《The Legends Of The Fourth Realm》


 A Prologue

    Published 720 ME


    For use as a historical book within the Acerium College in the Velim Empire


    Written By Ashex Ciparo, Grand Historian of The Magic College Of Acerium.


    In my years of study, never has a project taken longer than the one I embark on now. Though the book is long and told, its history is rich and gold. In this time of peace, which is so rare, I have taken scrolls and books from distant lands and have pulled them all together to create a history of our land. Not just a history, but an accurate depiction of the legends of our lands. Two of whom, I believe fulfilled beyond a reason of doubt, fulfilled the prophecy set by the Astari.


    The Prophecy Of Two. There will come a time when two shall arise to bring the lands together in peace and unity. They will come in society''s darkest moment to pull us all from extinction.


    ¡ª


    Our lands have been riddled with turmoil since their beginning. It is believed that the Astari, makers of our realm, were killed by their ambition. They believed themselves and their creation to be immortal¡­ so much so, they dared to create life - and they succeeded. However, they challenged nature and her laws, and nature challenged them back. Astari has not been seen or heard from. Their only proof of existence is the relics and artifacts they left behind. But despite this, history moves on.


    After the Astari, humanity began to flourish as life moved out from a central area, separating across all the known lands of our world. An Age Of Migration swept our lands as cities began to build and villages grew.


    Shortly after, the Age of Migration began to quiet, empires began to build. It is believed the first Empire was built on what would become Seriak. Located in a desert, and built on the coastline, its ports were massive and supported thousands of ships each day. Across the realm, other empires soon sprung to life and the cycle of governments rising, staying, and falling continues throughout time. It was during this time on the island of Novahoshi, just off the coast of the Velim Empire, that scholars discovered the first instance of magic. It was discovered the formation of the stars, and the rarity of the phenomenon that occurred in our astral bodies determined the intensity of one¡¯s abilities. Those born under the rarest of events were given an abundance of potential for their knowledge and use of magic. However, the ability of magic only goes so far as to heighten one¡¯s senses and their abilities.


    That brings us to an Empire of primary importance across our world¡¯s history. Having existed for over a thousand years, the Velim Empire has always been called the Northern Passage of Alonieth their home. A tundra of snowy mountains, forests, and icy lakes, the land is not for the faint of hearts. It was in fact, never meant for any. It was originally home to King Noiavalathen, the first ruler of the land; however, his rule was not by want. Exiled from his home in Novahoshi, he and his followers amassed on the island to seek a new way of life, and that, they found. On the new land, he built up what would become the Velim Empire.


    Before I continue, it would be difficult to ignore the chaos in our lives. The Curse of Avatikus. What began as a legend, has become a concrete belief to many. It is believed that the curse, attributed to a prophet of death, brings no hope of peace. With each year that bears peace in our realm, a decade of tragedy and misfortune strikes. Though I believe it not to be true, it can not be ignored that the Fourth Realm has rarely ever experienced peace, and when it had, it seemed we as a society paid for it in the coming years.


    Focusing back on the Velim Empire, it existed then as the Ryekshaw Kingdom. The kingdom experienced slow growth; however, without any other civilization that dared face the cold of the land, the kingdom slowly expanded across thousands of miles of land, eventually consuming much of the Ryek continent, named after the kingdom that claimed it. Once the Ryekshaw Kingdom solidified its borders, an evil manifested itself in reality. An army of warriors, seemingly put together by darkness itself, breached the most northern regions of Ryekshaw¡¯s border. The attack was sudden, with many unaware of it happening. The army spread through Ryekshaw, burning down villages and towns¡­ and before they could stop the movement, the capital of Ryekshaw was brought ablaze.This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    With no kingdom to protect them, the warriors took control of the Ryek Continent and her people. It was only then that Emperor Avaki revealed himself as the mastermind of the takeover. Seemingly the real-life equivalent of Avatikus¡¯s curse. Emperor Avaki ruled over his new Empire with a fist of iron and saw the land become a soulless and dangerous land. Emperor Avaki then forced all within to begin constructing massive cities, of which they are still unknown to us.


    The people of Ryeksahw suffered under the reign of this Empire as slavery and death was the option in Ryekshaw. Shortly after his conquest, Emperor Avaki saw the possibility of this magic that was discovered in Novahoshi. He ordered the construction of a college to study it. This college would later become our Acerium College; however, its beginnings were rooted in darkness.


