Kai leaned forward over the large map spread across the table, eyes scanning the landscape while
Zac continued explaining. The soft afternoon light bathed the room, giving everything a calm but focused air.
"So about King Victor Valtor," Zac said, tapping on a city marked with a crown insignia. "Yeah, he's got the royal knights, the guard, and even elite commanders like Oliver 'Storm' Dover.
But there's someone else even more terrifying—Kaiser Valoric."
Kai looked up, intrigued. "Who's that?"
"Supreme Commander," Zac replied. "A legend in Eldoria's royal knight .
Some people fear him more than Oliver. Tall guy, jet-black hair, sharp blue eyes, and always in a black and gold uniform.
Oh—and he wears an eyepatch over his left eye. Adds to the whole intimidating presence."
Kai raised an eyebrow. "Eyepatch? Sounds like a villain in an anime."
Zac chuckled. "He might as well be. People say he's got enhanced strength and speed, and can shoot energy blasts from his hands.
But that's not all—his real ability is metal manipulation. He can control metal like it's clay.
Shields, weapons, walls—whatever. He's dangerous and smart, a strategic genius. The guy's a born leader, charismatic and ruthless."
"So he's powerful and trusted by the king?"
Kai asked. "Exactly. Which is why we should be careful."
Kai leaned back. "He sounds more dangerous than any beast."
"Yeah," Zac nodded. "But speaking of powerful beings... I did some reading while you were out training and shopping with Al.
You remember the name Chronos?"
Kai clenched his jaw. "That bastard. He's the reason we're in this mess."
"I get it," Zac said calmly, "but listen first. Chronos isn't just some random being. He's one of the ten gods that rule this world.
People worship them, build temples in their honor, and some even gain powers from them."
Kai looked skeptical. "So you're saying this world has a whole pantheon?"
Zac nodded and began listing them.
"First, there's Elyon, the god of Heaven, Light, Goodness, and Love. People pray to him for protection and compassion. His symbol is the Cross."
"Then there's Azrael, god of Darkness, Death, and Shadow. Inverted Cross is his symbol. People fear and revere him."
"Terra is the goddess of Nature and non-human races. Symbol is an Oak Tree. She's the one the elves and beastfolk usually worship."
"Elementia, goddess of the elements, created the djinn. Symbol is the Elemental Circle. She doesn't get along with Arcana, by the way."
"Arcana, the goddess of Magic, Secrets, and Grimoires—symbol is an Open Book. All magicians respect her."
"Chronos, god of Time, Reincarnation, and Fate. He's the Ouroboros symbol—the snake eating its own tail. He governs cycles of life and death."
"Aethon is the god of Aura and Martial Arts. His symbol is the Aura Circle. Warriors and fighters follow him."
"Teknos, god of Technology and Industry. Symbol is the Gear. He's big in the cities where innovation thrives."
"Mirage, god of Illusion and Chaos. Symbol's the Mirror. Tricksters, spies, and deceivers love him."
"Lastly, Moirai, the goddess of Destiny and Prophecy. Her symbol is the Thread. She weaves the fates of mortals."
Kai sat in silence for a moment, absorbing everything.
"So we're living in a world ruled by ten gods... and people actually get powers from them?"
"Yup," Zac confirmed.
"They say the gods can choose a mortal to act as their proxy. If they like you, they can bestow divine power directly—almost like a chosen champion."
"That sounds amazing," Kai said, eyes wide. "But it must be rare, right? To be noticed by a god?"
"Extremely rare," Zac replied. "But that's what makes it worth striving for. You never know who's watching."
Exactly," Zac confirmed. "But it's rare. Super rare. They gotta like you, believe in your potential. Sometimes, people spend their whole lives hoping to be noticed."
Kai grinned, his eyes lighting up. "That's incredible. If I got strong enough… maybe I could be chosen."
Zac nodded. "That's the idea. But becoming strong isn't just about training. There's another way too—conquest."
