Lore

World Lore

177

Aincrad's places, legends, history and the notes adventurers leave behind — each with its own illustration. Browse every entry to see what you passed over out in the field.

Ancient Summoning Tower

Until a few centuries ago, overworlders were summoned via rituals carried out in towers such as these. However, human-built summoning towers had a low success-rate, and seemed ill-suited to the task; nowadays it is far more common to use elven ruins for this purpose. The people of Aincrad value overworlders for their ability to help out—yet who summoned them in the first place, and why, remains shrouded in mystery.

Legend of the Twin Goddesses

The temple dedicated to the two goddesses of the old high elven faith tells us this: when the world was whole, the two Sacred Trees at its center each had a priestess who served it. They spoke for the great trees, and unleashed a great magic to stop a terrible war at the cost of their own lives, banishing the embattled lands to the sky. The lineage of priestesses ended there...

Old Village Ruins

The ruins of what used to be a village. It was only recently destroyed. Monsters in Aincrad encroach on human lands more and more every year, and an increasing number of people are being driven from their homes. Adventurers are needed to control their spread, and this is how many overworlders make their livings.

Mansion on the Plains

A large building tucked away in the outskirts of the city. It was not always part of the urban area, and was built by an eccentric nobleman as a vacation home in monster-infested lands. It was abandoned within days. This was hardly surprising, and many wondered at the nobleman's motivations. Adventurers who camp here have a pretty good idea, however. One can only sympathize with the nobleman as they glimpse the morning sunrise over Megalith Forest, a welcome relief for those whose hearts are battered and bruised.

Forgotten Inscriptions

"The archetypal high elven faith is a form of dualistic polytheism that focuses on two twins: the Black Goddess Lura and the White Goddess Om. These are probably variants of the two priestesses of myth." —From an inscription left by a researcher.

Tryst Tower

Ruins that whisper tales of eternal adventure sometimes grant people a chance at an enchanting romance. This place, located near the Town of Beginnings, has been a lovers' meeting place for nobles and peasants, city-dwellers and adventurers, and even those from other far-off lands. Bards sing songs of lovers sitting on the steps of the half-submerged tower, holding each other's hands and gazing at the reflection of the trees on the water's rippling surface.

Ancient Fortress

Aincrad is a land without war. It is an isolated island, detached from the overworld to contain a great war that took place many eons ago, and then divided into multiple layers, inaccessible to each other to prevent nations from waging needless territorial skirmishes. The vacant folly of war can be glimpsed in the weathered ruins of ancient forts which mar the landscape like old battle scars.

Great Knight Statue

Giant statues of knights can be found throughout the 1st Floor. Unlike overworlders, the people of Aincrad, who were vulnerable after the Great Separation, placed these statues as a show of force to protect themselves from external enemies. However, as humanity lacked the ability to produce such large statues at the time of their creation, it is theorized that they were constructed by dwarves in exchange for the rich-flavored mead that the ancient humans brewed.

Aincrad's Industrial Technology

In Aincrad, where wheat and barley are the staple crops, the windmill was invented fairly early as a means of milling the grains using the strong winds that buffeted the airborne land. Over the course of millennia spent in the air, other inventions sprung up, like water mills, eyeglasses, clocks, the three-field system of farming, reinforced buildings, and chimneys. Even black gunpowder was created, but due to the magic binding Aincrad, which prevents any manner of projectile weapon, it can only be used for mining.

Grand Canal

The waterway is the only safe way to cross the 1st Floor, which is teeming with monsters. Because there are no seas on the first floor, boats and other vessels remain underdeveloped, and the most that can be managed is a simple craft to cross a lake or river. Though simplistic, it is enough to allow for trade between the various cities.

Shrine to the Old Gods

When Aincrad was still part of the overworld, each human tribe believed in their own native gods. However, these old religions were forgotten in the Great Separation, and now many worship the high elves—the ancient beings who supposedly created Aincrad.

Great Wolf's Jaw

One of the many fascinating sights to be found on the 1st Floor. A small cave lined with fang-like rocks, its name comes from the resemblance of the cascading falls to hungry wolves on the prowl. Despite numerous monsters blocking the way, one glimpse of this scenery somehow makes it all seem worth it.

Remains of an Adventurer's Campsite

A Safe Area is an indispensable place to rest when traversing monster-infested territory outside of the city. Nevertheless, there is never a guarantee that one will be nearby, and many hardy souls prefer to camp out in the wilds with only branches and cloth to shield them from the elements. They know that desperately searching for a Safe Area will only put them in danger.

