《The Legend Of 9 Heavens - Season 1》 Chapter 0: The Clash and Origins ..................................................................................................................................... Notice - "Greetings, noble reader. First and foremost, we extend our deepest gratitude for your support and for joining us on this journey. Your engagement is what breathes life into this story, and we welcome your thoughts and feedback with open arms. The future of this tale is as much yours as it is ours. Please take note that the chapters you are about to read, including the current one, take place in a time long past. They serve as essential stepping stones in unraveling the lore of this world, and the events within will shape the grander narrative that is yet to come. These introductory chapters are crucial in setting the stage for the grand tale ahead. As you progress, we encourage you to share your thoughts¡ªwhether praise or critique¡ªas we are committed to refining this experience for you. Together, we shall forge a path through the roots of this world''s history." ..................................................................................................................................... "The greatest battles are not fought with weapons, but with the forces that shape the world. When power transcends mortality, the question is no longer who will win ¡ª but what price will be paid for the victory." ..................................................................................................................................... Chapter 0: The Clash and Origins A throne of purplish mist loomed in the emptiness of space, a silent observer to the turmoil of the universe. Eight planets spun around it like marbles orbiting a forgotten god. Slowly, the vision zoomed, narrowing in on Earth ¡ª a world alive with conflict. A Clash Beyond Mortal Limits The island was isolated, hidden by dense forests and a towering mountain that seemed to touch the heavens. Hovering above it, the Wanderer faced the Demon Lord of Earth, whose silhouette loomed menacingly in the distance. His dark figure summoned monstrous beasts, the shrieks of which filled the air. They charged toward her, claws outstretched. But then, something shifted. Her aura pulsed, radiating divine energy that poured into her, burning through her veins like fire and ice. The Light Goddess had chosen her. The pain was excruciating, but the power ¡ª oh, the power was beyond anything she had ever felt. Her body quaked, reshaping under the Goddess''s influence, every cell stretching to accommodate the divine energy. She could feel her skin burning and her very soul shivering under its weight. The battle began. The Wanderer unleashed the full force of her fury, obliterating the beasts with a storm of blinding light. Trees snapped in half, entire trunks cleaved as her blade cut through the forest like a scythe. The once-vibrant woods turned into a battlefield of destruction, as the earth beneath them trembled with every strike.Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. The clash between the Wanderer and the Demon Lord shattered the very ground beneath them. Their swords collided with deafening force, creating a shower of sparks that lit up the night. The mountain groaned beneath the chaos, crumbling as their battle raged on. With a single stroke, the Wanderer''s blade cleaved the mountain into three uneven sections, sending debris raining down like an avalanche. As the fight ascended into the sky, the force of their movements tore through the ocean below, sending waves crashing like giant walls. Their blades struck again and again, sending shockwaves across the sea, as if the world itself were breaking apart. But the Demon Lord wasn''t done. With a roar, his blade grew to monstrous proportions. The ground cracked as he prepared for a final, devastating strike. Her body screamed in protest as the divine energy overwhelmed her. Cracks splintered her skin, blood seeped from her mouth, and her left eye glowed with intense light. She could barely stand, yet the world needed her. She couldn''t stop now. A thought nagged at the back of her mind ¡ª What if the Goddess wanted more than just victory? What if this power wasn''t meant to save the world, but to reshape it entirely? The Wanderer Rises Through the dust and rubble, the Wanderer rose. Light seeped from her wounds, her body now a vessel of overwhelming energy. Her left eye burst open, golden particles pouring from the socket as her heart pulsed with radiant power. It felt like she was beyond human limits. Summoning every ounce of strength she had left, she raised her hand toward the heavens. A circle of pure light