Bab 23: World Continents

Alex is on the Crimson Continent, one of Aetheris's ten massive continents, and home to the Crimson Empire. The land itself was as diverse as its legends—a patchwork of fertile plains, dense forests, sprawling mountain ranges, and scattered lakes. Along the southern coast, temperate climates nurtured abundant agriculture, while the north bristled with rocky terrains and a colder, harsher environment. Spanning over 20 million square miles, the Crimson Continent was one of the largest landmasses in Aetheris and boasted unparalleled influence through its empire's vast resources and military might.

But the Crimson Continent was far from standing alone in the world. Across Aetheris, nine other continents housed kingdoms and alliances, each powerful in its own right. These ensured that no single empire, no matter how vast, could dominate the realm entirely. The balance between them was fragile—a knife's edge that could tip into chaos with the slightest misstep.

To the north of the Crimson Continent lay Stonemark, a continent ruled by the Kingdom of Stonemark. Its lands were characterized by high plateaus, vast savannahs, and canyons that carved deep scars into the earth. Fertile valleys lay hidden within these rugged landscapes, nourished by rivers that meandered through the land. Stonemark's borders were marked by steep cliffs, rendering naval access near impossible. Slightly smaller than the Crimson Continent, Stonemark sprawled across 15 million square miles, its size matched by its resilience and unyielding terrain.

Further northeast stretched the Continent of Frostvale, a desolate expanse of icy tundras, snow-capped mountains, and frozen rivers. Its jagged cliffs and frost-coated forests formed natural fortifications, while its people thrived in the unforgiving cold. Frostvale's frigid beauty belied its danger, with harsh winters that could consume even the hardiest of travelers. The continent itself spanned over 13 million square miles, its icy dominion feared and respected alike.

To the west of the Crimson Continent, the Azure Alliance dominated a sprawling archipelago of islands. Coastal plains, tropical beaches, and volcanic ranges defined this region. The central landmass was surrounded by smaller islands that formed a near-perfect circle, their sizes varying like jewels scattered across the sea. The Azure Alliance thrived on maritime trade and naval supremacy, with its scattered islands strategically placed for both commerce and conflict.

Farther north, the Ironspine Confederation rose like a fortress continent of jagged mountain ranges, deep gorges, and high-altitude plateaus. At its heart stood the Ironspine Peaks, a range so vast it created its own weather patterns. Fertile foothills bordered the mountains, offering respite in an otherwise harsh land. Spanning over 17 million square miles, the Ironspine Confederation was a bastion of raw strength and unyielding resolve.

At the center of Aetheris lay the Silver Crown Kingdom, a landlocked domain surrounded by rivers and rolling hills. Its position in the heart of the world made it the political hub of Aetheris, a neutral ground where delicate negotiations and power struggles played out. Its capital gleamed with spires that caught the sunlight, earning it the name Silver Crown. With a landmass of 22 million square miles, it was the largest continent in Aetheris, as vast as it was influential.

To the southwest of the Crimson Continent lay the Emberreach Kingdom, an unforgiving land of arid deserts, rocky mesas, and scattered oases. Extreme temperatures and sparse rainfall made survival here a feat of endurance. Despite its harsh conditions, Emberreach was fiercely independent. Covering 8 million square miles, it was the second smallest continent in Aetheris, though its challenges were as large as any other.

Further west, the Verdant Continent was ruled by the Verdant Union, a coalition of tribes and cities that thrived in harmony with nature. Expansive forests, wetlands, and fertile plains crisscrossed by massive rivers made this region a lifeline for Aetheris's agriculture and economy. With 12 million square miles of lush land, the Verdant Continent stood as a testament to the balance between civilization and wilderness.

The Sunspire Republic, located along the southeastern waters of Aetheris, controlled a network of coastal lowlands, islands, and coral reefs. Like the Azure Alliance, its maritime culture dominated its identity, though its focus was more on commerce than conquest. Spanning 5 million square miles, the Sunspire Republic relied on seasonal rains to sustain its vibrant trade hubs and ports.

Finally, to the east of the Crimson Continent lay the mysterious Shadowmere Province. A land of dense, labyrinthine forests and perpetual twilight, its waterways crisscrossed the land like veins. The murky paths were as treacherous as they were strategic, making Shadowmere a place of intrigue and danger. With 2.5 million square miles, it was the smallest continent in Aetheris, but its dark forests held secrets that even the boldest dared not uncover.

This balance, however, was far from stable. The alliances between kingdoms were as brittle as glass, often shattering under the weight of ambition or mistrust. Wars were frequent, their causes ranging from territorial disputes to ancient feuds. The only thing preventing outright chaos was the unspoken understanding that if any one kingdom grew too bold, the others would unite against it.

For Alex, this new world was both daunting and fascinating. Aetheris was nothing like the orderly, predictable world he had left behind.

When he heard that—that the Lyra in front of him was another Lyra who was a princess of the Crimson Kingdom—he was shocked. If Lyra told her father about him, he would be killed. The place they were living in was the Crimson Kingdom and also the Crimson Continent. Alex had entered the capital while carrying her, and he had been seen by everyone. Why wouldn't he be wary of someone if something like this had happened?

He was weak and had no choice but to stay silent. Once he grew stronger, who would dare lay a hand on him? That was why Alex decided to stay low and silent until he had the power to turn the tables.

"Even though I have been trying to compress the mana core, it's been difficult on me these days," Alex thought to himself. "It may take a two or three days for me to fully compress and breakthrough the rank at this rate."

As he thought about this, Alex closed the book he had been reading and stood up from the ground. As he left the spot and headed toward the room where Lyra was.

Reaching the door, Alex pushed opened the door. His eyes fell on Lyra, lying on a simple wooden bed with a modest blanket tangled around her legs. For a princess, it was an unassuming sight—far from the grandeur he had imagined her accustomed to.

Her chestnut hair, usually smooth and neatly arranged, was now a chaotic mess, strands sticking out in all directions. One arm dangled off the side of the bed, her hand brushing the floor, while the other clutched the edge of the pillow as if holding onto it for dear life. Her face, serene in slumber, carried a faint blush, and a small trail of drool glistened at the corner of her slightly parted lips.

Alex paused, his eyes lingering on the scene. This was Lyra, a princess of the Crimson Empire—yet right now, she looked nothing like royalty. Instead, she resembled an ordinary girl, blissfully unaware of the world around her.

Alex stepped into the room, his footsteps steady and unhurried as he made his way over to Lyra. Seeing her like this—her hair a mess, the blankets tangled around her legs, and the faint trace of drool at the corner of her mouth—sparked a thought in his mind as a small smirk forming on his lips.

"Lyra, Lyra, you need to wake up! The guards of the capital are coming, and they're looking for you!" Alex said urgently, a note of desperation creeping into his voice.

At the mention of the capital's guards, Lyra's eyes snapped open. She immediately registered the panic in Alex's expression, and without a moment's hesitation, she sat up, her sleepiness evaporating in an instant.

"Alex, we need to get out of here," she said quickly, her voice sharp with fear. "If they find us, they'll kill us."

As Lyra spoke, she grabbed Alex's hand and started running towards the door. But just as they reached it, Alex suddenly stopped, pulling back. He stood there, motionless, while Lyra tugged at his hand, confused.

"What are you doing, Alex?" she said, her voice tinged with panic. "They'll kill us if you don't come with me now!"

As she called to him, Lyra finally caught a glimpse of Alex's face. Her words faltered as she saw the expression on him. He was grinning—widely, almost unnaturally—his eyes locked onto hers with a look she couldn't quite decipher.

Something is wrong.