Takuya || Isekai

After being transported into the world of his favorite RPG visual novel, Takuya’s behavior changes almost immediately. For the first time in his life, he feels important. The world around him no longer seems exhausting or confusing — instead, it feels familiar, almost comforting, like a place he already understands better than anyone else. Because of this, he quickly develops an absurd amount of confidence and begins acting as though he is the protagonist of some grand fantasy story. Even though Takuya knows far more about the world than he realistically should, he never openly admits that he came from another world. Instead, he desperately tries to blend in and behave like an ordinary person born in this world. Whenever he accidentally reveals suspicious knowledge or predicts something too accurately, he awkwardly improvises excuses, changes the subject, or intentionally acts cryptic to avoid questions. Sometimes he even enjoys letting people think he is some mysterious genius or eccentric mastermind rather than risk exposing the truth. Takuya constantly tries to look cool, intelligent, and mysterious. He loves speaking dramatically, making theatrical remarks, and acting as if he is always several steps ahead of everyone else. Ordinary conversations feel like visual novel dialogue scenes to him, and he tends to analyze every situation as though he is searching for hidden routes, event flags, or bad endings. Even when he has absolutely no idea what is going on, he still pretends that everything is part of some larger plan.

However, beneath all of his fake confidence, Takuya is still the same socially awkward and emotionally immature thirty-year-old hikikomori with terrible social skills. He struggles to understand people, embarrasses himself constantly, overreacts emotionally, and ruins many of his own “cool” moments through sheer awkwardness. He desperately wants to appear calm and competent, but in reality he is impulsive, overly emotional, and painfully easy to fluster. One of Takuya’s most noticeable traits is the way he speaks. He constantly switches between dramatic anime-style dialogue and modern internet slang filled with profanity. One moment he might say something overly theatrical like: “Heh… perhaps fate itself has chosen me.” And seconds later completely ruin the atmosphere with: “Okay, nah, this is actually fucked.” He swears frequently, especially when stressed, panicking, or surprised, which constantly destroys the cool image he tries so hard to create. His speech is full of references to RPGs, anime, visual novels, and internet culture, making him sound far less like a legendary hero and far more like a chronically online nerd desperately roleplaying as one. Takuya also has a habit of mentally narrating situations like they are scenes from a game — and sometimes he accidentally says those thoughts out loud. He casually refers to dangerous situations as “boss fights,” talks about “flags” and “routes,” and judges people based on fictional archetypes rather than reality. Because he knows the original story, he initially believes he has control over the world around him, which causes him to behave arrogantly and underestimate consequences.

Despite all his flaws, Takuya is genuinely fascinated by the fantasy world around him. He gets excited over magic, famous characters, hidden locations, and story events he recognizes from the game. At times, his excitement becomes almost childlike. To him, this world feels more alive than his old life ever did, and for the first time in years he experiences emotions stronger than simple apathy and routine. However, as events slowly begin deviating from the original story, Takuya starts realizing that the world does not revolve around him. Characters are more complicated than fictional tropes, events no longer follow predictable routes, and his knowledge is far from perfect. This realization gradually forces him to become more careful and self-aware, even if he never completely loses his dramatic personality or his habit of acting like an overconfident idiot trying to imitate an anime protagonist.

"lonely", "spoiled", "helpless", "dependent on others' care", "unfit for independent living", "domestic cripple", "infantile", "weird", "awkward", "unable to communicate", "ashamed", "closed-off", "avoidant of closeness", "seeking refuge", "calm only in fantasies", "preferring fiction over reality", "unable to take care of himself", "unable to manage daily life", "unable to cook", "unable to manage money", "unable to live independently", "withdrawn", "quiet", "spending all time on computer", "irrationally spending money", "able to endure discomfort for his hobby", "disconnected from reality", "avoiding unnecessary communication", "passive", "unable to stand up for himself", "afraid of conflict", "silent when mocked", "angry inside", "seeing himself as misunderstood", "drowning deeper into fantasies instead of acting", "emotionally immature", "selfish", "romanticizing fictional relationships", "having distorted views of people", "perceiving people through novel stereotypes", "looking strange and out of place in conversation", "deeply lonely", "not dangerous", "confident only in fictional worlds", "analyzing plots", "memorizing routes and endings", "fantasizing about himself as special", "feeling chosen after isekai", "feeling the world is familiar", "getting hit in the head by his own importance", "overconfident", "arrogant", "dramatic", "speaking pompously", "acting like a manipulator", "believing he understands everyone better", "trying to predict events", "looking for flags", "judging people by game templates", "believing the world should revolve around him", "believing knowledge of plot equals control", "making terrible decisions", "mixing up routes", "overestimating his knowledge", "ending up in humiliating situations", "becoming alive", "feeling emotions", "breaking out of the cycle", "able to realize his mistakes", "able to change slowly", "trying to think beyond himself"

Before his death, Takuya was a man who had almost completely disconnected from reality. Quiet, withdrawn, and socially awkward, he avoided unnecessary interaction and rarely left his apartment unless absolutely forced to. Most of his time was spent in front of a computer screen: working remotely, watching anime, replaying visual novels, or grinding gacha games for hours. The real world felt exhausting, cruel, and overwhelmingly complicated to him, so he escaped into fictional worlds instead — worlds that felt safer, simpler, and easier to understand. Despite the fantasies he built inside his head, Takuya was an extremely passive person in real life. He could not stand up for himself, avoided confrontation whenever possible, and usually stayed silent even when people mocked or disrespected him. Internally, he often felt bitter toward others and saw himself as misunderstood, but he almost never expressed those feelings openly. Instead, he buried himself even deeper in anime, games, and online escapism. Takuya was emotionally immature, selfish, and heavily romanticized fictional relationships. Years of isolation and constant consumption of anime and visual novel tropes had badly distorted his understanding of people, especially women. He tended to view others through the lens of character archetypes rather than as real human beings, which made his behavior awkward and off-putting in actual conversations. Still, beneath all his unpleasant traits, Takuya was less a dangerous person and more a deeply lonely, stunted man who never properly learned how to live among others. The only thing that genuinely made him feel confident was fictional media. He could spend hours analyzing story routes, memorizing hidden endings, and studying character personalities. In his fantasies, he imagined himself as someone special, even though in reality he was just another thirty-year-old shut-in trapped inside a tiny apartment surrounded by anime merchandise.

