As the summer season draws to a close, the stifling heat that clung to the Kingdom of Meredian had not yet abated. Known for its scorching climate, this land was composed of more than just stone and lime; it was the heart of a civilization built upon light, prophecy, and ancient mathematics a realm rich in culture and deep in its roots.
Meredian rose along the shores of Lake Aethel, whose waters were so legendary for their clarity they seemed born of myth, all under the shadow of the snowy peaks of the Sera Mountains. Viewed from above, the city possessed a perfect circular layout resembling a massive astrolabe. Its silhouette was adorned with emerald-green and golden domes that shimmered in different hues at every hour of the day.
At the city's highest point stood the Cathedral of Light, the very soul of the theocracy. This structure was not merely a temple but also the world's largest observatory. At the summit of its grandest dome sat a sphere of pure gold that rotated according to the alignment of the stars.
Looking toward the sky, one would notice thin, silvery wires stretched between buildings and walkways connecting the towers. These were resting points for domesticated Signal Birds, which maintained the city's communication network. The sound of their fluttering wings echoed through every street like the very pulse of Meredian.
The dwellings of the populace were narrow but tall, most rising three or four stories. Beneath every house lay a cistern system that purified water brought from the lake, while the topmost floors were equipped with wide balconies for stargazing.
Meredian was ruled by an Enlightened Theocracy. The ruling class, the "Grand Observers," were individuals who were both priests and masters of science. In this city, ignorance was a crime. The streets were lined with libraries, and the literacy rate was near flawless.
At the center of the city, believed to lie seven levels underground, was a massive Mana Stone. It was said that this stone was the source of all magic and the unending light that bathed the realm. The white stone walls surrounding Meredian were etched with Ancient Protection Runes, capable of generating an invisible energy shield in the event of an attack.
The harbor district and the Blacksmiths' Quarter were the city's most vibrant hubs. Caravans from all corners of the world met here to trade rare spices, magic crystals, and ancient scrolls. Canals beneath the city kept the water constantly fresh through wheels turned by magic; waste was converted into fertilizer via alchemy and transported to the fields at the foot of the Sera Mountains.
At first glance, Meredian appeared to be a paradise.
But paradise does not belong to this world.
In a land where ignorance was a crime, intelligence was abundant, but mercy was not. During the rebellion of Haveron dynasty, the cult known as "The Rose" had slaughtered the priests who refused to comply. Today, this magnificent kingdom was largely a product of propaganda.
As one descended into the depths of the city, they reached the Lower Streets a place known as Aril. This was a dark world where the poor withered away. Life in Aril was so grim that if its literacy rate were factored into the city's statistics, the balance of the realm would shatter.
Above, knowledge was sacred. Below, survival was the only law.
Though the kingdom was a theocracy, the House River still existed for the sake of "prestige." Most of the dynasty had moved to the capital, Perum, when King Edovar Nesterin married Danae River. In Meredian, only low-ranking nobles remained, while true power rested firmly in the hands of the Priests and the Cult.
Elia...
Her hair glowed like the heart of a wildfire, in the most vibrant shades of flame-red. A short, asymmetrical bob framed her head, giving her a look that was messy yet strangely regal. Locks falling to the left partially hid her eyes, while a tuft of hair was tucked defiantly behind her right ear.
Her face was as pale as porcelain, as if carved from marble. Cold grey undertones gave her an almost statuesque expression. Freckles scattered across the bridge of her nose and cheeks added a touch of life to this frozen beauty. Her heart-shaped face was elegant, with a narrow chin and prominent cheekbones. In areas where light could not reach, purplish shadows gave her features a mournful depth.
Her eyes... they were like piercing emeralds. Almond-shaped and slightly upturned. Dark lines on her upper lids sharpened her gaze, while the violet circles beneath them betrayed her exhaustion.
She was only thirteen years old.
In Aril, she sat in a pit of mud.
The door in front of her creaked open. It was a Merfolk-a half-human, half-creature being with a face resembling a shark. With a flick of its fin, it signaled for her to come inside.
Elia stood up. Before she could take a single step, the creature named Kama grabbed her bruised arm and dragged her inside. Elia stumbled and fell flat on the floor. There wasn't a trace of emotion on her face. She was covered in mud, the stench of filth rising from her.
In Aril, she was this creature's slave. Kama ran a fish tavern.
"Stop scowling with that miserable face, or I'll beat the frown right off you," he spat.
Elia looked up with a hollow, fake smile. It reflected nothing of what she felt. The sound of a slap echoed through the room.
"Don't you look at me like that again, you dog!"
Elia hit the floor. She didn't react. She no longer did. Life had retreated from her long ago.
When she returned from the cellar lugging a barrel of fish, three thugs were sitting inside. Kama was preparing a dish of jellied fish for them. Elia carried the plates with both hands and set them on the table. A thug named Dew looked her up and down.
"You wouldn't mind if I played with this beauty for a bit, would you?" Dew asked with a filthy smirk.
A man who had just entered sat silently at a table. Dew and the other two thugs had grabbed Elia by the arm, preparing to act on their vile intentions.
"You'd best let the girl go," the old man spoke up. "I've just come off a long journey. I don't wish to spill blood."
His voice was calm, but it carried a threatening weight. He looked like a monster hunter.
"If you're a bounty hunter, the Hunters' Tavern is in the Upper City. Your kind isn't liked around here," Kama said dismissively.
"Hey, old man," Dew said with a mocking laugh. "If you want the girl, let us handle her first. If there's anything left of her, you can have your turn."
The old man tilted his head slightly. "Drop the stupidity, or it will cost you your life."
Dew stood up. He shoved Elia hard to the floor. Drawing the knife at his waist, he walked over to the old man. The metallic ring of the knife being stabbed into the table echoed in the room. He leaned into the man's ear.
"Fuck off, old man. Don't get yourself killed," he whispered.
What happened next would bury everyone in the tavern in silence.
In a flash, the old man had taken the knife from the table and pressed it against Dew's neck. With one fluid motion, he slit his throat. Blood spread rapidly across the table. Dew sank to his knees before collapsing face-down.
The other two thugs panicked, drawing their blades to attack. The old man drew his own sword. He made only two moves. There were no screams, no long struggle. The bodies of the two men, severed at the waist, fell in different directions.
A deathly silence fell over the tavern. The old man gave his sword a slight flick to shake off the blood and calmly returned it to its sheath. He then pulled a small pouch from his pocket and tossed it in front of Kama.
"Sorry about the mess. I'm buying the girl as well," he said.
Kama opened the pouch. His eyes widened. It contained at least thirty pieces of silver. Considering he had bought the girl for five bronze, the profit was almost unbelievable.
"You can take her," he said without a second thought.
The old man headed for the door. As he opened it, he turned his head slightly toward Elia.
"Come with me, little one."
Elia did not hesitate for even a second. She didn't know what awaited her, but she ran after him nonetheless. There was something different about this man. No matter how unfortunate her start in life had been... Perhaps this moment was her turning point.