[center][i][h2]~The Fall~[/h2][/i][/center]

[i]Once, the world was a mesmerizing realm, adorned with lush, vibrant green fields and verdant forests that stretched as far as the eye could see. This idyllic vision was, however, transformed into an eerie tableau of desolation, where all the natural beauty had been stripped away, leaving nothing but an ashen, lifeless landscape. This tragic metamorphosis was the consequence of humanity's relentless pursuit of the unknown, a pursuit that ultimately led to its own undoing.

The catalyst for this dramatic shift was the remarkable discovery of Ether, a mystical substance that emanated from enigmatic vents scattered across the land. Ether was more than just a scientific breakthrough; it was akin to unearthing a wellspring of pure magic. The advent of Ether heralded an era of technological advancement hitherto deemed inconceivable. Yet, with progress came peril, as humanity's insatiable hunger for power and knowledge led to the reckless exploitation of this newfound wonder.

The cycle of Ether harvesting continued unabated, as the sources of this mystical essence began to wither, driven to the brink of depletion by relentless extraction. Human greed, forever unquenchable, spurred on by corporate interests, drove these entities to embark on perilous experiments aimed at creating artificial Ether. This reckless endeavor would prove catastrophic, unleashing the malevolent force known as Black Ether—a monstrous offspring of human ambition gone awry.

Black Ether, once unleashed, became a relentless scourge, giving rise to a sinister plague that ravaged all in its path. This affliction, aptly named "Black Ether," not only infected the physical bodies of those unfortunate enough to encounter it but also corrupted the very earth itself. The once-thriving landscapes and cities fell victim to its malevolence, morphing into nightmarish wastelands of despair.

As the world crumbled around them, humanity found itself on the precipice of annihilation. Panic swept through the remnants of civilization as they grappled with the enormity of the catastrophe they had wrought. In their desperation, they sought refuge from their own creation, and a colossal, labyrinthine cityscape began to take shape.

This sprawling metropolis, built over the last known Ether vent, became a sanctuary and a testament to both humanity's resilience and its folly. The entire city's survival hinged on the precarious balance maintained by the dwindling supply of Ether that powered its infrastructure—a cruel irony that underscored the cost of their relentless ambition.

For decades, a fragile semblance of peace endured within the confines of the labyrinthine city. Yet, this respite proved fleeting, for the insidious Black Ether had not forgotten its insatiable hunger. It infiltrated the human populace, driving them to madness and grotesque transformations that defied imagination. These afflicted beings, known as the Teras, became harbingers of terror, relentlessly stalking the ever-shifting streets of the city now dubbed "Labyrinth."

Amidst this chaos and devastation, a resilient few emerged—survivors who refused to succumb to the horrors of Black Ether. They were the Runners, constantly on the move, navigating the treacherous terrain of Labyrinth in a desperate bid for survival. Their existence was a testament to human endurance and the unyielding will to live.

In this bleak and twisted world, there existed a single sanctuary—a towering edifice at the heart of Labyrinth, affectionately known as Archon. Here, the remnants of humanity clung to the last flicker of hope, their final refuge against the encroaching darkness, and the one place they deemed safe.[/i]