Two thousand years ago, the humans lived peacefully.
Living under huts made of straw, they stayed far from the apex predators of the wild.
There was nothing that disturbed the life they had been living; it like living in an open world with no threats, your only enemy being nature itself.
Due to the lack of war, conflict, and despair, humanity's evolution slowed down.
All was undisturbed until the very first Rumbling Field occurred.
Foreign creatures of the unknown invaded, causing tremendous destruction everywhere, to the point that the villages ceased to exist. Thousands of people died, and every single living creature around was no longer safe.
And humans were no different.
To these beings that only sought to kill, humans were nothing but prey.
Every time a Rumbling Field occurred, screams of agony could always be heard. Thunderous explosions of the environment breaking apart were always present.
Whenever humans felt the pressure of the mana around crushing them, fear would immediately be struck within their hearts. Soon, the rumbling of hundreds of creatures could be heard, hence the name Rumbling Field.
A Rumbling Field doesn't just occur randomly. It is generated when an immense amount of mana in the environment gathers, creating a thick, oppressive atmosphere that presses down like gravity.
And when mana gathers into one area, creatures from the Underworld can pierce through the fabric of dimension and invade the Middleworld.
Though its procedures for invading are unknown, the people have already named these malevolent creatures.
They are called the Hell's Spawns.
After invasion, these beings would retreat to the Underworld. But there are those greedy filth that choose to wreak havoc—walking over the face of the world and spilling the blood of all living.
Because of the invasion of the creatures from the Underworld, the humans almost went extinct, and were forced to grow.
Since mana was utilized by the Hell's Spawns to invade the Middleworld, mana was forced to mutate; hence came the existence of Mana Attributes.
Mana Attributes are the traits that each mana in the surrounding area contains; it is what identifies a mana and how it would be utilized by the living, such as humans.
For hundreds of years, humans hid in places far away. They could always run away, but soon, the lingering Hell's Spawns would catch them alive.
But then, one young soul succeeded in harnessing the power of the world, which was the mana.
The practice of using mana was called Magic.
His Mana Attribute was a Conjuration Type, while his Mana Affinity was fire.
Being the first ever to use magic, he was deemed as The Chosen One. However, his fame didn't last long when other people started gaining the ability to use magic.
Mana Attributes are split into different sections:
- Conjuration: the ability to create and summon an element, using a person's innate mana. They are Conjurers.
- Infusion: it is imbuing an object with an element. Even infusing a human's body part are possible—but risky. They are Infusers.
- Alteration: it allows the user to manipulate the element of the surroundings based on their magic element. Using this requires a tremendous amount of mana, and the scale that they manipulate scales off of their mana and skill. They are Alterers.
- Emanation: similar to Conjuration, it can summon an element, though it is invisible to the naked eye and doesn't have practical uses. It is only effective when activated. It's main use is creating traps that are activated when an enemy is nearby, or by the will of the user. They are Emanators.
- Fortification: it is when mana is used to create a barrier to its corresponding element, very flexible if used in extreme weather. They are Fortificators.
- Assimilation: users absorb either mana from the surroundings, or from other users' attacks and convert it into their own. It is not stealing a skill, it is stealing mana. This is useless without having any of the other Mana Attribute to expel the stolen mana, and also doesn't have a Mana Affinity. They are Assimilators.
While there are different Mana Attribute Types in this age, only two affinities existed, which are Fire and Lightning.
During the Depression Age, humans had weak magic and couldn't utilize it properly.
Having only one Mana Attribute Type per individual, the people still wouldn't dare to stand against the creatures that destroyed their families. Even as a group, they cowered in their hideouts and stayed until they knew more about magic.
After two thousand years, a hero raised his blade against the shackles tying humanity down and saved everyone.
With his victory also came The Golden Age.
Finally, the humans had grown stronger and stood against the Hell's Spawns. The Golden Age was filled with hope, as the civilizations stood once more.
In this age, a lot more elements arrived. Mana's properties changed and mutated into different Mana Types.
Mana Types are classified into four:
- Evolutionary: a mana tree that allows mana to evolve into stronger versions. An example is Fire Magic evolving into Explosion Magic.
- Fusion: a rare type of mana, containing two or more affinity into one body. Fusion Manas can be used as elemental reactions or combined usage of different elements at once by one individual.
- Awakened: these mana are only obtained when an individual cannot evolve their magic. An example is Fire Magic awakening into a stronger version of itself, unlocking new abilities.
- Innate: the rarest type of skill. It is a mana unique to only one individual, and no one else. Its origin, properties, power, and users are unknown. Only one individual has ever been recorded as having one, but their name has long since been forgotten. Only one user per a single innate mana can exist, as this kind of mana is too powerful.
- Inherited: these are skills passed down through a bloodline. It can be innate mana, awakened, or evolutionary mana. However, they are not unlocked instantly. This type of mana stays in the body until death, yet only unlocked when proper training is done, or when enough time passes. In most cases, it never appears.
At the start, there was only two affinities. But as time passed, more affinities were then unlocked by the people. However, some new and different affinities are locked up behind an Evolutionary Skill.
