The midday sun burned over Solara, its golden rays glimmering against the quiet streets. Normally, the region was known for its warmth and peaceful markets, but today… chaos had descended.
A D-rank monster rampaged across the plaza, its massive frame crushing stone beneath its claws. People screamed, scattering in panic as the creature's guttural roar shook the air.
Among the terrified crowd, a lone old woman stumbled, too slow to escape. The monster's shadow loomed over her, fangs gleaming with murderous intent.
"Move! Someone help her!" a voice cried out—but no one dared step forward.
Except for one boy.
Kael, sixteen years old, froze at first. His heart pounded like a war drum, but when the monster lowered its head to strike, his body moved on its own.
He picked up a rock—his only weapon—and hurled it with all his strength.
CRACK!
The stone struck the monster's cheek, barely scratching it. Yet, it was enough.
The beast turned, its bloodshot eyes now locked on Kael.
"Damn it…" Kael muttered, backing away. His legs trembled, but he refused to run.
The old lady had escaped. That was enough.
But the monster opened its maw, energy swirling within. A blinding sphere of light gathered at its throat, ready to fire straight at the defenseless boy.
Kael's breath caught in his chest.
And then—
FWOOSH!
A streak of living fire cut through the air, slamming into the monster's face. The explosion lit the plaza like a second sun.
From the smoke, a figure emerged—wreathed in flames, his very body burning like a walking inferno. His voice was sharp, commanding:
"Stay down, kid!"
The man raised his hand, summoning a torrent of fire. A flamethrower-like blaze roared across the plaza, forcing the monster back.
But the creature countered, firing its mouth beam. Fire and energy collided, shaking the ground as heatwaves scorched the air.
"Tch… stubborn thing," the flame warrior growled.
Suddenly, another figure leapt forward—a companion in the same black uniform. His sword shimmered with arcane runes, glowing bright.
"Now!" the flame warrior shouted.
With flawless timing, the swordsman slashed downward. Sword magic erupted, blades of light carving through flesh. The monster shrieked, its body torn apart in several pieces before collapsing into ash.
The plaza fell silent.
Kael, breathing heavily, stared in awe. These weren't ordinary men.
They were members of the Legion. Division 8.
The flame warrior turned, his burning aura fading as he cast a cold glance at Kael.
"You've got guts, kid," he said flatly. "But don't be stupid. Next time, you'll be the one in pieces. Stay out of the way before you get yourself killed."
He brushed past Kael without another word.
But the swordsman lingered, flashing a small smile. "Don't mind him. He's always rude. Honestly, though…" He looked Kael straight in the eyes. "What you did was reckless… but brave. Not everyone would stand in front of a monster to protect a stranger."
Kael's lips parted, but no words came out.
The Division 8 warriors disappeared into the distance, leaving the boy standing in the quiet aftermath, his fists clenched tight.
For the first time, Kael felt it—the burning desire to grow stronger.