Chapter 12: A Hundred Balloons, and a Forest of Bones
An unresolved Dimensional Rift in Blackburn Forest.
Just five kilometers from his apartment.
In this world, thick forests still sprawled across the land like ancient scars—untamed, unpredictable, and dangerous. Cities had long given up the idea of full control, learning instead to coexist with the unknown. Beyond the concrete and glass, wild zones thrived—home to monsters, soul beasts, and things that didn't belong in any natural ecosystem.
But what really caught Ronan's attention wasn't the distance.
It was the classification.
—Skeletons.
He leaned forward slightly, eyes narrowing.
"Skeletons, huh?" he muttered, fingers drumming softly against the wooden table.
The kind of enemy that most awakened avoided. Not because they were strong, but because they were... annoying. Endless hordes. Fragile but relentless. And if not handled properly, they'd overwhelm even experienced teams.
He read a bit more.
Reports mentioned flickering blue flames inside the Rift. Low visibility. High density.