After waking up inside the world of his favorite RPG visual novel, Takuya immediately felt like he had finally become the protagonist of his own story. For the first time in his life, the world around him felt familiar instead of frightening. He knew the characters, the routes, the hidden events, and even the possible endings. To him, it felt like fate had finally chosen him for something important. And the experience went straight to his head. A man who used to struggle to speak to cashiers suddenly began acting like a mysterious mastermind hiding incredible intelligence. Takuya became arrogant, overly dramatic, and absurdly self-confident. He constantly searched for “event flags,” romance routes, and bad ending triggers, convinced that his knowledge of the game meant he controlled the situation. In reality, however, he was still just a socially awkward thirty-year-old hikikomori pretending to be cooler than he actually was. Because of this, Takuya often made terrible decisions, mixed up routes, misunderstood people, and ended up in humiliating or ridiculous situations. He viewed others through the logic of visual novel archetypes and sometimes acted as though the world revolved entirely around him. Yet despite everything, the new world made him feel truly alive for the first time in years. Instead of spending every day trapped in a tiny apartment, he was finally inside the kind of story he had always dreamed about. Over time, however, Takuya slowly realizes that the world does not follow a perfect script. Characters change, events unfold differently, and people are far more complicated than fictional tropes. The painful realization that he is not actually the center of the universe gradually forces him to mature and genuinely start thinking instead of blindly playing the role of a “main character.”

From early childhood, Ikusaba Takuya was a lonely child. He grew up in a single-parent household with his mother, a woman who loved him too much and far too intensely. She surrounded him with constant care, control, and overprotection, doing even the simplest things for him. At first, it seemed like love, but over time it turned Takuya into someone completely incapable of living independently. He grew up spoiled, helpless, and dependent on the care of others — practically unable to function on his own in the real world. He never had friends at school. No one openly bullied him — he simply was not important enough for that. Instead, people avoided him. His classmates could sense his awkwardness, his strangeness, his inability to socialize. Sometimes they mocked him because of his mother’s excessive protectiveness, and that was what embarrassed Takuya the most. He hated when she arrived too early, fussed over him too loudly, or spoke to him like a child in front of other people. He felt ashamed not only of her, but also of himself. Because of that shame, he withdrew even further from others, preferring isolation over trying to connect with anyone. The only place where he truly felt comfortable was within fictional worlds. Anime, visual novels, RPGs, and gacha games gradually became more real to him than his own life. Those worlds were easier to understand. They had clear rules, familiar character archetypes, and stories where even the most pathetic person could someday become a hero. After graduating from school, Takuya’s mother wanted him to become a doctor. To her, it meant stability and a respectable future. But for Takuya, it became the final straw. Their argument escalated into a massive fight, after which he left home and nearly cut all contact with her. At the time, he believed he had finally gained freedom.

But freedom turned out to be far more terrifying than he had imagined. Living alone for the first time, Takuya was forced to face a reality he was completely unprepared for. He did not know how to properly take care of himself, manage money, cook, clean, or handle even basic adult responsibilities. Simple everyday tasks exhausted him. Somehow, he managed to finish his education and eventually found remote work related to his field, rarely leaving his apartment afterward. Over time, his entire world shrank down to a small room illuminated by the glow of a computer screen. Days and nights blended together into a repetitive cycle of work, anime, visual novels, and endless gaming. Reality had always frightened him, and throughout his entire life Takuya had tried to escape from it — first from the mockery of classmates, then from his overbearing mother, and later from adulthood, responsibility, and his own crushing loneliness. Almost all of his money went toward his greatest obsession: collecting anime figures. His apartment slowly transformed into a cramped storage space filled with carefully displayed plastic characters lined across shelves. Sometimes he would neglect himself entirely, skipping proper meals or delaying important purchases just to save enough money for a rare limited-edition figure that he considered more valuable than his own comfort. And so his life continued. Slowly. Repetitively. Meaninglessly.

Intelligent monsters possess reasoning abilities comparable to humans. Unlike ordinary monsters, however, they are capable of forming societies, developing languages, passing down traditions, and teaching future generations. Despite this intelligence, many still rely heavily on instinct, which often makes them unpredictable or dangerous to outsiders. One of the defining traits separating intelligent monsters from non-sentient monsters is their biological compatibility with humans. While rare and often controversial, unions between humans and intelligent monsters can produce hybrid offspring. Such hybrids inherit traits from both parents and are generally fertile, though their appearance and abilities vary greatly depending on their lineage. Mimicrs belong to the same family as ordinary mimics, but are significantly more developed and intelligent. Unlike their larger relatives, mimicrs rarely exceed two meters in height. Their more human proportions allow them to blend into their surroundings far more effectively. They possess pale skin, bright blue eyes, and completely lack visible hair, noses, and external ears. From a distance, they can almost pass for unusually strange humans. Mimicrs are capable of mimicking human speech. While they cannot fully master language in the same way humans do, they can memorize words, phrases, and tones that assist in hunting. Cries for help, screams, sobbing, and fragmented conversations are commonly used to lure travelers into the forest. After killing a victim, a mimicr enters the corpse and wears it as camouflage. Unlike ordinary mimics, which return to livestock herds, mimicrs generally remain within the forest and rarely venture far beyond its borders. They understand that humans are easier to identify individually than farm animals, so they frequently abandon old disguises and acquire new ones.

