If the world is in flames, I will walk among them.
A world plunged into chaos. Monsters emerged everywhere through portals called "rifts." Towns, cities, and kingdoms were consumed by creatures torn from fairy tales turned into nightmares. People fled desperately in search of refuge, but no place was safe.
Some only waited to be saved, but others ran toward danger without hesitation, willing to protect those who could not defend themselves. Then, a group of warriors prepared for this very moment emerged from the shadows, determined to fight against the extinction of humanity.
In a remote village, invaded by creatures, the clash of swords and gunfire echoed through the night. Amid the chaos, a young man with golden hair wielded his sword with mastery, facing hordes of undead, slimes, and skeletons that poured out from the rifts.
But he was not alone. Armed soldiers covered his rear, protecting him from surprise attacks. The ground was covered with corpses, both monsters and allies alike. Flames devoured the houses, casting a sinister glow over the devastated village.
—Watch out!A soldier shouted as he fired at the creatures. The young man with golden hair turned his head at the last second, dodging an arrow shot by a skeleton archer.
—That was close… One more second and I would've been dead.
At that moment, I looked at the creature in front of me with a smile and, without wasting time, I ran in a zigzag toward it, avoiding another attack. The creature faltered, unable to predict my next move; in that instant, I cut it in two so it would never rise again.
—Mutant to the north!I turned in that direction, my eyes focusing on the dark forest, with a carefree smile.
—Heh… I didn't expect to find you here. But it doesn't matter.
From the other side of the forest, a monstrous creature emerged. Each step it took made the earth tremble; a beast two meters tall, its body deformed and muscular, with hands as wide as hammers. As soon as it saw us, it let out a roar that echoed across the battlefield and charged at us at full speed.
The soldiers opened fire, but the bullets had no effect.
—So that's how you want to play! Then come at me with everything you've got!
I slid my rear foot back and prepared my sword for the battle ahead. Our eyes locked for an instant; then I knew it was the moment. The mutant bent its legs and leaped with all its might, raising both arms to crush me.
But I only took a deep breath. When the mutant was about to fall, I stepped slightly forward, slashing my sword across its torso in an instant; then, the creature hit the ground with a crash, leaving behind a pool of blood.
I glanced at it from the corner of my eye, making sure it was dead. But something else caught my attention: a few meters away, another rift appeared in the air. Its dark purple glow heralded the arrival of more monsters.
—Tsk! These things just won't stop showing up. What a pain…
I rushed toward them without a second thought, cutting down the creatures that emerged from the rift with swift and precise movements.
But while I was fighting the new threat, something began to stir.
The mutant that lay dead on the ground slowly started to rise, as a black aura surrounded its entire body. Its black eyes turned into a deep, burning red, reflecting uncontrollable rage. As if guided by pure fury, it let out a deafening roar and charged straight at me.
—Boss, look out! —a soldier shouted with all his strength.
I looked back, eyes wide open at the sound of that roar, but it was already too late: the mutant that was supposed to be dead was standing right in front of me.
And at that very moment…