Returning to present day. . .
A glorious hall made of luxurious materials reflected light coming from a glowing ball. The beautiful sight would leave many breathless, yet everyone present was in no mood to enjoy the scenery.
A voice boomed across the hall, "I have gathered you all here to discuss something that poses a threat to our world. As you already know a beast of the Calamity level has risen in the western half. Thousands have perished under its wrath, and I fear once it is done it will cross the river."