Stepping out of the dorms without a hitch, I finally got my first look at the Open City. And wow, it's way more impressive than I imagined. Everything's so well-kept, clean streets, and the city's layout—whoever planned this place knew what they were doing.
As I walked, a holographic billboard caught my eye, advertising the latest spell-enhanced smartphone. It promised crystal-clear communication across realms. Talk about future tech.
This is it—The One, the key city, where fun meets the future. Kids from all over the world come here, chasing their dreams, hoping to carve their names into history. And it's all thanks to one thing: the XSYRS Academy.
—This city was the one—the hub, the place of dreams, where kids from all over the world came to study, aiming to etch their names in history. But more importantly—this city is known for one thing above all: XSYRS Academy.The academy, renowned for ages, is the birthplace of countless future heroes. But getting into XSYRS? Not exactly a walk in the park. More like trying to catch a comet with a butterfly net.
First up, the entrance exam. Not your run-of-the-mill multiple-choice nonsense, either. Oh no. It's an essay—a single, brutal question that'll have your brain sweating bullets.
Then, there's the Elemental Trials, where they test how well you balance and control your core element. And finally, the combat exam, the real decider. Your performance here determines your rank, and with it, respect and privileges. High-rankers get the good stuff—private dorms, their own training grounds, and a fat stack of monthly points. No wonder everyone's gunning for the top, crushing each other to get ahead.
Now, you're probably wondering how I—Akashi—got into this academy. I mean, most people have to bust their butts for a chance, right? Well, here's the thing. When gold whispers, hearts grow silent.
This world isn't much different from anywhere else. Just because humans here have supernatural powers doesn't mean they're above corruption. My dad? He's the head of one of the seven great ruling houses. As his son, it'd be embarrassing if I didn't get into XSYRS. So yeah, he pulled some strings, and here I am.
Some hardworking student probably cursed my name for taking his spot, but honestly? I couldn't care less. I was born with this power, so I'm just playing the hand I was dealt.
Lost in my thoughts, I heard a buzz. My ride's here.
I approached the sleek, levitating bus, its exterior glowing with runes, reflecting the hues of dawn and dusk. The windows were crystal-clear, making the whole thing look more like a spaceship than a bus. This baby doesn't even need fuel or electricity.
I could've taken the train, but where I'm headed, the bus is a better choice.
I climbed aboard, taking in the high-tech interior. I grabbed a seat near the back, next to an old man absorbed in his book. He didn't acknowledge me, and I didn't bother with him either.
Finally, I could relax. I knew where I was going would be exhausting, so I might as well rest now. I pulled out the headphones I brought from the dorm. No matter where I am, nothing beats zoning out to some good music. I fired up my playlist and let the world fade away.
As I hummed along to the tunes, more people piled onto the bus. It was getting pretty crowded—not exactly sardine-can levels, but close.
Just as I was about to close my eyes again, a feminine voice interrupted me.
"Hey, mister…"
I tried to ignore her, pretending I was too into my music to hear. But she didn't give up.
"Hey, mister. Can you…"
I sighed and finally responded. "Yes? How can I help you?"
She was a woman in her 30s, definitely married, smiling like she wanted something from me.
What does she want?
She gestured to my seat and said, "I'm pregnant."
"Well, hey, Pregnant. I'm Akashi," I replied casually
The woman blinked, clearly taken aback by my response. For a moment, she just stared at me, probably trying to figure out if I was serious or just being a smartass.
Then, her lips quirked into a small smile. "Very funny, Akashi boy," she said, her tone light but with a hint of sarcasm and a touch of annoyance, I guess. "Now, can I have the seat, or do I have to use my 'pregnant lady powers' on you?"
Her response was playful, but there was an edge to it, like she wasn't entirely joking. It was pretty clear she wasn't going to back down easily.
Sighing, I thought, *Some things never change.* No point in resisting, so I stood up and let her have the seat.
"Geez, I was just getting comfortable," I muttered under my breath. "And for the record, I didn't order you to get pregnant."
