Chapter 3: Chapter 3: Fierce Conflict
Jonady immersed himself in the study of this foreign world, driven by an insatiable thirst to understand the forces and rules governing its existence. He quickly discovered that magic was omnipresent, a fundamental energy permeating all aspects of life. Every race inhabiting this world seemed to operate under distinct principles, with some locked in perpetual conflict.
This new world was home to a vast diversity of races, each with its own cultures and beliefs. Most worshipped complex pantheons of gods, each associated with particular aspects of life: war, fertility, magic, or the seasons. These deities were not mere mythological figures; their influence manifested tangibly in the daily lives of the inhabitants, through blessings or curses.
The nation where Jonady had arrived, a small island called Ednia, was rich in history and marked by past conflicts.
Founded 400 years ago, it was now home to a population of 9 million divided among six distinct provinces united under a single banner for centuries.
Jonady learned that the unification of Ednia had been the result of a bloody conflict 410 years ago.
At that time, two of the most powerful principalities faught a battle for supremacy and control over the land.
A victor emerged—Roland Ednia. Through his vision and his ambition this charismatic leader achieved unification.
With unwavering support from his followers, Roland embarked on a total conquest of the neighboring territories. In a tumultuous decade, he succeeded in uniting the entire island under one banner, thereby founding the Kingdom of Ednia.
Since then, his family had ruled the kingdom as its royal family.
However, despite its glorious past, the present was far less certain. Jonady discovered that Ednia was a small island nation in a world dominated by two great powers: The Katakiel Empire, ruled by a demon aristocracy, and the Kingdom of Drakharis, governed by dragons.
The princess of Ednia, a young woman with a piercing gaze and sharp intellect, sought to explain the complexities of the geopolitical situation to Jonady. They were seated in a grand hall of the royal palace, its walls adorned with frescoes depicting Ednia's glorious battles. The princess, clad in a gown bearing the royal house's colors, crossed her arms and spoke in a grave tone.
— "Katakiel has always regarded our island as a dominion," she began. "Back when Ednia was merely a collection of principalities, the Empire played a protective role—but at a price."
She paused, casting a sharp glance at Jonady to ensure he was following.
— "In exchange for their 'protection,' Katakiel monopolized our trade, particularly rice and minerals—critical resources. Some principalities received preferential tariffs, which made them even more dependent on the Empire."
Jonady nodded, absorbing every word. He could sense the rationality in the princess's voice, understanding the predicament of their nation.
— "And today?" he asked.
The princess sighed, shaking her head slightly.
— "Things have changed, but not for the better. Katakiel is still nostalgic for the days of the principalities and has never forgotten our past subjugation. Even now, they seek to dominate us—but this time, they are not coming alone."
She explained that Katakiel had recruited the orcs of the Kingdom of Indrania a race renowned for its tradition of fearsome mercenaries.
— "Their loyalty is bought," she said bitterly, "and I have no doubt that the demons of Katakiel are paying them handsomely for their support in this war."
Jonady frowned.
— "And the other nations? Do they not intervene?"
The princess offered a sad smile.
— "No. The other great nations prefer to remain neutral. To them, we are an isolated island with no real strategic importance. If we were located on the central continent, it would have been different. But as things stand, they see our fate as none of their concern."
The silence that followed was heavy with meaning. The princess's explanations cast a harsh light on Ednia's precarious position. Proud of its hard-won independence, the nation was caught between the claws of powerful neighbors, with no real allies, abandoned to its tragic fate by the rest of the world.
For Jonady, these revelations raised even deeper questions. Why had he been summoned to this world? What role was he meant to play in this complex conflict?
Despite his uncertainties, he felt a thrill of excitement rise within him. This was no mere dream or illusion. He was here, in the heart of a world in turmoil, where every decision could change the course of history.
The challenges he had faced on Earth now seemed insignificant by comparison. Here, he confronted a war that concerned not only armies or kingdoms but also ideals, beliefs, and magical forces.
Jonady remained silent, feeling the weight of her words. He did not yet know what role he would play in this struggle, but he understood that his fate was now intertwined with Ednia's.
Thus, Jonady Kaya's adventure in this strange new world took on a new dimension. Facing formidable enemies and fragile alliances, he would have to draw on his inner strength and develop skills he had never imagined possessing.
The fate of Ednia and his own were now entwined, and the choices he made could very well determine the future of this island nation—and perhaps the entire world.