Lordshrine (Evil Ward)

A shrine that protects the road and wards evil away from the Town of Beginnings. Legend has it that if you pray at one on the morning of your departure, you are guaranteed a safe journey, making adventurers, who live their lives on the edge, a constant sight here. Many humans living in Aincrad revere the elves as gods, for they are believed to have created the world. However, the beings this shrine is dedicated to are closer to fairies or spirits. Perhaps it is the remnant of an old faith that existed when Aincrad was still part of the overworld.

Elven Signpost

Popular belief holds that this signpost stays alight through ancient elven magic. Researchers have found that it is made of the same material as the Megaliths, absorbing the magical energy that flows naturally through the ground of Aincrad and releasing it in small amounts to stay lit. While it serves as a signpost now, it has stood for centuries, and no one knows when or why it was actually put there. This mystery has fascinated people throughout the different ages of Aincrad. One theologian theorized that the light is sacred, the means by which the goddesses of creation will guide their followers to heaven. The hunters of the forest claim that it marks a hunting trail, and the light was put there to attract animals for the elves to hunt. Village elders say that it marks a safe path, and serves as a guiding light put there by the elves to ensure no one gets lost in the forest. One traveler said that it was pointless to search for meaning in such a trivial object, and that not every mystery in the world needs to be explained. The locals grew enraged at this, but in response the traveler simply pulled his hood tighter and muttered, "Well, it looks nice, and because lots of people pass by it, it just kind of naturally became a road..." before shuffling off in a hurry. The ears under the traveler's hood were unnaturally long...

Temple of Doors

The remains of a temple of the high elven faith, abandoned long ago. Some researchers refer to this place, and the High Elven Ruins beneath, as the "Temple of Doors." Rumors claim that they are carrying out experiments related to teleportation and overworlders in secret using the mechanisms within.

The Researchers' Hideout

The faith of the high elves, which holds sacred the gods who created Aincrad, forbids any investigations of Heaven's Rift or the other elf ruins scattered throughout the land. However, human curiosity is not so easily contained, and many break this taboo and carry out research regardless. These researchers continue to track down remote locations in order to pursue the truth of Aincrad's creation.

Tolbana

A town by the side of a lake near the 1st Floor Maze. It is the oldest town on the 1st Floor, and its stone houses and what remains of the amphitheater are just as they were in the past. Surrounded on both sides by the bountiful waters of the lake and fertile arable land, it flourished as the 1st Floor's main town several centuries ago, but the Town of Beginnings and its rapid growth soon left it to languish. Currently, it serves as a bustling inn town, a base for adventurers seeking to test their mettle in the Maze.

Ship Graveyard

A famous spot within the marshes, where wrecks of ancient vessels lie scattered. The scenery here tells the tale of Aincrad's past, when it was once part of the overworld. Back then, the area surrounding this place was a large lake. Even now, thousands of years after the Great Separation, the fact that these remains still exist is a testament to the power of the elven magic flowing throughout Aincrad.

Kobold Altar

Kobolds do not have any particular faith or gods that they follow. However, they fear natural phenomena that they lack the capacity to understand, believing them to be supernatural in origin and making offerings to alleviate any perceived suffering. People refer to these offerings as Kobold's Altars.

Guidepost Lamp

A simple light that illuminates the road. Or is it? It is in fact a trap set by a group of shrewd demi-humans who noticed that humans tend to approach sources of light to alleviate their anxieties. But because they chose the location poorly, it ended up on a busy thoroughfare, ironically proving helpful to the many adventurers whose way it lights.

Alliance of the Nine Kingdoms Remnants

When Aincrad was still part of the overworld, the human race was divided into tribes, each living in their own separate settlement. However, they were under constant threat from the other races, and eventually banded together under the banner of the Alliance of the Nine Kingdoms. There, they researched magic in order to replicate the spells of the elves and dwarves, and their culture flourished. But the Alliance of the Nine Kingdoms was destroyed after the Great Separation, and now only ruins remain. A millennium later, human settlements take the form of city-states, each with its own political system.

Fallow Wheat Field

Even in the unforgiving environment of Aincrad, where monsters run rampant and game is scarce, humans have been able to cultivate wheat, barley, and other crops to sustain themselves. However, the land needed for this has been overrun by monsters over the years, and the locals have no choice but to turn to overworlder adventurers to take back the land that was once theirs.

Floating Island Approach

These floating islands can be seen across Aincrad, and were once fragments of the world below, sent skyward in ages past. It is widely believed that at their base is the Heaven's Rift. Believers of the high elven religion were said to demonstrate the purity of their faith by walking the arduous path to Heaven's Rift barefoot.

