Magnus Lynton
"Brother~ wake up brother. It's time for your door raid."
The voice of Ava woke me up from slumber. As I opened my eyes, the first thing that I saw was Ava sitting on her bed, going through my phone.
"What are you doing with my phone," I asked, still sleepy.
Then my sleepy brain finally woke up and understood the situation. Ava was going through my phone. As soon as I realized that, I snatched my phone from her.
"How did you unlock my phone," I asked, curious about how she knew my password.
"Your password was my birthday. Took me 5 tries but it was worth it," Ava said, smiling as if she was proud of herself, "Now hurry up. We're going to be late for the A-Rank door."
"Yea- wait wait wait wait. We? What do you mean we?" I asked feeling a little bit suspicious.
"Uh, you might want to check your phone," Ava started to whistle while looking away as she finished her sentence.
I immediately opened my phone and saw that Ava was texting Sarah. I started to read what Ava and Sarah were texting about out loud.
"Hey Sarah, I was wondering if my lil sis can join us today... what. Why would you want to join us."
"Well, I just became an Ascender yesterday, didn't I? I wanted to test my power! Also, I heard that Alice will be there again!" Ava said excitedly, punching the air.
"Ava. Do you not know how dangerous it is behind the Doors? Doors are filled with monsters. Even the strongest Ascender can't be certain that he or she will come out alive from the Lowest rank Door. What if something unexpected happens? We might seem like we know stuff about Door but deep down, every Ascender knows that they know nothing about what goes on behind the Doors. We haven't even found the reason behind their appearance. Not to mention, this is one of the highest-rank doors. I can't let you go, Ava."
"B-but I just became an Ascender! I can defeat monsters now!" she said.
"Maybe someday, when I am powerful enough, we will clear some doors together yeah? Why don't I ask some of my friends to teach you?"
"Alright," Ava said, looking genuinely sad.
As I got up, I started to feel guilty. I remember the day when I evolved my ability and how excited I was. I remember last night when I was feeling so excited to try my new abilities out.
"Ava? I will let you go today ok? But promise me one thing, stay near me and Alice," I decided.
This might be a decision that I might regret in the future but there were two reasons. Firstly, I understood her feelings and secondly, I wanted her to see the horrible sight behind the Doors so that she wouldn't want to ever set foot back there again.
"For real?" Ava asked, not believing what she heard.
"Yeah, for real," I said, smiling at her innocent face.
"Yay! Thank you so much! I promise that I won't leave your sight!!" Ava said happily.
***
After finishing my morning routine, it was 8:30 a.m. I got a little bored as there was nothing much to do so I decided to turn the TV on to catch up on some news.
"Our raid starts at 10:30... transportation will take about 50 minutes... brother do you need to go somewhere before the raid?" Ava calculated. She was taking this very seriously. She is reading tips for being an Ascender and watching some footage of fighting monsters online.
"Uh, I think I'm gonna visit a store to get something for Alice and Sarah as gratitude for saving us," I said. Better late than never right?
"Ok, then we need to leave at 9:30."
"Wow wow wow wow, why leave so soon?" I asked, feeling lazy.
"Transportation takes 50 minutes, and visiting a store takes 10 minutes, doesn't it? We can't be late for this raid young man!" Ava scolded.
"Transportation? Ha, that takes less than 30 seconds," I said as I opened a small portal right to the remote and took it.
"Oh yeah, I forgot we can teleport. We will go at 10:25 then!" Ava said happily as she jumped to the couch to watch the news with me.
[Big news: Door Break: 1 Casualty, 5 Injured]
Door Breaks are catastrophic events where the Door, true to its name, breaks open, allowing monsters from inside the Door to roam freely on Earth, causing chaos and destruction. This was the tragic event that led to the death of our parents. Door Breaks occur when a Door remains uncleared for a month. While these events are rare due to the timely clearing of most Doors, there are instances where some Doors go unnoticed and remain uncleared, leading to these devastating occurrences. Monsters can't survive long due to not being able to breathe oxygen. Depending on the Door's rank, the longer they can survive in the real world.
"This is why I want to become an Ascender. To clear doors and make sure that citizens are safe," Ava said, looking down.
"I know Ava, I know," I said as I patter her head.
By 10:20, I decided to make a quick stop to buy a small gift for Alice and Sarah as a token of appreciation. I teleported to a department store, picked up a cute cat plush that reminded me of Alice and returned home. (I'm not even sure a Sovereign would like this but it was the only thing I can think of.)
