New York

It is the year 2023, the world had been through a lot of changes since the gates first opened 40 years ago. Individuals known as Hunters are the ones responsible for closing the Gates of the Underworld and defeating the threats that emerge from it called the Damned.

Cycling through the busy morning streets of New York City, a 22-year-old Gruber Eats courier, Kit Templeton, was pedaling like crazy to deliver the food but abruptly stops when he sees the news playing from a 65-inch flatscreen television in an electronics store.

Kit's eyes widened as the news report flashed on the 65-inch flatscreen television. He slowed his bike to a stop, mesmerized by the images of the isolated island and the high-ranking hunters who had ventured into the S class gate. A soft, awestruck smile formed on his lips when the camera zoomed in on the alluring woman leading the expedition.

The sound of his phone ringing multiple times barely registered as he was lost in thoughts of the Gates and the daring individuals who faced the Damned.

"Oh no, I forgot that I'm delivering this food." Kit thought to himself in a panicked state.

As he cycled through to his destination, the beauty of New York never ceases to amaze him. The honking sounds of the cars in the asphalt roads, the chattering people in the open-air cafes, and the hopeful newcomers filled with hopes and dreams.

Kit thought of how wonderful the people are in the city. That is, until he meets the customer who ordered food. As soon as the doors open, a loud shout was heard.

The angry customer's face turned crimson as she furiously pointed a finger at Kit. He was berated by different kinds of curse words like an angry middle-aged woman looking for the manager in a restaurant.

"You! You're utterly useless, do you even comprehend that? Seven whole minutes late! My food should've been here ages ago. What's your name? I'm complaining to Gruber Eats, and you'll regret ever crossing my path!"

Kit took a deep breath, steeling himself against the tirade that was about to come. The customer's shrill voice pierced his ears like needles, and he fought to maintain a polite demeanor. Behind his calm facade, frustration bubbled, but years of experience had taught him to be patient. Once the food was handed over, he nodded politely and turned away without a care in the world. Only when he was out of the customer's sight did he let out a heavy sigh, feeling a mix of anger and exhaustion from the constant barrage of negativity he faced daily.

As it was almost 11 am, Kit decided to go back to his apartment to freshen up as he had classes to take after lunch.

Kit's apartment was located in a quieter neighborhood in the city where the rent is cheap. The apartment was relatively small and compact, the bedroom is beside the kitchen, living room, and dining room with only a bookshelf separating it.

Lying in the couch in the living room was a teenage girl reading books about magic particularly healing magic. Her skin was of caramel in color, she was wearing glasses, her black hair tied into a cute bun, and wears a purple oversized sweater that reaches down to her knees. She has a purple star looking tattoo in the middle of the back of her right hand.

"Maddie, don't you have classes today?" Kit said in a casual tone.

"I dropped out, I ought to learn magic and join the Devastators."

"We already had this talk, Maddie; I can't let you go to the gates and risk your life there."

"But brother, If I do this, you won't have to deliver food to rude people anymore and you can focus on your studies. We won't have to worry about money anymore. Plus, I'll be a healer on the backlines, I'll be protected there."

Hearing his little sister's words, his chest tightened, his heart sinking with guilt. He felt as if he failed to be a brother to her. She should be studying and enjoying life with her friends. She shouldn't be worried about money or fighting the forces of the underworld. The only thing she should worry about is the boy she has a crush on and the college entrance exams of the university she wants to go to.

"Let's talk later tonight." Kit said with hints of sadness in his voice.

"Okay, but you are not gonna change my mind."

Kit forces a smile on his face and leaves the living room to enter the bathroom. The bathroom was small and only one big mirror, a sink, and a shower was there.

Kit shed his clothes, revealing his toned physique in the mirror. He ran a hand through his unruly black hair, gazing at the reflection of his ruby eyes, his face a mix of vulnerability and helplessness.

Like his sister, he has white star looking tattoo on the back of his right hand. He also has a birthmark on his right arm that resembles an inverted V.

He contemplates to himself of how completely powerless he is while looking at the white star on the back of his hand.

"If only I could be the one to venture inside the gates, but I am born weak. I don't have the power to fight inside the gates."

"If only this star on the back of my hand is colored red or even the same as Maddie's."

Tears slowly fell down on Kit's ruby colored eyes. He opens the shower and continues to cry silently in the comfort of the falling droplets that touches his body.

Thirty minutes have passed, Kit has finally composed himself again and exits the shower. He sees that Maddie is nowhere to be found but he saw the note she left her.

"I'll be back tonight, Leslie and Grace asked me to hang out."

Reading this, it puts a smile on Kit's face. He then wears his denim pants, a white shirt, and his old Air Majesty's shoes. Before exiting the apartment, he receives a text from one of his female classmates asking him to meet in Aroma Avenue for a cup of coffee.

***

Aroma Avenue exuded a nostalgic charm, its walls adorned with vintage movie posters and memorabilia spanning several decades. An old record player stood near the entrance, softly playing tunes from cherished vinyl records of yesteryears.

There was also an old vintage Television hanging on one of the walls which was playing the news. The lighting inside was dominantly warm colored giving you the vibe of an old romantic comedy movie.

The furniture inside was made of mostly wood such as the chairs, booths and tables. The bar and its bar stools were made from Oak wood which looked completely different from the others.

Even the employees embraced the vibe of the cafe and donned vintage white striped uniforms and aprons.

Sitting alone in the window side of a booth, was a beautiful and unique woman. She had this amazing wolf cut and wore transparent glasses. She has a fair complexion and has this deep sapphire blue eyes which completely contrasts Kit's eyes. She wore oversized clothes and gave off a boyish vibe but seeing the books and laptop in front of her, she was a mix of unusual beauty and nerdiness.

Entering the cafe, Kit immediately saw his classmate.

"Donna, why'd you call me here?" Kit said.

"Kit, you're finally here. Stay standing cause I have the most amazing news ever. I got accepted as a student in Queeny Tino's workshop." Donna said with a full smile and excitement.

"Queeny Tino? THE FAMOUS QUEENY TINO?" Kit said in disbelief.

Donna just nods her head yes.

"NO WAY DONNA! That's amazing, YOU! are amazing. I am so happy and so proud of you." Kit said as he quickly hugs Donna.

As the waiter approached their table, Kit's face lit up with a warm smile, and he nodded, signaling that he wanted the usual. Donna mirrored his expression, her eyes brightening with excitement as she ordered her favorite drink without hesitation.

"Okay I got the both of you! I'll make it extra special this time for you Donna." The waiter said as he leaves for the counter.

As the two continued conversing, a person entered the cafe. Seeing Kit and Donna, he immediately goes there. He suddenly slammed his right hand on the table showing a purple star on it.

"Hey Donna, you shouldn't be hanging out with loser like him." The rude person said.

"Shut up Chad, I can hang out with anyone I want. Now please go away, you're spoiling the vibe here with your presence." Donna said in an angry manner.

"What if I don't want to?"

"Didn't you hear what she just said or are you just stupid to understand Chad?" Kit said in a mocking tone.

"Shut up! you're just a measly white star while me? I am a purple star hunter working for the devastators."

Before the two of them can continue to bicker at one another. Outside the window, there were a horde of people running away from something. Having their curiosity piqued, the three exited the cafe and was shocked of what they saw.

Apparently, an undetected massive S class gate suddenly appeared. It was like a piece of reality shattered and inside was pure darkness void of light. This causes mass panic outside and the police nearby quickly mobilized to evacuate the citizens nearby.

"Hey Chad, I think you have some work to do right now." Kit said in a mocking tone.

"Ohhh shit!" Chad said nervously.