Ancient Fort

Approximately one thousand years ago, the Alliance of the Nine Kingdoms, a human nation that existed on the overworld, was engulfed in a war that consumed the entire world. The belligerents of the war were the dark elves of the Lyusula kingdom and the forest elves of the Kales'Oh kingdom. The Nine Kingdoms allied themselves with the dark elves and the dwarves with Kales'Oh, pitting the denizens of the world against each other. Even with Aincrad banished to the sky, the scars of this ancient conflict remain on the land, haunting it.

Elven Tower I

Around one millennium ago, nine races lived together on the earth, and two Sacred Trees, one black, one white, maintained balance across all of creation. The dark elves who worshipped the black tree formed the kingdom of Lyusula, while the forest elves who worshipped the white tree formed the kingdom of Kales'Oh. The benediction of the Sacred Trees, along with the powerful magic that stemmed from each of them, led both races to great prosperity among the nations of the world. The elven towers found across Aincrad are not made of wood, nor stone, but a magical substance known as elven steel, demonstrating just how advanced this ancient civilization was.

Old High Elven Faith

The high elven religion, which worships the ancestors of the elves, is comprised of multiple sects. Among their ranks, the temples of the old faith, which has the longest and most storied history, differ slightly from the others, often featuring designs dedicated to the two priestesses who served the two Sacred Trees.

Guard Post

Most human civilization found in Aincrad takes the form of city-states, with elected mayors, along with assemblies and guards established in their laws. The guards are a fairly recent addition, focused on maintaining order within cities rather than acting as a military force. However, scouting outside the city limits remains an important job; monsters need to be kept from attacking built-up areas, so guard posts can be found scattered throughout the outer limits of the cities. However, the mortality rate for guards sent to these posts is high, and they tend to be deserted, existing only as mere symbols.

Demi-Human Flag

Demi-humans lack a developed society; they can draw simple pictures and patterns but have not developed writing. Their technology is limited to basic actions such as hammering, carving, and knot-tying, so they often steal tools from the other races. They have a particular fondness for colorful cloths, which they weave together to decorate and mark their territory.

Demi-Human Meal

Contrary to popular belief, demi-humans do not eat humans. They also do not eat monsters, instead enjoying a symbiotic relationship with them. Their staple food is animal meat, which they can cook using simple methods such as grilling and boiling, and when they find themselves unable to hunt, they will instead forage nuts and fruit. However, as a species with few allegiances, they will not hesitate to turn their blades on other races in order to steal tools and livestock.

Demi-Human Drinking Fountain

A mansion that once belonged to humans, but now lies within demi-human territory. The original owners were probably attacked by the demi-humans, who were likely searching for a place to gather water, and scattered to the winds. During the overworld era, when elves and humans both possessed magic, demi-humans feared its power and lived in the shadows—but in Aincrad, where magic is a lost art, they have become much more brazen, and attack the other races with impunity.

Secret Apiary

Honey is a valuable commodity on Aincrad's 1st Floor, able to fetch a high price at market. It has many uses, from sweetening meat dishes to brewing mead. However, bees are highly sensitive to magical energy and will not go near any area surrounded by magical barriers. This means that beekeepers must locate their hives where there is no magical protection, making it a potentially life-threatening occupation.

Aincrad's Outer Walls

The outer walls of each floor of Aincrad consist of the same magical material as the Maze, with a barrier extending at a radius of 25 miles around it. This barrier cuts Aincrad off completely from the rest of the world, isolating it and ensuring constantly sunny weather. The magic wall is made from elven steel, a unique mixture of ash, special soil, and tree sap; it is so expertly constructed that it shines and looks exactly like iron to the untrained eye. Because of this, Aincrad is sometimes known as the Floating Castle of Steel.

Legend of the Fallen Elves

Shrines of the high elven religion's True Elf sect tell stories of another species of elf, different from both dark elves and forest elves. They were banished to the north for the crime of stealing the sap of the two Sacred Trees, with the goal of making themselves impervious to blades. They thus came to be known as the fallen elves.

Magic Stone Mound

In Aincrad, where the ancient magic of the elves still flows through the land, special stones capable of responding to this magic are sometimes formed naturally through years of built-up exposure to the supernatural elements. Human researchers have managed to use these black stones to create magical barriers by placing them at the four corners of a Safe Area, and have also been able to create magical bridges. Rock fields where these magical stones can be found are very distinct, forming mounds that look as if someone had piled them up. These are known as Magic Stone Mounds, and people treat them with care and ensure they are not hoarded.

