It was supposed to be another ordinary Tuesday. The neon lights of Tokyo flickered against the dusk, crowds surged through streets bustling with the rhythms of life—students chattered on their way home, salarymen checked messages on their phones, a child laughed as his mother tugged him across the crosswalk. In a control room far away, analysts in London watched rows of blinking monitors dance with market prices, while in New York, a taxi hooted and weaved through traffic, the driver's radio humming muted news.
And then, without warning, the world faltered.
Every screen—phones, billboards, televisions—flickered with static. A hush fell over the masses as devices, regardless of brand or model, emitted a low mechanical whine. Fingers paused mid-typing; conversations stumbled into silence.
"Huh? Some kind of global cyberattack?" a programmer muttered, staring helplessly at his laptop as the code reduced to white noise.
The static deepened, thick and oppressive, before breaking.
An eerie figure—half shadow, half-light—emerged on every display. A mask, smooth and black, devoid of mouth or nose, yet burning with white, unblinking eyes beneath a dark hood. Its presence wrapped cold dread around every heart.
Impossible to believe, yet manifested above every city, the faceless mask materialized on clouds, larger than the tallest skyscraper as an eclipse of all reason.
A voice, neither male nor female, rippled in a thousand tongues, reverberating from speakers, bleeding into minds.
"Humans of Earth… I am Dev. From this moment, the age of monotony ends."
The streets froze. A man spilled coffee, a toddler cried. Soldiers and housewives alike were shackled by the weight of that voice.
"Each of you will be granted a gift. Elemental powers: wind, fire, water, land, light, and darkness. The choice and burden belong to you. In six months, a new world will rise—lands of legend and creatures of myth will become reality. Prepare."
Gasps punctuated the uneasy silence. A nurse clasped her crucifix, trembling. A student stared wide-eyed at his hands as veins faintly glowed blue.
"Is this… real?" whispered an old woman, clutching her phone so tightly it cracked.
Then, the world changed again.
From earth's surface exploded towering pillars of swirling elemental energy. Rising from forests, fields, cities—each monolith pulsed with power, marking and revealing the elemental gift bestowed upon those nearby.
For many, these pillars became the first tangible connection to their new abilities; for others, the harbinger of chaos to come.
In the weeks that followed, society strained. Governments deployed emergency protocols, but disorder spread like wildfire. Hospitals overflowed with those hurt by unfamiliar powers—burnt, frozen, torn by energies they could not control. Families fractured. Streets bled. Within six months, nearly a third of humanity was lost—to accidents, madness, or violence.
The tension crackled, growing unbearable. People desperate for order turned to the pillars for answers; communities gathered, and slowly worship of Dev emerged, enveloped in mysticism and hope. Yet the pillars themselves remained strange and alien—silent monuments to a power none fully understood.
Six long months passed, each day drawing humanity closer to an uncertain fate.
Then, the night of reckoning came.
At the stroke of midnight, the planet convulsed. The sky cracked open; the earth yawned and swelled. Seas surged back and forth, reshaped by magic's tide. A second moon shimmered into existence, its pale light casting eerie shadows.
From jagged gates tore creatures once thought myths—elves with leaf-bladed spears, dwarves clad in gold armor, serpent-eyed lizardmen slinking through ruins, statuesque angels aloft on radiant wings, and horned demons aflame with otherworldly fire.
New continents emerged on the horizon as the world's map was torn asunder, reshaped into a patchwork of wonders and nightmares. The old internet and satellites died, suffocated by new magical wavelengths.
Humanity was shattered.
Nations collapsed beneath the chaos. War erupted—a desperate struggle between magic and steel, myth and science. Cities turned to rubble; blood-stained fields; skies roared with battle cries and arcane fury.
Only a fraction survived.
One-third of the species endured, scattered amid smoldering ruins. They learned fear for the gifts they once sought; power felt like a curse, magic a weapon far deadlier than weapons of old.
Centuries passed.
The stories of dreadful war became legend; legends blurred into myth. New faiths rose. Civilizations rebuilt from the ashes, adapting to a world forever changed.
Four great nations rose from the broken world: The Americas, united and holding dominion in the south; the resilient European Union on the isles of old Britain; mighty Alkebulan, rich in resources and willpower across Africa's remains; and Bharat, forged from Asia's surviving lands, bustling, brave, and home to the fiercest adventurers.