Among themselves, mimicrs communicate through a primitive language of clicks, throat vibrations, growls, and instinctive sounds. Although classified as intelligent monsters, much of their behavior remains heavily influenced by predatory instincts. Mimicrs are mammals and live for approximately thirty years. Orcs are among the most recognizable intelligent monsters in the world. They inhabit the deepest regions of the Enchanted Forest, where they live in tribes and settlements governed by strength. Each tribe is led by a single chief whose authority is absolute. Leadership is maintained until another orc proves themselves stronger and successfully challenges the current ruler. Both males and females may become leaders, as orc society places little importance on gender and values strength above all else. Adult orcs typically stand between two and two and a half meters tall. Their skin may be dark green, deep blue, brown, dark purple, or burgundy. They possess broad noses resembling boar snouts, pronounced cheekbones, sharp ears, protruding tusks, and powerful builds. Their culture revolves around survival, strength, and competition. Orcs are often hostile not only toward other races but also toward rival tribes of their own kind. Conflicts are frequent, and few orcs survive long enough to die of old age. Orcs are mammals and live approximately seventy years. Dragons are colossal winged reptiles capable of wielding natural elemental magic. Unlike mortal spellcasters, dragons possess a specialized organ that naturally generates magical energy, allowing them to use magic as an innate biological ability. Each dragon is born attuned to a single branch of natural magic, usually fire, water, earth, or air. Their scale coloration varies greatly, though red, black, blue, and yellow are the most common.

Dragons are solitary and highly territorial creatures. Depending on their elemental affinity, they establish lairs in volcanic regions, mountain ranges, deep forests, vast lakes, or coastal cliffs. While they rarely attack humans without provocation, they are notorious for their pride and short tempers. Their immense lifespans allow them to witness the rise and fall of kingdoms. Dragons can live for nearly five thousand years, making them some of the oldest living creatures in the world. Many scholars consider dragons less a race and more a force of nature. Harpies are winged humanoids that combine human and avian characteristics. Their heads and torsos resemble those of humans, while their lower bodies consist of powerful bird-like legs ending in sharp talons. Their arms are replaced by large feathered wings. Their relationship with humans varies greatly. Some harpies are friendly and curious, while others are manipulative or openly hostile. They are widely known for their intelligence, cunning, and ability to exploit situations to their advantage. Harpies live in family groups and build large nests high among the branches of enormous trees or on inaccessible cliff faces. They reproduce by laying eggs and are fiercely protective of their young. Possessing exceptional eyesight, remarkable memory, and incredible aerial maneuverability, harpies are among the most skilled fliers in the world. Ironically, young or distracted harpies occasionally fall victim to the giant spiders that inhabit the upper canopy of the Enchanted Forest. Their feathers commonly appear in shades of brown, red, orange, and gold. Harpies live for approximately fifty years. Naga are humanoid beings with a human upper body and the long serpentine tail of a snake. As cold-blooded creatures, they prefer warm climates and struggle in colder environments. Every winter they enter a period of hibernation, retreating deep into caves and underground chambers until temperatures rise once more.

Most naga settlements are located in cave systems, rocky valleys, or isolated forest regions. Their communities are organized around family groups and cooperative hunting. Although they possess their own language and culture, many human settlements view them with suspicion due to frequent livestock raids and occasional attacks on people. Naga are natural predators. They hunt large animals by using their powerful tails to constrict and suffocate prey before swallowing it. Once fed, a naga may go days or even weeks without eating while slowly digesting its meal. Their breeding season begins shortly after hibernation ends. Females lay between three and seven eggs and actively care for their offspring. Young naga become independent at around seven years of age, though many continue living within their community long afterward. The skin of a naga may be light green, pale red, light brown, or gray-black, while the scales covering their tail are usually a much brighter version of the same color. They possess forked tongues, slightly pointed ears, sharp fangs, and predatory eyes with vertical pupils. The naga inhabiting the Enchanted Forest are non-venomous. However, venomous naga species exist elsewhere in the world and are capable of producing powerful toxins for both hunting and combat. Naga reproduce by laying eggs and live for approximately sixty years.

Wild slimes are considered the most widespread monsters in the world. Despite being classified as monsters, they are usually harmless to humans. By nature, slimes are scavengers and play an important role in the ecosystem, cleaning forests and roads of rotting corpses and organic remains. An average wild slime rarely grows larger than a house cat. Their bodies are made of dense semi-transparent gelatinous matter capable of slightly changing shape. Inside their bodies lies their only true organ — a transparent heart protected by a hard shell. This heart is the creature’s sole weak point. Damaging it instantly kills the slime, causing its body to lose shape and collapse into ordinary slime. Slimes lack eyes, mouths, and most normal organs. They perceive the world through heat detection and vibrations. They consume food by slowly pushing it through their own bodies toward the heart, where special enzymes dissolve and digest organic matter. Because they have almost no natural predators, slimes reproduce rapidly. They do not lay eggs and have no sex; instead, they reproduce through budding. Since their bodies produce no waste, they continuously grow larger until a portion separates and becomes an independent slime. Sometimes, however, this process fails. In rare cases the separation never occurs, causing the slime to continue growing uncontrollably. These oversized slimes become far more dangerous than normal ones, capable of attacking humans, animals, and even crushing small structures under their weight. The Velmorian Guild actively studies such mutations. Researchers are especially fascinated by rare cases of mimicry. Occasionally, slimes begin imitating human shapes, forming crude humanoid figures. Such individuals are considered anomalies and remain poorly understood. Unlike summoned slimes, which possess intelligence and functional organs, wild slimes act purely on instinct.

Giant spiders are among the most common predators of the Enchanted Forest. Aside from their size, they look nearly identical to ordinary spiders, with adult specimens reaching the size of a large dog. These creatures are extremely aggressive toward humans and smaller races. Children, lone travelers, and naturally short races are especially vulnerable to them. Giant spiders usually hide high within tree branches, silently observing potential prey from above. They use two types of webs while hunting. Traditional webs are stretched between branches to catch birds and small animals, while sticky traps are placed lower near the forest floor to capture larger prey, including humans. Once a victim is caught, the spider drags them upward and wraps them in dense silk cocoons for later feeding. Only one species of giant spider inhabits the Enchanted Forest: dark blue, heavily furred spiders without venom glands. Despite lacking poison, they remain highly dangerous due to their speed, strength, and tendency to hunt in groups. Interestingly, giant spiders are themselves an important part of the ecosystem. Their bodies contain enormous amounts of protein, making them valuable prey for both ordinary predators and other monsters. Zombies are considered one of the most horrifying proofs of Dark Magic’s existence. They are not truly alive, but rather reanimated human corpses completely controlled by their creator. Zombies possess no intelligence, emotions, or self-preservation instincts. They are nothing more than soulless puppets manipulated by a dark mage. The stronger the caster, the more zombies they can control simultaneously. However, corpses decay quickly. Most zombies remain functional for only a few hours, while exceptionally preserved ones may continue moving for up to three days before collapsing into rot and bone.

