Gate Hunters

After breakfast, both children headed to their respective schools. Amber caught the school bus, while Ken rode his skateboard all the way to his school.

After their departure, a package arrived containing my personal items, which my best friend had sent.

A new toothbrush, various clothing items, my collection of rings, family portraits, an assortment of biology books, and lastly, my cherished old paintings.

Ruby assisted me in packing everything and also provided a tour of the house. Before the tour commenced, I needed to shower, brush my teeth, and change my clothes. Sleeping in a suit was uncomfortable, but having an unpleasant odor was worse.

Our bedroom was a straightforward master bedroom, equipped with a mounted TV, a wardrobe, two single beds, and essentially everything you would expect in an adult woman's bedroom.

Ken's room was distinctly unique, adorned in shades of black and dark blue. The walls were covered with numerous posters of metal bands, and among them hung a portrait of a blue-haired female singer—Melodica, the Asian pop star known for her emo music.

The more I stayed the more creep out I become staying inside. Ruby's calmness was another thing that scares me.

We entered Amber's room, which was quite girly – typical for a girl her age. I noticed four stuffed animals that she probably sleeps with every night: a cat, a lion, a bunny, and a snake. Ruby revealed her playful nature by declaring herself the cat of the house, which I thought was adorable.

She gave a tour of her basement, which was equipped with workout gear, a pool table, and a cozy couch.

The house tour concluded, and we found ourselves back in the living room. "Okay, that concludes the tour. I have something to show you, but first, we need to go to my workplace," Ruby said.

She mentioned that she and two of her closest friends have started a hunting group. "Is this related to the hunting group? How is everything going to work out?" I inquired.

Rather than explaining anything, she walked towards the front door while saying, "Just follow hon." It's far too early to be mysteries.

We left the house and made our way to the car. Where she begun to drive us somewhere.

The city met my expectations, teeming with cars and throngs of people as far as the eye could see.

"Still adjusting?" Asked Ruby who was eyeing me during the red stop.

"Well, it's not like home where everything is boring and traditional. I can say that."

I was amazed by how city life looked from the eyes of a countryman.

Rather than encountering the same faces daily or awaiting something worthwhile, you have the opportunity to embrace the full splendour of the unknown.

Danger lurking everywhere, beneficial events and most importantly the complete randomise.

"Is there anything you wish to experience in the city. Something that the countryside or your clan prevented you from experiencing?" Ruby asked.

...

...

"Figure skating and perhaps a waterpark." News about these events often show people having a great time.

Curiosity was my natural enemy and envy was its ally.

"I understand. Next time we're all free, let's go to a waterpark and then ice skating," Ruby suggested as the traffic light turned green, and she drove off.

I couldn't turn and face her. I said something so embarrassing, and she said yes to my childhood fantasy, "Sure, I can't wait." Thank God she focused on the road otherwise she would question why I'm so God damn red.

(Thirty minutes later)

"Here we are." We arrived at a café that was called Lucid Coffee. The place looks very well kept and there seems to be a number of customers walking inside.

Ruby pulled into a parking spot and guided me to the rear entrance, saying, "We can speak privately in the storage room without disturbances from customers. My two friends I mentioned will also be there."

As I entered the café's back storage room, two individuals caught my attention. The first was an elderly man, his face marked with numerous scars. He leaned casually against the wall, a tall figure with a mix of black and grey hair, piercing yellow eyes, and light brown skin.

The other individual was a young woman seated at a table, her legs crossed with a laptop resting on her lap. She appeared quite nervous upon my arrival. Her hair was blonde with pink highlights, her eyes matched the pink hue, and she had a light complexion.

"Morning everyone, allow me to introduce the new member of the team. Kris Page...or since we are already married. His name is Krist Stainer." She made my induction similar to how high school teacher introduce a child.

The old man sat down and took a bottle of wine from the counter, "My name is Peter Lawray and I'm the boss around here. The girl over here is Molly Steel, and she is our navigator. It's a pleasure to meet you but I want to clarify that I don't acknowledge your abilities unless I see them in person. This operation is something big and anyone weaker than me is not allowed in this room."

That's going to be problematic.

My clan has concealed much information about my abilities, so I cannot explain in great detail. As of now, only three people are aware of the truth regarding my abilities and weaknesses.

My Best friend V Walker, the prime minister of the eastern federal government and guild master June.

Apart from one ability that could tempt those craving power to see me as a valuable asset, there is no information about the Messiah worth revealing.

"Only under one condition: it must occur within a Gate. If you have access to a Gate, then I will demonstrate firsthand why I'm the strongest." I might come across as arrogant, but I am sincere in saying that he will endure an experience more dreadful than death.

Ruby interjects, "Peter, spare yourself the tough guy routine. We need to concentrate on our task." That's my wife for you, shielding the elderly from premature retirement.

Peter growled and then looked towards Molly. "Must he go through a test before joining?" he asked.

Molly was so terrified to answer due to me staring at her, that I just came up with a deal that everyone would be okay with.

I stepped into the center of the group and proposed, "I have a much better suggestion. Let's each reveal our abilities to one another."