Dark Lord: Rise to Power

They had spoken in detail the whole night about the Kingdom, its politics, geography, and the dynasty itself. It was enlightening and provided Arin with a vivid picture of the current scenario.

Arin learned that the City of Siterion was a frontier town situated at the edge of the Grand Kingdom of Drihan. Outside the walls of Siterion lay the Whispering Woods.

The Grand Kingdom of Drihan was a major force in the known world. It was nestled between the misty shore of the Forbidden Jade Sea to the west and the ancient Whispering Woods to the east. This kingdom stood tall as a beacon of humankind's might and influence in the world of Nyxoria. Also known as The Eternal Kingdom, by virtue of being eternally bathed in the radiant glow of its patron deity, the God of Light Malkurt, it was ruled by the venerable Driar Dynasty.

The Driar Dynasty was founded by the legendary hero, Seraphin Driar. The dynasty's origins were steeped in valor and divine favor. Seraphin, a warrior of unparalleled skill and virtue, rose to prominence during the last Demonic Invasion, a cataclysmic event that threatened to engulf Nyxoria in a fiery hellscape of fire and brimstone. He also initiated the crusade against the Dark Gods and their evil cults. Through his unwavering faith in Malkurt and his indomitable spirit, Seraphin rallied the fragmented human tribes, leading them to decisive victories—first against the Dark Forces and then against the demonic hordes.

Malkurt, the God of Light, was revered throughout Drihan as the eternal guardian against the forces of darkness. His temples, adorned with golden spires and sun-shaped mosaics, were sanctuaries where the faithful gathered to offer prayers and seek his blessings. The clergy, known as the Luminaries, played a pivotal role in guiding the kingdom's spiritual journey, ensuring that Malkurt's light continued to shine brightly upon the land. Their military wing, the Paladins of Light, were always vigilant in seeking out and rooting out evil and demonic incursions.

The Driar Dynasty was famous for its deep-rooted devotion to Malkurt and its unwavering commitment to the welfare of its subjects. Each ruler, descended from Seraphin, bore the title of Luminary King or Queen, symbolizing their role as both sovereign and spiritual guide. The current monarch, King Elahad Driar, was revered as a paragon of wisdom and grace, leading his people with a compassionate heart and unyielding resolve.

The legacy of Seraphin Driar permeated every facet of Drihan society. Statues and monuments in his honor dotted the capital city of Serapha, serving as constant reminders of his heroic deeds and the divine providence that saved Nyxoria. In Serapha, the annual Festival of Light commemorated Seraphin's triumph. This grand celebration was marked by vibrant parades, fervent prayers, and dazzling displays of magic.

Drihan's society was religious, but although Malkurt was the Patron Deity, reverence for other gods was not shunned or prohibited. In the capital, there were temples for every major god and goddess. Drihan had a formidable military as well as a vast trade network. Thanks to the constant exertion of religious pressure through state-funded missions, Drihan had significant cultural influence over most of its neighbors, except for the Elven Kingdom of Whispering Woods, the Warfathers of Tundra to the north, and the Beastmen Kingdom of Sahuka in the southern desert. Every species was allowed in Drihan, as long as they followed the major human gods and goddesses, but humans were always treated a bit more favorably compared to other races.

Nyxoria was not fully explored yet; only the continent of Ferasa was fully explored. On this continent, there were four major powers. Drihan was the most important of the four. Then there was the Kingdom of Sahuka—a federation of various tribes of Beastmen based in the southern desert of Sahuka. The Glorious Elven Kingdom of Aeloria, based in the vast stretches of the biggest forest on the continent—the Whispering Wood—was also a power to reckon with. Last but not least were the Warfathers of Tundra to the north. These barbarian clans were constantly at war with each other, but they would instantly stop fighting and band together as soon as any one of them felt threatened by an outside force. Additionally, if any warfather managed to unite all the tribes, they would organize a pilgrimage. This was essentially an invasion where all the tribes would descend to the fertile plains of the south, going as far as they could until they were either obliterated or could no longer carry any more loot back home. There was a rumor that Seraphin Driar himself was a Warfather who led such a pilgrimage to the south and unintentionally found himself tangled in the Crusades of Light and the Demonic War, becoming the Champion of Mankind. But this was considered utter blasphemy within the borders of Drihan, and if caught spreading it, the punishment was the instant obliteration of one's entire lineage.

