Gate Hunters

(Krist Stainer point of view a few hours ago)

"I've found someone who seems promising, but I'd prefer someone who won't irritate me. Another thing, he may not mesh well with us. However, if you want him on the team, I could work on integrating him." The young man from earlier left a strong impression on me.

I contacted the team to inform them about him. He was more than average in combat skills but was simply irritating.

With my guidance, I could assist him, so I considered giving him an offer.

I just realised how suspicious I look. Standing in this alleyway, dressed in a black hoodie and jeans. I hope no one calls the police.

Peter was on the other end of the line discussing with the others, "Really, does he have a name?" He asked.

"Some local hunter name Evergreen." I mentioned.

He placed me on hold, and I waited calmly for his return. After a short while, he said, "We've conducted a quick search, and agree that he's a decent hunter with an impressive win streak. However, Molly suggested it might be wiser to engage with someone less recognized by the public. Please try to find an alternative who's not as famous, but if that fails, then proceed with him."

"Sure," I said, ending the call and continuing my walk to the hospital.

As I continue to walk, I notice three teenagers beating up another teenager.

The attackers were two boys while a girl was laughing at the victim.

...No teenage should go through this.

So I approached them and shouted, "You three, QUIET IT!"

Upon seeing me, the three teenagers decided to leave the child alone. "Are you doing okay?" I inquired, though I knew the answer was self-evident.

I helped the boy up to his feet and help seat him on the bench.

He looked frustrated and embarrassed by what just happened.

I saw his school supplies scattered on the floor, so I gathered them up for him and asked, "Do you get bullied often?"

He kept his head down with his fist still clutch, "Yeah, I'm used to it." He said.

I can tell.

His meek response already tells me a lot about him.

I observed the school name on his uniform and inquired, "Is Barwooly High a good school?"

He covered his name tag and averted his eyes shyly, "Yeah, if you're not a victim of bullying and have people to support you, then yeah, you can have one hell of a time," he said.

After finishing packing his belongings, I said, "I see. Honestly, I would have hung out with you if we were the same age, but sadly, I'm an adult." I handed him his stuff and revealed my face.

His demeanour tells me that he's not interested, "Oh, I see." But that didn't stop me from sitting next to him.

Right now, I needed to make him feel comfortable after that moment of embarrassment.

"Do you want to see a magic trick?" I asked.

Though he seemed disinterested, at least he was looking at me. "Sure, I guess," he said.

I glanced around to make sure we were alone. "Close your eyes, and I'll take away your pain," I offered, a gentle smile on my face.

He sighed and meekly closed his eyes, "Sure." before he knew it.

I placed my finger on his shoulder and whispered, "Salvation." His body was enveloped in a white, harmless flame.

The instant the fire touched his skin, he opened his eyes and leapt up, convinced he was being burned alive.

It only took him a few seconds to realize that nothing had happened. "How are—" the flames had vanished, along with his wounds.

He was beyond shocked by what just happened.

I tap on the bench as a way of saying I want to talk so sit down.

Not only did he sit down, but his demeanour also changed. This time, he looked interested. "Are you a hunter?" he asked.

I offered him a gentle smile and a brief nod. "Is this your first time meeting a hunter?" I inquired.

He began to smile and pulled a book from his schoolbag, asking, "Can I get your advice on how to become a hunter?" He also took out a pen from his blazer pocket.

Looks like I found my next best option.

I glanced at his name tag and returned the smile, "Well, Zero, it's not that simple. To be frank, without an innate talent or a unique gift element, you won't make it. Even if you work harder than many of the elite class hunters, you'll still be just a mid-tier Hunter. So, my best advice is not to aim to be number one or the strongest if it's not realistic for you. Instead, strive to be the hunter who delves into the unknown and safeguards those in need of protection. And remember to take care of yourself; your well-being is too precious to be compromised within the Gates," I said.

Zero wrote down every single word that I uttered. That book of his must be a fan book about hunting.

After finishing, he rested his journal and pen on his lap and said, "Thank you, I needed to hear the truth."

Driven by curiosity, I inquired, "What do you mean by 'the truth'?"

Zero swept the bangs away from his right eye, unveiling a burn scar. "I want to become a hunter to make my family happy again. My mother and older brother are the main reasons I'm pursuing this path, but I'm uncertain if I'm suited for it. Unlike my brother, who was tragically selected, I'm just an ordinary freak with these weird powers," he said.

That scar...it wasn't recent.

"Show me your powers then. I will be the judge of that," I declared.

Zero opened his palm, and a robust circulation of wind gathered within it. "A wind user, you are quite lucky," I informed him.

Zero clasped his hands together and gazed at me, his eyes twinkling, as he asked, "Really?"

"If you're interested, I can assist you in developing your skills and unlocking your potential." I took his book, wrote down my name and phone number with his pen, and then placed it back on his lap.

I rose and headed toward the hospital. "If you're interested, give me a call. Until then, see you, Zero," I said, offering him one last farewell before departing. Encountering a wind user is not an everyday occurrence.

Between him and Evergreen, Evergreen appears to be the smarter choice, yet Zero promises the best outcome.

Evergreen already has the skills but doesn't have the mental fortitude. Plus, if he has plant as his fusion, why didn't at least heal himself with positive water gifts. I bet he did a Gifted Exchange.

Zero on the other hand is a novice, but with potential. With a negative wind gifted. Depending on his positive, he can have a very powerful fusion.

Whether he accepts the deal remains to be seen, as Evergreen does not seem like someone who would typically oppose the GEA.

However, this emo teenager seems like he would without a second thought.

Pretty soon, he might undergo an awakening.