The city shimmered beneath the soft morning sun, floating platforms stretching endlessly into the sky. After decades of rebuilding, humanity thrived once more. Children ran through the streets, vendors' calls echoed through the bustling markets, and the hum of life seemed unshakable.
Iris walked beside her older brother, Zane. Unlike her, Zane was a Celestial Paragon—one of the elite hunters sworn to protect the skies from the lingering horrors of Pandora's box. A gleaming blade rested across his back, a silent testament to countless victories… and countless losses.
For years, he had hunted monsters-nightmarish beasts born from the wrath of gods. Each strike of his Kopis Blade had kept humanity alive. Each battle had forged him into something beyond human.
"Iris, stay close today," Zane said, his voice calm but edged with steel. "We can't risk you wandering too far."
Iris forced a faint smile, masking the unease in her chest. "I know, Zane. I just… like seeing the city awake. It feels… peaceful."
Zane's gaze softened. "Peace is fragile. We've built it, but hunters like me… we keep it intact. You get to live it."
They passed the training grounds, where hunters clashed with minor monsters. Sparks flew as metal met claw, shadows twisting in the sunlight before dissipating beneath the hunters' blades. Iris's eyes widened, torn between awe and fear.
"Do you ever get scared?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Zane met her gaze, steady as stone. "Every day. But that fear… it's why we fight. It keeps us alive. And it keeps the world alive."
Night fell like a silent sigh, the city settling into fragile calm. Hunters returned to their posts, minor monsters slain. Iris lay in her small room, her thoughts wondering about how it felt to really be a Celestial Paragon.
The next morning, Iris found Zane on the central platform, training under the rising sun. Birds chirped in fragile harmony as he noticed iris.
"Iris, careful today, we're expecting a lot more monsters at the edge of the shield." he called without looking back.
"I will," she said, gripping the railing.
Then- a tremor shuddered through the city. The air thickened, electric and heavy. Iris froze. Zane paused instantly.
The clouds above writhed unnaturally, jagged black shapes tearing across the blue sky.
Lightning split the heavens, scattering the birds into frantic flight. The hum of the city stilled as a deep, omnipotent voice resonated through every corner.
"You really thought my disappearance meant my end, mere humans!?"
Iris's chest tightened.
She gripped the railing until her knuckles went white. Thunder shook the floating city, rattling every platform and window.
The battle humanity had prayed would never come… had begun.