Far away from Ankit’s peaceful village…
A magnificent city bustled with life.
The streets were crowded with people.
Busy marketplaces stretched across every corner, filled with merchants advertising their goods and customers bargaining enthusiastically.
Tall stone buildings lined the roads, while countless shops displayed everything from weapons and armor to magical tools and rare herbs.
Above the city, standing proudly on the highest hill, was a breathtaking royal palace.
Its white walls gleamed under the sunlight, and its towering spires dominated the skyline.
Not far from the palace stood a massive academy, famous throughout the kingdom for nurturing talented magicians and swordsmen.
Around the palace, the luxurious mansions of noble families stood like miniature castles, each one reflecting the wealth and prestige of its owner.
The palace gardens were heavily guarded.
Hundreds of elite soldiers stood in perfect formation, their armor shining brilliantly.
Inside the royal palace…
An elderly man sat upon a magnificent throne.
A golden crown rested upon his head, leaving no doubt that he was the King of the kingdom.
One hand supported his forehead as a worried expression covered his face.
Just then…
The grand doors opened.
A noble hurried inside before respectfully kneeling.
“Your Majesty.” “The intelligence report was correct.” “The demon race’s once-in-two-hundred-years prodigy has finally awakened their power.” The King’s expression darkened.
“…I see.” The noble continued, “And according to our spies…” “The First Demon Kingdom has already begun preparing for war.” “We believe their invasion has already started.” The King slowly tightened his grip on the armrest.
“What evidence do we have?” The noble lowered his head.
“Magic Bulls have appeared near the villages along our eastern border.” “Those beasts never leave the forest unless something forces them to.” “We believe this is the first sign of the demons’ advance.” “They’ll most likely launch their attack from the eastern frontier.” A heavy silence filled the throne room.
Finally, the King asked, “How long until we can send reinforcements?” The noble answered with hesitation.
“At least…” “One full day and one night, Your Majesty.” The King’s eyes widened.
“What?” “A whole day?” He rose from his throne.
“There are innocent people living in those villages.” “If the reports about the Magic Bulls are true…” “What will happen to them before our army arrives?” The noble remained calm.
“Your Majesty…” “There is one piece of good news.” “The warrior Sore is currently stationed in that village.” The King suddenly froze.
“…What?” “Sore?” “The one known as ‘The Infinite Slash’?” The noble nodded respectfully.
“Yes, Your Majesty.” “And we’ve also confirmed another piece of information.” “The legendary Queen of Water, who mysteriously disappeared five years ago…” “…is now Sore’s wife.” The King’s eyes widened even further.
“What?!” “How is that even possible?” The noble looked confused.
“You mean…
their marriage, Your Majesty?” The King immediately shook his head.
“No!” “I mean…” “How did two of the kingdom’s greatest heroes end up living in such a tiny border village?” He let out a relieved breath.
“If both of them are there…” “Then perhaps…” “They can hold the line until our army arrives.” The noble gave a respectful nod.
“That is certainly possible, Your Majesty.” “However…” “We still need to dispatch reinforcements.” “The village chief…” “Sore’s father…” “Has already sent an official request describing the situation in detail.” The King couldn’t help but laugh.
“So…” “That old fool is still living there with his son.” A faint smile appeared on his face, but his eyes remained serious.
“Very well.” “Prepare the army.” “If the demons are truly moving…” “Then this kingdom is about to face a war unlike anything we’ve seen in centuries.” As Ankit walked through the village, his mind was still occupied with the strange appearance of the Magic Bulls.
Why did they have to come today of all days?
He looked around.
The village felt unusually quiet.
Not a single child was playing outside.
The farmers had abandoned their fields.
Doors and windows were tightly shut.
Looks like everyone is scared…
They’ve all gone back inside their homes.
Just then, Ankit glanced up at the sky.
“Huh?” “When did all these dark clouds appear?” “And now it’s going to rain too?” Far away…
Inside Ankit’s house…
His mother was washing the dishes.
As she casually looked out the window…
Her eyes suddenly locked onto the sky.
The color instantly drained from her face.
The plate slipped from her hands.
Crash!
“No…” “Ankiii!!” Without thinking for another second, she dashed out of the house.
Meanwhile…
Completely unaware of what was happening, Ankit continued walking toward his grandfather’s house.
The dark clouds grew thicker with every passing moment.
Soon…
A violent storm erupted.
Powerful winds roared across the village.
Trees snapped in half and crashed onto the ground.
Ankit instinctively covered his face.
“W-What is this?!” “The wind is way too strong!” “I need to get back home!” He turned around.
But before he could take another step…
The black clouds suddenly began to change.
Crimson.
Deep blue.
Pitch black.
The sky twisted into an unnatural mixture of colors.
Ankit’s heart pounded violently.
“W-What’s happening…?” “I have to run!” Then…
Without any warning…
A brilliant white rift tore open in the middle of the sky.
It looked like a giant hole leading into endless emptiness.
But strangely…
Its pull wasn’t affecting anyone else.
It was dragging only Ankit toward it.
“W-What?!” His body was lifted off the ground.
He desperately grabbed the trunk of a nearby tree with both hands.
“N-No!” “What is this?!” “I’ve really gotten myself into trouble this time!” The mysterious force kept growing stronger.
The tree began to crack.
Just then…
In the distance…
A familiar figure appeared.
Sliding across the ground on a rushing stream of water at incredible speed…
His mother raced toward him with panic written across her face.
“ANKIT!!” The moment Ankit saw her…
Relief filled his heart.
“Mom!” Without hesitation…
He released his grip from the tree and stretched both of his arms toward her.
But…
He was one moment too late.
The white rift swallowed him whole.
In an instant…
Ankit disappeared.
The strange portal closed as suddenly as it had appeared.
Leaving behind only a silent, storm-covered sky…