formed, searing the air. The blast shot forward, a beam of divine fury aimed directly at the Demon Lord. He barely managed to deflect it, the beam splitting as it tore through the sky, disappearing into the heavens. "Not enough," she whispered, voice soft yet resolute. With a renewed surge of power, the Wanderer pushed forward, forcing the Demon Lord to retreat. But the devastation she had unleashed had unforeseen consequences. The world trembled, mana swirling violently, and monstrous magic beasts began to emerge from the shadows. Strange figures also appeared ¡ª guild members who had witnessed the chaos. "Lia, STOP!" A voice rang out from the shadows, its owner stepping into the light. His face was familiar, but his eyes ¡ª full of terror ¡ª were not. "You''re about to destroy everything!" Lia turned to face him, her blood-drenched form radiating divine energy. Her left eye glowed fiercely, matching the panicked stares of the guild members who had come to stop her. The Origins of Magic The air was heavy with silence as the chaos settled. Then, a voice broke through, ancient and knowing. "As the chaos unfolded, the true story of this world began long before..." 1 million years earlier. Deep beneath the Earth''s crust, a colossal dark-purple crystal lay dormant, its power waiting. The collision of tectonic plates triggered its eruption, and a massive shard ¡ª the size of a mountain ¡ª surfaced, pulsing with dark energy. It radiated a sinister mist that spread across the world. Anyone who came in contact with it collapsed, writhing in pain. Yet, when they awoke, something had changed. Strength, speed, and elemental powers flowed through them, reshaping humanity. Magic Emerges Over centuries, humanity adapted to these newfound powers, calling them magic. Entire civilizations evolved around its use. People controlled fire with their hands, bent the wind to their will, and even called down lightning from the heavens. Guilds formed around those with high magical affinity, while armies protected the powerless. But magic came with a price. Beasts of unimaginable power roamed the world, fueled by the same mana that birthed the magical abilities in humans. Kingdoms fractured, alliances formed, and an academy was established to study and control the magic. But in the depths of wild dungeons, a growing threat emerged. Dark energy pulsed beneath the Earth''s surface, and from the shadows, the Demon Lord of Earth rose, his blood-red eyes gleaming with malice. The Demon Lord''s smile twisted with sinister intent. This battle was not just about defeating the Wanderer ¡ª it was part of a much larger scheme, one that could unravel the very fabric of their world. Ending Narration As the dust finally settled, monstrous roars echoed in the distance. Magic had been unleashed upon the world, and there was no turning back. What had they awakened? And who were the guild members who had stepped into the fray to stop the Wanderer? Chapter End ..................................................................................................................................... Chapter 0.5: The Prophecy and Lia (Part-I) When the light fades, and shadows rise, One will bear the golden flame. A calamity foreseen, yet unprepared, The world shall tremble in her name." ..................................................................................................................................... Chapter 0.5: The Prophecy and Lia (Part-I) The Chief''s Dream The village chief gazed out at the crystal mountain through the cracked wooden window of his small hut. A quiet prayer escaped his lips as his frail hand clutched a worn pendant, pleading for unseen forces to protect his people. He coughed deeply, his age and exhaustion evident, yet he stood tall, preparing for the village council meeting. Discussions about the harvest''s yield and the rise in monster sightings filled the room. Tension hung in the air, heavy and foreboding. Suddenly, the ground trembled. A monstrous roar shattered the fragile calm. Guards scrambled, villagers armed themselves with farm tools, and the Royal Guards stationed in the village leapt into action. Magic lit up the darkening sky, their techniques forming the main line of defense. The battle dragged into the evening, leaving destruction in its wake and fear lingering in the hearts of the villagers. By nightfall, calm returned, but the chief''s unease deepened. That night, he knelt before the dim glow of a shrine in his hut, whispering a prayer. Sleep overcame him as his voice faltered. In his dream, a blinding light filled his vision. A faceless, radiant figure appeared, both comforting and overwhelming. A voice echoed like a thousand chimes: "Prepare