17 The Gate
[San Francisco, West Coast]
Quiet.
Peaceful.
Serene.
The passing of cars that crossed the iconic Golden Gate Bridge made for quite the view. Photographers picture from afar, the tourists and locals outside spending time, the definition of peaceful.
Truly, what can go wrong and destroy this picturesque view of the world? The honking of cars? Boisterous chatter of others? Horns of boats? An eery fog created by the ocean?
Or a massive towering gate that has emerged right beside the famous bridge?
Well, that has certainly changed the usual crowd. With the gate's appearance, crowds of Hunters, reporters, and government officials have swarmed the Bridge.
Even without a magical device to measure the gate's rank, one can already name it the first S-Rank Gate. Its sheer size already towers all other gates by a multitude.
If the tallest gate on record was the size of a house, then this gate right now stands at the height of a hurricane.
Hunters who are sensitive to magical energy can feel their skin crawl, even when they are a hundred meters away.
Reporters on-site, bombarding officials and Hunters to release the official ranking of the gate. On-field personnel could only repeat the same thing repeatedly, 'Contact the Federal Bureau of Hunters for further queries.'
[Federal Bureau of Hunters: Press Conference]
In a press meeting held by the Federal Bureau of Hunters, a rather buff and wrinkled middle-aged man was slowly making his way to the table. The table, littered with mics of different news stations.
The man, David Brennon and recognized as the Director of the Federal Bureau of Hunters, sat and readied to be hounded by questions.
*Thud*
*Thud*
He tapped the microphone, garnering the attention of everyone. "Good evening, I'm the Director of the Federal Bureau of Hunters," he stated flatly.
"We are here to announce the ranking of the gate that has appeared on the Golden Gate Bridge," said in a solemn voice before continuing, "The news that we bring is not great," further intensifying the atmosphere.
"The ranking of the said gate is the first-ever in the history of this Great Nation and the world," while looking down grimly, but proceeded, "The first-ever S-Rank gate has appeared on our Planet."
As he said those words, rows upon rows of seated reporters stood up like mad zombies. Each spitting their own questions, speaking over the other to be heard and asked.
David Brennon expected this, but stayed silent, allowing the people to calm themselves first. When no questions were answered, their voices soon lowered until none spoke anymore.
When all were listening and seated once more, he spoke. "Answering the most common question of what does the U.S. plan to do first," he said and pondered for a while.
"Our first plan is to evacuate all nearby cities and provide shelter for those that do not have a place to evacuate to," he said, to which all reporters began recording his words.
"Second, we will hire S-Rank Hunters from all over the world to combat this potential calamity alongside our Hunters." after saying this, he pointed to a reporter who raised his hands.
"From BBC News! Will you attempt to raid the dungeon?" the reporter's question was smart since this was the first S-Rank Gate to appear.
"We will bring the fight into our home ground to increase our advantage. S-Rank Hunters are scarce, so the appearance of an S-Rank gate will hold untold dangers."
With his words, a reporter brazenly stood up and yelled his question, "Does that mean you will allow the beasts to rampage onto our soil!?"
It didn't even take a second for Brennon to respond, "Which is why we are evacuating. Buildings and roads can be rebuilt, but sending S-Rankers inside of an S-Rank gate is foolish!" he roared.
He may not be a Hunter, but he reached his position with skill and not kissing ass. "Even S-Rank Hunters die inside of A-Rank gates, do you even know what an S-Rank gate entails inside!?"
He continued berating the poor man, "S-Rank Hunters keep nations safe from any ranked gate. To send them into unknown danger is to kill the pillars of the world!"
His words eventually made the reporter sit down in humiliation; his attempt to smear the bureau's name backfired on him.
Indeed, S-Rank Hunters get treated like kings and queens within smaller countries. They are a strategic resource, a deterrent, and also a symbol of safety.
A country would never waste an S-Rank Hunter's life, even if it means sacrificing a mountain of Hunters. It shows the importance of an S-Ranked individual, an individual who can turn the tides of war.
