As the train began to move, the sudden loud thud echoed through the wagon, jolting everyone awake from their thoughts. Kei felt a rush of adrenaline as the train slowly picked up speed, heading toward the nearest city that connected to Liburn. The journey would normally take 72 hours, but that was only if they weren't intercepted by any creatures or if the route wasn't blocked by unforeseen obstacles.
Kei gazed out the window as the scenery blurred past, each moment revealing a world that had transformed dramatically since the Cataclysm. The landscape shifted from dense forests to the ruins of once-thriving cities, now charred remnants of a time long gone.
In the distance, Kei caught glimpses of small creatures scurrying through the underbrush, their forms foreign and peculiar. The wildlife had evolved drastically, adapting to the new threats and the mana that coursed through the atmosphere. He spotted strange, insect-like birds with iridescent wings flitting between the trees. Their calls echoed eerily, a haunting reminder of the wild beauty that had adapted to a chaotic world.
The forests had changed too. Trees twisted into bizarre shapes, their leaves shimmering with unnatural colors. Plants had mutated under the influence of mana, becoming both beautiful and dangerous. Some even glowed faintly in the fading light, hinting at the hidden powers they held.
After the Cataclysm, the balance of life on Earth had been irrevocably altered. Animals that once roamed freely were now hunted and devoured by creatures that emerged from the Gates. The survivors, including farmers and animal raisers, had to adapt quickly to the new reality. Many sought refuge in and around siege cities like Liburn, fortified bastions where humanity could regroup and find safety. These cities had become sanctuaries, buzzing with life and innovation amid the chaos.
Kei had learned that some hunters had discovered ways to harness mana, allowing them to cultivate crops and raise animals in ways previously thought impossible. This new technology brought hope, as it allowed them to sustain their communities even as the world changed around them.
Despite the upheaval, humankind had managed to find a semblance of stability. The harsh reality of coexistence emerged, where humans and creatures learned to navigate this complex new world together. The system granted abilities to humans, enhancing their skills and allowing them to fend off the threats posed by the creatures from the Gates.
As Kei remained immersed in the sights outside, taking in the strange landscapes and mutated creatures, Chrome had succumbed to sleep, his head lolling against the window. Suddenly, a presence emerged beside him, startling Kei out of his reverie.
Ayumi had quietly slid into the seat next to him, a slight smile playing on her lips.
An awkward silence filled the space between them, the rhythmic sounds of the train punctuating the moment. Kei glanced at Ayumi, his mind still racing with thoughts of the impending battle.
"Are you worried about your gramps?" Ayumi finally broke the silence, her voice soft yet probing.
"Of course! Aren't you? Your father is probably the one going to fight head-on against the horror class "Lake" as the main attacker, being the guardian and all," Kei replied, his tone laced with concern.
Ayumi's Confidence
"A little," Ayumi admitted, her eyes glinting with determination. "But I believe in him. I've believed in his strength ever since I was a child. He was my role model. His strength captivated me and made me want to grow stronger."
Raizo stood at the edge of a cliff, surveying the horizon from the top of Liburn's towering walls. The wind whistled past him, carrying with it the scent of impending doom as he focused on the chaos unfolding below.
In the distance, the shore of an approaching lake churned wildly, its waves moving erratically like a living organism. It devoured everything in its path, sending creatures fleeing in terror toward Liburn. A wave of desperation surged through the air as animals—normally indifferent to one another—rushed in a chaotic stampede, driven by the horror behind them.
Silhouettes of abominations emerged from the depths of the lake, grotesque shapes melding the features of both fish and terrestrial beasts. Some bore multiple tentacle-like arms attached to humanoid torsos, while others were four-legged creatures with menacing shark heads. They moved in unison, drawn by an instinctual hunger toward the sanctuary of Liburn.
With a deep, rumbling grunt, Raizo stepped back and then leaped from the wall. The moment he left solid ground, the air around him shimmered with power.
As he descended, the transformation began.
His body elongated in a beautifully slender figure, Scales erupted from his skin, each one glistening in hues of jade green, reflecting the sunlight like precious gemstones.
Horns spiraled from his brow, twisting elegantly as they grew, framing his fierce visage.
Teeth elongated, sharp and deadly, glinting as his maw opened in a fearsome roar.
He landed gracefully on the ground, the earth trembling beneath him as he took his full dragon form. Raizo stood in all his glory—a magnificent creature, long and slender, with four muscular arms that could grasp the very clouds. His deep, unfathomable eyes seemed to see through every creature in its vicinity, assessing the threat ahead with unwavering resolve.
"I'm not worried," she continued, her voice unwavering now, filled with pride. "He's strong. My mom, when she was still with us, told me stories about my dad's early years and his conquests. He was known as the mightiest being that soared the dark skies, parting the clouds to bring sunlight down to earth. Raizo Huntsman, The Jade Dragon of Liburn."