The Shimmering Magi

Part 16

In the age of the Great Awakening, a time when the Genesis Order reigned supreme over the land of Draconious, magic held sway over every facet of life. The Genesis Order, an elite group of powerful magicians representing the four elements, held absolute control, and the flourishing of magic took unexpected forms.

It was during this era that many of the powers wielded by practitioners today were honed and developed. The opulence achieved by the Genesis Order and their relentless conflicts with the oppressed villagers served as catalysts for the growth of magic. Young wizards, enthralled by the allure of expanding their magical prowess, devoted themselves to its study and advancement.

Yet, amidst the flourishing magical arts, an unforeseen force emerged from the shadows, shattering the tranquil world of magic. This clandestine group, known as the Hidden Fist, struck like lightning, leaving a trail of fallen invincible wizards in their wake. The martial arts masters who comprised the Hidden Fist seemed to have honed their skills during the height of the Great Awakening, unveiling techniques of unparalleled ferocity.

The initial revelation of the Soul Step technique astounded the world. Those who had dedicated themselves to martial arts, lacking any inherent magical affinity, discovered the ability to manipulate space-time itself. These practitioners, after years of arduous training, gained the power to split the fabric of reality, leaping effortlessly from one location to another. The Soul Step technique bore a striking resemblance to the teleportation abilities wielded by air mages, though the martial arts masters could employ this power without possessing any elemental affinity.

Soul Step brought equilibrium to the land of Draconious, bridging the chasm between magicians and non-magicians. It forged a bond that allowed them to set aside their differences and coexist in peace. The strength of the magicians was balanced by the martial arts masters, and together they fostered a harmonious relationship.

However, the dominance and enigmatic nature of the Genesis Order instilled fear in many magicians, discouraging them from venturing far from their towering citadels and seeking solace in the sparsely populated regions of Draconious. The shadows of doubt loomed large, for no one could predict when a band of martial arts masters, driven by malevolence or irrationality, might unleash their fury upon one of the magical sanctuaries dotting the world.

Thus, the fragile peace that enveloped Draconious hung on a precipice, threatened by an imminent eruption of conflict. The wounds inflicted upon both wizards and martial arts masters in the latent war still festered, and the arduous journey toward reconciliation remained uncharted.