Amid their rebuilding, the pillars—those ancient monoliths that once burst from earth—stood silently. Now they had become temples and sanctuaries; places to worship Dev, the mysterious giver of power, and to seek guidance in a world forever changed.
The land of Bharat in the present day had blossomed into a vibrant realm rich with culture, legend, and ceaseless adventure. Adventurer guilds dotted the sprawling cities and frontier towns, each vying for glory, gold, and the thrill of the unknown. In the bustling city of Auradhya, amidst narrow winding streets and vibrant bazaars, among them, the Sword-Arrow Guild stood prominent—a haven for brash heroes, cunning thieves, valiant tanks, and gifted priests.
Inside the guild hall, the air was thick with the scent of roasting meat and the murmur of adventurer tales. Suddenly, the heavy wooden door burst open.
A man stumbled in, wounds fresh and glaring. His green eyes flickered with fatigue and fury. Long braided hair clung to sweat-slick skin, and his adventure gear—tattered to shreds—spoke of a desperate struggle. He was Lan, a thief by profession, his elemental magic of wind still faintly swirling around his battered form.
Panting, he collapsed onto the creaking floor near the reception desk. With a grunt of exhaustion, he slammed a quest sheet down.
"This job... almost killed me," he muttered, voice ragged.
Laura, the guild receptionist, adjusted her glasses as she rose from behind the counter. Her bright eyes—a striking contrast to her tight guild uniform struggling to contain her ample chest—narrowed with skepticism.
"Didn't you go with Aaruhi and the others?" she asked, taking the quest sheet. "You should have been safe from the monsters. So why are you this out of breath?"
Lan's expression twisted into a furious grimace as he cracked, "Exactly! The guild master sent me—a non-combat thief—with Aaruhi! That battle-loving maniac is why I'm in this state. She cut through every monster like paper... and just threw me underfoot!"
Before he could continue his rant, a sharp voice rang out.
"Oi! What's that supposed to mean about me, you pathetic pervert?"
A shadow darted like lightning at the guild entrance. Lan's bravado vanished instantly; fear reduced him to a stammering mess.
"Ha-ha... you heard me wrong, Aaruhi! I didn't mean it!" he mumbled, voice shaking.
In one swift motion, the shadowy figure lashed out an uppercut that sent Lan flying through the guild hall roof. A cascade of dust and broken wood fell as sunlight poured through the gaping hole.
The silhouette stepped into the light: Aaruhi herself. A rare beauty of the city, her long black hair shimmered like silken shadows past her knees. Her deep brown eyes held a divine glow—an aura both captivating and terrifying. Her body was the envy of all, men and women alike, every line honed by years of relentless battle and discipline.
Despite the admirers' gazes, her face twisted with ire, shooting deathly glares that sent the guild into an uneasy hush.
Everyone knew her: A+ rank adventurer wielding both fire and light elemental powers, a legend who could reduce a battlefield to ash and blaze.
Laura sighed, rubbing her temples. "Aaruhi, please don't destroy the guild just yet."
Three figures appeared behind her: Lidia, a gentle priest draped in white robes decorated with sacred symbols, her eyes shimmering with kindness yet shadowed by the toll of constant prayers and healing. Gokush, a towering tank clads in near-impenetrable armor, stoic but fiercely protective, his broad frame contrasting with surprising agility. And Torphin, the party's cook, stocky and jovial, with soot-streaked hands that crafted hearty meals capable of reviving even the most exhausted warrior.
In unison, their voices rang out sternly, "Don't break the guild and take our money for that quest!"
Lidia's voice trembled as she sobbed in an anime tearful whine, "Aaruhi-didi... we just returned from a grueling two-week mission! Please, don't cause another mess, or they'll charge the repair cost from our quest fees!"
Torphin chuckled, holding up a plate of freshly made snacks. "She's right, Aaruhi. Calm down before you scare everyone with those deathly stares!"
Aaruhi's glare turned toward him, but the sight of the snacks softened her expression. Snatching a handful, she sat down, devouring the food with beast-like hunger, revealing her well-known weakness—food. Aelfalt-legend claimed she never gained weight despite her appetite.
