Unique Gate [2]
1436 Words
The System is a mysterious phenomenon that emerged hundreds of years ago, creating thousands of Gifted who enter the Gates.
By earning experience points inside the Gates, the Gifted gain extraordinary power. However, the greatest prize is the rewards the Gates provide.
A [ Skill ] is a power granted to a Gifted by the Gate upon successfully completing a raid. Each Skill consists of an active ability, which can be consciously used in battle, and a passive effect, which subtly influences the user’s combat potential.
However, all Skills come with restrictions—conditions that limit their use, whether through stamina consumption, cooldowns, or dangerous side effects.
No power is given without cost.
However, the Gate’s rewards are never guaranteed. It may grant a Skill, a weapon forged from the unknown, an enchanted artifact, or even a massive amount of experience points..
No one can predict what they will receive—only that the Gate always takes before it gives.
The only thing common where everyone can agree on, that the System and the Gates provide power. For that reason, Gifted enters the Gates.
As fate stitched a new path for Zanon’s new life after being transported into the new world, his primary goal for now is to live comfortably.
Armed with knowledge from his past, his growth is rapid. However, his original power remains restricted—not by the System, but by the limitations of his current body.
Despite training for months, he still can't draw 10% of his original power. However, that doesn't bother him. He knows that this is just the beginning.
I still have a long way to go… but I’ll get my power back in no time.
Now officially recognized as a D-Rank Gifted, Zenon can finally proceed with his plan to enter a D-Rank Gate.
Although his rank has increased, he is still restricted to D-Rank Gates, as E-Rank ones are meant for complete beginners. To gain access to higher-ranking Gates, he must continue to grow stronger and advance in rank.
However, entering a Gate legally requires either joining a Guild or becoming a mercenary. Guilds offer various benefits, while mercenaries have the freedom to participate in raids as they please. Most mercenaries have regular jobs outside the Gates and treat raiding as more of a side activity or hobby.
Sitting at his desk, Zenon opens his computer and navigates to a website where Guilds post raid applications.
There are a lot of mercenary raid postings here… but most are too far or don’t match my rank.
He continues scrolling through the listings, searching for one that suits him. After some time, he finally comes across a Guild recruiting mercenaries for a D-Rank Raid.
Perfect. Looks like they only need a few more people to fill specific roles. This is a great opportunity. I'll apply now.
Zenon quickly scans the raid details, ensuring everything checks out. The Guild organizing the raid is called Iron Fangs, a mid-tier Guild known for taking on consistent D and C-Rank Gates. The post specifies that they need one more Ranger and a Support to finalize their lineup.
"A Ranger spot, huh?" Zenon smirks. "That works."
He fills out the application form, inputting his information:
Name: Zenon
Rank: D
Role: Ranger
Experience: First-time raider
He hesitates for a moment before submitting. He isn't sure if admitting his lack of experience will affect his chances, but lying could be worse if they expect him to be a veteran. After a brief pause, he clicks Submit and leans back in his chair.
"Now, I wait."
Minutes pass, then an hour. Just as he considers logging off, a notification pops up on his screen.
[ Raid Application Approved ]
Report to Iron Fangs' Base Tomorrow at 8 AM
Zenon's heart pounds in excitement. His first real raid. His first step toward gathering more power in this world.
The next morning, Zenon arrives at the Iron Fangs' headquarters, a moderately sized building with the Guild's emblem—a wolf’s head with steel-like fur—displayed on the entrance. Several Gifted are gathered outside, some chatting while others check their equipment.
Taking a deep breath, he steps inside. A woman wearing a dark green cloak over light armor approaches him, a keen gaze analyzing him from head to toe.
"You're the new Ranger?" she asks.
"Yeah. Name’s Zenon," he replies confidently.
The woman nods. "I’m Lysara, lead Ranger for this raid. You got experience?"
"First time," Zenon admits.
