TBATE - Fated To Rule Together

Chapter 1 - Whispers in the Night

In the heart of the Kingdom of Sapin, nestled among expansive plains and embraced by the distant, majestic mountains, lay the unassuming city of Valden. This city, a part of the trio of kingdoms on the storied continent of Dicathen with Sapin, Elenoir and Darv, had a modest economic standing, yet it was rich in character and history. Just beyond its boundaries, the mysterious Beast Glades whispered secrets of the past, an uncharted land teeming with mythical creatures and hidden treasures from ancient times, waiting to be discovered.

Valden's cityscape painted a picture of suburban tranquility. Its streets were lined with rows of small, vibrant brick houses, each adorned with a kaleidoscope of colors that danced in the sunlight. These humble dwellings, with their charming, welcoming facades, stood in stark contrast to the grandiose, immaculate white marble mansions that graced the major capitals of Etistin and Xyrus. Valden's humble architecture, though lacking in opulence, was rich in warmth and community spirit.

Historically, Valden had served as a crucial stronghold for the human warriors of Sapin during their tumultuous conflict with the neighboring Kingdom of Elenoir. In the aftermath of the war, the city underwent a transformation, morphing from a military hub into a serene refuge, a melting pot of simple, hardworking folk who cherished the quiet life. Occasionally, one might spot a member of the lower nobility, attending to their affairs with a modest air, in stark contrast to the upper echelons of nobility who regarded Valden with disdain, too proud to associate with such a quaint and unpretentious community.

However, Valden held a subtle significance beyond its unassuming appearance. It was known as the gateway to the legendary city of Xyrus, home to the prestigious Xyrus Academy. This esteemed institution was a beacon of excellence, having nurtured countless elite individuals who went on to become influential figures in the Kingdom of Sapin.

As I meandered through the streets of Valden, my senses were immersed in the city's vibrant tapestry. The air was alive with the hustle and bustle of daily life, as numerous stalls lined the thoroughfares, each one a treasure trove of goods and curiosities. Here, one could find everything from the necessities of daily life, such as fresh bread and savory meats, to the more exotic offerings of rare artifacts and mystical elixirs. The city, while bustling with commerce, was not a place for the extravagance of high-quality jewels and diamonds. Such luxuries were beyond the reach of its modest inhabitants and were sought in the more affluent cities of Xyrus or Etistin.

As a cool mountain breeze meandered through the streets of Valden, it carried with it the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked honey pies, a delicacy unique to this region. The scent filled the air, igniting a longing within me for their sweet, comforting taste. The city was alive with joy and camaraderie; people from all walks of life mingled and conversed, reveling in the simple, yet profound joys of existence. Children scampered alongside their mothers, their eyes wide with wonder and curiosity, reminiscent of inquisitive ducklings exploring a new world.

A chorus of astonished gasps pulled my attention away. I turned, finding a group of children, eyes wide with amazement, watching a group of mages performing an entrancing magic show. In our world, the mystical energy known as mana permeates the air, an unseen but ever-present force. Those gifted with a mana core, nestled within the sternum, could harness this atmospheric mana, storing it and shaping it into spells. The fundamental elements of nature – fire, water, wind, and earth – were brought to life through the manipulation of four distinct mana particles.

(A/N: If you already know about the TBATE magic system, skip this part.)

Mages, through deep understanding and connection with their element, could evolve these fundamental forces into more advanced and complex forms, known as deviants. Fire transformed into lightning, water into ice, wind into sound, and earth into gravity, each a testament to the mage's mastery and insight.