Lidia sighed wistfully from a corner, muttering, "I wish I could enjoy food without worrying about gaining weight, but my diet's too strict to stay in shape."
Gokush rumbled comfortingly, "Don't compare yourself to her. Aaruhi's not exactly human, after all."
Aaruhi glanced over, mouth full. Gokush's words sent a chill down his spine, prompting a quick change of subject.
"So, Laura, how's Guild Master Rudra?" he inquired.
Laura chuckled softly. "He's off attending the annual council of the world's guild leaders—discussing how to handle the rising demon lords terrorizing lands near America."
Her smile faded slightly. "He was actually looking for your party, Aaruhi."
"About what?" Aaruhi asked sharply.
"An undiscovered island emerged about a week ago off the coast," Laura explained, glancing at her notes. "There's a monument there—part temple, part dungeon. The Guild Master wants you to investigate and report any anomalies."
Without hesitation, Aaruhi stood, "Give me the details. We start immediately."
The others threw a collective groan.
"We just finished a tough mission! Another quest already?" Lidia whined.
Aaruhi laughed, her eyes sparkling with battle fervor. "Yes! We go now!"
As they headed for the exit, the battered Lan stumbled back inside. Before he could escape, Aaruhi grabbed him by the collar, dragging him forward.
"Let's go. We've got a new quest."
Lan, stunned and powerless, gave a resigned sob. Together, the four shouted in unison, "You battle maniac!"
Aaruhi chuckled darkly and so began their next adventure.
The Sword-Arrow Guild buzzed with renewed energy as Aaruhi and her party prepared for their next quest. Their destination lay far beyond Bharat's bustling cities—in the wild expanses reachable only by a magical railway powered by elemental mana.
The train station was a sprawling hall of stone and enchantment, where brass and crystal machinery hummed in harmony. Here, amid billowing steam infused with faint magical glows, travelers gathered to board the mana-powered express.
These trains were marvels of the new age—powered not by fuel, long depleted in the wars that tore the world asunder, but by the lifeblood of elemental users themselves. Only those with an affinity for the land element could operate these iron giants, for the carriages required a living connection to the surface's mana to move across the rails.
Similarly, boats, airships, and other vessels depended on elemental conduits, each needing pilots aligned with the appropriate magic to fulfill their intricate requirements.
The party climbed aboard the sleek, winged locomotive. Its walls shimmered faintly with runes, and the rhythmic clatter of wheels on enchanted rails pulsed like a heartbeat.
Settling into worn leather seats, the party gathered their maps and gear for a preliminary strategy session.
Aaruhi unfolded a parchment detailing their mission—a newly emerged island lay off the coast, home to an ancient temple said to conceal many secrets and dangers.
Torphin, their ever-optimistic cook, arranged a variety of supplies on the table—sealed provisions, compact food rations, and healing potions concocted by Lidia.
"We need to prepare for darkness beneath stone and shadow," Aaruhi began, her sharp eyes scanning their group. "We'll require light sources—magical torches or glowstones—to navigate the temple's depths."
Lidia nodded solemnly. "And plenty of healing potions. The temple is a known den of twisted beasts and traps. I'll bring extra restorative charms in case the worst happens."
Gokush, ever the pragmatic tank, added, "Weapons sharp and spells ready. We don't know what we'll face, but we can't afford to be caught off guard."
Lan grumbled, rubbing a fresh bruise on his ribs. "And maybe a map or two made by the guild's scouts. No wandering blind, thanks."
Torphin grinned. "I've packed extra snacks for energy. No point facing death on an empty stomach."
The rhythmic lull of the train carried them forward, the countryside unfolding beyond the windows.
Gokush pressed his forehead against the cool glass, his gaze lost to the sprawling vaulted sky—a tapestry of twinkling stars, clear and free from the city's haze and the dark mana corruption that tainted the air in populous regions.
"It's amazing," he murmured, voice tinged with awe, "how the countryside's sky remains so pure. Makes you wonder how the world was 500 years ago... Maybe if Dev, the deity, had never come, we'd live in a calmer world. One without monsters, demons, or endless war."