Lysara clicks her tongue but doesn’t seem too bothered. "We’ll see how you handle yourself. Just don’t slow me down." She gestures toward the others. "Go introduce yourself. We move out in an hour."
[ Lysara Dula ]
Rank: C
Strength: 4.0
Agility: 3.5
Magic: 4.2
Battle IQ: 3.7
Defense: 3.8
Zenon nods, scanning the room. This is it. His first step toward new life.
Zenon steps further into the room, scanning the other raid members. Most are chatting in small groups, checking weapons, or adjusting their gear. It’s a mix of experienced Gifted and a few who, like him, seem new to this.
He spots a young man leaning against the wall, flipping a dagger between his fingers. Noticing Zenon’s stare, the man smirks.
"First raid?" he asks.
Zenon nods. "That obvious?"
"Kinda. You got that 'newbie trying to act calm' look," the man chuckles. "Name’s Renz, Vanguard. Looks like we’re on the same team."
Zenon extends a hand, and Renz shakes it with a firm grip.
"Ranger, huh? That means you’ll be scouting ahead with Lysara," Renz says, glancing toward the lead Ranger, who is now talking to the Raid Captain. "She’s strict, but she knows her stuff. Just follow her lead, and you’ll be fine."
Before Zenon can reply, a loud voice cuts through the room.
"Alright, listen up!"
Darius, the Raid Captain, stands in front of the group, arms crossed.
[ Darius Garcia ]
Rank: C
Strength: 3.5
Agility: 3.9
Magic: 4.0
Battle IQ: 3.8
Defense: 3.4
"We’re clearing a D-Rank Gate today. Should be straightforward, but that doesn’t mean we get careless. Stick to your roles, follow orders, and we’ll be in and out without trouble."
He motions to Lysara.
"Lysara, you and the Rangers take points. Scout the terrain and report anything unusual."
She nods and glances at Zenon. "You’re with me. Stay sharp and don’t lag behind."
Darius continues, briefing the Tanks, Vanguards, Mages, and Support. Once done, he claps his hands together.
"Gear up. We leave in ten."
Zenon exhales slowly, his grip tightening around the small satchel at his waist. This is it—his first real experience inside a Gate. No turning back now.
Zenon follows the others to the equipment area, where raid members double-check their gear. Unlike the heavily armored Tanks and Vanguards, Rangers travel light, prioritizing mobility. He tightens the straps of his leather armor and adjusts the dagger at his side.
[ Ranger ] — They scout the area and the battlefield to look for weakness as well as guard the backline for a surprise attack.
As Zenon tightens the last strap of his gear, Lysara approaches him again, eyeing the dagger at his waist.
"You any good with that?" she asks, nodding toward the weapon.
Zenon grips the hilt instinctively. "Yeah. I know how to use it."
Lysara raises an eyebrow. "Good. A Ranger needs to be quick and precise. We’re not frontline fighters, but if something gets too close, you need to handle yourself."
"I can manage," Zenon replies confidently.
She studies him for a moment before giving a small nod. "We’ll see." With that, she walks off to rejoin the other Rangers.
The group exits the Guild’s headquarters, moving through the city streets. Civilians step aside as they pass, some casting curious glances while others look on with mild indifference. For most people, seeing a raid team heading toward a Gate is nothing new.
As they reach the outskirts, the well-maintained roads fade into cracked pavement and overgrown lots. This area, left untouched by the city's expansion, is where Gates often appear—places where reality itself is weak.
Eventually, they arrive at a clearing, and there it stands.
A Gate.
A swirling mass of energy, shifting like liquid yet holding firm in a perfect oval shape. The air around it hums with unnatural energy, sending a faint chill down Zenon’s spine.
Darius steps forward, his voice steady. "Final checks. Once we go in, we don’t leave until the job’s done."
Zenon exhales, gripping his dagger briefly before letting it go. His first real step into this dangerous world is just ahead.
- Writer
