Gate Hunters

From the top of an apartment complex, we had a good view facing the hospital.

Peter continued to drink, struggling to remain upright, as I waited in silence for a signal from Molly.

"Okay, guys, I've completed my scan and determined a few things. Krist is inside the Gate, facing heavy resistance. For now, we can relax because it seems unlikely that more will emerge if he's keeping them occupied. I've maintained communication with him, and he's indicated that, considering the number of monsters inside, it's at most a light Gate level. This means a rookie-level hunter should manage on their own. So, don't be deceived by the colour." Molly relay to us.

The fact that Krist was battling the same monsters, but tenfold the strength, and emerged victorious with hardly a scratch, speaks volumes about his abilities.

I turned to my drunken leader and ask, "I hope you are ready to protect lives rather than getting drunk."

Staggering with laughter, he hoisted me onto his shoulders and declared, "Okay *hic* time to fly!" And just like that, without a moment's notice, he launched us into the sky. We became one with the lightning, dancing among the clouds before gracefully touching down atop the hospital.

"HAHAHAHA *hic* Oh, excuse me," Peter said, nearly scaring me to death. He might have found it amusing, but I nearly felt airsick.

Feeling frustrated from the one-star ride, "Warn me next time." I punch him against his arm which caused him to fall over.

He was a useless drunk so I not going to bother.

Upon entered the building, I great trail of blood leading downstairs.

I equipped my shock baton and slowly made my way down.

"Ruby, I need to inform you that there are three Gifted in the hospital. One is on the ground floor, another directly beneath you, and the last one is on the fifth floor. There's a large group of monsters below you, so try to use your gift and the shock baton instead." Molly said.

Wait, that reminds me, "Understand that Peter is sleeping on the roof, so contacting him will be useless," I said.

Molly sighed and said, "I will keep a lookout for him."

I shortly chuckle and continue to walk down the stairs.

I arrived on the sixth floor. Several creatures were waiting for me. Three of them unleashed a powerful scream that brought me to my knees.

One decided to rush me, but I already prepared for them.

I sprayed water pushing the creature back and then use the shock baton and toss it on the trail of water shocking any incoming enemies.

For the most part, it was successful. Three were scorched beyond repair, but the rest took to the air to avoid meeting the same fate.

Two rushed me simultaneously.

Now, it had become a game of cat and mouse among the three of us. Its attack patterns were predictable, almost as if it wasn't really making an effort.

Simultaneously, they delivered a synchronized punch that pushed me back several steps, at which point I realized what their plan was.

Both moved out of the way for the incoming water cannon.

Despite the impact, I remained standing with hardly a scratch.

To compensate for your lack of strength, you will all attack simultaneously. This strategy is certain to be lethal for a low-rank hunter.

But I am no amateur.

Equipping my gun and displaying my blue sparkling aura around my body for the crowd to watch at amazement.

I dashed toward the two I had confronted earlier, seizing my shock baton on route.

Utilizing my water abilities, I created a waterslide to accelerate my movement. Once within range, I engaged both creatures, relying primarily on reflexes and agility.

Those behind intervened by spraying jets of water towards me, which unfortunately resulted in me dodging their onslaught.

After dodging one of their water cannons, I fired four wild rounds. One of the monsters was killed, and the other two were brought down.

Alright all that's left is-

A flashy bolt of lightning past me and in a manner of seconds. Those monsters were done.

The one who did this was our drunken leader laughing like a maniac, "You *hic* took way too long there *hic*." Peter stole my win.

In retaliation, I kicked him in the shins. "They were MINE!" This isn't the first time; he's just boasting about how fast he can move.

In a gesture of pity, Peter ruffled my hair. "It's okay, *hic* Ruby. Next time you'll fight on your own—" But I cut him off with a swift kick between his legs and stormed away.

Not only that now I can hear Molly's giggling in my ears. She must be having a field day watching this from the comfort of her location.

"Rather than laughing, could you direct me to the person on this floor?" It seems my successes will be overshadowed by this entire operation.

"Oh sorry Miss Ruby. Just head down the hallway and go to a storage room." Her voice still sounds like she was still laughing at me.

I hope this can end soon.

Upon arriving at the hallway storage room, I knocked three times before entering, "Excuse me, but—" only to be startled by an emo-looking boy who nearly struck me in the face with a broomstick.

I'm actually quite lucky that my reflex took over and told me to move out the way at the last second.

"You are not one of them...no wait are you a Hunter?" He asked.

Dressed in a school uniform, and has a scar over his right eye concealed by his bangs, I inquired, "Are you Zero by any chance?"

He swallows his saliva before nodding his head a few times.

So, this is the second recruit. I wonder what makes him so special that Krist consider him.

"You can trust me; I'm a friend of Krist. My hunter name is Scarlet Abyss," I said. Upon hearing Krist's name, his face lit up with a relieved smile.

"He sent help," he said, his expression radiating genuine happiness. It seems that Krist has made a very favorable impression on him.

Suddenly the building was shaking, "Ruby be careful. There's a hunter who's going berserk on the lower floors. There's a possibility that this could be Evergreen." Molly warning only filled me with concern that Evergreen might destroy the hospital in his state.

I turned to Zero hand him my gun, "Don't tell anyone I gave you a gun. Okay!" I spoke.

He nodded, signaling his understanding of my instructions.

"Stay close behind me and you'll be safe," I assured him before we set out.