The world Wade found himself in wasn't just some fantastical setting. It had history—layers of events that shaped what it had become. And as Wade pieced it all together, the picture became clearer.
It was the year 2900 in the novel. Humanity had endured centuries of unimaginable chaos, all because of the dimensional shifts that had started long ago. The rifts began opening in different parts of the world, small and seemingly harmless at first. Strange objects and technologies appeared—artifacts, military equipment, weapons that didn't quite fit into the human understanding of warfare. But these early encounters were nothing compared to what came next.
As the rifts grew larger, they began to spit out something far more dangerous: demons.
At first, the demons were few in number, almost like scouts testing the world. Humanity's military forces handled them easily. But then, the scales tipped when one of the demon generals entered through a rift. His power was overwhelming, wiping out entire military bases and leaving humanity's strongest defenses in ruins. The devastation was global, and humanity was forced to retreat. The world's most fortified positions crumbled under the sheer power of the demonic general and his forces. It wasn't just a battle—it was a global catastrophe. The governments of the world collapsed under the weight of the attacks, and humanity found itself on the brink of extinction.
But just as the demons seemed poised to claim victory, the demon general abruptly retreated. It was a moment of confusion for humanity. Some said the general's withdrawal was due to infighting among the demons, while others believed it was part of a much larger, more sinister plan. Whatever the reason, the demon forces withdrew just when victory seemed certain.
However, not all the demons left. Some stayed behind, claiming regions of Earth as their own and turning these places into strongholds. These demons grew stronger over time, expanding their territories and pushing their boundaries, threatening humanity's survival once again.
Then came the manifestation of mana. Humans, previously powerless against the demonic forces, began to unlock abilities tied to the magical energy that now flowed through the world. It wasn't widespread at first, but those who could harness mana were powerful. They became humanity's best defense against the demons.
In the aftermath of the demon general's retreat and the rise of mana users, the world underwent a massive transformation. Continents that had once been divided were now reunited. The dimensional shifts had caused seismic changes, raising new landmasses and reshaping the geography of the planet. The Earth's landmass had increased from 30% to nearly 50%, creating new territories and reunifying the world under a single central landscape. With no other options, a new central system was formed: a last bastion of human power, led by those who could harness mana. This wasn't just a political body—it was a new world order. The most powerful leaders, military strategists, and magic users from the surviving regions came together to create what they called the Council of Knights. Unlike the traditional governments of old, this was a group of individuals who controlled their territories with absolute authority, akin to the legendary knights of the round table. These knights were tasked with keeping humanity alive in the face of the ongoing demon threat.
The academy Wade was about to enter was located on the southern side of the continent, far from the northern territories that were now demon-occupied. Once a stronghold for humans, the academy had been founded by the first Council of Knights. Its strategic location ensured it was one of the last places standing, a fortress where the next generation of warriors, knights, and mages would be trained. In contrast, the northern regions had become a demon-dominated wasteland, a constant reminder of what was at stake.
The discovery of mana had not only impacted human warfare—it revolutionized human technology. Mana had become the primary energy source, replacing older methods like oil, coal, and gas. Transportation, infrastructure, even communication systems—all were powered by mana now. This shift had allowed humanity to rebuild faster and more efficiently, but it also meant that society had become more dependent on the magic flowing through the world.
The Council of Knights operated with military precision, much like the old Pentagon Knights of Earth's past. Each knight controlled a region, and together, they formed a united defense against the demons. With no room for failure, they trained the next generation of warriors and magic users to handle the constant threat from the rifts and fought back. The battles were long and hard-fought, but slowly, a stalemate emerged. Neither side could claim victory, and yet, neither side could afford to let their guard down. The demons, still holding their strongholds, constantly tested the limits of their domains, seeking any weakness they could exploit. Meanwhile, humans were forced to not only defend their borders but also deal with the unpredictable rifts that could open at any time.
It was a delicate balance. The humans, led by the Council of Knights, kept the demons in check, but the rifts remained a constant threat. Every time a rift appeared, it was a race against time to seal it before the demons could establish another foothold. Both sides were locked in a perpetual stand-off, each one wary of the other, knowing that a single misstep could tip the balance and plunge the world back into chaos.
But in the later years, something changed. As humanity grew stronger and more adept in the ways of mana, they began pushing back. Slowly but surely, the demons who had entrenched themselves in various regions were being forced to retreat. Human forces, led by the Council of Knights and their mana-powered warriors, started reclaiming territory. It wasn't an easy fight, and the demons still held much of their ground, but the tide was slowly turning in humanity's favor on the land.
As Wade stood before the academy, one of the most prestigious in the world, he felt the weight of the world's history pressing down on him. This wasn't just a school; it was a fortress where humanity's future was shaped. Here, the next generation of knights, mages, and warriors would learn to harness their mana, prepare for battle, and defend humanity from the demons.
But something didn't feel right. "What timeline am I in, anyway?" Wade muttered. He knew how the story was supposed to go—at least, in the hero's timeline. If he was in that timeline, he figured he would be relatively safe, riding the coattails of the plot. But if he had somehow landed in an earlier timeline, one where the hero hadn't yet risen to power, things could get messy. In the earlier days, the world had been far more dangerous, with entire cities wiped out, and the hero wasn't there to fix things.
Wade shuddered at the thought. If he was stuck in the wrong timeline, he might not live long enough to see the hero rise. He needed to figure out where he stood—and fast.