There are different types of Mana Affinity with different rarities:
- 1/2 individuals: Fire and Lightning Mana.
- 1/16 individuals: Wind Mana.
- 1/48 individuals: Water and Ice Mana.
- 1/1648 individuals: Healing, Physical, Spatial, Illusion, and Earth Mana.
And 950 years into the Golden Age, Magic has become normal practice for the people. Hell's Spawns could be fended off; each nation grew stronger in power and could protect itself now.
Then, 50 years ago came The Romantic Age. A contemporary period with renewed peace.
And the mana-users of the new era are now called—the Invokers.
*
"Pretty simple," Huizen said. "The Depression Age is basically where Hell's Spawns started to surface, and it's also when we gained the ability of magic."
"I see," Maeyurai said with a nod. "But I have one question. How do the people know of the existence of the Underworld then? Why did they claim that we're living in the so-called Middleworld?"
The question left Huizen thoughtful. He touched his chin, searching for the right words.
"Great question," he said. "It's not actually true that the Underworld exists, though not yet."
"People theorized that if they were creatures that only sought to cause mayhem, then they're most likely creatures from a different dimension, a dimension where only pain and suffering exists—which is the Underworld," Huizen continued, looking at Maeyurai in the eyes.
If the Underworld exists alongside the Middleworld, then there should be something called an 'Overworld,' right?
The Middleworld and the Underworld should be connected. Because if the Underworld is in a different dimension but its creatures can enter the Middleworld, then doesn't that mean the two are interlinked?
"Do you think the two are connected?" Maeyurai asked.
"Which two are you asking about?"
"The Underworld and the Middleworld. I'm asking if they're connected, close by each other like neighbors."
"It's possible they are. I mean, the Hell's Spawns wouldn't be able to invade if they weren't."
New thoughts came into Maeyurai's mind as he lowered his head. "That makes sense."
"Oh," Maeyurai said. "By the way, have you seen a Hell's Spawn before?"
He asked the question because he still doesn't fully believe that Hell's Spawns exist. Even with his belief, he thought it's possible that Huizen has seen one already.
"Yeah, I've already seen a lot before. There's always at least one Hell's Spawn outside of Gangumen, and it's our job to clean them up," Huizen would answer.
It seems like light work for Huizen from how his voice sounds. It's probably because he's the captain of the archers, or the Hell's Spawns really aren't that big of a deal now.
Hm... I wonder what they look like. Will I be able to see one soon? I feel really curious.
Maeyurai's mind was clearly thinking of possible questions to ask. He continued to drown in his curiosity and asked, "Are they tough to fight?"
Huizen stood still, as if assessing his experiences. He was recalling his past battles outside of Gangumen—but couldn't find any that fit the term 'tough.'
"No, not really," he replied. "It's because I've only been fighting Common-Level Hell's Spawns."
Huh, Common-Level? So they are placed into different sections based on their power. I should ask about this.
"Common-Level? Is that like a ranking for the Hell's Spawns?" Maeyurai asked as his brow furrowed.
Huizen clasped his hands, remembering the one thing that he neglected to teach Maeyurai. "Oh, right!"
"I still haven't taught you about the rankings. It applies for both us and the Hell's Spawns," he said, thoughts of the ranking and other key items he has to tell Maeyurai coming into his mind.
So it's applicable for humans as well? Good to know.
He would speak, a neutral tone in his voice present, "At the bottom of the rank comes Common, followed by Elite, General, Lord, Legendary, and Mythical at the top."
Still having that curious gaze, Maeyurai nodded. He wanted to know more—a contrast to what he originally planned to do.
"What's your rank?" he asked, looking at Huizen's eyes intently. He had been listening attentively, taking note of every detail.
"Elite," Huizen answered straight away. "Though I'm close to becoming a General-Level."
Maeyurai was quite surprised by Huizen's answer. He thought that he was ranked higher. "Oh, I thought you were like, Lord-Level or something."
Huizen raised an eyebrow; he didn't expect that Maeyurai overestimated him so much. In fact, overestimate is an understatement—because the power that a Lord-Level being has is enough to destroy a small town in a span of a few hours.
"That's... that's quite high, Maeyurai. I'm not that strong, haha," he timidly said.
Huh, I didn't expect that reaction. Is a Lord-Level really that strong?
Scratching the back of his head, Maeyurai spoke in a relaxed tone. "My bad—I may have underestimated the higher ranks."
"Yeah, you did underestimate the higher ranks," Huizen replied as he placed a hand on his neck, probably feeling sore.
Huizen looked at the darkening sky. The moon shone brightly among the stars, casting a soft glow over the surroundings.
"It's getting late," he said. "You should probably go home now, Maeyurai."
Maeyurai glanced at the sky, a jolt of urgency hitting him like a slap to the chest. "Oh, yeah! You're right!" he said, suddenly remembering that Shikkan told him to be home before dark.
Turning around, Maeyurai quickly ran out—waving goodbye to Huizen. "Thanks for teaching me; I'll come back tomorrow. Bye!"
