Gate Hunters

Our apprentice hunter, Zero, needed to leave to visit his mother. For safety, I blindfolded him and provided aerial transport to the hospital.

He really enjoyed the feeling of the wind blowing in his face as he shouted that he was flying.

I was mainly laughing that a blindfolded teenage would get excited about being in the air.

Our flight concluded where I left him at a secluded location, "Here you go. Remember, don't tell anyone what you witnessed. I'll be in touch with you soon after our meeting to start your training," I said. With a flap of my majestic wings, I bid farewell to my student.

Upon returning back to warehouse.

I can see that they were already talking about the content of the temple that I discovered in that Gate.

Two digital information projections represent distinct aspects of the domain: one displays the wetland environment, highlighting agriculture, cultivation, and behavioural domestication. The other projection showcases temples, encapsulating the region's beliefs, culture, and laws.

These creatures mimicked early human behavior, from hunting with tools like stone spears to constructing dwellings in their wetland habitat.

Molly turned to me and inquired, "Krist, you mentioned having a hypothesis you'd like to share with us? Because I'm clueless about their presence here. From what I've observed, most of the attacks have targeted young adult women. All the women who were killed had their stomachs blown out. Do you understand why?" She asked.

I stood between them and said, "In their domain, I found a temple adorned with carvings depicting a mating ritual, an idol figure, a hunting scene, and much more. It seems they intended to crossbreed with different species to create powerful progeny. The mating outcomes align with the hospital's findings. I could be mistaken, so let's not dismiss it just yet."

Ruby abruptly leapt off the crate. "Wait, I recognize this. It's almost identical to the wall carvings our cave ancestors used to make," she remarked.

During the early stages of humanity, numerous cave drawings were found that led many to speculate that a divine entity provided this information to Homo habilis, aiding their understanding of development. Five distinct drawings have been uncovered, seemingly providing instructions on how early humans were intended to evolve.

Drawing one was our mating ritual and explaining how in order to reproduce we needed one man and one woman.

Drawing two was the type of food we could eat. This was primary meat, veggies and fruits. There were hints that it had drawings of rivers to tell the cavemen that they must drink water.

Drawing three was the type of God we should follow. But this one was controversial in modern era because in all twelve continents. There are different types of God's and religious beliefs that different continents follow. So there's no God that above the other. They will all seem to be equal.

Drawing four was about the night and day cycle. Tell them that they will survive during the day but at night they wouldn't.

And finally, drawing five was the Gifted. They were drawn to be the chosen one by the Gods.

"Now that I look at it, they do seem similar by design," I remarked. We stood in silence, attempting to decipher the situation.

Suddenly, I was hoisted up by Peter, drunk and with a bottle of whiskey in hand. "My drinking buddy, let's toast to our first successful operation," he declared. Even in the gravest of moments, he demonstrated precisely why he should not lead our group.

"Actually, we need to pick up the children from school. I've just received a message from the parent's group chat; everyone is safe, but they've decided to close the school until further notice," she said, coming to my rescue. Peter sadly set me down on the floor.

Swiftly regaining my footing, I said, "Don't worry, old man. If I'm free, you'll be the first one I'll call to hang out." I offered him a reassuring smile that lightened his mood.

"Fine by me, I was thinking of a special name for our team. Something that embodies our goals and dreams," said Peter, his voice brimming with joy. Molly seemed to share his enthusiasm as well.

She leapt off the crate and sprinted towards Peter, exclaiming, "And not just that, we need codenames to make it feel like we're in a spy movie!" Clearly, they are the children of the group – beyond any doubt.

Peter tossed his bottle aside and gestured towards himself, "I've also come up with a name for the group and my own codename," he declared.

Ruby sighed and remarked, "Fine. But if it's something foolish, we're not going along with it."

With a grin spreading across his face, he declared, "Our team shall be known as the Rejected Raiders, and I shall be called Storm," as a bolt of lightning crackled over his form.

Molly was clearly impressed; I could tell she was beaming behind her mask as she declared, "Oh my turn, my codename can be Oracle."

I turned to Ruby, who removed her mask to reveal a broad smile. "Okay then, I chose the name Scarlet Abyss as a codename on the spot earlier. I believe it suits me well," she said.

Now all eyes were on me. Ruby nudged my arm, waiting for me to say something.

...

...

"My codename can be White Angel. Given my past and present, I believe this is perfect for me." I spoke.

Our first operation was a success but with minor failures.

The city level Gate was destroyed but the monsters inside cause minor damage to the city.

We couldn't recruit Evergreen but managed to get Zero.

I believe we require additional preparation before entering the White Gate on the fifteenth, two weeks from now.