Chapter One: The Steel of Willow

It was a time of great depression, a power imbalance, the culmination of a brewing discontent, the raging of fire and emotions, and the never-ending demands for equality and fairness. The situation warrants for cooler heads from all the parties concerned as the situation worsen, and the expressed intent for the abrogation of the Treaty of Materials is ever seemingly likely.

The parties mentioned above involve two of the most intense rivalries ever recorded in the richness of folklore or in the vivid account of mythology. On one hand are the Potioneers, the experts in the brewing of potions with healing properties and potent poisons that are usually drenched in potionomer weapons (spears and swords that are made by a blacksmith with the minerals mixed with a specialized potion to reinforce its deadly strength). On the other hand are the Dark Masters, who are the known experts in charms and illusions.

The Dark Masters have long been able to conjure their talents using a weapon they only call as a "sticky pole," which according to legend commands the power of the stars and the corresponding constellations that decorate the night sky. They were called "dark" masters owing to the necessity of the presence of the darkness of the night to enable their playful energy to embrace the same matter of what causes the twinkling of the stars.

But the great Potioneers do not vow to any master, and, for centuries, they have been battling the Dark Masters against any attempts to impair their right to access ingredients needed for the development of their potions, while further strengthening the operations of their potionomer blacksmiths. Nothing shall obstruct their way into greatness, and no kind of authority can subdue their common resolve.

The civilization of the Dark Masters involve several realms and properties that cover vast lands and wonderful lakes that cradle the most sustainable mythological ecosystems ever known. Their lands are home to the most rare species of powerful flora that has since been identified as crucial materials desired by many potion makers or any magician of sorts.

For a time, the Potioneers have sought to establish a diplomatic relationship with the Dark Masters, specifically seeking a fair and equitable access to territory and fair trade involving materials from both races. While the Treaty was still under negotiation, several fighting that erupts relating to the rampant looting of ingredients from foreign territories and desecration of solemn spaces have caused great concern to the leadership of both sides, as the Potioneers started to succumb to a strange disease believed to have been contracted from the enchantments made to the harvested materials.

In the end, in spite of the turmoil, a Treaty of Materials was eventually signed and an order of peace was restored. For many years, no fighting was ever recorded relating to the narration of stories and lore in reference to the Treaty. There were no serious form of violence that ever started since then, and no other concern was brought forth by the socialization of the several species in the established ecosystems. In due time, it was generally believed that the archrivalry has been diminished once and for all.

However, things have started to change recently.

The Dark Masters have announced that it was successful in forging a weapon they call as the "Steel of Willow," which is set to reinforce the reach of potency and the greatness of their Sticky Poles. The Potioneers have vehemently objected to the use of the Steel of Willow, alleging that the technology used to make it was stolen from their knowledge, and that any attempt to use the weapon will constitute "a breach of the trust accorded to the Treaty of Materials."

Both parties have expressed their opposing interests in diplomatic protests, but a reconciliation seems unlikely in the present condition. 

A new and revived rivalry is set to emerge again.

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This Chapter is paid for by Louis Vuitton Messenger Bag for Men.