The narration resumed, words forming like threads of light on the page.
"Emperor Gaotian Arya ruled the empire with discipline and strength. He had seven children and a beloved wife, Meenara Arya, whose grace and compassion balanced his stern nature.
Among their children, one would rise to become the greatest bearer of the Arya name — Yashrath Arya.
Though countless books, inscriptions, and epics were later written about his valor and wisdom in adulthood, the roots of his legend began in a childhood both noble and harsh."**
The cause of that harshness lay in a divine phenomenon — the Vedantras.
These were the abnormal abilities that shaped the course of the Aryonic world.In the ancient writings of Emperor Erdene Khorloo, he described the Vedantras as powers granted by the Apostles — divine entities revered as gods. To attain them, one had to worship with unwavering devotion, offering prayer, sacrifice, and faith. Each Apostle was said to represent a unique aspect of creation — mercy, wisdom, valor, deceit, or destruction — and each bestowed abilities reflecting their nature.
Royal families, priests, and even nobles devoted themselves to different Apostles, seeking power and enlightenment. The Aryas were no exception.
Yet while every sibling of Yashrath mastered some form of Vedantra, he alone could not.
Not because he lacked talent — but because he had chosen to devote himself to the Apostle of Destruction, the most unforgiving of all deities. The Apostle demanded years — sometimes decades — of absolute spiritual endurance before granting even the faintest spark of power.
Yashrath's days were spent in endless meditation, his childhood consumed by the pursuit of divine connection. While his brothers and sisters trained in swordsmanship, martial arts, and battlecraft, Yashrath sat in silent chambers, eyes closed, reaching for something that never came.
His father grew impatient."A prince without power is a prince without purpose," Emperor Gaotian would often say.
But Meenara always defended him, her voice calm and unwavering."Every tree grows in its own season," she would tell her husband. "You will see his strength one day."
And she was right — though not in the way anyone expected.
Despite his lack of Vedantras, Yashrath's mind was brilliant. His grasp of academics far surpassed his siblings. He devoured scrolls, learned new concepts effortlessly, and showed a rare fascination for human behavior.
He often sat quietly, observing his family, the ministers, and even servants — trying to understand what made people act, love, or hate. Some called it overthinking; Meenara called it curiosity.
His interest soon expanded beyond human emotion. Yashrath studied administration, governance, and politics, learning from scholars and priests across the Arya provinces. His hunger for knowledge was endless.
The Arya Empire itself was vast — divided into seven provinces.The central province was ruled directly by Emperor Gaotian, while the other six were governed by regional rulers — mini-kings sworn to obey the emperor's command. Each ruler held autonomy over their land but ultimately served the empire's throne.
The Aryonic Era was a structured civilization — its strength built on the balance of power and faith. Society was divided into five castes, each with distinct roles:
Slaves / Peasants – Captured civilians from conquered territories, bound to labor and construction. Their lives were harsh and uncelebrated — until centuries later, when Yashrath Arya would bring reform.
Civilians – Ordinary workers and merchants who earned wages and paid taxes to the crown.
Mini-Nobles – Officials responsible for governance, army maintenance, and administration. A commoner could rise to this rank through valor or service. High-ranking Mini-Nobles often became Knights — elite warriors of the empire.
Priests – Devotees and spiritual scholars. Many inherited their positions; others earned them by mastering the Vedantras through divine devotion. Roughly forty percent of priests possessed active Vedantras, granting them influence above most Mini-Nobles.
Nobles – The highest class, comprising royal families and rulers of provinces. Nearly all nobles wielded Vedantras and managed political and military administration, guided by priests. From their bloodlines, emperors and kings were chosen.
The pages glowed faintly as the words "highest caste" appeared — and then, the light flickered out.
"Mama!" Yash blurted, snapping back to the library. "You said you'd tell me Yashrath's story, but you're explaining all these castes and powers again! We only got two minutes of his childhood!"
His mother smiled sheepishly."I know, my little scholar. But understanding the system helps you understand him. Still—" she closed the book and reached for another, bound in deep crimson leather. "Alright. Let's move ahead."
She brushed her hand over the old cover, whispering to herself:"He's just a child… I'll have to soften the darker parts of what comes next."
The library's light dimmed again as she turned the page.
The next story would not be history — it would be Yashrath's own words.