Large Temple Tree

It is customary, in high elven shrines, to plant a tree in the inner sanctum and hold it sacred as an embodiment of divinity. This is a tradition modeled off the ancient elven worship of the black and white Sacred Trees.

Floating Island

The Floating Castle of Steel, created as a result of a great magic spell a thousand years ago, gouged earth from the ground and catapulted it into the sky. The earth was forcibly removed via a teleportation device, and after taking shape high above, it descended in layers, eventually forming the land of Aincrad. When the magic faded, some of the earth remained suspended, becoming the Floating Islands and giving Aincrad its distinctive look.

Aincrad's Climate

The climate of Aincrad varies heavily from one level to another. Calm plains, misty swamps, freezing mountains, among other climes, all share the same land. This mysterious phenomenon, impossible in any natural circumstance, was caused by the dimensional holes created by the teleportation device that moved space itself to create the floating surface; each layer synchronized with its original form, appearing just as it did below—including the time of day and weather.

Legend of the Great Separation

The earth has much to say, if one has a mind to listen. Roughly a millennia ago, at the beginning of the Great War, as mages of the two elven kingdoms were on the brink of unleashing their greatest offensive magic, something most unusual occurred. The embattled plains were encircled by rings of light, some as large as ten kilometers in diameter. As many as one hundred of these rings appeared not only over battlefields, but also capitals and major urban centers. They gouged out the earth, sending the detritus soaring into the sky—along with any human or creature in the area. Thus would Lyusula, Kales'Oh, the Alliance of the Nine Kingdoms, and Aul'da see themselves wiped from the planet. The result of this process, which would later be known as the Great Separation, was the floating castle of Aincrad.

Tower of Heaven Research

People throughout the ages have long been fascinated and charmed by the oddity of the tower, with its glistening exterior of silver and white. Over many years, numerous adventurers of all stripes have explored the maze-like interior of the Tower of Heaven—and lost their lives for their trouble. Yet, with each life lost, a valuable relic appears within the maze. Mysteriously, these relics primarily take the form of treasure chests, and are dotted throughout the tower in a seemingly deliberate manner. According to one theory, the tower's self-cleansing mechanism works to organize relics in order to maintain the flow of magical power; another less savory theory suggests that new adventurers are lured in using these treasures as bait, and that Aincrad's magic is replenished with their blood. Many wonder why the tower is structured in this way at all; why allow people to move freely within? Royal elven researchers speculate that the Twin Shrine Maidens may have left a test for those willing to brave the maze—a trial for those banished to the sky, and whose completion will see the twins finally return to the earth.

Hidden Inscription

The fallen elves resented the two kingdoms that banished them and, in a bid for revenge, continued their dark activities from the northern lands, attempting to start a war between the two sides. As a result, tensions between the two countries grew, with diplomatic relations finally severed following the assassination of the princess of the Kingdom of Lyusula. That's right; it was all part of the plan they had cleverly devised. —From an inscription left by a researcher.

Abandoned Inscription

In the end, their attempt was thwarted by the other elven kingdoms, and their race was banished to the snowy regions of the north, where they came to be known as "fallen elves." In time, as is often the case with isolated groups, the lore surrounding the fallen elves grew distorted and murky; the dark elves consider them an offshoot of the forest elves, while the forest elves think them dark elves. Regardless, their true identity is not certain. —From an inscription left by a researcher.

Demi-Human Mischief

Many demi-humans do not have the language necessary to communicate with other species. As such, we can only hazard a guess as to their culture or motivations. Nevertheless, demi-humans have been known to perform oddly civilized deeds, and this statue of a knight is one such example. Originally erected to intimidate demi-humans, the act was thwarted after they fashioned it in their own likeness. Many researchers see this not as some high-minded attempt at civility or art, but as something done for the demi-human's own base amusement.

Collapsed Bridge

This robust bridge, which its creators claimed would last a thousand years, has evidently fallen into severe disrepair. This vantage also offers a stunning display of the extreme magical power that caused the Great Separation. —An excerpt from a researcher's notes.

Dilapidated Hillside Fortress

The silent, decayed ruins of this prehistoric site offer much to ponder. How did the once prosperous Alliance of the Nine Kingdoms, a nation of human beings lacking in magical power and unversed in spellcasting, come to wield such territorial power? The answer is actually quite simple: they devoted themselves entirely to iron and sword, developing and systematizing a multitude of Sword Skills able to counter magic. Here lie the faded remnants of a warrior nation as forged in steel as its innumerable glistening blades.

