Chapter 1: Prologue
The outrage stemming from the sudden intrusion of the people from the slums of Luminara, the lowest tier among the provinces in Aetheria, continues to linger as the evacuation process begins. Aetheria, known as the land of never ending magic, is divided into three distinct tiers: The Capital, The Honorary, and The Miracle.
These three regions form the core of the land, sustaining and supporting its existence. Aetheria, blessed with an abundance of magic, resources, and intelligence, thrives due to the unique capabilities and strengths of these three regions. The Capital, Celestria, possesses unparalleled magical prowess, encompassing necromancy, sorcery, and witchcraft. Once the most powerful state in the land, it has suffered a decline in recent years due to the loss of its vessel, resulting in the collection and storage of its people's magic by the Arcana, the governing body of Aetheria.
The Honorary region, Vendurha, is home to individuals of various races and backgrounds. From those who inhabit the waters, forests, skies, and lands, each possesses inherent magical abilities derived from their bloodlines, history, and heritage. Although not blessed by The Divine like the Capital, their magic holds a significant place in their lives. However, the Arcana has shown little interest in harnessing their unique powers to bolster the land, similar to their disinterest in the land of Miracle.
Luminara, the slums of Aetheria, constitutes a single province, with the other provinces either forgotten or yet to be discovered. Despite being neglected and forsaken by its own people, Miracle has endured longer than the first two lands. Only a handful of families and individuals remain, clinging to the belief that the land will persevere, even if the odds are stacked against them. While lacking significant magical abilities, the people of Luminara possess physical strength, remarkable intellect, and exceptional skills in tinkering and mechanical engineering. In reality, they are far from being the lowest tier. Over the years, a new generation has emerged from poverty, growing in power and talent. Through their abilities, they strive to gain recognition, not only in terms of Arcana knowledge but also for the betterment of Aetheria.
Prior to the loss of the vessel, the land had already begun to crumble, reaching its lowest point. In response, the Arcana, the ruling council, initiated a revolution, seeking to collect all the magic in one place to safeguard and preserve the beauty, wisdom, and prosperity of the land. However, with the sudden resurgence of the new vessel, the Arcana recognized the urgency of acquiring the vessel to gather all the people and prevent the land from falling into further despair. The chosen vessel, known only to the Arcana, was a fortunate individual in the land of Miracle, Luminara. Neither the vessel nor anyone else knew of their designation. The vessel would serve as a means to preserve the land, not only amplifying its power and merits but also strengthening the economy and the people. Additionally, it would facilitate the discovery of more vessels. However, vessels are destined and not born; only those with the blood of The Divine can become a vessel. The vessel's power can be passed down through generations, as long as The Divine remains alive and grants the Power of the Vessel at the right time. This process could take months, years, decades, or even centuries. The last vessel appeared two decades ago but met an untimely demise. Now, after two decades, a new vessel has emerged. The Arcana has finally identified the vessel, knowing their identity, and is making moves to acquire it for themselves—it is from the Land of Miracle, Luminara.
"Secure her! Don't let her escape!" Eleanor urgently handed her daughter to Aiden as chaos erupted in the land of Astralyn. The once-crowded place had transformed into a dungeon as the Arcana's forces rampaged in search of the Vessel. "You must protect her." she pleaded, glancing out the window at the scene of fire and gunshots. Panic-stricken cries filled the air as the once-peaceful land descended into turmoil.
"Aiden, they're coming for me." Eleanor said with a mix of reluctance and fear, her eyes glowing with an intense yellow light. Aiden, however, remained in denial and couldn't fully comprehend her words. Tears streamed down Eleanor's face as her eyes shone even brighter. "I am destined to be the Vessel. You must keep her safe from the Arcana." she implored. Gunfire erupted as their home was blasted apart by the Royal Guards. In an instant, Eleanor turned back, summoning a force field to shield her baby and husband. "The Vessel is here," one of the guards announced, signaling others in the distance. "Leave us alone!" her husband shouted, shielding their crying daughter amidst the chaos caused by the swarm of guards.
