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Protector of the World Tree

Bab 1: The Beginning of Rai's Adventure

'Child, it's time to wake up.' The world tree gently spoke to me.

I let out a small groan when the rays of sunlight entered my room, and they hit directly into my face.

I straightened up, went to the bathroom, and showered. Once I had cleaned up and dressed, I went outside to observe the place. I inhaled deeply and set out to find that one creature that always woke me up early.

"Good morning, my lord." Creatures greeted me.

"Morning." I just waved at them.

Everyone always gives me a hearty greeting when I pass by. I noticed the rabbit hopping quickly in my direction as I went by the waterfalls. It bowed softly in front of me.

"Good morning, my lord. I apologize for my tardiness." He said while panting

"It's fine. I expect it to be the last." I said.

"Yes, my lord." He said.

"Then could you take me to 'that' place?" I asked

"Of course, my lord! Please follow me."

I followed him as we went to the west side of this floating island. Yes, a floating island.

This world was once called Eteron, where harmony and peace resided. It was said to be the greatest period of all time. However, everything changed when an evil entity raged a war, splitting it into two continents: Aeshira and Phekia.

Aeshirians are characterized by their peaceful, resilient, and cooperative nature, thriving despite adversities through unity and divine blessings. In contrast, Phekians are marked by their jealousy, greed, and aggressive tactics.

Despite the division, both continents initially supported each other, trading food and supplies. Years passed, and while Aeshira thrived, producing and harvesting food daily, Phekia faced a severe resource shortage.

Driven by jealousy, the Phekians resorted to stealing food from the Aeshirians. The situation escalated as the Phekians began kidnapping Aeshirian children, demanding food in exchange for their release. Helpless, the Aeshirians complied, leading to widespread starvation in their land.

Phekia prospered once more and celebrated their newfound abundance. Desperate, the Aeshirians went to Phekia to beg for the return of their children, only to be met with cruelty. The Phekians mocked them and led them to a dungeon where the Aeshirians saw the tragic fate of the kidnapped children. Devastated and powerless, the Aeshirians returned home, mourning the loss of hundreds of innocent lives.

Years passed, and Aeshira slowly regained its stability. Food production improved, and the people found some semblance of happiness. One day, two mysterious men appeared in Aeshira, identical in appearance, claiming to be travelers from different worlds. The Aeshirians welcomed them warmly and sheltered them.

Grateful for the Aeshirians' kindness, the travelers blessed the land with a bounty of fruits and vegetables overnight. Overjoyed, the Aeshirians celebrated with a two-week festival to honor their saviors. News of this prosperity quickly reached Phekia, fueling their envy.

Consumed by greed, the Phekians plotted to kidnap the travelers. However, they underestimated the Aeshirians' resolve. In the ensuing conflict, one traveler sacrificed himself to protect Aeshira. The Phekians retreated, celebrating their victory and attempting to exploit the captured traveler's powers.

The Phekians discovered the traveler's golden blood, believing it to be a source of miraculous growth. Without mercy, they tortured him, spreading his blood across their fields to ensure abundant harvests. As days passed, the traveler weakened, sensing the pain of his twin in Aeshira.

The day the captive traveler died, Phekia was struck by a series of calamities. Torrential rains destroyed their crops, and waves prevented fishing. Land animals died mysteriously, and a plague claimed many lives. The Phekians, desperate and defiant, prepared for another war.

The surviving traveler confronted them, placing a curse on Phekia: "Never set foot on this land, or your entire land will rot like a dead man." He created a barrier to protect Aeshira before departing to heal from his loss. Before leaving, he blessed the Aeshirians with powers to defend themselves.

"Thank you, Savior," the Aeshirian chief said, expressing their gratitude.

"Just call me Alexio," the traveler replied before vanishing.

In honor of their savior, the Aeshirians renamed their land Alexio. Humans, beastmen, and mythological creatures coexisted in harmony for a thousand years. But peace was shattered when the Phekians returned, breaching the barrier. A devastating war ensued, claiming thousands of lives.

Alexio returned, sacrificing his life to seal Phekia once more. Upon his ascension to godhood, he bestowed five gifts on four humans and one beastman. To the beast men, he gave them a diamond cup for their strength. To a promising magician, he gifted his favorite crystal. To another leader, he entrusted a light-colored seed, symbolizing guidance with moral values. A crown was given to another human, and finally, a beating heart was given to a devoted individual, symbolizing his son's sacrifice.

"Lead your people to a brighter future," Alexio said before departing. "Never betray each other, and honor the gifts I've given."

As Alexio ascended, the people watched, promising to uphold his legacy. Phekia was renamed the Dark Continent, a stark reminder of the consequences of greed and power.

The land was divided into five distinct nations:

Angora, in the north, home to beastmen protecting the continent from the Dark Continent.

Sylthana Empire, in the south, known for its formidable army, guarding against bandits and pirates.

Lustina Kingdom, in the east, a hub of trade and culture.

Crescente Kingdom, in the west, governed by dwarfs and elves.

Elyarus Kingdom, at the center, a realm of brilliant mages.

Thus, Alexio's legacy endured, and the land thrived, safeguarded by the memory of its savior and the unity of its people.

"We are here, my lord."

In front of me is a massive cave encircled by enormous trees. The guardian of the earth threw much protection around this cave, which no one could enter without my permission. As soon as I touched the door, it unexpectedly opened. Calliste, my butler bunny—I like to call him Callis—and I went inside.

A variety of legendary creatures could be seen as I ventured halfway into the cave. Some of them are dormant, some are phobic about the outdoors, some are old enough to have lived a millennium, some are strong enough to wipe out the entire continent, and some are the rarest of species that will eventually go extinct. A portion of them lodged in this cave and vowed never to leave.

I passed them by and entered the cave's lowest section, which is home to various rare plants, toxic plants, and trees, surrounded by butterflies, and they are tended by the fairies.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, my lord."

"How's everything, Caliphe?"

"Everything's great, my lord. The new herbs that you gave to us are as healthy as ever."

"Keep up the good work."

"Thank you, my lord."

Caliphe is the queen of fairies and takes care of the plants that I buy every time I go to the human world.

"My lord, are you going to the human world again?" Callis questioned me.

"I have to. There are lots of mythical creatures that are hiding around the continent. Some of them are captured, and they are sold on the black market."

"How cruel of them to do something outrageous! You don't need to push yourself, my lord."

"*sigh* I better hurry." As soon as I went outside, I could hear the world tree calling for me.

"My child."

"Callis, call the dragon lord."

"Understood." Abruptly, Callis vanished from my sight, and I made my way to the island's center, the location of the world tree. I walked up to the world tree and stroked the trunk.

"What's wrong?"

"My child, Rai, go to the human world."

"Why so suddenly?"

"You must locate the dryad known as Danalis. She is aware of the Dark Continent's resurgence."