Students who have become Echoes can secure any job in society, but for those of prestigious noble lineage, whose families carry powerful legacies, their true journey has only just begun. To earn the title of Honourable Echo, they must transcend beyond mere recognition.
Each continent interprets Echo powers through its own cultural lens. In the Central Continent, where elegance and order define society, a well-known phrase captures their understanding:
"The Musician and His Symphony."
Echo Aura is inspiration, the unseen force that breathes life into music.
Echo Memory is mastery, the knowledge of chords, rhythms, and melodies that shape the sound.
Domain Materials are the instruments, the tangible tools that transform vision into reality.
Without inspiration, there will be no music.Without skill, the notes will fall into chaos. Without instruments, the song remains unheard
An Honourable Echo is one who has not only survived the Dream Realm Trial but has also ventured into the Dream Realm alone, seeking out an Echo Memory. These memories are not chosen by the seeker but by the realm itself, manifesting as the lingering dreams of long-departed masters.
One may stumble upon the dream of an expert alchemist and inherit the secrets of pill refinement, or they may glimpse the vision of a Seer, an Oracle, or even a Necrologist, each granting them wisdom and skills beyond the ordinary.
However, the true challenge lies not in obtaining a dream, but in surviving it. The Dream Realm is dangerous, and the vast majority who enter never return. To emerge with an Echo Memory is to defy fate itself, an honor few ever achieve.
After obtaining a skill, an Echo must then await the opening of a Domain, an event dictated by fate and fortune. If the Domains manifests in their era, they may seize the opportunity to gather the resources they need.
Otherwise, they must forge connections with powerful organizations that control the flow of essential materials. This step is not just crucial, it is the final and most demanding trial on the path to becoming an Honourable Echo.
Consider an alchemist: without the rare ingredients found only within Domains, their mastery of pill refinement remains meaningless. Knowledge alone is not enough; it must be nurtured with resources to reach its true potential.
An Honourable Echo is forged through three essential sources, the Echo aura, Echo Memory and the domains. Only those who conquer all three are revered as the pride of their nations.
For passing through the Shattered Veil is merely the beginning of a far greater journey. Only after obtaining all they need from these sources can they awaken the full potential of the Shattered Veil Aura, stepping into a realm of power few will ever attain.
After becoming an Echo, what should one do with such overwhelming power? Should they fight in arenas? And if so, for what purpose? Not all seek battle, some yearn for peace, while others strive for respect.
Yet conflict is an inescapable part of human nature. When two individuals are convinced they are both right, arguments can only go so far. And when words fail, the Southern Continent has a solution: the arena.
Here, disputes are settled not through endless feuds but through strength whoever's fist carries more power decides the victor.
This very principle was at the heart of the legendary clash between Dorian and Lysander, heirs to rival families whose enmity spanned centuries. For them, surrender was not an option, just as two kings cannot wear the same crown, neither could they bow to the other.
Their philosophy is etched into the very words spoken in Zul'vharra, embodied in a well-known phrase:"The Warrior and His Battle."
For them, Echo Aura is their fighting spirit, the unwavering will to engage, to move, to conquer. Echo Memory is their martial mastery, the techniques, instincts, and refined expertise that shape their combat.
And lastly, Domain Materials are their weapons and armor, the steel that turns intent into action, the shield that sustains their stand.
This distinct tradition sets the Southern Continent apart from the rest of the world. To outsiders, their ways seem barbaric. The people of other continents often mock them, saying,
"Oh, the Southern Continent? Just a land of beasts, mindless, battle-hungry lunatics!"
Yet, despite the criticism, Zul'vharra remains one of the most visited cities in the world. And why? The arenas. Ironically, half the tokens for famous matches are claimed by outsiders, foreigners who look down on the Southern Continent yet flock to witness its brutal yet mesmerizing battles.
For all their disdain, even they cannot deny the allure of a place where disputes are settled in the purest, most primal way possible: through combat.
The air flowed smoothly along the Nyxian current, while below, the great river split into four at a sacred convergence point.
The sight sent a wave of excitement through the students, who rushed to the windows, pressing their faces against the glass. After all, who among them hadn't heard the myths of Nyx, the goddess entwined with this river? And with their next chance to enter the Dream Realm three years away, they wanted to savor every moment.
Levi, however, remained lost in thought.
"Between Dorian and Elyra… the Shattered Veil chose Elyra as her successor.That was also expected. Who else could bear the mantle of Pain better than her? She's suffered more than anyone, yet even in her worst moments, she never lost her sense of justice. She never stopped protecting others. Instead, her resolve only grew stronger."
Elias, spotting an opportunity, slid into the seat across from Levi.
"I didn't get a chance to talk earlier, but I wanted to say, I'm happy for you. Order 3… that's a huge step."
Levi barely looked up before Elias continued, his excitement clear. "I awakened an Order 4 talent. Now, I can't wait to learn an Echo Memory."
Levi's gaze flickered with mild interest. "Impressive. So… what memory do you think will choose you?"
Elias Veryathis. A cousin from House Veryathis, one of the great noble lineages that traced back to Sovereigns. Among such families, tradition was everything.
Heirlooms were passed down from infancy, not just artifacts but ideology. To prevent internal strife, harmony was enforced. After all, if a Sovereign's bloodline fell to infighting, no external enemy would even need to lift a hand.
Other noble houses upheld similar rules, though none as strictly. Because in the end, what could ruin a legacy faster than one's own kin?
"That… hmm." Elias hesitated. "At first, I considered joining the Cogmasters of Order. But now that the Domains are opening, I'm reconsidering." He leaned back, a smirk forming. "I mean, how lucky are we? The Domains are opening in our generation. Why tie myself to an organization when I can choose something even greater?"
Levi raised an eyebrow. "Oh? So you want to become a diplomat sorcerer? Teach us all how to be 'lawful citizens' like those of the Central Continent?" His tone dripped with innocent amusement.
"Tch." Elias scoffed. "And who am I even talking to? Someone who barely steps out of the library? If you did, you'd know how vast this world really is."
His eyes drifted to the boys gathered by the windows, still staring in awe at the river below. Something flickered in his expression before he turned back to Levi.
"Hey… do you believe in gods?" he asked suddenly. "I mean real ones. Like Nyx, the Goddess of Night. You've read too many books, so I figured I'd ask your opinion."
Levi's gaze sharpened. "Are you asking about Nyx… or the One who created everything?"
Elias chuckled. "Pfft. Does it even matter? God is God. Or wait… do they have orders like us? Order 7, 6, 5 ?"
Levi exhaled. "Ah… so you're one of those. The ones who think nature created everything, the Dream Realm, the Domains, all the races and species?"
Elias smirked. "You're not? Any rational person knows these are just myths crafted by our ancestors. Classic reward-and-punishment psychology, just another way to control people."
"Then tell me?if gods exist beyond Order 0… why don't they appear before us? Why were they only seen in the Celestial Era and before?"
Elias leaned forward, voice growing heated. "The moment humans started extracting memories from the Dream Realm and becoming Honorable Echoes, the gods vanished."
A brief silence stretched between them.
Then Levi's voice broke it. "So… once upon a time, you wanted to be a diplomat. And clearly, you still have the skills for it, convincing people of things without a shred of evidence. Very impressive."
Elias groaned, running a hand through his hair. "Now you're mocking me. I asked a simple question, do you believe in gods or not? And instead of answering, you started an entire philosophical debate."