Adam, weary but resolute, continuously teleported, finally stopping at the edge of a towering mountain range. Below him, nestled within a verdant valley, lay a breathtaking sight: the Kingdom of Damarsh. Golden spires pierced the sky, surrounded by sprawling farmlands and bustling roads, radiating an aura of peace and prosperity.
"This is the Kingdom of Damarsh, Adam," Lyra explained, her voice echoing in his mind. "It's one of the 13 human kingdoms that comprise human civilization on this continent. The lands are currently divided among six dominant races: Human, Elf, Dwarf, Bestial, Demon, and Dragon. While there are countless other species, these six hold the most significant territories and populations. This separation was established to maintain a fragile balance and prevent widespread conflict."
The World's Balance and Its Threats
"A grand treaty was signed 100 years ago to enforce this peace, prohibiting any race from attacking lands outside their own. The primary catalyst for this treaty was the pervasive threat of the Unknown Lands. Each dominant race possesses unique abilities to sense the future dangers emanating from that region, specifically the swarms of creatures controlled by the now-contained anomaly. This entity, whose destructive presence was known across the world, instilled a common fear that forged the treaty."
A new concern now surfaced for Adam. "Lyra," he mused, "if the anomaly's gone... what does that mean for the treaty? And more importantly," his stomach grumbled, "I don't have any currency. How do I even get into the kingdom? I can't just teleport in, can I?"
"The anomaly's disappearance creates an uncertain future," Lyra confirmed. "The existential threat that unified the races is now gone, which may lead to shifts in the political landscape. Regarding entry, simply teleporting in carries significant risks. You would be considered an illegal alien, potentially prosecuted as a spy from another kingdom, leading to exile or worse."
Adam understood. He couldn't risk being caught and exiled, especially not when Emily might be in this world. He teleported a considerable distance from the main gate and began to walk. A long line of refugees and travelers snaked towards the entrance, patiently waiting their turn. Adam knew his best bet was to blend in, to feign normalcy.
A Story for the Gate
As he approached the queue, a plan began to form. He had no money, no identification, and a body that had just survived the impossible. The best option was a simple, believable lie.
He decided his story would be that he was a traveler, recently robbed by bandits, left with nothing but the clothes on his back and a tall tale of survival.