3 Introducing the World
'Five years have passed.'
"I've come to accept that I did indeed die and was reborn as someone named Archie Avalon, the crown prince of the Avalon Kingdom," Archie contemplated.
"With the aid of my linguistic arts skill and my otherworldly knowledge, I managed to master reading and writing early," he shared, feeling proud.
"Having access to the library, I've acquired knowledge about this world."
In a world filled with magic and fantastic creatures, flight could be as simple as riding a wyvern or a griffin.
Hulking beasts of burden haul heavy loads, and colossal sea creatures aid ships in their travels.
There are no lightbulbs, but lamps filled with glowing moss illuminate the streets at night.
When you turn 5, a baptism ceremony will be held at one of the local churches, baptized with the domains mana, giving you access to use life-style magic like [Illuminate], [Fire], [Cleansing] and [Drinking Water].
With the help of a Saint-rank cultivator, all citizens under their domain will be blessed and bestowed upon these perks.
In a world without modern science, the power of magic makes a realm of things possible.
On the other hand, if you look past the magic and the exotic animals, this country is rather lacking in terms of technological advancement.
It's a long way from an industrial revolution, and the society still remains a feudal one.
"Now I find myself the heir to all of these things," said Archie, feeling motivated.
"I was born in the Avalon Kingdom, west of the Edenian Empire, which rules a portion of the human continent, Gaia."
"From what I've read so far, there are different humanoid species like elves, dwarves, fairies, angels, and merfolks."
"Monstrous creatures like demons and dragons also roam on this world." Archie couldn't help but shiver at the thought of them.
As the crown prince of the aristocratic house of Avalon, Archie went through rigorous etiquette classes.
Butler Alfred Winifred, though appearing humble and kind, proved a strict and formidable instructor.
"I couldn't even appraise him, he's definitely strong!" Archie exclaimed, haunted by memories of Alfred.
Archie was currently bathing in herbs, a routine since infancy intended to strengthen his physique and mana affinity.
Today marked a special occasion: his baptism ceremony.
"I can finally leave the living quarters." Archie said, his eyes filled with anticipation.
"I've yet to see how grand the royal palace is, having only walked around the garden, filled with mysterious and beautiful spirit flowers. The most colorful and grand garden I've ever seen."
...
'Status!'
[Status Window]
Name: Archie Avalon
Kingdom: Avalon
Cultivation: None
[Stats]
Strength: 5
Agility: 5
Stamina: 5
Mana: 0
AP: 0
[Ding! Quest received]
[Daily quest: 100 push-ups, 100 sit-ups, 100 squats, and a 10k run]
[Rewards: Stat points]
[Time limit: Daily]
"My stats have slightly increased as I grew up, but these targets... System, I'm barely five years old, how am I supposed to complete those?" Archie fretted.
"After the baptism ceremony, I'll have more freedom. A palace knight will be assigned as my protector."
"I now have a list of things I can finally set in motion, I can't remain idle. According to the system, this region will become a war zone if we aren't prepared," he said.
"Who dares to disturb my life of leisure and riches!" Archie declared in irritation.
"My list of priorities goes like this:
1. Recruiting loyal and intelligent subordinates. Though I am the heir, I lack power as of now. Having a private force will benefit me greatly.
2. Becoming stronger and awakening my first magic circle. Self-defense is crucial in the face of potential assassination, and magic is truly convenient.
3. Gathering intelligence. As Sun Tzu said, 'If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles...'"
"That said, it's time for my baptism ceremony," Archie said as he prepared for the event.
…
"Arch, sweetie, come here!" Reina called out while the family waited.
Archie entered the room, standing beside his mother, dressed in a sharp black noble suit.
"Haha, look at how big he has become, looking just like his father," commented Henry.
"Hey!, hurry up, Hmph," Emily said impatiently, clearly annoyed by the wait.
"I was taking a bath!" Archie responded with agitation.
"Anyways, it's time for your baptism, let's go now!" Danae urged.
The royal family left the room and descended the grand staircase, with all the servants standing in line.
As they reached the palace's entrance, a splendid carriage awaited them, detailed with white marble wood and golden outlines, befitting of royalty.
In the courtyard, 500 of the highest-ranking palace knights stood. They wore dark gray platinum armor infused with mana crystals, featuring white capes with golden outlining and the royal family's golden black dragon coat of arms.
These knights exuded a powerful aura, dedicated to safeguarding the grand royal palace and its surroundings.
They were in the midst of performing a 'Trooping the Color,' a ceremonial event displaying their loyalty and devotion to duty.
At the head of the formation stood a mature, tall figure, easily identifiable as the commander by the distinctive appearance of his armor.
His name was Saint Celsus Moonshield, one of the 13 Saints in the kingdom, and he held the title of Saint of the Royal Guards, responsible for the safety of the royal family.
Saint Celsus walked forward, bowing to the royal family. "I greet your Majesty and the royal family," he said with utmost seriousness.
"At ease," Henry replied.
Saint Celsus opened the carriage door and ushered them in. As the royal family took their seats, the convoy of guards began to move.
Their destination? The grand cathedral of the capital.
…
While on their way to their destination, Archie couldn't help but ponder, "How large is the premises of the royal palace? I thought this was an island, where is the ocean?" His curiosity was piqued.
In his estimation, the borders of the royal castle were definitely as vast as Manhattan, New York, from Archie's past life.
In astonishment, he turned to his parents. "Dad, Mom, how far is it?" he asked.
"We will arrive in 20 minutes," his mother replied.
"Why so slow?" Archie asked once more.
"What do you mean slow? These are the latest mana-infused carriages with the top horses in our kingdom!" his father responded.
At the moment, the carriage was moving at a speed of 300 km/h. Reflecting on this, Archie made a mental note to develop trains with array formations to enable even faster travel.
"Will there be a lot of people there?" Danae asked.
"A few of our subjects will be attending, including your cousins and aunties," her father answered.
They continued chatting as the convoy made its way forward. A few minutes later, the capital came into view.
"Whoa!" was all Archie could say as he gazed at the huge city wall and the beautiful crystal blue ocean view.
