The Kingdom of Aetherlight stood as a beacon of martial prowess and chivalric tradition, renowned across the continent for its elite warriors known as the Aether Knights. These knights were celebrated for their unparalleled skill, unwavering discipline, and mastery of the arcane arts, which they wielded in service of the kingdom. The Aether Knights were not just soldiers; they were symbols of honor, strength, and nobility, their very presence commanding respect and admiration.

However, beneath the gleaming surface of Aetherlight’s reputation lay a darker reality. The kingdom, though open in its promise that anyone could take the rigorous exam to become an Aether Knight, was deeply entrenched in a rigid class system. While the opportunity to join the ranks of the knights was theoretically available to all, the reality was far more discriminatory. Those of noble birth or royal lineage were favored, their paths to knighthood paved with privilege and influence. For commoners, the journey was fraught with obstacles, both overt and subtle.

Commoners who dared to dream of becoming Aether Knights faced an uphill battle from the start. The exams themselves were grueling, designed to test not only physical and magical prowess but also mental fortitude and strategic acumen. Even those rare commoners who managed to pass the exams and earn the title of Aether Knight found themselves thrust into a world of prejudice and persecution. Their noble-born colleagues often viewed them as unworthy interlopers, their achievements dismissed as flukes or luck.

The discrimination was relentless. Commoner knights were frequently assigned the most dangerous missions, sent to the front lines of wars or dispatched on suicide missions with little hope of survival. They were excluded from social circles, denied opportunities for advancement, and subjected to constant ridicule and sabotage. Many commoner knights, unable to endure the relentless pressure, eventually resigned, their dreams shattered. Others met grimmer fates, their lives cut short on the battlefield or by their own hands, driven to despair by the unyielding hostility of their peers.

Despite this harsh reality, the legend of the Aether Knights continued to draw hopeful aspirants from across the land. The allure of honor, glory, and the chance to rise above one’s station was a powerful motivator, even in the face of such adversity. For a select few, the dream of becoming an Aether Knight was worth any sacrifice, even if the odds were stacked against them.

As Mixarnt wonders the villages around the Kingdom of Aetherlight along with observing the roads where merchants past with a lot of knights as bodyguards, he immediately felt the peculiar atmosphere that enveloped the land—a strange blend of grandeur and oppression that hung heavily in the air. At the gates of the capital city, a stern-faced guard stepped forward, his expression cold and unwelcoming. "Halt, traveler," the guard barked, his tone sharp and suspicious. "What business do you have in Aetherlight?"

Mixarnt, unfazed by the guard’s hostility, simply smirked. "Pff... Don’t ask questions," he said dismissively. With a swift motion, he tossed a small sack filled with 100 gold coins directly at the guard’s face. The sack struck the guard square in the nose, sending him stumbling backward in surprise.

The guard’s eyes widened as he fumbled to catch the sack, his initial indignation quickly replaced by a calculating gleam. He opened the sack, his eyes lighting up at the sight of the gold coins within. For a moment, it seemed he might reject the bribe, but then a sly smile spread across his face.

"Ah, well," the guard said, his tone suddenly much friendlier as he pocketed the coins with practiced ease. "When you’re this generous, a simple gatekeeper can’t resist. Welcome to Aetherlight, sir adventurer. I trust your... business within our borders shall be prosperous."

With a dismissive wave, the guard signaled for the gates to be opened, and Mixarnt strode forward, his wry smile still playing on his lips, he couldn't believe that what Arthur taught him about bribes would actually come in handy. He was well aware of the cynicism behind the guard’s words, but he chose to brush it off. He had bigger things to focus on—like the opportunities that lay ahead in this esteemed yet deeply flawed kingdom. After a while, he sat on a bench and opened a book to read.