    Emperor Avaki grew curious about their research and wanted to taste it himself. He commanded his legions to find the whereabouts of anyone who possessed such power. Emperor Avaki quickly discovered the mage, Elyna Avoril. Forcing her to pledge her allegiance to him or face eternal death, Elyna was forced to show him the ways of magic. After several years of teaching, Emperor Avaki mastered the ways; however, he was left annoyed by its kind limitations, he wanted power, not peace.


    Forcing Elyna to discover what he wanted to know, she discovered dark magic by use of researching Avakitus¡¯s Curse. Horrified of what it was capable of, Elyna attempted to use Dark Magic to kill Emperor Avaki; however, he was far too strong for Elyna. In a matter of moments, she was subdued by Emperor Avaki and was placed in chains inside the top room of the Acerium College. There, she was forced to show him the ways of Dark Magic.


    Emperor Avaki grew in strength and power. Years passed, then decades, a century passed as Emperor Avaki continued to rule by keeping those who lived in Ryekshaw enslaved and under his command through loyalty to what he hoped would be forever.


    Late into his 103rd year of rule, Emperor Avaki saw no end in sight for the pain and suffering he brought people as he saw it as a form of entertainment; however, he knew deep down that something was going to happen soon that he would be unable to stop. Emperor Avaki awoke to the news that one of his own Military Generals had betrayed the Empire. Emperor Avaki was angered at the news and sent his soldiers to the City of Kilieth to apprehend this man.


    Soon, Emperor Avaki was given word that his soldiers were slaughtered within minutes of arriving in the city. Furious by their insolence, he traveled to Kilieth to deal with the traitor himself.


    It is here where he met face-to-face Victor Velim, the traitor of the Empire. Emperor Araki began to summon his dark magic so that he could deal with the traitor quickly but was halted as a flurry of lightning erupted from Victor¡¯s hands and rammed into Emperor Avaki. Emperor Avaki regained himself quickly as an army of supporters for Victor now surrounded Emperor Avaki in a large circle. All of whom were enslaved by his regime. With nowhere to go, Emperor Avaki attempted to use the magic of speed to leave without a trace but as soon as he began to use it, Victor used an ability that left all in shock.


    Teleporting from where he stood, he appeared beside Emperor Avaki and plunged a blade into his throat without another word. The sword plunged deep into Avaki¡¯s throat, Avaki fell to the ground and he was not seen since.


    Victor watched as the guards who attempted to come to Emperor Avaki¡¯s aid disappeared into the air as across the land of Ryekshaw, those who supported Emperor Avaki disappeared into the air without another trace.


    After Emperor Avaki¡¯s supposed death, Victor led a rebellion to retake the land, which succeeded due to the news of what he accomplished reaching all within days of Emperor Avaki¡¯s fall.


    In a few months, the whole of Ryekshaw came to Victor¡¯s support as he established the Empire of Velim.


    To look passed our beginnings as a society would be difficult. Our lands were built upon strife and war, and continue to be built from it. And now, with the Velim Empire in control, their power has grown enormously as they have become a key kingdom in The Fourth Realm. The Velim Empire went through many Emperors after Victor¡¯s death; however, all have come from the same dynasty of Velim. After centuries of the Velim Empire rule, she has never been stronger or more advanced than now as Emperor Vincent takes the throne over the Velim Empire. He leads a powerful nation, but this is only where our story begins.


    This isn¡¯t a story of bloodied wars. This isn¡¯t a story of peace. This is a story of life and the protection of one¡¯s right to live it. All these words are true and what you will read in the coming pages are accounts based on those who watched it all unfold.

 The Decree

    Kequil Newman, the High Legate of The Velim Empire, entered the Emperor¡¯s Suite. He walked with slow grace, each step light and calculated as he made his way beside a throne. His eyes swept the surroundings outside, screams of the thousands, roars of applause, and the eyes of many swarmed what was the greatest colosseum society had ever constructed. Kequil¡¯s eyes followed the base of the arena, up to its towering pillars made of ivory pyramids, 200 feet off the ground. Kequil held back his awe of the structure, remaining stoic as he looked back at the crowd of 100,000.


