Upon The Backs Of The Olden

Prologue: A No-One's Life

I've only been alive for 15 years. 15 long, restless years. This world has been nothing but hostile, volatile, inhospitable. We are told stories of the Elders. Those are meant to give us hope, but they're all just lies. What kind of civilization would care about this world? This world has always been broken. We have all dreamed about resurrecting this place its former glory.

I must admit though, I've always have some hope of fixing this world. After all, time heals all wounds right? I don't know how trustworthy this is, but I think I can believe in it. No, I must believe in it. That's what this world needs, hope.

Dagarth, Ghyl, and Junriok. The three nations of our world, Balran-Ul. Soon, the world will be brought to its knees, beaten down, and nearly destroyed again. We have to rise up again. Fight again. Die again. Again and again. This hellish cycle, one of nothing but death. Someone has to fix it, someone has to stop it! I know I'm completely delusional, but I'll end this cycle with my own goddamn hands even if it kills me!

Year 174-44, Cycle XXX. Dagarth-Ghyl border.

"Halt! You know that no-one is supposed to cross!"

Damnit, caught again. Dagarth has really upped the security on the border. Even this far out from any major settlement I can't cross over. Back to the drawing board again.

As I slowly drag myself back to the village I begin to wonder, if we can't cross into Ghyl, why the fuck can they cross into here? I know Unbar doesn't give a shit, but they can at least be consistent right? I pass through the ramshackle gates of the village, not caring to notice the lack of a mountain behind us. It wouldn't be the first time we've seen landmarks disappear. It'll probably reappear anyway, so there's nothing to worry about. A broken world with broken rules can never be understood anyway, best to not question anything and move on.

Despite my hunger, I just head straight to bed, the sun went down hours ago so I doubt Na left anything for me. Wouldn't blame her either. But the moment my I plant my head on the pillow, I'm disturbed.

"Danry! Did you manage find a point to cross at?"

Her voice filled my head despite her being on the other side of the house.

"No, I didn't! They increased the number of guards again!"

I call back, a clear hint of teenage pissiness overpowering whatever amount of respect I tried to fake. Come on Na, I'm 15 for god's sake. I'm easily spotted from a mile away. I don't let it bother me for too long. I did what she asked, and she'll let me sleep. A days worth of work just thrown away. It's not that I don't enjoy it, I just hate not getting results. Major character flaw honestly.

Mica must already be asleep, usually she's the first to greet my. Best older sister ever honestly. Work must have been hell for her, I'll make her breakfast tomorrow. If this place doesn't get erased from existence. I really shouldn't joke about things like that, but that's just the world I live in.

As my eyes close, I hope for the world we all want. No Dagrath, Ghyl, or Junriok. A world without conflict, boarders, hatred, senseless destruction, bullshit fake gods, Olden ruins. Of course, dreams can't become real, this world has no hope, no saviour. Only despair and pain.

If you were to tell me back then that I'd be here, standing on the precipice of a new world, I'd frankly tell you to piss off. So, I guess that would make me the fool. I'm nothing but a dumb fool dragged through hell and back for a childish dream to come true.