Panic spread throughout the entire arena as three mysterious figures entered after a massive explosion shook the surroundings. Thick smoke filled the battlefield, reducing visibility as the three stood atop the arena, silently overlooking everyone below.
The audience immediately began evacuating while adventurers and soldiers rushed into position, preparing for battle.
What caused the greatest unease in everyone's hearts was not just their sudden appearance—it was the fact that no one knew how strong these three truly were. Even more confusing was why they would deliberately choose a moment when the strongest fighters from all over the world had gathered, willingly placing themselves against such overwhelming numbers.
Without a word, the three figures leapt down onto the arena floor.
Two of them slowly removed their hoods.
It was Vorath... and Xekar.
Xekar's expression was completely different from before. Those who had encountered him previously immediately realised he had become far more dangerous. His face and body were covered in stitches, with even his jaw crudely sewn together in an unsettling manner. A corrupted aura continuously seeped from his body, making it feel as though he could barely contain his desire to unleash himself.
Beside him, Vorath wore a wide grin. Seeing everyone's horrified reaction to Xekar's appearance only made him smile even more.
Among those present was Darius, the man who had defeated Xekar during their previous encounter. Yet even he could sense it.
Facing Xekar now would be far more troublesome than before.
For the first time, Darius wasn't even sure he could defeat him alone.
Cyrus stepped forward, taking command of the battlefield. Unlike Darius, he had never met either of them personally. He only knew about them from the incident known as the 'War in the Ruins of Dreams.'
He stared at them and spoke firmly.
"Why are you here? Surrender before you try anything funny. You're clearly outnumbered."
None of the three responded.
Cyrus continued, "You three have a lot of guts to stand against all of us. Let me tell you something... you are not going to win."
Finally, Vorath spoke. "Win? Such a foolish concept."
He chuckled softly.
"Who gets to decide who won and who lost? It is a pathetic concept created for validation. The one with true talent should never seek validation from those with less talent. Winning is merely a mirage people use to make sense of living... in the end, it doesn't matter."
A grin spread across his face.
"And who told you I am here to fight?"
Confusion spread throughout the arena.
Cyrus narrowed his eyes. "Then why are you here? Don't think you'll get away with the explosion you've caused."
Vorath tilted his head. "Is this how the Kingdom of Cero treats its guests? And how do you know it was us?"
"Don't twist your words," Cyrus replied. "Guests don't enter like intruders."
Vorath burst into laughter. "You sure are funny."
He smiled.
"Can I have your funny bone?"
Before Cyrus could respond, the third figure, whose hood still concealed their face, finally spoke.
"Enough. Don't waste time."
Vorath's childish smile instantly disappeared. "Mood spoiler."
A moment later, his expression changed completely, becoming both excited and serious.
"I hereby confirm...that this is the commencement of war."
He slowly spread his arms.
"And you shall stand against the one who will soon rule the entire world..."
"...Zalthar."
The atmosphere instantly became tense.
Every adventurer, every soldier, and every commander took their battle stances, ready to strike at any moment.
Then Vorath spoke once more, his words leaving everyone stunned.
"So this is our first hello..."
"...and our first goodbye."
Silence filled the arena.
After a brief pause, Vorath smiled again.
"Haven't I already told you?"
"I am not here to fight at all."
"That being said..."
"I do have a gift for all of you."
"And they're all handmade gifts..."
"...by none other than me."
Darkness suddenly engulfed the three of them.
Within moments, they vanished without a trace.
But before anyone could react, portals of darkness began opening all across the arena.
One after another.
From every portal emerged beasts.
No... They were different.
Far different.
Every one of them was stitched together, their bodies crudely sewn as though they had been pieced together from countless remains.
As more continued pouring out, everyone realised something horrifying.
These were no ordinary beasts.
They were something far more terrifying.
And those who already knew Vorath immediately understood what this "gift" truly was.
An endless army of Chimera Beasts flooded the entire arena.
The war had begun.
And this... was only the beginning.