VITÆ

as for Ai use Im using it for proofreading as im highly dislexic and have issues typing so please be forgiving so only for that purpose no idea content was Ai generated! Vitae follows the long-lasting adventure of Laran, a somewhat talented young man with physical and mental predispositions who struggles with patience and failure. He aims for perfection, holding himself to an unnecessarily high standard that no one has actually placed upon him. He knows he has potential, yet he remains deeply unsatisfied with his growth. Because he is surrounded by geniuses and exceptional individuals, barely anyone is on his level—or weaker. Laran is born in a secluded city-state called Albor, from which leaving is taboo. Leaving the city isn't technically illegal, but returning from what the Alborian military calls "the wilderness of the continent" is strictly forbidden. Despite the taboo, Laran aims to gain as much experience as possible during his mandatory military service—where our story begins—to prepare himself for travel. During boot camp, he will learn the basics of elemental evocation through Vitae, and he will find and forge his dedicated weapon to complement the power of gravity—the element he has chosen to master. What is Vitae?Vitae is the essence of life. All things are made from it to some extent, but sentience is often the deciding factor in having enough Vitae to use for elemental evocation. All people have access to evocation on a basic level, such as being able to create a small light or cool a drink. However, for those who aim to become great evokers, fighters, or other specialized users, they need a catalyst. A catalyst determines and ultimately removes the cap on one's ability to use Vitae. Each catalyst is forged by its user, making blacksmithing a basic skill taught to all and a foundational element of society in the world of Vitae. Story Arcs The story is divided into different arcs, the first of which is the Boot Camp Arc. In this arc, Laran—who initially approaches boot camp merely as a stepping stone—realizes just how much growth lies ahead of him. In his class are kids from various backgrounds, but because Albor is a stratocracy (a military-led government), four cadets come from the higher echelons of military families. These cadets are often referred to as "royalty" in an insulting manner, and they stand at the top of the class. This is especially true of one girl, the only person who possesses a catalyst weapon during the introduction ceremony. Throughout this arc, Laran will learn more about the military and its ways, discovering the truth about how the so-called "royalty" truly function, thanks to a rebellious royal who befriends him. Rumors of propaganda, mass manipulation, and corruption intrigue Laran enough to spend his free time investigating whether the military's rule and traditions—mandatory service, the taboo against leaving the country, and the ever-present fear-mongering designed to keep the people prepared for an attack from the continent—are justified, especially since nothing has happened in decades. Laran spends three years in military service. At the end of this arc, he leaves the country to discover whether the government's status quo of constant preparation for war is based on truth or lies.