Year 2020—mutations began ravaging the world. Animals, insects, and sea creatures transformed into massive, terrifying beasts. Humans weren't spared either.
Some called it evolution. Others, a curse.
People started awakening gifts—powers to defend themselves against these monstrous abominations, which came to be known as Cursed Monsters. Modern weapons proved useless. Only gifted users, or Giftbearers, could stand a chance against them.
The war raged for three long years. Cities and entire countries were reduced to rubble. What remained were a few bastions of humanity, protected by powerful Giftbearers.
---
[Year 2023]
In the dim light of a cramped apartment in Lumora City, I stuffed the last of my belongings into a backpack. I didn't have much, just enough to survive on the road.
I tightened the straps on my bag. My heart raced. I was leaving tonight, no matter what.
Opening the door slowly, I peeked left, then right. The coast was clear. Without wasting a second, I bolted down the stairs, my footsteps echoing through the empty building.
It was already in the middle of the night and the streets of Lumora were desolate, bathed in the pale glow of flickering streetlights. No one was out this late. Good.
I headed straight for the gate but froze when I saw two guards stationed there.
"Damn it," I muttered under my breath.
Then I remembered something.
The dog hole!
Grinning to myself, I darted toward the left side of town, where I'd spotted a small hole dug under the wall. Sure enough, it was still there.
"Ugh, it's even dirtier than I remembered." I grimaced at the sight of the muddy gap. "saving lives can be messy work. Too bad my gift doesn't include cleaning clothes."
Without another thought, I slid through the hole, dirt clinging to my clothes.
Once on the other side, I stood up, brushing off as much grime as I could. Turning back to face the majestic walls of Lumora, I raised both middle fingers.
"Screw you! I'm never coming back!"
---
[Five Hours Ago]
The Luminous Guild Tower—the pride of Lumora. Giftbearers trained here, and aspiring ones came to awaken their gifts.
I was one of those hopefuls, a 16-year-old nobody with a dream of becoming a Giftbearer.
My legs bounced nervously as I waited outside the testing room.
"Next, Zolic."
Hearing my name, I stood up and entered the room. Inside, there was only a single massive crystal glowing faintly in the dim light.
"Place your hands on the crystal," the examiner instructed, his voice flat and tired.
I did as told, hoping for something powerful, something I could use to fight monsters. To take revenge for my parents that died that day.
But nothing happened.
I glanced at the examiner. "Is this thing broken?"
Before he could respond, a blinding green light exploded from the crystal, enveloping the room.
The light was so intense that it bled through the walls, visible even from outside.
---
In a distant, hidden realm, a goddess sat on a throne made of flowers and vines. Her radiant form glowed with holy light, obscuring her features.
A serene smile graced her lips as she murmured, "Finally, my successor has awakened."
---
Back in the room, I stumbled back, shielding my eyes. When the light finally subsided, I blinked in shock.
Flowers and vines had sprouted everywhere, turning the room into an overgrown garden.
The examiner stood frozen, tears streaming down his face.
"Uh... you okay, old man?" I asked awkwardly.
He sniffled and cleared his throat. "You... have the gift of life."
"Life?" I frowned. "What does that even mean?"
Before he could answer, a voice echoed in my mind.
I stared blankly at the crystal. "Shit."
What the hell was I supposed to do with a skill like that?
The examiner's curious gaze snapped me out of my thoughts. "What gift did you receive, young man?"
I plastered on a fake smile. "Nothing special."
He nodded, surprisingly unbothered. "Oh, well. You can leave."
He actually shooed me away. Me! The great Zolic! If only he knew what I could do, he'd probably faint.
I left the tower and went straight back to my apartment.
---
Now here I was, running away from Lumora before anyone discovered my secret.
I slung my bag over my shoulder and took one last look at the city walls.
I felt sad having to leave, but I had no choice if the guild knows of my special skill then I will only get used and then thrown away after having outlived my usefulness.
"Woof!"
I turned to see a small white dog with three tails trotting toward me.
"You've gotta be kidding me," I muttered. "What are you doing here, little guy?"
The dog wagged its tails and barked again.
"You're kinda cute... just like me," I said with a grin. "Wanna come along? I'll name you Bobby."
"Woof!"
"Great! Bobby it is." I lifted him onto my head.
"Say your goodbyes, Bobby. We're never coming back here again"
With one last glance at Lumora, I turned and walked into the unknown, my new companion by my side.