The Against All Odds

CH 9 - Emeric (Ext. Explanation of each faction that ruled a kingdom)

In the Winterhedge Continent, located in the Southern Continent, there were five great empires that ruled and had profound influence throughout the continent. Although there were many other kingdoms scattered throughout the Winterhedge Continent, it was these five kingdoms that significantly influenced the political, cultural, and life dynamics of the continent. It also creates a constant tension between them.

These five kingdoms were all ruled by humans, but they represented different factions within human society in the Winterhedge Continent. Each faction has a unique culture, beliefs, and strengths, which are often at odds with the others. The main tension was between the Kingdom of Nabis and the Kingdom of Thellidia. The group of humans that belonged to the Nythorian faction had a special ability in using the power of darkness, which some considered a 'demonic' power'.

The appearance of this power had triggered feelings of fear and distrust among the other kingdoms in the Winterhedge Continent. The Nabis Kingdom, which was home to many individuals from the Nythorian faction, was often the target of suspicion and displeasure from other kingdoms. Concerns over the 'devil' power have resulted in prolonged friction between the Nythorian faction and neighboring kingdoms, creating a stressful political atmosphere and conflict across the continent.

• the Kingdom of Cadeira is inhabited and led by the Venomglaire faction.

• the Kingdom of Celestials is inhabited and led by 3 factions (Pandora, Silvergate, and Venomglaire).

• the Isenfeld Kingdom is inhabited and led by the Pandora Faction.

• the Nabis Kingdom was inhabited and led by the Nythorian and IIlymeira Factions.

• the Thellidia was inhabited and led by the Silvergate faction.

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In the kingdom of Thellidia far from Menhir Bastion, a magnificent royal throne room, shone with the opulence that lay before the eyes. Jurgan Emeric, a man dressed as a king, wore a white robe decorated with gold and sparkling diamonds. The golden crown with gemstones complemented his impressive appearance. His thoughtful face radiated in the glare of his thoughtful eyes, expressing deep concern over the matter that haunted him.

The door of his large throne room opened slowly, revealing a prince who entered the room with a face that radiated anger. This prince was his son, possessing physical features similar to that of the King. Tall, well-built, with brown hair flowing neatly onto her shoulders. Prince Thellidia was dressed in luxurious and graceful knightly attire, complete with his sword tucked away in his silver belt.

Prince Gideon looked at his father with a look of disappointment. "Dad! Why didn't you tell me Belladona had gone to Dorston?"

King Jurgan tried to appease his son, his wise face tried to explain, "Relax my son, the kingdom is in need of you to be here. I have to make sure everything goes well as long as Belladona does her job at Dorston Citadel."

Prince Gideon Emeric, aside from being a prince, was also a knight who was already very famous throughout the Thellidia Kingdom. He had reached a very high level in swordsmanship. Hence, he became a figure respected by many knights and warriors. His skill in dueling was unrivalled, and his reputation as a great knight had been widespread.

Prince Gideon remained in disbelief, his voice rising as he shouted, "What do you need? Need me to sit here quietly while taking care of my disabled half-sister?"

A mature woman with a gentle and caring face stepped closer to them. It was Queen Ramona, Gideon's stepmother who tried to ease the tension after hearing the words of her stepson. "Gideon!" he said firmly."After all, she is your sister, you have the same responsibility to take care of her."

Gideon let go of his anger violently, his voice filling the magnificent room. "I should only be responsible for protecting my kingdom and my birth mother!"

"Gideon!" snapped the King who was silent. King Jurgan shook his head and massaged his temple which was getting dizzy. "Go to Dorston and take Cayden with you."

Those words seemed to be the final blow in a long word battle. Gideon felt his emotions begin to fade, replaced by determination and a strong spirit. "Dad, I won't let you down." His last words before leaving the room.

Ramona was silent, still not fully accepting her husband's decision. A tense atmosphere again envelops the magnificent royal palace, while Gideon prepares for his adventure and the challenges that await him in Dorston.

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While in Dorston Citadel precisely in the room Menhir Bastion, Leo, Belladona and Aura are still waiting for the results and certainty of the Menhir who still continues to spin. The two ends showed the result. And now it's the next two halves of Menhir Bastion that stop spinning. When the silver light began to radiate, an inscription was again engraved firmly on the stone.

The first part shows the Leo race is the 'Human' and the next part displays a level or level of strength that Leo will have.

Leo squinted his eyes to read what was written. There was one word that stole his attention. Leo looked at him with obvious confusion. "Level 10?"

But Belladona's reaction was very different. He can't hide his happiness. "Impossible, this is impossible. I didn't expect it to turn out you were that strong, Leo."

Aura, who had been faithfully accompanying Alisha who was still unconscious, also could not help her admiration. He peered towards Menhir with eyes that emitted a light of admiration.

Meanwhile, the fifth part of Menhir, also slowly started to stop spinning, had a different reaction this time. Leo felt like there was a sudden pull sucking him. Not in a physical sense, but something more profound. He felt as if his soul was being absorbed by Menhir, digging deeper into himself. The sensation felt so real and intense, it was as if Leo was communicating with the immense power that was within the Menhir itself.

Until finally, the scene before him had now changed completely. Leo felt his heartbeat thump as he opened his eyes and found himself standing in the middle of a vast plain. In front of him, the army ranks consisting of thousands of soldiers with black armor and others in white, they looked extremely strong and formidable. They stood upright and steady, like they were ready to fight against any enemy that came. Judging from the different colors of the armor, it is certain that the line consisted of two powerful kingdoms, namely the Kingdom of Thellidia and Nabis.

Each warrior held a long and sharp spear, with the tip of the spear shining brightly in the sunlight. Their shields were made of wood and iron, with the royal emblems of Thellidia and Nabis etched on top. Some soldiers also carried swords and bow arrows ready to use if needed.

Behind the ranks of the army, there were several flags fluttering over the heads of the soldiers. The flags were white and the other black, with the royal emblems of Thellidia and Nabis printed on it. Beside the flag, there are several horses and bears ready for use in battle.

The vast plains where the army ranks stood looked extremely spacious and empty, with little vegetation growing around it. In the distance, Leo could see towering ice mountains and a bright blue sky. A cool breeze blew around them, carrying the refreshing aroma of the ground and green grass.

Leo was fascinated and amazed by all the sights that were before him. However, behind his admiration, he felt an uneasy uncertainty and anxiety.