In a shadowed expanse just outside City S, a den pulsed faintly with otherworldly energy—one of the infamous Worldbreaker Dens, this one known as Abyss Horn Hollow.
Within it, the broken bodies of dreadbeasts—hulking, minotaur-like monsters with molten eyes and stone-cracked hides—were strewn across the ground.
The air was thick with scorched blood and Meta Essence residue.
A squad of heroes, draped in cloaks bearing the crest of the Volcrest Family, moved efficiently among the corpses.
Their movements were sharp, practiced—clear signs of rigorous training. This expedition was more than just another cleanup mission; it was a trial, a rite of passage meant to harden the next generation of Volcrest warriors.
As the group settled to rest briefly, one of the younger recruits scoffed, wiping blood from his blade.
"Since we started, he hasn't lifted a finger. We've done everything. What's the point of him even being here?"