Kai tilted his head. "What do you mean?"
Zac tapped the center of the map, then slowly began circling unmarked regions.
"There are places outside of the King's rule. Lands untouched. Dangerous, wild, and crawling with ancient beasts and forgotten tribes.
If someone were to conquer those places… they could carve out a kingdom of their own."
Kai's eyes widened. "You mean I could become a king?"
"Yeah. It's happened before. The King of Eldoria didn't just inherit the throne—he earned his place by unifying parts of the land. You do the same, and you could be more than just a warrior."
Zac began listing some of the untamed territories, his voice low and serious:
Gor'thaal Jungle – A dense, misty rainforest home to Ragaroks, massive ape-like beasts with black skin, long fangs, and night-black fur. They're tribal, intelligent, and aggressive. No outsider has survived more than a few hours in their territory.
Ashveil Mountains – A volcanic range ruled by the Dravax, giant bat-dragon hybrids with lava-based breath attacks and wingspans the size of airships. Their nesting grounds are sacred and fiercely defended.
The Hollow Deep – A series of underground caverns filled with glowing fungi and poisonous mists, inhabited by the Slynkers, spider-like creatures with translucent bodies and the ability to mimic voices to lure prey.
Frostmourne Tundra – A frozen wasteland ruled by the Cryosentars, four-armed ice giants who roam in packs and wield glaciers as weapons. It's said they worship an ancient frost deity.
Blightfen Swamp – A rotting marshland choked with toxic fumes and carnivorous plants. The dominant species are Murkfiends, hulking toad-like beasts with acidic saliva and camouflaging abilities.
Zephyr Isles – A chain of floating islands suspended in the sky, guarded by the Skyrend Gryphons, lightning-infused aerial predators that strike with blinding speed. No airship has returned from a voyage there.
Zac looked back at Kai. "Each of these places is still unclaimed. Dangerous… yeah. But if someone were to defeat the apex beasts, unite the land or tame it—they could be recognized as kings by the gods themselves."
Kai sat back, overwhelmed by the sheer possibility. "So there's more than just surviving in this world. There's a path to power, recognition… even royalty."
Zac smirked. "That's what I've been saying, bro. We're not just lost kids anymore. This world is full of opportunities. We just have to be bold enough to chase them."
Kai nodded slowly. "Then we need to train. Hard. Because if I'm going to be anything more than a survivor—I need to become someone worthy of being noticed."
Zac grinned and clapped him on the shoulder. "Let's make this world remember our names."
Kai stood up and walked toward the window, looking out at the distant rooftops and blue sky.
"I've gotta get stronger. If this world has people like Kaiser Valoric, Oliver Dover, and literal gods handing out powers... I can't afford to stay weak."
Zac smiled from behind him. "That's the spirit."
Kai turned back, a fire in his eyes. "Let's say I do want to get stronger.
What's our first step?" Zac leaned on the table. "Well, we already started by getting you those twin daggers. That's a step. Next, we find a way to train you in both combat and djinn usage.
You've got raw potential. We just need to shape it."
Kai nodded. "And you? What's your plan?"
"I'm diving deeper into this world's history and magic systems.
I think my strength will be in knowledge, strategy... and maybe magic. I'm already learning how grimoires work."
The door creaked slightly as the wind brushed against it, a gentle reminder that the world outside waited for them.
Kai grinned. "Alright then, let's aim high. If the gods are watching, let's give them a show."
Zac grinned back. "Hell yeah. But let's not forget, just because we're not the only people here doesn't mean we're powerless. Even without being proxies, even without gods—we're still ourselves.
And that counts for something."
Kai nodded. "Let's go make our mark on this world."
Outside, the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the cobbled streets. The world of Eldoria thrummed with energy, with stories waiting to be told, and gods, kings, and warriors watching from every corner.
And in a small inn room, two teens from another world were just beginning to write their own legend.