The seven realms arranged geographically, from highest to lowest (celestial/etherial to physical/null):
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The Celestial Realm — The Highest Sphere
White wings, pale complexions, beautiful and charming in appearance, birthed with diverse magical abilities. Closest to the divine. Perhaps they are the gods mortals once worshipped.
The Astral Realm — The Sphere of Pure Magic
Adepts in magical mastery; likely the inventors of summoning magic. Though under celestial control, they remain neutral in belief. They developed astrology and magic as formal subjects of study.
The Liminal Realm — The Threshold Between
Taken by the celestials ages ago. Known for spirituality—the counterweight to mortal physicality.
The Mortal Realm — The Center, the Physical
Our universe as we know it. Little magic. Rapidly evolving, watched by greater realms for potential dominion.
The Primal Realm — The Sphere of Endless War
A race well-versed in combat, forming the core of the demon lord's army. General Abaddon, the finest tactician in eternity. They do not age—eternally young, therefore immune to death by old age. But they are few, endangered by reproductive failure. No magic; their eternal youth consumed that potential. Most of the celestial-abyssal war was fought here. Opposite of the astral.
The Abyssal Realm — The Lower Depths
Black wings, pale complexions, beautiful and charming—same roots, different soil. Naturally strong where celestials are weak, relying on brute force over spellcraft. They wield dark magic; natural enemies to the celestials. Accustomed to hardship. The celestials and demons are Athens and Sparta.
The Null Realm — The Void Below
Little is known. Believed to be Chaos's resting place. No life. Controlled by the abyssal realm as a pathway upward—the route to defeating the celestials. One of two places the celestials dare not tread.
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Karl woke up. His wound was completely gone.
He lay in a massive bed, no longer in his military apparel but in "heavenly robes." Three celestials—two female, one male—stood at his bedside. Karl studied the architectural design of the bedroom, then looked at them. In sudden surprise, he closed his eyes.
Am I really in heaven? No, not possible. He wasn't even Christian. His pessimistic side took over.
Opening his eyes again, he found them staring at him with gracious looks.
"We're commissioned to take care of you. I'm Rea, she's Ui, and that one's Orion," one of the female celestials said.
Rea looked to be in her late teens—busty, incredibly beautiful, European in appearance, with blue eyes that stood out. Ui also looked like a teenager, Asian in features, obviously shy. Orion looked pompous; his robes and facial expression suggested a proud nature.
Karl could understand her, though he had never learned any language except German, French, and Italian. Maybe they're Italian? he thought without shame—their architectural designs were similar to the churches in Rome. As silly as it sounded, this didn't resemble any language he knew. Better to go with the flow.
"My name's Karl," he said, looking at Rea. "Where am I, though?"
"The celestial realm," Rea said, almost naturally, as if expecting him to recognize the place.
"Hmmph. A mortal in my care? Insolence!" Orion frowned. "No signs of intelligence. Waste of time."
"Don't say such things to our guest," Ui said, in a timid tone.
"I'm only here because Lord Isaiah requested it," Orion said. "And you—" he pointed at Karl— "if you turn out useless, you will be immediately disposed of." He left the room.
Although fascinated by the drama, Karl kept thinking of who had cleaned him up and changed his clothes. At least it can't be Orion, he thought.
"Don't mind him," Rea said. "He is actually the one who took care of you. He cast healing magic, bathed you, and changed your clothes."
What?!
"He is naturally compassionate but hides it. You'll grow to like him. We're at your mercy, so be sure to call us when you need anything," Ui said. They left.
Looks like I'm in another world entirely, Karl thought. With a lot of responsibility and luxury on my shoulders.