On the outskirts of Valeria, a group of five people are making their way to the Valeria-Astral border, which is closest to the labyrinth housing the Abyss King.

These five people have been traveling together since meeting up in the Elven country Celestial’s capital, Druein. It has been two months since then. After traveling through the Drake and Dwarf nations, they are nearing their destination.

Although their current path is treacherous, they know their mission must be successful. The fate of the world lies on their shoulders. This is the burden of the Five Saviors.

However, if one were to hear their dialogue, they would not think these five individuals were on their way to kill the worst monster in existence…

*****

The party of the Five Saviors, having traversed through the countries of Gimlee, Astern, and Sphinx, finally reached the edge of Valeria’s territory.

Beyond the boundary lies the abandoned nation of Astral. Sharing a border with the once feared Demon nation has instilled eternal fear within the inhabitants still living on these outskirts.

In fact, the bulk of Valeria’s troops have been stationed in fortifications along the border and around the villages. Despite the fact that no activity has been seen in Astral for hundreds of years, the current Valerian king will not take any chances.

While walking, a Human takes a quick glance in a certain direction, as if gazing at something in the distance.

His name is Kristoff Arondight. Although he appears to be an average man in his twenties at first glance, he is in fact the leader of the Five Saints.

I’m glad my parents are nowhere near here, in case anything happens...well, I don't plan to let anything happen in the first place.

Kris and his group are nearing the Valeria-Astral border. In order to keep up their guard, the group formed a defensive formation some time ago. In accordance with their abilities, the strongest frontline fighter is the vanguard. In the center is the designated mage while two close-quarter fighters are positioned on each flank to defend against enemy attacks. The rearguard takes care of any enemies that approach from behind.

Kris took into account all of his companions strengths and weaknesses so that the best possible formation could be made.

From behind him, a groan breaks the silent atmosphere, followed by a low voice that can only be labeled as whiny. Kris lets out a small sigh as he recognizes the speaker.

“…hahhhh… Are we there yet?” (-)

Dragging his feet at the back of the five-man formation, a Dwarf with a set of silver-colored armor covering his upper body and a dual bladed axe slung over his back complains as he hunches forward. His curly black hair is disheveled and his short black beard is even more so. However, his face does not contain the roughness that many people associate with Dwarves. Instead, his face could be considered one of the most handsome of his generation, a fact that has led him to be popular with women of any race.

Although his attitude comes off as lazy, if one were to look into his eyes, they would see a veteran who has experienced many battles.

That appearance fooled me completely. Contrary to his actions, this guy’s a true battle maniac with ferocious axe skills.

As Kris recalled the contents of his duel with the misleading Dwarf, a soft voice that could charm any man berated the easy-going attitude of the Dwarf.

“That wasn’t funny the first time you asked five minutes ago, Gale. Get serious.” (-)

“Come on, why can’t we take another rest, Lily? I’m still hungry, and it’s not good to fight on an empty stomach, y’know?” (Gale)

The Dwarf Savior, Gale Ironside, tries to appeal to the woman walking in front of him in the center of the group. She’s wearing a dark green robe embroidered with golden decorations that reaches her knees. Two pointed ears can be seen peeking out of her straight blond hair that reaches halfway down her back. In her hands is a smooth wooden staff with a single emerald crystal at the top.

Liliana Spriggan, the mage chosen as the Elf Savior. A gifted High Elf, she was the one who received the oracle of the Abyss King’s second awakening. Her magical prowess earned her the title as one of the strongest among the current Council of Elders.

Liliana also retains a vast array of knowledge from every race, even the known species of Demons and monsters, making her indispensable for the upcoming venture within the labyrinth.

Liliana can use high-level spells as if it’s as natural as breathing. If it wasn’t for my speed, I probably would have been defeated in an instant.

“You ate the most out of everyone here when we had our last break more than an hour ago. Don’t be a glutton.” (Liliana)

“I can’t help it. I’m still a growing boy, y’know.” (Gale)

“You’re 97 years old, you grandpa.” (-)

“That’s still young for my people!” (Gale)

Gale reflexively yelled to the harsh accusation and glared at the owner of those words, a young girl located on the left flank. Turing her head, the girl returned his intense gaze with a mischievous smile that revealed a set of pearly white fangs.

“Aren’t you the youngest one here? You should show more respect to your seniors.” (Gale)

“‘Seniors’? Does that mean you admit you’re an old man then?” (-)

“Argh! Shut up, Eliza!” (Gale)

“Ahahaha!” (Eliza)

The girl laughed at her companion’s frantic state. Kris smiled to himself when he recalled the owner of the voice.

With two triangular furry ears poking up from her shoulder-length silver hair, as well as a matching fluffy silver-furred tail, she is the Demi-Human Savior, Elizabeth Shortfang. Her species, the White Wolf, is very rare and was believed to have gone extinct after their village was destroyed by order of the Abyss King 500 years ago. Elizabeth was found abandoned as a baby by a village of Black Wolves during a terrible snowstorm.

Despite her youth, she is a ferocious fighter and by the time she reached 19 years of age, she was the strongest warrior among all of the Wolf clans.

Her skills with a short sword at close range are deadly. Kris experienced this first-hand during their duel in Druein.

I sure had a tough time countering her attacks, and her abilities will only continue to grow. Though I was victorious in our fight before, would I still be able to win against her in a few years?

