Gate Hunters

(Krist Stainer's point of view)

The morning news talked about the murder of nine people. The news reporter said in great detail how the people were killed. Multiple gun wounds, their skulls were bashed in, and the rest died by electrocution.

No witness was found, and there was no evidence linking any possible suspect.

The individual in question descended the staircase in a cozy bathrobe, exuding a fresh, clean scent from her recent shower. "Good morning, beautiful. Do I spy some coffee?" Her eyes still held traces of puffiness from the late-night movie we watched.

I had opted for a romantic horror film, thinking it would strike a good balance, but I hadn't anticipated her intense reactions of crying and screaming.

Ruby rested herself on the couch next to me and grabbed the coffee I prepared for her. Once she saw what was on TV, she playfully giggled and drank away.

"Please allow me to introduce the President of the Gates Eradication Association. Please welcome Shoto Mizukami." The guest's appearance left both of us silent and eager to listen.

"Can you turn up the volume?" Asked Ruby.

"I acknowledge that there has been an issue concerning the Rejected. Despite our longstanding efforts to assemble a task force to address this matter, we have encountered challenges in identifying individuals capable of handling it. Today, alongside the President of the Hunters Guild, I am announcing the opportunity for interested parties to undertake this responsibility and experience a fresh start." We are very concerned about the news regarding the task force.

In response, I turned off the TV and changed the subject, "Hey, so how was work yesterday?" I asked.

Ruby followed my lead and responded, "It was okay. A friend of mine actually invited us for a couple of nights out, but I declined."

"Oh really, why thought?" I asked.

Ruby placed her cup on the table. "I know she's just going to brag about her lover to us and start comparing both of you. I don't want to put you on the spot, and besides, she's not a good person," she spoke.

"How about we give it a try? Since I'm new to the area I feel like forming bonds with some people." I said playful.

Ruby sighed and rested her body on the couch while her feet rested on my thighs. "I will think about it... you know we need to talk about it," she spoke.

I had hoped she would forget about it, but it seems like she wants to discuss it.

"Shoto is going to be a problem for our operation in two weeks. On the fifteenth of February, we're going into the death portal, and Shoto's involvement is going to be too much for you guys to handle," I said.

Ruby shot two small balls of water at my face while wearing an irritated look. "I love that you don't include yourself in the group of losers. Do you think you could win against him?" she asked.

"Why wouldn't I win? With prep time, I will win," I said with a cocky smile.

"Okay then, but to be safe. Let's think of a way of dealing with them-" before she could finish her sentence.

An idea popped into my head, "How about we have someone sneak into their ranks? Not only will we have a reliable source, but we might be able to slow down Shoto."

Ruby got up and showed great interest in my idea, "That could work but who can we trust to pull it off?"

I explained that three types of people will get close to Shoto and the GEA. First, some heroic teenagers are inspired to become heroes. Second, some desperate person who will do anything to survive. Lastly, individuals who aim to climb the ladder by seducing their bosses.

The first suggestion could work, as most teenagers in this era will do anything to become a Gate Hunter. However, we will have limited control over them if their parents intervene. I believe that Shoto wouldn't want to be responsible if a child died in battle.

Finding a woman to seduce Shoto would have a slim chance of success. Depending on whether or not he has a family would decrease the likelihood of success. Besides, Shoto wouldn't want a scandal like that to ever tarnish his name.

But the remaining plan of a desperate individual can work in both our favor with less risk coming our way.

And someone who lost everything will never be remembered. That's something I believe Shoto would want as an ally.

After explaining my plan to her, her face became sad. "Your plan sounds like it could work, but it also sounds immoral. Later, during work, I will tell everyone about the plan and whether or not they agree. But promise me that, whatever choice you pick, can you try helping them instead of using them?" She spoke.

I moved in closer to Ruby and rested my head against her thighs. She was obviously freaked out by my actions but didn't do anything to stop me.

Her face was completely red from the sudden experience. "I'm going to help whoever is willing to work alongside us. Trust me, I may sound twisted in my method, but I'm not going to do something that goes against what I stand for. Besides, didn't you kill people last night? You shouldn't complain about being immoral when you have done worse," I playfully responded.

Ruby, still heavily flustered, said, "Fine, I'm a hypocrite, okay? But only I can be the hypocrite between us. Anyway, let's stop this before the kids see this. She's right... besides, I feel like I should stop before I can't control myself."

Once I got up, I casually walked to the kitchen, swaying my hips. "I'll start preparing breakfast. You can relax for a bit," I teased the woman.

Before I left, Ruby shouted, "Tease!" I responded by blowing a kiss to her before entering the kitchen.

Thinking about the plan, I believe that finding someone who is gifted and needs help with their issues is going to be tricky, but I feel like I can work some magic.

But maybe, a heroic individual can work as well. If they don't act too much of a white knight. Otherwise, I will get irritated.