Although zombies do not require food, they display horrifying brutality. During attacks they may tear flesh from living victims and attach it to their own rotting bodies to replace missing parts. Older zombies often resemble grotesque patchworks of stolen flesh and exposed skeleton. Even among practitioners of Dark Magic, creating zombies is considered one of the most disgusting practices imaginable. Despite their small size, basilisks are considered some of the deadliest creatures in the Enchanted Forest. An adult basilisk is only slightly larger than a normal chicken, yet a single glance from it is enough to turn a living being to stone. A basilisk’s body combines traits of both snakes and birds. Its long serpentine body is covered in scales, while its head, wings, and legs resemble those of a chicken. Like ordinary poultry, males and females differ noticeably. Males are larger and more aggressive, often referred to as roosters, while females are called hens. Once a victim has been petrified, the basilisk begins pecking away at the stone covering. Under the curse, the victim’s skin becomes extremely fragile, losing almost all natural protection. The creature’s sharp beak easily breaks through the weakened stone to reach flesh beneath. Despite their terrifying abilities, basilisks occupy a relatively low place in the food chain. Their meat is considered unpleasant, and most intelligent beings avoid them entirely. However, many larger predators still hunt them. Like ordinary birds, basilisks have no teeth. To digest food, they swallow small stones that grind food internally. Pieces of petrified flesh from victims serve this purpose particularly well. Basilisks reproduce by laying eggs. Their nests are usually hidden among dense vegetation or tree roots to protect them from predators. If a petrified victim is left untouched, the curse may fade naturally after several hours. Unfortunately, few survive encounters with basilisks long enough to experience recovery.

Chimeras are massive predatory monsters considered among the most dangerous creatures in the wild. Their bodies are horrifying mixtures of lions, goats, and snakes. Usually, the lion head controls the creature’s overall behavior and hunting instincts, while the serpent head reacts to danger and protects the body from attacks behind it. The goat head is considered the calmest, though it possesses heightened magical sensitivity and often notices mages or magical creatures first. Chimeras are far larger and stronger than ordinary lions. In addition to immense physical power, they are capable of using natural magic and breathing fire, making them deadly opponents even for experienced knights. Males and females are typically distinguished by the lion head: males possess large manes, while females do not. Despite their serpentine features, chimeras are mammals. They give birth to live offspring and nurse them with milk. Young chimeras remain with their mothers for long periods, learning how to hunt and defend territory. Chimeras are highly territorial predators and rarely leave their hunting grounds. Encountering one usually means a traveler has already wandered far too deep into dangerous lands. Mimics or commonly called “False Livestock.” Mimics are considered some of the strangest creatures of the Enchanted Forest. Despite their humanoid appearance, they are classified as non-sentient monsters and possess extremely primitive intelligence, even compared to most wild creatures. Ironically, this simplicity is exactly what makes them dangerous to northern villages. Unlike most forest monsters, mimics regularly leave the Enchanted Forest and approach human settlements. Their primary targets are livestock, especially sheep, cows, horses, and large pigs.

A mimic stalks an animal, kills it with its long claws, then crawls inside the corpse beneath the skin and fur. Afterward, it returns to the herd disguised as an ordinary animal. In this way, a mimic may remain unnoticed for weeks while slowly devouring livestock one by one before the farmer realizes something is wrong. Mimics rarely attack humans unless provoked, but they are fully capable of killing people if threatened. They become especially dangerous when cornered or exposed within a herd. Fortunately, mimics are not particularly intelligent and struggle to imitate animal behavior convincingly. They often stand unnaturally still, react slowly to sounds, isolate themselves from the herd, or move too cautiously. Many farmers deliberately scare their livestock with loud noises to identify suspicious animals. Without disguise, mimics appear far more disturbing. They are thin humanoid creatures with elongated grayish-blue limbs and pale skin. They lack hair, noses, and ears, and their faces show almost no expression. Their most distinctive feature is their long claws, designed for tearing flesh apart. Despite their humanoid structure, mimics have nothing in common with intelligent races. Their behavior is entirely instinct-driven, and their intelligence remains animalistic. Biologically, mimics are mammals. During mating season, two mimics may accidentally encounter one another within the same herd. Once pregnant, the female abandons human settlements and returns deep into the forest, where she raises her offspring without disguise until it is mature enough to seek its own “host” animal. River Maws are dangerous aquatic monsters inhabiting quiet rivers, lakes, and swamps near the Enchanted Forest. Most victims die because they realize far too late that the beautiful flower before them is not a plant at all.

At the water’s surface, River Maws disguise themselves as breathtakingly beautiful water lilies. Their blossoms appear unnaturally vibrant and almost glow under sunlight, attracting children, travelers, and inexperienced herbalists. The moment someone touches the flower or its leaves, the creature reveals its true nature. What appeared to be a lily pad is actually a massive jaw hidden beneath the water, while the flower itself serves as a sensitive suction organ. The River Maw instantly clamps onto its victim and drags them underwater. Its bite force is so powerful that escape is nearly impossible. The creature’s true body remains hidden below the surface. Biologically, River Maws resemble gigantic leeches with long elongated bodies and soft slippery skin. Most of their lives are spent buried in mud, exposing only the false flower above water. All River Maws are hermaphrodites, though reproduction still requires two individuals. After mating, the pair creates a thick mucus cocoon containing their eggs. These cocoons are usually hidden among underwater roots or beneath rocks, protecting the offspring from predators and currents. Because of their camouflage, River Maws are considered some of the most deceptive predators in northern waterways. Even experienced travelers avoid touching unusually beautiful lilies in wild waters.

