EPISODE 225: WAY OF THE WORLD 1

— GREAT EDRYAN, YEAR 7292. SEASON: FINAL ENDING.

The night was quiet, and snow gently blanketed the lit streets of Edrya. The months passed in a blur, with spring changing to autumn, leaves turning from green to brown, and creatures shedding and regrowing their coats. New life emerged—the cries of newborns, both human and animal, resounded as the safety of their nation and homes had never felt stronger. The pride of their people never rose higher, only increasing as the days continued.

Edryan followed in pursuit of nature, as a stabilized upward trajectory began to take place in their country. Energy was abundant in her thirty-three major cities, and so were opportunities, as the men and women worked. Grand buildings were constructed for the five new branches of the government, each dividing the Home of [Heroes] into five unique work zones. New ideas to utilize mana and the mana batteries of the [Chosen of Madris] emerged into the world, with new transportation ideas breaking through and small things like stabilized energy powering entire cities. It was a time of progression as autumn turned to winter and a new year approached.

Snowflake-like crystals touched down on Helios, burning away from the intensity of his flames. He moved through the snow, melting it with every step. His upper body was bare, and melted liquid was dripping from his toned abs. He was on fire. The boy—man—on fire.

The year had gone and went quickly, but the effects of the previous year still followed them like haunting ghosts and ghouls hungry to consume flesh once provoked. Helios was tall, standing at 195 centimeters. His shoulders were broad like a lumberjack, and his eyes remained clear. Both them and his hair were the color of the sun, just as his sisters were the color of the moon.

…

Sun and Moon twins.

…

He looked up, tilting his head to the side to avoid the path of a silent arrow. His eyes pierced through the clouds and settled on one of the full moons. He spent only precious moments admiring it before a second, third, and fourth arrow came. They were quick, soundless as they cut through the falling snow, and their flight path didn't interrupt their surroundings as they traveled.

Helios burned, silently releasing flames from his body as the attacks failed to find their mark. He waved a hand, dismissing his guards and those who helped him train. Tomorrow, tomorrow, he would leave Edryan lands for the first time in his life—he would venture beyond her mountains and see the world for what it truly was.

He turned and looked to his left. Selene's eyes left her book and quietly watched him through the glass. Their manner in Edrya would be lonely for quite a while, as their mother was far too busy to visit. He nodded at her, grimacing as a scene flashed before his eyes.

Despondent eyes, a lifeless smile, blood coating his hands, and words that were left for him to forgive himself. Helios let her die, unable to halt the creatures of the mountain from consuming her life.

That couldn't happen again.

The day changed, with night turning into morning. The sky's cleared, its heavy burden released throughout yesterday. It was cold, but [Fire Mages] remained hard at work removing snow while [Water Mages] ensured the melted water didn't drown the city. The [New Greats] gathered to the south with many following them as they awaited the arrival of the E.Q.S. Sanctuary and her escorts. Many eyes flickered to the three distinctive groups that remained close but distant from one another.

Amaya and Lorde chatted quietly as a more mature air surrounded the two. Simra Enlar stood close by, giving her well wishes for the journey she would not partake in. Another year passed, as did another birthday, marking the beginnings of their third year as adults. Viviana and Ade Oni stood on the other side, their laughter loud and unbothered as they discussed. The pair had grown closer in the year, forming their clique within the clique. Helios and his sister stood together. Both are silent physically, but not so mentally.

'I am not switching my class, Helios. It is better for a [Imperius Master of Wards] to actively participate in battles—stop pestering me,' Selene glared at her brother, hands on her hips and braided hair swaying as she shook her head side to side. The beads on their tips clanked together, causing a few to glance at the pair before their eyes shifted away.

'Selene,' Helios's stern voice overtook the mental pressure from his twins. 'At least in future battles, promise me you'll stay at the base camp—you set down wards, magical shields, traps for enemies, and whatnot—you don't belong in the fight—not anymore.'

