At the Border of the Kingdom of Fiore
In a vast forest filled with terrifying monsters, one area stood in stark contrast to the usual landscape. There, trees had been cleanly severed, as if a giant sword had sliced through the forest in a single stroke. Around this unnatural clearing, the corpses of creatures of all sizes littered the ground, their blood soaking into the earth.
At the center of this carnage, a scene both shocking and mesmerizing unfolded: a young man lay sleeping peacefully atop the corpse of a monster, as if none of this concerned him in the slightest.
His appearance was both magnificent and wild. He seemed to be around seventeen years old, yet his physique was imposing. His long, disheveled white hair cascaded down to his ribs, with a few strands framing his face, enhancing his untamed aura. His gaze was strikingly unique: one eye was white-gray, while the other was dark gray. Two scars marked his face—one running diagonally across both cheeks, the other starting from his forehead, cutting across his eye, and stopping at his cheek, forming a brutal cross upon his features.
His pale complexion contrasted with his entirely black attire, made up of multiple layers of reinforced fabric. His loose-fitting top had a high collar and long sleeves that partially covered his hands. His forearms were protected by gloves or reinforced leather and metal bracers, further adding to his warrior-like appearance.
Around his waist, a belt adorned with metal rings and straps secured two katanas—one with gray and black tones, the other entirely black with a few white accents.
POV Makarov
Makarov, a short and elderly man, walked through the forest, muttering to himself:
— The stench of blood is everywhere… Those old fools called me here just because they were scared…
He continued on, remaining alert to his surroundings. Strangely, no monsters attacked him. Those he encountered immediately backed away, their eyes filled with fear.
It's as if they're afraid… But of what? he wondered, puzzled.