for the calamity. Train the one who bears the golden light." He saw a fleeting image: golden hair whipping in the wind, pale skin glowing in a brilliant burst of light. The vision faded, leaving him with a sense of urgency and dread. The Stranger''s Arrival This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work. Two weeks passed. The village endured relentless attacks, driving off eighteen monsters while hearing reports of thirty more nearby. The harvest was secured, but the rainy season turned dirt roads into muddy traps, making life even harder. One stormy evening, a lone figure trudged toward the village, wrapped in a tattered pale-green cloak. Rain poured in torrents, soaking her to the bone. Limping from injuries and shivering from the cold, she knocked on door after door, only to be turned away by cautious villagers. Her knocks grew weaker with each step. Exhaustion overcame her as she reached the chief''s home, an older structure with the faint glow of a fire visible through the cracks. The chief peered out the window, his heart heavy with indecision. "What harm could a lone girl do to an old man?" he muttered, opening the door. The girl''s voice was barely a whisper. "Please... help me." "Come in before the storm takes you," he said, stepping aside. An Encounter of Fates The chief offered her dry clothes, a warm bath, and a meal by the fire. As she carefully bandaged her wounds, she introduced herself as Lia, a 19-year-old merchant from the northern kingdom of Euratia. Her story spilled out between bites of food. She had been traveling to the royal palace to seek aid for her homeland when monsters attacked her caravan. Injured and alone, she had barely escaped into the forest, losing everything in the process. The chief listened carefully, his earlier hesitation fading. Then, as she spoke, something clicked in his mind. Golden hair, pale skin¡ªshe matched the figure from his dream. "You''ve endured much," he said, masking his realization. "Rest tonight. We will talk more in the morning." A Village Tested The next day, Lia moved through the village, offering help wherever she could. Her kindness and hard work quickly earned her the trust of the villagers. But the chief''s thoughts were consumed by the crystal mountain, its looming presence a constant reminder of his dream. After a few days, Lia had recovered well. The chief finally approached her with a request. "You plan to travel to the capital, but before you leave, I must ask something in return. Will you journey with me to the crystal mountain?" Lia hesitated but agreed. "If it will help your village, I will." The Mountain''s Secret The path to the crystal mountain was treacherous. As they climbed, the air grew thick with mana, and an unnatural weight pressed down on them. The mountain''s surface shimmered with an eerie light, its presence both beautiful and unsettling. The chief, accompanied by three village mages, led Lia to a prepared magic circle near the mountain''s base. "Step into the circle," he instructed. "Have faith." Lia hesitated but obeyed. As she stepped into the circle, the air crackled with energy. Her heartbeat thundered in her ears. A brilliant light erupted from the mountain, and the ground shook violently. The magic circle glowed, its energy intertwining with hers. Suddenly, the mountain exploded in a cascade of light and shards. The deafening boom echoed for miles as purple crystals rained down, their mana corrupting the surrounding forest. From the shattered remains of the mountain, a pulsing darkness emerged. Lia clutched her chest, dread flooding her senses. The chief''s voice was barely audible; "The calamity begins." Chapter End ..................................................................................................................................... Chapter 0.5: The Prophecy and Lia (Part II) "In the shadows of forgotten legends, the truth of one''s name is often the most elusive. The Wanderer, once a beacon of hope, now carries the weight of countless unspoken stories. Her past, veiled in the mist of time, beckons only to those brave enough to seek its answer." ..................................................................................................................................... Chapter 0.5: The Prophecy and Lia (Part II) The Birth of Monsters The crystal mountain''s eruption unleashed chaos far beyond the village. Mana-infused fragments rained down into the barren depths of a nearby dungeon, igniting a transformation that birthed horrors. The animals that wandered too close to the crystal shards screamed in agony as the dense mana twisted their forms. Flesh blistered and tore, bones cracked, and their cries of pain echoed