Lan, attempting to play suave, shifted in his seat and caught the eye of the passenger beside him—a slim figure dressed in intricate robes and delicate makeup. He smiled, fingers brushing a stray lock of hair.
"Hey there, miss..." he began, an unmistakable glint of mischief.
The passenger turned, revealing delicate features, a playful smirk, and something unexpected—a smooth voice and a gleam in the eye that defied Lan's assumptions.
"You really think that's the way to pick up someone?" the figure teased. "And by the way, I'm not a lady. Just like to crossplay and keep people guessing."
Lan's confident smile faltered, cheeks flushing red as he awkwardly scrambled to find words.
He slunk down beside Gokush with a forlorn sigh. "Who cares about the past when I can't even tell a man from a woman?"
The group burst into laughter, breaking the tension as Torphin unpacked more of his culinary triumphs. Warm bread, spiced meat, and sweet fruits filled the compartment with tantalizing aromas.
"Don't eat it all!" Torphin pleaded with Aaruhi as she headed for a second helping.
Aaruhi smirked between bites. "Don't worry, Torphin. I know you'll cook up more. I trust your skills!"
The others exchanged amused glances, silently dubbing her the "battle-loving glutton."
Morning light spilled across the deck of a ferry anchored at the port of Rameshwaram. The ferry driver, a weather-beaten man with a knowing smile, pointed to a rising silhouette on the horizon.
"There it is—the new island, just beyond the mist. We'll be there in fifteen minutes."
Aaruhi's party gathered their gear, stepping off the boat onto the sand. Lanterns hung from sturdy poles illuminated the dock, the air crisp with the tang of salt and earth.
As they made their way through a path cleared by the guild, the atmosphere shifted to one of eerie anticipation. The temple loomed ahead—a colossal structure of ancient stone, adorned with towering pillars that glimmered faintly in the sunlight.
The massive entrance door stretched wide, intricately carved and foreboding.
As the party stepped through the massive temple door, a gust of stale, cold air rushed past them, carrying with it the scent of ancient stone and forgotten secrets. The faint light filtering through cracks in the ceiling revealed faded murals depicting gods and monsters locked in eternal battle.
"Stay close," Aaruhi whispered, drawing twin blades radiant with the fire and light of her elements.
The air thickened, shadows lengthened, and suddenly, the ground beneath their feet shifted. A subtle click echoed through the chamber.
"Trap!" Lidia cried, hands weaving hurried prayers as glowing sigils sparked before their eyes.
From the floor burst jagged spikes aimed at their shins and knees. Gokush moved swiftly, pulling Lan and Tophin backward, his massive shield absorbing the deadly attack. The spikes clanged and shattered against the enchanted metal.
Breathing hard, Lan grimaced, "That was too close. These ancient places never give up their secrets easily."
The corridors twisted and wound, lined with statues that seemed to watch their every move. Ahead, flickering eyes betrayed the presence of lurking monsters—twisted creatures born from the temple's dark magic.
A shadow lunged from a crevice—a snarling beast with leathery wings and venom-dripping fangs. Lan darted forward, wind elemental magic coiling around his fingers. With a rapid strike, he sent a cutting gale slicing through the creature's wing, sending it crashing to the cold floor.
"Nice shot!" Tophin cheered, brandishing a heavy club adorned with runes.
But the horror was far from over.
From the darkness emerged a pack of snarling, malformed guardians, their eyes glowing a sickly green. Aaruhi grinned, her blades ablaze. "Let's dance!"
Flames and light seared the air as she spun and slashed, each strike carving blazing arcs through her foes. Gokush held the line, shield raised high, bellowing challenges that echoed through the stone halls.
Lidia's chants filled the temple, magic weaving warm tendrils that patched wounds and bolstered defenses. Her hands glowed as she called on divine energies to banish dark curses that clung to the beasts.
The battle was fierce but swift. As the last monster collapsed, the party pressed onward, breaths heavy, hearts pounding.
Lan muttered from behind, "I didn't sign up for this... Can't we just find a tavern and drink the fear away?"
Gokush clapped him on the shoulder. "I get it, but the guild promised a hefty reward. Besides, you've got to admit—the thrill's worth it."
Tophin grinned, pulling a vial from his satchel. "And I've got healing potions to keep us alive."