'You know I can't promise that—stop pestering me. You bring this up every few months, and every few months, you receive the same answer. Besides, we're going on a journey as envoys of Edrya, what is the worst that could happen?'

Helios prepared a response, but was interrupted as those around him gasped, pulling the young man's attention away. Surprised murmurs spread from person to person, and every head turned toward the northwest as several ships appeared. They appeared as small dots, but quickly grew as they sped through the air. They circled the city, closing in on the South Gate where hundreds waited.

"What sort of… ship is… that ?"

The ship didn't look like any traditional seafaring vessel. There were no sails, although a few of her escorts held them. Instead, multiple engines directed the ship through the air, with two large rear engines propelling her forward.

"This is… a ship?"

There were no words those below could use to describe the vessel other than half foreign. The traditional airships of Edrya were too dissimilar to those of the sea. They held large sails, while some models held giant blimp-like balloons. This was foreign in its propulsion but similar in the traditional Edryan design elements.

A figure appeared in the air above the gathered crowd. Her Intent spread, gently encompassing those below in its immediate domain. The Demigoddess of Spell-Crafting appeared in all of her glory.

"That is the Edryan Queendom Ship Sanctuary—it is a design of Lawruthian's brought to life with the help of the North American Research Center and is the most complicated piece of machinery built by us," Margret gushed. She appeared in her divine body's form and stood at nearly six meters tall. Far taller than she once was—as her power and level grew, so did she. "It runs on twelve synchronized sixth-generation Military Grade Batteries—not the stuff in golems but new models we call Archon Batteries—rulers of their kind."

Amaya's eyes lit up while those who could follow along with the demigoddess listened intently. Those who didn't still listen but their gazes remained on the ship itself. The vehicle was like a rhombus, but slimmer to the front and more expansive in the rear.

"The Sanctuary is a cruiser-sized ship with a length of two hundred fifty meters and a width of a hundred meters in the rear," the demigoddess continued to expand. "Its flight time is indefinite so long as it isn't at full throttle, as it can pull mana from the air continuously. Should she need to land, then both the sea and the ground are viable options. She boasts no heavy cannons, but her shield can survive a strike from Akeem—thrice. And that's with his new level."

The Sanctuary slowly pulled outside the gates in a clear area away from the populous, going in and out. Many stopped to gawk while others let out prayers, unsure of what the thing was. Once they saw the unworried state of the guards, calm returned to them.

Helios turned and shared a glance with his sister. They both turned to venture outside the city's gates, curious about the ship and the smaller vessels next to her. The carriages with their pieces of luggage and whatnot remained left behind to be brought by their servants.

A fleet of several ships, both old and new, escorted the Sanctuary. The new ships, with their bodies being rhombus or triangular, followed the Sanctuary's format. As Amaya rushed up, her elder sister smiled as the young woman approached.

"Sister," Amaya ecstatically called. "How—what…" Her voice trailed off as the demigoddess swept the young woman up with her power and moved outside the city. Amaya barely noticed that their surroundings had changed as she found herself above the landed Sanctuary. "How was this constructed?"

"This was built at the sixth mountain through the efforts of four hundred seventy-three [Mages], two hundred eighty-eight [Tinkers], and one thousand fifty-two [Workers] of various classes," Margret boasted. "Its main components are Ash Steel, and its natural defensives are impeccable—should it be heavily armed, then besieging a small city by itself is no problem."

Margret lowered them down, and Amaya gushed at the stylistic design of the cruiser-sized ship. "The command center is completely enclosed with Nordic Glass, and the vehicle could submerge itself into the sea, but such actions aren't recommended as the unknown Calamities of the oceans could be provoked."

"It's absolutely a wonder—what are its properties? How does it…," Amaya continued to question. A different type of light and excitement appeared in her eyes whenever she got the chance to interact with her demigoddess of a sister. The young woman followed her closely, nearly touching her as they slowly approached.