through the dungeon''s hollow chambers. The narrator''s voice explained: "While humans are destroyed by prolonged mana exposure, animals absorb it, mutating into grotesque forms driven by bloodlust. Their transformation is both their torment and their rebirth." Among the creatures, some exposed to more potent shards began to evolve. Intelligence flickered within their monstrous minds, and they developed the capacity to wield elemental magic. Over time, the dungeon grew into a kingdom of monsters bound by a single, primal law: "The Stronger Rules." Once a quiet labyrinth of caves, the dungeon now teemed with feral creatures¡ªits depths transformed into a living nightmare. Lia and the Surge of Mana Back at the shattered mountain, Lia stood amidst the destruction, overwhelmed by a surge of pure mana.. This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. Her body convulsed, and searing pain shot through her veins as though liquid fire replaced her blood. Every muscle in her body tightened, her vision blurred, and she collapsed into unconsciousness, a fragile figure surrounded by the glowing remnants of the crystal. Villagers rushed to her aid, their faces pale with fear as they carried her away. The chief, his heart heavy with foreboding, ordered everyone to leave the area immediately. The fumes from the scattered crystals filled the air, laced with a danger they could not yet comprehend. Lia lay unconscious for days, her body fighting the raw energy that had invaded it. Awakening and the Gemstone When Lia finally awoke, her body ached as if every nerve had been scorched. The chief sat beside her, clutching a peculiar gemstone strung with rosemary beads. His chants filled the quiet room: "Fu...shi...sho...mi...de." Confusion filled Lia''s eyes as she asked, "What happened to me?" The chief recounted the explosion, her collapse, and the strange mana surge that seemed to affect her more than anyone else. Lia''s face paled at the memory, but she quickly composed herself. "I can''t stay here. There''s too much at stake." Before she could leave, the chief handed her the gemstone. "This is no ordinary stone¡ªit reveals the potential of one''s mana. I believe you hold more power than you realize." Reluctantly, Lia touched the gemstone. The room was bathed in a blinding light, its brilliance forcing everyone to shield their eyes. When the light subsided, murmurs of awe filled the air. Lia stared at the glowing artifact in disbelief. "What does this mean? Why me?" The chief placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Fate has chosen you, child. But you won''t face this alone." Journey to the Capital After days of preparation, the chief arranged for Lia to travel to the capital. Two skilled guards accompanied her, their presence ensuring her safety during the perilous journey. The capital''s towering walls greeted them a day and a half later, bustling with life and activity. Lia''s first stop was the mercenary guild, where she was met with a mix of relief and frustration from familiar faces. "Lia! Where have you been? We''ve been worried sick!" the guild attendant exclaimed. "Let''s just say I had an... eventful detour," Lia replied with an awkward laugh. The attendant sighed, handing her a schedule. "Your meeting with the king was postponed, but it''s set for tomorrow morning. Don''t miss it." Lia opened her mouth to respond, "I''ll try to make it tomorrow¡ª" Suddenly, shouts erupted from the street, cutting her off mid-sentence. The Merchant''s Protest Curious, Lia and the attendant rushed outside to find a crowd gathered near a building marked with a prominent guild''s emblem. "Release the merchants!" a villager cried. "Without them, we can''t get the supplies we need!" The crowd''s frustration boiled over as chants for justice filled the air. The tension was palpable, and the situation threatened to erupt into chaos. From within the guild, a man emerged, his commanding presence silencing the crowd. His sharp eyes scanned the restless villagers as he clapped his hands for attention. "What''s the meaning of this uproar?" he asked, his voice calm but authoritative. The crowd quieted, their anger simmering just beneath the surface. Lia''s gaze locked onto the man, sensing the weight of his influence as he stepped forward to address the mob. Chapter End ..................................................................................................................................... Chapter 0.5: The Prophecy and Lia (Part-III) "In the game of alliances, words are both weapons and shields. Some seek to bargain with promises, others with power. But few understand the cost of what is given, and lesser, the price of what is