194: Northrend 0 (prequel)

Origin and Guardianship

In the vast and boundless Aierede'er World, Northrend Continent, like a jade of ice left behind by the gods, is quietly embedded in the center of the world.

In the northern region of Northrend Continent, biting cold winds blow all year round, ice fields and mountains intertwine, and auroras, like dreamy ribbons, freely flow across the sky.

It is said that ancient mysteries and dangers from the primordial era are hidden here.

Setting · World and Continent:

Aierede'er World was born from the collision of star-motes at the dawn of chaos, and Northrend Continent, located at the world's center, is a masterpiece of the Creator God.

The northern region, constantly ravaged by frost, is known as the "Land of Eternal Winter."

At the edge of Northrend Continent, glaciers and oceans fiercely contend, creating a myriad of bizarre ice reefs; deep within the inland, the Blackrock Mountains sprawl like a coiled dragon, with furnace-like volcanoes spewing a mixture of scorching heat and icy cold, nurturing a unique mineral ecosystem.

This is the core barrier of the Aierede'er World against dark forces, and due to its special geographical location, it also serves as a critical node for ancient seals.

Setting · Races (Partial): A Diverse and Coexistent Guardian Alliance

Humans: Resilient Inheritors of Holy Light

Humans on Northrend Continent are based in "Holy Light City," passing down their faith in the God of Light for generations.

Although they do not possess the longevity of elves or the physique of dwarves, they forge a unique combat style through their indomitable will and devotion to the Holy Light.

Paladins, clad in Holy Light armor and wielding inscribed Holy Swords, become the vanguard against the shadows with their ultimate skills like "Holy Light Slash" and "Divine Barrier."

Human Paladin Aila's father is a representative of human heroes.

Ten years ago, during the invasion of the Undead Legion, he led his knight order to hold the defensive line, using his flesh and blood to buy time for all races to catch their breath, his spirit shining like a Holy Light torch, illuminating the path forward for future generations.

Elves: Darlings of Forests and Magic

The Elven race is rooted in the Elven Forest, with the Tree of Life as their spiritual foundation.

Over long ages, elves have coexisted with nature, mastering magic that controls elements and heals living beings.

They use bows and arrows as their wings, their arrows imbued with magic, capable of precisely tearing through shadows.

Elven Guardian Liya bears the mission of a "Holy Maiden of the Elves," not only to protect the Tree of Life and the star core anchor but also to carry on the millennium-old battle songs.

When the Elven Forest is invaded by dark forces, the elves will defend with "Nature's Protection" and "Arrow Rain Barrier," interpreting their dedication to their homeland with agility and resilience.

Sea Tribe (Naga): Silent Guardians of the Deep Sea

Beneath the deep sea, the Naga tribe guards the Tidal Shrine and the star core anchor.

With human bodies and snake tails, they construct magical barriers in the deep blue sea, fending off shadows infiltrating from the ocean trenches.

The Naga Queen is the symbol of the Sea Tribe's will, wielding the Ocean Trident and capable of summoning the power of the tides.

To protect the anchor stones, they fight to the death against shadow creatures; the guards at the temple gates are the Sea Tribe's silent vow of "never retreating even in death," their tridents plunged beside the anchor stones, a symbol of both guardianship and the Sea Tribe's promise to the Aierede'er World.

Dwarven Race: Synonym for Forging and Courage

The Dwarven race occupies the Blackrock Mountains, and the sound of forging in their furnaces is the rhythm of their lives.

They befriend ores, specializing in crafting magical weapons and artifacts.

The initial "dwelling place" of the star core anchor—the Mithril Casket—was crafted by the Dwarven forging master, Bloom.

The Dwarves' Holy Light hammers can smash shadow armor, and their fire runes can dispel the mists of eternal night; with their strong arms and exquisite craftsmanship, they add the footnote of an "iron Great Wall" to the protection of the continent.

Setting · star core anchor: Cornerstone of the World's Barrier

The star core anchor is the most mysterious existence in the Aierede'er World, rumored to have been forged by the Creator God from stellar fragments and the essence of the four major races, with a total of three pieces.

They are preserved in the safest places on Northrend Continent—the Dwarf Crown, the Elven Tree of Life, and the Sea Tribe's Tidal Shrine—collectively maintaining the sealing array that imprisons the "Stareater" in the Eternal Night Rift.

The anchor stones glow with a faint blue light, resonating with the Holy Light, magic, and tidal forces ignited in various locations; once an anchor stone dims, darkness will surge like a raging tide, attempting to engulf the vitality of the entire continent.

Over long ages, the four major races formed a guardian alliance because of the star core anchor; although occasional friction occurred between them, they still worked together tacitly in the face of the dark threat.

The inheritance of each anchor stone carries a racial mission: Dwarves guard the forging and transfer of the anchor stone, Humans use Holy Light to bestow the anchor stone with "Awakening Power," Elves purify anchor stone contamination through the Tree of Life, and the Sea Tribe delays the dimming of the anchor stone with deep-sea barriers.

The guardian network woven by the four races has allowed the Aierede'er World to tenaciously continue the spark of hope through countless dark impacts.

Until the 2999th year of the Third Cycle Era...