Chereads / Academy's Extra:The APEX LEGACY / Chapter 22 - The Major Powers

Chapter 22 - The Major Powers

The 5 Great Families

A testament to the power and prestige that each individual influential bloodlines can command, standing in sharp contrast to the centralized might of the Hero Association. The title of the "5 Great Families" is less about sheer power between all the families and more about influence, fame, and their role in history, particularly the pivotal part they played during the Hundred Year War .

In truth, there are nine families of equal strength, but the "5 Great Families" earned their title through their active contributions to the war effort. Of the remaining four, two maintained neutrality, while two, including the CrownHearts, took on more passive yet indispensable roles.

The CrownHearts family is a shining example of strategic influence, a merchant dynasty of unparalleled wealth and capital strength. They are filthy rich in the truest sense. At the time of the they chose to stay off the frontlines during the war, instead becoming the lifeblood of the war effort by supplying critical materials such as potions, weapons, and other essential resources. Their reach extends far beyond the human zone, with influence that spans across zones, trading hubs, and even rival territories. The CrownHeart's immense wealth and connections make them a formidable force, able to shape economies, shift alliances, and ensure their survival without drawing a blade. However that also doesn't mean that they are weak in combat. Heck they are anything but weak. A great business can't be operated without a powerful backer right, just understand from this fact that one of the SSS-RANK Hero is the former head of the CrownHeart Family. In simple terms, Ray and Celestia's grandfather. So you can say that they had both military and soft power in their grasp.

While the 5 Great Families enjoy their fame, the other powerful families also does not remain in the shadows, their roles in the grand game of politics and power no less significant. Together, these nine families form a complex web of alliances, rivalries, and ambitions—a fragile balance that holds the world together while keeping the specter of war ever-present.

1. The Aekins – Famed for their unparalleled swordsmanship and mastery over fire magic, the Aekins are a knightly family whose name burns as brightly as the flames they command. Their warriors are said to fight like a torrent of fire, their blades wreathed in blazing heat as they scorch a path through darkness and despair. Determination fuels their every action, their burning resolve to uphold their family's name and ideals becoming their greatest weapon.

Honor, justice, and kindness form the unshakable foundation of the Aekin legacy. To them, a sword is not merely a tool of destruction but a symbol of protection and righteousness. Their fire magic, passed down through generations, reflects their fiery spirit—unrelenting, fierce, and warm to those in need. An Aekin knight is both a protector and an avenger, their blade and flame rising in defense of the weak and oppressed.

2. The Emersons – A family renowned for their deep connection to the earth and their mastery of martial arts. The Emersons wield Earth magic with a precision and power that rivals even the most skilled elementalists, shaping the ground beneath their feet as if it were an extension of their very being. Combined with their unparalleled physical prowess and martial discipline, they are a force of nature, both unyielding and relentless.

3. The Storms - A family synonymous with speed, precision, and the raw, electrifying power of lightning. Renowned for their lightning-fast spear techniques and mastery of lightning magic, the Stroms are a storm on the battlefield, striking with blinding speed and devastating force. Their every move is a blur, their spears flashing like bolts of lightning, leaving destruction in their wake.

4. The Andersons - The Anderson family has carved a legacy as swift and precise as the winds they command. Known for their intricate control over wind magic and their unmatched skill with the bow, they are as elusive as a breeze and as deadly as a gale. Their arrows, guided by the currents they summon, strike with unerring accuracy, often before their enemies even realize they've been targeted.The Andersons embody grace and precision, their movements flowing like the wind itself.

5. The Frosts - The family with unparalleled mastery over ice magic, the Frosts are pure mages who stand as one of the five great magical families. Their magic is not merely a tool but a legacy, honed over generations to achieve a level of precision and power that leaves even the most seasoned spellcasters in awe. From summoning blizzards to forging intricate ice constructs, the Frosts' command over their element is simply unmatched.

The Heros Association - The ultimate governing body within the zones, tasked with maintaining order, balance, and stability across all facets of society. From overseeing guilds and regulating the actions of the Great Families to mediating disputes between races in different zones, the Hero Association ensures that power does not spiral out of control. While many see it as a beacon of hope and justice, others recognize it as a calculated force, one that stands as both guardian and enforcer.

The might of the Hero Association is unmatched among zones rivaling even the influence of the prestigious Great Families. At its core are the SSS-RANK Hero, individuals who stand at the absolute pinnacle of strength, their abilities transcending mortal limits. Each of them is a living legend, wielding power capable of reshaping battlefields and quelling rebellions single-handedly with mere snap of the finger. Their presence alone is enough to deter most who would dare challenge the Association's authority.

For now, within the zones, the Hero Association stands as an unyielding force, a mediator, and a symbol of power. Its existence ensures that no guild, family, or rogue faction rises unchecked, safeguarding the fragile equilibrium that holds the world together. But in a world brimming with ambition, power, and hidden agendas, even the Hero Association is not immune to shadows lurking within.

Well, in a way you can say, the great families and hero association and the guilds they are the major powers of the zones.