lost." ..................................................................................................................................... Chapter 0.5: The Prophecy and Lia (Part-III) The Protest and the Guild Master''s Intervention The Guild Master of the Hunter''s Eye guild, a man known for his charisma and authority, strode into the scene, clapping his hands to get the crowd''s attention. "What''s all this noise about? You''re disturbing the others," he said firmly. One protestor snapped, shouting, "You don''t care about us! To you powerful guild members with your fancy affinities, we''re nothing but peasants!" Raising his hands, the Guild Master motioned for calm. "Alright, alright, settle down. That''s not true, and you know it. Now, weren''t we talking about the merchants? Where is this conversation going?" Another protestor stepped forward, their face flushed with frustration. "We''ve heard promises before! Words don''t mean anything if the merchants aren''t released. We''re tired of being ignored." Murmurs of agreement spread through the crowd. "I understand your frustration," the Guild Master replied evenly. "But no one is keeping the merchants imprisoned. They''re being questioned by order of the Royal Capital, regarding the recent tax protest and the increased magical beast activity. Once the investigation is over, they''ll be freed." Some protestors hesitated, glancing at one another uncertainly. One voice in the back muttered, "That''s what they always say..." The Guild Master''s expression grew serious, but his voice remained calm. "Do you think causing chaos here will help your cause? If you really care about the merchants, let us do our job and uncover the truth. Your actions will only make things worse." The crowd began to waver, their anger slowly cooling. Reluctantly, they started to disperse, though some still muttered their discontent. As the scene quieted, the Guild Master''s eyes landed on Lia. Their gazes locked, and a tense silence filled the air. He could feel an overwhelming pressure emanating from her¡ªa presence that demanded attention without even trying. It was as if the atmosphere itself thickened in her presence. The Guild Master''s Suspicion The Guild Master watched Lia as she turned to leave with her attendant. Her golden hair contrasted with the worn clothes she wore¡ªan odd mix of a noble''s appearance and a weary traveler''s attire. But it was her aura that caught his attention. It was a power, refined and controlled, that rivaled even the strongest of elemental mages. Unable to contain his curiosity, he called out, "Excuse me, miss. Can I have a moment of your time?" Lia halted and glanced over her shoulder, her expression unreadable. Her voice was calm, but there was a hint of an edge. "What could the Guild Master himself want with someone like me?" Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. He smiled, a knowing look in his eyes. "Let''s just say you''re not ''just someone.'' The power you carry isn''t just strength. It''s controlled, refined... commanding." Lia let out a dismissive sigh. "If that''s what you think, then you''ve got the wrong person. Now, if you''ll excuse me..." She turned to leave, but the Guild Master wasn''t finished. "You can''t hide your presence from those like me. Someone with your power doesn''t walk unnoticed. Once you meet with the King, come to the guild hall. If it''s worth your time, I won''t bother you again." Lia paused, her sharp gaze studying him. "Fine, I''ll stop by. But only out of curiosity. How do you know I''m meeting the King?" The Guild Master chuckled. "I have my ways. Don''t forget this conversation." He turned and walked away, leaving Lia with more questions than answers. The Royal Negotiation The next day, Lia prepared for the royal conference. Dressed simply, she carried important documents and a gift from her country''s minister for the King. As she walked through the bustling streets, she noticed the joy and prosperity around her¡ªchildren playing, people laughing¡ª A glimpse of her memory layered before her eyes, she didn''t felt anything . The emptiness inside her remained, her mind focused solely on the task ahead. At the castle gates, guards checked her permit before escorting her to the audience. The castle was magnificent, with well-kept gardens and towering statues. Inside the hall, eight grand statues and ten intricately carved pillars decorated the space. The King sat on an elevated throne, flanked by his advisors. The guard announced her arrival. "Presenting Lia, the Wanderer of the Northern Plains." Lia knelt respectfully before the King. "Your Majesty, I come representing Euratia, a land ravaged by drought, and land ravaged by magic beasts. We