This fantasy world was once peaceful… until strange rifts appeared in the sky, opening gateways for monsters from the void to pour in. They brought with them a dark power, destroying everything in their path.
In their struggle to survive, humans didn't just fight back—they uncovered a strange truth: eating the heart of a slain monster could awaken a hidden power within them.
The war lasted for centuries, until a great warrior woman—now a queen—rose up and defeated the first demon lord. But even so, smaller monsters still linger across the world...
[The Beginning – In a Small Village]
One morning, in a modest room near the edge of the village, Thiên, a young girl, slowly opened her eyes. Sunlight slipped through the window, casting a soft glow on her tousled hair.
She got up, stretched, and stepped downstairs.
Mira: – What are you cooking, Dad?
Xam, her middle-aged father—a gentle yet weathered man—was stirring a pot of soup over the fire. He turned and smiled.
Silas: – Ah, chicken soup. Want to eat something before heading into the forest?
Mira: – Yes, I'll eat quickly and then go.
He brought the big pot to the table. They poured soup into bowls and sat down. The delicious smell filled the cozy kitchen.
Mira (while eating): – You're cooking a lot. Isn't the village leaving this afternoon?
Silas: – Yeah, I know. But it's good to have food ready to bring along. We've got a long road ahead to the kingdom.
Mira: – I see... Alright, I'll finish eating and head out.
She walked to the corner of the room, grabbing her worn sword and trusty bow.
Silas: – Be careful. Oh, take that black pouch—there's a numbing potion inside. It might help if you're in danger.
Mira: – Oh! You packed that too? Okay, I'll bring it. I'm heading out now!
Silas: – Be back early. We're leaving with the others this afternoon.
Mira: – I know!
She stepped into the familiar forest. The air was cool and damp, carrying the scent of decaying leaves.
A sudden sound.
From the bushes, a small monster lunged at her.
Mira flinched, stepping back and swinging her bow to dodge the first strike. The creature was small but fast—its claws sliced past her sleeve.
She bit her lip, retreating, and shakily pulled out the numbing potion her father gave her.
A clean throw. The monster froze—that was her chance.
Mira lunged forward, delivering a swift, clean slash.
The creature collapsed.
Silence.
She stood there, breathing hard, eyes fixed on the corpse.
Mira (whispers, shaken): – I… really killed it…
She gripped her sword tighter, trying to steady herself.
She knew this was necessary—but her heart pounded, her chest tight.
Mira (murmuring): – I can't let fear take over… not if I want to survive…
She turned away, took a deep breath. The shadows ahead pulled her deeper into the woods.
[Later – Deep in the Forest]
While hiding behind a bush, waiting to ambush a wild animal, her eyes froze.
In the sky—suddenly—a rift in space opened.
From within, a mysterious figure stepped out, cloaked entirely in black. Only their eyes glowed like sunlight.
Before she could react, the figure vanished.
Mira (whispers, panicked): – That person… who was that? A new kind of monster? No… they looked human… But they came out of a rift… and disappeared…
She stood frozen, heart still racing.
The rift in the sky had vanished—leaving no trace behind, as if it had never been there.
Mira (softly): – What… was that? Not a monster… but not an ordinary human either…
She glanced around. The forest was calm again. The wind rustled the leaves.
Mira (confused): – I've never heard anyone talk about something like this…
A person stepping out of the void, and then gone...
She lowered her head, fingers tightening around her sword.
– Should I tell the soldiers? What if… that thing's even more dangerous than a monster?
She looked up at the sky, where the rift had been.
– I'm not sure… but maybe… I should.
[That Afternoon – Returning to the Village]
Dusk fell. Thiên quietly returned home, just as the villagers gathered to prepare for the journey.
Silas: – You're back? Everything alright?
Mira (pauses, then shakes her head lightly): – Nothing... nothing happened.
Silas (nods, looking at her for a moment): – I see. Go wash up. I've got everything ready.
Mira (scratching her head, a bit sheepish): – Okay, I'll get ready now!
She quickly headed to the washroom. Xam watched her for a while, eyes thoughtful.
Silas (to himself): – Hmm… something probably did happen…
Later, Xam walked to the center of the village, where a few soldiers and villagers were checking supplies, weapons, and carts.
Silas: – Everything in order?
Soldier: – Yes sir, all checked. We can move out anytime.
Old man (Uncle Bart ): – Been a long time since our village moved like this. Hope things are better at the kingdom…
Silas (gently): – As long as we're alive, any place can be home.
And so, the caravan began its journey.
Night fell. The moon rose high.
Silas and Mira sat together on a horse cart, along with a few others, eyes turned to the sky.
Thousands of stars glittered in the still night.
Mira: – The sky tonight… is beautiful.
Silas: – Yeah. These stars… they've always been here. Through all the years, no matter how the world changes.
Mira: – Tomorrow… everything will be different…
Silas (smiling softly): – It will. But you're not alone, Mira.
They sat in silence, sharing this quiet moment of peace…
Before the journey truly began.
(End of Chapter 0.1)
📖 From the story: *The Rift Calls Those Who Drown Near*
✍️ Author: Vodanh2254
🌟 Thank you for reading to the end of Chapter 0.1!
If you found something interesting — or if you feel there's anything that could be improved —
please feel free to leave a comment and let me know.
Your thoughts are always welcome and deeply appreciated.
See you in the next chapter!