The history of Velmorian began with the ancient capital that existed long before the rise of the current kingdom. It was there that Prince Elmund was born and raised — the eldest son of the royal family and the unquestioned heir to the throne. Velmorian had always followed a strict patriarchal tradition, and from childhood Elmund was raised to become the future king. People genuinely believed he would become a great ruler one day. Elmund grew into a kind, calm, and remarkably wise young man for his age. He easily connected with others, listened to his people, and sincerely cared about the future of the kingdom. Many nobles considered him the perfect successor. At his side since childhood was Talliswood, the daughter of a palace servant. Despite the difference in status, the two were inseparable. They grew up together, spent nearly all their time with one another, and trusted each other more than anyone else in the world. Unlike Elmund, Talliswood possessed overwhelming ambition from a very young age. She became fascinated with magic and devoted herself entirely to studying it. Even among the royal court mages, her talent was considered extraordinary. As years passed, her abilities continued to grow, and eventually she came to be known as the greatest sorceress of her generation. When Elmund’s father finally passed the throne to his son, the young prince was crowned the new king of Velmorian. As expected, he quickly proved himself worthy of the title. Under his rule, the kingdom prospered, and the people genuinely loved their king. At the same time, Talliswood was granted the title of Royal Mage — one of the highest and most respected positions in the kingdom. This gave her access to restricted sections of the castle, ancient archives, and the royal library where forbidden knowledge had been hidden away for centuries.

It was there that Talliswood discovered an ancient book concerning Dark Magic — a force that remained largely unexplored at the time and was considered far too dangerous even for experienced mages. Yet instead of fearing it, she became fascinated. Talliswood wanted to become the first person capable of fully mastering and understanding such power. As time passed, her studies grew deeper and more dangerous. Dark Magic slowly began influencing her mind, amplifying the worst parts of her personality. The ambition she had carried since childhood gradually transformed into an obsessive hunger for absolute power and control. She became increasingly detached from others, while her goals turned colder and crueler. But no one noticed. Elmund continued to love her despite everything. Eventually, ignoring royal traditions and the opinions of the nobility, he proposed to Talliswood. To the people of Velmorian, it felt like a perfect fairytale: the wise king and the kingdom’s greatest mage ruling side by side. The kingdom celebrated the coming wedding, and many believed their union would mark the beginning of a golden age. Everything changed on the night of the former king’s death. On his deathbed, with only Elmund and Talliswood beside him, the old king confessed a secret he had hidden his entire life. Many years ago, he had betrayed the queen with a servant — Talliswood’s mother. For Elmund, the revelation shattered his world completely. The woman he had loved for most of his life was, in truth, his half-sister. Talliswood, however, reacted very differently. Instead of horror or grief, she saw opportunity. She had never truly loved Elmund. Marriage had simply been the easiest path toward ultimate authority. And now she no longer needed him. If Elmund died, the only remaining heir of royal blood would be her. That same night, Talliswood began putting her plans into motion.

Before anyone understood what was happening, she successfully murdered Elmund’s younger siblings, eliminating every possible royal heir who could stand in her way. Her intention was to kill Elmund as well and claim the throne for herself, but she was stopped before she could finish the job. Her attempt failed. After her connection to Dark Magic and her crimes were exposed, Talliswood was banished from the kingdom. But before disappearing, she inflicted a wound upon Velmorian that would change its history forever. Using Dark Magic, Talliswood transformed the lands surrounding the old capital into a source of chaos. The forest rapidly spread across the region, swallowing streets, homes, and even the royal castle itself. Monsters, magical anomalies, and unnatural creatures began appearing throughout the land. The ancient capital became impossible to inhabit. The people of Velmorian were forced to flee. Their escape brought them to the foot of the massive mountain known as Fang Peak, territory ruled by the ancient dragon Alicent. The dragon viewed humanity’s arrival as an invasion of his domain and prepared to destroy them. The people were exhausted, terrified, and homeless, yet Elmund once again proved why he had been considered a great king. Instead of choosing war, he negotiated with the dragon. An alliance was formed between Alicent and Velmorian. Humanity was allowed to build a new kingdom near Fang Peak, while the dragon received food offerings and a portion of the precious gems mined from the mountain. Over time, Alicent became not only an ally, but also the protector of Velmorian’s northern lands. Years passed. The new capital was constructed, life slowly stabilized, and Elmund’s reign became remembered as the beginning of a new era for Velmorian. Alicent died. And with the dragon’s death, Talliswood began to return.

For centuries, the witch had remained hidden deep within the Enchanted Forest, slowly gathering strength. While Alicent lived, she never dared to act openly. But after the dragon’s death, the forest began changing once again. Monsters multiplied, and the lands surrounding the old capital became increasingly dangerous. It was the grandfather of Velmorian’s current king who first faced the consequences of Talliswood’s return. Since then, dealing with the growing dangers surrounding the Enchanted Forest and the witch herself has become one of the kingdom’s greatest ongoing struggles.

Velmorian is a typical medieval fantasy kingdom surrounded by massive stone walls that protect the city from monsters, bandits, and the dangers of the outside world. The city has two main gates: the central gate, used by merchants, travelers, and caravans entering the kingdom, and the northern gate, which leads toward small villages, farmland, and agricultural territories beyond the walls. The city itself is divided between poor outskirts, crowded streets, and wealthier districts closer to the center. In the northern parts of Velmorian stand simple rural houses surrounded by gardens, barns, and crop fields, supplying most of the kingdom’s food and resources. The closer one gets to the city center, the cleaner and richer the streets become, filled with stone houses, shops, and districts where nobles, knights, and mages are more commonly seen. Poorer areas, however, are known for their damp alleyways, noisy taverns, crime, and overcrowded living conditions. The most important structure in Velmorian is the royal castle towering above the city. It is an enormous medieval fortress filled with long corridors, countless rooms, and an almost unsettling silence. Despite its luxurious appearance, the castle feels cold and distant. Beneath it lie prison cells for criminals, along with hidden interrogation and torture chambers that most citizens prefer not to speak about. One of the city’s most important locations is the Guild building, a two-story structure hidden among ordinary houses. Inside are registration halls, archives, research rooms, and workspaces for scholars and mages. The Guild studies magic, magical creatures, and supernatural anomalies. Its members frequently travel into forests and ruins searching for rare plants, artifacts, and dangerous creatures. The Guild is also responsible for exploring unknown territories, expanding maps, and occasionally organizing missions to eliminate monsters threatening the kingdom.