With that, I moved to stand and stared out the window, taking in the scenery as the bus smoothly glided along. Just then, a flying drone-like robot approached me, buzzing like a mechanical fly. I was already impressed with the tech in this city, but this? This was something else.
The drone hovered in front of me and opened a floating tab. "Where to?" it asked in a polite, automated voice.
I tapped the screen, selecting my destination: Black Forest. The process was quick and seamless.
As I confirmed the destination, I couldn't help but think about how lucky I was to be out of the academy right now. Normally, students aren't allowed to leave the academy grounds for anything, but thanks to my suspension, I was free to roam. Funny how a punishment could end up feeling like a gift.
With time to spare before reaching my destination, my thoughts drifted to the world I was now part of—a world constantly on the brink of war, where the threat of conflict always loomed just beneath the surface. The last major conflict, known as the *War of a Thousand Nations,* had occurred 150 years ago. It was an all-out brawl, a brutal and fearsome clash between every race, each one desperate to carve out their own territory.
Humans, with their clever strategies and exceptional combat abilities, managed to secure a significant chunk of the world's territory. But it wasn't a complete victory. The elves and orcs managed to hold their own, leaving the war in a tense stalemate. Yet, one race was left unsatisfied by the outcome: the Fallen.
At first glance, the Fallen could easily be mistaken for humans. Their graceful movements, lithe bodies, and humanoid features made them almost indistinguishable from us. But their eyes were a dead giveaway—an intense shade of crimson red that filled the entire sclera, making them look like something straight out of a nightmare. It wasn't just their eyes that set them apart. The Fallen possessed physical strength that surpassed human capabilities, with sinewy muscles that allowed them to perform feats of power that seemed to defy the very laws of nature.
Despite their strength, the Fallen had lost the war 150 years ago, primarily due to their smaller numbers. But I couldn't help but wonder if they had made up for that now. They were far from defeated, retreating to their own continent in the west. Ever since then, they'd been a constant threat, sneaking intruders into our lands, biding their time. They were sure to be a major thorn in our side in the future—and A major antagonist in the story ahead.
The elves, on the other hand, had a different approach. They preferred peace and coexisted with humans, though not without some reluctance. Some elves had even integrated into human society, living in our cities and engaging in trade and diplomacy. They might not be overly fond of humans, but they understood the value of cooperation—at least, for now.
Then there were the orcs and dwarves. The orcs, tough and resilient, made their homes in the mountains and hot regions. Meanwhile, the dwarves, known for their craftsmanship and sturdy builds, resided in the Warhammer region on the eastern side of the continent. Each race had its own place, its own role to play in this world teetering on the edge of chaos.
And the hero's troubles don't stop with the Fallen and their schemes. There's another looming threat: the Asuras. Though they've been largely absent for ages, they haven't completely disappeared. Some still linger in separate dimensions, and their presence can cause rifts—distortions in reality that can be both unsettling and dangerous.
These rifts appear as shimmering, semi-transparent veils that twist and shimmer in space, distorting everything around them. They look like floating, pulsating curtains of energy, occasionally revealing fleeting glimpses of the demonic realm. The colors of these veils shift depending on the level of demonic energy, ranging from soft purples and blues to intense reds and blacks.
Surrounding these rifts are ethereal tendrils that flicker like lightning, signaling the rift's unstable nature. To manage these, advanced technology and magical artifacts are employed to stabilize or seal the tendrils.
Transient rifts can open unexpectedly in various locations, creating unstable "hotspots" where Asuras might emerge. While larger rifts are rare, they can be catastrophic, leading to major demonic incursions. Fortunately, these significant breaches don't happen often, but when they do, they pose a grave threat to the stability of the world.
The rifts, while undeniably a source of danger, also have a surprisingly beneficial side. The etheron stones found within these rifts are highly coveted for their extraordinary properties. These stones, often retrieved from the rift's turbulent core, play a crucial role in modern technology and daily life.
