Prologue-3

In the tapestry of Mythrail's history, the resonance of magic spans millennia, its origins veiled in enigmatic antiquity. In the epoch referred to as the 'ancient era,' predating the descent of 'Ain,' magic manifested with unparalleled prominence. This bygone age witnessed the awe-inspiring presence of aura knights, their formidable figures etched in the annals of mythical lore. However, the echoes of time have ushered in a shift, diminishing the prevalence of magic in the contemporary era.

In the present age, the once-abundant practitioners of magic have dwindled, leaving behind a world where the essence of aura persists. The mystical forces of mana, the lifeblood of both magic and aura, course through the veins of all beings—humans, demi-humans, elves, beastkins, dwarves, and beyond. Yet, the inherent ability to master the manipulation of mana and attain a seamless affinity with a specific elemental force has become a rare gift. The reservoirs of mana within diverse creatures remain, a testament to the ancient era's grandeur, but the profound art of harnessing its potential has become a pursuit pursued by the exceptional few in the present era.

__ __ __ __

In the heart of the Eldorion Empire, the legacy of Emperor Cardinal echoed through the ages. Recognizing the potential of magic and aura wielders, he erected prestigious schools and academies, aspiring to enlist these gifted individuals into the imperial cause. The Imperial Regila, renowned as the Imperial Knights, emerged as the epitome of martial prowess across the continent. Even the novices within their ranks boasted formidable skills, standing as 2nd stage Aura users or 3rd stage Magic users, practitioners and sorcerers.

At the helm of this elite force stood a captain whose command was a fusion of magical mastery and swordsmanship—an adept magic swordsman. The distinction of a magic swordsman lay in their unparalleled ability to seamlessly blend the forces of Aura and magic, transcending the limitations of singular disciplines.

The inaugural commander of the Imperial Regila, Romulus Bellator, shared an intimate history with Emperor Cardinal, a childhood comrade whose prowess elevated him to the coveted status of a 5th stage Aura user and a 6th stage Magician. Such a dual mastery was a rarity even within the expansive empire. The term "magic swordsman" was a title reserved for those extraordinary individuals capable of mastering both Aura and magic.

However, within the vast reaches of the empire, these beings were scarce, their existence akin to elusive legends. The last known magic swordsman, born of the union between a high noble and an illegitimate son, had graced the realm three decades prior. Since then, the empire had not witnessed the emergence of a new practitioner of magic swordsmanship.

Emperor Cardinal's vision extended beyond military might. The academies he established were crucibles of knowledge, where the intricacies of magic and aura were unraveled. His hope was to harness the talents of these gifted individuals for the betterment of the realm. The Imperial Regila became a symbol of both martial strength and the harmonious coexistence of magical and aura forces.

The realm's history echoed with tales of the Imperial Knights, whose exploits in the name of Eldorion were etched into the collective memory. As Cardinal's childhood friend led the charge with his extraordinary dual mastery, their bond served as a testament to the enduring connections formed amidst the crucible of magical and martial training.

Yet, in the present era, the coveted title of magic swordsman had become a relic of the past. Despite the vastness of the empire, the elusive combination of aura and magic remained a dormant power, waiting for a worthy successor to revive its legacy. The resonance of Emperor Cardinal's vision lingered, casting a profound influence on the academy's halls and the Imperial Regila's training grounds—a legacy waiting to be rekindled by the touch of destiny.

The decline of the once-mighty Imperial Regila, symbolized by the majestic griffin, unfolded as a tragic chapter in the history of the Eastern Continent. The unit's stature waned under the ill-fated policies of the sixth emperor, Edward III. Once renowned as the pinnacle of military prowess, the Imperial Regila suffered a rapid deterioration in quality, plunging the empire into a perilous state.

Emperor Edward III's reign marked an era of disastrous policies that echoed through the annals of Eldorion.

One of his ill-fated decisions involved the commercialization of knighthood, a once revered and earned title. Edward III introduced a practice where titles of knights were sold, commodifying a symbol of honor and valor. The consequence was a dilution of the once-pure lineage of the Imperial Regila, as positions of martial prestige were auctioned rather than earned through merit.

Simultaneously, Edward III's penchant for engaging in disastrous wars further exacerbated the empire's decline. Recklessly, he plunged the nation into conflicts with neighboring countries, siphoning resources and lives in futile endeavors. These wars not only drained the imperial coffers but also tarnished the reputation of Eldorion as a formidable power.

The economic stability of the empire crumbled under the weight of Edward III's misguided policies. The sale of knighthoods, coupled with the drain from fruitless wars, wreaked havoc on the financial foundations of Eldorion. The once-thriving economy languished, and the empire earned the ominous moniker of a 'dying power,' haunted by the ghost of its former glory.

In a display of misguided favoritism, Edward III further dismantled the integrity of the empire by redistributing vast territories. The northeastern region, once a stronghold of Eldorion's might, was recklessly handed over to Duke Raul's predecessor. This decision not only weakened the empire's strategic position but also empowered regional nobility at the expense of imperial strength.

