Marlin wandered through the small house, his steps light on the wooden floor that made a faint sound with every move. The room was narrow, its walls painted in a dull hue, and the furniture was old and simple. In the corners, books were scattered here and there, but something about the place made Marlin feel uneasy, as if the very walls were hiding a secret he couldn't uncover.
As he scanned the room, a white envelope on the small table by the window caught his attention. He approached it and opened it carefully. Inside was an acceptance letter from a prestigious university. He read it silently, as if the words stirred up more questions than they provided answers. "How?" he whispered to himself, feeling confused. He shouldn't have been here, in this strange place. He was supposed to be in his previous world.
But suddenly, as if a part of the puzzle started to reveal itself, he remembered his brother. Ryan, despite the hardships in life, had worked hard to buy the books and materials Marlin needed for his studies. His life was full of struggles, but he always put Marlin's future first, no matter what.
"How hard was that?" Marlin wondered again, feeling a deep reflection in his heart. It was difficult for him to accept the reality of his reincarnation and the separation from his family.
He turned to the bookshelf and took one of the books stacked neatly. "Geography of the World," he read the title as he opened the yellowed pages. He felt that understanding the kind of world he was in might be crucial to making sense of what was happening to him. He began reading slowly, his eyes moving over the lines describing the divisions of the land.
When he reached the world map, his eyes froze instantly. There were three continents drawn on the map: Valeron, Komora, and a third continent, divided into hundreds of islands, which was said to have been destroyed due to a conflict between the gods. The other continent was shrouded in mystery, with no mention of the gods who ruled over it. Everything was vague, unclear.
Then he suddenly realized the name of the continent he was on: Valeron. He remembered that this continent was ruled by five gods: Life, Time, Destruction, Shadows, and Order. As the moments passed, he recalled that his own state, located in a remote part of these countries, belonged to the God of Darkness. The land here was filled with secrets and symbols that he couldn't believe.
Marlin felt something strange in his chest. Many gods, powers beyond human reach... something that someone like him, from a modern world that only believes in the tangible, could not possibly accept. Yet, he began to question himself, wondering if he was the only one who found belief in the gods absurd.
As he tried to sort his thoughts, he felt another realization. This continent, Valeron, was filled with nations ruled by powerful gods, and the details of those nations were intriguing:
1. Indoril: The Shadowed State that worships the God of Darkness. Despite its name linked to darkness, life here is marked by tranquility and peace. The land is enveloped in perpetual shadows that bring calm and security to its people. Surprisingly, this state has the lowest poverty rate among all the nations. The ruling family of Indoril is said to be the only one that can survive in this eternal gloom. Their king possesses extraordinary power that allows his reign to persist in a land that knows no daylight. People here live in harmony with the darkness, and the lifestyle is one of contentment. The peacefulness of Indoril was something Marlin found strange, given the association with darkness and decay.
2. Lumora: A vibrant and prosperous state under the protection of the God of Life. The land is fertile and brimming with life, where rivers and fields harmonize with the bright sunlight. The rulers of Lumora always strive to maintain a balance between humans and nature. The king of this state is known for his wisdom and his ability to inspire his people towards growth and renewal.
3. Tirassia: An ancient and historically rich state that worships the God of Time. Its architecture is grand and ancient, with ruins and libraries telling tales of past generations. The rulers of Tirassia are known for their long-term wisdom, making decisions based on history and profound intelligence. They follow ancient traditions, measuring every step over long periods of time.
4. Moria: A state ruled by the God of Destruction, where the land is filled with ruins and broken structures. War and devastation have been prominent throughout its history, and it seems that this cycle has no end. The rulers of Moria constantly follow the path of destructive power, relying on military might to expand their control.
5. Granira: A state governed by the God of Order, living in a constant state of stability and organization. The streets are neat, and order is the highest authority, leaving no room for chaos or disagreement. The rulers of Granira enforce the laws with extreme precision and carry them out without compromise, making it a state that operates according to strict traditions.
However, Marlin could not fully believe in the immense diversity of gods and divine powers. Yet, at the same time, he felt that there was a deeper mystery behind this strange system.
Marlin felt something stirring within him. There was no doubt. Everything seemed to align now in some way, despite the chaos and confusion he still felt. This world was ancient, complex, and impossible to fully explain. But at least, he had a clearer idea of what was going on around him, and in the end... he would have to face this reality, no matter the cost.