Awakening in the Library
The third day after Aryan Prastha's awakening began like the previous two—quietly, within the confines of his family's estate. The morning light filtered through the tall windows of the Prastha library, casting long shadows on the polished wooden floors. Dust motes drifted lazily in the sunbeams, creating a serene atmosphere that belied the turbulence in Aryan's mind.He sat at a large oak table, a small stack of books surrounding him. The room was vast, filled with rows upon rows of shelves that housed thousands of texts. Here, in this sanctuary of knowledge, Aryan had spent countless hours since his childhood, but never had he felt the weight of its contents so heavily as he did now.It had only been three days since his memories of a past life had resurfaced, memories that had shattered his perception of the world and of himself. He wasn't just Aryan Prastha, the powerless heir to a powerful family; he was also a reincarnated warrior, a man who had once wielded the might of the gods in a world long forgotten. The knowledge that flooded his mind was overwhelming—ancient mantras, divine weapons, strategies for warfare, and a deep understanding of a world that was both familiar and alien to him.But Aryan knew he couldn't allow himself to be paralyzed by the enormity of it all. He had to act, to prepare for the challenges that lay ahead. His family saw him as a stain on their legacy, but he was determined to change that perception. To do so, he needed to understand this world better than anyone else—its power structure, its history, and the forces that shaped it.
As Aryan sat in the library, he took a deep breath, trying to center himself. The past three days had been a whirlwind of emotions, but now he needed to focus. He opened a large, leather-bound tome titled "The World of Aeternum: A Comprehensive Guide," the same book he had pored over the previous day. It was an exhaustive text, detailing the intricacies of Aeternum—the world in which he now lived.
The Power Structure of AeternumAryan's quill scratched across a sheet of parchment as he took meticulous notes. Understanding the power structure of Aeternum was crucial, especially for someone like him, who had no magical core. In this world, power was everything, and it was categorized in a rigid hierarchy that determined one's status and influence.
The power scale ranged from Tier 1 to Tier 7, with each tier further divided into 10 levels. This system not only defined an individual's strength in battle but also their social standing.
Tier 1: The lowest tier, typically occupied by commoners and those with little to no magical ability.
A Level 10 Tier 1 individual was barely able to perform basic spells or engage in combat, often relegated to menial tasks in society.
Tier 2: Individuals in this tier possessed some magical or combat abilities, often serving as foot soldiers or apprentices.
A Level 10 Tier 2 individual might be a competent warrior but still far from being considered powerful.
Tier 3: At this level, individuals began to show significant promise. They could serve as knights, captains, or minor mages, with Level 10 Tier 3 individuals holding positions of respect within their communities.Tier 4: This tier marked the beginning of true power. Individuals at this level were often nobles, high-ranking officers, or powerful mages. A Level 10 Tier 4 individual could command armies or wield magic capable of altering the course of battles.
Tier 5: Those who reached Tier 5 were rare and highly respected. They could hold positions of great influence, such as generals, archmages, or rulers of small territories.
A Level 10 Tier 5 individual was a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield.Tier 6: The elite of Aeternum, Tier 6 individuals were legends in their own right. They were leaders of great nations, heads of powerful guilds, or protectors of ancient secrets. A Level 10 Tier 6 individual possessed abilities that could shift the balance of power across entire continents.
Tier 7: The pinnacle of power in Aeternum, Tier 7 was reserved for the most extraordinary beings—those who had transcended the limits of mortal strength and magic. Level 10 Tier 7 individuals were akin to demigods, their power capable of reshaping the world itself.Aryan's eyes lingered on the description of Tier 7. The mere thought of beings who could wield such immense power made his blood run cold. He was far from reaching even the lowest tier, but with the knowledge he possessed from his past life—the mantras, the divine weapons, and the strategic wisdom—he believed he could rise through the ranks. It would require time, dedication, and the careful cultivation of power, but he was determined to defy the odds.
The Races and Kingdoms of AeternumAryan turned the page, his quill moving swiftly as he began to take notes on the various races and kingdoms that populated Aeternum. The world was vast, with each continent hosting a unique blend of cultures and powers. Understanding these dynamics was crucial for someone in his position.Humans: The most adaptable and ambitious of the races, humans were spread across the continent of Elyndor. They were known for their diverse cultures and their constant drive for expansion and power. The human kingdoms were often at odds with each other, their alliances and enmities shifting like the tides. The Prastha family, with its vast lands and influence, was a major player in this intricate game of power.
Elves: The elves were a race of grace and longevity, divided into several sub-races, including High Elves, Wood Elves, and Dark Elves. The High Elves resided in the ancient forests of Valinor, their cities hidden deep within magical barriers. They were masters of arcane magic and custodians of ancient knowledge. The Wood Elves, more attuned to nature, lived in the deep jungles of Zaerth, while the elusive Dark Elves inhabited the shadowy regions of Norrath.
Dwarves: Resilient and industrious, the dwarves were master craftsmen and warriors. Their underground cities in the mountainous regions of Sarnath were nearly impenetrable, known for their sophisticated defenses and unmatched metalwork. Dwarves played a crucial role in the economy of Aeternum, supplying weapons, armor, and enchanted items to all who could afford them.
Orcs: A warrior race known for their brute strength and battle-hardened culture, orcs inhabited the rugged lands of Norrath. Their society was harsh, with constant battles for dominance, but those who proved themselves in combat could rise to positions of great power. Orcish clans were feared and respected across the continent, their raids and conquests leaving a lasting impact on Aeternum's history.
Fae: The fae were an enigmatic race, with many sub-races including Fairies, Dryads, and Nymphs. They lived in the magical forests of Faeweald, a place where the boundaries between the physical and spiritual worlds were thin. The fae were known for their mastery of illusion and nature magic, and their motives were often inscrutable to outsiders.
Demons: Residing in the dark, twisted realm of The Abyss, demons were beings of immense power and malevolence. The Abyss was a place of nightmares, ruled by the Abyssal Devil King, whose influence often seeped into the mortal world, corrupting the hearts of men and beasts alike. Demons varied greatly in form and power, but all were dangerous and feared.As Aryan took notes on these races, he considered how they would factor into his future plans. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each race would be key to forming alliances and avoiding unnecessary conflicts. He would need to be cautious, strategic, and above all, adaptable. Next, Aryan focused on the geography of Aeternum, a world of diverse and often dangerous landscapes. Each continent had its own unique features, challenges, and resources.Caelum: The central continent, Caelum, was small in size but held immense political significance. It was ruled by a council of leaders from all the major races, descendants of the heroes from the previous era. These leaders had banded together to ensure that no single race could dominate the others, maintaining a fragile balance of power. At the head of this council was the Overlord, a dragon in human form, whose immense power kept the continent's factions in check. The Overlord was a woman of immense power, the highest recorded level of strength in Aeternum, and she was at Level 3 of Tier 7.Elyndor: The human-dominated continent of Elyndor was a land of rolling plains, dense forests, and towering mountains. The Prastha family's lands were located in the fertile southern regions, known for their rich soil and strategic importance. Elyndor was also home to several powerful mana wells, natural sources of magical energy that were fiercely contested by the ruling families.Valinor: The mystical homeland of the elves, Valinor was a continent.