In the ethereal transition between worlds, Lake found himself suspended in the void. The darkness enveloped him, and the cold chill hinted at the mysteries of the afterlife. As he floated, questions swirled in his mind, echoing through the cosmic expanse. "Where am I? It's cold, it's dark, am I floating? But I thought I died, how come I'm still alive? Wait, what's that light? It's so bright, wait, what's happening? I'm being pulled in, wait, not yet, I still-!"
As Lake was drawn into the radiant light, a soothing voice echoed around him. The Goddess Rae, a divine presence watching over his journey, spoke words of closure. "With this, your duty is over. I hope you live your next life to the fullest, and I hope you find the gift I prepared for you in your next life."
Month: September 22nd, Year: 2056, Location: Kingdom of Cloudia
The Kingdom of Cloudia, standing as one of the mightiest realms on the Continent of Crystal, held secrets and wonders beyond mortal comprehension. Amidst its towering spires and bustling streets, humans thrived, their kingdom renowned for military prowess. Yet, in the shadows, mysteries lurked, waiting to be unraveled.
Five kingdoms graced the continent, each with its unique inhabitants and magical heritage. The Kingdom of Eden, governed by both Elves and Dark Elves, harnessed the power of magic to weave a tapestry of strength and enchantment. The Raja Kingdom, inhabited by ancient dragons, boasted both physical might and arcane supremacy earned over millennia.
The Kingdom of Bestia housed beast-like citizens, their strength and spear-wielding skills making them formidable warriors. Meanwhile, the Kingdom of Mjölnir, home to industrious dwarves, resonated with the clang of hammers and the glow of molten metal.
In this evolved era, technology had surged forward, granting the inhabitants phones, computers, televisions, and more. However, despite these advancements, the magic of old still reigned supreme. Attempts to replace it with scientific innovation proved futile, reinforcing the timeless potency of mystical forces.
Within this intriguing world, Lake found himself thrust, a lone figure grappling with the mystery of his existence. As the Kingdom of Cloudia flourished, adventures rose as revered heroes, embodying the dreams of fame, wealth, and romantic conquests. Yet, as society evolved, merchants emerged as influential figures, shaping the destiny of the continent through trade and commerce.
Beneath the glittering surface, a complex hierarchy dictated the social order. Nobles and the wealthy claimed the pinnacle, while those without means languished at the bottom. A middle class emerged, offering a glimpse of prosperity to those with modest resources.
Yet, in the corridors of power and amidst the city's glow, secrets slumbered. Arcane enigmas and mystical conspiracies whispered through the alleys, suggesting a shadowy undercurrent beneath the kingdom's facade. As the veil of mystery began to lift, the Kingdom of Cloudia stood on the precipice of an era where the line between magic and technology blurred, creating a landscape ripe with fantastical possibilities and enigmatic revelations.
Our story unfolds with Jason, a young boy residing in the middle district with his little sister Jess. However, he finds himself roused from an unsettling dream that seems to linger in his waking thoughts.
"BROTHER!! HURRY UP AND WAKE UP!!" Jess's urgent voice echoed through their 2-story house. "HURRY UP OR YOU'LL BE LATE ON THE FIRST DAY!!" She screamed again.
Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, Jason grumbled, "Ugh, what the hell, why are you screaming so early in the morning? Also, I had a weird dream again. Lately, it's been happening more often. Maybe we should ask the elders, sis. The dream feels so real and vivid, like I was the one living through that life, but that's just stupid. There's no way I could have gone through something like that."
As Jason descended the stairs, the familiar setting of their middle-class district house surrounded him. Jess, unimpressed by his morning demeanor, fired back, "Well, you didn't wake up with the alarm. You never do, either way."
"Alright, alright. I guess you're right, Jess. Anyway, I started making breakfast as fast as possible," conceded Jason.
Once breakfast was prepared, Jason handed Jess her lunch and retreated to prepare for the day. Adorning the academy's uniform, symbolizing the hero Blake who once fought the Demon Lord, he couldn't shake off the strange dream's lingering echoes. As he descended the stairs, he caught a reflection of his twin sister, their shared features reflecting a bond beyond words.
Jess, glancing up from her phone, asked, "By the way, what's up with the extra lunch boxes you gave me?"
"Oh, that is, it's for your friends, isn't it? I know that you share some of your lunch with them. Also, because when they come over, the first thing they ask is if I could cook something for them," responded Jason.
Exiting the house, they encountered Chris, a friend from the academy. The familiar banter between them hinted at years of camaraderie. Chris revealed that Josh, another friend, had a surprise in store for Jason.
"Where's Josh? He's always with you," queried Jess.
"Ahh, Josh is currently in his lab doing something he didn't want to tell me. He said it was a surprise for Jason. Also, Josh said that he wanted Jess to bring some of Jason's cooking to his lab," explained Chris.
The trio, now assembled, made their way toward the academy through the Noble district. A mysterious girl in their academy uniform captured their attention.
"Hey, look at that girl. She also has our uniforms, but there isn't anyone but us that lives here that goes to the academy. Do you know her, J?" asked Chris, looking at Jason.
"I don't know anyone here that goes to our sch-" Jason's words were cut off as he looked at the girl. A sudden sharp pain and a flash in his mind left him bewildered. It was the girl from his dream.
"What's this sharp pain? Why did it come when I looked at her? How come that girl from my dream popped up when I looked at her? Also, how come my heart throbs when I look at her? It's never done this before. What's going on?" Jason thought to himself, gripping his chest.
"Who is she?" asked, the question lingering in the air like a whisper of mystery and fantasy, hinting at an uncharted journey and the unfolding of hidden destinies.