Sai stood before the Dragon Emperor, his body still aching from the trials he had undergone. The chamber was vast, its walls adorned with ancient carvings of draconic lore, and the air hummed with an unseen power. The emperor, Ignis, loomed before him, his golden eyes gazing down at him with a mixture of expectation and wisdom.
"Sai," Ignis’s voice resonated with authority, "the path to power is neither easy nor forgiving. If you wish to carve your destiny, you must first understand the world you are stepping into."
He raised a clawed hand and pointed towards him. In an instant, a searing warmth flooded Sai’s forehead as his talon made contact with his glabella. A torrent of knowledge surged into his mind—maps, histories, battles, and the political structure of Eryndor unfolded before him like an ancient tome revealing its secrets.
Eryndor was far greater than Sai had initially imagined. The planet itself was vast, easily twice the size of Earth, and the landmasses were massive continents, each home to an empire of its own. The oceans stretched endlessly, concealing unknown dangers beneath their waves.
The four major empires each had dominion over an entire continent:
The Kingdom of Eldoria (Humans) – A vast and prosperous realm governed by a council of scholars and knights and magicians. Their capital, Eldorheim, was a city of towering castles where knowledge and chivalry thrived. This kingdom was known for its honor-bound warriors and skilled tacticians. The continent was filled with rolling plains, dense forests, and majestic mountains where legendary beasts were said to dwell.
The Ironclad Dominion (Dwarves) – A militant empire ruled by the iron-fisted Emperor. Their stronghold, Blackhold, was a fortress city where the sound of clashing steel never ceased. The Dominion believed in strength above all and was infamous for its unyielding warriors and disciplined legions. Their continent was harsh and unforgiving, with vast deserts, treacherous cliffs, and fiery volcanoes constantly reshaping the land.
The Windhaven Dynasty (Elves) – A land blessed by the wind spirits. Their capital, Aerisfal, was built atop floating islands, connected by bridges of woven air. They controlled the skies with their wyvern riders and aerial fleet, ensuring their dominance over trade routes and warfare from above. Their continent was made up of soaring peaks, sprawling valleys, and deep chasms where air currents made travel dangerous.
The Sylvan Covenant (Druidic Elves or a Unique Hybrid Race) – A mysterious realm where nature itself seemed to be alive. Led by the enigmatic High Priestess Sylwen, they resided in Sylvaris, a city seamlessly integrated into a massive, ancient forest. Their warriors were bonded with beasts, and their magic was drawn from the very life force of the world. The continent was covered in ancient trees, hidden groves, and winding rivers, many of which concealed hidden sanctuaries and long-forgotten ruins.
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Beyond these empires, there were places no man dared venture.
Forbidden Lands:
The Abyssal Ruins – A place where time and space seemed to fracture. Ancient beings long thought to be myths slumber beneath its dark depths. No one who enters has ever returned.
The Howling Wastes – A cursed desert where the sands shift unnaturally, swallowing entire caravans whole. It is said that voices whisper in the winds, driving travelers mad.
The Shattered Isles – Scattered remnants of a once-great land, now broken apart and floating across the endless sea. Strange creatures stalk the fog that surrounds them, waiting for foolish explorers.
The Frozen Expanse – An endless tundra where the cold alone can kill. Yet, deep within the ice, something ancient stirs, its presence growing stronger with each passing year.
Great Oceans:
The Leviathan's Maw – A dark and stormy ocean said to be home to titanic sea monsters that can swallow ships whole. Legends tell of an ancient beast lying beneath its waves, waiting for the right moment to awaken.
The Eternal Vortex – A swirling sea of never-ending whirlpools that can drag even the mightiest vessels into its depths. Some claim that it hides a portal to another world.
The Azure Depths – A seemingly tranquil ocean with waters so clear one can see for miles below. However, the deeper one dives, the more unnatural the creatures lurking beneath become.
As the flood of knowledge settled in his mind, Sai gasped, sweat beading on his forehead. Ignis withdrew his claw, nodding in approval.
"Now, you are no longer blind," he declared. "Before you depart to the human realm, take these."
He gestured, and two objects appeared before Sai. The first was a sword—its blade sleek and dark, pulsating with a hidden power. The second was a ring, simple in design yet exuding an aura of profound mystery.
"The sword is forged from the scales of an elder dragon and mithril. It will grow with you, adapting to your strength and intent. The ring holds a space that only you can unlock; both are meant only for you."
Sai took the sword in his hands, feeling an immediate connection, as if the weapon was an extension of himself. Slipping the ring onto his finger, he felt a surge of energy
Ignis’s gaze softened slightly. "This is where our paths diverge, for now. Survive, grow stronger, and when the time comes, we shall meet again."
The chamber brightened as a rift in space formed behind him. A portal, swirling with ethereal energy, leading to the human realm.
Sai exhaled sharply, gripping his sword tighter. The journey was only beginning.
With a final glance at Ignis, he turned to the dragons who had guided him—Drakar, Vornyx, Felynx, and Zephyra. Their expressions held caution. Then he turned to Selena and Silvester, the ones who had stood beside him through it all. Bowing deeply with sincerity, he expressed his gratitude for all they had done for him.
Then, without hesitation, he stepped into the unknown, the swirling portal depositing him into the depths of a dense forest, near an unfamiliar village, where his true journey would begin.
Drakar was the first to break the silence, his voice deep and resolute. "Your Majesty, the boy is strong, but he is far from ready. He has not received the full wisdom of our elders, nor has he trained under our guidance long enough. Why send him away so soon?"
Felynx, the oldest among them, watched Ignis in silence, her gaze sharp and knowing. "You sense something we do not, don’t you?"
Ignis remained still for a moment, his golden eyes reflecting the flames that danced along the chamber’s walls. Then, with a slow, measured breath, he spoke. "His fate is already in motion. To keep him here any longer would be to stifle what he is meant to become.