Old Altar Inscription

Everyone believes this world is some sort of paradise, but how can that be so, when monsters took my wife...? Why am I cursed to remain in this world? To me, this place is nothing more than a gilded cage. —From an altar inscription.

Ancient God

A statue of a god praised by the inhabitants of this region back when it existed on the surface. Humanity's memory is short, however, and the inhabitants of Aincrad have long since forgotten its divine provenance—presuming it to be an effigy of a demon or some kind of monster.

Extreme Magic and the Great War

Remnants of extreme tactical magic used during the Great War a millennia ago. The Twisted Fangs were a mere experiment; the perfected version would be several hundred times more numerous and powerful. Blessedly, the earth was said to have been separated just before they could be unleashed on the battlefield.

Safe Area

Like the transfer gates, this was once an equipment terminal used to circulate magical power throughout Aincrad; however, human researchers rewrote its magic formula so that it could function as a space allowing for quick transferal and relative safety. These magical paths connect to the Teleport Gates and other Safe Areas, allowing users to travel instantly between terminals to a variety of locales. It can even be used as a Safe Area by creating an impenetrable magical barrier, barring monsters from entering. Since such places are invaluable to adventurers as places of rest, various camping tools, such as simple, magic-powered stoves, are often left behind. Terminals that have not been activated are like faucets that have been left open, spilling magical light from the terminal's orb that rises high into the sky. Adventurers subsequently use these as landmarks when searching for Safe Areas. Interestingly, while the term "Safe Area" is commonly used by overworlders who have been summoned to Aincrad, these places are called "small gates" by Aincrad's own denizens.

Desert Forest

A forest whose presence in the desert defies all logic. It is inhabited by trolls, who also serve as its guardians. Trolls are not so dissimilar from spirits, such as dryads, and have the ability to vitalize the surrounding flora. Be that as it may, their very presence in the area remains a mystery. Trolls are demi-humans, and typically prefer moist, more densely forested climates. Perhaps someone may have created this "forest" in order to protect something important—a possibility only recently being explored by researchers.

River Highway

Rivers flowed through this land when it was still one with the surface, sustaining the land and its people with water, the source of all life. After a thousand years it has withered away, and now the dried riverbeds carry a different, but no less vital, source of life—trade. Peddlers walk the once-flooded paths carrying water and food to various settlements. Indeed, though the land may change and shift, humanity's capacity for survival remains unwavering.

Great Mine Ruins

Originally, the main industry in this region was ore mining, with its excavation technology being particularly advanced. The dwarves, also in search of ore, joined with those who lived here, and as they mined together, the humans of the 2nd Floor acquired enough technology to build a city on the plateau. It is said that the dwarves disliked such barren environs, however, and soon moved on.

Inscription Hidden by a Rock

There are some in the church who know of the Great Separation—yet even they are ignorant in key areas. It is no surprise, for it was more than a thousand years ago that the cataclysm occurred. Only elves and dwarves, with their extended lifespans, could possibly recall the events with any clarity... Alas, only the royalty among them could possibly know the truth. Yet truth is a malleable thing, and the tales spoken by dark elves and forest elves may differ, colored by bias and failing memory. Indeed, we must work tirelessly to uncover the facts... —From an inscription left by a researcher.

Scorched Earth

This land, now withered, was once vibrant and green, until a "betrayal of the earth" incurred the wrath of the Great Spirit of Fire. The earth shook, rose, and erupted with flame, setting all alight and turning even the deepest roots to blackened ash.

Aqueduct

Behold the aqueduct before you, proof that a great river once flowed through the land. So why, one might ask, has it dried up like this? One research scientist claims that it was all the work of an experiment in so-called "extreme magic" a thousand years ago.

Hidden Altar

The denizens of Aincrad have a variety of unique belief systems—some more socially accepted than others. Some even offer sacrifices to ancient gods in order to delay a coming apocalypse. Since such beliefs are ostracized for blurring the lines between human and demi-human, altars are typically set up in hard-to-reach places.

Fairy Circle

While the trolls support the Sanctuary's flora with their spiritual power, in actuality, their power alone is not enough to support the trees throughout the area. This is where the "fairy circle" plays a vital role, creating formations around older trees and drawing spiritual energy from a separate dimension wherein the spirits reside. Researchers believe that this arrangement is extremely similar to the relationship between the elves and the Sacred Tree, and are actively working to unpack its mysteries, while also experimenting with its appropriation by humans.

