Chapter 24 - Gate opening

"My tab is picking up a massive energy signature at the other end of the station. That's where we need to go," Adriana responded, her fingers swiftly moving over the device.

Without hesitation, the group of demon hunters bolted towards the location Ethan had identified. Their boots thudded against the concrete, each step carrying them closer to the unknown threat.

Turning a corner, they were met with a sight that made even seasoned hunters like them pause in awe and fear. A massive, grotesque creature stood before them, its presence dominating the landscape.

Marcus, gripping his two battle axes with a determined scowl, was the first to break the silence. "Damnation's fire," he muttered. "What in the actual fuck is that?"

The monster before them was a towering form shrouded in a swirling aura of dark energy. Its eyes glowed with a malevolent red light, piercing through the smoke and debris.

The Level 5 possessed was unlike anything they had encountered before – a true monstrosity in both size and power.

[Name: N'Goth]

[Race: Shadow Demon]

[Level: 5]

[Experience: 9/10]

[Strength: 8/10]

[Energy: 10/10]

[Agility: 6/10]

[Stamina: 9/10]

[Speed: 8/10]

The creature let out a thunderous roar, the sound reverberating off the surrounding buildings. It swung its massive arms, each movement causing the ground to shake and crack.

"We need a plan," Ethan stated, his grip on his scythe tightening. The sleek, deadly curve of the blade seemed to hunger for the coming battle.

"Hit and run tactics," Adriana suggested quickly. "We can't take this thing head-on. We have to be smart, use our agility."

Marcus nodded in agreement. "Carter, you're the fastest. Draw its attention. Adriana and I will flank it, look for weak spots."

"Agility is key," Adriana added, her fingers coiling around her long chain, kunai glinting at the ends. "I'll create openings; you guys strike when you see them."

Marcus, holding his two battle axes, nodded. "Carter, keep it busy. We'll aim for weak spots."

Ethan lunged forward, his scythe slicing through the air. The creature, drawn to his movement, focused its fury on him. Ethan's scythe whooshed close to the creature, barely missing but enough to keep its attention.

The creature, focused on Ethan's swift movements, was caught off guard as Marcus' axes found their mark, tearing into its flesh. The monster reeled, but it was far from defeated.

Meanwhile, Adriana used her chain and kunai with precision, throwing them to entangle and slice at the creature's limbs. The demon, sensing Adriana's strategy pulled at the chain, dragging her off the ground and using her to hit Ethan, both of them landing on the floor.

Marcus, seeing an opening, leaped high, his axes descending in a powerful arc towards one of the glowing marks Adriana had made. The impact sent a shockwave through the area, causing the beast to stumble.

Ethan's head began to reel from the impact of the fall. He lifted his head to find Adriana atop him. He had rolled over at the very last second to help break her fall.

She coughed as she raised her upper body up, only to straddle Ethan in the process. Ethan felt blood rush to his member as the movement Adriana had made placed her pussy just atop of his crotch.

He coughed, trying to make Adriana aware of the awkward position they were in. Adriana suddenly grew aware of the position and attempted to shift herself and stand up, only to rub against Ethan's dick the more.

"Thanks… " she muttered as she helped herself up… "for breaking my fall."

Ethan simply nodded and turned to his side to pick himself up and in that moment, his attention was suddenly drawn to a flickering distortion in the air – a swirling vortex that had gone unnoticed in the heat of battle.

"Marcus, look!" Ethan exclaimed, his voice laced with both shock and urgency as he pointed at the mysterious portal. "Demons... they're pouring out of that thing!"

The sight of the portal, with its writhing, shimmering edges, and the lesser demons spilling forth was a chilling revelation. This was new, something they hadn't encountered before.

"Adriana, Ethan, focus on the portal! I'll keep the big one busy," Marcus commanded, his voice steady despite the unfolding terror.

Breaking away from the Level 5 possessed, Ethan and Adriana approached the portal, their expressions a mix of fascination and horror. Demons of various grotesque forms were emerging continuously, adding to the pandemonium.

"We have to close it, but how?" Adriana shouted, slicing through a demon that had gotten too close.

Ethan's mind raced for a solution when suddenly Lilith's voice echoed in his head. "[The only way to close the portal is from within. You must defeat the demon controlling it.]"

"Inside?" Ethan relayed the message to Adriana, his eyes fixed on the growing horde of lesser demons spilling out. "We need to get in there and take down the source."

Adriana turned to him, her expression a mix of shock and concern. "Are you sure? We have no idea what's on the other side. It could be a trap!"

Ethan met her gaze with a resolute look. "I know it's a risk. But every second we waste, more demons pour into our world. This might be our only chance to stop them at the source."

"But how can you be so certain that destroying the demon inside will close the portal?" Adriana pressed, the urgency of the situation etched on her face.

Ethan paused for a brief moment,looking at the portal and back to Adriana. "I guess there's only one way to find out."

Adriana nodded and they both turned to face the portal and that's when realization hit them like a thousand bricks. The entrance to the portal was a maelstrom of chaos, with lesser demons pouring out incessantly.

"I guess we'll have to carve a path out for ourselves then if we are going in." Adriana said as she twirled her chain in the air, ready to attack.