Kei jolted awake, startled by a resounding thud against his door. As he swung it open, he was met with the frantic visage of his Gramps, eyes wide with distress and urgency.
"Why are you here? What's happening?" Kei inquired, his heart racing.
"There's no time! Come quick!" Gramps exclaimed, seizing Kei by the arm and sprinting out of the house, propelling them into the chaotic streets beyond, Chrome was also present there waiting outside their house.
The city of Liburn had awakened abruptly, engulfed in turmoil as a swarm of creatures breached the defenses of the gates, marching mercilessly into the heart of the city. Thankfully, the Hunters had responded swiftly, minimizing civilian casualties, but the sheer number and frantic nature of the creatures hinted at something far more sinister. The horror that was supposed to arrive in a matter of days was now looming ominously, mere hours—perhaps even minutes—away. Kei could feel the weight of dread settle in his stomach; the urgency in his Gramps' demeanor spoke volumes about the dire situation that had compelled him to leave Raizo's side and rush to wake him.
A wave of despair and panic swept through the streets of Liburn, a cacophony of chaos as the townspeople scrambled to evacuate. Although the Hunters had managed to push back the initial onslaught of abominations, the ordinary citizens were gripped by fear, rushing toward safety with a sense of urgency.
"Listen, I have to support the Hunters. Without me, they're kind of useless. Be a good boy and head to the evacuation area. You'll meet my companion there; he's in charge of the evacuation," Gramps instructed, turning on his heel to dash in the opposite direction.
Kei struggled to form words, his throat tight with emotion. His heart was in turmoil— the battlefield was perilous, and Gramps was staying behind to defend Liburn. It could be a long time before they met again, if ever. All he managed to say was, "Be safe, will you, old guy?"
Just then, the air shifted ominously as an abomination lurking in the shadows between two houses, left its hiding spot and lunged toward Gramps.
"Hahaha, now you're worrying about me?" Gramps chuckled nonchalantly, not paying much attention to the suddenly emerged creature.
Just as the creature leapt at him from the side, and was about to slash him open, Gramps pivoted and delivered a powerful punch straight to its midsection. The creature erupted in a violent explosion, scattering its remains across the street. Without a backward glance, Gramps called out, "Don't you worry, kid! I've been doing this for a long time; I'm not going to die that easily. Honestly, I'm more worried about you, so be safe, okay?, See you on the other side" He said as he dashed toward the breached gates, urgency propelling him forward.
Chrome stepped forward, offering reassurance to Kei. "He's going to be fine, we should listen to him and go too" he said, gently pulling Kei away toward the evacuation area.
The evacuation was overseen by a petite knight from Raizo's party, efficiently managing the throngs of frightened citizens as they boarded enchanted wagons. These wagons, crafted from enchanted wood courtesy of Raizo the Guardian, were designed to withstand even the fierce attacks of monster-class creatures. Their size was impressive, capable of accommodating a multitude of evacuees, all protected by the vigilant Hunters standing guard.
The wagons rested upon steel tracks, remnants of a bygone era when modern trains traversed the landscape. Now, these tracks had been repurposed, serving as pathways for mana-powered engines that hummed with energy and purpose. They formed a vital lifeline, connecting Liburn to the nearest siege capital, acting as the primary conduit between the city and the rest of the world.
These tracks wound their way around red zones, deftly avoiding the treacherous black zones and areas marked as unaccounted, where danger lurked unseen. Regular patrols ensured the safety of this crucial route, providing a semblance of security amidst the chaos that enveloped the region.
As Kei approached the wagon, he and Chrome were suddenly joined by the petite knight, who seemed to materialize out of thin air, sending a brief shiver down their spines. the knights presence was commanding yet graceful, and addressed them in a polite tone.
"Friends of Lady Ayumi, please follow me to your spots," the knight instructed.
The boys promptly obliged, following the knight toward the front wagon, just behind the humming mana-powered engine. They navigated through a sea of crowded wagons, where frantic civilians surged with palpable anxiety, their faces a blend of fear and determination.
The atmosphere was charged with chaos as the mob rushed to find safety. Children clung to their parents, while others shouted for friends and loved ones, their voices rising above the din. The Hunters moved skillfully among the throngs, their presence both reassuring and authoritative. With a firm but compassionate demeanor, they directed the panicked masses, ensuring that everyone boarded safely while maintaining order amidst the frenzy.
One Hunter, tall and imposing, raised a hand to calm a group of civilians who were pushing toward the entrance of a wagon. "Step back! One at a time! We'll get everyone on board," he called out, his voice booming yet steady. Another Hunter, wielding a staff imbued with glowing mana, created a barrier that gently pushed back the crowd, allowing for a smoother flow of evacuees.
Despite the urgency, there was a sense of camaraderie among the Hunters and civilians. They worked as one, navigating the frenzy with a shared goal: escape from the impending danger that loomed over Liburn.