Vessel of Shadows

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Hello, and thank you so much for choosing to read my novel! 

Before diving into the story, I'd like to share a few insights about the world and its inhabitants. Don't worry – I'll try to keep things as spoiler-free as possible.

This section isn't mandatory, but I've crafted it to be both informative and engaging, so I hope you'll find it worthwhile. Over time, I'll continue to expand it with additional details to provide further context for elements that appear in the story. 

If you enjoy my work, I'd love to hear your feedback! 

Feel free to share your thoughts here on Webnovel or join the VoS Discord to connect with me and other readers. Have fun, and happy reading!

First chapter is planned to release on 08.01.2025! 

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The following information has been collected, condensed and formatted by the Magistrate: 

The Descent 

In the aftermath of the [redacted] World War, as humanity faced extinction, nine gods arrived on a devastated Earth, each embodying different aspects of existence. 

It is commonly known that among the nine gods, one of them thought it to be better to eradicate humanity and build the world anew, which the others gods disagreed with. To aid humanity in their fight against the evil God of Chaos, the other eight deities, driven by an unwavering resolve to protect the fragile species, bestowed upon us humans an extraordinary gift – the ability to wield a mystical force known as Mana. Each of the eight benevolent gods represented a distinct lineage, imbuing their followers with unique magical abilities. 

After a decisive victory, the God of Chaos had been sealed, and the eight gods withdrew into slumber, their resting places scattered across the world and zealously guarded by their devoted followers. 

Mana 

Mana is a fundamental, invisible energy that permeates all things, ever present, akin to physical forces. It flows naturally and without consequence through the world until harnessed by those with magical capabilities. 

Magicians, Humans possessing an organ called Nexus, are able to interact with Mana, concentrating and storing it in the Nexus. When filtered, mostly out of the blood in the human body, the concentrated Mana appears as an etheral, blue, liquid-like substance. 

Once magicians draw upon Mana, they disrupt its natural flow, enabling them to cast spells and create magical phenomena. The use of Mana leaves mages with an unusual residue in their bodies, which can transform parts of their body and cause mutation. This can be counteracted by regular intake of Ichor. 

(The concentrated Mana in the Nexus creates an imbalance that can disrupt other forms of energy, particularly electricity. The reason behind this occurrence is currently being studied and is still unknown.) 

The Nexus 

The Nexus, an exclusive organ found only in magicians, functions by filtering Mana from the surrounding environment much like lungs filter air. It not only processes this mystical energy but also stores it within the body, allowing magicians to access and manipulate Mana for casting spells and altering reality. 

Only about 5-10% of humanity is born with the Nexus, marking them as the chosen few capable of wielding Mana. Mages only start to be able to use Magic after their Nexus blooms, usually after their 16th birthday. 

The Nexus, in its dormant state, resembles a flower bud nestled in the region of the heart or aortic bow. Once a magician matures, it blooms, starting to store Mana. It emits a soft blue luminescence from the chest, indicative of Mana stored inside. As magicians draw upon deeper reserves of power, the Nexus can unfurl further like petals opening, each layer (up to eight) enhancing its capacity to channel and store Mana, as well as the complexity and understanding of the spells relating to the alignment with one of the gods. 

The number of layers corresponds to a magician's stage. Based on the stage they have achieved, magicians are given a title of honor that reflects their advancement and abilities. 

The Gods 

There are eight benevolent gods which helped humanity prosper again: 

The God of Light, hero of humanity and leader against the insidious forces of chaos. 

The Goddess of Life, which with her kind heart made the land inhabitable again and populated it with life. 

The Goddess of Time, who brought the gods to us in the right moment to rescue humanity. 

The God of Space, the oldest and most mysterious god. 

The Goddess of Sea, who saved the climate and oceans. 

The Goddess of Knowledge, who bestowed onto us information long forgotten. 

The God of Science, bringing us technology destroyed by war. 

Lastly, the God of Death. Though rumored to have conspired with the God of Chaos in secret, he brought peace and solace to the souls lost in war, for which we are forever grateful. 

Following the Descent, each benevolent god sculpted a distinct race to replenish Earth's depleted population. These races, infused with their creator's divine essence, cultivated unique cultures and skills. Thanks to the eight gods, we can live in peace in this world once more. 

Praise the eight gods, we are ever thankful. 

The Races 

Humans, conquerors of chaos, the highest form of evolution, deemed worthy to be saved by the gods. They are a diverse society with both magical and non-magical individuals. Mages hold a special responsibility in maintaining peace and protection within their communities. 

