The blaring sound of the siren echoed across Training Zone No. 3.
Dozens of students in tactical uniforms stood in groups, checking their mock weapons and protective gear. The sky hung heavy with gray clouds, light raindrops pattering against the glass dome covering the field.
Thọ tightened the strap of his gloves, catching a faint whiff of new rubber mixed with the metallic scent of steel. It was his first time stepping into a real Gate, even if it was only an E-rank one—the lowest level, typically used for training rookies.
Beside him, his classmate Hùng nudged his elbow.
"I heard they're even releasing an injured D-rank beast today, just so we can practice dodging."
Thọ smirked. "As long as it doesn't charge at me first, I'm fine."
A deep voice rang out from the front.
"Listen up! You'll enter in lines, divided into four squads. Your mission: eliminate the E-rank monsters, support each other, and do NOT break formation. If anything unusual happens, retreat immediately."
It was the squad leader in charge—a C-rank instructor whose sharp eyes swept over the students as if engraving his orders into their minds.
In the center of the field, an oval-shaped gate began to tremble, its swirling surface rippling like disturbed water. Blue light spilled out, casting an otherworldly glow on the nervous faces around it.
"Squad Three, move in!"
Thọ followed the line, feeling the air change abruptly as he stepped through the shimmering veil. On the other side was a dark, damp forest. The cold seeped in instantly, carrying with it the smell of wet soil. Somewhere in the distance, the rustle of leaves mixed with a deep, guttural growl.
Within minutes, the squad had taken down several E-rank creatures—small, dog-like beasts with rough skin and sharp claws but sluggish movements. Everything went exactly as planned… until the ground trembled with a heavy thud.
"What was that?" Hùng stepped back.
Far ahead, a streak of red light split the air—like a tiny crack spreading wider and wider.
The instructor's voice burst urgently through Thọ's earpiece:
"All squads, retreat immediately! The Gate is destabilizing!"
But before they could turn back, a roar ripped through the forest.
From the crimson tear burst a massive, blood-matted wolf, its golden eyes blazing, and two front claws long as blades slicing the ground as it charged.
"Two-Claw Wolf… D-rank!" someone shouted.
Chaos erupted.
"Run! It's beyond training level—do NOT engage!" the instructor bellowed.
The students scrambled to escape, but the narrow forest trail quickly bottlenecked. Thọ found himself falling behind, hearing the sound of claws tearing into the dirt right behind him, the hot, predatory breath of the beast brushing the back of his neck.
In that moment, there was no time to think.