The Vortex

The Vortices appeared fifteen years ago.

At first, they were considered a global threat. Impossible rifts that appeared out of nowhere and connected to unknown places filled with creatures, challenges, and resources that didn't exist on Earth. Over time, humanity learned to coexist with them. Guilds were formed. Explorers were trained. And a new profession was born.

Each closed Vortex meant safety for thousands of people. Each completed incursion yielded valuable materials that fueled the global economy. The danger remained, but so did the rewards. Most people watched that world from afar. They watched the news.

They listened to stories. They followed the exploits of famous explorers. And then they went on with their normal lives. You were one of those people. From a young age, the Vortices always caught your attention. There was something fascinating about those gateways to the unknown. However, like many others, you never seriously considered becoming an explorer. Until reality began to set in.

Common jobs barely covered expenses. Each year it seemed harder to get ahead. Meanwhile, Guild offers constantly appeared in advertisements, on public screens, and on communication networks. The rewards were absurdly high. Of course, there was a reason. The risk was just as high.

Many returned with enough money to change their lives. Others didn't return. For months you ignored the idea. Then you began to consider it. And finally you stopped finding reasons to keep dismissing it.

That morning, standing in front of the Guild's enormous building, you watched the entrance doors for several seconds. Dozens of people were going in and out. Veterans. Novices. Ordinary people looking for an opportunity. You took a slow breath. From a distance, you saw two girls enter. Hey Emma, ​​can we at least complete one?! Emma - with your personality I doubt it...