Chapter 4: The Gate
"Welcome to my temporary office," I said with a welcoming gesture as we stepped into the opulent space on the top floor of the skyscraper. Large windows offered panoramic views of Seoul's glittering skyline, and the room was bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun. Plush leather chairs and a polished mahogany desk exuded an air of sophistication. "I'm still in the process of buying this entire skyscraper, so for now, I have to make do with my house."
Jung Yerim's eyes widened as she took in the breathtaking surroundings. "It's an honor to meet you, sir. I applied immediately when I saw that you were recruiting new members."
I nodded appreciatively. "Of course, it's a pleasure to have you here. Now, for the sake of formality, could you please tell me your name, job, and rank?"
With confidence, she replied, "My name is Jung Yerim, and I am an A-Rank Healer. I would be happy to demonstrate my skills if you need an assessment."
I shook my head, admiring her enthusiasm. "No need for a demonstration. I can sense your power. I have an eye for these things."
As we continued our conversation, I couldn't help but envision the potential of having a skilled healer like Jung Yerim on our team. Her abilities would undoubtedly be a valuable asset, especially for dungeon raids when my presence might not be guaranteed. I couldn't help but recall her name from the manga and knew well of her skill as a healer.
"I think it's pretty clear that you've passed the recruitment," I said with a smile, "but before formally welcoming you to the team, I think we should discuss the pay and benefits of the guild."
The next few days passed quickly, marked by intense recruitment efforts. The guild was now well-prepared for action, boasting a formidable roster that included all 15 A-rankers and 20 exceptionally skilled B-rankers. Our journey was about to begin in earnest, and I couldn't wait to see how our newly formed guild would fare in the challenges ahead.
[Chairman Go's POV]
The door to my office burst open, and a frantic association member rushed in. "Chairman Go, it's an emergency!" He slammed the door behind him, his face pale with worry. "An A-rank Gate has just appeared near the outskirts of Seoul, and it's unlike anything we've seen before. It's almost as powerful as an S-rank Gate!"
My brow furrowed as I processed the gravity of the situation. "We need to mobilize immediately. Contact at least two S-rankers and assemble a team of skilled A-rankers. If this Gate is as formidable as you say, we must be prepared."
As I spoke, a voice from behind me broke through my thoughts. "Chairman, I can handle this alone. Provide me with a member of the press to document it live," the voice declared with unwavering determination.
I turned to find Hunter Haneul standing there, his eyes filled with resolve. "Hunter Haneul, this is a perilous undertaking. Even with two S-rankers and a team of A-rankers, we may struggle against a Gate of such magnitude. It approaches the level of an S-rank."
Undeterred, Haneul met my gaze with a steely determination. "Chairman, trust me on this one occasion. I wish to demonstrate my capabilities to all of you. Besides, my abilities are not yet fully known to you, including my unique talents."
His conviction left me with a difficult choice to make, one that could have far-reaching consequences for us all.
"Very well," I acquiesced, understanding the gravity of Hunter Haneul's determination. "But I will be the one recording it all. I cannot ask anyone else to risk their life, and if necessary, I could provide assistance." My voice carried a seriousness that brooked no argument.
Hunter Haneul nodded in agreement. "If you are so sure about it, then okay. But I must warn you, Chairman, there may be no need for your assistance. This will be a walk in the park."
With those words, we set off toward the ominous A-rank Gate, the fate of Seoul hanging in the balance.
[near the gate]
As we arrived at the scene, a colossal and ominous Gate loomed before us, swirling with an eerie, menacing presence. The police had cordoned off the area with bright yellow tape, and the military stood watch, allowing only authorized personnel to pass. Overhead, helicopters buzzed in a frenzied dance, their cameras capturing every angle, while journalists on the ground conducted live reports.
Approaching the Gate, I became the focus of the press's relentless questions.
"Hunter Haneul, where is your team? Do you intend to confront this Gate alone?" inquired a journalist, recording me from a cautious distance.
"Yes," I replied, my tone as unyielding as the situation demanded. "I will enter this Gate to clear it, safeguarding our nation's citizens."
"Where are your teammates, sir Haneul?" another reporter pressed.
"Are there any other S-rankers present to assist you? Gates of this magnitude typically require the coordination of 2-3 S-rankers," shouted yet another, seeking answers.
"For an endeavor as seemingly effortless as this, I shall tackle it alone," I declared, an unwavering certainty in my voice. "And to demonstrate my unwavering commitment to our nation, Chairman Go Gunhee will document the entire operation live."
"But Hunter, are you certain you can—" The journalist's sentence remained unfinished as I leaped into the Gate, Chairman Go Gunhee closely following, his recording equipment capturing our audacious mission for the world to witness in awe.
[inside the gate]
As I stepped into the abyssal maw of the Gate, an unsettling truth became evident to all who watched with bated breath: I was clad in naught but ordinary clothing, devoid of the protective armor and weaponry so customary among Hunters. To the unknowing eye, I appeared as a reckless and ill-prepared adventurer embarking on a suicidal journey through a perilous realm.
However, the world remained ignorant of my unique prowess, a power that rendered traditional arms and armor obsolete. For I was more than enough to face the horrors that lurked within.
The landscape beyond the Gate was one of unfathomable devastation. A searing, infernal blaze raged unchecked, incinerating all in its path. Amidst the fiery chaos, grotesque creatures, seemingly torn from the very depths of hell itself, swarmed in nightmarish hordes. These abominations, their forms twisted and nightmarish, bore a cruel semblance to demons. Their eyes burned with malevolence, and their savage, inhuman features evoked terror in any who gazed upon them.
Monstrous beings with jagged wings, their flesh aflame, soared through the smoke-filled skies. Others, resembling grotesque amalgamations of beast and human, hunted in savage packs, their eerie cries sending shivers down the spines of all who heard. There were hundreds of these nightmarish entities, an insatiable horde straight from the depths of hell itself. If, by some dire misfortune, these abominations were ever to breach the Gate and emerge into the heart of Seoul, the city would face annihilation in a matter of mere hours.
As the world watched in awe and trepidation, I stood resolute, poised to confront this nightmarish realm head-on, relying on powers far beyond the understanding of mortal men. My true strength was not in steel or armor, but in the unparalleled abilities that would soon be unveiled—a force to challenge the very essence of these monstrous horrors.
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MeagerWriter
MeagerWriter Since we surpassed 100 collections I am giving you this surprise bonus chapter :3
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