The rise of a legendary warlock

In a distant land, a place so remote that it would take an ordinary human a minimum of one year, and at worst, three years to reach, stood a castle, towering proudly amid a landscape dotted with opulent houses.

 In this extraordinary city, wealth flowed abundantly, as nearly every structure boasted the glistening sheen of gold.

 Yet, subtle disparities existed among them, with the most notable distinction residing within the houses themselves.

 These lavish abodes were generously spaced apart, to the extent that the distance between House A and House B could be considered more than just a gap. Some resembled typical mud houses despite their golden form, while others took the shape of small apartments. Then, there were those as grand as mansions and others as colossal as small castles.

But what set these golden structures apart was not their luxury alone; they were constructed from a material 300 times stronger than ordinary gold. Even the most "humble" of these homes could endure the onslaught of five battle tanks firing for approximately three minutes before revealing any signs of wear, typically manifesting as medium-sized cracks. 

This was a city that presented an insurmountable challenge to any potential adversary.

Amidst this cityscape, people moved about their daily lives with apparent ease. Some engaged in lively conversations while clutching baskets, primarily women, while others frequented stores, shopping for goods. However, a closer look revealed that these individuals were far from ordinary. Despite their collective allure and beauty, they bore unique features—a pair of iron-like horns adorning both sides of their heads. Curiously, these horns did not diminish their beauty; rather, they enhanced their attractiveness.

But just when it seemed that nothing could disrupt this idyllic scene, the tallest tower of the central castle released a brilliant red glow that dared to outshine even the sun. Beginning as a mere crimson dot, it blossomed into a resplendent red sun.

This radiant display was brief, yet its impact was profound. Every inhabitant of the city below froze in place, their eyes locked onto the towering spectacle. Among them stood a person, also captivated by the red glow. Even now, the tower bore a faint red dot at the pole atop the highest floor—a signal flare that had not been used in 300,000 years. This individual swiftly regained composure and underwent a startling transformation. His handsome face gave way to scales, and his legs and hands sprouted sharp, tank-piercing nails. His body expanded, and his horn grew larger, sharper than the keenest blade. Then, with a thunderous roar, he soared into the sky, unfurling his colossal wings. Being in an open area, he had no concern for damaging others' property.

His roar acted as a catalyst, rousing others from their stupor. And one by one, they transformed. The sound of their roars echoed through the city.

Roar!

Roar!

Roar!

Shouting in unison, they ascended into the sky. Some completed full transformations into dragons, while others merely spread their wings, flapping vigorously as they set course for the portal that had manifested at the summit of the castle, precisely where the red dot had radiated earlier

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In another far-reaching corner of this world, a place so distant that an ordinary human would require an extensive journey to reach, lay an extraordinary forest. This woodland was unlike any other; it lacked the typical commingling of plants and weeds, the cycle of beasts hunting for prey day and night, and the struggles of insects seeking territory. This forest was far from ordinary; it was a paradise.

Here, majestic trees painted a mesmerizing landscape, crystal-clear waterfalls cascaded with purity that surpassed even the purest waters, and melodious birdsongs blended harmoniously with the swaying trees. Fruits dangled tantalizingly, enticing those who beheld them.

At the heart of this enchanting forest stood a city. While sharing similarities with the other cities, it differed greatly. Instead of concrete walls, golden exteriors, or ominous black stones, this city's centerpiece was a colossal tree. It was so massive that even if eight million people were to enter, they would find themselves far from cramped. In fact, there was ample space for each of these eight million people to reside in a house as large as a two-story building. The scale of this tree was beyond imagination.

Within this living arboreal wonder, a grand castle featured ancient architecture and drawings that depicted a woman nurturing a small plant. At the castle's zenith, an exceptionally beautiful woman attentively monitored the entrance to her domain. Men and women, distinguished by their pointed ears, grace, and strength, passed through a giant, green-edged portal that had opened.

Suddenly, the woman turned her gaze skyward, her expression solemn. Moments later, she transformed into a blur, vanishing from her post. The ensuing silence was broken only by the mournful howling of the wind.

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In another part of this world, within the same hemisphere where the previous locations resided, lay yet another forest. Here, a sea of green stretched as far as the eye could see. In the heart of this verdant expanse, a large clearing showcased grasses reduced to the size of a human baby's pinky finger. Yet, there was more than met the eye, for the people who moved about were not entirely human. Tails extended from some, while others bore fur on their arms, legs, or faces.

Just like the other cities, this forest boasted a castle. However, it stood apart, constructed from a brown material resembling wood, yet vastly different from actual wood. Much like the dragons with their resilient gold-like materials, this "wood" possessed similar properties, albeit on a lesser scale.

Within the castle, a guard stood in the middle of a hallway, holding a large trumpet. Like the other residents of this city, he was a beastskin—a fusion of human or other creatures with beastly features. The guard's reptilian eyes focused on the city's southern side with indifference, standing like a statue without blinking. After a considerable duration, he raised the trumpet, its design resembling a goat's horn adorned with intricate drawings. Blowing the trumpet thrice, he also heard similar trumpet calls emanating from the west, east, and north directions. Lowering his hands, he turned away, his duty complete. Just like the guard, the city's inhabitants ceased their activities to converge upon the wooden-like castle.

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In yet another part of this world, distinct from the previous locations, an area cloaked in darkness lay hidden, darker even than the demon's territory. Here, a city existed, situated upon a mountain amidst a forest where dense foliage obscured the sun's rays almost entirely. Unlike the other cities, this one was not solitary but composed of multiple castles arranged in a circular formation around a colossal central castle.

Within the grand chamber of this central castle, a handsome man occupied a throne. With pointed ears, pale skin, red eyes, and sharp fangs that emerged with the slightest parting of his lips, he exuded regal authority. Before him stood twelve individuals, slightly less charismatic than he but equally handsome.

At a certain moment, a voice emanated from the other side of the door, securing the entrance to the throne room. 

"It's time, your majesty."

The thirteen men, previously with closed eyes, simultaneously opened them. Without uttering a word, they locked gazes momentarily, nodding in unison as they stepped into a chamber adjoining the throne room. Within this chamber, they pierced their thumbs, allowing their blood to drip onto complex, blood-red drawings etched into the floor beneath them. The runes glowed with a blinding red light before plunging everything into pitch-black darkness, leaving only the chamber they had occupied illuminated.

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In another secluded corner of a forest, ten hooded figures gathered. Suddenly, the tenth person looked skyward and emitted a loud, protracted howl reminiscent of a wolf's cry. A brilliant silver light illuminated the surroundings briefly before everything returned to normal. However, the ten figures had vanished without a trace.