Farion was just outside the village, nearly home, when the earth began to tremble. Panic gripped him as his thoughts raced—to his parents, to the villagers.
He sprinted toward his house.
"Father! Mother!"
"Farion, over here!" Selene called. "Stay close to us!"
Villagers poured from their homes—a chaotic flood of panic-stricken souls, running aimlessly as the earth convulsed beneath their feet.
"Everyone, stay calm! Stay away from trees and buildings—head to the village gate! It's open ground, no trees, and far from any homes. Just don't stand near the gate itself!" the village elder shouted.
Some, including Alden, Selene, and Farion, followed the elder's directions. Others remained frozen, paralyzed by fear.
"But sir, how can we stay calm at a time like this?" one villager cried out.
Then someone looked up—and saw it. The sky was cracking open, ominously.
"Damn it… what in the world is happening to the sky?"
"Is this… the end?"
Farion looked up. The sky was fracturing—splintering like glass ready to shatter.
The tremors intensified.
"Everyone! Stay strong and stay clear of falling objects!" the elder bellowed.
"Old man! Don't forget about yourself!" Alden shouted back.
"Father… is this the end of the world?" Farion asked, fear tightening his voice.
"No, Farion. Even if it were, your mother and I would always be here—to protect you," Alden said, his eyes filled with unwavering love.
"That's right, my son," Selene added, her voice steady. "We'll always be here to keep you safe."
Alden pulled them close, holding them tightly.
Then, as the ground shook violently, the sky tore open.
Blinding light poured through the fracture, followed by debris raining down. The villagers shielded their eyes.
From the rift, figures began to emerge—flying, swords drawn. Thousands.
Some scattered across the sky. Others rushed to the breach, as if trying to seal it.
"What…?"
The world stood still, stunned.
"They look like the ones from the legends…"
"People flying with swords…"
"The Immortals!?"