"This world," X began, "is far more complex than you realize, Max. The human continent, Oran, has always been at odds with the non-human continent, Olir. For years, we've managed to keep the peace through fragile alliances, trade agreements, and mutual fear. But the balance is shifting."
Max, still mad because of his scuffle with Isidora, frowned as he listened. He didn't know Oren at all, but now he is learning about the existence of a second continent. "So, why now? Why is everything falling apart all of a sudden, just when I arrive?"
X sighed, leaning back in his chair. "It's not sudden. The cracks have been forming for years, ever since the last great war when the Demon Lord was sealed away. The non-human nations have always felt like we stole something from them. They believe that they got nothing from the war, while the human nations got all the rewards."
"What do you mean by rewards?" Max interrupted. "I thought the Demon Lord's defeat was a win for everyone."
"In a way, yes," X admitted. "But the aftermath was far from fair. After the war, the human kingdoms gained control of the portals. With them, we secured dominance over trade, resources, and military movement. The non-humans were left with the scraps, forced to rebuild their land with limited access to the world's magical veins."
"So they're pissed because you fuckers stole all the good stuff?"
"IT is more than that," X said, his tone darkening. "For centuries, the portals have been the main thing of our world's economy and defense. With them, we can mobilize armies, transport goods, etc. But they're also a double-edged sword. If the non-humans gain control of the portals, they can strike at the heart of our cities in an instant. And that's exactly what they're planning to do."
"But what about the Demon Lord?" Max asked. "Isn't he the real threat?"
"Indeed," X nodded. "But the Demon Lord is a patient strategist. He's been manipulating the non-humans, increasing their hatred toward us, and preparing them for this war. When he returns, he wants the world in chaos - a perfect stage for his conquest. And the non-humans, blinded by their anger, are walking right into his trap."
This was much bigger than Max had imagined. "So what do we do now?"
"First, we need to solidify our alliances," X replied. "There are still non-human factions that don't want the war, that remember the devastation the Demon Lord brought. We need to bring them to our side. At the same time, we need to prepare for battle, fortify our cities, gather our forces, and prevent the enemy from gaining control of the portals."
Max nodded. "And Merlin… why is he here? To teach me like I was promised or?"
"Merlin was the hero of the last war, the one who sealed the Demon Lord away. Since then, he's been gathering knowledge, preparing for the day when the seal would weaken. With him on our side, we have a fighting chance, and of course, he is here to teach you. Just like the King promised."
Merlin stroked his long white beard, finally speaking up. "I have seen the signs. The Demon Lord's seal is weakening, and that is why you're here. You and your friends. Just like many years ago my friends and I had to do the same thing you're gonna have to do. When the seal breaks, all hell will break loose. But this time, we won't just seal him away. We'll destroy him for good."
Max swallowed hard. "So, what's the plan?"
X leaned forward. "You, Max, are the key. You and your friends. You're the hero. But to succeed, you need to master the powers within you."
"Great," Max muttered. "No pressure, right?"
The flickering light of the magical orbs hanging from the ceiling cast long shadows across the room as Max sat, trying to understand everything that X said. The more he learned about this world, the more he realized how similar it was to his world. This wasn't just about a single war, it was about centuries of tension, unhealed wounds, and alliances that could shift like sand under their feet.
"The two continents of this world have always been at odds. But it wasn't always like this. Long ago, before the rise of the Demon Lord, our ancestors lived in relative peace, despite their differences," X said.
"I heard that story a long time ago from a friend of mine, when the dragons still ruled, right?" Max interrupted.
"Yes. That's the story. Then, when the Demon Lord came and rose from the shadows he began to whisper in our ears. He knew that divided, we would be easier to conquer. The non-humans, under his influence, began to resent the humans. They saw us as greedy and untrustworthy. The humans, on the other hand, began to fear the non-humans' power. It didn't take long for these fears to turn into open conflict."
The pieces were slowly fitting together. "So the Demon Lord used their anger to start wars?"
"Yes," X confirmed, "many times throughout the history. The First Great War devastated both continents, leaving scars that still haven't healed. In the end, it took the combined power of all races to seal the Demon Lord away. But the victory came at a cost. The alliances weren't as strong, they crumbled soon after when the old grudges resurfaced."
"After the war," X continued, "the human kingdoms seized control of the portals. I already told you about them, and their importance. With them, the human kingdoms gained the upper hand. Over the years and many wars, the one who controls the portals constantly changed. Now, in the present, humans are controlling them."
Max couldn't help but feel angry. He hadn't asked to be a part of this world, but now he was being thrown into a conflict that was as much about history as it was about the present. "So why now? Why are they making their move now?"
X sighed, his gaze distant as he spoke. "Because the balance of power is shifting. The Demon Lord's influence is growing once again, and he's using that old resentment to his advantage. He's been whispering in the ears of the non-human leaders, stoking their anger, promising them revenge. They see this as their chance to right the wrongs of the past, to take back what they believe is rightfully theirs."
"The Elves of Petkhodor," x said, his voice lowering as he spoke of the ancient forest kingdom, "are the most dangerous. They've always believed in their superiority, that they are the true inheritors of this world. Their mastery of magic is unparalleled, and their armies are very strong. But the fire blinds them to the true enemy, the Demon Lord. They see this as an opportunity to reclaim their lost glory, to establish an empire that will destroy everything in their path."
Max was genuinely afraid. The Elves were already powerful, and if they were being manipulated by the Demon Lord, it could be a disaster. "And the Dwarves?" he asked.
"The Dwarves of Kerag-Thar are a proud and stubborn people," X replied. "They've long been our allies, but recent years have seen some tension rise. Disputes over trade routes, mining rights, and territorial boundaries have shaken our relationship. The Dwarves have always valued their independence, and they're not keen on being dragged into another war. But, we heard that the Demon Lord's agents are offering them something they've long desired. That is the control over the magical veins that run through the world. If they side with the Demon Lord, they could tip the balance in their favor."
"So we're basically surrounded by enemies. But there must be some who don't want war, right?" Max asked.
"Of course," Merlin jumped into the conversation. "Not all non-humans are eager to fight. There are those who remember the devastation of the last war, those who see who the Demon Lord really is. The Beastfolk Tribes of the Shattered Plains, for example, are divided. Some seek revenge, but others just want peace, fearing the consequences of another great war. The Orchis Clans of the Orgar are similarly split, with some loyal to the Demon Lord and others who fought against him in the past."
"So we still have a chance to build alliances, to convince them that war isn't the answer. War = bad, come on people!" Max said.
X nodded, but he remained calm. "It won't be easy. Trust is in short supply and the scars of the past run deep. We'll need to be careful. But any factions that we bring to our side, it could turn the tide."
"And the portals?" Max asked.
"You shouldn't worry about the Portals, we have people ready to defend them. Some you might know, they are your friends that came with you." X said. "We need to prepare for war, but it would be best to prevent it from happening in the first place."
Max nodded. This was bigger than anything he'd ever faced, and the stakes couldn't be higher. Life was much easier when his biggest problem in life was what noodle flavor to buy.
"Alright," he said. "Let's do this."