Two months later*
The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across Seoul's bustling Hunter District.
On a raised platform in the center of Yongsan Plaza, a sea of faces turned towards the imposing figure of Choi Sung-min, Guild Master of the Crimson Phoenix Guild.
His voice, amplified by magic-enhanced speakers, carried across the crowd of assembled hunters.
"Esteemed colleagues," Choi began, his tone grave.
"As the third-ranked guild worldwide, it falls to us to address the growing crisis. The frequency of gate openings has increased tenfold in the past month alone. Our analysts predict—"
A ripple of movement near the plaza's eastern entrance interrupted his speech.
Murmurs spread through the crowd like wildfire, heads turning away from the Crimson Phoenix's carefully orchestrated presentation.