"Go on, (Examine) her," Margret smiled at her only sister. I'm certain the system will give you more information on her. I'll answer any questions afterward."

Amaya didn't hesitate, the words left her mouth moments after her sister finished speaking. "(Examine)."

E.Q.S Sanctuary

Rarity: Rare — Unique

Category: Air/Naval Vessel (Prototype)

Properties:

1. The ship is powered by a network of twelve cutting-edge Archon Batteries, a military-grade power source far beyond standard golem cores. These batteries are synchronized for optimal output and possess the remarkable ability to passively draw mana from the surrounding atmosphere, allowing for theoretically indefinite flight so long as full engine power isn't constantly engaged. ‎ 2. The primary construction material is Ash Steel, a metal alloy known for its exceptional durability, resilience, and unique properties relevant to withstanding aerial pressures and underwater conditions. This material contributes significantly to the ship's innate defenses. ‎ 3. Unlike traditional airships relying on sails or buoyant gases, the Sanctuary utilizes a sophisticated array of engines, including two large rear thrusters for primary propulsion. These engines are not solely mechanical but are also integrated with mana conduits, allowing for enhanced efficiency and unique operational capabilities through magical energy. ‎ 4. Attuned crew members can channel their personal mana to amplify the Sanctuary's core functions, granting temporary enhancements to its speed, defenses, and any integrated offensive capabilities.

Features:

Base Attack: 1500 — Per Cannon ‎ Base Defense: 3500 ‎ Cruising Speed: 200-400 KM/Hour ‎ Top speed: 800 KM/Hour ‎ Shield Status: 100% ‎ Core Charge: 100%

Description:

The author's narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

A marvel of engineering and magical integration, the Edryan Queendom Ship — Sanctuary, cuts a striking figure with its streamlined, rhombus-like form. Developed by North America Research Center. The ship is a forerunner in the latest Edryan technology to prove their superiority over the other races of the world.

She paused, eyes quickly scanning the text in surprise and understanding. Large structures, those of an offensive and defensive nature, provided a certain standard to measure themselves against. Although the system didn't show the exact attributes of such things, it was easy to infer such things from the information it provided.

‎ "It's… as strong as a Calamity," Amaya said, taken aback after she finished digesting the information.

‎ "In theory… yes," Margret responded, "but in practice? She wouldn't hold up more than a dozen minutes under intensive battle."

Amaya frowned, not understanding her sister's reasoning. "The Sanctuary could face an early-stage Calamity. Both its defense and offense are at a stage where they could threaten something like Lithonia or another."

"It would seem that way," Margret began, her voice took on a lecturing tone. "But in truth, once its defenses are breached in any area, those inside will likely die. If the starboard is breached but the port remains fully functioning, that three thousand five hundred defense no longer matters. Unlike humans, [Tinker] creations and more that follow such patterns are limited in their ability. I see now that the world itself suppresses them."

The confusion on Amaya's face was clear, but the demigoddess waved her hand and gave her another explanation. "Do you know why the Gods reside in the Astral Above and not the mortal realm?"

The young woman shook her head, her gaze trailing to the servants who began loading their items into the ship. The New Greats approached, many of them still marveling at the wonder before them. They remembered the small personal vehicles displayed last year during the Imperius Grand Summit and thought that was the extent of what His Highness Lawruthian could show off to inspire the masses. Now, they understood that those vehicles were only inspirations for those who acquired them and those who sought after them.

"Because this realm is like a thin sheet of paper, should I," Margret poked her finger forward. The space before her rippled but remained intact. "Not control my strength and actions. Then the reality around me would falter. This realm is suppressed—any erratic action would break it."

"A God's full attack would shatter it," a new voice stated. "I think… one already has."

Amaya turned and curtsied to the newcomer. The Demigoddess of Battle-Magic gave her a gentle smile and a wave that brought her back to standing. Her children rushed forward to greet their mother. The rest of the [Path Walkers] of Edryan began to appear, with the only one missing being the Demigoddesses of Love and Illusions.

