The S-Rank Arrival Ethan could barely breathe. The six S-Rank adventurers stood before the Gate of the Forgotten, their presence crushing in its sheer intensity.
eylan Stormrider, the Voidblade Warlord, radiated power, his hand resting on the hilt of his legendary blade. Kaela Ravencrown, the Arcane Executioner, scanned the gate with piercing violet eyes, analyzing its magic. Darius Ironheart, the Unbreakable Guardian, planted his massive shield into the ground, ready for war. Lira Moonveil, the Celestial Healer, whispered a soft incantation, her golden aura calming the space. Razik Thornfang, the Phantom Slayer, barely moved, his form flickering like a shadow in the mist. Orin Blackthorn, the Arcane Juggernaut, cracked his knuckles, arcs of raw mana flickering around him.
Their eyes fell on Ethan’s team. Assessing. Measuring. And then—Veylan spoke. “Step away from the gate.” Ethan’s pulse pounded. These weren’t just adventurers. These were living legends. But this wasn’t their fight. Not yet
Gareth took a measured breath. “We’ve been investigating these ruins for days. That gate—” he gestured, “is about to break open. You just got here.” Kaela’s gaze flickered, unimpressed. “And your point?” Kara scowled. “Our point is—we know more about what’s happening than you do.” Orin let out a short, amused laugh. “Cute,” he mused, folding his arms. “But irrelevant.” Ethan stepped forward. “You don’t understand,” he said. “Something behind that gate—something older than the System—is waking up.” Veylan’s silver eyes locked onto him. “And you think we don’t know that?” His voice was calm. Controlled. But Ethan felt the weight behind it. This is a man who has faced horrors beyond imagination. And survived. Veylan continued, “We were sent from the capital to handle this situation. You were not.” Leah’s voice shook. “So you’re just going to barge in and expect us to step aside?” Darius Ironheart tilted his head. “Yes.” The word was spoken with absolute certainty. Like a fact. Like an undeniable truth. And for the first time—Ethan felt something dangerous. Something he hadn’t expected. We are outclassed. Completely.
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A sudden pulse of dark energy exploded outward. The Gate of the Forgotten trembled—another crack forming along its surface. A voice—deep, ancient, and cold—whispered through the air. “More have come.” “More to witness.” “More to break.” Ethan staggered, his mark burning white-hot. Veylan’s eyes narrowed. Kaela’s arcane senses flared. Orin cursed, stepping back. “…That thing’s alive.” The chains rattled violently. The city itself trembled. And then— A System message flashed.
[SYSTEM ALERT: FINAL SEAL WEAKENING]
[GATE STATUS: 92% COMPROMISED]
[RECOMMENDATION: IMMEDIATE INTERVENTION]
Kaela’s expression darkened. “Well. That’s new.” Ethan’s fists clenched. They were running out of time. And now—they had to decide who was going to stop it.
