Milo residence
Novara is a large city located in a strategic area, surrounded by high walls that protect it from external dangers-especially the monsters that roam the surrounding wilderness. The city is known for its diverse population and clear social structure, where people live according to their economic and social status.
At the heart of the city are the most important buildings, such as the government offices, the central church, and major trade centers. Wealthy families and officials live in this area, and many people work in administration, high-level trade, or within the church's institutions.
A little farther from the center are the neighborhoods where the middle class lives. This area is busy and lively, home to craftsmen, monster hunters, small merchants, and ordinary workers. Life here is relatively stable but modest, with people relying on their daily jobs to maintain a decent standard of living.
Toward the outskirts of the city, the houses become more tightly packed, and the quality of services decreases. People with lower incomes live here. While life is simpler, the residents are supportive of each other and do their best to adapt. Because these areas are closest to the city's outer walls, they face the most danger when monsters appear, making them the first line of defense. Hunters are often sent here to provide protection.
The Church plays a major role in Novara's structure. Beyond its religious duties, it also influences the economy and works alongside the government to manage the city. Its influence is especially strong among lower-income communities, where people are more likely to follow its teachings and promises.
Overall, Novara is a city where people live in an imperfect balance. But its residents have grown used to the system, and each person finds their place within it based on their abilities and circumstances.
The Church teaches that the way people live-their struggles, their roles, and their place in society-is not random or unfair, but part of a greater divine plan. According to Church doctrine, each person is born into their situation for a reason. Poverty, hardship, and even suffering are viewed not as punishments, but as sacred trials meant to purify the soul and prove one's faith.
The Church tells the poor:
"You were not born into suffering because you are unworthy. On the contrary, you were chosen to carry this burden, because your soul is strong enough to endure. This life is a test. And when the Gem of Origin is found, the world will be remade. The pain will end. All who have suffered will be lifted into eternal peace, both the living and the dead."
This promise of a future paradise encourages people to be patient, obedient, and faithful-especially those living in poverty. Instead of rebelling or seeking change, many cling to the hope that their current life is only temporary, and that something better awaits them in the next.
While not everyone believes this message, it remains a powerful tool for the Church to maintain order and control, offering comfort and meaning to some, and silence to others.
Although Novara is one of the most well-known and powerful cities due to the support of the Church, the world does not revolve around it alone. There are many cities scattered across different regions, each with its own way of life, beliefs, and systems of rule.
Some of these cities, like Novara, fully follow the Church. In such cities, the Church is at the center of political and religious life. It controls the economy, education, and even the laws. These cities are highly organized, but personal freedom is limited. People live under strict surveillance, raised to obey, and believe in the Church's promise of the "Gem of Origin."
In contrast, there are free cities that do not follow the Church and do not recognize its authority. These cities are often governed by local councils, clan leaders, or independent alliances. People here live with more freedom and follow their own beliefs, but they face different challenges like lack of resources or the absence of organized protection. Some of these cities are advanced in technology or magic, while others are more simple and rely on traditional laws.
The differences between these cities create constant tension.
Sometimes, Church-aligned cities clash with free ones, whether due to religious differences or economic competition.
At other times, both sides are forced to form temporary alliances against common threats, such as major monster attacks or natural disasters.
In this world, each city has its own unique identity, and no city is truly perfect.
Some people flee Church cities in search of freedom, while others leave free cities looking for safety.
Over time, heroes like Milo travel between these different worlds and discover that truth doesn't belong to just one side.
Dealing with monsters in this world is not a simple task; it is an organized and precise operation that relies on special skills and experience.
Monsters do not appear inside the cities but roam the wilderness-forests, mountains, and plains surrounding them-and sometimes attack villages or the outskirts of cities. For this reason, a special system called Monster Hunters was established.
Monster Hunters are trained individuals specialized in handling these dangerous creatures. Some are born with unique abilities that qualify them for the fight, while others gain their skills through training and continuous practice. Not just anyone can become a hunter; they must pass certain tests and undergo training at special centers or under the supervision of veteran hunters.
When a monster is spotted near a certain area, city authorities-whether government or Church-issue an official alert, and a team of hunters is dispatched to the location.
Hunters often work in teams, each member having a different role: some fight directly, others specialize in tracking, support, or setting traps.
How the monster is dealt with depends on its type:
some can be killed with direct force,
while others require a careful plan or the use of specific weapons or techniques.
After the mission, hunters report their results, and everything is recorded in special logs used later for training and study.
Hunters receive financial rewards based on the mission's difficulty and risk.
For the cities, this system is essential to maintaining safety, especially in areas close to monster habitats.
For the hunters, though their work is dangerous, many take pride in their role and see it as a duty to protect the people.
Milo is one of these hunters. He relies on his physical strength and field experience and works hard to keep his area safe-even if he is not among the elite or those with supernatural powers.