    ¡°The Champion¡¯s Game is progressing well,¡± Kequil said, his voice just audible above the ravenous crowd.


    ¡°Indeed, indeed!¡± The Emperor, Vincent Velim exclaimed, his voice slurred with excitement and violence. ¡°Has the Champion from Mushima appeared yet?¡± He questioned, his eyes glancing toward Kequil''s slim, yet muscular build.


    ¡°No, my Emperor,¡± Kequil responded, his voice flat and dry.


    ¡°Ha! Of course not. And I do not believe you¡¯d want to watch that anyway!¡± The Emperor laughed, looking at Kequil. ¡°I¡¯d hate to watch my compatriot fall in battle so far from home.¡±


    The words mocked Kequil and his ancestors.


    ¡°Once more, we do not send a fighter to these games,¡± Kequil reminded him, as he had every 2 years.


    ¡°...Yeah, yeah.¡± The Emperor waved Kequil off.


    Kequil, not one for senseless violence turned away and walked to the back of the suite. There, 3 servants stood, awaiting to be commanded. Kequil ignored their utility, believing it a disservice and laziness to ask for simple commodities from others. He wandered back and poured himself a cup of hot tea, the liquid jostling around from his hand shaking. From his side, a woman walked up.


    ¡°You seem anxious, Kequil.¡± Her voice was gentle and flowed like the waves of a calm sea.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing, Dolores.¡± He said, not willing to face her.


    Regardless, Dolores laid her hand under his chin and pulled his face toward her. She stared into a white mask that covered his face - and then scanned his crimson red and golden yellow plated armor.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need to see your face to know you are a horrible liar.¡± She scoffed as she helped steady his hand, guiding the tea into the cup. Their two hands sat on top of one another, as Kequil looked down toward the identical golden rings that both of them wore. Kequils eyes stared at her hand, the mention of his mask made him think of those he left in his homeland. Now, all he had was the armor of his past identity, a reminder of the man he was in the Isles of Mushima.


    Kequil and Dolores exited the box as the crowd let out a mighty roar as the name,


    ¡°RODERO! RODERO! RODERO!¡± began to chant throughout the Colosseum.


    From the gates directly below the Emperor¡¯s Suite, a man walked out. A brutish figure, wielding a sword, glinting in every direction, walked onto the arena. The crowd continued to scream out the name of Velim¡¯s Champion. Rodero Sessilus - the fiercest warrior the world had yet to know. Rumors of his exploits in regions across the globe persist, but his true home was located in the frozen lakes north of the capital city of Proceius. Rodero was undefeated in battle within the Colosseum, and now he made his return. He held his sword high in the air, walking past each section of the arena, assuring his presence by the audience. He came to a slow stop in front of the Emperor¡¯s suite, where he raised his sword to the Emperor in respect.


    The crowd silenced immediately as the sun¡¯s rays glinted off the Emperor, who now stepped toward the Champion.


    ¡°Champion of Velim! I give you my blessing. Fight for your nation!¡± The Emperor exclaimed, returning to his chair satisfied.


    The crowd roared to life once more as the challenger from the desert kingdom of Kaeiwal entered the arena, ready to do battle with Rodero Sessilus.Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    The battle began with the screams of the crowd. The Emperor, Vincent Velim, looked on the fight, his mind beginning to claw toward an impending announcement he had postponed till the game¡¯s end.


    Rodero gripped the hilt of his blade tightly, his body setting into a stance to generate a powerful offense. His feet settled into the arena¡¯s sandy surface as his eyes met his opposition. The Champion of Kaeiwal seemed unphased by his presence, but Rodero knew deep down there was fear. Even if it persisted in the tiniest form - Rodero would bring it to light.


    He lunged forward, his swing prepared, and his stance changing on impact as their swords connected, sending a shockwave through the crowd. Rodero locked eyes once more as a smile crept across his lips. He studied his opponent right then, up close, was there true fear? Was there hesitancy or anxiety? He¡¯d figure it out, he had to. He was committed always to giving his audience the best show.


