The newly detailed map of Primordia shimmered before them, its vibrant regions glowing with promise—and danger. Adrian and Marcus took a moment to take it all in. Jagged mountain ranges loomed over fertile valleys, sprawling kingdoms nestled between rivers, and desolate wastelands stretched into the unknown.
Adrian folded his metaphorical arms. 'System, can you generate a list of the top three most influential regional powers in Primordia?'
[PROCESSING REQUEST…]
Marcus grinned. 'This is exciting. We literally can pick the best place to start.'
[COMPILING DATA…]
Three distinct emblems materialized in front of them, each floating like a suspended banner.
Then, one by one, the details unfolded.
[1. THE EMPIRE OF VELDAR] 150 Karmic Points Government: Monarchy Ruling Class: The Veldarian Dynasty, Terrain: Central heartland, fortified cities, vast farmlands, iron-rich mountains
Marcus let out a low whistle. 'A classic dominant empire. Damn.'
Adrian hummed. 'They seem strong, but conquest-based societies burn bright and fast.'
Marcus shrugged. 'We could help them collapse and make our own power move.'
Adrian gave him a chuckle. 'Let's keep our options open.'
[2. THE AZURA FEDERATION] 100 Karmic Points Government: Loose federation of city-states Ruling Class: Merchant, Aristocratic noble Terrain: Coastal cities, major river hubs,
Marcus's eyes gleamed. 'This seems to be right up to our modern standard?'
Adrian nodded. 'Coalition-based is more to my taste as well. But they seem politically unstable. If the wrong people get into power, everything could crumble.'
Marcus smirked. 'Or, we secure it ourselves and drive away those people.'
[3. THE WILD MARCHES] 75 Karmic Points Government: Warlord Tribes, ruled by the strongest Ruling Class: Warchiefs, beastmasters, Terrain: Harsh tundras and grasslands, crags, nomadic settlements
Marcus leaned forward, eyes sparkling. 'Okay. I like this one.'
Adrian gave him a dry look. 'Of course, you do.'
Marcus grinned. 'Come on! Battle-hardened warriors, beast riders? This folks screams badass.'
Adrian sighed. 'And no central government at all, no stability, and a constant risk of basic survival.'
Marcus huffed. "We can create those ourselves."
The newly detailed map of Primordia shimmered before them, revealing the vast tapestry of the world they would soon call home. Adrian and Marcus studied it carefully, their eyes drifting over the highlighted regions that stood out as major centers of power.
Three factions. Three very different opportunities.
Marcus tapped his chin in thought. 'So… an empire, a federation, or a warlord wasteland.'
Adrian exhaled. 'Each has its strengths and weaknesses. The Veldarian Empire is powerful but rigid, the Wild Marches are untamed and chaotic, and the Azura Federation…' He let the words hang for a moment, his mind already racing through the possibilities.
Marcus caught on. 'You're thinking the Federation's our best bet?'
Adrian nodded. 'It offers the most flexibility. The Empire is too centralized—too many rules, too much hierarchy. The Marches, on the other hand, are pure survival. There's potential, but no stability. The Federation, though…' He gestured toward its glowing marker on the map. 'It's in flux. It's an alliance of city-states, which means there's room to maneuver. We could champion either the formation of a Republic or an Empire, depending on the situation.'
Marcus grinned. 'I like the sound of that. Keep our options open, see which way the wind blows.'
Adrian smirked. 'Exactly."
The System, ever watchful, responded.
[SELECTION: THE AZURA FEDERATION]
[KARMIC COST: 100 POINTS DEDUCTED]
[REMAINING BALANCE: 650 POINTS]
Marcus cracked his knuckles—or at least, the void-equivalent of the motion. 'Alright. Now comes the fun part. If we're gonna do this, we need to pick our starting background. No way in hell am I being reborn as some random peasant if I can help it.'
Adrian chuckled. 'Agreed, we don't need to torture ourselves by choosing the worst option. System, generate a list of potential backgrounds and social standings within the Azura Federation.'
[PROCESSING REQUEST…]
A moment later, several glowing symbols materialized before them, each representing a different life path.
1. Merchant Family – 75 Karmic Points
Born into a wealthy merchant house with established trade networks. Access to resources, financial backing, and political influence in economic affairs. Opportunities to expand into trade, banking, or naval commerce.
Marcus whistled. 'Money and connections right out of the gate? Not bad.'
Adrian nodded. 'It would give us a strong foundation. But merchants rely heavily on political stability and can't play politics unless we buy into nobility.'