The Kingdom of Aetherlight, situated in the far south of the continent, was a land of contrasts—both in its geography and its societal structure. To the southwest lay the Flame Empire, a formidable and fiery realm known for producing the Flame Heroes of each era, legendary warriors who wielded the power of fire itself. However, the two nations were separated by vast and treacherous terrain, making direct conflict rare. The border of Aetherlight was protected by the dense and mystical Aether Forest, which gave way to the imposing Aether Mountain Range. These towering peaks served as a natural fortress, shielding the kingdom from any attempts at conquest by the Flame Empire.

Beyond the Aether Mountain Range lay the Badlands, a harsh and unforgiving expanse that acted as a buffer zone between the two nations. This desolate region eventually transitioned into the Desert of Flames, a scorching wasteland that stretched endlessly toward the borders of the Flame Empire. The desert was infamous for its extreme heat, vast dunes, and dangerous creatures, making it a formidable barrier for any would-be invaders or travelers.

To the northwest, the Aether Mountains transformed into a breathtaking winter wonderland, their snow-capped peaks glistening under the sun. This region was a stark contrast to the arid deserts of the south, offering a serene yet equally challenging landscape. Exiting the snowy mountains in this direction led to the Kingdom of Luminaria, a prosperous and picturesque realm renowned for its beauty and vibrant culture. Luminaria was a haven for adventurers, boasting numerous dungeons filled with treasures and challenges that drew thrill-seekers from across the continent.

Luminaria boasts a bustling port city that connects the kingdom to other cities in the southern and eastern parts of the continent by sea. Far out in the western seas, a giant looming cloud can be seen—something invisible from the mainland. Reaching this area takes about ten days by ship, and beyond lies the vast Ocean of Storms. This treacherous body of water is infamous for its relentless fury: gigantic tornadoes, whirlpools as large as three kingdoms, continuous lightning storms, and winds strong enough to sweep away fully grown men. Both scholars and sailors speak of the Ocean of Storms with awe and fear, its mysteries remaining largely unexplored.

Above the Ocean of Storms, suspended in the sky, was a ruined civilization—an enigmatic and ancient society that had somehow defied gravity and remained aloft for centuries. This floating relic was a subject of fascination and speculation among scholars, particularly those in the city of Erebus, a renowned center of learning and arcane knowledge. The ruins were said to hold secrets of a bygone era but reaching them was deemed impossible due to the dangers of the ocean below and the storms that raged around them.

To the east of Aetherlight lies a prison far worse than the continental prison—a dungeon guarded by minotaurs. Strangely, these creatures have an unusual relationship with Aetherlight, often capturing humans and dragging them into the monster-infested depths. Those who enter without the escort of a knight are immediately attacked. However, the Knights of Aetherlight are immune to these assaults due to an ancient oath sworn to the First Sovereign Sword. The details of this pact remain unclear, but legend says that the First Sovereign Sword used their divine lunar powers to subdue the dungeon’s monsters, forcing them to kneel in submission.

Beyond the dungeon lies the Eternal Forest, home to a reclusive and hostile race of elves. Unlike the elves of the mythical kingdom of Elvedoria—whose existence is claimed by only ten people—these elves lack the blessings of the World Tree and have little tolerance for human trespassers.

Regrettably, my exploration of the southern region ends here, as I have found no safe passage beyond the Eternal Forest.

—Mark River, Volume 1: Lands of the South

Mixarnt couldn’t help but marvel at the intricate tapestry of the continent’s geography and history. Each region had its own unique challenges and wonders, and the young adventurer felt a growing sense of excitement at the thought of exploring them all. Whether it was the fiery deserts of the Flame Empire, the snowy peaks of the Aether Mountains, the vibrant dungeons of Luminaria, or the mysterious ruins above the Ocean of Storms. 

"Alright, that's enough reading," Mixarnt muttered as he closed the geography book about the southern region and put it on his dimensional pocket. It was a book he had borrowed from the Royal Library of Naeva while recovering. Stretching slightly, he rose from the bench and resumed walking through the streets of Aetherlight.