The intermediate magical language comprises ten of the thirty-two magical characters, while the remaining seventeen belong to the high-level magical language. Each character harbors a unique meaning that eludes precise verbal explanation; it's an understanding that can only be grasped through deep perception. The existence of magical language books suggests that, with enough intelligence and insight, a diligent reader might unlock the meanings behind these characters.
However, this path is fraught with difficulty. Nearly half a month has passed since Martin began studying his magical language tomes, yet he finds himself unable to comprehend the essence of any character.
The characters themselves are tangible, but their shapes are merely superficial. Without a grasp of their underlying significance, Martin struggles to engrave magical templates into his memory.
"Don't you want to find a teacher to teach you the magical language?" Debbie's voice cut through his thoughts, laced with frustration. "You don't know how much gold you'll need or how long you'll have to wait! I have more than 80 gold coins with me!"
Martin sank deeper into his bed, absentmindedly stroking the spine of a hefty book resting against his pillow, titled *Encyclopedia of the Continent*. He had marked his place last night, and now he flipped it open once more.
His readings over the past few days had offered him a structured understanding of the history of the Continent of Agendas.
The Continent of Agendas, the only known landmass in this world, boasts a recorded history extending back 15,000 years. Initially, various races populated the continent—the orcs, giants, dwarves, and other now-extinct races like dragons were the most powerful. Humans struggled in the shadows, often enslaved due to their inherent physical vulnerabilities.
Approximately 13,000 years ago, a brilliant human discovered how to harness the forces of nature, leading to humanity's ascension as one of the continent's dominant powers. This newfound ability was termed magic, and it allowed humans to establish themselves as the prevailing race on Agendas.
For the next 7,000 years, humans ruled the continent, known as the Ancestors. Initially, their reign was marked by peace, but as time passed, their cruelty manifested, particularly through the dark magic they employed to conjure the demon race—merciless beings that helped maintain their oppressive rule.
The rise of demons incited widespread outrage. A coalition formed among the orcs, giants, dwarves, goblins, and even some humans who opposed the Ancestors, igniting a war that lasted two centuries, known as the Battle of the Ancestors.
During this conflict, the last three dragons of the world fell at the hands of a renowned "Dragon Swordsman." The Ancestors' princes and nobles were slaughtered, and the remaining Ancestors were exiled to the frigid northern wastelands. Ironically, they constructed a formidable Great Wall in the north, unknowingly sealing their fate. This wall now serves as a barrier to their return, while remnants of their bloodline continue to roam among the wilds beyond.
The Battle of the Ancestors occurred five millennia ago, yet humans remain the dominant force on the Continent of Agendas, wielding their unique magical talents and differentiating into various roles such as swordsmen, knights, and mages.
The dwarves, though fewer in number, remain formidable warriors. They occasionally issue warnings to the human Empire but have largely maintained peace. Goblins, with their unique abilities, have also become indispensable, particularly in the operations of the continent's major banks.
The giants mysteriously vanished from the continent five years ago, their whereabouts unknown. Meanwhile, elves, the only truly long-lived race, keep their distance from other factions, their empire hidden deep within the forests, accessible only to a select few outsiders.
Half-orcs, born of the Ancestors' malevolence, have survived the ancestral war with remarkable resilience, infiltrating the continent and causing mayhem akin to moles in a garden. Some scholars even categorize the undead, who haunt the western tombs, as a significant race in their own right.
Thus, the races of Agendas today comprise humans, orcs, elves, dwarves, giants, goblins, undead, and demons. As for the savages beyond the Great Wall, even the most diligent scholars tend to overlook them.
This overview presents a glimpse into the history and diversity of Agendas as detailed in the first volume of the *Encyclopedia*. The subsequent volumes promise a deeper exploration of each race, species, empire, and culture.
After poring over the introduction to the undead for an extended period, Martin closed the encyclopedia, rubbing his tired eyes. An exhilarating sense of purpose surged within him. "This world is incredible! There's even a realm for the undead at the continent's center. But only those with strength can truly appreciate its wonders. I must learn the intermediate and advanced magical languages as swiftly as possible!"
With renewed determination, Martin brushed aside his earlier frustrations. He carefully marked his place in the encyclopedia, rose from his bed, and reopened the *Intermediate Magical Language* tome, intent on diving deeper into its lessons.
Just as he began to flip through the pages, Debbie's voice rang out from the door. "I'm starving! When are you going to make lunch?"
"I'll be there in a minute!" Martin called back, momentarily distracted from his studies.
---
Meanwhile, at Anthony's magic store, a vibrant atmosphere filled the air. Business was thriving, with customers flowing in and out. Martin's victory over the fourth-order swordsman, Kerry, had bolstered the store's reputation, and his promotional efforts had significantly increased the sales of magic scrolls. The demand was so high that the thirty scrolls available each day were quickly running low, prompting Debbie to worry about their stock.
In stark contrast, the Busca Magic Store, located just down the street, was shrouded in gloom.
Due to Kerry's severe injuries, Busca had closed his shop, unable to focus on business. Outside, Busca wiped the sweat from his brow, anxious as he inquired of the elderly gentleman emerging from his son's room. "Mr. Kasmine, is there really no way for my son to regain his strength?"
Kasmine, a fifth-order mage renowned for his healing abilities, shook his head grimly. "He's sustained damage to his meridians from the swordsman ban and the guardian of war. While I might have some remedies to enhance his innate strength in time, I'm afraid he'll never recover to his previous level. He may even regress further."
With that, Kasmine turned and walked away, leaving Busca in despair.
As the mage strolled down the street, he cast a sidelong glance at Anthony's magic store, a sardonic smile creeping onto his lips. "A fourth-order swordsman defeated by a second-order mage? What a joke," he muttered under his breath before continuing on his way.
Meanwhile, Busca's heart boiled with rage as he absorbed Kasmine's words.