The currency in Lumia is fortunately straightforward, well that's the case for people who aren't poor.
100 Aluminum = 1 Copper
100 Copper = 1 Silver
100 Silver = 1 Gold
Anything below silver is considered "junk" in the eyes of the middle class and higher. Silver can buy you a few things like: Meats, vegetables, toys, etc. The mundane. In short, silver is incomparable to gold. Gold can get you anything, I mean it, anything. The demand for it in Vertus is so high they'll do anything for it. Normal families can typically survive off ten silver coins per month, but with the increased prices and decreased wages that number is steadily rising.
A myth or I hope it's a myth, tells a story about dwarfs being greedy goblins, hoarding a considerable amount of gold in their palaces. How can they do this? Well, dwarfs are inventors or creators. Combined with human innovation, they've propelled society as a whole. Creating artifacts infused with mana, (something you can only buy with gold by the way) advancing technology by decades, probably even centuries.
They play a huge role in supplying territories with resources, weapons, gear, and mana crystals. Which has made dwarfs the most valued suppliers in war. This however has its downsides, dwarfs are indifferent to the deputes other races possess, pay them and you're a customer. Many have tried to bribe or spread false information to break their code of indifference, to prevent this, the dwarfs black list nations. Unfortunately the Vertus kingdom has earned a spot on that list…. We seem to do nothing right, huh?
By far though, something even more valuable than gold itself, are mana crystals. The reason they're valued so high is due to their utility. Shaped like normal crystals, but cerulean in color, mana crystals fuel machines such as turrets which fire condensed energy blasts, defensive barriers, well if a mage isn't present, and it charges a scientific breakthrough dudded, "electricity."
Dwarfs and Draconics were the first to discover them thousands of years ago, specifically in the Sovereign era. Mana crystals are primarily found deep within cave systems or ravines. Scientists discovered they're created when mana partials are absorbed by "Tristien," a type of crystal. Due to their unique properties, dwarfs seized the opportunity to monopolize them, resulting in their current influence.
…
The mage's association is located in the capital, where the kingdom is held. The building itself is a luxurious palace, stretching over 240 meters in length and 23 meters in width. The palace's exterior is painted in a beautiful shade of white, donned with a hint of blue. Inside, the center of the palace has marble flooring, brown in color. On the left and right side
Stairs made of the finest oak were present, blue carpet covered them. The walls were painted blue, resembling the ocean. The halls were the same, save for the floor being azure.
A young looking boy carrying a letter frantically ran through the multiple halls, bumping into servants and mages alike along the way.
"I have to give this to the master, it's urgent!"
"Tch! Stupid kid…"
"Watch where you're going brat!"
After running for a while gassed out, he made it to his destination. He knocked twice, awaiting an answer. A few seconds later, an older voice echoed.
"Enter."
The doors opened, seemingly on their own. Inside a man sat on a sofa, his hair was long and silver, eyes were white and vacant. His skin was pale as paper, sickly even. His age seemed to be that of 30 years but, you never know with mages. The room itself was nice, just a simple study, nothing too glamorous.
"What is it, Damian?"
"This is a letter from Sir Liam, he said it was urgent."
The palace master stroked his chin in surprise.
"Give it here then."
Damian cautiously gave him the letter, bowed, and made his way out the study. Once alone, the master opened the letter, reading it.
"Old man Razu, this is from your favorite student Liam. According to my sources, a mystic has been spotted in Versol city. From what I can gather, I believe they reside in the outskirts, laying low from pursuit. That is all, may your days get shorter. Liam."
Razu cracked a smile before burning the letter.
'Haa, looks like there's work to do.'
Razu flipped a coin, before it could land, a butler appeared from the shadows kneeling.
"What is your request, Lord Razu?"
"Fetch me Leonard and hire the ravager named Odin."
"As you command."
The butler snapped his fingers and vanished into the abyss.
Razu stood up and walked to a widow gazing outside of it.
'Mystics must be eradicated, their mere existence is a stain on all magus.'