Idle chatter was exchanged between the group. Hugs were exchanged and words of advice given. Then, one by one, [Blessings] of the demigoddesses began to land on the members of the New Greats.

Viviana hugged her father tightly, and the large man gently patted her back. "Write your journey well. Don't be too upset with them," Vivian gestured toward the rest of her party. "Disagreements are ok, but don't let pride obstruct your vision from the care you have for one another. They're your friends— family —every tree has tangled roots, but that doesn't stop them from flourishing together."

Viviana didn't respond but hugged her father tighter. Vivian gave her one final pat before gently pushing her back. The luggage was loaded, and those of importance outside of the New Greats boarded the ship. Together, together , the six boarded the Sanctuary, their final waves of goodbye given.

Simra sighed as she watched the Sanctuary take off and her accompanying ships. She stood there, lonely but not quite alone, as Karla took her hand and spoke softly.

"Come on, let's go back and get something to eat—we can go to Auro and get their famous chicki dish—my treat. You can help me write tomorrow's newspaper!"

GREAT EDRYAN: YEAR 2 — 24

— An article edited and produced by Karla Kansun under the service of His Highness Lawruthian.

Edryan's New Chapter: Envoys Of The Chosen Depart!

— By Karla Kansun, your favorite correspondent on all things Edryan!

Ohhh boy, where DO we begin, my dearest readers? Our great nation has been continuously changing for the better part of a year under this Golden Age. We have nearly come full circle and completed a full year. As our Chosen's birthday arrives, so will the anniversary of our first year under the Ardent of the End! The changes are many, so let's have a brief but detailed interlude for those who are curious! For those of you two impatient, just skip to page three.

The Ever-Burning Flame:

Wow, just wow. To those of you who live in a major city—whether Laguu, Home of Warriors, to Edrya, Home of Heroes, or Vinya, Home of Produce may have noticed [Mages] no longer walking the streets and activating (Mage Lights) once night comes. Cities now light up throughout their districts simultaneously, and you can thank the (Ever-Burning Flame) for such matters and thank the [Tinkers] and [Mages] who were able to devise a system where only one needs to flip a switch for the runic carved spells of each street lamp to light. Perhaps you've noticed batteries have slowly lost their place in many aspects—hot, running water, hot plates, refrigerators, and more—homes no longer need to rely on a Civilian Grade Battery for their daily use.

A Connected Edryan Queendom:

Great Edryan has grown smaller! Not literally, of course, but figuratively speaking. In just under a year, our great nation has connected its thirty-three cities in a spider-web-like rail system. With Edrya, our capital at its center, the Rail System has managed to enhance trade to a degree I can't even calculate. And let me tell you, as a student of Imperius Academy, I should be able to calculate such matters! From East to West and North to South, only a day's journey by train will have you on the other side of our Great Edryan. WATCH OUT! Powered bicycles, airboards, and new personal vehicles are on the rise, and when you visit a big city, it's important to be aware when crossing streets. Fortunately, a new system called 'traffic lights' is being put into place to prevent accidents and allow pedestrians to cross. Green means GO! Red means STOP! Pretty simple if you ask me.

Enhanced [Mark of the Citizen]:

RUN! Don't walk to replace your old medallion with a newer model—it costs nothing and it's highly more technical than the previous models! Not only can you vote in the bi-yearly elections, but you can now use them for purchases! That's right, no more carrying around heavy purses full of coin, so long as you deposit your coin at a Pantheon of Imperius's church, you'll be able to conduct trade through a simple tap of your medallions! Maybe one day you'll be able to communicate through them too!

