by TurtleMe
“Attention Humans, Elves and Dwarves alike, I go by Blaine Glayder. While all of you know me as the King of Sapin, today I speak, not as a the King of Humans, but only one of the representative of the Continent of Dicathen!”
The hundreds of thousands of people all kneel, some going on all fours in worship at the sight of the King. The blurry projection becomes clearer and zooms in on the balcony of the Castle. There I see The King of Sapin in the front, while the Queen of Sapin, Priscilla Glayder, was seated behind him alongside a few other important looking figures. My eyes widen as I recognize Alduin and Merial Eralith, the King and Queen of Elenoir with Grandpa Virion standing behind them with his arms crossed. Besides them are two representatives of the Dwarves, which I assume to be the King and Queen.
“Today marks the beginning of a new era in this Continent we call our home. I assume many of you know of the existing problems between the Humans and the Elves while even the Dwarves were considered just business partners. However, that is not the way we wish to continue. The representatives of all three kingdoms, YOUR leaders, have met together many times over the past few years in effort to unite our races. Two years ago, we have agreed for ALL races to be able to become adventurers. It started out with just one or two representatives, but now it has expanded. It brings me a smile when I see parties with humans, elves, and dwarves alike, working together towards a common goal. Last year marks another big landmark where Xyrus Academy welcomed students from the Kingdom of Elenoir and the Kingdom of Darv so that the new generation of the best mages can make friends and memories with not just humans, but all three races. We all understand how difficult it may be for some of us to adjust after constant enmity between the races, we urge you to let go of the past and the discriminations you may hold and think beyond that, if not for yourself, but for your children and the future of this Continent.”
There was another big round of applause with a roar of worship and adoration accompanying it. King Glayder sat down and Alduin Eralith, the King of Elenoir and Tessia’s father, got up from his seat and cleared his throat before speaking into this world’s version of what seemed to be a microphone.
“It is an honor to speak on behalf of everyone here on this unforgettable day. As King Glayder so adamantly spoke about, I am also in agreement about the future of this Continent. For some people, this may not hold much interest but for many who yearn for Adventure and new places to visit, I can wholeheartedly say that this Continent is filled with many unknowns. An obvious example is the very the Beast Glades residing in this Continent. While an uncountable number of Adventurers have ventured out unto the Beast Glades, it is not an exaggeration to say that not even half of it has been traversed. While the mana beasts have not left the Beast Glades, who is to insure that, just because they haven’t yet, they never will? Even in our own homeland of Dicathen, there are places so dangerous, no one dares to explore, but what if I were to say that even greater mysteries and dangers are out there?”
King Eralith gives a brief pause while the crowd in Etistin and the crowd here in the City Square of Xyrus fill with sound of murmurs.
“That’s right! You have not heard wrong fellow citizens of Dicathen. We are announcing today, February 10th of the 1005th Cycle, that we have found evidence of another Continent.”
The crowds break out into a clamor of noises, some angry, some afraid, everyone curious. Even my own hands shake in excitement as my father and Vincent look at each other in shock.
“Please. We ourselves don’t know very much so your guess is a good as ours. What we do know, is that out there, possibly within reach in a couple of years, is another continent that may or may not be hostile. There have been evidence of them trying to reach us as well, but on both sides, it seems that our current technology does not permit us to travel that far.”
The crowd shown in the Capital is in chaos until the Dwarven King rises from his chair and walks towards the microphone.
“QUIETTTTT!!!”
*Silence*
“As Alduin said, we don’t know much. However, in these times of uncertainty and possible threats in the future, wouldn’t you guys all agree that standing besides one another is what’s best for this Continent and our people? YOUR children can be in danger as well. The last thing we want is to fight amongst ourselves. Our appearances may be different and our cultures may clash, but remember this…we are all born in this continent of Dicathen. I for one am proud of that and hope that future generations will feel the same way. What about you?”
The crowd is silent at first but a couple of claps trigger more claps and suddenly a huge boom of applause and cheer breaks out. The Dwarf King wasn’t as eloquent in his words as the two previous kings that spoke, but his words had a very strong impact. Even Elijah next to me was clapping excitedly as Sylvie continued to watch the screen in curiosity.
“The process of joining our three races and Kingdoms will take time and much effort, but today, we will be anointing 6 individuals, individuals that we, the three Kings and Queens, believe to be the most courageous, tactful, smart and powerful.”
From the back of the podium, 6 individuals come out, two elves, two humans and two dwarves. Clad in a refined white armor that varied slightly for each person, they walked up and knelt down on one knee.
The three Kings each made their way in front of the 6 kneeling knights and took out from a small ornamental box, 6 rings. King Glayder of the Humans presented the rings to the two elf knights while the Dwarf King presented it to the two human knights. Finally, King Alduin of the Elves placed the rings on the two Dwarf knights, stating that they stand and bow to the crowd. As the cheers exploded, King Glayder went up and spoke once more.
