A vast kingdom stands out across green lands—so immense, it is said to span nearly an entire continent... or perhaps that's just hearsay. It is divided into four social tiers, each separated by towering walls. These ranks are as follows:
The high class resides at the very center of the kingdom, where the royal palace sits, surrounded by an additional wall for protection. Life here is luxurious; only the wealthy and the well-known live within these bounds, guarded by the elite royal guards. Jobs here revolve more around business than labor, and wealth flows abundantly. People feel safest in this part of the realm, with the king and his guards ever close. The streets are clean, orderly, and governed by respected laws.
The middle class follows—a place where life is stable, modestly luxurious but not excessive. This area is larger and more populated, often said to serve as a buffer between the lower and upper classes. Jobs are more traditional: blacksmiths, innkeepers, merchants, and so on. Protection here is provided by regular guards—loyal to the king, but of lower rank than the royal elite. The air carries the scent of fresh bread, and the ringing of hammers from the forges fills the streets. People rise each morning with energy, grateful to live in a respectable part of the kingdom.
The lower class marks the final area still protected by the kingdom's walls. Life here is neither lavish nor miserable—something in between. It houses the majority of the population and is so vast that it is divided into four further districts, each with its own guild headquarters at its center. Jobs are mostly the same as in the middle class, though often with lower pay or poorer conditions. The environment resembles that of the middle class, though the streets are a bit more worn and untidy.
And finally, the forgotten zone. Life here is harsh—no jobs, no protection. The people who live in this place were cast out or rejected by society. They reside near the outer walls, in scattered villages or isolated homes. Rather than drive them out entirely, the kingdom simply turns a blind eye. Though nature still thrives here, resources are scarce, and the people must fight to survive. From time to time, the kingdom extends a hand in charity, though not everyone agrees with such kindness.
This is the kingdom of Apocalis, ruled by Nathaniel, the most powerful human known in the world. After inheriting the throne, he chose to expand the kingdom in this way—and was among the first to welcome races beyond humankind. When this was first announced, hundreds from other races came to live under Apocalis' protection: beast-folk, fairies, vampires, werewolves, goblins, and more.
But something else sets this kingdom apart: beyond the walls, far past the forgotten zone, lies a forest of vast and unknown proportions. The trees there reach toward the heavens, so tall they seem to touch the sky. Within this forest dwell only monsters, all driven by a single instinct—to kill anything that approaches. What troubles the kingdom most is that these creatures never leave the forest, as if bound by unseen rules.
For decades, this forest has served as a hunting ground. Here, the famed Monster Hunters spend their days slaying beasts and selling the spoils. So well-paid is the job that it's considered a noble pursuit even among the lower class. Hunters form teams to venture deeper into the forest, for the creatures grow stronger the farther one dares to go. The origin of the forest remains a mystery, but it has never posed a threat—rather, it has become a livelihood.