Vile Evil Hides Under The Veil
chapter-1774

Kingdom of Eldorath. Joravar Continent. Labh Salem.

This mortal kingdom was located at the borders of the Joravar Continent. It was nothing but an insignificant dot in the grand map of the entire Labh Salem world.

Eldorath was a place where the majority of the population chose to embrace a simple mortal life. This was a place where the enchantments of magic played only a minor role in daily affairs, and the citizens found solace in the ordinary rather than the extraordinary.

In Eldorath, the majority of citizens led humble lives without delving into the complexities of magical practices. The kingdom was renowned for its emphasis on mortal endeavors, focusing on agriculture, craftsmanship, and traditional arts.

Magic was viewed with a sense of reservation, reserved for special occasions, and seldom integrated into the daily routines of its inhabitants.

At the helm of Eldorath was the wise and revered King Cedric, a ruler who cherished simplicity and the inherent strengths of his people. The Eldorathian royal family, consisting mostly of mortals, had held the throne for generations, fostering a deep connection with the citizens and their way of life.

King Cedric was known for his fair rule and dedication to the well-being of his subjects. His vision for Eldorath was to maintain a harmonious balance between magic and mortality, ensuring that the kingdom prospered without succumbing to the potential pitfalls of magical pursuits.

Eldorath thrived as a modest and self-sufficient kingdom, relying on traditional trades and craftsmanship to sustain its economy. While neighboring realms may have flaunted their magical prowess, Eldorath's economic strength lay in its fertile lands, skilled artisans, and diligent laborers.

In the political arena, the kingdom operated with a meritocratic system. It allowed the royal family to gain people's favor while maintaining their rule over them.

The kingdom was not accustomed to nurturing Practitioners but that didn't mean it didn't have them serving as its citizens.

D-Ranked Practitioners, mostly adept at practical and non-intrusive magical arts, held key administrative positions, overseeing the governance and welfare of Eldorath. The F-Ranked Practitioners, trained as elite guards, protected the royal court and ensured the safety of the realm.

Eldorath's citizens, proud of their mortal heritage, rarely ventured onto the Path of a Practitioner. The allure of simplicity and the avoidance of the potential risks associated with magical pursuits kept them rooted in their ordinary lives.

The kingdom's educational institutions focused on nurturing practical skills, traditional craftsmanship, and agriculture, reinforcing the values of the mortal way.

In Eldorath, Practitioners were respected, but the heart of the kingdom lay in its commitment to embracing the ordinary. As the kingdom flourished under the wise leadership of King Cedric, Eldorath remained a beacon of simplicity and tradition.

***

In Labh Salem, numerous secular kingdoms, akin to Eldorath, found themselves largely exempt from the relentless power struggles between the divine and demonic factions.

Within the intricate fabric of Labh Salem, an unspoken accord prevailed, delineating these mortal realms from the relentless clash that unfolded among gods and demons. Despite their allegiance to specific faiths, these kingdoms remained alien to the divine-demonic feud.

This arrangement found its roots in a tacit understanding, a delicate balance that ensured tranquility. The gods and demons, each presiding over multiple mortal kingdoms, harbored no ambitions towards these realms.

The mortal territories, in turn, adopted a stance of neutrality, steering clear of involvement in the eternal tug-of-war.

Faith, paramount among mortals and practitioners, flourished within these kingdoms. The divine and demonic Immortals orchestrated this intricate dance, managing these realms as a means to nurture the belief systems that sustained them.

However, the mortal kingdoms, despite their dedication to particular deities, purposefully distanced themselves from the overarching celestial strife.

A principled refusal to accept assistance from any Immortal outside their designated patron deity became the hallmark of these mortal regions. While gods and demons vied for supremacy, the secular kingdoms, presided over by their chosen Immortal, retained a steadfast independence.

***

The City of Sunhaven.