…
A few days passed after Razu gave the order to the strange butler. As he sat in his study sipping tea, he heard someone knock on the door twice.
"Enter."
A man with white spiky hair and azure eyes walked in. He wore a white jacket with gold edges that seemingly flowed as a cape. Etched on the back of it was a blue wyvern. Under his jacket he wore a black long sleeve shirt, coupled with a silver chain on his neck. His trousers were white, with a soaring wyvern design. He also wore black military boots.
Another man entered the room, following the one before. He had auburn hair tied in a ponytail, reaching his mid-back. His eyes were a deep piercing red. He also had tanned skin. His guise was that of a business man, wearing a brown suit and vest, coupled with a black dress shirt. He wore brown formal pants with black dress shoes.
The butler from before materialized in the room, kneeling immediately.
"Lord Razu, the two you've requested have arrived."
Razu smirked, pleased with his butler's work.
"Thank you, you may take your leave."
The butler bowed, vanishing the next moment.
"Master Razu, it's a pleasure meeting you again. I, Leonard Anzol, will be at your service."
Razu stared at the white haired man, chuckling to himself.
"No need for the formalities, I am your master after all."
He turned his attention to the auburn haired man leaning against a wall.
"Introduce yourself."
The man turned, red eyes peering into Razu.
"My name is Odin, that butler hired me and requested I follow your command."
His voice was deep and had a deadly ring to it.
Razu nodded and stood, looking directly at the two.
"The reason I have gathered you here today is simple, I need you to carry out a mission."
Leonard's ears perked up when the word mission was spoken.
"What are the details?"
"You're to go to the city of Versol and exterminate a mystic. My source told me, a woman lives in the outskirts of that city. No need to leave her alive."
Both Odin and Leonard nodded to each other, speaking in unison.
"Understood."
The two left the room, embarking on their new mission.
"Leonard, how far is Versol from here?"
Leonard stretched out his arm, palm facing upward. Soon after, an ice mirror was formed showing how long the journey would take.
"14 days, 12 hours, and 30 minutes."
Odin sighed, "I have to accompany you for
That long?"
"What? You don't miss our adventures, Odini?"
Odin's expression morphed into that of disgust.
"No, no I do not Leonard…"
Leonard gasped in faint surprise, "even though our title together was "The Walking Calamities?"
Yes that's right, Leonard and Odin are hailed as walking calamities in the world of Lumia. Leonard himself, is an esteemed ice mage, capable of freezing entire landscapes with ease. Odin, on the other hand, relies solely on his fists enhanced with aura. His destructive capabilities can level a mountain.
Leonard grew up in the capital, born into a wealthy family and ushered into the magus academy. He graduated at the top of his class, easily overwhelming those in combat. Those that know him speculate, he has god given talent. He himself, though, doesn't care for the rumors much. His true strength is unknown to the public, no one has pushed him that far.
Odin however had a different upbringing, born and raised in the slums of the capital, he had to fight to survive. Murders of varying degree and various crimes happened daily. In the slums, it's rare for someone to make it past 15 years of age. Odin has always relished in the thought of fighting someone, which in later years granted him the title; "Fallen One."
"Odin, do you think we'll be able to do it?"
Leonard's expression was grim, having a hint of fear etched into it.
"Failure is not an option when it comes to these sorts of missions. Besides, your master wouldn't allow us to return unless that woman is either dead, or fled the continent itself."
"But, mystics… They're extremely powerful, especially when using dark arts to their advantage. Even for me, fighting one head to head would be difficult."
Odin smirked, patting him on the back.
"It'll be fine, just go all out from the beginning."
"That's against the rules…"
…
During the night Laura gazed up into the sky, admiring the star's beauty. Her expression was grim, holding a considerable amount of worry.
'What's this dread I'm feeling, certainly I'm overthinking, right? Just in case, I should contact "him." I'm wary of that knight from the other day, finding a mystic in Versol leads to suspicion.'
Laura fished for a coin and flipped it, watching it spin rapidly. Before it fell, Razu's butler appeared, catching it.
