Design

Lore

Veldoria—a city where magic flowed through every corner, shaping lives and weaving itself into the very fabric of existence. From the hum of enchanted lamps lining cobblestone streets to the towering spires of Veldoria Academy, where the most brilliant minds honed their mystical arts, magic was the essence of daily life. For most, the ability to wield it emerged as naturally as breathing. But for Venny, a clumsy Neko-Human, the gift of magic was a dream just out of reach. Since childhood, Venny had longed to attend Veldoria Academy, a prestigious institution reserved for the magically gifted. But unlike the other children, whose abilities blossomed with time, Venny had nothing—no spark, no shimmer, no sign of magic in him at all. It wasn’t just a disappointment; it was an ache that settled deep in his heart, a reminder that he might never belong in the world he so admired.

That all changed on the night of the forest fire.
The forest outside of the city’s borders had always been a place of solace for Venny. It was quiet, secluded, a space where he could dream freely without the shadow of failure looming over him. One afternoon, while wandering beneath the canopy of trees, Venny discovered something peculiar. Nestled in a patch of dirt, struggling for sunlight, was a small, golden-textured plant bud. It shimmered faintly, as if it were alive. Venny knelt beside it, struck by its fragility, and it became his quiet companion. He would often visit the plant, simply sitting by its side, sharing his thoughts and dreams as if it could somehow understand him.
One fateful evening, disaster struck. A raging fire broke out in the forest, consuming everything in its path. When Venny heard the news, he ran toward the flames without hesitation, fear gripping his heart. By the time he reached the forest, the fire had already spread deep, and smoke choked the air. The searing heat pressed against his skin, and each breath tasted of ash. The crackling of flames was deafening, a hungry roar that drowned out his thoughts. Still, he pressed on, desperate to find the tiny golden plant. When he finally stumbled upon it, he knew there was no hope of escape. The fire’s intensity had engulfed the surrounding area, and the choking smoke made it impossible to see a way out. His path was blocked, and his own strength was waning amidst the suffocating heat. Yet, even with no way out, Venny chose to shield the plant with his body, determined to protect it at all costs.
As he held the plant close, the world around him seemed to blur. The air grew thick, and his strength ebbed away. Just when he thought it was the end, the plant began to glow. A golden light emanated from the tiny bud, growing brighter and brighter until it consumed everything. Venny felt a surge of energy flood through him, overwhelming and chaotic. His left eye burned as if set aflame, and then everything went dark.

“Let’s grow together, Venny.” As these words ring in his conscience. When Venny opened his eyes, he was in a hospital. The sterile white room felt suffocating, and his body ached with exhaustion. For a moment, confusion gripped him as he tried to piece together what had happened. As he sat up, a mirror on the wall caught his attention. Staring back at him was his reflection, but something was different. His left eye now glowed with a golden hue, a stark contrast to his other. He could feel the magic coursing through him—wild and untamed. Slowly, the memories of the fire and the plant’s light returned to him. Though the guilt of the forest’s destruction weighed heavily on his chest, a spark of reassurance lingered. The tiny golden plant wasn’t truly gone; it was a part of him now.
Soon, a representative from Veldoria Academy arrived to speak with him. They introduced themselves with a mix of caution and encouragement. "The surge of magic you experienced," they explained, "is unlike anything we’ve encountered before. The fire stopped suddenly after the magical surge. Whatever happened in those moments saved the outskirts of the city, but we don’t fully understand how or why it happened." Their tone softened. "This kind of power is extraordinary—and like all extraordinary things, it can feel isolating at first. But the academy is a place where you’ll meet others who understand what it means to grow into your potential. You’ll have the support you need—every step of the way."
To help him navigate this new reality, the academy assigned him a caretaker. A floating, sentient book introduced itself with a flourish, its cover gleaming with ornate designs.
Atlas circled Venny slowly, its voice tinged with both amusement and curiosity. "Fascinating. I’ve seen stranger phenomena—but not often." The book’s pages fluttered lightly, as though in thought. "You might just be one of the most unique cases Veldoria has encountered. It’s my job to make sense of you."
It hovered closer, its tone steady but firm. "I’ll also ensure you understand the power within you and learn to control it. Together, we’ll uncover the meaning behind this magic, why it chose you, and how to use it wisely. After all, your story might very well change the course of magic as we know it." Despite his uncertainty about the powers now surging within him—and the changes they might bring—Venny accepted the academy’s offer.
Before leaving for the academy, Venny found himself drawn back to the forest. He stood amidst the charred remains, the smell of ash still lingering in the air. The devastation was overwhelming, but as he looked closer, something caught his eye. Tiny green shoots poked through the blackened ground, fragile yet resolute. He knelt beside one, his golden eye reflecting the faint shimmer of new life. For a moment, the weight of guilt lifted.
"If the forest can grow again," he murmured, a small smile forming on his lips, "maybe I can, too."

Days later, as Venny stood before a mirror in his crisp new academy uniform, adjusting the golden insignia on his collar, he stared at his reflection. His glowing eye met his gaze—a reminder of the power he barely understood but was determined to master. This was the start of something new.
At Veldoria Academy, Venny’s journey was just beginning. With uncertainty lingering in his heart and determination in his mind, he would face the trials ahead. One step at a time, he would uncover the real importance of his powers, his place in the world, and who he was meant to be.

Characters