Beneath a blazing sun, a gigantic island known as Eden floated above the oceans, drifting as it always had.This island, which inspired terror throughout the world, was home to overwhelmingly powerful beings known as monsters—and not just any monsters, but the strongest and most feared by humanity.
"Grrr…"
As the roar echoed across the entire island, making even the oceans below tremble, an enormous dragon rose to its feet. Its body seemed to be made of pure gold, and its size rivaled that of a mountain, towering over nearly the whole island.
"What are you doing, Cirus? Show yourself."
As the dragon's imposing voice shook the heavens, the oceans churned violently. From the depths emerged a colossal turtle, even larger than the gargantuan island itself, with a serpent-like tail trailing behind it.
"My king, forgive my intrusion, but I bring you dire news."
The golden dragon took a deep breath and lifted his gaze toward the sky. Then, in a voice filled with dignity and nobility, he replied:
"I can feel it, Cirus… Our species—the monsters—stands on the brink of extinction. Only the strongest remain: myself, the Divine Dragon, my close guard—the Four Divine Beasts—our descendants, and the hidden peoples scattered across the four corners of the world.What happened?"
"An inferior race—the humans—rose up and launched a great war against us during your slumber, without your command. Our finest warriors fought… and we lost the war."
"To think my people suffered because of humanity's selfish desire to break through to the next level…"
As the sovereign inhaled deeply, he released a furious roar. The world itself seemed to crack under the sheer force of his power. In response, terrifying creatures emerged from all directions—manticores, giant tigers, even massive three-headed flying elephants.
As these fearsome beings gathered, they all bowed respectfully before the golden giant.
"My people, I apologize for my absence over the past two hundred years. But now, I have returned—and I will avenge you.I succeeded in my attempt to become a divine being, and I will lead you to wipe humanity from this world!"
The beasts erupted into a frenzy at his words, but with a simple wave of his hand, the ruler silenced them and continued:
"Unfortunately, there is also a human in this world who stands on the same level as I do. Though I am confident of victory, I wish to avoid further losses by attacking them directly.Gather yourselves—we will prepare for war by meeting our brothers."
In a spectacle both magnificent and terrifying, the representatives of every monstrous race on the planet assembled beside the golden dragon. With a fatal roar, he tore open the fabric of reality itself, ripping a rift that led to another world, and led his people through it to prepare for the war that would spell the end of humanity.
After everyone had passed through the rift, leaving only the Divine Dragon behind, he turned toward the empty space before him.
"I hope you're ready to bear the foolishness of your species. I will avenge my own—and you are nothing more than a pebble on my path."
Though silence answered his words, the dragon swung his tail like a massive club. It struck something unseen and rebounded, as if hitting a wall of glass.
"So… you saw me. You truly have reached the divine level."
A pale, wrinkled old woman with ebony skin appeared, floating in the air. Her reddish eyes burned with a violet glow.
"Always fighting dirty. Will humans never learn? You're slightly stronger than me, but in a one-on-one fight, I would defeat you."
"Oh really? Want to test that, you oversized lizard?"
"Wait until I return with my own people—then you'll see."
The dragon vanished into the rift, which closed instantly behind him.
"I think we're completely screwed… and in the worst possible way."
The old woman sighed, sweating heavily as she began to cough up blood.