    Then - his opponent sliced at the air, Rodero slipping past his attack with a quick dodge. Sand flew across the arena, as he rammed his hilt into the man¡¯s back, sending him stumbling forward. Rodero saw an opportunity to make first blood. Holding his sword by his hips, his blade tore through the man¡¯s back, cutting through the man¡¯s skin like leather. Cheers from the crowd erupted as blood began to stain the arena¡¯s surface. Rodero smiled, looking out toward the audience with an affectionate gaze. His smile soon disappeared as he heard the man begin to pull himself up. Rodero waited, making circles around the Champion of Kaeiwal. As the man regained himself, Rodero readied his stance once more, this time though, he adopted a much more open form. His sword hung low to his side and he felt a single drop of sweat fall down his face. The Champion of Kaeiwal, straining to move, his muscles painfully tense with each movement, darted at Rodero without thought. And the fight was over as soon as it began. Rodero slipped the man like a bullfighter to an overzealous bull. His sword arced with a fast descent, slashing through the man¡¯s stomach, a long gash marking the man¡¯s side as he fell to the ground, the sand now painted in his blood.


    The crowd was ballistic now, the chants of Rodero¡¯s name echoing not just in the arena, but the whole city as the Champion of Kaeiwal lay dead at his feet. A satisfying smile crossed his lips - he had entertained his audience. He raised his blood-stained sword into the air - then pointed toward the Emperor.


    The Emperor clapped, a passionate and gleaming smile of success marked his rigid face. He stepped once more toward the front of his Suite, his long black and purple robes following behind him as he looked out at the audience of excited spectators. His mind was crossed with exuberance, yet the thought of his announcement graced his mind once more. He regained himself quickly, not showing any emotion but that of passion. The crowd cheered as Rodero returned to the gates under the arena, making one final nod to the Emperor, before disappearing into its shadowy depths.


    The games roared on as hours passed - with the High Legate Kequil returning to the Emperor¡¯s Suite. His eyes hung low to the ground, his breathing slow and steady as the crowd¡¯s continued excitement would shortly be stifled. He walked to Emperor Vincent¡¯s side, laying his hand on the throne.


    ¡°This doesn¡¯t have to happen.¡± Kequil¡¯s words were harsh, cutting into the Emperor¡¯s mentality like Rodero¡¯s blade.


    ¡°Strength in numbers, Kequil!¡± The words came from the Emperor with an edge of joy - joy that sent a shiver down Kequil¡¯s spine. The Emperor¡¯s attention returned to the crowd, where his smile faded.


    Why did I say that? The Emperor wondered to himself. He was not happy with this decision, he was not proud of it¡­ why would he say it as so?


    The night went on, the brutal fights drew to an end as Rodero, the Champion of Velim completed his conquest, laying the final opponent to his reign to death. As Rodero pointed toward the sky, thanking the unknown, the Emperor drew to his feet - steadily walking to the edge of his suite. The crowd drew quiet, the night¡¯s festivities screeching to a halt. The spectators all now sat in anxious worry, watching the Emperor draw his breath.


    ¡°Citizens, spectators. Men and women of my Empire and those across our realm,¡± The Emperor¡¯s words and tone were a sharp contrast to before. His voice was monotone yet sharp enough to split wood. It echoed off the high walls, booming across the entire arena.


    ¡°Today¡¯s display of war and the grandeur of battle is one to remember. All these fighters fought valiantly for their homeland - each one a testament to their strength and power. I want all of you citizens of Velim to take note of their bravery. They each looked into the eyes of death and fought regardless. As is the same for our nation now. We are in troubling times, the Island Republic of Novahoshi creeps closer to our doorstep, and so do the rebellious brutalists to our eastern borders. War is not a chance, but a guarantee. After careful deliberation with my advisors, and members of my court, beginning tomorrow and lasting till our time of crisis is over - the Velim Empire will be instituting a required service of all men of age, between 16 and 25.¡±


    The crowd immediately let out a gasp that shook the stadium. Words began to be exchanged between spectators as the noise of people speaking grew louder and louder. Immediately at this sign, the Emperor slammed his hand across the wooden fencing in front of him. The crowd¡¯s noise dissipated and the attention returned to him.


    ¡°The Velim Empire has existed for 1,000 years and its fall will not come at the hands of traitors or cowards. The choice was not seen as a light or easy one, but one of careful thought to better the lives and survival of the citizens of our Empire as a whole. That is all, thank you.¡±