I. World Order: The Continent of Aethelgard and the Venotetra Empire
This world is centered on a single, vast continent named Aethelgard. Its history is carved by magic, warfare, and a catastrophic event known as "The Era of Silence," during which the flow of mana throughout the world nearly ceased entirely for several centuries.
This event annihilated ancient civilizations and forced survivors to rebuild from scratch.
The Venotetra Empire is the current dominant power, controlling approximately 70% of the known continental territory. Founded by the first Emperor who successfully "reawakened" the flow of mana, the empire is built upon a foundation of magical might and a rigid noble hierarchy.
Climate and Geography: Aethelgard boasts diverse geography. The northern regions, home to the Duchy of Vallen, are cold, snowy mountainous areas, producing resilient and disciplined individuals. The central regions, surrounding the capital, are fertile plains that serve as the economic and political hub. The eastern regions, where the Duchy of Hevora holds sway, are rich in mana crystals and rare minerals, making them the wealthiest family in the empire. The southern regions are wilder, with ancient forests and ruins from the era before the Era of Silence.
Social Structure: Power is governed by a strict hierarchy:
Emperor/Imperial Family: The highest authority, considered direct descendants of the heroes who ended the Era of Silence.
Archduke (Rare Title): Granted to nobles with extraordinary achievements, one rank below the Emperor.
Duke: Rulers of vast autonomous territories (Duchy). The Vallen and Hevora families are examples. They wield significant military and political power.
Marquess: Governs strategic border regions.
Count: Manages smaller cities or territories within a Duchy or directly under the Empire. The Efasa and Hanuel families fall into this category.
Viscount & Baron: Lower-tier nobles.
Commoner: Non-nobles. Nevertheless, a commoner with extraordinary magical talent, like Headmaster Nerro, can achieve highly respected positions.
II. Magic System and "Name" Ranks
Magic in Aethelgard is the manipulation of Mana, the fundamental energy flowing throughout the world. Magical talent refers to how large one's mana "container" is and how naturally they can perceive it. However, a mage's true power isn't measured by the quantity of mana, but by their level of control and understanding, symbolized by the "Name" Rank.
The "Name" system is a scale from 10 down to 0.
Name 10-7: Average level for academy students and common mages. Capable of using basic to intermediate magic.
Name 6-4: Elite mages. The level of magic knights, academy instructors, and talented nobles.
Name 3-1: Magic Masters. Rare individuals whose power can turn the tide of battle. Headmaster Nerro is a Name 3.
Name 0: Mythical level. Said to be a state where a mage becomes one with mana itself, a semi-divine existence. No one has been officially recorded reaching this level since the Era of Silence.
How to Lower a "Name" Rank:
Lowering one's Name rank is an incredibly difficult process that cannot be achieved through mere repetitive practice. It is an accomplishment signifying a mage's evolution. There are three unwritten "Trials" that must be passed to lower one's Name, which can be mathematically represented as a complex function:
{Name Rank} = Insight, Dominion, Resonance
The Trial of Insight: A mage must achieve a fundamental enlightenment about the nature of magic itself. This isn't just memorizing theory, but gaining a deep, intuitive understanding. Example: A fire elemental mage doesn't just "throw fire"; they intrinsically understand how mana triggers molecular vibrations to produce heat and light. This is a conceptual leap often coming as an epiphany after years of research or meditation.
The Trial of Dominion: After gaining insight, the mage must prove it by conquering or controlling high-level, naturally occurring magical phenomena. This is not just about defeating monsters. Examples: calming a mana storm, purifying land contaminated by dark magic, or negotiating pacts with ancient elemental spirits. These actions prove that their understanding is not just theoretical but applicable in the real world.
The Trial of Resonance: The most difficult and personal trial. The mage must align their own "soul" or mana core with the world's mana flow (known as Aether). This often involves journeys into their own mental landscapes, confronting trauma, fears, and doubts to achieve a clear and harmonious state of mind. Failure at this stage can lead a mage to lose control of their powers, or even go mad.
Only when all three of these aspects are simultaneously fulfilled will a mage's "Name" drop, signifying that the world itself has recognized their growth.
III. Character Profiles
Main Characters:
Arian Von Vallen / Kayze
Public Identity: Arian Von Vallen, the youngest son of Duke Vallen. At the academy, he's known as a friendly but unremarkable noble with no outstanding talent in practical magic, often receiving average grades. His blonde hair, blue eyes, and slightly clumsy demeanor are a perfectly crafted mask to divert attention.
Secret Identity: Kayze, the founder and leader of the clandestine organization KeyFreedom. A mysterious figure feared in the underworld. With raven-black hair and eyes, and a goggle-mask covering the upper half of his face, no one can guess his true identity. His ability to mimic any magic and steal opponents' power makes him an unpredictable and extremely dangerous existence.
