Dimensional Rift
A phenomenon frequently mentioned in this world, even in academic theory classes, where mysterious gates appear and unleash terrifying creatures that nearly destroyed civilization. However, what truly happened remains a mystery.
Aria then continued reading the next page.
"The Kings did not merely fight with their power, but also sought to create something that could permanently stop the creatures emerging from the dimensional rift. They were inspired by the concept of Ars Eternia and attempted to forge a power that surpassed the limits of this world. However, their efforts led to something unexpected..."
Aria's gaze sharpened, and his eyebrows furrowed. He was deeply intrigued by what this fairy tale book described.
"Creating something similar to Ars Eternia...?"
"I'm becoming more interested in Ars Eternia. What kind of power is it that the kings were so desperate to replicate?"
Aria continued reading the book.
"As they delved deeper into the concept of Ars Eternia, the kings accidentally uncovered something they were never meant to know—the truth about this world. They called it by a single name... Nihl."
That word made Aria's eyes widen. He had never heard of it before, not even in his childhood.
Aria continued reading the notes regarding that concept...
"The moment they discovered Nihl's existence, the kings vanished. No one knew where they went, and no one remembered them. Their names were erased from history, as if they had never existed."
Aria became increasingly immersed in the tale of this untitled book. His curiosity grew stronger—was this truly a legend of this world, or just a mere fairy tale?
He continued reading.
"Although the kings disappeared, their secrets were not entirely lost. Their traces were buried within ancient ruins, now known as Dungeons. Those who manage to uncover the hidden truth within will obtain a power that surpasses all. More than that, only those who find the kings' secrets can stop the mysterious beings that emerge through the Dimensional Rift."
"But remember this… anyone who uncovers the truth of this world and gains everything shall become the enemy of the world and the enemy of the Gods."
Aria chuckled slightly at the tale.
"Heh… so this world has Gods as well, huh? Hmm… could the kings' disappearance be the work of the Gods? Or perhaps divine warriors descended upon the world? Haha..."
"What an interesting fairy tale. I almost thought it was real, haha."
The more Aria read, the more engrossed he became. Suddenly, a light emanated from the last page of the book. The brightness stung his eyes, and an unbearable heat surged through his body.
Thinking it was due to his closed room, he hurried to the bathroom, assuming the heat came from poor ventilation. After taking a bath, he returned to the book—only to find it had mysteriously vanished. At that moment, his body felt like it was about to explode.
Blood seeped from his mouth, eyes, and ears.
"Ugh, damn it... why... cough... why does my body feel so hot, and why am I bleeding?"
Suddenly, his body levitated. An overwhelming, excruciating pain engulfed him. His eyes glowed with an intense blue light. Without realizing it, he fell to the ground and lost consciousness.
The Next Morning...
As dawn broke, Aria awoke, feeling something different within his body. His movements felt lighter, his muscles firmer. Rushing to the mirror in his dorm room, he found his physique reshaped into an ideal form.
"Whoa… what happened to my body? It's like I've been training for months. But… I actually like this. And… I look even more handsome now."
However, he had no memory of what happened the previous night. The last thing he recalled was returning to his dorm, falling asleep, and having a terrible nightmare.
Realizing he was running late, Aria hurried to class—today was the Magic Theory and Swordsmanship lesson.
Introduction to Magic and Swordsmanship Classes
All first-year students gathered in the grand hall for the introduction to magic and swordsmanship. Noble students were especially excited, but even commoners were eager to attend.
Aria, still drowsy from his late-night reading, just wanted to go back to his room and sleep.
Then, a man entered the hall. He had slightly long black hair and a scar over his left eye. This was Zephyr Ascwind, an instructor at Valkenholth Academy and a master of wind magic.
His sharp gaze and overwhelming presence made the students tense up. As he stepped onto the podium, the hall fell silent.
"Good morning, first-year students. My name is Zephyr Ascwind. Today, I will introduce you to the fundamentals of the Magic and Swordsmanship classes."
"Listen carefully, so you don't make the wrong choice—this decision will shape your future."
The students sat in silence, their attention fully fixed on the instructor. This was the beginning of their journey.
Would they become mages or swordsmen?