Equally alarming was the surrender of one-third of the Aquila kingdom, a hard-won conquest by Emperor Cardinal during the reunification war. Edward III bestowed this significant portion of land upon his youngest brother, the current Archduke Aquila and Arthur's grandfather. Despite the history of Cardinal's triumph, the youngest Aquila became the steward of a fragmented territory, his rule a far cry from the unified might Cardinal had envisioned.

In the shadow of Edward III's misguided rule, Eldorion grappled with the repercussions of a weakened military, a crumbling economy, and territorial fragmentation. The decline of the Imperial Regila mirrored the broader unraveling of a once-proud empire, setting the stage for the challenges that awaited the young emperor, Arthur Von Dracon, as he inherited a realm teetering on the brink of oblivion.

__ __ __ __

In the sprawling tapestry of Eldorion's history, the threads of faith weave a narrative as intricate as the arcane energies that pulse through the very essence of this fantastical realm. The state religion that casts its benevolent light upon the empire is the Western sect of the Holy Seal Church, a religious institution with roots stretching across continents and ages.

The origins of the Holy Seal Church trace back to the central continent, an ancient land often referred to by the people of the east as the "old continent." In the shadowy recesses of time, a preacher emerged as the herald of the supreme God, Ain. His name resonated through the annals of history as the first to embark on the arduous journey of spreading the teachings of the divine.

As the preacher ventured across the two continents, his mission encountered vehement opposition. The concept of monotheism, with Ain as the supreme deity, was met with disdain and disgust by those adhering to different cultural beliefs. The followers of Ain faced persecution at the hands of various kingdoms and empires that could not reconcile the differences in their faith.

In the face of relentless adversity, fortune smiled upon the faithful. The final elven kingdom of the central continent, Quel'Thalas, emerged as a sanctuary for Ain's followers. The elves, known for their wisdom and reverence for the mysteries of the world, extended refuge and protection to those who sought solace under the banner of the Holy Seal Church.

The lush landscapes of Quel'Thalas became a haven, shielding Ain's disciples from the storms of hostility that raged across other territories. The elves, with their deep connection to nature and an innate understanding of the delicate balance that sustains life, recognized the sanctity of religious freedom. In the shade of the ancient trees and amidst the ethereal glow of the mystical realm, the followers of Ain found a respite from persecution.

Within the borders of Quel'Thalas, the Holy Seal Church flourished. Its teachings, once suppressed and scorned, now echoed through the elven halls and resonated with the enchanting melodies of nature. The elves, in their benevolence, even contributed to the refinement of the Church's doctrines, blending the wisdom of their ancient traditions with the newfound revelations brought by Ain's followers.

The Holy Seal Church, nurtured by the sanctuary of Quel'Thalas, grew stronger. The once-persecuted faith became a beacon of hope, its light extending beyond the elven borders. Missionaries, carrying the sacred teachings, embarked on journeys to distant lands, reaching the eastern continent where Eldorion would one day rise.

In the heart of Eldora, the imperial capital, the Holy Seal Church found a steadfast home. Its doctrines, now an integral part of the empire's cultural fabric, shaped the moral compass of Eldorion. The Supreme God Ain, who once faced persecution, became the unifying force that bound the diverse people of Eldorion together.

As the centuries unfolded, the Holy Seal Church stood as a testament to resilience, faith, and the enduring power of unity. The echoes of its beginnings in Quel'Thalas lingered in the hymns that resonated through Eldora's grand cathedrals, telling the story of a divine journey that transcended persecution and found sanctuary in the embrace of a benevolent elven kingdom.

In the ancient annals of Eldorion's history, the chapters penned in the ethereal realm of Quel'Thalas resonate as an elixir of tranquility within the tumultuous narrative of faith. Ain, the harbinger of divine teachings, found solace within the embrace of the elven kingdom, his disciples sheltered from the storms of persecution that raged across distant lands.

As the sacred teachings flourished within Quel'Thalas, Ain's spiritual journey beckoned him toward new horizons. Departing from the elven sanctuary, he set his course for the Eastern continent, his footsteps echoing through the hallowed lands that once bore the weight of the mighty Hyperion Empire. Now reborn as the independent nation of Belmont, the former dominion of Hyperion awaited the enlightenment that Ain carried within his teachings.

Ain's arrival on the Eastern continent marked a profound shift in the tapestry of faith. The people of the east, known for their innate tolerance, embraced the divine doctrines with open hearts. Ain's teachings cascaded like gentle ripples, spreading far and wide, weaving through the diverse cultures that adorned the landscape of the Eastern continent.

After imparting his wisdom to the receptive hearts of the east, Ain's spiritual odyssey drew him back to the Central continent. Here, amidst the sprawling realms, his preachings found resonance "among the poor," a testament to the inclusivity and universality of his divine message. The seeds of faith, sown in humble soil, gradually took root and flourished, transcending social strata and weaving into the very fabric of Central continent's existence.

However, as Ain's teachings gained momentum, animosities of old surfaced once more. The kingdoms and empires, threatened by the unifying force of the Holy Seal Church, sought to expel Ain from the Central continent. The echoes of ancient enmities resounded through the realms, igniting the flames of all-out war.