“These 6 individuals will henceforth be granted the title of the Six Lances. Each Lance signifies the ties they hold to not their Kingdom, but to the entire Continent. This is a truly historical moment as the first Lances have been anointed. These 6 individual’s main goal will be towards the well-being of the Continent, whether that be exploring dangerous and unknown dungeons in the Beast Glades, as well as working alongside us, the rulers of this Continent to ensure that our home is protected when the time comes that we are met with foreign hostilities from the different Continent.”
Once more, the crowd roars as many throw flowers and the clothes that they’re wearing up in the air.
“Lastly, while the title of being one of the Six Lances may be a prestigious one that is comparable to even ourselves as Kings, this title also brings upon great burden and danger. Children of the new generation that seek to become the future protectors of this Continent, strive to be one of the Six Lances! Grow strong and noble as not even the heavens is the limit!”
With that, the four orbs making up the corners of the projection float down as the image of the announcement fade, the last thing we hear were the chants of “Long live the King, long live Dicathen”. The City Square was filled with excitement as everyone started discussing about different things.
Beside me, I hear Elijah muttering to himself, “Wow… the Six Lances... That sounds awesome.” The children within the crowd already started play acting the scene of the anointment, shouting with their friends that they too have become one of the Six Lances and are going to go out and fight evil.
A part of me wants to be excited as well. Hell, I was excited! The prospect of a new continent to explore with different people and maybe even different races intrigued me to no end. However, I was quite cynical of this whole thing. Sure, the points they make are quite true, but in the end, they’re just making this new Continent the common enemy so that all of the races of Dicathen can unite. It was old tool used by many Kings but an effective one that works.
Still… my heart as, not just a King, but a warrior and mage thirsting for adventure and excitement, thumped harder and harder.
Chapter 40: I’m Not That Nice
As we were plowing our way through the crowds in City Square, I heard various chats on the Lances. These Six Lances we
re more than just a group of overpowered Mages; they would soon become the very symbol of this Continent. Being composed of two of each race, it is impartial towards the Humans, Elves, and Dwarves. I wouldn’t be surprised if this caused a big outbreak in talented Mages. While not all children who awaken become mages, whether it may be due to financial situations or issues of talent, the fact that everyone is eligible to become a Lance will definitely stir up a new era of Mages.
I could tell the Kings purposely put a bad light on the New Continent so that this new potential common enemy would become the reason for the three races to unite. Looking at it logically, there could be great advantages such as trading raw material, knowledge on magic and artifacts and different technology, but this would just create a potential competition between the Humans, Elves and Dwarves, each of them trying to get to the New Continent first to claim the new resources. In that sense, I do agree with this intentional propaganda of sorts.
Getting into the carriage waiting for us at the edge of City Square, my father asks the driver to first take him to the Helstea Auction house.
“I have a couple of things to take care of so I’ll meet you guys back home later tonight. Don’t cause too much trouble, Son.” My father ruffles my hair while shooting me a sarcastic grin.
“Please take us to Gideon’s facility.” Vincent directs the driver to our next destination. About thirty minutes into the drive, the scenery changes from tall buildings into small houses with signboards reading “Artifacts” on a lot of them.
Noticing the curious gaze I had outside, Vincent chimes in, “We’re at the part of the city where all of the Artificers gather. You’ll see a lot of neat gadgets here as well as useful tools for Conjurers.”
Apparently, this sparked Elijah’s interest because he asked the driver to stop at the nearest artifact shop. “I’m going to look around for a bit and see if I can find anything worth buying.” He says before stepping out.
‘Sylv, go with Elijah while I visit Gideon with Uncle Vincent’ I tell Sylvie who was on my lap. She gave me a curious look but didn’t complain, hopping out of the carriage after Elijah. I didn’t want a genius researcher like Gideon eyeing Sylvie so it would be better to just keep her away.
“Do you have any money?!” I shout towards him from inside the carriage as we leave him, realizing that normal 12-year-old boys shouldn’t have that much money.
“I have my dungeon money saved up. Remember? I‘m not like you!” I can barely make out a wink as he was obviously teasing me about my lack of gold.
“Tch. How immature.” I grumble under my breath, causing Vincent to let out a small chuckle.
About an hour later, after we passed through the densest part of the city, we arrived at a fairly large building. This building was only 1 story but was quite big in width, which was rare to see in a clustered city like Xyrus.
“We’re here!” The driver announces as he opens the door for us.
Hopping out of the carriage behind Vincent, we make our way to the front door. After knocking on the metal door, an old man with a handlebar mustache, dressed as a butler, opens the door.
“Greetings. Master Gideon is not… Ah hello Master Vincent, please come in.” He says while opening the door. He realizes that we are welcomed guests, giving us a deep bow before showing us inside.
