Chapter 2 - THE MISSION TO MEDUPI

In those days, the world was divided. In some regions like Daxia and Europa monarchies still stood tall, their emperors and kings wielding authority like blades of destiny. In others like the Azania Empire in Alkebulan (known now as Africa) the ancient clans still held command, their chieftaincies woven deep into their bloodlines and spiritual traditions. And there was conflict. For in Medupi, a powerful mineral had been discovered: Alke, a crystal capable of replacing traditional energy sources, glowing with a faint inner fire. It could power machines far beyond the simplicity of steam and metal. It could alter warfare, industry, and the balance of power. The kingdom guarding it, the Azanian territory under Warlord Zulu Mandla was notorious for impregnable borders, female warriors, and the mystical Leboa tribe, feared even across oceans. When Daxia learned of Alke, they sent their most promising researcher Li Chen to investigate under the guise of an exchange student. A journey of fifteen days, crossing land and sea. He was twenty years old when he set foot in Medupi. He spent two years studying mineral extraction and technological innovation at the Medupi Institute of Technology, earning respect for his intelligence and curiosity. And then, on an ordinary afternoon, everything changed.