Adam's and Sigurd journey to the mercenary city ashen port began. With all planned out, and only having breaks at night the journey still took two months to arrive. The city surrounds a labyrinth, it is known to have a ruler. A home to a powerful monster but due to it's peaceful nature it made a deal with the first human and founder of the city. This place became a training ground for humans who wish to be mercenaries or start a business. Between those two months, Adam finished making his third mana circle but he never understood what his mana properly is or will be.
***
At the large main gate, "Finally Adam were her."
"Yea, we finally made."
[They arrive at the gate watch.]
"Halt, identification please."
[They pull out there papers and show him.]
"You guys from free city, why take the journey all the way here?"
"Everyone have keeper, we're here to make it come true."
"You both want to be mercenaries. Do you have the will to stomach whatever happens?"
Stays quiet for a second. "We won't know till we try and fail."
[He looks at both of them and let's them enter.]
Whisper, "Wish you luck young journeymen. "
***
Throughout that day the roamed around the city enjoying the scenery, food and the beautiful architecture. What observing last was the labyrinth before it getting dark and going to there rooms and cool off from the heat of the day. Later they sat for a moment.
***
"This place is nice Adam, [looking outside and staring at the night beauty.] Glad I followed out here than staying back in free city."
"Well how's gonna handle the heavy lifting of the work."
"HEY."
[They chuckle for a moment.]
[Adam then pulls out a note book.]
"Let's go back to what we talked about. It seems that the swordsmanship class cost two gold, abit much but with your talent, I think you can do something great."
"And you, what will you be doing?"
"I'll be visiting the city library, I got research to do and I don't got enough funds for magic class."
"But you can get your mana property tested."
"There's no rush for that. What I need is information, money and you to get stronger. Remember your my brother and knight."
He smiles, "Yea."
[After alittle more conversation they went to sleep on separate beds. Waking up early, they went to the swordsmanship school and paid for Sigurd to start learning. Adam went to the city library. ]
"Excuse me, I'm looking for a book."
"Wha...[stares for a second to see how decently looking Adam was.] Mhmmm..."
"Hello."
"Ooh, yes. It's on that shelf over there."
"Thank you."
[Adam looks through and finds a book.]
"Story of yhe eight heads."
***
Long before the world came to know the word labyrinth, before maps could capture the scope of its mysteries, there was only chaos. The continent, then unnamed, was a wild, fragmented land—scarred by death and famine, dotted with lawless settlements, and stalked by human evil born of the instinct of human to survive. But all of that changed the day the First Labyrinth tore through the sky.
It was not of away way human in structure, but a doorway—a way that soon lead to near human extinction, dripping with twisted energy and unnatural laws. Humans first waited for its dissappearance, but they left it fro too long and From it emerged a being of unparalleled malice and power: the king of the end, a godless monarch who claimed dominion over all labyrinths and sought to expand his realm by infecting the world with his energy. Entire towns vanished overnight, swallowed whole by shifting dungeons that bloomed like curses across the land. The people called it the Great Incursion, the birth of endless war.
Hope seemed lost—until eight individuals stood against the tide.
These were not kings or scholars. They were warriors, mages, wanderers, and outcasts. But fate chose them, and they answered. Known only as the Eight Heroes, they united the fractured human civilizations and led the charge into the labyrinth itself. Each of them brought with them a unique strength: blade, spell, will, or wisdom. Together, they braved the ever-changing labyrinths, slaying horrors that defied natural law, and forging a path to the heart of the cause.
The battle against the Demon King was one of myth and nightmare. It lasted thirteen days and thirteen nights within the deepest floor of the first Labyrinth, where time and the laws of the world changed. When they finally emerged, only eight figures remained standing—battered, bloodied, and forever changed. The Demon King had fallen. The labyrinths did not vanish, but they stopped expanding. The world breathed again.
The heroes did not seek reward, but the people demanded it. They had become more than warriors—they were legends. And so, from their legacy, eight great families were born, each granted a corner of the continent to protect, guide, and rule. Over time, their territories grew into the eight great kingdoms known today.
Eldoria, the kingdom of peace and governance, founded by the hero of justice and clarity.
Valtoria, the empire of steel and honor, built by the warrior who united scattered armies under one banner.
Sylvaria, the forested realm of humans who are loved by spirits, guided by the spirit king who calmed the wild mana.
Drakonar, a volcanic stronghold shaped by the hero who are immune to heat and harnessed their fury.
Frosthold, the frozen bastion carved into the northern mountains by the shieldmaiden who withstood death's cold.
Solmara, the desert kingdom of stars and secrets, founded by the mystic who mapped the celestial paths.
Ironcrest, the industrial heartland, born from the smith who reforged labyrinth artifacts into weapons of legend.
Verdantia, the fertile plains and healing grounds, nurtured by the alchemist who healed armies and revived hope.
Each kingdom carried the blood, ideals, or teachings of its founder. They formed a council—The Circle of Eight—to keep peace and monitor the labyrinths scattered across the continent.
***
This book was very detailed in telling a story. But it wasn't bad knowing how this continent was formed. Most wouldn't even study this less your on noble family status.
[Standing up and looks at the shelf.]
What should I read next?
[Suddenly, an old book falls off the shelf. He picks it up and looks at the page cover.]
The curse of the witch Saint.