As they ventured deeper, the traps grew more elaborate. Pressure plates triggered cascading arrow volleys; swinging blades whistled deadly songs. Each challenge forced them to rely on wit, agility, and magic.
At one narrow corridor, Aaruhi took point, sensing the faint mana threads of an impending trap. With a swift gust of wind, she disarmed the hidden mechanism, allowing the group safe passage.
"Not bad," Lan muttered begrudgingly.
Hours passed in tense exploration. Finally, they reached a colossal door inscribed with glowing glyphs.
As the party pressed deeper into the temple's damp, echoing corridors, Torphin's keen eyes caught something unusual.
"Hey, wait up," he called, holding up a hand to pause the group.
Peering at the ancient walls, he pointed to a series of weathered sculptures carved into the stone. "Take a look at these," he said, drawing closer for a better view. "They don't look like any elemental symbol I've seen—no fire, water, wind, land, light, or darkness."
Aaruhi stepped beside him, narrowing her eyes.
"Instead," Torphin continued, "they're these strange statues of a guy with a halo... and a horn. Pretty weird, huh? I mean, temples usually have pillars or symbols around that show what element they respect."
Lidia furrowed her brow, voice trembling slightly, "A halo and a horn?... That sounds like divine and demonic imagery combined. This temple might be more complex than we thought."
Gokush grunted, "Could mean the place worships someone or something far older and stranger than common elemental gods."
Lan, nervously glancing around, mumbled, "Great... Just what I wanted—more weird mysteries instead of a quick job."
Aaruhi halted the group, voice low and urgent.
"I guess this is the boss chamber," Aaruhi whispered, her voice tense. "No telling what awaits beyond. Get ready."
The door groaned open, revealing the huge crystal encasing the mysterious young man, as described before.
They drew their weapons and pushed open the heavy door.
Inside, a colossal crystal pulsed with an otherworldly light. Encased within was a young man, preserved in shimmering magic.
Aaruhi's fingers brushed lightly against the cool surface of the immense crystal, the source of soft, pulsating light that illuminated the chamber with an eerie glow. A subtle hum reverberated through her bones—almost like the crystal was alive, breathing with ancient power.
She leaned closer, her voice a whisper as her eyes scanned an inscription carved into the stone base:
"Only one true of heart, whose love can heal the divine, shall undo this spell."
Her fingers traced the glyphs with reverence, intending to read further, but suddenly the crystal shuddered.
A brilliant burst of light flared outwards, sharp and consuming the chamber.
With a loud crack, the crystal splintered as if glass meeting hammer, shards sparkling like fractured stars.
From within tumbled a figure—a young man with striking blue hair, a rarity in this world. His lithe form landed with a soft thud, eyes fluttering open as if awakening from a deep, restful sleep.
He yawned widely and stretched, rubbing the back of his neck with a sleepy grin.
The adventurers tensed, weapons ready, breaths held in cautious anticipation.
But the boy's demeanor was anything but threatening.
Unfazed, he raised a hand before them, a gentle wave parting the tension like a breeze.
Then, with a small popping sound, a shimmering dimensional pocket manifested beside him. From it, he casually pulled out a steaming cup of noodles, slurping noisily.
"So... who are you guys?" he asked, noodles wobbling on his chopsticks. "And what's this place, anyway?"
Aaruhi stepped forward, eyebrows knitted in suspicion and curiosity.
"Who are you? And what was that light magic you just used?" Her eyes flicked toward the dissipating glow of the crystal shards.
She glanced at the steaming cup. "And more importantly... what is that food? It's... fascinating."
The young man blinked, clearly entertained by her questions.
"This?" he said, gesturing to the noodles. "It's called cup noodles—instant food, pretty handy. I found it right here," he added, glancing curiously around the now-empty spot where a small table once stood.
"Also magic?" he repeated, scratching his head. "I didn't do any magic. The noodles were already on this table." he said with a casual shrug.
Suddenly his eyes widened.
"Eh? Eh? Where did the table go??" He spun around looking for it, genuine bewilderment creasing his youthful face.
He faced them again, completely clueless. "Wait—where am I, actually? And... do you guys happen to know who I am?"
The party exchanged confused glances as a chorus of "Ehhhhh??" rose between them.