A few years after his accession, Heron stumbled upon a vein of gold. Captivated by its gleam and sparkle, he decided to build a palace of gold and inaugurated a new era—the Year of the Golden King.
Around this time, magical beasts began to appear. These were ordinary animals mutated and enhanced by the world's Mana into powerful, magic-wielding creatures—humans' awakened equivalents. The elves in the west were the first to encounter them. Though none were overtly dangerous, they quickly recognized the potential threat these Mana-beasts posed. Thus, they founded a small but united forest kingdom of a few thousand souls.
The dwarves had meanwhile retreated entirely into the mountains, discovering a vast cavern which they excavated into a suitable underground home. They too were on the verge of founding a kingdom.
Several centuries later, in the 301st Year of the Golden King, a major shift occurred among the humans. Heron's ninth king died without warning—and, crucially, without heirs. Chaos erupted as various factions vied for power. The once-unified Kingdom of Heron splintered into six duchies. The eastern nomads even aligned themselves with one of the emerging power blocs.
Karon Albert seized the capital and crowned himself king over Brandt's remnants. After prolonged conflict, the realm fragmented into four kingdoms: Albera, encompassing the former capital and surrounding territory; Brandt, the smallest in the northeast; Morgana, established by desert nomads; and Avian, in the south, plagued by tribal tensions.
All four—except Morgana, which withdrew from warfare—frequently clashed over land and resources, often spilling blood along their borders. The total human population on Gaia hovered around 300,000, with the Kingdoms of Heron's successor realms in decline due to constant strife.
Meanwhile, centuries later, the elves and dwarves had matured into structured civilizations. The elven kingdom, led by their ancient chieftain Narun, had made significant progress in arms production, driven by conflicts with Mana-beasts. Being long-lived, some elves, including Narun, had lived for centuries.
An encouraging development occurred: elves and dwarves made contact near the edge of the elven woods. Despite proximity, both communities showed no aggression—only cautious observation.
With civilization blossoming, Asher's Faith Points had recovered about 80% of what he had spent.
"It's time to intervene in the battle once more."
Asher floated in the cosmic void near Gaia, reflecting on the world's past. He resolved to directly influence events—but this time, subtly by nurturing religion and belief among the people.
Year 369 of the Golden King · Kingdom of Brandt · Fort Bram
Disguised as a mortal, Asher arrived unnoticed on the bustling market street of Fort Bram—the last stronghold of Brandt. Surrounded by looming cliffs and accessible only from one narrow pass, it withstood multiple sieges by Albera, repelling each attack.
Though Brandt was the smallest and weakest of the kingdoms, it endured thanks to Fort Bram's natural defenses. Strategic, resource-rich, and centrally positioned, it was perfect for Asher's plans.
Brandt was also home to healthy, contented people—unlike the oppressed peasants in Albera—and, most importantly, its current king: Aaron Brandt, a young, twenty-something ruler known for his kindness and genuine care for his subjects.
Asher strolled confidently past guards as if invisible. They never reacted—as though he were a ghost. He entered the modest marble castle and headed to the workroom, slipping through the closed door without hesitation.
Inside, Aaron sat poring over documents, appearing lean from stress or lack of food. He froze when he heard Asher clear his throat.
"Wh—who are you? How did you get in? Where are the guards?!"
Aaron's frantic cries brought no help; the guards did not appear.
"My King…" Asher's voice echoed powerfully through the hall as he revealed himself.
He summoned a golden spear that materialized in his hand with a breeze that flung papers around. A gleaming armor with a red cloak and Spartan-style helm appeared on him, and a sword hung at his side. Asher now stood as a commanding general.
"I am Achilles of Troy, God's Messenger—here to help and guide you!"
He lifted his hand toward Aaron, imbued it with light—and soon drew forth a shining silver sword.
"This is the Sword of the Chosen—forged from celestial steel, volcanic core, and blessed by divinity. God grants it to you to unite the human kingdoms and bring peace under your reign!"
Aaron, awestruck, knelt and accepted the blade. The moment the king grasped it, the sword glowed—and Aaron trembled in exhilaration.
Asher's bluff worked masterfully. The blade, a remarkable steel piece beyond their technology, only held a trace of divine blessing—just enough to shine and resist rust.
"With this Sword of Salvation, you will overcome your foes and unite humanity. I will stand by your side," Asher declared.
With Aaron's acceptance, Asher had successfully recruited Brandt. Through this alliance, he aimed to advance human civilization and spread renewed belief across Gaia.