As you can see, my dear, wonderful readers. Our nation is taking a step forward. TAKE ACTION! Don't stay home, tend to community gardens, and visit your establishing local libraries! The Overseer Branch is doing its best to create as many public libraries as possible! You can rent a book with your [Mark of the Citizen]! How wonderful an age we live in. GET INVOLVED! There are many opportunities available, and job boards are flooded with those who need labor, intelligence, or perhaps a mix of both! TAKE CHARGE! As a [Citizen], no matter your tier, we hold a responsibility to the nation. If not us, then who will create an Edryan of the future?

Ohhh, now let's get into the topic many of you have been waiting for! Don't worry, I'll scratch that itch of excitement you couldn't reach. Oh boy, where do I begin?

Those within Edrya near her northwestern walls may have seen a ship like never before, if not, here is a small illustration for you to enjoy!

Wonderful, isn't she? The Edryan Queendom Ship — Sanctuary, begins her maiden voyage toward the Federation of Farya. As you may know, it was less than a dozen years ago when the Federation destroyed the Principality of Ardon and the Merchant Republic of Koi. Under the leadership of Demigod Isiro, the Federation has been consolidating its newly acquired land at the height of our continent. The thirteen clans, all began by children from the demigod's first daughter, Farya, shall now receive the Sanctuary as our [Envoy's of the Chosen] arrive to invite their leader to a Grand World Summit hosted in Edryan in the New Beginning of 7294—just over a year from now!

What is our [Envoy's of the Chosen] mission, you ask? Get this, Great Edryan is ready to reveal herself to the world, and what better way to do so than the Sovereignty And Federal Enterprise Summit to discuss whatever it is world leaders discuss! When I find out more, I'll be sure to let you know, my dear readers.

The Sanctuary is captained by Tayo Drrow, son of Temiola Drrow, Matriarch of the Great House. It is a marvel of Edryan innovation, and although similar in application to older airships, its true strength lies in its theoretical ability to fly forever. I had the pleasure of seeing it up close, and it's a mighty ship that could easily host a few thousand on board. I hope to one day see more innovation like it throughout Great Edryan lands. Perhaps you, my dear reader, can establish something even better!

Enough about the ship, let's talk about who's on it! The Envoys of the Chosen are Amaya Musa, Lorde Drumian, Viviana Consus, Helios Romus, Selene Romus, and Ade Oni. They shall have the honor of reintroducing Great Edryan to the world's stage. Although their first stop is the Federation of Farya, their departure shall take them to all the countries on our continent. Whether it is the lands of the Orcs on the Jehda Plains, the great city of Roma, where a majority of humans reside, or through the Warring Beastman Plains and even beyond to the city of Elysium itself. Oh, I just wish I could go on the journey with them, but alas, I shall remain in our cozy home, writing updates the moment they land on my desk. With the new improvements to printing, paper, and ink, updating daily may be a thing of the now and not later!

Someone has to stop me from getting off track. Let me give you more information about our stars of this journey!

Amaya Musa is a prominent scion of the Musa house. You may know her elder sister as the Demigoddess of Spell-Crafting, Margret Musa — praise be upon her. Amaya is a new age [Hero] and the leader of this expedition. And let me tell you, she's got the kind of energy that could power the lights of a city! Don't let that bright smile fool you; Amaya is as tough as they come! I remember hearing tales of her… let's just say adventures at the Mountain of Final Hope. She's not afraid of a little (or a lot of) challenge, that's for sure! She is a bubbly, bright woman who I have no doubts will succeed at whatever she puts her mind to.

Lorde Drumian, oh boy, where do I start? I won't tell you the details, I promised a little someone special to me I wouldn't. (It's not like she threatened to beat me or anything—wink, wink. I couldn't tussle with a knight trained at the Imperius Academy). But ladies, do know our charming, handsome [Citizen] is OFF the market. Ok, ok, ok, I know I'm off topic. Lorde Drumian is a dashing man of eighteen, like most of our envoys. He is a knight of the highest order, and few match up to him in skill. When they say few match his skill, believe it! I've witnessed Lorde Drumian in sparring matches. (Purely for journalistic observation, of course!) His reflexes are lightning fast. He's the kind of knight you want on your side when things get… well, knightly! A true protector of our realm, even at such a young age.

