0 - " Layfield Family "

The world of Langharm broken into multiple empires in a single patch of land.

A world consisting of fantasy beings and people coexisting together.

A world that is peaceful, but not peaceful.

A world that is so green, but so dark.

A world where people forgot there were others who stayed before, but disappeared.

A world so vast that......

Goddamn it, why am I reading this shitty book again?!?!

Thud! Jin threw the heavy book at the floorboards as hard as he could. He ran his hands through his silver-and-black hair, looking completely stressed out. He’d just turned eighteen officially an adult and he was stuck reading this garbage?

Father! Jin yelled toward the door. Why do I have to read this thing? It's so useless!

He heard heavy footsteps coming down the hall. Thud, thud, thack. Jin! You're being way too noisy, what the hell are you doing?!?!?

It was his dad, Mark Layfield. He had pure black hair and that sharp look he always got from being a pro adventurer.

Dad! Jin pointed at the book on the floor. This book is trash! It just says the same thing over and over. The writer literally starts every single sentence with 'A world'! It's driving me crazy!

Mark just sighed and shook his head at him. Jin, I told you already. You have to read stuff like this to know what's out there. Or else...

Or else what? Jin asked.

Mark’s face went totally serious. Like, scary serious. Your mother will...

Jin leaned in, actually getting a bit nervous now. Mother will...?

CLANG! CLANG! The sound of a metal pan being hit echoed up the stairs, loud enough to make them both jump.

You two! Get down here and eat, it's lunch time!

Mark looked at Jin and the tension broke. We’ll talk later. For now... let's just go eat.

Jin nodded and followed his dad down to the dining room. His mom, Layla, was already setting the table. She had silver hair and was smiling like a normal, happy housewife, but she always had this weirdly high energy about her.

Dear, why did it take you so long just to tell Jin lunch is ready? she asked.

Oh, we were just talking about those books you wanted him to read, Mark lied, HAHA... He said he really likes them!

Jin’s head snapped toward his dad. He was about to call him out on the lie, but Mark gave him this look. It was this intense, terrifying pressure that made Jin’s mouth stay shut.

Well, if it's that book, I definitely picked the best one, Layla said, looking all proud. Now eat up before it gets cold.

They started eating, and for a while it was just the sound of forks hitting plates.

Father, do you have work today? Jin asked eventually.

Mark nodded while he chewed. Yeah. I’m heading to Flaeon, but I gotta stop at Shlue Village first. Heard there was some trouble there yesterday, so I’m gonna check it out.

Jin’s eyes lit up. Can I come?

Mark thought about it for a second then looked at Layla. What do you think?

Layla put her fork down. I think it’s time Jin finally stepped outside for real.

Mark nodded. He looked at Jin. I can't take you with me today. You should take the Adventurer Exam first. Once you pass that, you can come with me or go off on your own.

Jin couldn't believe it. Really? I can actually go?

I’ll talk to Allen so you can take the test tomorrow, Layla said. So go train for a bit. And keep reading that book! There might be questions from it on the exam.

Jin groaned. That shitt—

Suddenly, Mark’s eyes locked onto him. Cold and sharp.

Jin broke out in a sweat immediately. I mean... the best book ever? The one you bought for me?

Yes darling! Layla said, looking all innocent. Is there something wrong with it?

The scary pressure from his dad got even worse.

No! It’s great! I actually cried because it was so good! Jin faked a laugh. It just... slipped out of my hand earlier! Haha....................

Layla looked super happy. I KNEW IT! IT'S THE BEST, RIGHT?!

YES! TOTALLY! Jin nodded like a maniac.

Suddenly, a ringing sound cut through the room. Ring, ring, ring.

Mark pulled out his Octa Device. Hello? He listened for a second.

.........

I see.

............

I'm moving now. Let's Meet at the guild.

............

Alright, I'll bring her. Okay, bye.

When Mark put the device away, he wasn't the dad anymore. He looked cold. Serious. He looked right at Layla. They’re calling us. Something happened near Flaeon.

Layla’s smile vanished. Both of us? But I’m not an adventurer anymore...

Mark glanced at Jin, who was trying to listen in. Jin, Mark said, his voice real heavy. Go train for the exam. Finish your food and go to the backyard.

Jin wanted to ask what was happening, but the vibe in the room was so thick he couldn't even speak. He knew this was adult stuff he wasn't supposed to know yet.

Yes... Jin muttered. He finished his food fast and headed out back.

Once he was gone, Mark turned to his wife. Layla, they want you back in the field.

Why? she whispered. I'm already...

Mark looked her in the eyes. They're moving again.

Layla’s whole face changed. The housewife look was gone, replaced by a stare that was stone cold.

I see... she said. Guess nothing can stop it now.

Author's Note:

Hello Guys! It's Ruuuo! I hoped you had fun reading this introduction! I hope you ignored my bad grammaring and will and might fix it once i completed the volume but for now this is at it is.

Thanks for reading !!!!