After a few days of being in the royal palace, Solace requested to be shown around the library. He had been observing the kingdom, but now, he needed knowledge—the most powerful weapon in this world.
As they walked through the corridors of the palace, the twin maids guided him once again, walking in perfect unison. Their silence was deafening, their identical movements as precise as clockwork. Solace didn't mind; they were just doing their job. But it made him feel slightly uncomfortable to be around such perfect coordination. His mind wasn't on them, though. He had a singular goal: to understand the world he had entered.
They reached a massive, stone-carved door leading into a grand library. Inside, the room was lined with towering shelves, filled with books and scrolls detailing everything from history to cultivation, politics to magical beasts. A place of endless knowledge, and Solace was determined to spend his time here devouring every bit of it.
The first few days were a blur. Solace barely left the library, his Abyssal Eye allowing him to absorb information faster than any normal human could process it. His focus was intense—nothing but knowledge flowed through his mind.
He spent hours reading about the world's factions, their histories, and the political landscape that governed this realm. What he uncovered was vast, and each layer he uncovered revealed a complex world of power struggles, alliances, and ancient rivalries.
The Five Human Kingdoms
Solace learned that this world was dominated by five human kingdoms, each with its own distinct identity and geopolitical power. Rather than specializing in one area, each kingdom had its own unique culture, strength, and mysterious past.
Eredria Kingdom
Ithmar Kingdom
Varylis Kingdom
Drakhar Kingdom
Solara Kingdom – The kingdom in which Solace currently resides.
The Non-Human Races
Apart from the human kingdoms, Solace discovered that the world was inhabited by many other races and factions, each with its own complex hierarchy.
Dragons - Dragons were separated by type and classification. Each type had its own ruling faction. Some dragons were wise and old, while others were more primal and ferocious.
Fire Dragons
Ice Dragons
Storm Dragons
Earth Dragons
Dark Dragons
Forest Elves - Guardians of nature, these elves are deeply connected to the forest and its magic.
High Elves - Known for their deep connection to the arcane and scholarly pursuits.
Moon Elves - Mysterious and elusive, they are the most secretive of the elven factions, with an affinity for illusions.
Sun Elves - Warriors of light, they have a long history of defending their lands against evil.
Shadow Elves - Hiding in the darkness, their faction is composed of assassins, spies, and shadow manipulators.
Foxes - The foxes are divided into two factions, Celestial Foxes and Demonic Foxes. Celestial foxes are beings of light and harmony, while demonic foxes are aligned with the darker, more chaotic forces of the world.
Demi-Humans - These are humans that have magical beast bloodlines, granting them unique abilities. There are five ruling factions, each associated with a specific type of magical beast.
Wolf Kin - Known for their strength and speed.
Bear Kin - Strong and enduring, these demi-humans are powerful warriors.
Tiger Kin - Agile and fierce, they excel in both combat and strategy.
Hawk Kin - Masters of the skies, they are highly intelligent and nimble.
Lion Kin - Kings of the demi-human factions, their leadership is unmatched.
Demons of Sin - Demons are separated by their connection to the Seven Sins, and each Demon King rules their respective faction. The demons are deeply tied to the emotions that drive them.
Pride Demons – Rulers of arrogance, they view themselves as above all others.
Greed Demons – Obsessed with accumulating power, wealth, and control.
Wrath Demons – Embodying rage and destruction, they seek to tear down their enemies.
Lust Demons – Driven by desire, they manipulate and corrupt others through temptation.
Envy Demons – Ever-jealous, they are adept at stealing the power of others.
Gluttony Demons – Consumed by insatiable hunger, they devour both material and spiritual power.
Sloth Demons – Masters of inaction, their influence spreads in subtle and insidious ways.
Apart from these factions, there was a mysterious entity that controlled the balance of the world—The Order. The library held little information about them. They were said to have a hand in maintaining the peace and order of the world, acting as an impartial force of authority. Not much else was known, though. Solace found it odd that such an organization could hold so much power and yet remain shrouded in mystery. Their involvement in the world was minimal, but their presence was always felt.
As Solace delved deeper into the history of the world, the King and Queen kept a close eye on him. It was no secret that they were watching his every move. They sent spies to monitor his activities, gathering as much information about him as they could. Every time Solace moved, every book he read, they were watching.
However, Solace wasn't foolish. He knew he was being observed, but he didn't care. The more he learned about the world, the more he realized how much of a pawn he was in this game. He couldn't afford to trust anyone—not even the royal family.
Throughout his time in the kingdom, Solace never once removed his Faceless Mask. His true appearance remained a mystery to everyone around him. The royal family might have expected to see his face at some point, but he had no intentions of revealing it. The mask wasn't just a symbol of anonymity—it was a symbol of his independence, his control over his own fate.
Days passed, and as Solace continued his research, the royal family made their announcement to the public. The King and Queen, standing together before the kingdom's citizens, addressed the gathering crowd.
"It is with great pride that we announce the engagement of our daughter, Princess Seraphine, to Solace, the victorious contestant of the Royal Wedding Competition," the King's voice boomed through the palace courtyard, his words carrying through the crowd.
The Queen stood beside him, her eyes soft, but her smile calm. "This union will secure our kingdom's future, bringing strength and prosperity to all."
The crowd erupted into applause, some cheering, others exchanging whispers. The announcement was a major event, but Solace stood far removed from the spectacle, his mind already turning to the next phase of his plans.