"Okay, see you tomorrow!" Huizen replied, waving back to the sprinting Maeyurai.
His feet pressing against the packed dirt road with every step, Maeyurai hurriedly ran back home. He didn't think he would spend that much time with Huizen, but at least he enjoyed it.
Deep within his heart, he felt grateful. So many things happened in a single day. His eyesight recovered, he learned archery and gained knowledge about the world. But even that isn't enough; he wants to explore the world—to see things that he had never seen before.
My life has changed.
Becoming an archer for Gangumen is just the first step.
After this, I will explore the world and meet new people, defeat Hell's Spawns, and become even stronger!
I want to learn magic! I will find new things that this world has to offer!
I'll bring Shikkan with me after I've visited many places, and I will show him around! Imagine the look on his face; he'll be so proud, haha!
After running for a few minutes, Maeyurai reached the bakery. He looked at the service window and saw that it was already closed—indicating that Shikkan should be having dinner alone.
He entered through the main door with a huff, breathing heavily from running.
"Gosh, sprinting has never felt so fun before... Hah..." he laughed, leaning forward with his hands on his knees.
After taking a breather, he walked up the stairs with a soft exhale.
Maeyurai looked forward and saw the dark living room. "Huh? Isn't Shikkan eating dinner?"
A thump.
Did something happen? Why is it so dark?
Slowly standing upright, Maeyurai felt a creeping anxiety settle in. His heart thudded faintly in his chest, and a lump formed in his throat—one he couldn't seem to swallow.
He took a step forward.
Passing through the doorframe, he was met with an unexpected sight. One that would leave a mark on him forever.
"Surprise!" Shikkan said joyfully, jumping out from the left side with a candle holder in hand.
"AH!" Maeyurai exclaimed in surprise, his heart jumping out of his chest. He recoiled back so hard that his head hit the frame. "Ouch!"
Shikkan laughed, "Oops, sorry!" He then moved back and lit up the candles around the living room and the kitchen table.
"Sorry about that, Maeyurai," he apologized with a sheepish smile. "I just thought I'd surprise you when you came home late, which you did."
Maeyurai pouted. While he was relieved that the worst hadn't happened, the silly face he made earlier left him embarrassed. "What the hell?! I thought something bad happened because of how dark it was!"
"Hahaha, a little fun wouldn't hurt, would it?"
Looking at the kitchen table, there were all sorts of pastries placed. With all of them being Maeyurai's personal favorites.
Maeyurai sniffled; the familiar aroma of each bread reminded him of what leaves him drooling every time. "Are those...?"
"That's right, I prepared all these for you tonight," Shikkan answered before Maeyurai even finished, a wide grin on his face.
What's the occasion? I don't remember this day being a particularly special day.
"Quite slow on the uptake, aren't you? Your confusion's all over your face."
"Huh? I don't get it. What's going on?"
Then, his eyes lit up in understanding.
"Finally come to?" Shikkan said. "It's because you regained your eyesight, silly!"
While Maeyurai hadn't really thought of celebrating his new profound eyesight, he was grateful for Shikkan's consideration.
His eyes landed on the mountain of his favorite pastries, and he was already tempted to lunge forward and eat every single one of them with a single breath.
"...Can I?" Maeyurai weakly asked, his eyes gleaming, as if begging.
Shikkan smiled softly. "Of course. It's all yours."
Not wasting a single second, Maeyurai immediately hopped on a chair and started chomping down on the heaps of fresh bread in front of him.
For Shikkanm who watched at the back, Maeyurai truly looked adorable—sitting there enjoying the food he prepared. He felt a warm sensation in his chest, his face painted with a loving smile.
After a few minutes of eating, Maeyurai had finally diminished the table of food. With a full stomach, he stood up and said, "Thank you, Shikkan. I'll wash the dishes; you can go ahead and take a rest for the day."
Shikkan's eyes widened a little. "Are you sure? I'll do it; you don't have to."
"No, I insist. Go on, head upstairs and rest. I've been asleep the whole day anyway."
"I see, I'll take you up on that then. I'll be going now," Shikkan said before turning around to head upstairs, leaving Maeyurai alone at the table.
Maeyurai nodded, already moving on to gather the wooden plates on the table.
Okay, let's just clean this up and head to sleep.
He brought the wooden plates over to the sink and rinsed each one. Next, he scrubbed each of the plates with his hand, rubbing parts that had powder stuck on them.
After washing, he wiped each plate with a linen rag and placed them onto the shelf. With the same rag, he dried his hands and finished up.
He yawned while shaking his right arm.
My biceps and shoulder feel sore. Must be from the archery earlier...
I must've overexerted myself earlier when I tried to get a bullseye.
Oh, well, I'll just sleep it away. I'm already feeling drowsy.
Maeyurai turned towards the staircase and headed up. He felt a tension in his back and couldn't just ignore it. He really did use his muscles too much earlier.
Passing through the hallway, he faced the third door and turned the doorknob to open it. Seeing the white sheets of his bed, Maeyurai couldn't help but fall asleep as soon as he lay down.
Zzz...