Sanctuary Watchtower

Beware, honest researchers. Some historians have been advocating a theory that the high elves may have been the culprits behind everything around us, and its supporters are gaining momentum. Researchers, realists, and politicians who believe in this theory have been growing increasingly active. Focus, and listen carefully. They are already on the move. —From an inscription left by a researcher.

Sanctuary Research Inscription

Void of any humidity, the air here shifts between blistering heat in the day and freezing cold at night—but that isn't at all felt in the forest that surrounds the Sanctuary. There the air is moist and filled with elements that give the forest life. It would be normal to attribute this to the Sanctuary and the demi-humans entrusted with its protection, but could it be that the Sanctuary is itself akin to a living organism that requires such an environment to function? —From an inscription left by a researcher.

Eroded Inscription

I have learned the secret of the Heaven's Rift, and have unveiled the magic behind teleportation. By which I mean that I have finally learned the truth behind the Great Separation! The priests of the high elven faith will surely try to stop me, but I will do everything in my power to report this terrible truth to the leaders of the cities no matter— (The rest is cut off and illegible). —From an inscription left by a researcher.

The World's Water Source

The land of Aincrad, in which space itself was transferred from the surface to the sky through dimensional holes, is still connected and synchronized with the surface area it was originally from. These severed portions of land, some of which have a diameter of around 8 miles, will thus never dry up due to the water being transferred from the surface.

Buried Temple Inscription

Aincrad lost almost all of its magic after being separated from the surface and losing the protection of the two Sacred Trees. In addition, for reasons unknown, arrows no longer flew straight when released from a bow; thus was humanity's ability to wage war weakened, forcing them towards survival and cooperation.

Ruined Temple Inscription

There is no doubt about it: the Heaven's Rift is the true source of the twin goddesses' magic. It's just as I thought: they weren't deities; they were merely elves. The land of Aincrad is a man-made disaster...!

The Value of an Oasis

Water is a precious commodity on the 2nd Floor, with only certain areas—like this one—giving access to that vital resource. Under normal circumstances, creatures and people alike would flock to this area and eventually a town would form. Obviously, this did not happen. Instead people chose to dig for water in Safe Areas—proof of how terrifying it is to live outside of one.

Decayed Inscription

I've seen many ruins in my life. Even on the 2nd Floor, there is no sign of people living outside of the Safe Areas. There should be no trade between the cities across levels, yet for some reason, citizens of all levels share the same lifestyle and level of civilization. They progress in unison, almost as if they are synchronized with one another. I can't help but feel that there is some kind of intention behind all of this. —From an inscription left by a researcher.

Scribbled Inscription

Have you heard of Magic Stones? According to a legend I found, whoever obtains one will be able to use the magic that was lost before the Great Separation. And I'm not talking some imitation spell or anything like that—I mean honest-to-goodness magic. But why would such a thing exist? Perhaps it has something to do with magic's disappearance from this world. —From an inscription left by a researcher.

Seat of the Poet

"I miss it dearly—that majestic land of Yuniel. The scenery of a thousand years past, the beautiful snow and frost of the north, the isles large and small that surrounded the land. I miss the great black tree with its commanding needles, and the majestic white tree with its long, feathery leaves. All was in perfect balance, harmonious under the watchful boughs of those two trees..." With these words, the elven poet passed on.

A Land Buried in Ash

Falling ash caused by volcanic activity has left the forest gray, its dead trees a mocking reminder of its former vibrancy. Many gloomy demi-humans who enjoy such desolation now call it home, though it is said to have originally been part of the Sanctuary.

Temple Branch Inscription

Hold not the secret key. Open not the Six Doors. Touch not the magic stones within the Sanctuary. Give in not to Desire, the original sin of the twin souls.

Submerged Inscription

This is where the river ends. As you can plainly see, there is no ocean, above or below ground. But you can sense a kind of fluctuation, can you not? This unnatural disconnect is a striking representation of the system keeping us alive. Water comes and goes; there is movement to and fro, into and out of this world. And yet those trapped here cannot move as we wish. I ask you, are we not less free than even the water we drink? What else could this place be but a cage? —From an inscription left by a researcher.

Final Inscription

It would seem that my journey ends here. I have kept to my principles and hunted ever for the truth. But an inquisitive mind is a wasted thing in a world where the truth is manipulated by forces unseen. They will likely treat my research as though it never existed, which is why I have left inscriptions scattered far and wide. To those with an inquisitive mind, to those who travel far beyond the Safe Areas in search of mindful truths—I hope that you, who are reading this, will continue my research. And so, at long last, I engrave my name here. —Armet, first head of the Adventurer's Alliance

Village Remains

There was a village here once, but it's gone now. The 2nd Floor's harsh climate resisted any attempts to make this area livable, and these ruins are a testament to its obstinacy.