2. Minor Nobility – 100 Karmic Points
Born into a lesser noble house, holding land and influence within a city-state. Moderate wealth, access to military training, and noble privileges. Can rise into greater political power through strategy and alliances.
Marcus smirked. 'Now we're talking. These are the only people allowed to play politics right from the get-go if we're going based on the assumption of our own World History. I like the idea that we're not so high up we're chained by too many responsibilities.'
Adrian considered it. 'It's a good middle ground. Influence without immediate expectations.'
3. Scholar's Lineage – 50 Karmic Points
Born into a family of scholars, historians, or artisans. Access to education, libraries, and the possibility of studying both runic technology and general knowledge. Limited wealth, but high intellectual resources.
Adrian's eyes gleamed. 'This could be useful. Knowledge is power, and having access to magical and technological advancements early on could give us an edge.'
Marcus frowned. 'Yeah, but being poor sucks.'
4. Military Household – 90 Karmic Points
Born into a family of decorated warriors, and generals. Extensive combat training from an early age, noble-like privileges in military society, and potential access to command.
Marcus grinned. 'This. I like this. We start strong, we get trained early, and we can build a rep in the Federation's army.'
Adrian raised an eyebrow. 'It's a solid choice, but it ties us directly to the established family of the Federation's military, which will have some ups and downs compared to normal nobility households.'
Marcus exhaled. 'So… what's our best play?'
Adrian thought carefully. 'If we want the most freedom to act, Minor Nobility makes the most sense. We'd have status, wealth, and the ability to engage in both politics and military affairs. We wouldn't be too high up the food chain to be targeted early, but we'd have room to climb.'
Marcus grinned. 'Sounds like a plan. Being a generalist should give us more flexibility than the Military Households, which are already specialized.'
Adrian nodded. 'Exactly, then it's decided.'
[SELECTION: MINOR NOBILITY]
[KARMIC COST: 100 POINTS DEDUCTED]
[REMAINING BALANCE: 550 POINTS]
The System pulsed as their latest choice solidified. The Azura Federation. A land of opportunity, shifting allegiances, and unchecked ambition. They had chosen the path of Minor Nobility—privilege without the heavy burdens of highborn expectation. The pieces were set. Now, only one question remained.
The System's ethereal voice echoed in the void.
[HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE REBORN?]
[OPTIONS: SIBLINGS, NEIGHBORS, ALLIES, OR SEPARATE INDIVIDUALS.]
Marcus rubbed his chin in thought. 'Huh. That's actually a tricky one.'
Adrian glanced at him. 'Not really. We should probably be born into the same family. That way, we can coordinate from day one.'
Marcus frowned. 'Yeah, but hear me out. If we were born into different noble families, we could build influence in multiple factions. You work politics in one house, I rise through the military in another. Long-term, that gives us more reach.'
Adrian considered it. It was true—securing influence in multiple noble houses could pay off in the long run. But there was a risk. 'That also means we'd be alone for the first decade or so. As kids, we wouldn't have the resources or ability to guarantee a meeting and coordination if we needed it. If our family and base of influence end up on opposite sides of a political struggle before we can even establish ourselves…'
Marcus groaned. 'Ugh. Yeah, that would suck and defeat the point.'
Adrian smirked. 'Yeah. And let's be honest, being reborn into a new world by yourself—even if only for a while—feels kind of… uncomfortable. I think I want to avoid it if I can help it.'
Marcus sighed, then rolled his shoulders. 'Fine, fine. You win. We go in as brothers.'
Adrian nodded, satisfied. 'Then we should spend some points to ensure we're twins. That way, we're equals from the start. No older-younger hierarchy, no complicated inheritance nonsense.'
Marcus raised an eyebrow. 'Wait, we have to pay extra for that?'
The System responded immediately.
[GUARANTEEING TWIN BIRTH: 50 KARMIC POINTS.]
Marcus threw up his hands. 'Of course. Of course that costs points.'
Adrian chuckled. 'Still, it's worth it. If we leave it to chance, one of us could end up a decade older or younger.'
Marcus paled. 'Okay, yeah. Spending the 50 points.'
Adrian turned back to the System. 'We'll pay.'
[CONFIRMED. 50 KARMIC POINTS DEDUCTED.]
[REMAINING BALANCE: 500 POINTS.]
[REINCARNATION PARAMETERS SET.]
[DESTINATION: AZURA FEDERATION – HOUSE VALERIUS.]
[FAMILY STANDING: MINOR NOBILITY.]
[STATUS: TWINS.]