Fifty years ago, a meteorite collided with Earth, unleashing a torrent of radiation that forever altered the course of humanity. This cataclysm triggered widespread mutations among the population, endowing some with extraordinary abilities. Amidst the ensuing chaos, six individuals emerged, each possessing unparalleled strength and earning the title of "Gods." These formidable beings were assigned unique domains—strongholds where other mutants could challenge them for their divine titles. To slay a God was to ascend in their place, and the victor would be granted a domain of their own.
In the half-century since, only three challengers have successfully claimed a godly title, leaving three of the original Gods still reigning supreme.
Banri lay in a field of grass, admiring the town below him. A sense of comfort washed over him as the cool wind brushed against his face. Just as he began to doze off, a familiar voice broke through the tranquility.
"Banri! It's time to go!"
He squinted against the sunlight, recognizing Hikari's voice.
"Five more minutes," he mumbled, closing his eyes again, hoping to drift back into his peaceful reverie.
"Seriously? You've been gone for hours! Alina and I have been searching everywhere for you. We've got a long journey ahead!" Hikari's tone was a mix of exasperation and urgency.
"Is that so?" Banri replied, feigning indifference as he stretched out on the grass.
"Enough already! We've wasted enough time here!" Hikari insisted, his voice rising slightly.
"Alright! I'm coming!" Banri finally relented, sitting up with a sigh.
He slowly got to his feet, stretching and yawning as he shook off the remnants of sleep. Together, he and Hikari made their way back to the town, where Alina awaited them, arms crossed and a glare fixed on Banri.
"What a bothersome woman," he thought to himself, feeling annoyed.
After a brief discussion filled with Hikari's attempts to smooth over Alina's irritation, they set off toward the foot of the mountain. Hikari and Alina walked with their luggage in hand, while Banri strolled along on horseback, enjoying the gentle sway of the ride.
Banri and his companions, Hikari and Alina, are all mutants with unique supernatural abilities. They are on a quest to slay a god and claim their domain, each driven by their own distinct motivations. Banri aspires to become a god so he can enjoy a life of peace. Naturally lazy, he dreams of a tranquil existence where he doesn't have to worry about anything or desire for more.
Banri came from a wealthy family, where he never had to want for anything. However, as their business began to falter, the family's fortune started to dwindle. Fearing the loss of everything he had, Banri decided that his best option was to become a god.
In contrast, Hikari was raised in an orphanage and was blessed with a powerful mutant ability. He often used his powers to help those in need. Hikari aspired to become a god so he could assist others alongside his friend Alina, who had chosen to join him on this journey.
The three of them were on their way to Gloomspire Mountain, where the gate to God's Valley was located. God's Valley is an otherworldly realm where powerful mutants go in their quest for godhood.
After a long journey the three made it to the foot of the mountain. Gloomspire Mountain had no path to the top, it is a steep rocky mountain. The three started their journey up the mountain while carrying their luggage. It was a hard climb. Banri made his way up with little to no trouble tho he was displease having to exort so much effort, while Hikari help Alina as they ascended.
As night fell, the three friends decided to make camp in a clearing they had found. Alina distributed the food she had prepared for the journey, watching anxiously as Hikari took a bite of the grilled fish. "Do you like it?" she asked shyly, a slight grin spreading across her face.
"It's delicious," Hikari replied with a smile, causing Alina to blush at his compliment. Meanwhile, Banri sat nearby, enjoying his grilled dish while sipping from a cup of wine he had brought along. He seemed quite pleased with his meal.
After a restful night's sleep, they awoke the next morning, ready to continue their climb up the mountain. They packed their belongings and resumed their ascent.
As they approached the summit, a loud scream echoed through the air. Soon, a young girl, about their age, came running toward them as if being chased. She stumbled and fell down a slope, but Hikari sprang into action, catching her just before she hit the ground.
Soon they were all surrounded by a pack of two headed wolves. The beasts lunge at them, Banri sighed, a mix of annoyance and resolve washing over him.
With a swift motion, he drew his sword from its scabbard, the blade glinting in the sunlight. He faced the nearest wolf with calm precision, and in one fluid motion, he beheaded both heads, the severed bodies collapsing to the ground.
One by one the wolves fell as they lunge at him.
Alina, her heart racing, focused her energy and reached out with her hand. With a mere touch, the ground beneath the wolves transformed into quicksand, swallowing them whole as they struggled in vain to escape.
Meanwhile, Hikari, still cradling the young woman in his arms, felt a surge of power coursing through him. With a flick of his wrist, he summoned bright green flames that erupted from his fingertips, incinerating the remaining wolves in a dazzling display of fire. The air crackled with energy as the last of the beasts was consumed by the flames, leaving only the scent of charred fur and the echoes of their growls behind.
"Are you alright?" Hikari asked the girl, who appeared to be entranced.
"I'm fine, thank you for catching me," she replied, bowing her head slightly in gratitude. "My name is Hikari, by the way, and these are my friends, Banri and Alina."
"It's very nice to meet you. My name is Katherine," she said, a hint of warmth returning to her demeanor.
"Were you on your way to the summit?" Alina inquired.
"Yes, I was, but then I got attacked by a pack of two-headed wolves," Katherine explained, her voice tinged with unease.
"So, you're a mutant then?" Banri asked, eyeing her skeptically.
"Yes, I am," she confirmed, meeting his gaze.
"It's dangerous to travel alone. Why don't you join us?" Hikari suggested, his tone encouraging.
"Are you sure?" Katherine asked, uncertainty flickering in her eyes.
"We'd be happy to have you," Alina added with a reassuring smile.
As they reached the summit of Gloomspire Mountain, a chill hung in the air, sending shivers down their spines. The wind whispered secrets of ancient times, swirling around them as they stood before a colossal gate that seemed to pulse with an otherworldly presence.
The gate, crafted from a smooth black stone, towered above them, its imposing height dwarfing the trio. Intricate ancient runes were carved into its surface, their meanings long forgotten but radiating a sense of power and mystery. The runes glimmered faintly, hinting at the power that lay beyond, and a barely visible purple light shimmered through the cracks, casting an ethereal glow on the surrounding rocks.
As they stared at the gate, a powerful energy emanated from it, wrapping around them like a warm embrace, tempting them to step forward. The air crackled with anticipation, and they could feel the allure of the unknown beckoning them closer. It was as if the gate itself was alive, whispering promises of wealth and power, the secrets of another world waiting just beyond its threshold.