"My, my, my, what a pleasant surprise."
'Can't believe I have to do this.'
"I need information regarding the movements of the mages association."
The butler bursts into laughter, holding his stomach in pain.
A vein appeared on Laura's forehead.
"What's so funny Cain? Elf scum."
Cain's laughter died after that remark, regaining his composure.
"I humbly apologize, madam Laura. It's just funny you ask, that's all."
Cain was an elf, so being subservient to humans was a strict taboo. Causing him to be expelled from Elvenheim, the continent of the elves. His eyes were curved, resembling that of a cunning fox. His hair was black, styled in a slick back, making him seem more like a con-artist. His attire was simple butler wear, ironed to perfection.
"What makes it funny? This is urgent."
"Well, all I can tell you is, watch for when the days lead up to 14. I'll advise you to stay alert. Bye, bye, madam Laura."
He took a step back and bowed, before vanishing in a wisp of black smoke, laughing.
"Tch! He left, I should've beat more information out of him… What was with that ominous message? Well, one thing is for certain, I should tread carefully now. Possibly even assist Roy with his training… I may have to leave him behind in the near future."
Laura exited her room and entered the kitchen. Her gaze fell onto Roy who was outside, in a meditative position sweating profusely.
'Perfect timing.'
…
1 hour earlier
"I can't stop thinking about that knight, I felt so powerless before him… He disregarded me, as though I was insignificant..."
I sighed gazing up at the ceiling.
"I hate being weak and I hate my inability to do anything about it… If only I had talent, but I'm just ordinary."
I paced around my room before stumbling over a book.
"Ah! I hit my head on this stupid desk."
My eyes were drawn to the book; "Guide to the Strongest" as if it were calling me.
"What's with this book? I remember first receiving it from my mother a couple years ago, I was never interested in strength, primarily focused on history. Now, knowledge is all that's on my mind. I feel as though I'm losing my own identity… I don't even remember my previous goals or aspirations."
I clutched a chunk of my hair, panicking internally.
'Who am I anymore?! What's with this fixation? strength? knowledge? Just a week ago I was normal, ya normal. Ordinary like I've always been. Haaa, what the hell is wrong with me?!'
I stared at my hands, expression desperate.
"I'll just try again, I'll keep trying… No matter how long it takes me!"
I quickly headed outside to continue training.
'I just need to work harder, to compensate for my lack of talent.'
It was dusk out, a chilling breeze blew over me. I sat in the regular meditative position, focusing all my energy on honing my senses. Every sound altered me, birds chirping, beasts frolicing, and leaves falling. The air was fresh, pollution being drawn out by the increase of stormy weather. I felt each blade of grass, each small insect crawling on my leg. My concentration was slipping, slowly fading away as I began to tire out.
"I can't go on any longer…"
My back fell onto the grass, exhausted. In my daze, I failed to hear footsteps approaching.
"Seems like you're working hard out here."
"Ya, I still can't grasp it though."
She smiled, sitting next to me on the grass.
"Well, just keep trying. Also do you know how awakened even wield mana?"
I pondered, realizing I didn't know the answer to that question.
"No, I actually don't know."
"When someone first interacts with mana, their mana veins activate for a brief moment. Mana veins are dormant for almost all races when they are first born, excluding draconics, they are naturally able to wield mana from birth. Awakened, who are able to sense mana, continuously have their mana veins active. This is done by passively absorbing the mana in the atmosphere. Over time, you won't even realize you're doing it. Then that absorbed mana is stored in your veins, you expel that energy by casting spells or using aura."
My mind was racing, soaking up the information like a sponge.
"So intriguing… I never knew that's how awakened abilities were used."
My mother stood up, walking back into the house.
"Remember, hard work can match talent."
I clenched my fist smiling broadly.
'I can do it! I can be an awakened!'
…
In the far northwest of the continent on top of a mountain, a figure stood in a dark cloak, gazing at the darkened horizon.
"This world… Will bend to Chaos!"
As he said this, meteors rained down, annihilating the canyon below.