NOTE: I will be writing Shards of Mania and pursuing my debut as a published author for 2023-2024.

Last updated: 9/28/2023

Current Word Count: 83,549 words

Word Count Goal: 250,000 ish (probably longer ngl)

Status as of 9/29/2023: I read over my work so far (for the umpteenth time) and decided it needs to "coagulate" more. So the plan is to let it rest for a month (or *gasp* two or three) and then come back with fresh eyes. Though whenever I plan to let my work rest, I usually come back to it anyway. LOL. We'll see. I'll be working on art and packing to move till then.

"A dream glitters as it breaks."

After an apocalyptic event, survivors of the city of Elysia work together to gather the broken pieces of magical crystals called "Mania" to awaken Princess Alteya who lies eternally asleep in a magical slumber.

Art: https://minasagas.newgrounds.com/art?tags=shards-of-mania

Chapter 0

Our revels now are ended. These our actors,

As I foretold you, were all spirits, and

Are melted into air, into thin air;

And, like the baseless fabric of this vision,

The cloud-capped towers, the gorgeous palaces,

The solemn temples, the great globe itself,

Yea, all which it inherit, shall dissolve;

And, like this insubstantial pageant faded,

Leave not a rack behind. We are such stuff

As dreams are made on, and our little life

Is rounded with a sleep.

— The Tempest by William Shakespeare

The fate of mankind is soaked in Mania's light. Glowing like a star, It is the source of all energy in the universe. From the tiniest grain lost on the beach to the awe-inspiring Manialiths in the abodes of sorcerer kings, these precious stones harbor a great and ancient magic. In the hands of great men, it can move the heavens and the earth. Magnificent minds have developed technology, medicine, and wondrous cities aided by its power. Modern civilization thus commends the state of its existence to Mania in religious reverence. Though, it is too a force that inspires the covetous to inflict selfishness, hardship, and utter doom upon those they would put under foot.

The world is plagued with strife, injustice, and suffering. Mercilessly, men waste the earth and subjugate her children. The weak bend to the will of the strong at the cost of their own lives and those of their kin. There is no doubt that those who wield the power of Mania must be vigilant against corruption, but to live without would be to die of starvation. Such is the nature of this glorious yet destructive force. Thus when seeing a gleaming stone, think upon the ultimate price paid for the power within — the lives lost and the memories fading. Contemplate the acceptance of such a burden, lest the price be paid again.

However, there are those who would dare otherwise. A select few who surrender to the will of the universe and seize the crown of Destiny that so many others deny. It is these heroic Chosen Ones who have willingly taken on the burden: To watch over the fading light and bear witness to the end of the world. Will you join us?

Behold. A dream glitters as it breaks.