It could have happened to anyone, anytime, anywhere. Maybe here, there, or elsewhere. Why not on this continent, that one, or even in this country, this region, this city, perhaps a shopping mall, or even a small, insignificant shop at the end of some random street.
It could have happened anywhere, anytime, to anyone… yet it happened here.
A day like any other: the sun rose on the horizon to follow its destiny, the wind blew across the world, birds soared in the sky, flying over planes that left long, misty trails behind them.
Here and there, men and women were busy with their daily tasks. Cars moved along the asphalt in coordination with the traffic officers, while cyclists weaved through crowded sidewalks.
Workers began another busy day, while students attended their classes. Some paid close attention, others played or slept as the teacher lectured. A mundane, repetitive day, but calm, safe, and uneventful. A peaceful day, quiet and gentle, like any other.
A day full of carefreeness and joy, especially for adolescents in the throes of puberty. The smiles on their serene faces reflected the happiness they shared, the pleasure they felt… until the ground began to shake.
No one knew what had happened, or why, or how. But that day, an entire high school slowly and painfully sank into the darkness of a rift that had opened directly beneath the building. A cloud of dust rose into the air as the children watched, powerless and horrified, the shocking scene pulling them into the depths of the earth.
The deafening noise captured everyone's attention, while some were already filming the school's fall to post live on social media. Hoax or disaster, everyone watched the building slowly vanish into the ground, leaving only an ominous, gaping chasm.
Soon, the news spread across the world. Media outlets focused entirely on the incident, social media made it the buzz of the century, and everyone was talking about it. Parents arrived one by one, panicked or in tears, searching for their children.
Authorities blocked the streets leading to the chasm. Drones were dispatched into the hole, but none returned successful data. Nations worldwide issued statements to support the affected country. Meanwhile, a strange rumor circulated on social media: reinforced by an amateur video, it allegedly showed a figure jumping from the building, captured by one of the witnesses. But lacking evidence, this claim was set aside when experts analyzed the possibility of a student surviving such a fall.
It was deemed impossible, given the sheer size of the chasm. Even if it had happened, the student would likely have been swallowed by the rift along with the rest of the school, students, and teachers.
No one knew what had happened. No one had any idea. What became of the students? Where is the school now? Why didn't the experts foresee such a collapse? So many questions remained unanswered, and their answers would not come from this world… at least, not for now, nor from those hoping to find them through excavation.
How much time had passed? Who could say? Where exactly was this happening? Who were these men in iron and silver armor, cutting through vines, shrubs, and tree branches to make their way through the dark, oppressive forest, where sunlight barely penetrated? Who could know?
In any case, these men seemed to know what they were doing… or rather, what they were looking for. Led by a woman in full gray armor, they marched toward a strange building in the distance. The cawing of ravens did not slow their steps, and fear of the unknown did not restrain their swords. Step by step, following their leader's trail, the thirty armored men, armed with swords and spears, reached the building in astonishment.
"— What is this?" one of them asked.
"We are here," replied the woman in armor. "This is what a rift is," she added, raising her eyes to the imposing structure before them.
The building was partially covered in moss at its base, but the upper levels remained untouched by vegetation, though heavily damaged. The warrior ordered her men to deploy around the area to secure the site.
The man carrying a large lamp on his back approached and placed it in front of the building. He pressed a button, and a flame ignited at the center of the artifact. He then produced a second object from his pocket: a small, round device that projected a holographic screen in front of him. Tapping it, he made the lamp shine like a beacon.
The blue light emitted by the lamp illuminated the surroundings and formed a barrier around the building. Immediately, piercing screams came from inside, frightening the troops—except their leader, who remained impassive.
The cries grew louder as one of the still-intact windows shattered, and a creature burst forth, crashing violently to the ground. Its blood splattered everywhere as its body went limp. The commander approached, sword at the ready, and touched the creature.
"— It's dead!" she affirmed.
The soldier who had brought the artifact rushed forward at her request and scrolled through the pages of his interface filled with strange diagrams.
"I've got it. It's as the adventurer said: one of the creatures that inhabit this forest in large numbers," he said, looking toward the shadows where red eyes glowed.
"Yes, and it was wise of us to purchase this barrier-satellite. It seems to repel them," the commander said.
"A frail, human-like body, starving, with long, thin nails, green eyes, and a large foul mouth. It's a wendigo. These creatures delight in human flesh."
"Hmm," the commander said, turning her attention to the massive building. "How long will it take us to go around it?"
"Hard to say. We don't know what awaits inside, except for more wendigos. Worse, we don't even know if this expedition is worth it."
"No matter! Orders are orders. Prepare to enter the building."
"Yes, ma'am," the soldier replied, admiring the device. "It would have been useful to wait for an operator… too bad."
Another soldier reported:
"Behind, on the other side, there is what appears to be the entrance. It's secure for now, but there are signs of a struggle."
"Good. We'll enter through there. Let's go."
The group followed the commander, lighting torches to illuminate the path. With careful, steady steps, they reached a broken door, shattered glass scattered on the ground, and traces of blood. The stench was unbearable.
"Good God, what a bloodbath," muttered a soldier, trying not to vomit.
Before entering, the commander surveyed the scene, thoughtful.
"Lots of blood in the courtyard, but no bodies. The victims were dragged inside. There were indeed people here who tried to escape but failed. Judging by the amount, I'd say at least… a hundred dead."
"Commander!" a soldier shouted, interrupting her thoughts.
She looked up at him.
"Th-there's something," he stammered, trembling.
"On guard!" the commander shouted, drawing the massive claymore from her back.
Her subordinates assumed combat stances, facing the door… or rather, the figure approaching them. Step by step, it crushed the shards of glass beneath its feet, the cracking sound intensifying the soldiers' dread.
Bathed in torchlight, the creature revealed itself clearly. It wore full red armor, a fusion of futuristic and medieval styles, and immediately drew its weapon, pointing it at the soldiers. They assumed combat positions as the barrel of its shotgun threatened them.
"Identify yourselves, or I'll kill you like all the others," the being said, its voice strong and intimidating.
The commander stepped forward:
"I am Gayarde de Rouge, captain of the Gray Knights, commissioned by the Viscount himself to lead this expedition. I am not your enemy, unless you wish otherwise."
The creature scrutinized them.
"The Kingdom of Rouge?" it asked.
"Yes! You are on our territory."
"And you are humans?"
The question surprised the soldiers, who exchanged questioning glances.
"Yes, we are humans. We have a kingdom, cities, food, and water. So please, accept to speak with us at a table."
The creature lowered its weapon, convinced.
"Very well… you truly are humans," it said, its voice lighter, almost childlike.
Seconds later, a boy peeked out to assess the situation.
"Come on, they are humans! You can see they speak our language and have clothes."
Others followed, leaving the soldiers both astonished and fascinated. One, tall and muscular, wore a school uniform with a large sword slung over his shoulder. Covered in blood, he confirmed his companion's words:
"I think it's fine. This time, we're dealing with humans."
Others emerged, captivating and surprising the soldiers at every step.