Not far from the Guild stands the headquarters of the Knight Order, another large administrative building. Inside are archives, registration offices, interrogation rooms, weapon storage areas, and holding cells for criminals. The knights maintain order within the city, investigate crimes, escort important cargo, and protect the citizens of Velmorian. One of the most famous places among both travelers and locals is the tavern called “The Rotten Oyster.” It is an old wooden building with worn walls, a loud atmosphere, and the constant smell of cheap alcohol and food. Inside are dozens of wooden tables, a small kitchen, and a long counter where drinks, hot meals, and fresh rumors from across the kingdom are served. Despite its questionable appearance and strange name, the tavern remains one of the liveliest places in the city. The hot springs known as “Steam Cavern” are a popular resting place located between the northern farmlands and the city itself. Built on a small hill, the wooden structure can easily be seen from the road. From the outside, it appears fairly simple, made of dark wood with stone pathways and soft paper lanterns glowing during the evenings. Inside are registration rooms, changing areas, and several private baths filled with naturally heated water infused with weak magical energy. The springs are not public baths — each bathing area must be reserved in advance, making the location popular among nobles, mages, wealthy merchants, and exhausted travelers seeking rest. Despite its peaceful atmosphere, rumors, secret deals, and unexpected encounters frequently occur there.

The City Square serves as the main public gathering place of Velmorian. From the square, visitors can see the royal castle towering over the city. At its center stands a large stone fountain and a small stage used for performances and announcements. Benches, flowerbeds filled with magical flowers, and temporary market stalls decorate the area during festivals. Public celebrations, fairs, musical performances, announcements, and city gatherings are all held here. On rare occasions, the square is also used for public trials and executions, though most citizens prefer not to dwell on that fact. During the day, the square is lively and crowded, but at night it becomes strangely quiet and somewhat unsettling. Hidden within the dark alleyways of Velmorian lies the Black Market, one of the most dangerous and illegal places in the kingdom. It has no permanent location. Each week, a secret criminal organization chooses a new hidden meeting spot to avoid attracting the attention of knights and authorities. Information about the market’s location is spread through encrypted letters and telegrams containing special codes and symbols understood only by members of the underground network. On the Black Market, one can forge documents, hire assassins, purchase forbidden artifacts, smuggled magical items, poisons, cursed relics, or even buy slaves. Illegal magical experiments, underground auctions of rare creatures, and secret deals connected to dark magic and forbidden cults are also conducted there. Even among criminals, the market is considered extremely dangerous, and most visitors choose to hide their identities.

The inn “Traveler’s Dream” is one of the most well-known resting places for adventurers and travelers in Velmorian. It is a three-story building made of wood and stone, located near the city’s central streets. The first floor contains a large common hall with long tables, a fireplace, and a noisy atmosphere, while the upper floors contain rooms of varying quality — from cheap cramped spaces to more expensive accommodations for wealthier guests. The innkeeper is famous for learning rumors before anyone else in the city, and the guests often include wandering merchants, knights, mages, and suspicious individuals unwilling to speak about their past. Despite its cozy atmosphere, drunken fights, arguments, and strange incidents are not uncommon during the night. The Temple of Light is one of the most unusual structures in Velmorian. Although the kingdom itself is considered secular and many city residents are indifferent toward religion — or even atheists — the northern villages and territories beyond the walls still deeply believe in the Light and its ancient teachings. The temple is a massive marble structure filled with tall windows that allow sunlight to constantly pour inside. Its architecture combines elements of a western cathedral and a Shinto shrine: outside are stone pathways, gardens, arches, and offering spaces, while the interior resembles a grand cathedral with high ceilings, long rows of benches, and bright halls dedicated to prayer and healing. Priests, healers, and users of Light Magic work within the temple, and it is considered one of the few places capable of cleansing weak curses or helping those affected by dark magic. Although Velmorian may appear to be an ordinary fantasy kingdom, countless dangers, mysteries, magical creatures, and strange events hide behind its walls. Beyond the already known locations, the world constantly expands with new places that appear as the story progresses.

The Religion of Light is the oldest belief system in this world, originating long before kingdoms, written language, or even the first cities existed. Unlike most religions, it has no singular god, holy patron, or supreme being ruling over humanity. The followers of the Light do not worship a person or deity — they worship Light itself as the force that has accompanied humanity since the earliest days of its existence. It is believed that magic has always existed within the world, though in ancient times humans were unable to consciously control it. The first power humanity managed to understand and use was Light Magic. According to ancient legends, its sparks helped primitive humans ignite the first fire, survive freezing nights, drive away monsters, and endure within a cruel world filled with darkness and the unknown. Over time, Light became more than simple magic. It turned into a symbol of hope, warmth, safety, and life itself. Stories of the first flames protecting humanity from death beyond caves and settlements were passed down from generation to generation. Gradually, an entire religion formed around the concept of Light — not as worship toward a god, but as gratitude toward the force that once allowed humanity to survive. Because of this, the teachings of the Light place great importance on healing, protection, purification, and the preservation of life. Followers believe that Light should guide humanity through fear, despair, and darkness, and Light Magic is viewed not as a weapon, but primarily as a power meant to aid and save others. In the modern world, the influence of this religion has weakened significantly. Velmorian itself is a secular kingdom, and most city residents are indifferent toward the faith or consider it an outdated relic of the past. However, the northern villages and settlements beyond the city walls still sincerely preserve the old traditions.

For the villagers, the Light remains part of everyday life. People light lanterns outside their homes, leave small offerings at temples, celebrate festivals honoring the first flames, and believe that Light protects humanity from darkness, corruption, and the creatures lurking beyond civilization. Despite the peaceful foundation of the religion, its followers maintain an extremely negative attitude toward Dark Magic. Many priests consider it an unnatural force that corrupts not only the body, but also the soul itself. Among the more radical believers, there is a common belief that any use of Dark Magic inevitably leads to inner decay, regardless of the user’s intentions. Even after centuries, the Temples of Light remain places where people seek healing, purification, and hope. For some, the religion is merely an old tradition. For others, it is the only thing preventing them from being consumed by the darkness of the world around them.

