Blood And Light

A long time ago, there existed three worlds: Yakaria, Benad, and Xezar. Each was guided and ruled by an entity of pure light known as a Lumen. These Lumens were beings of immense power, their radiance unmatched, their words absolute law. For over a million years, they presided over their respective domains with unquestioned authority. But their existence was far from harmonious. The Lumens despised one another, each unwilling to share the title of The Strongest. Their mutual hatred festered over the millennia, transforming into a burning desire for supremacy. Each began plotting to eliminate the others, dreaming of becoming the One—the singular figure of authority, feared and revered across all three worlds.

A thousand years ago, this hatred reached its breaking point. An all-out war erupted between the worlds, with the Lumens at the center of the chaos. The conflict, later called the War of Radiance, lasted a decade and left a trail of unimaginable devastation. The lands were scorched, the skies darkened, and countless lives were lost. Day after day, the inhabitants of Yakaria, Benad, and Xezar awoke to scenes of death and despair. The Lumens, consumed by their lust for power, cared little for the suffering of their people. To them, the war was a game of dominance, and the people were mere pawns.

As the years dragged on, the common folk grew weary. Their patience wore thin, and their hope dwindled. Eventually, a realization took root: the Lumens would never stop. Their greed and hatred would lead to the annihilation of all three worlds unless someone acted. For the first time in history, the people of Yakaria, Benad, and Xezar united. Together, they decided that the only way to end the war was to rise against their so-called gods. But defeating beings of pure light, entities that embodied divinity itself, was a nearly impossible task.

After months of deliberation, a desperate plan was formed. Victory would require an immense sacrifice—a sacrifice on a scale the worlds had never witnessed. Each world chose a single individual with a pure soul to act as their champion. These champions would carry the hopes and dreams of their people, but their strength alone would not suffice. To empower them, two-thirds of each world's population willingly gave up their lives, offering their life force to the champions. The chosen ones, imbued with this extraordinary power, would challenge the Lumens on behalf of all.

The three champions—Argos Mailefihi from Xezar, Kaylein Montfort from Benad, and Xalvador Terrowin from Yakaria—set out to confront the gods. They bore not only the life force of billions but also the collective will of their worlds. What followed was a battle that defied comprehension. The Battle Against Light, as it came to be known, was a spectacle of unmatched ferocity. Against all odds, the champions succeeded. They defeated the Lumens and sealed them away, imprisoning the gods within their own bodies, far from the reach of light.

A thousand years have passed since that fateful day. The three worlds have become one, unified into a single realm known as Pruris. The three champions, hailed as saviors, were crowned as kings of their respective territories: Xezar, Benad, and Yakaria. Their reigns ushered in an era of peace and prosperity. Yet, whispers of the past linger, tales of gods imprisoned within mortals—tales that some dismiss as legend and others fear as truth.

Arthur closed the book, his fingers tracing the embossed title: The History of the World. No matter how many times he read it, the story of the champions and the sacrifices of their people never failed to stir something deep within him. It was a testament to the strength of unity and the resilience of the common folk. But as much as Arthur admired their courage, he couldn't let himself dwell on it today. He had work to do.

Arthur was a blacksmith, and not just any blacksmith. His skill had earned him recognition across all three kingdoms, and his services were sought after by nobles and commoners alike. But his most prized commission came from none other than Argos Mailefihi himself, the King of Xezar and one of the three champions who had sealed away a Lumen.

A year ago, Arthur had received a letter bearing the royal seal. The King had personally requested a sword—not just any sword, but one worthy of a champion. Arthur had poured his heart and soul into the task, crafting a blade unlike any other. Now, the day had come to deliver it.

As Arthur packed the sword into its case, he noticed a strange tension in the air. The streets of Xezar, usually bustling with life, were filled with unease. People whispered in hushed tones, some wept openly, while others quarreled. Something was amiss.

Arthur's steps quickened as he spotted Alexander, a close friend, sitting on the edge of the fountain in the town square. Alexander's face was pale, his eyes hollow. "Alexander," Arthur called out. "What's going on? Why is everyone so… distraught?"

Alexander looked up, his voice barely above a whisper. "He's gone, Arthur. King Argos. He was found dead in his chambers this morning."

Arthur felt the world tilt beneath his feet. The sword, still strapped to his back, seemed heavier than ever. "Dead?" he asked, though the word felt foreign on his tongue. "How?"

Alexander shook his head. "No one knows. Some say it was natural, others claim foul play. And then there are those who think…" He hesitated, his voice trembling. "They think the Lumen within him finally broke free."