One day, the world changed.
A phenomenon called "The Awakening" happened—suddenly:
Humans gained the ability to use mana.Animals mutated and evolved into terrifying monsters.Reality itself became unstable.
Then… the portals appeared.
People came to call them "Fractures."
At first, humanity had no idea what to do.
There were no rules. No knowledge. No preparation.
When the Fractures began to open, creatures poured out—some small and fast, others massive enough to level entire cities. Panic spread faster than any government could respond.
Within the first year alone, nearly one-fourth of the global population perished.
Cities fell. Nations collapsed. Communication networks failed. The world, as it once was, ended in chaos.
This period would later be known as Year 0 of the Monster Era.
But in time, survivors adapted.
Those who learned to control mana became humanity's new protectors—fighters, hunters, and wielders of supernatural power. They formed groups, then organizations, and eventually powerful guilds that rivaled governments.
At the same time, the Fractures revealed something even more dangerous.
They didn't just stay the same.
If left unattended, a Fracture would evolve.
The longer no one entered or cleared it, the more dangerous it became. The creatures inside would grow stronger, multiply, and sometimes even change into entirely new forms.
Some Fractures that were once considered low-level threats eventually became disasters—releasing hordes far beyond what early hunters could handle.
Because of this, humanity learned a hard truth:
Ignoring a Fracture was never an option.
Years passed.
Humanity no longer counted time the old way.
Instead, they marked their survival from the beginning of the catastrophe.
Today is Monster Year 1010.
The world has changed beyond recognition.
And the Fractures… are still evolving.
"…and that is why Fracture management is critical for survival."
"Hey… Leo."
A voice pulled me out of my thoughts.
"Leo, wake up."
I blinked as someone nudged my arm.
I turned slightly and saw Kael, my closest friend, giving me an annoyed look.
"You've been spacing out again," he whispered. "If Sir Darius calls you, you're dead."
I straightened immediately.
Right. Class.
At the front stood Sir Darius, still in the middle of his lecture, his sharp eyes sweeping across the room.
"Leo," he suddenly called.
My heart dropped.
"Yes, sir?"
"Since you seem deep in thought," he said calmly, "explain what I just said about Fractures."
A few of my classmates—like Mira and Joren—turned to look at me, some already holding back laughter.
Kael leaned closer. "You're finished."
I took a breath.
"…If no one enters a Fracture," I said slowly, "it becomes more dangerous over time. The monsters inside grow stronger and increase in number… until it eventually overflows."
Silence.
Then Sir Darius nodded.
"Correct."
The tension eased.
I leaned back slightly as Kael smirked. "Not bad."
"…Yeah."