive power, while the Tiktik and Wakwak clans are feared nocturnal predators.
In addition to the Halimaw, the continent also harbors Aswang tribes. Clans like Malamig and Aninaw lurk in the shadows, ruling over the night and preying on fear. The Malamig clan is particularly strong here, known for their icy cruelty. The Lam-ang clan is notorious for their shape-shifting abilities, and the Balangaw clan thrives in dark, isolated places. The Kamatayan clan, rulers of the dead and masters of the dark arts, further add to the continent's ominous reputation.
Nik Owl nodded, absorbing the information. "And what about the power structures? I've heard terms like Bayani, Anito, and Bathala. What do they mean?"
The attendant leaned back, his eyes twinkling with the pleasure of sharing his knowledge. "The power structure in Mayari is complex. At the lowest level are the Lamanlupa, the beings of the land. Above them are the Halimaw, powerful creatures of legend. The Aswang are next, known for their cunning and abilities."
He continued, "Bayani are the heroes, warriors of great skill and honor. The Anito are the spirits of ancestors, revered and respected. The Diwata are god-like beings, wielding immense power and wisdom. And above all are the Bathala, the supreme deities who govern all aspects of existence."
Nik Owl's mind buzzed with the influx of information. "That's fascinating," she said, genuinely intrigued.
Then she frowned, she saw a text in history book, "What is this great war? How is this description so vague, as if the author is also not sure of what he wrote."
The attendant sighed.
"To tell you honestly, we don't know what really happened that era. What is known is that there was a time in Mayari that almost all of the races went to war. The reason? ... well I apologize, I can't answer that."
Nik Owl's frown deepened, however it went back to normal. She doesn't have time to investigate that matter. Honestly, she does not care, she have to uncover her father's disappearance and she also have to worry about this so called person of prophecy. For a long time she cannot comprehend that she suddenly became everyone's savior. She just want to look for her father.
"Thank you for explaining all this."
The attendant smiled kindly. "It's my pleasure. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. Knowledge is meant to be shared."
Nik Owl spent the next few hours poring over the books, hoping to find any mention of her father. She read about ancient battles, legendary heroes, and the intricate politics of Mayari. However, despite her thorough search, there was no mention of her father or any clues that might lead her to him.
As she closed the last book, a feeling of disappointment settled over her. She had hoped that this library, a repository of so much knowledge, would hold the answers she sought. Instead, she had only learned about the broader world of Mayari, a world that was much larger and more complex than she had ever imagined.
Rising from her seat, she thanked the attendant once more before leaving the library. The streets of Biringan were bustling with activity, but Nik Owl's mind was elsewhere. She now knew that Biringan was just a small city in the vast realm of Mayari, and her search for her father would be far more challenging than she had anticipated.
As she walked through the city, she resolved to continue her investigation, even if it meant venturing beyond Biringan. She was determined to uncover the truth about her father's disappearance and her own connection to this mysterious world. And now, with the knowledge she had gained, she felt more prepared than ever to face the challenges ahead.