According to old records, fifteen years ago, in the peaceful everyday life of the Northern Continent, portals began to appear everywhere. Not simple distortions of space, but gateways that unleashed demons, dragons, and monsters of unimaginable power. Humanity was caught completely off guard.
The twelve continents that once existed were reduced to only six. Half of them were swallowed by monsters. Cities fell overnight. Humanity stood at the edge of extinction.
But hope remained in a single place the kingdom known as Raventon. It became the last line of defense, the reason humanity had not yet been erased. In desperation, Raventon summoned powerful heroes from another world to battle the invaders and protect what remained of civilization.
Even with the richest lands and the strongest military, the kingdom could not stop the chaos alone. The otherworldly heroes were their final gamble.
And this was where I, Monica, and Draven were headed.
---
We finally arrived at the kingdom after nearly an hour of travel at high speed.
From a distance, the enormous front gate came into view. Adventurers gathered in large numbers, armor gleaming beneath the sun and weapons drawn. They were preparing for battle.
"Father, look!" I shouted.
"Yeah…" he answered quietly, eyes narrowed at the scene ahead.
A young blond adventurer approached us. Tall, well-built, and armed with a sword, he looked ready for combat.
"Where did you come from? Traveling is dangerous today," he said.
"Never mind that," Draven replied. "What's happening? Why are so many people gathered here?"
"You don't know?" The adventurer frowned. "We're preparing for a possible stampede. The Guild sent scouts to confirm, but… something's coming."
"Stampede…?" Draven muttered. His expression hardened as he turned to Monica. "Take Cain inside."
Monica grabbed me tightly. "Wait what about you?"
"I'm going to speak with the Guild Master," he said firmly.
"Be careful," Monica whispered.
"You take care of Cain." He leaned in and kissed her forehead before sprinting away.
"Let's go, Cain," Monica said softly. As she picked me up, her hand briefly glowed, and I noticed something shifting in Father but before I could focus, he was already gone.
---
Meanwhile, Draven headed straight for the Adventurer Guild. The building was large and sturdy, built to withstand powerful attacks. Inside, adventurers moved with urgency as they prepared their gear. Many turned to watch Draven as he walked to the reception desk.
"Where's the Guild Master?" he asked.
The receptionist stiffened under his gaze. "U-upstairs…"
Without a word, Draven climbed the stairs. His expression remained calm, but every step was deliberate. He walked down the hall without glancing at the other rooms. His focus was only on the last door.
Inside, the Guild Master was discussing the situation with several adventurers. The man was older, with white hair, deep scars, and a well-built body that showed he had seen countless battles.
Draven stepped forward.
"Are you the Guild Master?"
"Yes," the man replied. "What do you need?"
"I'll get straight to it. How sure are you that a stampede is coming?"
The Guild Master's face darkened.
"We've been investigating for months. The monsters appearing in the forest originate from a dungeon. Based on the increasing numbers, we believe today is the day of the stampede. We sent a team to confirm and we've prepared for the worst."
Before he could finish, the ground shook.
A violent tremor.
"An earthquake…?" Draven muttered.
Both men froze, the same realization flashing across their faces.
This wasn't just an earthquake.
The stampede had already begun.