Hakira Hashimoto

The world is known as Aethrya, a high-fantasy realm shaped by magic, war, and a catastrophic event called the Grand Rift. Long ago, Aethrya was divided into four continents, each with its own cultures, nations, and conflicts. In the year 1012, a massive war broke out between all four continents, driven by the pursuit of power, territory, and magical dominance. This conflict, later known as the Great Continental War, lasted for ten years and caused widespread destruction across the world.

Magic exists naturally in Aethrya, but only some individuals are born with the ability to use it. Those with high magical affinity are rare and often become powerful warriors. Among them are the Katana Bearers, elite individuals chosen by special weapons known as the Katanas of Meaning. These katanas are not ordinary blades. Each one represents a concept, such as Flame, Void, Judgment, or Silence. They are semi-sentient and choose their wielder based on compatibility. Every country possesses at least one of these katanas, and their wielders are considered some of the most powerful beings in the world.

In the year 1022, just as the war came to an end, a catastrophic event occurred. A massive rift suddenly appeared in the sky, tearing reality itself apart. This event became known as the Grand Rift. The rift split one of the continents in half, creating a new and unstable landmass known as the Fracture, turning the world into five continents instead of four. From this rift, creatures began to emerge. These creatures, known as Abominations, are hostile beings from beyond reality, varying in form and power, and resistant to normal weapons.

After the Grand Rift, smaller rifts began appearing randomly across all five continents. These rifts continue to open every day, bringing more Abominations into the world. No place is truly safe anymore, as rifts can appear anywhere, from cities to forests to oceans. Because of this global threat, all nations agreed to a fragile peace. War between countries is forbidden, and resources and warriors are now focused on fighting the Abominations and closing the rifts. Despite this, tension between nations still exists beneath the surface.

The most powerful force against the Abominations remains the Katana Bearers. These individuals are capable of destroying large threats and protecting entire regions. However, there is one katana that does not belong to any nation. This blade is known as the Crimson Oath. Unlike the others, it serves no country and follows no authority. It is currently wielded by Hakira Hashimoto, a 23-year-old wandering hunter known across all continents. She only accepts missions related to killing Abominations and refuses to serve any nation or faction. Her katana is believed to represent vengeance or an unbreakable oath, and its true nature remains unknown.

The current state of the world is one of constant danger. Rifts continue to appear, Abominations continue to spread, and humanity struggles to survive. The alliance between nations holds for now, but it is fragile. No one knows what caused the Grand Rift, and until that mystery is solved, the world remains on the edge of collapse.