Willie Jimvare sat at the edge of a cliff, his eyes locked onto the horizon. The air was thick with tension, as swirling storm clouds churned above the floating islands of Ventosca. His fingers absently traced the edges of an old map, its creases worn from years of use. He was a man of few words, and the journey ahead weighed on him heavily. It was not just about reaching the next destination, but uncovering the truth about why monsters existed — and why they seemed to prey on humanity.


    Despite his calm and professional demeanor, the question gnawed at him: What are the monsters, and why do they hunt us?


    He wasn’t alone in his search.


    Ghoida Zahres stood beside him, her stance relaxed but full of energy. With her bright, carefree attitude, she was the perfect contrast to his quiet focus. She didn’t share his burden of doubt — for her, the journey was more about discovery, and the adventure was just beginning. Her eyes twinkled with excitement as she looked out over the vast sky, filled with floating islands and lightning storms that seemed to pulse with life.


    "Are you sure this is where we''ll find the answers?" Ghoida asked, her voice light but curious.Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    Willie glanced at her, adjusting his glasses. "We have to start somewhere. This region… there’s something here that doesn’t add up. These storms… they’re not natural. The monsters that follow them, they’re not just beasts."


    Ghoida smirked, teasing him lightly. "You and your theories. But I guess I’m with you on this one. I’ve never seen anything like it. Maybe we’ll get lucky and find a clue that leads us to the truth."


    The wind howled, and Willie instinctively reached for the hilt of his sword. The storms above were getting stronger, but he knew it wasn’t just the weather. Something was coming.


    Ghoida, ever the optimist, shrugged. "Either way, I’m ready for whatever comes our way. We’re in this together, right?"


    Willie didn’t respond immediately, but his serious expression softened. He knew Ghoida’s upbeat attitude was more than just a shield for her. She was as committed as he was to uncovering the truth, even if her reasons for doing so were different.


    As the storm clouds darkened, a low rumble echoed from the distance. The ground beneath them trembled, and the first wave of monstrous creatures appeared — massive, storm-shaped beings with electric tendrils crackling from their bodies.


    Ghoida’s grin grew wide, her hand gripping her sword. "Now this is what I was hoping for."


    Willie stepped forward, his posture calm and ready. The monsters were here, and their fight for survival was about to begin.