Chapter 9: The calm before the storm
Four days had passed since the meeting of the hunters and the shocking revelation by Emily Williams about the imminent appearance of higher level gates at S ranks and the arrival of two beings set on destroying the world. The hunters, still reeling from this news, had spent the last few days mentally and physically preparing for the potential confrontation ahead.
However, three days ago, something strange had occurred. The gates had stopped appearing in mass, as if the world had suddenly entered a period of calm. The hunters, though relieved by this unexpected lull, remained on high alert, knowing that it was likely just the calm before the storm.
In accordance with Emily's prediction, three gates exceeding SS+ level had appeared simultaneously in three different locations around the world: in Korea, Japan, and the most imposing one in the United States, in the city of Washington D.C. The latter, situated in the heart of the American capital, emitted such a powerful and menacing aura that even the most seasoned hunters shuddered in its presence.
Upon the appearance of these gates, the authorities had reacted swiftly. Each gate was now under high surveillance, guarded by several S rank hunters and the best A rank hunters. Among them was Ethan, the SS+ rank hunter.
Ethan stood before the gate in Washington D.C., hands in his pockets, his piercing gaze fixed on the dark and menacing entrance. He could feel the malevolent energy emanating from it, as if the gate itself was a living being, ready to unleash its demonic contents upon the world. Around him, other S rank hunters were stationed, all in a state of maximum alertness.
Despite the palpable tension, the hunters tried to maintain a light atmosphere, exchanging jokes and stories to lighten the mood. They all knew that stress and fear were their worst enemies in such situations.
Alex, a young promising hunter, approached Ethan with a worried expression on his face. "Ethan, do you really think we're ready for this? I mean, if Emily is right and these beings are so powerful..."
Ethan placed a reassuring hand on Alex's shoulder. "Listen, kid. We are the elite. We have been trained to face the impossible. Whatever comes out of those gates, we'll be there to face it."
Alex nodded, drawing courage from Ethan's words. "You're right. We can't afford to doubt ourselves now."
"Exactly," Ethan agreed with a confident smile. "We will show these demons what hunters are capable of."
Not far away, in the city of Washington, a new S rank gate had appeared. A group of fifteen people, consisting of two S rank hunters and thirteen A rank hunters, had been tasked with securing the area and containing any potential threats.
Inside the gate, the corridors were littered with monster corpses. Some had been burned, others cut or pierced by holes of varying sizes. Battle traces were everywhere, bearing witness to the ferocity of the fights that had taken place there.
At the end of the corridor stood a large door adorned with strange motifs. It seemed to be the source of the malevolent energy permeating the place.
Near the door, fifteen members of the Silver guild stood resting, catching their breath before the final assault. Their faces reflected a mix of determination and apprehension.
Dorian, the S rank warrior, spoke in a firm yet encouraging tone. "My friends, this door leads to Morgath's lair. We must be prepared to face his worst tricks. Kael, Nox, you will be on the front lines with me to distract and weaken him."
Kael, the tank, nodded confidently. "Understood, Dorian. I will keep his attention on me as much as possible to give you the opportunity to strike."
Elysia, the mage, looked up from the ancient grimoire she was studying intently. "According to the archives, Morgath uses powerful illusions to disorient his opponents. I will prepare counterspells to protect us."
Thalia, the other mage, approached Elysia with a conspiratorial smile. "If we combine our magics, we might be able to penetrate his defenses more easily. What do you think?"
"Excellent idea, Thalia," Elysia approved, returning the smile. "Galen, we will need your ice storms as well. Your spells will be essential."
The young mage nodded, a glint of determination in his eyes despite his apparent nervousness. "I will give my best. You can count on me."
Mira, the healer, finished checking her potions and phylacteries before addressing the group with a soft but serious voice. "I will be ready to heal you at any time. But be careful."
Elara, the ranger, polished her bow with precise movements, her gaze sharp. "I will cover your backs and try to slow him down from a distance. My arrows won't miss him."
Nox and Drake, the assassins, exchanged a knowing glance before high-fiving, a smirk on their faces. "We'll sneak up on him from behind to hit his weak points. He won't see us coming."
"And I'll be there to support you since I pretty much master all the elements," Rhea concluded with a confident wink.
Dorian stood up, his face serious but his voice strong. "The rest of you, go back outside. Given your condition, you would only be dead weight against Morgath. We can't afford any weakness."
He placed his hand on the door handle and scanned the group. "Silver guild, are you ready to do this?"
As one, they rose in unison, unsheathing their gleaming weapons and checking their gear one last time.
"Ready!" they shouted in unison, their cry echoing like a vow.
Dorian pushed the door and entered with determined steps, immediately followed by Elysia and the other members, their footsteps echoing in unison on the stone floor, ready to face their destiny.