Discarded Inscription

The temple before you does not belong to the Twin Goddesses. While, yes, they may be maiden goddesses, beneath them is Nika, also known as the goddess of harmony. Then there is the god of destruction and other nature-based deities that each goddess created from the earth. In other words, this is likely a temple to one of those gods. Idolatry is permitted in the high elven faith, and it would seem that not only statues, but even mirrors and swords, are worshipped as symbols of deities believed to dwell within. —From an inscription left by a researcher.

Inscription by the Statue of a Human

Behold, this tiny statue represents humanity. The people placed it next to the elven statue as a sign of their own righteousness in praising the high elves as gods. Little did they know that the high elves were the culprits behind this "caged world" in which we now live... Rulers who have learned of their deception now endeavor to unite the city-states scattered between the floors and create a unified "Supernation of Humanity," with their ultimate goal being the seizure of Aincrad. To achieve this, they are using the technology of the Heaven's Rift to summon overworlders and have them fight to unite the Tower of Heaven—all under the promise that they will be returned to their world. Is this truly fate, or merely another reflection of humanity's weakness? —From an inscription left by a researcher.

Message at the Hidden Well

Perhaps this is a sign, a blessing, to have found water in such arid lands beyond the Safe Area? Well, I like to think it is. —A message left by an adventurer.

Elven Tower II

Elves are a species that live in harmony with trees, refusing to fell them and actively despising the iron so often used to destroy woodlands. To this end, their buildings do not use wooden frameworks. They instead burn dead and rotten trees, mix the ashes with special soil, and cast spells to create smooth, solid walls incorporating elven steel. Buildings made using these materials are typically minimalistic, and are expected to evoke tranquility and exist in harmony with nature.

Hole in the Tree

The elves rarely show themselves to humans, so where could they possibly be living? One theory is that they use spells to hide their presence whilst staying close enough to keep an eye on the other races. Another posits a hole in the great tree that only elves can use, allowing discrete travel between the many floors. All of these theories seem dubious at best—yet plausible nevertheless. After all, elves are the descendants of the "gods who created this world."

Wilderness Inscription

Long ago, civilization on the surface should have prospered under the protection of the two Sacred Trees and the power of greater magic. There were two elven kingdoms, the human Alliance of the Nine Kingdoms, the dwarven underground kingdom of Aul'da, and myriad other, independent nations. But after the Great Separation, it seems that all of these civilizations have declined, mere shadows of their former glory. The overworlders keep it to themselves, but perhaps their civilization has surpassed our own, and we are the ones who have been left behind... —From an inscription left by a researcher.

Suspicious Back Alley

Even with a city which appears so glittering and grand does the old adage hold true: the stronger the light, the darker the shadow. Adventurers should be wary of requests proffered from the gloom of back alleys, as they are often illegal and rarely endorsed by the Adventurer's Association.

Adventurer's Association Control Tower

The Adventurers' Association is an organization run by citizens of Aincrad that primarily manages overworlder adventurers. On the surface, their main duties are to broker requests and provide rewards to any who demonstrate exceptional performance; in reality, they ensure that the more powerful overworlders perform their duties without harming the people of Aincrad.

Town of Beginnings

A human town at the southernmost end of Aincrad's 1st Floor. It is the largest town in Aincrad and the 1st Floor's main residential area. Surrounded by a circular wall one kilometer in diameter, the town boasts an extravagant streetscape reminiscent of ancient European cities. These avenues branch out from a large cobblestone square at its heart, which is itself surrounded by trees. In the square stands the town's symbol, a huge chapel called the Black Iron Palace. It is said that deep inside lies a large ruin made of dark elf steel, the source of the twin goddesses' magic. The town has a long history, with humans choosing to gather around the Black Iron Palace in worship of the high elves; indeed, its development spans a thousand years. The provenance of the town's name is fairly obvious, with the town functioning as most adventurers' introduction to Aincrad, and their first base of operations.

Black Iron Palace

A huge chapel with a distinctive dome-shaped roof. It serves as a holy place for the high elven faith, but was built by humans to cover the ancient elven ruins, made of dark elven steel, underneath. In the upper level of the ruins is the "Hall of Transposition" where the overworlders are summoned, and the "Monument of Life" that is inscribed with their names. It also houses the prison where those who have committed crimes in Aincrad are forcibly transported via magic. In its deepest levels there is rumored to be a vast labyrinth stretching deep underground that leads to a Sanctuary—the heart of Aincrad.

