About fifteen years ago, nestled near the northern edge of the Novarian continent, lay the secluded village of Sier. Built by survivors of the first monster war, it was a haven untouched by the technology and chaos of the cities. Here, the land regressed into a medieval rhythm. Children ran barefoot through the fields, hunters tracked wild game in the dense forests, and life moved with the unhurried pace of peace.
Monster attacks were rare, and even dungeons seldom appeared. On the rare occasion a threat arose, seasoned warriors or passing academy trainees would rise to defend the village. It was a place where the nightmares of the world felt far away.
In a modest home near the village center, a ten-year-old boy named Ken sat under a broad maple tree, nose buried deep in a worn book titled The Mysteries Behind Monsters by Wendell O'Brien. His slight frame and messy red hair gave him a curious charm, and while other kids played tag or trained with wooden swords, Ken devoured books. He was captivated by myths, legends, and the ancient tales his father collected from forgotten ruins.
"Ken, get over here!" his mother's voice echoed across the yard.
"Just a few more pages, Ma!" he shouted back, eyes still fixed on the page.
His mother, an Awakened capable of enchanting her body with bursts of speed and strength, wasn't having it. She bolted from the house, her legs glowing faintly with magic. Ken saw her coming and scrambled to his feet, already darting toward the door. But she was too fast. In a blur, she caught him by the collar just inches from the threshold.
"You and that book," she muttered, holding him firmly as the enchantment faded from her legs.
"It was just getting to the part about the biggest evils," Ken replied sheepishly.
Despite her frustration, his mother smiled. She knew where Ken got that curiosity.
Just then, the front gate creaked open. A tall, rugged man with dusty boots and a traveler's cloak stepped through. Ken's eyes lit up.
"Dad!" he cried, breaking free and running to embrace him.
His father, an unawakened man but a seasoned explorer of ancient ruins, knelt to hug Ken tightly. Ken's mother approached, and they exchanged a brief glance, their love unspoken but palpable. Ken, watching them, puffed his cheeks. "Hey, don't forget me!"
That night, after a warm dinner and quiet chores, Ken lay tucked in bed, still restless.
"Dad, will you read to me?" he asked, eyes gleaming.
His father sighed dramatically, then smiled and took the familiar book from the table.
"Alright," he said, sitting beside Ken. "Now, where were we? Ah, yes. Wendell had just entered the ruins of Drahmur when he came upon carvings of a colossal being. A monster so powerful, it could rival the gods themselves."
Ken listened with wide eyes, every word embedding itself into his young mind.
Twenty minutes later, Ken was fast asleep. His father placed a gentle kiss on his forehead and pulled the blanket up to his chin. Outside, the village rested under a moonlit sky, unaware of the shadows slowly returning to their world.
---
Present Day
A sharp beeping noise echoed in Ken's ears. He stirred, his eyelids heavy. Slowly, the sterile white ceiling of a hospital came into focus. Muffled voices reached him.
"They're always arguing..." he thought, recognizing the voices of Anna and Edward.
He tried to sit up. Edward noticed first.
"You're awake, kid," Edward said gruffly.
Ken offered a tired but teasing smile. "You worried about me, Edward?"
Edward's face turned red. "As if."
Anna chuckled. "Glad you're back, Ken."
"Where's Sam?" Ken asked.
"He's recovering," Anna replied. She moved to the next bed and pulled back the curtain. Sam lay asleep, color slowly returning to his face.
Ken breathed out in relief. "Thank the stars."
"What happened to the dungeon?" Ken added with a concerned look on his face.
"We closed the dungeon," Edward added. "After taking down that... thing."
Ken turned serious. "The Titan. It wasn't a myth. It was real. And my parents...".
"Don't be dissapointed for not being able to take down that thing." Edward said trying to console Ken. "Fallen or not, it was still a Titan."
"What exactly is a Titan." Anna asked with furrowed brows. "How did you even know about Titans, Ken? Even I barely know of their name." She asked Edward.
Edward's expression darkened. "Don't ask of it."
"Because knowing about Titans puts your life in danger."
Ken's heart skipped. Anna looked stunned.
Edward continued, glancing at the unconscious Sam. "But hat kid... he needs to understand what he fought. Only then will he be able to face what's coming. Tell him to find me when he's up."
He left the room, leaving Anna and Ken in silence.
---
Two days passed. On the third morning, a message reached Anna: Sam had woken up.
Far away, in the shadowed alleys of City M, Edward smiled at the news, then returned to hammering away in his workshop.
Back in the infirmary, Sam opened his eyes to see the white ceiling, and Anna walking in, followed by Ken and a few others. Relief washed over their faces.
"Heyyy..." Sam greeted weakly.
Ken waved but stayed silent, his mind weighed with thoughts. Anna, unusually quiet, approached him. Her eyes glistened.
She blamed herself. For dragging him into this world. For letting him face that monster.
Sam, watching her, realized something. Even the strongest warriors had breaking points. He wasn't sure what it meant yet, but something stirred inside him.
Fifteen minutes later, the group's mood lightened, and Anna was back to her usual, cool demeanor.
"Sam," she said, standing firm. "You leave the day after tomorrow. The academy entrance tests are soon. Say your goodbyes. And don't forget to meet Edward."
Sam nodded quietly, a new determination forming in his gaze.
Far beyond these walls, the world awaited—and its ancient secrets were waking up once more.