Four days had passed since the meeting of the hunters and the shocking revelation from Emily Williams regarding the imminent appearance of higher-level gates at S ranks and the arrival of two beings set on destroying the world. The hunters, still reeling from this news, had spent the past few days mentally and physically preparing for the potential confrontation ahead.
However, three days ago, something strange had occurred. The gates had stopped appearing en masse, as if the world had suddenly entered a period of calm. The hunters, while relieved by this unexpected lull, remained on high alert, knowing that it was likely just the calm before the storm.
In line with Emily's prediction, three gates surpassing the SS+ level had appeared simultaneously in three different locations around the world: in Korea, Japan, and the most imposing one in the United States, in Washington D.C. The latter, located in the heart of the American capital, emitted such a powerful and menacing aura that even the most seasoned hunters shuddered in its presence.
Upon the appearance of these gates, the authorities had reacted swiftly. Each gate was now under high surveillance, guarded by several S-rank hunters and the best A-rank hunters. Among them was Ethan, the SS+ rank hunter.
Ethan stood in front of the gate in Washington D.C., hands in his pockets, his piercing gaze fixed on the dark and menacing entrance. He could feel the malevolent energy emanating from it, as if the gate itself was a living being, ready to unleash its demonic contents upon the world. Around him, other S-rank hunters were stationed, all in a state of maximum alert.
Despite the palpable tension, the hunters tried to maintain a light atmosphere, exchanging jokes and stories to lighten the mood. They all knew that stress and fear were their worst enemies in such situations.
Alex, a young promising hunter, approached Ethan with a worried expression. "Ethan, do you really think we are ready for this? I mean, if Emily is right and these beings are so powerful..."
Ethan placed a reassuring hand on Alex's shoulder. "Listen, kid. We are the elite. We have been trained to face the impossible. Whatever comes out of those gates, we will be there to confront it."
Alex nodded, drawing courage from Ethan's words. "You're right. We can't afford to doubt ourselves now."
"Exactly," Ethan agreed with a confident smile. "We will show these demons what hunters are capable of."
Not far away, in the city of Washington, a new S-rank gate had appeared. A group of fifteen people, consisting of two S-rank hunters and thirteen A-rank hunters, had been tasked with securing the area and containing any potential threats.
Inside the gate, the corridors were littered with monster corpses. Some had been burned, others cut or pierced by holes of varying sizes. Battle traces were everywhere, testifying to the ferocity of the fights that had taken place.
At the end of the corridor stood a large door adorned with strange motifs. It seemed to be the source of the malevolent energy permeating the place.
Near the door stood fifteen members of the Silver guild, resting and catching their breath before the final assault. Their faces reflected a mix of determination and apprehension.
Dorian, the S-rank warrior, spoke in a firm yet encouraging tone. "My friends, this door leads to Morgath's lair. We must be ready to face his worst tricks. Kael, Nox, you will be on the front line with me to distract and weaken him."
Kael, the tank, nodded confidently. "Understood, Dorian. I will keep his attention on me as much as possible to give you the opportunity to strike."
Elysia, the mage, looked up from the ancient grimoire she was studying intently. "According to the archives, Morgath uses powerful illusions to disorient his opponents. I will prepare counter-spells to protect us."
Thalia, the other mage, approached Elysia with a knowing smile. "If we combine our magic, we might be able to break through his defenses more easily. What do you think?"
"Excellent idea, Thalia," Elysia agreed, returning the smile. "Galen, we will need your ice storms too. Your spells will be essential."
The young mage nodded, a glint of determination in his eyes despite his apparent nervousness. "I will give it my all. You can count on me."
Mira, the healer, finished checking her potions and phylacteries before addressing the group in a soft yet serious voice. "I will be ready to heal you at any time. But be careful."
Elara, the ranger, polished her bow with precise movements, her sharp gaze focused. "I will cover your backs and try to slow him down from a distance. My arrows will not miss."
Nox and Drake, the assassins, exchanged a meaningful look before high-fiving, a smirk on their faces. "We will sneak up on him from behind to hit his weak points. He won't see us coming."
"And I will be there to support you since I pretty much master all the elements," Rhea added with a confident wink.
Dorian stood up, his face serious but his voice strong. "The rest of you, head back outside. Given your condition, you would only be deadweights against Morgath. We cannot afford any weakness."
He gripped the door handle and surveyed the group. "Silver guild, are you ready to take him on?"
As one, they rose in unison, drawing their gleaming weapons and double-checking their gear one last time.
"Ready!" they shouted in unison, their cry echoing like a pledge.
Dorian pushed the door and entered with determined steps, immediately followed by Elysia and the other members, their footsteps echoing in unison on the stone floor, ready to face their destiny.