Beyond the walls of Velmorian, the world becomes far less safe. Despite the kingdom’s development, the surrounding lands remain places where magic, monsters, and ancient dangers are part of everyday life. To the north of Velmorian lie small villages and farming settlements that supply the kingdom with food, fabrics, wood, and other agricultural resources. These are quiet rural places filled with wooden houses, mills, fields, and livestock. Historically, when the great stone walls of Velmorian were constructed, the northern villages remained outside their protection. Because of this, the villagers constantly live under the threat of monster attacks, especially during the night or colder seasons. Knights regularly patrol the roads between settlements, and many villagers learn from childhood how to defend themselves or hide during attacks. Farther north, beyond the villages and farmlands, stands the massive mountain known as Fang Peak. The mountain received its name from the dragon who once ruled it as his territory. After the people of Velmorian established their new kingdom, they encountered the ancient dragon living upon the mountain, a creature that considered the surrounding lands part of its domain. Rather than starting a war, the wise king of Velmorian managed to negotiate with the dragon. A peaceful agreement was formed: the people were allowed to settle near the mountain and build mines within it, while the dragon received monthly offerings of food and a portion of the precious gems discovered underground. Dragons were famous for their love of treasure, gemstones, and rare valuables, making the arrangement beneficial for both sides. For many years, the dragon remained an ally of Velmorian and even protected the northern territories from powerful monsters. However, after its death, Fang Peak began to change. Strange creatures and aggressive monsters started appearing deep within the mines, slowly turning the tunnels into an increasingly dangerous place.

To this day, knights constantly guard the mine entrances, protecting workers and preventing monsters from escaping from the depths of the mountain. Despite the danger, mining operations continue, as Fang Peak remains one of the kingdom’s most important sources of wealth and minerals. To the south of the kingdom stretches the Enchanted Forest, one of the most unusual and dangerous places in the region. At first glance, the outer parts of the forest appear ordinary: tall trees, soft grass, and a peaceful atmosphere. However, the deeper someone ventures into the forest, the more strongly natural magic can be felt in the air itself. The energy has a calming effect, dulling fear and creating a strange sense of comfort, causing many travelers to lower their guard. The forest is filled with rare magical plants. Purple grass commonly used in potions grows across its fields, while glowing trees, carnivorous flowers, and even fully living plants capable of movement can be found deeper within. Because of this, the Guild of Velmorian frequently organizes expeditions into the forest to gather ingredients, study magical flora, and investigate supernatural anomalies. However, after the return of Talliswood, the forest became significantly more dangerous. Monster populations rapidly increased, and many creatures grew far more aggressive than before. Certain parts of the forest are now considered deadly even for experienced knights and mages.

Hidden among the dense woods lies a massive waterfall whose waters flow into a long river crossing part of the forest. According to ancient legends, mermaids and water nymphs live within these waters. They rarely reveal themselves to humans and only appear before those they consider kind-hearted or worthy of trust. It is said that the nymphs hear everything that occurs within the forest — every word, footstep, or scream eventually becomes known to them. At times they guide lost travelers, warn people of danger, or reveal safe paths, though earning their trust is extremely difficult. In the deepest parts of the Enchanted Forest lies a territory almost no one dares to enter. Sunlight barely reaches the ground there, thick mist permanently covers the land, and the atmosphere itself feels heavy and unnatural. Rising above the endless fog stands a towering structure — the home of the witch Talliswood. Even without the witch’s presence, this region is considered one of the most dangerous places in the entire area. Extremely aggressive monsters, strange magical creatures, and unexplained anomalies inhabit the territory, many of which remain poorly understood even by the Guild’s researchers. Hidden deeper within the Enchanted Forest are the Ruins of the Old Capital, one of the most mysterious locations connected to Velmorian’s history. Long ago, the kingdom’s original capital stood in the very heart of the territory now consumed by the forest. At the time, the area was not covered by dense magical woods, and the city flourished around its enormous royal castle. Now only fragments remain: broken towers swallowed by roots, ruined streets hidden beneath vegetation, and the remains of an ancient castle slowly being consumed by nature and magic alike. The ruins are feared by most travelers, as intelligent wandering monsters frequently inhabit the abandoned buildings. These creatures are capable of speech and thought similar to humans, yet remain unpredictable and dangerous.

Despite the risks, the ruins attract treasure hunters and adventurers from across the continent. Rumors claim that vast catacombs lie beneath the old capital, where former kings of Velmorian hid enormous treasures before leaving the city behind. Many believe ancient relics, magical artifacts, lost knowledge, and unimaginable riches still remain hidden underground. Very few who venture into the catacombs ever return. To the east of Velmorian lies Coastside, a large port city built beside the sea. Officially, it belongs to the kingdom and appears on maps as Velmorian territory, but in reality the city has long functioned with near complete independence. Coastside possesses its own autonomy and is governed by a local mayor who controls both the harbor and the region’s maritime trade. Most trade between Velmorian and neighboring kingdoms passes through this port. Merchant ships arrive daily carrying food, fabrics, spices, weapons, and rare magical goods, while Velmorian exports lumber, minerals, crops from the northern villages, and magical resources gathered from the Enchanted Forest. Unlike the relatively orderly capital, Coastside is loud, dirty, and chaotic. The streets are filled with the smell of seawater, alcohol, fish, and damp wood, while smugglers, thieves, illegal merchants, mercenaries, and adventurers crowd its alleyways. Due to its distance from the capital and weak royal oversight, crime thrives openly throughout the city. Knights rarely interfere with local affairs, and authorities often ignore illegal activities so long as they do not threaten the harbor itself. Coastside is considered the perfect city for those seeking quick money — legally or otherwise. Adventurers, fugitives, treasure hunters, sailors, and people trying to escape their past gather there in large numbers. Despite its dangerous reputation, the city remains one of the few places where nearly anything can be bought, sold, or learned for the right price.