Across the land, humans have built thriving cities that coexist harmoniously with other races, each contributing to a unified culture. The Citadel stands as their grandest city and serves as their capital. As The God of Science was occupied with guiding humanity's advancement, he is often viewed as its patron deity. 

The Aevus, crafted by the God of Light, are elegant, slender beings bearing human features with delicate wings on their heads and lower backs. These ethereal creatures possess the innate ability to fly and reside on floating islands high in the sky. 

The Felir, sculpted by the Goddess of Life, are human-like beings adorned with subtle animal features such as fur, tufted ears or soft tails. While many Felir integrate into human settlements, forming bonds within these communities, some choose to live in secluded tribes deeply connected to nature's rhythms and cycles. 

Vampires, created by the God of Death, are beings infected by vampirism. They reside primarily in "The Hive", a complex structure on the continent's border. Vampires have developed their own society and hierarchy, living mostly peacefully while sourcing blood through donations and exchanges to maintain harmony with other races. 

The Visor, a rare race crafted by the God of Time, are human-like beings distinguished by their four eyes. The two on the left allow them to gaze into the past, while the right pair reveals glimpses of the future; however, they must close one pair to activate the other. These enigmatic beings reside in secluded temples dedicated to their creator, where they serve as guardians and historians of temporal knowledge. 

The Merfolk, crafted by the God of Sea, inhabit vast undersea cities deep beneath the ocean's surface. With fish-like features such as scales and fins, they navigate their aquatic realm with ease. Although they maintain little contact with other races, they engage in trade through carefully arranged exchanges at designated coastal points, sharing rare oceanic treasures and resources. 

Trolls, crafted by the God of Space, are human-like beings with blue skin and prominent tusks protruding from their lower jaws. Covered in thick hair, they possess strong bodies and a simple-minded nature. Living primarily secluded in mountainous regions, Trolls work as miners, utilizing their weak innate ability to manipulate magnetism to aid in extracting precious minerals from the earth. 

Fairies, created by the Goddess of Knowledge, are tiny fluorescent beings with delicate wings that shimmer in a spectrum of colors. Assisted by the God of Science, their delicate features were protected by imposing armors, which they control from inside. They act as living historians, flitting through the world to collect and share knowledge among the races. With an innate ability to absorb and recount vast amounts of information, Fairies ensure that no piece of history is lost to time. 

And finally, Monsters, believed by many to be the spawn of the God of Chaos, are twisted creatures that roam the Desolate Wastelands, where oceans once existed. Monsters come in a variety of gruesome forms and pose a constant threat to all races, prompting communities to remain vigilant against their relentless incursions. 

The Citadel 

The Citadel is strategically positioned at the heart of the continent, slightly leaning towards the northwest. This location ensures it remains a safe distance from the desolate wastelands that were once the Atlantic Ocean. Its central placement allows for easy access and communication with surrounding regions, making it a vital hub for trade and diplomacy among diverse races and cultures. The Citadel is meticulously designed in a circular layout, with eight distinct districts radiating outward like spokes on a wheel. Each district embodies the essence of its respective god, featuring architectural styles and cultural elements unique to their divine influence. At the city's core stands the Magistrate, an imposing structure rumored to house the seal of the God of Chaos, serving as both a symbol of governance and an eternal reminder of past conflicts. 

It is the capital of Humanity, but also a beacon of hope for every soul seeking safety and comfort.

The Continent 

Our continent, Pangaea, once known as [redacted], has been dramatically reshaped since the [redacted] World War. 

To the north lies an expanse of dense forests filled with different tribes of Felir. 

In the south, towering mountains serve as the domain of the trolls. 

The west is dominated by "The Hive," a mysterious construct and bustling area where the Vampires reign. 

The eastern region is bordered by vast waters, where havens dot the coastline and beyond which lies the realm of the Merfolk. 

Human cities and settlements are scattered throughout this diverse landscape, creating a tapestry of cultures and communities in this transformed world. Long roads connect everything to allow for travel and trade. 

Above the land, the Islands of the Aevus float in the sky. 

In the center of Pangaea lies the Citadel, the capital of Humanity and the biggest city to exist. A hub for every Race and culture to exist, also known as the resting place of the gods and the seal of chaos. 

Finally, to the north-west the Desolate Wastelands are found, uninhabited land where the forces of chaos roam.