Psychological Note: The burden of these two identities is immense. "Arian" is a cage he built for himself, while "Kayze" is absolute freedom that comes with crushing responsibility. The comedy in his life often arises from his near-failures to keep these two worlds separate.
Verina Von Hevora
Position: The only daughter of Duke Hevora, the top-ranked student at Solaria Academy of Magic. A genius in every aspect, from magic theory to swordsmanship. Her purple lightning element is her signature, deadly and graceful.
Dual Role: In public, she is a cold, quiet woman who keeps everyone at a distance, including Arian, in accordance with her status and personality. Within KeyFreedom, she is one of Kayze's most trusted agents, showing a more strategic and sometimes more expressive side of herself.
Author's Note: Her loyalty is divided between her powerful family and KeyFreedom. She pretends not to know Arian at the academy not only to protect their identities but also due to complex inner conflicts regarding her feelings for both Arian and Kayze.
Zaken De Efasa
Position: Son of Count Efasa, Arian's classmate and first true friend at the academy. A highly talented magic archer, capable of imbuing elemental mana into each of his arrows.
Personality: Cheerful, loyal, and straightforward. He genuinely believes Arian is his "untalented" friend and often tries to help him, creating many comedic situations. He knows nothing about the secret world Arian inhabits.
Author's Note: Zaken is Arian's moral anchor in his academy life. His sincere friendship is one of the few real things in Arian's fake life, which will cause a major dilemma in the future.
Reyna Ven Venotetra
Position: Youngest daughter of Emperor Ren Venotetra. She hides her status at the academy, enrolling under her mother's maiden name. A very talented but insecure wand-based magic user.
Personality: Extremely shy and withdrawn. She once met Arian as a child in an incident Arian doesn't remember, but the encounter left a very deep impression on her. Her interest in the "ordinary" Arian will slowly grow into a dangerous obsession.
Author's Note: Reyna is a "wild card." Her obsession could become an unexpected source of power or a major threat to Arian's secrets, especially with her family's political power behind her.
Ceron De Hanuel
Position: Son of Count Hanuel, a student often overlooked due to his below-average magical talent.
Personality: Quiet, pessimistic, and accustomed to being alone. After Arian (as Arian) helped him out of a difficult situation without expecting anything in return, Ceron began to open up and became a very loyal friend.
Author's Note: Ceron represents the people KeyFreedom wishes to protect. His relationship with Arian shows Arian's genuine human side, not motivated by the organization's grand goals.
Nerro
Position: Headmaster of Solaria Academy of Magic. A commoner who achieved Name 3 rank, a legendary feat.
Personality: Appears very cheerful, energetic, and slightly eccentric. However, behind his smile lies a sharp mind and frightening perception. He knows there's more to the "average" student Arian Von Vallen than meets the eye.
Author's Note: Nerro is an observer. He might not know about Kayze, but he is highly suspicious of Arian's hidden potential. He could become a strong ally or an unexpected obstacle.
Additional Characters:
Kaelen Valerius
Position: Son of a Marquess from the western region, Verina's main rival for the top position at the academy. An arrogant and very powerful wind elemental mage.
Personality: Looks down on anyone he considers weaker, including Arian, whom he often mocks. He is obsessed with defeating Verina to prove his family's supremacy.
Author's Note: Kaelen serves as an antagonist in the academy environment, his constant presence testing Arian's patience to remain "weak."
Professor Alistair Croft
Position: Professor of Ancient Magic History and Aether Theory at the academy. An eccentric middle-aged man who often speaks in riddles.
Personality: Appears forgetful and disorganized, but his eyes show deep intelligence. He is one of the few people on the continent who has deeply studied the Era of Silence.
Author's Note: Alistair might be the only person at the academy with the knowledge to guess at the existence of a power like Kayze's. He takes a special interest in Arian, often giving him vague clues that could either help or entrap him.
IV. Important Locations
Solaria Academy of Magic: Located in a mana-rich central province, this academy is the most prestigious magical education institution in the empire. It consists of five giant towers symbolizing the five basic elements of magic, with a central library rumored to contain copies of every magic book ever written since the Era of Silence.
Imperial Capital, Aethelgardia: A magnificent metropolis, built around the towering Imperial Palace. It is the center of all political intrigue, commerce, and also the shadow headquarters for KeyFreedom's operations.
Northern Vallen Territory: A harsh and cold landscape, full of icy mountains and pine forests. Vallen Castle, "Frostspire," is carved directly from the mountain itself, reflecting the family's cold and pragmatic nature.
The Undercroft (Capital's Lower District): A labyrinth of narrow streets and black markets beneath Aethelgardia's splendor. This is Kayze's unofficial domain, where information, artifacts, and secrets are bought and sold.