"You must come with us willingly, Eleanor." a figure suddenly appeared from behind, deceit evident in her approach. "No! I will never go with you. I will stay here with my family!" Eleanor resisted, her force field growing stronger as her eyes emitted an even more intense yellow glow. The power within her surged, sending chills down the spine of the woman she confronted. The coldness and tremors emanating from Eleanor's skin instilled fear and unease. "You don't know how to control your magic, Eleanor!" the woman taunted as she drew closer, her eyes filled with lies evident to Eleanor.
"Magic is not taught; it is given!" Eleanor declared defiantly, attempting to conjure a spear to attack the Arcana. However, it was too late. "Never underestimate the Arcana." the woman sneered as her eyes transformed into a captivating purple glow, effortlessly melting Eleanor's spear and creating a new one. "Don't make it too difficult," a man suddenly appeared, clad in a black suit with a white cape, skillfully employing chain magic to restrain Eleanor's wrists. "Ah, Enrico, you arrived just in time." the woman remarked with a smile, her elegant dress contrasting with the impending danger. She proceeded to dissolve Eleanor's force field, chastising her for recklessly wielding her hidden powers. Her voice now sounded different, resonating with a chilling tone of death and agony that sent shivers down Eleanor's spine. "You are..." Eleanor's realization was cut short as violence ensued. Despite her light projectiles targeting the guards and the woman, her attacks were easily evaded due to her predictability.
"Abandon them, or lose everything." Enrico cautioned Eleanor's husband and baby, positioning himself protectively in front of them. Eleanor teleported near Enrico's throat, about to strike him with her shimmering power spear. However, it was merely an illusion, and in that moment, she saw her husband and daughter unharmed before her eyes. It was too late for Eleanor as the woman in the sophisticated black dress swiftly thrust a purple sword into her heart, ending her life. A heart-wrenching scream filled the air as Eleanor's husband witnessed the brutal murder of his wife. "I only wanted you to come with us, Eleanor." the woman murmured, withdrawing the sword from Eleanor's lifeless body. "I knew..." Eleanor's final words were interrupted by blood gushing from her mouth as her life force ebbed away. With her eyes growing dull, she whispered her last words, "Live, protect, and believe... in her... save Aetheria..." Tears welled in her eyes as she summoned another force field, this time to shield her husband and daughter, teleporting them to a safer location away from the carnage. "Eleanor, nooo!" her husband cried out, but within seconds, they vanished from the scene, leaving behind Eleanor's lifeless and weakened body.
"Do you truly want her dead?" Enrico asked, a hint of frustration in his voice, blood staining his lips as he spat it out. "She's not dead. The Vessel must be alive." The purple aura surrounding him began to dissipate, and the mood shifted abruptly. "Guards!" Elynora, the head mistress, commanded with authority. "Clean up this mess. We're returning to the capital."
"Yes, Head Mistress Elynora," the guards responded, their voices filled with obedience and subservience.
As the chaos settled and the guards started to carry out their orders, the land of Astralyn was left in disarray. Eleanor's sacrifice had bought her family a chance at survival, but the struggle for Aetheria was far from over. The fate of the Vessel and the land's future rested on the shoulders of those who remained. In the midst of tragedy and loss, a spark of resistance ignited within the hearts of the oppressed. The memory of Eleanor, the fallen Vessel, would serve as a beacon of hope for those who yearned for freedom and believed in the power of their own abilities. The fight against the Arcana had only just begun, and the people of Aetheria would rally together to reclaim their land and protect the legacy Eleanor had entrusted to them. United by their shared purpose, the rebels would rise, defying the tyranny of the Arcana. Eleanor's daughter, the rightful heir to the power of the Vessel, would grow under the guardianship of her father and the resistance fighters. Guided by the lessons and love of her brave mother, she would become a symbol of hope, a force to be reckoned with, and the key to restoring balance to Aetheria.
In the darkness, a flicker of light emerged. The journey would be perilous, filled with battles, sacrifices, and unexpected alliances. But as long as the spirit of Eleanor lived on in the hearts of those who fought for justice, the land of Aetheria would never lose hope. The legacy of the fallen Vessel would drive them forward, towards a future where magic, freedom, and the triumph of the human spirit would prevail.
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