‎ Viviana Consus, our very own Mistress of Produce, shall display the might of Great Edryan. She is a charming youth of eighteen and possesses the great Consus bloodline. Don't think she isn't the fighter, if you've found yourself in a forest facing off against her, consider your life forfeit! But should she be your ally, then you shall never run out of supplies. The Consus's ability to grow plants to any stage is what allowed them to dominate the produce of our great nation. Viviana's ability is no less than any famed member of her household.

Be careful, the Sun and Moon twins are headed out. Helios and Selene Romus have been known to be a deadly duo. Hailing from the great magic city of Rumis, twin of Ogun's Rest, both twins have set off to show the domination of Great Edryan. Helios is a staunch spear, ready to pierce his way forward, the sun at his back. He's built like a lumberjack and can wield axes like one, too! I'd hate to be facing him as an enemy. Fortunately, he's on our side as the second in command of the Envoy's of the Chosen, while his sister is close by to support him. Selene's beauty is well-renowned throughout the Imperius Academy—(right after my own, of course!) Selene's work on the RAIL System became a standard that is followed and used throughout our nation today. The Moon of the twins is known for her wards and runic plates that create lifesaving formations. Their mother, Demigoddess of Battle-Magic — Camilla Romus, has blessed them alongside the rest of our demigoddesses.

Ade Oni can't be left out. The Oni from the Home of Warriors will answer any challenges we are certain our envoys will face. The blue flames of the Oni can restrict the attributes of any who chooses to face them. And, if you're asking me, Ade Oni is a baddddd boy. His long red dreadlocks and piercing red eyes and slick brown skin… ladies… LA dies … By Her Three Faces. I'll leave the rest to your imagination. Just understand he's a fierce fighter who will answer to any who dare to challenge. He's fought our [Chosen]—a legendary thing that is still recited in the halls of the Academy.

Enough about our Envoys, let's get to the meat of the topic. The [Envoy's of the Chosen] has a sole mission… can you guess? Although I mentioned it earlier, I'm here to give you all the facts I can. Our [Chosen of Madris], His Highness Lawruthian, slayer of the [Final Dragon], [Holy Prince of Edryan], and her [Forefather of Edryan Innovation], is magnanimous. His burden— duty —is heavy. And, the task our Goddess Madris placed upon him shall remake this world anew. It is his wish to… minimize the extent of which he must travel to save the many denizens of our realm. He is our Savior, and soon he shall become the Savior of not just magi, but humans, orcs, elves, dwarves, gnomes, and all the other many races of the realm. It is his wish to ensure as many people survive through this upcoming squabble , and thus he has invited the many leaders of the world to Great Edryan to discuss amongst mortals how we can best please our Gods.

In this endeavor, a new large hall is being constructed in the inner district (formerly the noble district) where the meeting of the Sovereigns will take place. A discussion of unity under Great Edryan leadership to resolve age-old grudges, budding conflicts, and misunderstandings of the magi people and their culture. We are a people of warriors, yes—those who praise our Goddess, She of War, Wisdom, and Wealth, but— BUT —we are not mindless savages. We possess the wisdom to know how to advance and retreat, what fights we should take, or how to maneuver ourselves into a greater situation against an overwhelming foe.

Physical conflict is not the only way to express our worship to Her. Warfare isn't just through the sword and shield, but through the quill and paper. It is an ever-evolving concept in which only we can hope to grasp a smidgen of understanding from Her. Now is not the time to stay home and drink your copper and silver away. Take charge, find work. This is a [Golden Age]! The possibilities are endless, so long as you believe they are. FIGHT! Find yourself in this age—whether you be [Warrior], [Mage], [Baker], [Worker], or whoever!

This is a new age. This is the [Ardent of the End]. Allow me to welcome you into this finality .

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