“Kris, can’t you help at all? I’m being harassed back here! You’re the leader so you should act like one!” (Gale)

Gale’s words were directed towards Kris, who had been quietly thinking to himself while staying out of his group’s conversation. Kris turned his head and showed a calm smile to his troubled companion.

“I don’t think there’s anything wrong with a little friendly chat.” (Kris)

“What part of this is friendly?!” (Gale)

Kris replied nonchalantly as if it wasn’t his place to intrude, but this only frustrated Gale further.

“I just asked a simple question and now I’m being yelled at. It’s unfair!” (Gale)

“You said the same thing when I scolded you for asking me if I knew Liliana’s age. You just can’t stop getting yourself into trouble, can you?” (Kris)

What Kris mentioned occurred the day before yesterday, when the two guys had visited a tavern in the last village the Saviors had visited before leaving for the border.

When he brought up that spectacle, Gale put on a panicked expression.

“Kris! I told you not to repeat that!” (Gale)

However, Gale froze as an intimidating pressure seethed from the Elven woman ahead of him. He hurriedly tried to calm her down.

“W-wait Lily! It’s not what you-” (Gale)

“It’s bad manners to ask about a woman’s age, especially a young maiden like me.” (Liliana)

“...Young maiden? I thought for sure you were older than me-“ (Gale)

“What was that?” (Liliana)

“N-nothing!” (Gale)

“That’s good.” (Liliana)

Although she put on a beautiful smile, a dark shadow fell over her eyes.

Gale got the message and quickly shut up before his life was put in danger. Seeing the flustered state of her companion, Eliza couldn’t hold back her laughter. Gale rubbed the back of his head while his face turned slightly red from embarrassment.

They really are great companions.

Kris lightly chuckled from his comrades’ “friendly chat”. Although they have only been together for two months, he felt a strong connection had formed between these Five Saviors. In spite of diverse backgrounds, their strong wills and the shared resolve to survive have led to these warriors forming everlasting bonds.

Thinking further, Kris thought of another similarity between them. It caused his lips to form a bitter smile.

We’re all too powerful for our own good.

Suddenly, Kris felt the all too familiar sensation of someone watching him from behind.

Here we go again…

Since this had happened at least once every day for two months, he doesn’t have to search long before finding the source of the penetrating gaze.

Walking behind Kris on the right flank of the group was the Drake Savior Sylvia Longhorn. Sylvia comes from a long line of ancient dragons who were some of the first to make peace with the other races after many years of conflict. Her smooth skin is accented with ruby red dragon scales that appear on her arms, legs, neck and around her face. Her ears form a tip that points upward, as well as green eyes with pupils slanting vertically, which are common traits among the Drake. Her fiery red hair is arranged in a single braid that goes down her back.

Sylvia’s reputation as an excellent close range fighter is renowned by all five races. Her strength in martial arts is almost unmatched among her people. Before losing to Kris, the only person she had ever lost a fight to is the current head of the Drakes, who also happens to be her father.

Sylvia does not only posses great power, but her features are everything a normal man would crave for. Fair skin with no blemishes and a slender body that emphasizes her feminine curves.

For some reason, Sylvia would stare at Kris whenever she got the chance. Not in a threatening way but more like the curious gaze of a child. When Kris finally asked her if something was wrong, she simply said, “…Nothing”, and walked away. She either repeats her first reply or remains silent when asked again.

In fact, Silvia hasn’t said more than a few sentences in the past two months of travelling with her.

After greeting all of her comrades in a soft tone, she only spoke when she was spoken to, which would only be a vague answer. She never talked about herself and secluded herself when the Saviors would rest or have a meal.

I don't think she despises me, so I wonder what it could be?

Her expressionless face denied Kris of any hint of what her real feelings were.

I'm sure she'll open up to us when she's ready. We all swore to protect the world, as well as each other. That's good enough for me.

Kris shook his head to clear his thoughts.

I can't be worrying over these things right now. We're almost nearing the border.

Kris looked ahead towards their current path. They should be crossing the border soon.

In the distance, the pale yellow grassland that had surrounded the road on both sides for many days abruptly ends before a large forest. The trees of this forest grow red leaves all year round, with tree bark as dark as the night.

Once the road enters the forest, overgrown tree roots creep over the path, making it rough and unpatched.

“The Forest of Eternal Midnight.” (Kris)

Kris recalled stories of travelers wandering from the path and losing their sanity.

According to survivors, once inside the forest, the trees create a canopy that blocks the sun. Combined with the color of the trees themselves, it would appear as if dawn would never come.

Beyond the forest lies the designated entrance to the labyrinth.

Though a safer route would be preferred, unfortunately the Forest of Eternal Midnight contains one of only four entrances into Astral that is not hazardous for the other five races.

Just as the heroes crossed into the Demon country, Kris turned around and addressed his fellow Saviors.

"Listen up, guys. If we continue on at our current pace, we should reach the entrance to the labyrinth before nightfall. Once we reach there, we'll set up camp nearby and then enter the labyrinth in the morning. However, once we cross the border, remember to be on guard at all times. We don’t know what could be waiting for us on the other side, so watch out for each other, as well as yourselves. Understood?” (Kris)

“Yes!” (Everyone)

With a loud response showing their approval, the Five Saviors continued on towards their destination.