With their stomachs full and their spirits lifted, Snowman, Leo, and Ryuki stepped out
of the lounge and began walking down the expansive palace hallway. The morning
sun was warming the stone floors, but the Snowman seemed unusually quiet. His
azure eyes were fixed on the floor, deep in thought.
Leo noticed the boy's distraction. "Something's bothering you, little brother," he said,
his voice steady. "Your mind is somewhere far away from these halls."
Snowman looked up and gave a small, shy smile. "It's nothing big, Brother Leo. I'm
just... confused. My whole life was a small island covered in snow. I thought that was
the whole world. But now, seeing so many diferent Demi-Human races and
monsters... I realize how little I know. I want to understand this world that was hidden
from me for so long."
Ryuki let out a loud, barking laugh, leaning back as he walked. "That's what you're
worried about? Little brother, the world is just a big playground with better snacks!
Don't overthink it!"Leo chuckled, shaking his head at the goblin's simplicity. "Ryuki, do you even know
about the World Flow books?"
Ryuki's smile widened, radiating his signature stubborn pride. "Nope! Not a single
word!"
Leo sighed and rubbed his temples. "Of course you don't. Let me explain it to both of
you, then. There is a sacred text known as the World Flow. There are nine of them in
total—one for each of the Nine Empires. These books were blessed and passed down
by our ancestors since the dawn of time."
As they reached the massive palace doors, Leo's voice took on a tone of deep
reverence. "The World Flow contains the stories and skills of the Nine Pure Divine
Dragon Gods. It chronicles their creations, the origins of every monster race, and the
very first heartbeat of the world. These books are the most guarded treasures in
existence, kept only in the capital shrines of each empire."
The trio stepped out of the palace and into the blinding brightness of the capital. The
air was fresh, carrying the scent of golden wheat and distant rain.
"We are lucky," Leo continued, gesturing toward the horizon. "We stand in the capital
of Virella, the Sunspire Fields. And right there—" He pointed a finger toward a
towering, radiant structure to the right, "—is the Divine Heart Shrine of Virellia. It
houses our shard of the World Flow."
He looked at Snowman with a determined grin. "If you want to know about the races
of this world and how the 'noise' started, we should go in. We'll find the High Priest;
he's a bit of a talker, but he can tell you everything written in the stars and the stone."
Ryuki pumped a fist in the air. "A shrine visit? Sounds like a great place to find some
'holy' snacks while you guys read boring books! Let's move!