March 14th, 2016.
A date etched into human history.
On this day, the world changed forever.
72 dungeons appeared simultaneously across the globe, massive structures that defied logic and science.
Some jutted out of the earth like ancient obelisks, while others floated ominously in the sky, their sheer size casting immense shadows over cities and towns. Their dark, crystalline surfaces shimmered faintly, etched with runes that seemed alive.
From the moment they emerged, the world was gripped by a mix of awe and fear. People speculated wildly about their origin. Were they alien creations? The homes of gods? Portals to an underground world? Theories spread like wildfire, but there were no answers.
Curiosity soon overpowered caution, and the brave—or the foolish—ventured inside. Few returned.
---
Those who came back from the dungeons were changed. Their eyes spoke of horrors they couldn't put into words. Many suffered from debilitating mental illnesses, their minds fractured by the things they had seen. Others chose to end their own lives, unable to cope with the memories.
And then, there was the video.
A man named John, an American who had ventured into a dungeon, posted footage on YouTube. The shaky, grainy video captured the first glimpse of what lay within these mysterious structures.
It was chaos.
The dungeon was teeming with creatures straight out of nightmares. Beasts with razor-sharp teeth and claws, towering monsters with twisted forms, and swarms of smaller, insect-like creatures that moved with terrifying coordination. The footage showed John barely escaping, his camera capturing glimpses of torn bodies and carnage before cutting out.
The video went viral, sending shockwaves around the globe.
-OH!
-This must be fake! It's CGI, right?
-It's real. Look at the way the shadows move!
-The world is doomed. Those monsters will escape and destroy us all.
---
As fear and speculation spread, governments scrambled to respond. The United States, always keen to assert its dominance, held a press conference led by the Secretary of Defense.
"There is no longer any doubt. These structures are dungeons, as described in fantasy novels. Inside, they are teeming with hostile creatures," the Secretary declared, his tone grave.
He went on to explain that their military had attempted to explore the dungeons using state-of-the-art weaponry.
However, inside the dungeons, the laws of physics seemed to twist and warp. Bullets veered off course, bombs failed to detonate, and soldiers found themselves vulnerable in ways they had never experienced before.
"We managed to retrieve some data," the Secretary continued.
"Our troops encountered weaker creatures and were able to neutralize them with difficulty. But when stronger entities appeared, their attacks were devastating—too quick to track, too powerful to withstand. We were forced to retreat."
The room was silent, reporters holding their breath as the implications sank in. Modern firearms, humanity's most advanced tools of destruction, were rendered nearly useless within the dungeons.
A reporter finally broke the silence. "What happens if these creatures emerge outside the dungeons?"
The Secretary shook his head. "Outside, the rules are different. Our weapons work as intended. The creatures are only formidable within the confines of the dungeons. If they escape, we are confident we can eliminate them."
His answer offered some comfort, but the uncertainty lingered. The dungeons were a mystery, and mysteries bred fear.
---
Just as the world began to despair, a new phenomenon emerged. At the same time as the dungeons appeared, certain individuals began to awaken extraordinary abilities.
These individuals called themselves *Heroes*.
They were stronger, faster, and more resilient than ordinary humans. Their bodies defied normal limits, and they could wield powers that had previously been confined to the realm of fiction. Most importantly, their attacks were devastating to the creatures inside the dungeons.
"It is not just brute strength," the Secretary explained. "Heroes possess unique abilities that allow them to fight effectively in the dungeons. They are humanity's best hope."
The term "Hero" spread rapidly, capturing the imagination of the world. Across the globe, individuals who had awakened their abilities stepped forward, eager to test themselves against the dungeons and the creatures within.
---
There was another discovery that further heightened the significance of the dungeons: the **Core**.
Found within slain creatures, the Core was a crystalline object that glowed with an otherworldly light. Roughly the size of a child's fist, it emitted a steady heat and seemed almost alive.
"The Core is a miracle," the Secretary said, his voice tinged with awe. "It is the ultimate source of energy, capable of healing wounds, curing diseases, and even reversing aging. We have only scratched the surface of its potential, but it is clear that this is a resource unlike any other."
The reporters in the room were stunned. A material that could heal, rejuvenate, and energize—something that could revolutionize medicine, energy, and even warfare.
Of course, the Cores were not easily obtained. Each one came at a cost. The creatures guarding them were deadly, and many who sought them lost their lives in the attempt.
---
The United States, recognizing the immense value of the dungeons, chose to share its findings with the world.
"This is not a matter for one nation to solve," the Secretary declared. "We invite all countries to join us in studying the dungeons and understanding the Cores. Together, we can harness this power for the benefit of humanity."
Behind the noble words, the strategy was clear. By sharing the information, the United States hoped to attract more Heroes to its cause, bolstering its power and influence. The dungeons were not just a threat; they were an opportunity—a source of wealth and power that could reshape the global order.
And so began the *Era of Heroes*.
The dungeons became the ultimate challenge, drawing Heroes from every corner of the globe. Guilds formed, alliances were forged, and a new hierarchy emerged. At the top were the Heroes, celebrated as humanity's saviors. Beneath them were the Awakened, individuals with minor abilities who supported the Heroes in their efforts.
But the dungeons were far from conquered. For every creature slain, more seemed to take its place. The deeper levels remained unexplored, their secrets hidden behind walls of danger.
As humanity adapted to this new reality, one truth became clear: the dungeons were not just a test of strength but a glimpse into something far greater—something that could change the fate of the world forever.