After a series of questions and answers, a staff employee hurriedly gave a note that contained important information. The content placed a smile on Brennon's face; this piqued the reporter's interest.
"We have just received important information that Kara White, inventor of the Potion, will sponsor free potions during this crisis," he said in a confident tone. In his mind, this should already fish in more S-Rank Hunters.
At the mention of the potion, many more series of questions were asked regarding it. Meanwhile, our inventor is quietly watching the press meeting with her family.
[House...]
"Princess, your prediction came true," Thomas said as he brushed the hairs of his two daughters; Laura was busy cooking dinner.
Kara said nothing but silently hummed in response. She has been constantly spending time with her Papa, afraid that something would happen.
Kara didn't suggest fighting alongside her Papa since it'll be an instant rejection. An instant rejection from her entire family.
She decided to just valiantly appear when the five Hunters are left. From her estimates, her potion would do squat against Kamish's attacks.
Kamish, without a doubt, would stand near the height of the Golden Gate Bridge. When something that large attacks, everything dies instantly.
'I'll sponsor my potions instead, and get painted in a good light while at it. Free advertisement and painting my image as someone who will not take advantage of the situation. Win-Win,' she thought.
"Papa, you improved in combing our hair."
"Hehe! Big sis is right! Baba improved!"
Thomas, hearing his daughter's compliments, smiled from ear to ear. He even knows how to braid and tie their hair.
Kara's hair is the personification of straight and neat; Aela got her eccentric wavy hair from Thomas. Even if they have different fathers, the two got their looks from Laura, making them look alike.
"Thomas! Fix the table!" Laura called out from the kitchen; the family does not hire any servants. The only workers within their estate are the people who tend to the gardens.
The girls, hearing their mother, quickly climbed onto the shoulders of Thomas. They treat him like transport, and Thomas is more than happy to indulge in his two daughters' whims.
An owl and a two-horned cat followed; they have grown to love human food... a bit too much. It weirded Thomas and Laura out at first, an owl and horned cat eating spaghetti. Who wouldn't?
The family talked and ate, avoiding the S-Rank Gate as a topic. Thomas didn't call it out, but he knew that Laura and Kara were worried for him. As for Aela? Well, she's still young to notice.
[Moments later...Kara's room]
Kara was ready to sleep but asked Aerys about his thoughts on the gate. "Did you sense anything beyond the gate?" she asked; they visited the site, secretly of course.
Aerys was silent, but nodded. "One massive Dragon and a hundred small ones, Master." This got Kara raising an eyebrow. "There's more accompanying a massive one?" she asked seriously.
She expected Kamish to be a solo boss, but it doesn't seem the case anymore. It makes things worse; those hundred small ones can scatter to God knows where.
"Master, if it comforts you. These Dragons from my experience do not possess the Thu'um. They have the potential, but they merely cause mass panic with their mana-infused shouts," he said; which did somewhat comfort Kara.
"I see. And what's your strength compared to it?" Kara asked inquisitively; any amount of information helps her to prepare. "He is leagues above me in raw power, Master. But in technique and versatility? I outclass him."
Kara then asked him another question. "Do you think I should absorb the power of his soul? Wouldn't this help in learning the Thu'um?"
Aerys, hearing this, immediately advised, "Master, I may not be familiar with the soul. But you must thoroughly purify it perfectly. If not, then once you absorb it, any lingering pieces of it could grow and influence you," he sternly warned.
Kara smiled and petted the owl on the head, "Haha, I wouldn't do something to myself without 100% assurance, silly. But I'm asking you, since you are a Dragon yourself, do you find it morally wrong?"
"It's the winner's right to take anything from the loser. Morals will kill you in battle, Master," it basically means he doesn't mind.
"I see. Morals, huh? The experiments I want to try would probably make morals run away from me, hehe," she laughed. Her life as a human once is probably what is anchoring her from doing such things.
Soon enough, she slept.
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(CHEERS)
