This world, as I was told when I was little, is called Archideia. It holds a rich tapestry of stories, cultures, and histories that interweave through the fabric of its lands.
Archideia is divided into two major continents: Mistville and Thordrin, each bearing its own unique essence and inhabitants.
Thordrin, often referred to as the holy continent by many, is a place where humans, elves, dwarves, and the despised traitors, vampires, reside. Each race lays claim to their respective territories and traditions, living in a precarious balance that teeters on the edge of conflict at times.
The human kingdom, known as the High Tower, is ruled by the royal family named Rindon. This kingdom reportedly occupies a staggering 40 percent of Thordrin, a testament to their power and influence. It is further divided into three ducal families, each vying for favor and control, often plotting against one another in the shadows. I've heard whispers of political intrigue, alliances forged and broken, and a relentless ambition that colors their noble hearts.
Elendor is the kingdom of the elves, who are often referred to as nature-loving beings. Their affinity for the natural world is perhaps admirable, but I can't help but call them "freaks" sometimes. I mean, who names themselves after their country? The Elendors take up about 20 percent of Thordrin and live under a monarchy, with their royal family bearing the same name as their land. Stories of their beauty abound, tales that say their looks rival those of the Seduction Clan. Perhaps it's their long lifespans and ethereal qualities that elevate them in such regard, but to us demons, it is nothing but an elaborate facade.
Then there are the dwarves, who are as rugged and stubborn as the mountains they inhabit. Their kingdom, Crystal Rock, is nestled in the rocky terrains of Thordrin, occupying 25 percent of the continent. Little is known about their inner workings, apart from their unparalleled prowess in crafting magnificent artifacts. They may be short and bearded, but their skills are unmatched, often sought after by other races. They keep to themselves, shunning outside involvement, which makes them an enigmatic presence in this realm.
Last, but certainly not least, are the traitors, the vampires. Once under the dominion of demons, they betrayed us during the Continental War, a treachery that still stings. Their matriarch, Rosa Florerz, turned against our emperor, Silas von Zaar, during a crucial moment. This betrayal led to his untimely demise, forcing us to reckon with the dark shadows that now live under the so-called protection of Thordrin. The Blood Nation, as their dirty kingdom is called, comprises about 15 percent of Thordrin, a disgraceful reminder of their treachery.
On the other hand, we have Mistville, the dark continent, a land of desolation where demons dwell. Yes, just us, the inheritors of power that comes with both glory and pain. We are divided into three clans—before the betrayal of the Blood Clan, that is. The remaining clans include the Monster Clan and the Seduction Clan. Each clan comprises its leaders and elders, forming a ruling council that works alongside the royal family of Von Zaar.
The Monster Clan boasts a variety of beasts, with four major tribes: the Eagle Tribe, Lion Tribe, Wolf Tribe, and Fox Tribe. Meanwhile, the Seduction Clan is represented solely by the whims of the succubi and incubi. So much power, yet constant infighting keeps us from achieving our true potential.
The royal family, notably, possesses the revered dragon bloodline—except for me, thanks to a peculiar mutation. My father, with his dragon blood, commands respect, while my mother, from the Eagle Tribe, sacrificed her life during the war to bring me into this tumultuous world. Instead of a dragon-like my stepbrother, Caesar, I emerged as a black-flamed bird known as a Black Flame Phoenix. It's quite impressive, in a way, rivaling the might of dragons, but being different often feels isolating and strange.
Caesar, my stepbrother and currently the demon king, was born shortly after me, yet he met me first after I hatched from my egg. His mother, a succubus, gifted him with striking looks and charm, traits that he seems to wield effortlessly. To my bewilderment, Caesar is already married and has a son—someone my age. I find myself in a peculiar position, known sometimes as the crown prince who never became king, an heir without a throne.
Often, I ponder what I was doing within that egg shell all those years, delaying my emergence into the world. It's a thought that dances on the edge of frustration but also curiosity.
The Continental War was not the only significant conflict that has scarred our history. An even greater war unfolded long before, one that led to an unlikely alliance between the two continents. The Rakashas, a race of beings akin to demons yet distinctly unique, sought to conquer our world in the name of their deity, Oregon. They wield a form of corrupting light—quite the opposite of our darkness type of mana—which allows them to be aggressive and powerful.
Their first assault on the human kingdom was repelled, but their focus soon shifted toward us. Despite their fierce attempts, we managed to drive them away, but they remain a constant threat looming over our heads. Researchers discovered that we demons possess impressive resilience against their corrupting influence, a blessing that guides our continued existence.
In response to this ominous threat, the race heads established a council, a united front to combat the Rakashas. Among their strategies was the formation of the Archideia Magical Academy (AMA).
AMA sits in the borderlands between the high tower and crystal rock, a place where the whisper of ancient magic intertwines with the clamor of the modern world. Towering spires shimmer in the sunlight, casting elongated shadows over the vibrant landscape, while the jagged formations of crystal rock rise dramatically, refracting the light into a kaleidoscope of colors. This setting serves as a stark reminder of the duality of existence here, where the ethereal and the tangible coexist in a delicate balance.
Now and then, the rakashas still cause trouble by attacking small settlements or disrupting daily life, even though the war has reached an impasse. The people here remain on edge, aware that their peace is precarious. The rakashas are cunning, employing tactics that test the defenses of even the most fortified locations. We understand that they are biding their time, preparing to unleash their more formidable forces when the moment is right. Fear lingers in the air, and the stories of past skirmishes haunt the dreams of the young and old alike.
In the midst of all this chaos, Leo finds himself grappling with an entirely different kind of worry. "This book is boring," he mutters to himself, flipping through the pages of the dense history of Archideia with a sense of dread. The words jumble together in his mind, creating a monotonous drone that threatens to lull him into a deep slumber. He sighs heavily, glancing out the window at the vibrant world outside, where the sunlight dances on the leaves and birds flit about, embodying a freedom he longs to experience.
"Why do I have to read the history of Archideia to enter an academy?" he questions, throwing his pen down in frustration. Leo knows that every great story of power and conquest weaves into the fabric of his future, but that doesn't ease his reluctance to wade through the intricate details of battles fought centuries ago. "I still have five more years before I attend AMA," he reminds himself, trying to muster the motivation needed to dive back into his studies.
The academy Leo is preparing to enter is the Demon Institute of Learning, a prestigious establishment known for shaping powerful beings from various races. This rigorous education is mandatory for all who aspire to enter AMA, the Academy of Magical Arts, one of the most esteemed institutions within their realm. Here, students will learn not just about magic, but also about the delicate balance of power, diplomacy, and the histories that bind their world.
As the weight of expectation settles on his shoulders, Leo feels torn between his aspirations and the pressures of his current reality. "Tomorrow is the D-day," he murmurs to himself, the thought sending a shiver down his spine. The day when he must prove he has absorbed the material, that he is worthy of the time and resources poured into his education.
"Huh..." he trails off, feeling the enormity of the moment closing in on him like a thick fog. But within that weight, there is a flicker of excitement— the thrill of what lies ahead. What secrets will the academy reveal? What challenges will he face? As he prepares for the journey to AMA, a newfound determination begins to stoke the embers of his spirit, pushing him to confront both his studies and the uncertainty of the future.