Southern Region of Aristeia
Five Years After the Legacy Pact
The grassland winds carry the fresh scents of foliage and dust.
The clear blue sky stretches out for the first time in a century.
The Black Sun is no more.
And with its absence, a new world is born.
Amid these monumental transformations, the spirit of hope begins to envelop the remaining souls; some believe that the darkness, though terrifying, has offered them a valuable opportunity to rewrite their destinies by their own hands. Among them, Jeanne and Joanna emerge as beacons of hope amidst the chaos, symbolizing resilience in the face of adversity.
Jeanne and Joanna Fate have grown into teenagers.
They are now adolescents — their willpower flourishes, surpassing that of ordinary humans, suggesting a deep connection to the mystical forces surrounding them.
But beyond mere magic, they begin to attract followers.
People who believe in their respective philosophies.
Jeanne often reflects intensely on the immense responsibility that comes with her powers, perceiving herself as a guardian, faced with vital choices that must be made for the greater good; on the other hand, Joanna frequently serves as the voice of reason, reminding Jeanne of the crucial importance of maintaining balance with every step they take. Both of them realize that every decision has the potential to shake the fragile order they have constructed.
In the southern region, Jeanne leads the faction Vita Harmonia.
They are survivors, young Saints, and thinkers who believe that the world should be built on order, law, and a guarded will to live.
"Magic and law are the pillars that allow free will to flourish without one overshadowing the other," Jeanne declared as she established the first forum of Vita Harmonia. Her voice resonated with determination, bringing hope to many, yet within her, a lingering fear persists that the desire for control could inevitably lead to oppression.
Factions led by Jeanne began drafting the Initial Gaia Code, the first set of laws that would later become the foundation of the Magna Pacta in Gaia's future. Each prohibition and regulation set forth by this faction is intended to be a guiding light through the misty path ahead, steering future generations toward goodness and order.
"Without structure," Jeanne said, "humanity will revert to its old chaos." She spoke with conviction, yet a deep-seated doubt lingered in her heart, as if she desired something beyond mere law – she yearned for understanding.
Among her followers are:
Eryndor Valtheris: a master of will magic and the first architect of Gaia.
Lady Selira Veyrun: a learned woman who developed the Glyph of Life.
The Continuum Order: warriors and Saints sworn to uphold law and balance.
To the north, Joanna founded Custodes Mutatio — The Guardians of Change. With eyes shimmering with determination, Joanna stood atop a large stone, gazing at the deep blue sky, envisioning her dream of a better world; every word she articulated embodied hope, as if she were not merely fighting for the future but also for the very soul of humanity.
They were adventurers, free wizards, inventors, and individuals who believed that free will means the ability to change and forge new paths, not merely to maintain order. Joanna felt as if she stood at the intersection of dreams and reality, aware that every step she took was part of a deeper spiritual journey.
"Security without change is a prison," Joanna asserted, emphasizing that stagnation harms all living beings and hinders growth.
"I will protect every being's right to dream beyond the confines of old laws."
Joanna's faction rejected rigid laws, demanding freedom of expression and exploration of magic; they initiated the creation of fluctuating magic, a dynamic form of magic that transforms according to the emotions and determination of its user, serving as a poignant reflection of their soul's depth and life experiences. These two competing souls represent divergent paths: one that rejects limitations and the other that strives to uphold the existing foundations.
Joanna's followers include:
Kael Yuno: a young wizard skilled in fluctuating reality magic. With eyes that always shine with fervor, Kael acts as a bridge between dreams and reality, as if he can see beyond the existing physical realm.
Rythian Carvell: an early inventor of Etherium artifacts. In the candlelight, Rythian is seen darting through the darkness of night, conjuring wonders from the shadows, hoping the world can forge a new path through thrilling discoveries.
Order of Horizonis: warriors and creators of new magic. They fight with beauty and limitless ideas, confident that every change is a step toward greater freedom.
Sheena observed her two daughters from the Sanctum Aristeia; at times, she likened herself to water, flowing along the currents of their lives, striving to understand both with all her heart. She remained impartial, motivated not by unwillingness...
but because her duty was to ensure that both could choose freely.Every choice is an opportunity to grow and evolve, every mistake is a valuable lesson that shapes their identity and strength.
"I am the root.
You are the branches.
And the branches must not be bound to the root indefinitely."
The words expanded in the sky, filled with love and hope. She knew that with every action and decision, her daughters would find their paths, shining through the darkness.
At night, she wrote in her journal:
"Jeanne represents a future that honors the significance of the past."
"Joanna embodies a future that boldly breaks old patterns."
Within Jeanne's frame of mind exists a profound silence; she perceives every trace of history as a valuable lesson. In contrast, Joanna, fueled by a burning passion, believes that the future must be forged with one's own hands, unbound by existing dogmas, continuously challenging the established norms with unwavering determination.
"If both continue to unite, Gaia and Earth will find balance."
This vision intertwines within the shadows of both, yet uncertainty envelops their intentions. Occasionally, amidst the stillness of the night, whispers from the wind seem to warn them of unforeseen possibilities—a harmony that may only be attained in dreams.
"But if not...
The seeds of division will grow."
Like shadows that hover over nature, this threat feels tangible. Uncertainty creeps between them, urging each to delve deeper into their positions and visions. It doesn't take long for these worries to escalate into threatening tension. Some young leaders from Jeanne's faction begin to express concerns about the Custodes Mutatio. This worry settles over their emotions like fog, a fear of what may unfold if the rift between the two factions continues to widen.
"If free magic keeps expanding limitlessly, we will return to the chaos of the Chaos Era," Eryndor Valtheris remarks.
