Prologue

In the hushed depths of history, where legends are whispered in reverent tones and the shadows hold secrets as old as time, there lies a tale of a world forever changed by the emergence of Strange Beasts. Kaijus, they were named—monsters that strode from the darkest recesses of the earth, their purpose inscrutable. A hundred years ago, the first of these creatures, like a waking nightmare, shattered the tranquility of Stonehaven. Its rampage left scars upon the land and hearts alike, a haunting prelude to an era of perpetual fear.

Humanity mourned its fallen, grappled with the unimaginable, and tried to move forward, clinging to the fragile hope that such horror was a one-time thing. It became clear—this was a relentless storm that would not abate.

Amidst the chaos, a divine gift descended upon the world—the Aether fruit. Its discovery brought with it a transformation unforeseen: ordinary humans became Claives, each imbued with unique abilities and forged into tribes. As if fate itself had conspired to escalate the conflict, rivalries and animosities that simmered beneath the surface erupted into open conflict.

The battles that ensued were cataclysmic. Tribes clashed with Kaijus, wielding newfound powers in a desperate bid for survival. Some met their end, their names lost to the annals of time, while others rose as beacons of resilience.

Yet, from the crucible of war emerged a glimmer of hope. Through centuries of hardship and sacrifice, humanity honed its mastery of Taiji and the elements. Knowledge passed down through clandestine scrolls, rigorous training, and the very essence of genetics shaped the Claives into formidable guardians. Slowly, inexorably, they began to turn the tide.

As victories stacked upon victories, heroes emerged—Claives who transcended mortal bounds to become icons of valor and symbols of hope. Their deeds, once whispered in awe, were now heralded in grandeur, their faces plastered upon posters, their stories retold in epic ballads. The monsters that once instilled terror were transformed into mere shadows of their former selves, commodified into toys and curiosities for a world that had found a way to coexist with its nightmares.

Thus, the world changed. For better or worse, the answer lay in the hearts of those who survived the storm and thrived in its aftermath.