They are here...

The world had been teetering on the edge for months. Mana, the lifeblood of magic, had grown thick and potent, igniting dormant potential in some and pushing others to the brink of evolution. Continents, once separated by vast stretches of ocean, now loomed closer, uneasily bumping elbows like wary neighbors. Tensions flared, fueled by suspicion and a primal urge to conquer before being conquered.

Rumors of strange occurrences were rife. People spoke of sudden breakthroughs, unimaginable power surges, and the very fabric of reality seeming to stretch and thin. Then, portals materialized, oozing forth creatures unlike anything the world had ever seen. Their forms writhed with sinister energy, a palpable menace that sent chills down spines and turned the blood cold.

These otherworldly beings, however, offered no immediate threat. They simply crossed the land masses and vanished into the vast, empty expanse of the ocean. A collective sigh of relief rippled across the continents, though it was tinged with unease. Why weren't they attacking? What were their intentions?

The world leaders, a motley crew of paranoid warlords and power-hungry mages, fell into a predictable pattern – bickering, accusations, veiled threats. Precious weeks were wasted in posturing and power struggles while the true threat festered unseen. The initial fear of the strange creatures faded, replaced by a renewed focus on internal squabbles. Defenses were bolstered, alliances formed (and dissolved), all in the name of being prepared for the "inevitable" attack from their fellow humans, elves, Beastmen, or whatever other race they deemed a potential threat.

Then, without warning, the silence shattered. The small portals, the harbingers of the alien presence, vanished. In their place, a single, colossal portal materialized. It blotted out the sky, a gaping maw in the very fabric of reality. From its depths, a swarm of the chilling creatures poured forth, their eyes burning with malevolent intent. This time, their targets were clear – not the open sea, but the continents themselves. The uneasy peace was shattered in an instant, replaced by the horrifying roar of an invasion.

**********

[The human continent]

Imperial Capital

In the opulent heart of the cathedral, bathed in the soft glow of stained glass windows, sat a man and a woman. Sunlight, filtered through intricate white and gold carvings, dappled the marble floor. The man, with his blonde hair and piercing blue eyes, frowned at the woman, his mirror image in hair and eye color.

"The weird occurrences on the world and now these things are attacking…" the woman began, her voice laced with concern, "what exactly is happening, Your Holiness… Pope?"

The man let out a theatrical sigh. "You know, I told you to call me Father in private."

"Proper formality is necessary," the woman countered, her voice firm.

"Fine," he conceded with a roll of his eyes. "Whatever is happening is indeed bizarre. These invaders… why couldn't they wait until I finished unifying this damn continent? Tell me, why didn't anyone attack on sight after the continents rearranged? With the tension after the landmasses got closer, I'm surprised we didn't attack anything that moved."

"We couldn't," the woman explained, frustration creeping into her voice. "There was an invisible barrier around the invaders. We could have captured one for information, or even used one, but I couldn't reach them. They were… close, yet impossibly far. The space around them seemed warped."

The man tapped his chin thoughtfully. "So, they're strong or at least clever. But no point in dwelling on what's beyond our control. What about that family, what's their status? Did that fool follow instructions?"

The woman's lips curled into a cruel smile. "No. That man is still treating the sister with kid gloves. Should I… give him that little nudge and speed things up?"

A slow, predatory grin spread across the man's face. "You read my mind, sweetie. Once that fool fights the woman, if he wins and kills her, then good riddance. But if she defeats him, I believe she won't come out unscathed. And in that moment… well, I'll take care of things myself. Unifying the continent… then the world. All for humanity, no… for our goddess."

His eyes gleamed with a fanatic fervor that chilled the air, a stark contrast to the holy aura the cathedral was meant to evoke. This leader, this Pope, harbored ambitions far grander than any earthly unification.

A glint of cold calculation flickered in the Pope's blue eyes. "Those creatures should be assaulting the outer provinces, wouldn't you agree? One will undoubtedly target the Imperial Capital to demonstrate their might. While I 'heroically' defend the city, you, Seraphina, will take the knights and head to the outskirts."

Seraphina, the blonde woman, arched an eyebrow in confusion. "Why?"

The Pope's smile turned thin and predatory. "It's a performance, my dear. We need to project an image of valiant leadership, of selflessness in the face of this threat. You, leading the defense of the commoners, will solidify our reputation as benevolent rulers. It will be a smooth transition of power when the time comes."

His voice hardened. "Now go. Remember, this is a game we must win, both against the invaders and the hearts of the people."

Seraphina pursed her lips, a flicker of disgust crossing her features. She understood the game, the ruthless manipulation of fear and faith for personal gain. But for now, she would play her part. With a curt nod, she swept out of the cathedral, the clatter of her armor echoing through the hallowed halls.