The butler seems to automatically deny everyone but a certain few people. The inside of the facility was hardly appealing. The whole place was a mess, with tools on the ground and rather intriguing looking raw materials stacked high on shelves. There were microscopes and other tools that looked vaguely familiar to the ones in my old world.
“Himes! I told you not to let anyone… Ah Vincent! I see you’ve come to bother me again.” From the dim corner of a different room, a very short, hunched man makes his way over. Both the butler and the master seem to automatically want to deny visitors at heart.
Taking a closer look at the supposed genius inventor/researcher/artificer, I can say for certain that he looks the part. His curly hair that looks like it’s been struck by lightning more than once complimented the beady eyes that had dark bags under them. His complexion was pale while he had a pair of goggles hanging on his neck.
“Haha! As welcoming as ever, aren’t you Gideon?” Vincent shakes his head, giving his acquaintance a helpless smile and handshake.
“Bah! Don’t even start! This past year, the Royal Family sent in over a dozen messengers asking for a way to start traversing the ocean to reach the New Continent! I haven’t had a decent sleep in months!” The hunched eccentric flails his arms in disgust as he starts pacing around.
“Is it really true that they really found evidence of another Continent Gideon?” Vincent couldn’t help but relieve his curiosity. Even I was interested in this.
“Hoho! That, my friend, is actually a truth those snobby royal families are telling for once. I was the one to study the evidence! All I’ll say is that, the New Continent has even better artificers and perhaps even Mages than ours.” His beady eyes disappear as his smile widens, revealing yellow teeth with remnants of whatever he ate for his last meal.
“What makes you say that?” Vincent pushes, leaning closer to Gideon.
“The Royal Family took back the evidence for safe keeping, but that ‘evidence’ was an artifact. Even I couldn’t figure out everything it does, but this artifact was attached to a bird-like mana beast that has never been seen on Dicathen before. This bird-like mana beast had the ability to camouflage almost completely with its surroundings. The only way we were able to catch it was because an Adventurer accidentally shot it down while he was actually aiming for a nearby squirrel he was hunting to eat. Not only that, one of the functions I was able to figure out from the artifact that was attached to the bird was that it was able to record and store moving images. The artifact was the size of my palm and it could do what four big magic projection crystals could and more! Tell me, why would someone from our Continent need to record videos?” He leans towards Vincent too so that the two of them were only a hand width apart.
“Fascinating!” Vincent sighs as he rubs his chin.
“So… who’s the little kid you brought? Your mistress’s son?” Gideon waggles his eyebrows lewdly at Vincent.
“Oh God… Don’t even make jokes like that. Tabitha would kill me… quite literally I’m afraid. No… this is Arthur Leywin, I consider him a nephew of mine.” He places his hand on my shoulder.
Giving a respectable bow, I introduce myself. “Hello Mr. Gideon. Uncle Vincent has told me many great things about you and your work.”
“Hoh~ quite the etiquettes for a kid. How old are you?” He asks, studying me with his beady eyes.
“I will be turning 12 in May.” I answer simply.
“I see… So, why did you bring him here, Vincent? I don’t take on students or disciples you know.” He nods to himself condescendingly.
“Actually, I would like to know for myself why he wanted to come.” Vincent turns to me.
“Mr. Gideon, the fact that you have messengers from the Royal Family visiting you, I can assume that your work is quite influential correct?” I put on the air of a respecting young lad.
“Of course! They’re a pain but I receive quite a lot of money from them!” His chin sticks out and I can almost see his nose getting longer from his pride.
“Perfect.” Without saying anything more, I pick up a big piece of paper lying on the ground and sketch out a blueprint. It took a while for me to think of an idea to sell without it changing the world too much. This world relies heavily on magic for a lot of the bigger tools and machines. That was primarily one of the reasons they couldn’t build a ship capable of travelling long distances. Mages didn’t have an infinite source of mana and trying to carry along enough mages to power up a big ship was impossible.
Both Vincent and Gideon were baffled by my sudden actions and were muttering to each other what I was exactly doing. I didn’t let them see what I was drawing so they were getti
ng more and more impatient with my behavior.
After about 15 minutes, I finished drawing a rough draft of a steam engine. I didn’t draw in some of the key components so that Gideon can’t just steal my idea; I would draw those in AFTER the negotiations were complete.
“T-This is…this…” His beady eyes widen two-fold and he snatched the paper away so he could study it in depth.
“Of course… why didn’t I think of this? There was this solution as well!” I could see his hands trembling as he had a hard time digesting the blueprint.
Suddenly, his eyebrows furrowed and his gaze darted all around the paper. “I feel like something is missing…”
I gently take the paper back and roll it up. “I did leave out some key details that I will more than happily include once our negotiations are over.” I put on an innocent smile.
“Are you really just a 12 year old?” His gaze becomes sharp but soon looks helpless, as he himself knows that what I have to offer him is too good to let go. Even Vincent looks baffled by the turn of events but he handled it a little bit better since he knows I’m kind of always like this.