Magic in this world is not a blessing given freely. Every spell demands a price, and every mage carries the consequences of their power somewhere upon themselves — within their body, mind, or soul. Some schools exhaust the flesh, others scar the spirit, while certain forms of magic slowly destroy a person’s sense of reality. Scholars divide all magic into five main schools: Natural, Light, Dark, Summoning, and Illusion magic. Illusion magic manipulates perception rather than physical matter. Illusionists can alter their appearance and voice, create clones of themselves or others, distort space, implant false sensations, and manipulate how people perceive reality itself. A skilled illusionist can convince someone they are hearing voices inside their mind, seeing things that do not exist, or even believing they are an entirely different person. Illusionists are also capable of creating phantom pain, false environments, and distorted spaces where rooms seem endless, twisted, or impossible to navigate. Unlike Dark magic, Illusion magic is not forbidden. In some societies it is even viewed as elegant or artistic. However, it is deeply distrusted, as illusionists can make it impossible to distinguish truth from deception. The cost of Illusion magic is psychological instability. The more illusionists manipulate reality, the more fragile their own perception becomes. Some begin hearing their own illusions, forgetting their true appearance, or accidentally distorting their own senses without realizing it. In severe cases, illusionists lose the ability to separate reality from fiction entirely, becoming trapped within the very illusions they once controlled.

Magic in this world is not a blessing given freely. Every spell demands a price, and every mage carries the consequences of their power somewhere upon themselves — within their body, mind, or soul. Some schools exhaust the flesh, others scar the spirit, while certain forms of magic slowly destroy a person’s sense of reality. Scholars divide all magic into five main schools: Natural, Light, Dark, Summoning, and Illusion magic. Summoning magic governs manifestation, spatial manipulation, and magical connection. Summoners can temporarily create objects, weapons, creatures, and magical constructs. Golems are commonly used for defense and overwhelming strength, while slimes are weaker but extremely fast and adaptable. Every summoner possesses a unique bird companion connected directly to their soul and personality. Through the bird, the summoner can observe distant locations and perceive the world through its senses. By placing magical marks on objects or individuals, summoners can teleport marked targets across space. More advanced summoners learn to create temporary doors connecting separate locations. The strongest practitioners are capable of creating entire pocket dimensions — personal spaces existing outside ordinary reality, used for storage, shelter, or travel. These dimensions often reflect the nature of their creator: some appear as endless libraries, forests, oceans, or empty white voids. Yet constant interaction with distorted space slowly damages the summoner’s connection to reality. They may lose their sense of direction, feel detached from the physical world, or experience spatial distortions around them. During magical exhaustion, objects may briefly disappear, pass through their hands, or appear in incorrect places. Many experienced summoners eventually feel more comfortable inside their pocket dimensions than in the real world.

Magic in this world is not a blessing given freely. Every spell demands a price, and every mage carries the consequences of their power somewhere upon themselves — within their body, mind, or soul. Some schools exhaust the flesh, others scar the spirit, while certain forms of magic slowly destroy a person’s sense of reality. Scholars divide all magic into five main schools: Natural, Light, Dark, Summoning, and Illusion magic. Dark magic is feared and outlawed in most regions of the world. Unlike the other schools, it feeds upon suffering, fear, and decay. Dark mages can control the blood of anyone whose blood they have consumed, twisting their victim’s body against their will. They can spread magical rot through wounds, create dense black fog that blinds everything within it, and summon living shadow constructs. One of the most feared techniques is the Whisper of Corruption — a voice that appears within the victim’s mind and whispers their deepest shame, fears, regrets, and self-hatred until they can no longer resist. Those trapped under its influence for too long may become completely obedient to the caster. Dark mages are also capable of creating shadow duplicates from their own shadows. Unlike illusions, these duplicates possess physical form and can fight independently. However, any damage inflicted upon the shadow is transferred directly onto the caster’s body. The price of Dark magic is the caster’s own life force. The more powerful the spell, the more vitality it consumes. Many dark mages become physically frail despite their terrifying magical abilities. Their skin grows pale, their bodies weak, and their lives gradually shorten as their magic devours them from within.

Magic in this world is not a blessing given freely. Every spell demands a price, and every mage carries the consequences of their power somewhere upon themselves — within their body, mind, or soul. Some schools exhaust the flesh, others scar the spirit, while certain forms of magic slowly destroy a person’s sense of reality. Scholars divide all magic into five main schools: Natural, Light, Dark, Summoning, and Illusion magic. Light magic is associated with purification, healing, protection, and truth. Light mages can create blinding flashes, radiant whips of burning light, and miniature suns that illuminate entire battlefields. They possess the ability to purify wounds, food, and water, remove weak curses, and temporarily free people from fear or paralysis. More advanced practitioners can wield the Light of Truth, forcing those caught within its glow to speak honestly, or Echo of the Soul, revealing another person’s genuine emotions regardless of how carefully they hide them. Light magic can also burn away corruption itself through Purging Radiance, destroying curses, dark magic, disease, and unnatural influences. Skilled healers are capable of using Radiant Stitch, sealing wounds shut with concentrated light. However, Light magic is not gentle. Healing another person means taking part of their suffering upon oneself. A mage who heals a broken arm may later feel fractures spreading through their own bones. Cleansing poison causes the caster to suffer its symptoms. Excessive use of Light magic slowly burns the mage from within, leaving pale scars, chronic pain, and an unnatural coldness in their body despite the radiant energy they wield.

Magic in this world is not a blessing given freely. Every spell demands a price, and every mage carries the consequences of their power somewhere upon themselves — within their body, mind, or soul. Some schools exhaust the flesh, others scar the spirit, while certain forms of magic slowly destroy a person’s sense of reality. Scholars divide all magic into five main schools: Natural, Light, Dark, Summoning, and Illusion magic. Natural magic is the oldest and most widespread form of magic, built upon the control of the four classical elements: fire, water, earth, and air. Pyromancers wield flames and heat, capable of igniting objects, shaping fire into weapons, or summoning massive infernos. Hydromancers command water in all its forms, manipulating liquid, mist, steam, and ice, while some can even corrupt water into a toxic, acidic substance. Geomancers control stone, minerals, soil, and metal, raising walls from the earth or causing localized earthquakes. Aeromancers manipulate air currents and pressure, summoning winds powerful enough to create storms or even allowing themselves to fly. Yet no element can be controlled endlessly. Every form of Natural magic places strain upon the caster’s body depending on the element used. Fire overheats the body, causing fever-like symptoms, burns, and unbearable heat beneath the skin. Water drains moisture from the mage, leaving dehydration, weakness, and painful cramps. Air disrupts balance and awareness, resulting in dizziness, nausea, and disorientation. Earth magic burdens the body with crushing heaviness, causing exhaustion, aching bones, and difficulty moving after prolonged spellcasting.