The Gate [1]

The opulent top floor of the office building exuded an old-world charm with its traditional lamps casting a warm glow and a collection of ornate canes adorning the walls. 

Kaede Kobayashi, the principal of the prestigious Cypress Academy and an SSS-ranked auror, sat behind a large wooden table, surrounded by scattered papers and ancient tomes.

As he leaned back in his chair, his piercing gaze fixed on the flickering flames of the lamp, a frown creased his wrinkled forehead.

"It seems that the gate is acting up again," he muttered to himself.

Just then, the air in front of him rippled, and a figure materialized out of thin air.

Clad in a flowing white robe that accentuated his muscular build, the man had a thick white beard that cascaded down his chest.

"Xander Montgomery," Kaede acknowledged the man's presence with a nod.

"Yes, sir," Xander replied, bowing his head in respect.