With the assistance of the United Nations and various associations, the "World International Academy" was established in the United States. However, many people cannot afford to attend this institution. In response, the United Nations and the World Association plan to create branches of the World Mastery Academy, with the main headquarters situated in the U.S. There will be seven International Mastery Academies built across the seven continents, excluding Antarctica, alongside National Mastery Academies that each nation can establish.
Each nation can now set up its own National Mastery Academy; however, conflicts have arisen due to social norms. Most students applying to these National Mastery Academies come from noble families or military backgrounds, while students from standard family backgrounds often face discrimination. Many experience bullying, leading to severe consequences, including mental health issues, or they may drop out of the Academy.
A few years later, just before the onset of the Cold War, a powerful and secretive organization known as "The Sovereign Order of Dominion" emerged. Composed of nobles and high-ranking military officers, this organization has held significant influence and control over resources and territories for many years. The Order opposes the United Nations' efforts to provide education and resources to lower-class individuals and students, fearing that such empowerment could threaten their entrenched power and privileges.
The United Nations initiated an official agreement with all the associations to establish a system that would enable the poorest classes to gain social status. Everyone agreed to this initiative; however, the Sovereign Order of Dominion (SOD) was one step too late to influence the agreement and ultimately had to accept it. As a result, the world became divided into four factions: the Noble Fraction, the Military Fraction, the Freedom Fraction, and the Neutral Fraction.
Following the emergence of these four factions, a Cold War began, leading to total destruction and chaos. New dungeons appeared, and a leveling system was introduced, reminiscent of a video game. Currently, the highest level achieved this year ranges from level 450 to 550, with no cap on how high it can go.
During the Cold War, the first rocket was launched into orbit around Earth by the USSR. In their exploration of space, they discovered two new types of magical elements: "Space Magic" and "Time Magic." In the near future, it became evident that only one in a billion people would be able to harness this extraordinary power.
Due to the discovery of new magical elements, more continue to emerge one by one. These include "Shadow Magic" (similar to Dark Magic but with a different concept and applications), "Spirit/Soul Magic," "Crystal Magic," "Life Magic," "Order and Law Magic" (discovered by various religions, primarily from the Church), "Blood Magic," and "Gravity Magic."
In the aftermath of the Cold Wars, driven by the magic of Space and Gravity, floating islands have begun to appear in our world. Some of these islands are inhabited and have been quickly occupied by the SOD (Sovereign Order of Dominion), the United Nations, and various associations. Others have transformed into Dimensional Gates home to monsters and unknown entities, while some have turned into dungeons or towers.
In the post-Cold War era, new alliances and guilds emerged, whether for good or evil. During the modern era, from 2000 to 2005, a fragile peace was established, though conflicts continued between alliances, guilds, the SOD, and the UN, as well as various political and military tensions worldwide. Nevertheless, the world has managed to stabilize for the time being.
Years later, a young boy named Accel will change the world as he grows up.
In the fourth week of May 2017, in a small countryside village called "Meadowville" located in Mindanao, there lived a peaceful community of over 100 people, all with standard social statuses. Among them was a normal family: both parents were Level 100 Veteran Swordsmen and Level 100 Veteran Mages. The father, a veteran swordsman, was named Atlas, while the mother, a veteran mage, was named Aria.
Their eldest son, Accel, was the main character of our story. He had two younger brothers: Axton, the middle child, and Asher, the youngest. The family enjoyed a tranquil life, but everything changed when a group of magical carriages from the National Association arrived in Meadowville. They came to enroll children over the age of 12 in the prestigious National Mastery Academy.
While many residents of Meadowville were apprehensive about sending their children to the Academy due to the inherent dangers and social inequalities, Accel boldly raised his hand to express his desire to attend. This decision caused concern for his parents.
After listening to the instructor's announcement, Accel tightened his grip on the application form while looking at his parents, aware that the decision he was about to make could change the course of his life. While excitement filled his heart, he could also see the concern reflected in both Atlas's and Aria's eyes.
Atlas remained silent for a moment before letting out a small sigh and placing a hand on his son's shoulder. Looking directly into Accel's eyes, he asked, "Son, are you certain you want to enroll in the National Mastery Academy? It will undoubtedly provide you with more opportunities and a better future, but as your father, I cannot help but worry about your safety, especially being surrounded by nobles and students from military families."
Aria nodded in agreement, folding her arms across her chest, her expression a mix of pride and concern. "I agree with your father, my son. The academy may open many doors for you, but it is also a place where people are judged by their status, influence, and background. However, if this is truly the path you wish to take, we will not stop you. Instead, we will support you with everything we have."
Hearing their words filled Accel with confidence. Without hesitation, he straightened his posture and replied, "Yes, Mother. Yes, Father. I understand your concerns, but I want to go, and I promise that I will do my very best."
Neither parent tried to argue further; they had already seen the determination in their son's eyes.
Several days passed, and before anyone realized it, the enrollment period came to an end. Out of more than thirty eligible children from Meadowville and the surrounding villages, only ten chose to take the risk and apply to the National Mastery Academy.
When Instructor Alexander Reed returned to announce the final results, the selected students gathered near the village square while anxious parents watched from the sidelines.
After confirming the list of applicants, the instructor stepped forward to address everyone. "Out of more than thirty eligible children, only ten have chosen to apply. To those ten students, congratulations! Make sure to prepare your belongings today because the magical carriage will return tomorrow morning to take you to the academy. Rest well tonight and be ready for the journey ahead. Good luck!"
The excitement quickly spread throughout the village.
That evening, the atmosphere inside the Accel family's home was very different from usual.
Bags were packed, clothes were folded, and supplies were carefully organized as the family spent their remaining time together before Accel's departure.
Atlas secured the straps on one of the travel bags and glanced at his son. "My dear son, I hope you stay safe and avoid unnecessary conflicts. You will meet nobles, military students, and many others who may not share your values, so be careful about whom you trust."
Nearby, Aria folded several spare uniforms and placed them into the luggage. "Your father is right. Making friends among those groups can be difficult, and some people may look down on you simply because of your background. If academy life ever becomes too challenging, remember that there is no shame in coming home. This family will always welcome you back."
Their words carried warmth instead of doubt.
They were not trying to stop him; they were simply worried.
From across the room, Axton and Asher rushed toward their older brother, unable to hide their excitement.
"Big Brother Accel, good luck tomorrow!" one of them exclaimed.
"Make sure you become really strong!" the other added enthusiastically.
Their innocent encouragement immediately brought a smile to his face.
Looking at each member of his family, Accel felt both nervous and grateful. "Thank you, everyone. I know the academy won't be easy, but I'll do my best. Hopefully, more good things than bad things will happen during my time there."
The room grew quiet afterward.
Although nobody said it aloud, everyone understood that tomorrow would mark the beginning of a new chapter in Accel's life.