This sort of stemmed from me stewing over the "Tutorial Island" concept, though it ends up implying very little about it.. noticeable changes from the current story:

• Implying that the name of the world is 'Gaea'
• Using the name 'Azerel' from the old story, for a variation on the same antagonist
• Only a brief mention of the Gods.
• NO spirits whatsoever.
• The Gods aren't bad guys anymore.
• probably more..

Overall though, I just scratched this out pretty quickly, so don't consider it as anything but a rough idea. If you bother to read it, please provide feedback.

In ancient times, when the world of Gaea was whole, civilization was in its golden age. Mankind's domain spread across the land and society seemed perfect. There was a powerful wizard called 'Azerel' however, who had grown to despise society. As a young magician, Azerel's goal in life was to create a legion of monsters, who's soul-purpose would be to fight for Man's entertainment. When his ideas were dubbed as antisocial and inappropriately violent, he became enraged, vowing to some day create his legion of monsters and use them to take control of the world. Elder magicians saw him as a fledgling and laughed, thinking nothing serious of his threats. Azerel quietly disappeared, in search of a place to have solitude.

After exploring the few places which civilization did not yet reach, Azerel finally decided to build his lair atop the tallest mountain, which happened to lie directly at the center of the world. While constructing his tower, he began to sense an unknown power deep within the mountain, so he began to tunnel downward. This work went on for years until finally, Azerel found what he had been sensing; Mana. He had built his lair at the center of the world, not realizing that it was also the center of the universe. He had found the point at which the four elements flow evenly together.

Immediately giving in to curiosity, Azerel thrust his arm into the strange energy and was instantly infused. He was transformed, becoming the first Demon. Harnassing this power, Azerel proceeded to transform others in this manner. Few go willingly. The passive society is simply helpless to resist. Enough of the world begins to pray to the Gods for help, that they are awakened. The Gods underestimate Azerel, who resists their attempts at persuasion. When his intentions of conquest are made clear, the Gods try to neutralize his power. Azerel laughs and shows them how it's done. The resulting expulsion of energy sends waves of destruction across the land. Many are killed, presumably including Azerel. The world is shattered and society is left in ruins.

For years, an impenetrable cloud of storms envelops the center of the world, completely disrupting what little travel is attempted through the area. About a hundred years ago, the storm suddenly disappated, revealing a small continent, we now call 'Argaes' .. The word means 'center of the world' .. but few realize the implications. Could Azerel's discovery cause disaster again? Does the current government know something already?

This could be a reason why the government in Argaes might act with paranoia and ultimately, why you might be exiled. Like if all the quests in Argaes lead to you nearly discover the secret. Any 'final battle' could then be placed beneath Argaes. You'd be in exile, so you'd have to sneak in underground or something.. this could lead you to the Azerel's chamber. Of course, he reveals to you that he's still trying to control the world and is currently controlling Argaes from the shadows. (as an early indication, maybe the government of Argaes exhibits some level of desire to control the world economy)