Chapter 24: The Throne of Magic
1272, Castlevania – The Genesis
The world had always been ruled by the weak. Kings inherited their crowns not through skill, not through intelligence or power, but through birthright—a system built on bloodlines and tradition, where mediocrity sat on golden thrones while true power was forced into shadows.
That was not the way of Castlevania. Here, magic was law. The strong did not bow. The gifted did not serve. Only those with power could lead, and at the very top of it all—was me. Solomon Aurex Valtherion. The first and only ruler of Castlevania. An absolute monarch, bound not by the chains of nobility, but by the unshakable truth that power should belong to those worthy of it. And in Castlevania, worth was determined by magic alone.
It was a long and arduous path to this point. I remember the scorn, the whispers about my… unusual talents. They called me an abomination, a freak of nature. But their fear only fueled my ambition. I would forge a new world, a world where magic was not feared, but revered. A world where the strong ruled, and the weak…served.
1272, The Structure of Power – A Deliberation
Castlevania was not ruled by councils of cowards, nor by bureaucrats who argued over useless politics. It was a kingdom of power and purpose. At the top of its hierarchy sat Solomon Aurex Valtherion, the absolute ruler and sole authority over all magical and military matters. His word was law, his vision shaping the future of the city and its expansion into the greater world.
Beneath him stood the Archons, a council of the strongest sorcerers and magical entities within Castlevania. They were not advisors, nor were they elected. They had earned their positions through raw magical strength and mastery, proving themselves in trials of intellect, combat, and arcane knowledge. Each Archon oversaw an aspect of Castlevania's development, their authority only second to Solomon himself.
(Conversation in the Archon's Chamber)
Solomon: "The reports from the outside are… predictable. Nilfgaard continues its expansion, the Northern kingdoms remain fractured and weak. Their squabbles are a distraction, a convenient smokescreen for our own endeavors."
Archon Lyra (Overseer of Magical Research): "Indeed, Lord Valtherion. Their ignorance is our strength. They believe magic is waning, that we are a dying breed. They have no idea of the power we are cultivating."
Archon Marius (Overseer of Military Affairs): "The witch hunts are a boon as well. They eliminate the lesser talents, the uncontrolled magic that could pose a threat. It thins the herd, leaving only the strongest… and the weakest to be manipulated."
Archon Anya (Overseer of City Development): "The expansion of the city continues unabated. The Palace of Arcana's dimensional shifts are becoming more stable, allowing for greater access to the outer planes. We are close to completing the integration of the Ley Lines into our defenses, making Castlevania virtually impenetrable."
Solomon: "Excellent. The pieces are falling into place. But we must remain vigilant. Complacency is our greatest enemy."
1272, The Magus Elite – A Demonstration
The Magus Elite came next, powerful spellcasters who had reached heights beyond ordinary sorcerers. They were the enforcers of law and order, the ones who ensured that Castlevania's rules were upheld with absolute discipline. They were warriors, researchers, and tacticians, handpicked from the most gifted and dangerous magic users within the city.
(Scene in the Magus Training Grounds)
Magus Captain Kael: "Alright, recruits! Today's lesson is about control. Raw power is useless without discipline. Show me you can channel your magic with precision!"
A group of novice mages struggled to control their elemental magic, sparks flying erratically, small fires erupting and quickly being extinguished.
Kael: "Focus! Imagine the energy flowing through you, a river you guide, not a raging storm you are swept away by! Control is the difference between a sorcerer and a wild animal!"
He demonstrates, conjuring a small, controlled flame in his hand, then expanding it into a perfect sphere of fire before extinguishing it with a snap of his fingers.
Kael: "Now, your turn. Show me what you can do. And remember, control is key."
The recruits try again, some with slightly more success, others still struggling. Kael observes, his eyes sharp and critical.
Magus Recruit 1: (Struggling to control a small lightning bolt) "I… I can't seem to…"
Kael: "You're trying too hard. Relax. Feel the energy within you, don't force it. Guide it."
Magus Recruit 2: (Managing to create a small ball of fire) "Is this… better?"
Kael: "Better, but not perfect. The flame should be contained, precise. Imagine it burning only what you will it to burn."
1272, Scholars and Warlocks – The Library
Lower in rank were the Scholars and Warlocks, spellcasters who were still advancing in power but had already demonstrated their potential. They managed the libraries, laboratories, and training grounds, working to improve themselves while serving Castlevania's greater goals.
(Scene in the Grand Library of Castlevania)
Scholar Elara: "The texts recovered from the ancient ruins of Nazair… they speak of a ritual, a way to enhance magical abilities beyond their natural limits."
Warlock Theron: "The same ritual the Witchers use?"
Elara: "Possibly. But the Nazair texts are far older, more… intricate. They suggest a deeper understanding of the connection between magic and the physical form."
Theron: "And the risks?"
Elara: "Considerable. The texts warn of… mutations, of unforeseen consequences. But the potential rewards… they could be transformative."
1272, The Living Quarters – Reflections
The Living Quarters had been expanded, now home to over three thousand chosen inhabitants—mages, alchemists, warriors, and scholars, each carefully selected for their contributions to the city's power. There was no room for the weak, no place for those who could not improve Castlevania's future.
(Scene in a private chamber in the Living Quarters)
A young mage, Anya, sits by the window, gazing out at the city. Her mentor, a seasoned sorceress named Isolde, enters the room.
Isolde: "You seem pensive, Anya."
Anya: "I was just thinking about the outside world, Isolde. About the wars, the witch hunts… the chaos."
Isolde: "The outside world is consumed by its own petty struggles, Anya. They fear what they don't understand. They cling to outdated traditions and superstitions. They are blind to the true power that exists."
Anya: "But… shouldn't we help them? Share our knowledge?"
Isolde: "Help them? They would sooner burn us at the stake. They have proven time and again that they are not ready for the truth. They are not ready for Castlevania."
Anya: "But what if… what if they could change? What if we could guide them?"
Isolde: "They must prove themselves worthy first, Anya. They must show that they are willing to embrace true power, to cast aside their fear and ignorance. Until then, they will remain blind. And Castlevania will remain hidden."