Nestled along the remote coastline of Eldorath, the city of Sunhaven stood as a beacon of simplicity and devotion. In this quaint coastal settlement, life flowed with the gentle rhythm of the tides, and the inhabitants found solace in the embrace of Goddess Sekhmet, the revered fire and sun deity.

Sunhaven thrived as a hub for Eldorath's coastal trade, where humble fishing vessels and cargo ships exchanged goods, linking the city with neighboring realms. The architecture of Sunhaven mirrored the simplicity valued by Eldorath, with low-

rise structures adorned with modest carvings reflecting the city's maritime culture.

Narrow cobbled streets led to the docks, where the salty breeze carried the tales of distant lands. A peaceful place that attracted little to no Practioner traffic.

The people of Sunhaven embodied the virtues of Eldorath, finding joy in the simplicity of life. Fishermen set out at dawn, returning with the day's catch to bustling markets where traders engaged in lively barter.

Artisans crafted intricate nets and sails, contributing to the maritime livelihood that defined the city. Evenings were spent in communal gatherings, where stories of the sea and songs of Sekhmet resonated through the coastal air.

At the heart of Sunhaven rose the grand Temple of Sekhmet, an architectural marvel adorned with golden hues that reflected the warmth of the goddess it honored. The temple served as both a spiritual sanctuary and a communal center where citizens sought guidance, celebrated festivals, and made decisions collectively.

Sekhmet's influence permeated every aspect of life in Sunhaven, from the city's governance to the daily rituals of its citizens. As such, she was hailed as the patron goddess of the citizens.

In Eldorath's interpretation, Goddess Sekhmet manifested as a radiant figure of fiery brilliance. Her eyes, resembling the sun itself, blazed with divine intensity.

Adorned in regal attire with a headdress resembling a fiery crown, Sekhmet's presence invoked both awe and reverence. Citizens believed that Sekhmet's benevolent gaze safeguarded their city and blessed their endeavors.

The temple priests, known as Flame Keepers, played a pivotal role in Sunhaven's governance. Citizens sought guidance from the oracles, who interpreted Sekhmet's will through sacred flames.

Major decisions, trade agreements, and even the city's defenses were shaped by the divine counsel received in the hallowed halls of the temple. Sekhmet's wisdom, they believed, guided Sunhaven's destiny.

In Sunhaven, where the sun kissed the horizon and the sea whispered unknown tales, the citizens lived in harmony with the rhythmic ebb and flow of the coastal tides.

In the shadow of Sekhmet's divine presence, the city stood as a testament to the enduring bond between Eldorath's people, their goddess, and the bountiful sea that cradled their way of life.

Sunhaven was away from all the conflicts between the divine and demonic factions. Even Goddess Sekhmet's temple wasn't interested in completely taking over the city's affairs. It only played an active role in the citizens' lives to foster their faith in the goddess.

***

Nestled along the coastal expanse, the City of Sunhaven was accustomed to the regular influx of visitors - a diverse assembly of guests ranging from merchants and travelers to the occasional Practitioner seeking respite before delving into the uncharted depths of the Joravar Continent through the maritime routes.

For most Practitioners who used Sunhaven as a resting spot, the city held little allure, lacking the mystic attractions found in the deeper territories.

However, for mortals dwelling in the far-flung reaches of Eldorath, Sunhaven stood as a beacon of aspiration and a haven of dreams. Every day witnessed the vibrant pulse of Sunhaven's trade and activities, drawing a continuous stream of individuals, journeying from distant towns to partake in the city's dynamic life and extract profit from its bustling commerce.

On this particular day, a significant queue formed outside the western gate of Sunhaven. The city guards, primarily F-Ranked Practitioners, meticulously scrutinized the arrivals, permitting entry only after verifying their identities and the purpose of their visit.

Unbeknownst to these diligent guards, among the multitude with eager aspirations, stood an A-Ranked Grand Knight with emerald-green eyes.

Patiently biding his time in the queue, he awaited his turn to cross the city's threshold, wanting to make Sunhaven as his abode for the coming years.