In the Witch Flower Shop, Elisa sat slumped in a chair, propping her chin on her palm as she gazed at the empty store. She let out a soft grumble.

"Without Manager Lena around, the shop’s lost most of its charm."

"After all, half the guys who buy flowers just want a peek at her," Anna replied without turning, scrubbing the display case.

Elisa fell silent. Bored, she drifted into daydreams of meeting a Hero.

A damsel in distress, a Hero swooping down like a fairy-tale prince. Slowly, feelings bloomed between them. They’d marry under a crowd’s watchful eyes.

Young girls always fantasized about love—she was no exception.

But she knew it was just a dream. A Hero was utterly out of reach for someone like her.

Deep down, she also sensed marrying a Hero wasn’t the best choice.

She was ordinary, with a lifespan of barely a century. Heroes, blessed with magic, lived far longer as they grew stronger. She’d only ever be a fleeting passerby in his life.

He might even abandon her once her beauty faded.

That was probably why Manager Lena rejected those suitors too.

She’d seen the Heroes chasing Lena—mostly unknown rookies, stuck at first or second tier.

Not a single famous Hero from the Guild had shown interest.

But Lena was just a normal person. Befriending even those average Heroes was impressive. Anything beyond that belonged to another world.

As she daydreamed, the shop suddenly dimmed. Lightning cracked across the sky, followed by deafening thunder.

"Rain?" Anna muttered, walking to the window and peering up. Her rag slipped from her fingers, thudding to the floor.

"W-What is that?!" Her voice trembled with panic. Elisa snapped back to reality and rushed to the window.

The sky had split like shattered glass. A scorpion three stories tall burst through the cracks, its crimson eyes blazing. Its tail stinger gleamed with deadly light. With a casual flick of its massive claws, nearby buildings crumbled into dust.

Screams erupted from the streets. Elisa’s heart lurched. She couldn’t believe her eyes.

"A monster?!"

How could a beast appear inside the city?

They belonged in the Silent Forest outside!

"Run! Now!" Anna grabbed Elisa’s arm and yanked her toward the door. Other staff followed suit.

Staying meant death—the monster was too close.

"To the shelters!" Elisa ordered, regaining her composure.

Vedona, bordering the Silent Forest, had Beast Tide shelters to protect residents during outbreaks.

After the last staff member fled, Elisa locked the shop door and double-checked the windows. She hadn’t forgotten her duty as acting manager.

"Elisa! Hurry up!"

"Coming!"

The monster was still distant, so fear didn’t turn them frantic. Others reacted similarly—the streets emptied fast.

But this angered the beast. It charged across the vacant zone, chasing Elisa’s group.

Its massive shadow swallowed them whole. Elisa’s heart hammered against her ribs. Sweat beaded slightly on her forehead. They’d never outrun it.

Suddenly, a fiery streak shot from afar, slamming into the monster’s side.

Boom—!!

The explosion roared, sparks flying. Residents covered their ears, crouching and trembling.

Then, a crimson figure appeared in the sky—and hope flared.

"It’s Roland! She’s back from the outer city!"

"Roland’s a fourth-tier Hero! We’re saved!"

Vedona’s Hero Roland was famous for her fiery red hair and terrifying flame control. Her squad—three third-tiers and one fourth-tier—was the strongest in Vedona’s Heroes Guild, their teamwork unmatched.

Relief washed over the crowd. But as the flames cleared, the unharmed monster lashed out. Its claw swept sideways.

Roland, too slow to dodge, crashed into a building. Onlookers gasped.

"Roland!"

Moments later, a battered figure emerged. Elisa sighed in relief.

Silly her—a fourth-tier Hero couldn’t lose to a beast.

Roland’s teammates arrived, pinning the monster down. Its advance slowed.

Flames engulfed nearby buildings. Thick smoke choked the streets, making Elisa’s group cough.

Amid the chaos, a weak cry reached Elisa’s ear.

"H-help me—"

She froze. A girl lay trapped under rubble, legs crushed. Dirt and blood streaked her face and hands.

With the monster closing in and buildings groaning overhead, Elisa knew: leave her, and she’d die.

"Elisa! No time!" Anna waved frantically.

She’d seen the girl too. But saving her might cost both their lives.

They weren’t strong men—they couldn’t carry her far.

"Leave her! Or we’ll die too!"

Elisa hesitated, then sprinted toward the girl.

"Go on! I’ll save her!"

"Are you crazy?!"

Boom—!

Another explosion rocked a nearby building. Debris and glass rained down. Anna stumbled back, shielding herself.

Too scared to approach, she watched helplessly as Elisa lifted the girl onto her back.

The girl’s breaths were faint, her mind fading. Elisa whispered encouragement, straining to stand under the weight.

The street, now uneven with rubble, seemed endless. She took a step—

Boom!

The weakened wall collapsed.

A huge shadow engulfed Elisa’s feet.

"Elisa!" Anna’s scream cracked.