A hostile world in which the possibility of dying is 90 percent… Just how crazy the world before was?
Imagine eating breakfast one fine morning, casually going on with your day, and ignoring the commotion outside because you are already used to it. Then suddenly, the floor rocked, but it wasn't an earthquake. Instead, half of your house blew up and so are you.
The neighboring empire has begun its invasion. At least you died unbeknownst to you so I guess that's fine?
Now then imagine being a powerless citizen in a kingdom where strength matters. You'll be a product of ridicule. Those who are stronger than you will surely remind you every day that you're weaker than them. It'll be a living hell but you can't do anything about it because you're powerless.
Nevertheless, it's still the same for those who have magic, they can still be picked on by those above them in levels. There is literally no gray line. You just die. If not you, then others will die. The strong eat the weak, they said.
Solomon's appearance in Terra is like Godsent. Because of him, peace finally came to the world. Well, not totally peaceful because there are still conflicts somewhere, but at least it's bearable now. You won't suddenly die just from walking down the streets or from being caught in a war between countries or from accidentally making eye contact.
When the first King of Magic emerged from the sky, those below curiously gazed upon his figure, wondering about his identity. One emperor thought he was divine while the citizens around the world regarded him as a God who stepped out of the heavens. Everyone was so overwhelmed by his floating figure alone that they all stopped what they were initially doing.
How powerful was that? Very. If you can make people stop and stare and basically monopolize their attention without opening your mouth. And not just some people either, literally the entire world looking up to you, you're one hell of an existence.
I started picturing Solomon's face inside my head and oh boy, I don't even know where to start!
For some reason, I could only think of Janus as a reference… I mean, they both wear white robes and the regality he exudes is also no joke. He is one of the Magia Regis kings after all so obviously…
"... Solomon's sun-like eyes narrowed as he surveyed the lands in utter disdain. His robes fluttered in the wind, people began to chatter and some were pointing at him, yet he remained there unmoving while silently judging the creatures below…" I continued.
Amazing…
This author is giving out such detailed narration that I'm starting to wonder how the heck did they know about all of that. That scene was supposed to happen many years ago but they are out here foretelling even Solomon's slightest change in expression as if they have witnessed the event with their own two eyes. Like whaaat.
How did they even know of the people's reactions and Solomon's as well?
Hmm… very suspicious.
I don't want to question the validity of the information because it came from the tower archives themselves. Surely, the tower won't tolerate lies and will never fabricate anything false, right?
Unless this novelist is some very old person who had lived to see Solomon's arrival in Terra… That's a possibility...
"Magic is wasted on people like you. Thus, taking it away is justice," quote Solomon. "I, Solomon of Arran, the King of Magic, will eradicate this world of filth. This is the will of mea domina."
"... His voice quaked the hearts of the humans who heard him as clear as day. Solomon raised his staff and the world was covered in light. The people below started feeling their strength seeping out of their bodies. Most specifically, those who practice magic. One by one, they fell to their knees, weak and bewildered. The light then faded and everyone could feel the huge change from within. Solomon had sealed their abilities…"
As I read more and more, goosebumps started to rise from my skin. The picture was so vivid that I could almost able to see the scene as if I was witnessing it in person. The author made a great job in conveying it in words, further adding to my already existing awe for them.
Just from Solomon's words alone, I was snatched away. I could only imagine how epic that was yet I'm already this astonished. How powerful can he be to be able to seal the world's magic prowess?
With just one move from his staff, that is. And even had the balls to take root and spread his influence here. Talk about being a high-key tyrant. The locals can't do anything about it because firstly, they have no power now to run around and destroy things and people anymore. Secondly, are you that tired of living to go against the very same person who single-handedly locked your powers away with no sweat?
Some people rebelled but all their efforts are futile. Solomon wasn't having any of it especially when he's trying to build towers all over the world. Either they all got blasted to oblivion or got flat-out ignored. The unsatisfied voices then narrowed down in numbers until Terra just started accepting their current reality.
It took a lot of years but stability came to the continents. Empires built their forces and had undergone major changes. They still couldn't do as they like because the tower's existence hinders them. In actuality, the arcane tower doesn't want to involve themselves in the respective kingdoms. It's just that gradually, these kingdoms started to allude themselves to the tower.
The book said it sprang from fear and the people's innate attraction to power which is why kingdoms nowadays, held the Arcane Tower important. Thus, why everyone stopped grumbling about the sealed magic and began to live normally instead.
What did I say, it's better that way. Magic is cool but using it to commit wrongdoings is just not it.
After finishing the first book, I leaned back to the back of the couch and sighed. Feeling rather great for finally knowing the whole incident regarding the eventful past. I was about to pick up the second book, Est Magicae, when I caught sight of my brother who was walking towards me.
"The sky is already turning dark," Nathan said as soon as he reached my position.
Ohh… I completely forgot about the time…
"We can just come back here tomorrow," he added upon seeing my wistful expression.
Honestly, I really don't want to leave. I want to stay here in the tower and binge-read all of these books but that's never going to happen. If I could, I also want to borrow them and bring them home with us, which is also never going to happen too.
It sucks when you are so into something and then you'll get interrupted.