There were other prominent powers as well, like the Concord of Freehold, an alliance of small city-states with significant wealth but little military power. However, this lack of military power was countered by the 'Unseen'—the most efficient assassin clan on the continent—and their vast funds to buy the services of the biggest and strongest sell-swords on the continent. Then there was the subterranean empire of the Dusk Elves or Dark Elves; the Turags of the Steppes, who were loosely affiliated with the Sahuka Empire. There was also the Cinder Empire of Dark Iron Dwarves in the mountain range south of the Whispering Wood. They were the only force who openly declared themselves worshippers of the Dark Gods. But the mountains were too treacherous, and they were too brutal and advanced in warfare technology for Drihan to organize an effective crusade against them. Small teams would be obliterated, and big teams would starve and be chipped down in the treacherous mountain range.

This continent had been subjected to periodic demonic invasions, each more brutal than the last, bringing civilization to the brink of destruction every time. According to records, although every one of those invasions had been repelled in the end, victory always came at a huge cost, setting the civilizations of the entire continent centuries behind.

Arin received almost all the information he needed to stay updated in this world.

He also came across an interesting piece of information. The castle which Arin had chosen as his base was in Dark Wood. Dark Wood was just an extension of the Whispering Wood and served as a buffer state between the Kingdom of Drihan and the Kingdom of Aeloria. Although technically part of the Whispering Wood, neither Drihan nor the Elves of Whispering Wood enjoyed direct control over Dark Wood. More interesting was the rumor of Dark Wood being the capital of the Dark Lord before the last demonic invasion. The Crusade of Light destroyed both the Temple City Siraya and the Dark Lord's capital. Siraya was demolished, and Siterion was built on its ruins. The Whispering Wood gradually covered the ravaged, forgotten city of the Dark Lord. But the strong dark energy seeped into the soil and air, turning Whispering Wood into Dark Wood, a mysterious forest between Drihan and Aeloria.

Arin was happy that morning, for he made 200 gold coins for the two quicksilver bars. Aedric wanted to pay him more, but he saw no need to take extra. Arin had always been hungry for power; money was just a means to gain it. He was never much interested in money anyway.

Now, he needed to complete his first quest, get a second quest, and go outside. He needed to check on the kids and his castle as well. Suddenly, he heard a voice in his head: "My Lord, can you hear me? Your humble servant begs your attention!" It was the voice of Zulkarnash. Arin realized the Archlich was contacting him telepathically.

"You have my attention," Arin replied in his mind.

"Thank you, Milord. The minions you bestowed upon me have discovered a route to reach the ground. Now we await your permission," Zulkarnash spoke.

Arin advised him, "Wait for now. Start your digging at midnight, and try to finish before dawn. Scout the area to ensure it is secluded, and then proceed above ground."

Zulkarnash said, "As my sire wills!"

Arin inquired, "The humans may descend this morning at the sewer. Make sure they do not trace you or discover the secret chamber!"

"It has been taken care of!" the Archlich assured.

Arin felt that at last things were starting to fall into place. He entered the Guild Hall. It was nearly empty. Only a few drunkard adventurers were sleeping on tables, probably after a grand celebration last night. Arin looked around and suddenly felt a slap on the back of his head. "Good morning, ya wimpy kid!" Arin recognized the voice. "When have you seen me crying or whining?" Arin said to Ragna as he turned around. Ragna put her hands on his shoulders and playfully shook him, "Ya do, that's why ya hide yarself behind a mask, so no one can see ya cry!" Arin fist-bumped with her. "So, what made you come here in the morning?" Arin asked. "Don't you have a quest with your friends?". "Yes we will meet here and start our quest!" she replied. They started chatting and after a while the Elf Lady of yesterday entered the guild hall. She found Ragna chatting with Arin, sighed with disgust, and told her "Get up Icehead, we are waiting for you outside!".

Ragna gave a dry smile to Arin and waved Goodbye to him, "Next time we will quest together, promise?". Arin suddenly replied, "Promise!" without much thought, and was surprised at himself.

He saw her leave with the Elf lady and faced a bit sad. He himself was not aware of the reason behind him feeling sad suddenly.