Two hundred years ago, the world we know was torn apart. No history book records the truth, and no surviving witness dares to claim they saw it all. But legends whisper of a war — not between men, nor kings, but between gods and demons themselves.
The clash of their endless might shattered the balance of the universe. Space itself twisted, and from the rifts in the heavens, wormholes began to tear open across the earth. From them came beasts unknown to humankind — creatures born of nightmares, unstoppable and merciless. Civilizations burned, kingdoms crumbled, and humanity fell to its knees.
What was once a thriving world of countless nations is now reduced to scattered fragments of survival. Only seven strongholds remain, bastions of human life protected by barriers of forgotten magic and desperate technology. Among them is Xondor, a walled city where the last embers of hope flicker. Beyond its walls, chaos rules.
Generations have passed since the Calamity, yet the scars of that war have not healed. Humanity lives in the shadow of extinction, clinging to life inside their fragile sanctuaries, while the rest of the world remains a graveyard ruled by monsters. And though centuries veil the truth, some still believe the gods and demons were never truly destroyed. That somewhere, hidden in silence, their remnants watch and wait.
High above the walls of Xondor, a lone figure stood gazing at the city below. His eyes swept over the bustling streets, the shimmering barrier that encircled the stronghold, and the distant mountains where the horizon seemed to blur into the unknown. To the people, this was safety. To him, it was nothing more than a fragile illusion.
Yet, for this fleeting moment, he allowed himself to be lost in the beauty of it all. The golden rays of the setting sun bathed the rooftops in warmth, children's laughter echoed faintly in the air, and the world — broken as it was — looked almost peaceful.
But peace was only a mask, thin and temporary. The young man knew well that war could erupt at any moment, that calamity could strike without warning, as it once had two centuries ago. Still, as he stood there, watching the life within Xondor thrive against all odds, a small, fleeting smile touched his lips.
For now… the world endured.
High above the walls of Xondor, a lone figure stood gazing at the city below. His eyes swept over the bustling streets, the shimmering barrier that encircled the stronghold, and the distant mountains where the horizon seemed to blur into the unknown. To the people, this was safety. To him, it was nothing more than a fragile illusion.
Yet, for this fleeting moment, he allowed himself to be lost in the beauty of it all. The golden rays of the setting sun bathed the rooftops in warmth, children's laughter echoed faintly in the air, and the world — broken as it was — looked almost peaceful.
Suddenly, a sharp chime echoed from the watch on his wrist. Its faint blue glow pulsed with urgency — an emergency summons from the council of leaders across the seven protected zones.
Max exhaled softly, the calm moment broken. Without hesitation, he stepped off the edge of the tower. His body cut through the sky like a blade, the wind roaring past him as he descended. Just before he could strike the ground, he pushed against the very air itself. With a single leap between earth and sky, he vanished — and in the next instant, his boots touched the marble floors of the Guardian Headquarters.
Inside, the great hall was already filled. The leaders of the surviving world, and the Guardians themselves, had gathered. These were the remnants of humanity's last hope — rulers, strategists, and warriors who had clawed their way back from extinction.
After the war between gods and demons, the laws of nature had been broken. The balance of the world shifted, and in the chaos, fragments of divine energy seeped into humankind. Some awakened to powers beyond mortal limits — abilities that could bend elements, reshape matter, or tear the sky apart. These chosen few became known as the Warriors. United, they formed the organization called the Guardians, sworn to protect the last bastions of humanity.
Max was not merely one of them. He was the Third Guardian, one of the founders of the order itself — a man who had stood against the first waves of calamity two centuries ago. And though two hundred years had passed, he appeared no older than his mid-twenties, his presence carrying a weight that silenced even the most prideful.
The heavy doors creaked open, and more Guardians arrived, their cloaks trailing across the polished stone floor. The meeting began at once.
Julia, the leader of the Fourth Zone, stood first. Her voice was sharp, her words laced with frustration."The world's peace will not last long if we don't eliminate the threat of the invaders," she declared, slamming her hand against the table.
From the opposite side, Roy — the Seventh Guardian — narrowed his eyes. His tone was measured, but his words carried defiance."Not all invaders are our enemies. Some have chosen to fight beside us. A few are even part of our ranks now."
The air grew tense. Murmurs spread across the chamber. Old scars of mistrust began to stir.
Xing Po, the Second Guardian, rose abruptly. His booming voice cut through the noise."Enough of this nonsense! We are not here to quarrel among ourselves. The issue we face lies in the north. The border has been under constant invasion for thirty years. It is the most critical region — where our next generation of warriors is training. If it falls, the rest of humanity will follow."
The chamber grew silent. All eyes turned as Max finally spoke. His voice was calm, yet carried a force that demanded obedience."Those who seek to stir chaos are free to leave. As for the northern border… I've decided to make some changes there."
The hall fell into uneasy stillness. His words were not a suggestion — they were a declaration.
Max's voice carried across the chamber."I'll visit the academy as an instructor and observe the situation there."
The words struck like a spark in dry wood. Xing Po, the Second Guardian, slammed his fist onto the table, his face darkening."You? As an instructor?" he scoffed. "We need warriors, not undeads. Do you even remember the hellish training you designed for us? Nobody could survive it!"
The hall trembled with laughter. Mia, the Fourth Guardian, leaned back in her chair with a sly smile."You're only upset because he beats you every time you slack off."
A ripple of amusement passed through the chamber. Even the stiffest leaders chuckled at the jab, while Xing Po's scowl deepened, his ears burning red.
Before the argument could ignite again, a firm yet composed voice cut through the laughter."That's enough."
All heads turned toward the central seat, where Martin — the First Guardian and leader of them all — sat. His very presence was a reminder of why he was considered one of the most powerful beings on earth. Calm yet commanding, his words always carried weight.
"It's fine," Martin said with a faint smile. "My sister is the principal of the academy. She will monitor his every action. So rest assured, Max won't have the freedom to go wild."
Max raised an eyebrow, sighing with mock disbelief."What kind of person do you all think I am?"
The hall erupted with laughter once more. For a brief moment, the grim weight of war seemed lighter. But the laughter faded quickly as the council returned to the business at hand.
Martin's gaze swept across the room."Enough games. Our next priority is strengthening our defenses. The invaders grow bolder, and their numbers swell with each passing year. If we do not prepare, the peace we cling to will collapse."
Mia rose from her seat, her eyes sharp with determination."Leave that to me. My advanced unit can handle the construction and activation of the new barrier. No invader will breach it as long as I stand."
Her words drew nods of approval, though the tension lingered. Plans were being forged, but every leader in the room knew the truth — no barrier was eternal, and no wall could hold forever.
And in the center of it all stood Max, calm and unreadable, his mind already shifting toward the academy… and the storm that awaited him there.