Diverging Paths
General Story
A strange beast arises from the depths of Byalan's dungeons. Many speculate the cause of this, and as winter drags on, the overflowing magical energy entering the world becomes a cause for concern. The magic eventually takes form, and Surtur sends forces around the globe to attack heroes and adventurers. Several will stand their ground and not allow the flux of energy to breed a path of destruction.
Eternal Winter
The winter days persisted longer than it normally last this year as the snow remained thick in the streets of Prontera. While all specialists, be it scientists or magicians across the world, remain puzzled at the phenomenon, adventurers reported the sighting of mysterious "Eternal Crystals" that shine with a pristine blue light that freezes the area. While the heroes are discussing if there is a certain correlation between the crystals and the extended winter season, more and more of these crystals appeared across the land and bringing along them, the cold loving creatures Siroma to abnormal regions of the world.
The heroes embarked on a journey to investigate the Eternal Crystals, tracing their whereabouts depending on the sight of the creature Siromas living in the area. Up to 140 crystals have been discovered and destroyed, and indeed the snow began to subside. While the citizens and heroes of Prontera celebrate at the end of the winter season, a thick fog grew on the surface of Byalan Island, and a group of ravaging Mermans and Stroufs invaded the harbor cities of Alberta and Izlude. Though the heroes quickly dispatched the ocean's forces, the mermaid Eralia and their lord of the Byalan Kingdom that sunk to the bottom of the sea, Levia Lusca, rose to the surface with more of their Eternal Crystals to attack all surface creatures. The heroes quickly engaged in a battle against the duo, yet Levia Lusca's summoning of a giant reef of corals, a whole floor of Penomenas, proved to be a difficult opponents against the heroes. In the end, Levia Lusca's attempt to destroy the surface world through a long ravaging winter by the use of Byalan's Eternal Crystals have been stopped, and Levia Lusca has been sealed inside a water crystal in the heart of the Byalan ruins. Only with the gathering of 3 magical seafoams should Levia Lusca ever be released again.
Overflow of Magic
Ever since the now deceased Dark Conjurer Eudoxie had opened a path towards the realm of eternal fire, Muspelheim, the stars' alignment form a gateway towards the different plane. The heroes fought hard to silence the fire giant Surtur, whose power Eudoxie tried to usurp yet paid with her life in the end of her elaborate plans. Yet in the recent burst of strength in Surtur's power has left the heroes helpless in their battle for the recent months, and many specialists have theorized that there is a direct correlation between the battlefront's status with an apparent overflow of magical powers into the world. The current president of the Kiehl Hyre company and the genius in the world of robotics, Kiel Hyre, expressed his opinions on the matter.
The delayed seasonal change with the winter snow is the best example. It was explained that winter snow this year did not melt until well into the month of April, which is highly unusual for Rune Midgard. Further more, the magical Eternal Crystals and the mysterious fog of Byalan Island appeared during the winter crisis along with the reawakening of the ancient races deep in the ocean of Byalan Ruins. The lord of byalan, Levia Lusca, rose to the service after the ancient slumber to battle the heroes ferociously in a rare shown of aggressiveness against all nations to reclaim their ancient glory. There is no clear explanation for the occurrence of the event, but it is theorized that Levia Lusca and Eralia were both awakened due to a mysterious influx of magical energy.
Theory arose all over the land stating that the energy source being the alternate realm of Muspelheim fits all contextual evidence. This massive influx of powerful yet subtle magical energy may be what the Dark Conjurer Eudoxie is looking for, yet failed to claim due to the heroes' interferences. Perhaps Surtur inside Muspelheim is still storing his energy ever since the connection with Muspelheim is established. As Surtur regenerates more and more of his powers, the overflow of magic is abundant and increasingly apparant.
Recent findings from Juno laboratories further worried all scholars across all borders. There is said to be a gathering of the flowing magical energies as if it is 'taking a form.' All countries' officials have issued a special warning for all citizens to be on their guard. The independent states of Amatsu, Louyang, Gonryun and Ayothaya though expressed concerns of inadequate forces to protect its citizens. For that, King Tristan III have generously asked his fellow nobles in the court to lend their assistance towards these states. The Baron Oniichan (Street Minista filled in for the baron until he arrived) will be in charge of the state of Louyang. The noble Guillermo will be in charge of the town of Ayothaya. A rising new hero and direct assistance to Lady Pandora, Mass, will be in charge of the town of Gonryun. The Prince Silk will be in charge of his hometown of Amatsu.
On May 15, savages from the realm of Muspelheim charged into this world and attacked the four independent states. The noble Guillermo defended Ayothaya by the horde of attacking dragons and golems. Prince Silk defended Amatsu from the returning forces of Byalan Ruins, with Levia Lusca reawakened and lured by Muspelheim's magical energy. The fallen angels banished by the gods were persuaded to side with Surtur and assisted in attacking Gonryun. Lastly, Kiehl Hyre and his robots chose to see to the end of his former partner Eudoxie's work, and attacked Louyang in the name of science to stop the heroes' resistance in order to consider a future to harvest the dangerous magic energies of Muspelheim. At the end of the battle, Surtur did not seem to be in the frontline against the cities but whether stayed in the Sograt Desert. The heroes of both allegiances joined forces to push on the offensive against Surtur who traveled from Muspelheim into this realm. Though eventually Fafnir's guise of the 4 dragons were defeated, and Surtur was proven to be no match for the Baron Oniichan in battle thus ending the Muspelheim invasion, the overflow of magic remains a mystery. It was speculated that perhaps the awakening of Levia Lusca was only a test by Surtur, but his personal stay in the desert instead of ravaging the cities to cause devastating damage may have a deeper meaning... However, such theories have no concrete evidence, and are only treated as rumors.
