Tabrim Marthas

“No one remembered when the Era of Darkness first began. Some say that we’ve always been in the dark, never once seeing the light. Many lives were affected in the Western, Central, and Eastern Continents. From humans to demi-humans and many other creatures.”

“It was said that the people of the West and East originated from the Central Continent. Eventually, the people split apart to the west and east and all that could be found in the Central Continent were ruins and deserts. That’s not to say that there weren’t any inhabitants though. There were villages scattered throughout the land, all under no king. With no one to rule, the people of the Central Continent lived meager yet free lives.”

“The Era of Darkness was put to an end when the Hero King Royland took to the throne and banished the shadows with a righteous resolve.”

“Although many know of the origins of the Hero King Royland, few know of his days of adolescence.”

“During those times, the Western Continent was split into four different nations.”

“Kandarynd, a kingdom well known for its military strength. Many houses produced strong and powerful children who would grow up to serve their kingdom. Even commoners were able to make a name for themselves on the field of battle, so long as they were strong.”

“Staenia, a state established for its different religions. Churches were erected for the numerous Gods and Goddesses that the people worshipped and deified. Many priests and healers originated from here after going through the meticulous guidance of their respective church.”

“Ecrax, a nation popular for their libraries and schools containing a wealth of information. It was also known for producing many gifted experts outside of the military. Musicians, merchants, researchers and many other occupations gathered here, seeking knowledge and entertainment.”

“Lastly, Zenthar, also known as the Demon Country. A barren wasteland where beasts and demons reside. Not much is known of the land since those who travel there rarely ever come back to tell of it.”

“Kandarynd, Staenia, and Ecrax were nations predominately occupied by humans. Occasionally, one could find other races among them like beastmen, dwarves, elves, and more. However, relations with Zenthar were awful.”

“The demons from Zenthar were perceived to be powerful. It would take a group of trained knights to be able to take down a demon. Because of their strength, demons prided themselves as the superior race.”

“During the Era of Darkness, the Demon Lord, Maz’gon, led his army of demons and beasts and ignited a war between them and the other three nations in the Western Continent.”

“The rulers of Kandarynd, Staenia, and Ecrax cooperated to fight back against Maz’gon’s army. By the end of it, they prevailed and killed the Demon Lord. However, even with Maz’gon dead, the remaining demons continued to live and roamed freely after.

“Although victorious against the demons, the other three nations were not without casualties. Many warriors died; their lives lost on battlefields.”

“The ruler of the Empire Ecrax, King Silas Whitehall, fell ill after the war. Not much was known after as he was bedridden. Many Ecraxian scholars and historians documented the events that occurred during the war against the demons, hoping to pass down the history for generations.”

“In the Holyland of Staenia, Pope Jude Dewitt, and his assistant, Cardinal Levi Dame, saw a massive increase in worshippers after the end of the war. Many donations were given, allowing the church’s influence to spread throughout the Western Continent.”

“The Kingdom of Kandarynd was ruled by the matriarch, Queen Elaine Wyndrick. During the war, her army was the strongest, with all-powerful and competent knights. Nevertheless, her armies were also the ones to take on the most casualties. Villagers and the common man were conscripted to make up lost numbers. Despite this, she was unable to pay them for their endeavor nor compensate for their losses.”

“The common knight felt abandoned and forsaken by their own land. Their fallen brethren, with not a coin to their name. Their families forsaken, struggling to live. With no pay for their work in the war, many turned to thievery and lived lives of bandits. Commoners grew to resent the royal family of Kandarynd for turning their backs on them.”

“Even after the war against demons, the Western Continent still faced many threats to its land. In such, young heroes would begin to emerge and step forward to brave the many dangers during this era.”

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Two years before the kidnapping of Princess Sylvette.

Within the Kingdom of Kandarynd were many military academies. One such was Clifton Academy a military institution known for training abled knights.

In a room with a single wooden podium at the back atop a wooden stage. The floor and walls were made from stone and a single red carpet led from the entrance to the podium.

A class of young men and women stood and conversed with each other. These students started training here to learn how to be knights to fight for their kingdom at a young age and now these students will soon be graduating to become full-fledged knights.

A conversation sparked between two students.

“Did y’hear? Another carriage transport was attacked a few nights ago. Bastards stole the weaponry on it,” said a male student.

“Again? The revolutionaries are becoming restless,” replied a female student.

Across from them, another conversation was held.

“What d’you suppose the instructor called us for?”

“Mayhap another class spar?”

“Hah, it’d be fairer if it was the class against those two,” he pointed to two other students across the room.

One of them was a blonde young man with short hair. He had a sharp jawline that went well with his face and his sharp blue eyes. A body that was tall and had definition with a bit of a tan due to training outside in the daylight. Overall, he looked handsome and enthusiastic would best describe him. In class, he was one of the best in terms of raw strength. With his raw power, he’s able to topple many knights more experienced them himself. He wore brown leather armor that couldn’t hide his well-defined body. This student was Royland Everette.

Talking to Royland was someone who was considered the class beauty. Long raven hair that was past the shoulder with black eyes to match. A tall, slim physique with clear light skin and a smile that could cure a man’s depression. This student was well known for their tactics in a fight. Rather than strength, technique and skill were better suited to this person. Although this student was known as the class beauty, if anyone said that to their face, they’d wake up with a dark bruise on their stomach or a strong headache. Without a doubt, this student was a young man, Leon Nightwell.

In class, these two were acknowledged as the best. Royland with his sheer strength and vitality, and Leon with his technique and intelligence. It was accepted that these two would make capable knights, proud to serve their kingdom. Of course, it was also known that these two were close friends with each other.