In the crucible of conflict, the people of the Central continent were torn asunder, their lands ravaged by the tumult of battle. Amidst the chaos, Ain's divine presence, once driven to the fringes, found an opportune moment to return. The war-torn regions became the fertile grounds for the resurgence of his teachings, a beacon of hope amidst the devastation of warfare.

While Central continent grappled with the throes of conflict, the Eastern continent underwent a transformative metamorphosis. The adoption of the Holy Seal as the state religion catalyzed a cultural upheaval, reshaping the ethos of the eastern realms. The once-divergent cultures now found a common ground in the unifying doctrines of Ain, fostering an era of unprecedented harmony.

Yet, within the realm of Belmont, a unique deviation unfolded. The Hyperion Empire, now a memory replaced by the burgeoning Eldorion Empire, not only embraced the Holy Seal Church but also birthed a distinct sect known as the Western Church. This deviation persisted through the transition of empires, adding a nuanced layer to the religious landscape of Eldorion.

As the chapters of Ain's divine saga unfolded, the realms of Eldorion bore witness to a dynamic interplay of faith and culture. From the sanctity of Quel'Thalas to the war-torn landscapes of the Central continent, the echoes of his teachings reverberated, knitting together the disparate threads of Eldorion's diverse and enchanting history.

In the wake of the adoption of the Holy Seal Church as the state religion on the Eastern continent, a seismic shift rippled through the realm's foundations. The once-vibrant cultures of the old tribes, deeply entwined with their ancestral connections, faced persecution under the newfound religious order. As the echoes of Ain's teachings resonated, the old tribes found themselves marginalized, their traditions fading like whispers in the wind.

The transformative wave did not spare the mystical denizens of the Eastern Continent either. The native magical beasts, revered and feared in equal measure, became victims of relentless hunts that pushed them to the brink of extinction. These fantastical creatures, embodiments of arcane energies, once roamed freely across the Eastern lands. From majestic griffins soaring through the skies to elusive unicorns with coats shimmering like stardust, the magical beasts wove enchantment into the very fabric of the Eastern Continent.

However, the relentless persecution drove these magical beings to the precipice of annihilation. Many succumbed to the onslaught, their existence erased from the realm's tapestry. Those that managed to evade the hunters retreated into the shadows, entering a dormant state to escape the relentless pursuit.

In the present era, the once-thriving magical ecosystems of the Western part of the Eastern Continent bear the scars of this ruthless campaign. Unique and wondrous creatures that once graced the landscape with their presence have become rare, their once-active habitats now tinged with an eerie stillness. The remnants of the magical beasts, survivors in this changing world, linger in a state of dormancy, awaiting a time when the balance may be restored.

The Eastern Continent, once teeming with the harmonious interplay of diverse cultures and mystical creatures, now bears the marks of a paradigm shift. The shadows of change have cast a pall over the vibrant tapestry of the realm, leaving behind a legacy of cultural upheaval and the haunting silence of dormant magical beasts.

As the eastern continent weaves its intricate tapestry of fate, the growth of young Arthur emerges as a catalyst for change. Maturing with a keen awareness of his people's suffering under the oppressive rule of the aristocracy, Arthur becomes the clandestine architect of resistance. Behind-the-scenes, he orchestrates a quiet rebellion, forging alliances with capable individuals who would eventually stand as pillars of strength when he ascends to the throne. The threads of destiny, once entangled in the grip of tyranny, subtly shift in response to Arthur's evolving understanding and strategic moves.

In the quiet corridors of power, where whispers of change begin to stir, Arthur's influence becomes a force to be reckoned with. With each secret maneuver and each ally enlisted, he lays the groundwork for a future where the people of the empire will no longer be shackled by the chains of aristocratic oppression. As the chapter concludes, the promise of a new era hangs in the air, and the stage is set for Arthur's ascension—a moment that holds the potential to unravel the threads of tyranny and weave a tapestry of justice and prosperity for the empire.

___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

As the sun gracefully dips beneath the horizon of the eastern continent, painting the imperial city in a surreal palette of amber and gold, the reign of Alaric unfolds like a mythical saga. Within the grandeur of the imperial palace, where the pillars themselves seem to resonate with the echoes of Arthur's mentorship and Alaric's unwavering resolve, a timeless legacy takes root—a testament to resilience and foresight that transcends the bounds of mortal existence.

In the twilight of this chapter, the pages of history unfold with the promise of a fantastical future. The ethereal glow cast upon the imperial city foreshadows a realm where the dreams sown by young Arthur against the tyranny of aristocracy bear fruit. The narrative shifts toward a destiny where the Eldorion Empire, once deemed a 'dying patient,' evolves into the preeminent power of the Eastern continent—a beacon of magic, justice, and prosperity.

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ 

A/N

Thanks for reading till now! This is the end of Auxiliary Volume. By next chapter I'll began with Volume 1 Determination.

Witness how young Arthur was inspired to go against the tyranny of the aristocracy, and change the destiny of the Eldorion Empire from a 'dying patient' to the most powerful country on the Eastern continent.