The Fire Beneath the Pan
Two years passed since the tragedy that stole Edward's family. He now lived under the quiet mentorship of Lizo, an aged but legendary adventurer known for conquering over 70,000 quests. Once on the brink of achieving 100,000—the threshold for ascending to Axis Questoria—Lizo chose peace over promotion, and settled near Lipase Town, running the rustic Dwedora Restaurant.
Here, Lizo taught Edward everything he knew:
Combat arts with blades and fists Strategic use of elemental techniques And the subtle mastery of cooking, treating food as both ritual and survival.
Over stew pots and sizzling pans, Lizo spoke of Questoria's Tenfold Divide:
Lovara – the starting town, for adventurers after baptism Axis, Metiria, Judica, Mega, God Formula, and finally, Mythical Questoria – legendary realms requiring millions of quests, each tier reshaping one's existence
"No human has seen God Formula. Even god Jason, the past god, failed to reach it," Lizo muttered, eyes clouded with memory.
"The Creator birthed quests to challenge us. But the Destroyer doomed even gods with endless trials we can't compare ourselves . Now, we chase divinity... and vanish before reaching it."
Edward listened in silence. Lizo warned him:
"If you step into Questoria City, you enter the quest loop. Most die chasing it. You're young. Stay. Become Dwedora's next chief."
Edward agreed. But fate, as always, had other plans.
The Attack
Just as peace felt permanent, a rouge gang of thieves raided Dwedora. Their blades flashed with greed—not malice.
"Sorry old man, but we need the coin," one muttered.
Lizo defended Edward with fierce precision, activating he was near death because some thief attacked through shadows.
Bleeding but defiant, he shouted:
"Run, boy! Or you'll fall with me!"
Edward bolted. Tears blurred his vision. At just twelve, he stumbled toward Lovara Primary, the beginner's zone.
And then—the skies shimmered. An angel descended, her wings trailing light.
Sako, the Questoria Registrar, carried Edward gently.
"You are of age. Receive your first skill—by divine decree."
The Baptism of Fire began.