seek your aid in rebuilding." The King studied her carefully. "Your country''s plight is well known. But if we provide resources and trade routes, what can Euratia offer in return?" Lia''s voice was steady as she replied, "Euratia may be struggling, but it remains the heart of northern trade. My people once fed half the continent with our harvests. Even now, traders whisper of the riches our soil could yield, if only given the chance to heal. Your support would not just rebuild Euratia¡ªit would secure Eryndor''s name as a savior to the North." An advisor interrupted, "How can we trust Euratia won''t crumble again? The North has been unstable for years with those consistent attacks." Lia''s gaze remained steady. "Instability comes from external factors¡ªborder raids, war. With Eryndor''s help, we can strengthen our defenses and repay every debt. Doubt us if you must, but consider this¡ª Euratia''s trade network has always been the envy of neighboring lands. Help us, and that network becomes yours." She leaned forward slightly, her voice soft but persuasive. "This isn''t just aid; it''s an investment in shared prosperity." The King raised a hand, signaling silence. "Repayment is a nice promise, but I deal in guarantees. What assurances can you provide?" Lia''s jaw tightened, but she held her ground. "Exclusive trade rights for Euratia. Once the famine lifts, no other country will rival your access." The King leaned forward, intrigued. "Exclusive trade rights are tempting, but risky. What of your mines? Surely Euratia has more to offer." "Our mines are pledged to another ally. Grains and trade rights are all we can offer. But isn''t Eryndor also facing food shortages after the recent droughts?" The King''s gaze softened, a hint of respect in his eyes. "Very perceptive. You''ve done your homework. Suppose I agree, what if you fail to deliver?" Lia''s voice was firm. "Reject me, and I''ll find another way. But if you accept, you''ll gain a valuable ally ." The King chuckled, a rare smile crossing his face. "You are certainly an interesting negotiator. Very well. Deliver the first shipment within two seasons, and our alliance stands. Fail, and there will be consequences." Lia bowed. "You will have your shipment, Your Majesty." The Guild Invitation After the successful negotiation, Lia made her way out of the castle. The grandeur of the royal halls still echoed in her mind, the weight of the King''s terms pressing down on her. She had secured an agreement, but the stakes were high. As she walked through the gates of the castle, her thoughts wandered back to the Guild Master''s words. "Come to the guild hall". She couldn''t shake off the feeling that he knew more than he let on. The road ahead was unclear, and the unknown pulled at her¡ª was it worth the risk to involve herself with the Hunter''s Eye guild? What was he after? She had long been used to walking alone, but now, she faced a decision. Her hand gripped the parchment in her pocket¡ªthe documents she had brought for the King¡ªand she wondered if stepping into the guild hall would bring new challenges, or if it would just be another distraction. As she stood in front of the guild hall, the stone structure looming before her, doubt crept into her mind. The invitation felt more like a test than an offer of aid. Was the Guild Master truly interested in her, or was he just looking for leverage in case of another stampede? Lia''s eyes narrowed as she glanced up at the large wooden doors. She had no time for games, but something in her gut told her that whatever waited inside could either be an ally or a threat. Shaking off the thoughts that weighed heavily on her, she pushed the door open. The moment she stepped inside, the bustling of adventurers around her seemed to pause. Every eye turned to her, recognizing her presence. She didn''t speak anything, just moved forward. She enquired the attendant for the Guild Master''s chamber... Upon reaching the Guild Master''s chambers, he greeted her with a warmth that didn''t quite match the intensity in his eyes. "Welcome, Lia. Or should I say... Wanderer? It seems your reputation is not so easily forgotten." Lia didn''t respond immediately, allowing the silence to stretch between them. She could feel the eyes of the other guild members on her, sensing the weight of their curiosity. For now, she chose to remain quiet¡ªshe had come to the guild only to hear what the Guild Master had to say, and not to indulge herself in unnecessary banters (Guild problems). The conversation ahead would determine her next steps. Chapter End .....................................................................................................................................