Eryndor's voice echoed like a prophecy, adding a serious weight to the already tense atmosphere. In that discussion, every word spoken felt like an incantation capable of summoning fate.
On the contrary, some members of the Custodes Mutatio suspected that Vita Harmonia aimed to bind the future with laws that restricted choices; they observed Joanna breaking the shackles of convention while Jeanne gradually painted a picture of tradition.
"They want to create a 'collective will' that ultimately silences minority voices," said Kael Juno.
Kael, often at the crossroads of past and future, felt restless when contemplating the restrictions that the leaders might impose. Every dialogue held, every rejection between the factions, seemed like a step toward deeper darkness.
Politics is born not from animosity, but from differing perspectives and understandings of the future.
Not from hatred.
But from differing worldviews.
Maria proposed the establishment of a Council — Concordia Primis.
"If we want to maintain peace, both factions must meet and establish limits on magic and early technology," Maria stated.
In front of representatives from Vita Harmonia and Custodes Mutatio, Jeanne and Joanna stood side by side. Despite coming from two different worlds, they were united by a profound sense of responsibility. Jeanne, with her sharp, determined gaze, radiated strength drawn from her belief in justice. Next to her, Joanna appeared softer but possessed an equally strong resolve, aspiring to become a bridge between their two worlds.
"We may walk different paths," Jeanne said, "but we are sisters." Her voice was firm, yet it carried a vulnerability that cut deep, as if she was recalling all the twists and turns they had endured.
"Our differences are our strength," Joanna added, her smile seemingly uncovering hope amid the chaos. These two sisters, bound by blood and a shared vision, emanated an aura that captivated the other leaders.
The Concordia Primis Council resulted in the following agreement:
Structured magic shall be used to build a stable society.
Fluctuating magic may develop in the experimental regions of Earth.
The Genesis Archive must remain untouched and never exploited for political gain.
For the time being, peace is maintained. However, behind the political walls, another ancient power begins to stir. The faces of supporters willing to stand against the status quo come to mind, while Jeanne and Joanna exchange glances that reaffirm their commitment to remaining steadfast in the face of truth.
Tekhnos, the will of technological determination once silenced by Maria and Zeus, starts whispering its words into the ears of the ambitious on Earth.
"Order is an illusion.
Directionless change inevitably leads to destruction.
Let me provide a new law that cannot be contested by anyone."
Several young inventors and progressive leaders on Earth begin to doubt the Concordia. In silence, Jeanne contemplates the consequences of the instability they have just woven together, while Joanna senses a longing for a better future—always vigilant against the potential betrayal that could unravel everything. Each decision made seems to echo far beyond mere politics, intertwining with the fate of the entire world.
"Why should we limit fluctuating magic and technology?
Isn't free will supposed to mean complete freedom?"
The seeds of ambition are sown.
On the night of the Council, Jeanne and Joanna spoke privately. The soft lantern light illuminated their faces, creating shadows that seemed to depict doubt and hope within a single frame. In this atmosphere, Jeanne gazed at Joanna with an attentive look, as if wanting to ensure that her sister wouldn't lose her way amidst the turmoil of the world.
"I can feel this political pressure, sister," Joanna said, her voice trembling softly yet powerfully. She clasped her hands together, feeling the stiffness in her fingers, revealing the tension swirling in her mind. She knew they were on the brink of something monumental, something that could change everything.
"I feel it too," Jeanne replied. "But we cannot bind everyone to a single philosophy." Intelligence reflected on her face, confronted by the wisdom built through experience. Yet within her heart, she also felt uncertainty about the steps that needed to be taken.
"If we force it, we become like Chronos."
Joanna offered a faint smile, her words attempting to calm the restless spirit within her. "I am proud of you." The foundations of courage emerging from her declaration gave Jeanne a needed push, reassuring her that even though the world was in chaos, they would confront it together.
"And I am proud of you, Joan." The two shared a smile, a moment of tenderness amidst the tension. It was as if that moment gave them renewed strength to face the impending storm.
For now, they remained united.
However, Sheena, observing from a distance, knew:
"Time will ultimately test whether free will can truly coexist," she thought. That statement resonated in Sheena's mind, serving as a reminder that the choices they made were not just for themselves, but for every soul entwined in this narrative.
Saint Maria sealed the Genesis Archive once more with a new layer of magic.
One layer contained Proto-Speech:
"Those who choose wounds and love will find this door."
"Those who seek domination will become lost."
"I have seen the future," Maria told Sheena, her eyes shimmering with ancient knowledge.
"There will come a time when the nations of Gaia and Earth will engage in conflict against one another, radiating hatred, seeking forgiveness, and eventually rebuilding," Maria revealed, cautioning everyone about the inevitable cycles of conflict and reconciliation that lay ahead.
"But the Genesis Archive will endure."
"And one day, the descendants of Jeanne and Joanna will rediscover it.
They will be known by the name Fate."
With renewed spirit and a profound sense of responsibility, Jeanne and Joanna lead their factions back to their respective territories, imbued with hope and determination for the uncertain future ahead.
In the distance, a bright sky stretches out before them.
But beneath it, the roots of choices begin to grow —
Some toward a peaceful future.
Some toward conflicts that will shape history for thousands of years to come.
Jeanne's eyes radiate determination, yet within them lies profound sorrow. She recalls all the sacrifices that have been made, binding hope amid waves of uncertainty.
Beside her, Joanna, with a smile and conviction, inspires her followers. "We can build bridges over the chasms that divide us," she says, her voice resonating with the promise of a better future.
"We are Jeanne and Joanna Fate."
"We carry a will that cannot be destroyed by time."