[Kaizer's POV]
'That gives more clarity to this world. Summarizing the whole history after 2023, including the generation shift.'
After spending countless hours surrounded by these books, I tried to summarize the vast amount of information I derived.
'The World Arcancia's technological development is far superior to Earth's. This world is based on Earth, meaning the geographical and political history are the same as Earth. But after 2023, the world was headed towards World War 3 due to the introduction of Lumen energy, from which Mana and Aura are derived as energy sources.
There was much tension among the major forces, and it would have practically led to WW3 if not for the tectonic plate shifting across some major continents and invasion from otherworldly races. Among them, the Demonic race was the most aggressive.
But that's not the most intriguing part.
Major Households emerged from the Human side and took control of the economic and political situation of the whole world. After thinking more, I realized that the hierarchy of these Households was already established from how they responded to the invasion and the calamities.'
'The 7 Royal families were founded, with each royalty having 3 Households under their kingdom. Most habitable land was divided among these seven royalties and the respective households. There was also mention of 13 ancient myths concerning hidden royalties and families in one of the scriptures, but I am unsure about its authenticity.
Now, after 300 years, due to the regression of the society, the countries, more precisely known as kingdoms, have formed an aristocratic community with nobles and royalties. However, the position of the 28 families, which includes the seven royalties, is set in stone. However, now only 21 families are significant enough. Two of the seven royalties and their families aren't in the same situation as they were when they founded their respective empires. But regardless of these differences, anyone who questioned their authenticity was disposed of forever.
Another exciting factor I found is that many celebrities of my generation, like singers, actors, etc., exist in this timeline. I searched for some songs and found myself recognizing artists and their works. I thought some groups of people got transported to a new timeline, but I quickly discarded this thought after realizing that some actors don't exist after some research.'
[You confirmed that by searching all the trending p-stars-]
'As I mentioned, I researched on the library server to confirm my suspicions. I found many artists I love missing from the music industry. I searched on the off chance that they didn't become an artist, but there was no proof of them ever existing, including their different family ancestries. Some didn't even have surviving members.'
[At least admit you searched-]
'So, my knowledge regarding Earth will be quite helpful, but it isn't enough. It's more like I have past knowledge in the present timeline, and I don't think I can expect much.'
[Hey! Don't ignore me!!!]
'This world also has mana and aura as energies derived from the lumen as its energy source. Some humans can use mana or aura and are called Awakeners. They are mostly affiliated with either Hero Association, Pioneer Federation, or Wanderer Alliance. There are guilds as well as kingdoms which have aristocratic influence. There's also the Mage Tower, which has its impact.
'The otherworldly races known till now are Demons, Angels, Elves, Orcs, Vampires, Beastkins, Valkyries, Mermaids, etc. There are also rumors about dragons and phoenixes as heavenly races.'
Due to the invasion and tectonic plate shift, humanity lost over 80 percent of its population. The continents combined due to the tectonic plate shift, and over 70 percent of land became uninhabitable, either lost because of other races or due to monsters. We also got dungeons and Guardian Grounds.
'Guardian Grounds? There's not much information regarding Guardian Grounds. I remember it being mentioned in the novel, but it wasn't elaborated.'
'So, it's the year 2323 currently. But the artists who existed in 2023 exist in 2323. It's like the whole civilization of 2023 was put in the year 2323. Interesting enough.'
Even ethnicities have disappeared. For example, the name's origin, which varied from country to country, has significantly disappeared.
The status screen played a significant role in this transformation because the names displayed on the status screen are considered official names.
Status screen exists for everyone regardless of whether they are Awakeners or not.
Most of these names sound English, or it became this way because English had been the most popular language.
Even religion was affected because the belief in gods after the catastrophe was highly diminished.
It did make discrimination disappear from the world because of the enormous death counts and the devasted humans who found solace in embracing each other in their difficult times.
This doesn't change the working of the society as the royalties and nobilities have just changed the type of discrimination.
The discrimination is based on social standing and the significance of whether an Awakener is talented.
They say strength prevails, which couldn't be more accurate.
The more powerful you are, the better your standing in the society.
It isn't much different from Earth's standard.
You are at the top of the food chain if you have money and connections.
A solution to this situation isn't present, and some might not even consider this a problem.
But not everything can be erased or forgotten.
Some people still worship and follow their respective religions, but their presence is in the minority, and some groups are even announced as evil cults by the Holy Kingdom.
The Holy Kingdom currently has a significant influence as it is one of the central kingdoms.
The holy Kingdom has its shenanigans, hinted at early in the novel but never mentioned again.
So, I don't think their opinion of establishing those minor groups as cults is valid.
Besides, it also emphasizes that I must be careful of the Holy Kingdom.
"I think I must stay in the library for now. I can act freely and get information. That should be good enough, at least for now."
[Call Helena and inform her about your decision.]
"Thanks for the reminder. By the way, judging from how you mentioned it, you are an AI. Your existence is on a higher level if I have to define more, but you could also be studied. You mentioned having an ego, but the way you interact with me, you have enough emotions to be classified as Human. Can you connect yourself with the current technology?"
[Now you are listening! I am unsure what you want to say, but I can easily connect to the present technology. Do you want me to try?]
"No, I would like you to refrain for now."
'If what I felt till now is real, I can claim that I can feel Grade's emotions. I wasn't sure what it was, but the feelings were so vivid and realistic that I had second thoughts about Grade's existence in the System. I can look forward to something interesting if my theory is correct.'
"A week's stay in the library won't be bad. We cannot find the current state of affairs among the seven kingdoms, but we can look for it in information guilds later."
******
[Lucas's POV]
"The Klent Household's monitoring showed a significant change after Kaizer left for the library." Lucas read the reports with keen interest detailing the tailing and series of events as he remembered the Klent Household's monitoring after Kaizer's survival news was spread across the high society about two years ago.
"Yes, my Lord. I don't think they expected their surveillance to go unnoticed. They are currently monitoring young master Kaizer's movements closely." Alastor promptly informed me that this had been a worrisome issue.
"They have provided secretive support after the news regarding Kaizer's survival was leaked. They haven't shown any hostility yet, and though unusual, the young lady Charlotte of the Klent Household subtly enquired about Kaizer's recovery and well-being in past encounters. However, there were no straightforward interactions, probably to avoid alarming other Houses. Keep an eye on the situation and prioritize Kaizer's safety." Lucas ordered as he thought about informing Kaizer about this situation.
"I don't think keeping him in the dark would benefit him, and considering his deal with you, informing him is the best choice. Does he know that I know about the deal, Alastor?" he added, as he wouldn't have made this decision had he not seen his cautious personality during their short interactions.
"No, Lord. He wasn't aware of your presence as he isn't an awakener yet. But he might have expected me to inform you." Alastor replied promptly.
"Normally, awakening takes place at 13 years, and he has already lost two years due to being in a coma. Most of his peers will be in E ranks when the academy starts, while some may even be in D and C. I think his prudent attitude will be helpful for his goals. Inform him about the Klent Household and their movements." Although he didn't show it, his worry for Kaizer was easily seen through by Alastor.
"As you command, My Lord," Alastor answered while quickly sending all the details to Kaizer's Skyionic device.
******
A/N: Sorry for the info dump, but please bear with the pace for the following few chapters. After that, it will be a breeze.
I am grateful to everyone reading my novel, adding it to their library or in collections, and commenting.