The Faces of This Chapter:
Yena: Disciple of Water god | Cheerful, Stubborn, thoughtful
Rang Mi: Yena's caretaker and foster aunt | Sharp-tongued but caring, protective
Lord Niruana: The Water God — acting ruler of the Yuanian realm | Calm, Wise, distant, knows more than he says
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Long ago, a beautiful yet mysterious woman took the control of the Yuanian realm — a land where gods, magic commoners and ordinary commoners (without magical powers) coexisted together. The Gods with their divine powers looked after commoners; while magic commoners dwelled in the vast sky of Tianlok, the ordinary commoners lived in the bhulok. Legends say that the Supreme Deity sent this enigmatic woman to rule over the Yuan to ensure peace in the Yuanian realm.
Scene: Royal chamber
Yena closed the book with a soft sigh, her fingers tapping against the cover. "A 'mysterious woman' sent by the Supreme Deity…?" Her tone held a faint amusement. "I wonder how many more legends the commoners will weave before they remember their own history."
From across the chamber, Rang Mi chuckled lightly. "Yet you read every line."
Yena gave a small smile. "I read them to see how far stories drift from truth — not because I enjoy them." She set the book aside. "I've been to Bhulok… I know how little of Yuan's history they hold onto."
Rang Mi shook her head fondly as she gathered the scrolls. "Keep telling yourself that. Now, enough reading — Lord Niruana is waiting. And you know how he gets when you're late."
Yena pressed her hand to her temple with a quiet, "Ah…" before standing. "Mimi, could you ask the librarian for records on the elemental provinces?"
Rang Mi arched a brow. "Now you're interested in the elementals?"
Yena's expression shifted as she muttered under her breath, "If I want to understand magic commoners... and myself... I have to."
Rang Mi's expression softened, "I thought you found most of your answers back then?"
Yena paused, her gaze lowering for a beat. "Maybe I did. Maybe I didn't."
And with that, she slipped out the door.
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Scene: Royal Palace Garden
"I… ran the whole way here." Yena's breath caught as she approached. "How are you already here, Uncle?"
Lord Niruana's voice came cool and steady. "Because you are late."
Yena exhaled, composing herself. "I suppose I am."
"Have you read about the history of elementals?"
"I planned to — after finishing Yuanian history and culture…" she started, then caught herself. "I swear on the gods!" The words slipped before she could stop them. She pressed a hand over her lips. "I… I mean, I will."
Niruana turned his gaze on her. "You swear on things you barely comprehend."
A moment passed. "Tell me what you have learned."
"The Yuanian Realm… it has existed beyond count. Mystical, beautiful— not merely for its landscapes, but for how all beings coexist. The Supreme Deity, the Creator, shaped this world and established balance between gods, magic commoners, and ordinary commoners."
"Continue," - Niruana prompted
"After creating gods, mystical creatures(mysticals), and commoners, the Creator left the world to grow on its own. Magic Commoners have the potential to wield magic but only through cultivation; Without cultivation and knowledge, they are no different than ordinary commoners. Back in the time, Mythical Beasts — forebears of mysticals, served elementals — ancestors of royal magic commoners, as their guardians.
But now… those creatures are gone. Extinct. The elementals inherited their powers, though over generations, that strength has faded. The current elementals — descendants of the old ones, still rule their respective provinces, with their hereditary powers."
"And the Ordinary Commoners?" Niruana asked, watching her intently.
"Ordinary Commoners…. they have no special powers, no magical abilities. They're just... ordinary. But strangely enough, they are the most peaceful and content beings I've ever seen." yena concluded
"You left out Sian yi and the great settlements."
Yena's hands folded behind her back. "I… I don't know enough. What I read… feels incomplete. And what I do know… it's just not enough."
Niruana regarded her for a long moment. "That is why I asked you to travel between the two loks. Answers do not come to those who wait. They come to those who seek."
Yena let out a soft breath. "You could simply tell me yourself, Uncle. It'd save me from drowning in books."
Niruana gave a faint sigh. "Always looking for the easier path."
Yena stepped back with a slight grin. "How could I forget?"And with a light bow, she added, "I believe I have a meeting with Uncle Zheng… I'll take my leave, Your Highness."
"A child's heart with a grown heart's burdens… She hides her feelings well, doesn't she?" Niruana said, his gaze fixed intently on the Kalp tree.
Yena stepped out of the palace garden, Niruana's words echoing within her.
"Answers do not come to those who wait. They come to those who seek."
She paused, her gaze drifting to the horizon, lost in thought. "It's time I seek them myself." A quiet sigh escaped her. "Mother… you'll be with me in this… won't you?"
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