Etheron stones are a key source of magical energy, vastly enhancing the city's magical capabilities and infrastructure. They are used to power various advanced technologies, from energy shields and transportation systems to spell-enhanced devices. Their energy boosts the city's magical power and serves as a reliable source of energy for everyday use, making them integral to the city's functioning.
In essence, while the rifts are a persistent threat, the etheron stones they produce have become a cornerstone of technological and magical advancement, helping to propel the city into an era of unprecedented innovation and comfort.
The maintenance of rifts and the management of their etheron stones are overseen by the World Government, a supreme authority that holds power akin to that of continental kings. This government is a complex organization that includes representatives from various races, though humans predominantly hold the reins of power. The primary purpose of the World Government is to unite the world's diverse factions and prepare for any potential threats or dangers.
Despite being a predominantly human-led organization, the World Government is a vital part of global security and order. They are responsible for stabilizing and sealing the rifts, ensuring that the energy from the etheron stones is harnessed safely and effectively. Their role is crucial in maintaining the balance between the realms and preventing demonic incursions from escalating into full-blown crises.
Students from the prestigious XSYRS Academy aspire to join the World Government due to the high regard and respect associated with the position. Being part of the World Government, especially as a WG Hero, is a mark of great honor and accomplishment. Even those in lower ranks are held in high esteem, making recruitment into the World Government a highly sought-after goal for many students.
In addition to the World Government, numerous guilds and independent organizations actively recruit students. These guilds offer various opportunities and roles, contributing to the rich tapestry of careers available to those who seek to make a mark in this world.
Alright, let's talk about the ruling houses. These guys are the big shots on the continent, only second to the World Government and the king. Each house has its own turf and style:
**The House of Seraphiel**
- They rule over the Northern Capital.
- Up in the northern highlands, Seraphiel's domain is all about grandeur. The city's got this divine vibe, with towering spires and a real sense of purity. It's like walking through a cathedral that's gone full-on urban.
**The House of Zadkiel**
- They hold the power in the Western Metropolis.
- Over in the west, Zadkiel's city is a bustling cultural hub. It's lively, filled with arts and charity. If you're into festivals and community events, this place is your jam.
**The House of Urielson**
- They rule over the Eastern City-State.
- Urielson's in the eastern mountains and is basically the nerd's paradise. It's all about wisdom and learning, with libraries and academies that make it the top spot for scholars.
**The House of Raphaelos**
- They watch over the Southern Sanctuary City.
- This city's down in the southern forests and feels like a high-tech nature retreat. Imagine healing and protective magic combined with some serious technological upgrades. It's like nature's tech hub.
**The House of Michaelis**
- The strongest powerhouse in the world rules the Central Capital.
- Michaelis is the powerhouse of the continent. Right in the center, it's the most fortified and strategic city. If there's a hotspot for power, it's here.
**The House of Gabriellus**
- They oversee the Southwestern Trade City.
- In the southwest, Gabriellus is all about trade and diplomacy. It's bustling with merchants and is the go-to place for deals and maritime stuff.
**The House of Cassielan**
- They control the Northeastern Enclave.
- Cassielan, in the northeastern archipelago, is kind of mysterious. It's secluded, with a vibe that's both sophisticated and tied to ancient secrets.
I used to be part of one of these houses. Yeah, *used to*—things have changed a bit since then. But that's the lowdown on how the power's split around here.
I glanced at the mirror reflecting the outside scenery. This world, just like ours, is ruled by power. If you've got just a little, you can scrape by, but it's a life of barely surviving. To truly thrive, to break free from the chains of mediocrity, you need power. It's what gets you recognized, what opens doors, and what allows you to live a life worth living.
Some things never change huh?. I thought that by dying, I'd escape this relentless rat race
The bus came to a stop, its buzzer signaling that my destination had arrived. As I stepped off and took a deep breath of the fresh air, I reminded myself: I'm not just surviving.
I'm going to live my life to the fullest.