LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter : A World of Fifty-Five Continents and Nineteen Oceans
In a world sprawling with 55 continents and divided by 19 vast oceans, monarchy reigns unchallenged. This world is a cauldron of conflict and intrigue, populated not only by humans but also by ancient, long-lived races. These beings—Elves, Demons, Vampires, and Fairies—are as varied in culture and power as they are in appearance.
Magic is the lifeblood of this world, weaving through its lands and societies. Yet, magic is not universal. Only a fortunate few can wield it, while the rest live in its shadow, fueling resentment and awe.
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A World of War and Division
This world is far from peaceful. Each race has its own kingdom, and politics, alliances, and betrayals fuel a cycle of endless conflict. War is not the exception but the rule, with bloodshed shaping the history of the continents.
Two of the most devastating wars in history include:
The Demon-Human War (DHW): A brutal conflict lasting over two thousand years, where humanity fought desperately to survive against the relentless onslaught of the Demon Kingdom.
The Vampire-Elf War (VEW): A three-thousand-year struggle between the Vampire Kingdom and their elven neighbors, marked by territorial disputes and a clash of ideologies.
Amid this chaos, a recurring narrative dominates the ages: the eternal battle between the Hero and the Demon King. This cycle of hatred and war repeats across generations, shaping destinies and kingdoms.
Throughout history, humanity has produced the majority of the world's heroes—369 in total. However, two notable exceptions stand out: Elven heroes, whose stories defy the human-centric narrative.
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The Geography of Power
The geography of this world reflects its fractured nature:
Center North: The realm of humanity, marked by sprawling cities and kingdoms constantly at odds with each other.
South: The lush and mystical Elven Kingdom, its forests humming with ancient magic and guarded fiercely against outsiders.
East: The dark and foreboding Vampire Kingdom, ruled by powerful nobles and shrouded in eternal night.
West: The brutal Demon Kingdom, a land of harsh landscapes and fearsome power.
Western East: The enigmatic Fairy Kingdom, a mysterious land that has remained neutral in the wars, isolated by choice and shrouded in magic.
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The Rise of New Ideologies
Centuries of monarchy, tyranny, and endless war pushed humanity to the brink. As people suffered under the weight of war, oppression, and famine, two revolutionary ideologies emerged:
1. Democracy: Introduced by the newly formed Rance Republic, democracy offered a vision of governance where the power lay with the people, not monarchs. It became a beacon of hope for those who yearned for equality and freedom.
2. Socialism: Born from the ideals of the United People's State (UPS), socialism proposed a society where resources and power were shared among all, rejecting the hierarchies of monarchs and aristocrats.
These ideologies clashed not only with the monarchies but also with each other, further dividing humanity. The monarchists, feeling their power threatened, declared war on both the republics and the UPS. This plunged the world into further chaos, as humanity now warred among itself while still facing external threats from the Demons, Vampires, and Elves.
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A World on the Brink
This is a world caught in a web of hatred, war, and competing ideals. The monarchy fights to maintain its control, the republics fight for democracy, and the UPS struggles to prove that socialism can prevail. Meanwhile, the other races watch, waiting for the right moment to strike—or withdraw further into their own conflicts.
In this fractured world, the question remains:
Can the cycle of war ever be broken, or will this world forever remain a battleground?