Horunka

A small human farming village located beyond the northwest forest. Wheat cultivation may be its primary industry, but its main attraction is the idyllic scenery, with many nobles from the Town of Beginnings traveling here for their summer retreat. Their specialty product is cow's milk, but the only way to obtain it is from cow-type monsters, which are rare on the 1st Floor—meaning they must rely on adventurers to get it.

Aincrad Ship

The operation and management of ships—the only safe means of trade between cities—is considered vital, and has long been under the control of the Leone Trading Company. As a result, overworld adventurers are not permitted to use them at all.

Amphitheater

Tolbana is a bustling town and the fastest way to the Maze, but thanks to its extensive history, it is also regarded as a town of culture. The town's amphitheater is especially famous for its theatrics, with touring troupes putting on shows according to the season, enriching the lives of the town's people through art.

2nd Floor Church

While the culture of the 2nd Floor is different from that of the 1st, belief in the high elven faith remains just as deeply rooted. Its aspects are slightly different, however, with certain areas worshipping a "Cow-Headed God" in addition to the elves. Some researchers believe this is due to the high presence of cow-type monsters on the 2nd Floor, with these cow-oriented customs serving to mitigate the ire of those creatures.

Construction Technology

Urbus' construction techniques are renowned as the best in all of Aincrad. They're able to construct tall and sturdy buildings using only wooden frameworks and earthen walls, without the aid of magic or large-scale construction machinery. Their excavation techniques using controlled explosives are particularly outstanding, allowing them to break down hard bedrock to dig wells and build living spaces that take advantage of the plateau's shape.

Urbus

A human city in the northern part of the 2nd Floor. It was built inside a hollowed-out mesa some 300 meters in diameter, leaving only the outer perimeter standing. Urbus is the main residential area of the 2nd Floor and is regularly visited by adventurers and merchants alike. The resulting market—lined with numerous outdoor stalls—is quite famous, with many tourists visiting the city just to see it.

Marome

The second largest city on this floor. An examination of its characteristics make it clear why it is known as "Little Urbus," such as the way it was also carved into a mesa and how it shares Urbus' culture and customs. This shouldn't come as a surprise, however; after all, Urbus was founded by builders hailing from Marome, where the market concept is said to have originated.

Public Well

Water on the 2nd Floor is precious, and so the number of cups each household can draw from the public well is predetermined. Water veins are occasionally found under the plateaus that make up a large portion of the 2nd Floor, and so wells are dug through the rocky mountains and towns built around them.

Taran

Taran is a beautiful town decorated with colorful flowers. However, what is truly distinctive is Taran's faith in the "Bull God," which is more deeply rooted there than the high elven faith typically followed in Aincrad. This may be related to Taran's close proximity to the 2nd Floor's Maze, and the bull-headed monster called Taurus that dwells within.

Demi-Human's Dwelling

Demi-humans do not have much body hair, making it difficult for many to regulate their temperatures. Unless they are engaging in activities like hunting, they generally choose to live in humid caves and avoid the sunlight.

Labyrinth

A giant tower that connects Aincrad's many floors. Overworlders have taken to calling this tower the Maze, while Aincrad denizens named it the "Tower of Heaven" and worship it as an object of faith. The inside is labyrinthine, and any wild animals or demi-humans that dwell within it have been absorbed by the magic of the twin goddesses and now roam its halls as Guardians. It serves as a pipeline that supplies magical power from its base to the rest of Aincrad, and the pattern, color, and shape of its inner walls change geometrically from floor to floor, depending on the nature of the magical power flowing through that stratum.

Sanctuaries

Ruins found across Aincrad that serve as a tie between those in the present and the Swordsman of Salvation—a warrior who once saved the world from the God of Death. Even among elven ruins, it is rare to find ones that have retained their original form to this extent. Judging from their condition and the almost organic way their structure changes each time they are entered, they may be connected to the core of the very magic that sustains Aincrad.

Arks

Sanctums found throughout Aincrad that contain the relics of ancient elven saints. The Guardian that protects each relic is sealed along with it, and is said to bring misfortune to any who dare release them. Some researchers believe that Arks are a test to see if any can remove the fetters that bind Aincrad, and when all have been severed, the path to all of Aincrad will open.

Citadel Ruins

An underground fortress that was once vital to the Alliance of the Nine Kingdoms before its collapse a millennia ago. Its structure is deep and vast, and is imbued with elven magic that changes its shape every time someone enters. It has since become a den for demi-humans—many of whom, at the mercy of the magic themselves, are unable to leave.