At 10:25, we were ready. I opened a portal to the meeting point near the A-Rank Door. As we stepped through, we were greeted by Sarah and Alice.
"Magnus! Ava! Good to see you both," Sarah called out, waving.
Alice smiled warmly. "Glad you could make it. And Ava, it's nice to see you joining us. Don't worry; we'll keep you safe."
Ava beamed. "Thank you, Miss Alice. I'm excited to learn from all of you!"
I walked up to Alice, holding out the plush. "I wanted to thank you for saving me and Ava. I know it's not much, but I hope you like it."
Alice accepted the gift with a laugh. "Thank you, Magnus. It's the thought that counts. I'm just glad you're both safe."
Up close, Alice was truly beautiful. Her figure was graceful and well-shaped, giving her an elegant presence. Her face was lovely, with features that seemed perfectly balanced. Her wavy silver hair flowed softly around her shoulders, catching the light in a way that made it shine. Her bright blue eyes sparkled with warmth and kindness, drawing people in and inviting them to connect with her.
We exchanged a few more pleasantries before Alice started briefing us on the mission.
"As you may know, this is an A-rank door. I have sent a spirit inside to check out the monsters and from its report, inside are filled with volcanic lizards. They like to ambush from the ground and are very hard to see so watch out at where you walk," Alice explained, "I'll handle any heavy lifting. Magnus, you focus on supporting and protecting Ava. Sarah will watch from behind."
"Ready?" Alice asked, her voice calm and confident.
"Ready," we all responded in unison.
With that, we stepped through the bright white door. As soon as we stepped inside the door, we felt the heat there.
The air was thick with the acrid scent of sulfur, and the landscape was a stark contrast to the world outside. Jagged rocks jutted out of the ground, some glowing with a fiery hue. The ground beneath our feet was cracked and uneven, with occasional bursts of steam escaping from the fissures. The oppressive heat was intense, making it difficult to breathe.
Ava looked around, her eyes wide with a mixture of awe and apprehension. "This place… it's like a volcano," she murmured.
Alice nodded, her expression serious. "Exactly. The volcanic lizards here thrive in this environment. They're fast and can blend in with the terrain, so we need to stay alert."
As we moved deeper into the Door, the heat became even more stifling. I could see beads of sweat forming on Ava's forehead, and I handed her a bottle of water from my inventory.
"Stay hydrated," I reminded her, taking a sip myself. The last thing we needed was dehydration affecting our performance.
Sarah, walking a few steps ahead, suddenly stopped and held up her hand. "I sense movement," she whispered, her eyes scanning the rocky landscape. As she said that, she quickly summoned some spirits. They all seem to be made out of water. There were 2 wolves, 1 snake, and 1 large turtle.
We all froze, listening intently. The air was filled with the distant rumble of shifting earth and the occasional hiss of steam. Then, I saw it—a flicker of movement beneath the ground, a subtle ripple in the rocky surface.
"Get ready," Alice said, her voice low and calm. "Remember, these lizards can tunnel through the ground and launch surprise attacks."
As if on cue, the ground beneath us erupted, and a group of volcanic lizards burst forth. They were large, about the size of a small car, with scales that glowed like molten lava. Their eyes were a piercing red, and their mouths dripped with fiery saliva.
Sarah's spirits instantly rushed at the lizards, spitting out blasts of water that collided with the lava flying at us. Water blasts seem to be pushing several lizards back. However, these were not enough, there were still about 7 more lizards.
I quickly summoned 5 portals behind 5 of the lizards, each portal with 3 mana arrows infused with poison. The arrows struck its target, causing them to writhe and hiss in pain. Now there were 2 more left, they were pretty close to us. I decided that I was going to use portal entrapment to stop their movement first then use Portal Guillotine to finish them off.
Before I could trap them, Ava, who was hiding behind me, rushed in front and blushed 2 purple beams from each of her hands. The effort was good but the 2 beams were off target... wait it's turning around. The 2 beams that were off target suddenly changed direction, hitting their target. The beam went straight through the lizard's big body and the two lizards dropped dead.
*Clap* *Clap* *Clap* *Clap*
"Bravo, that was amazing all of you. Especially you, Ava," Alice, who was standing behind us clapped as she praised us, "However, it took you quite a while to kill easily 15 lizards. I will show you how it's done in the next room."
Alice said as she walked through the next room. The rest of us just looked at each other and shrugged but quickly followed Alice through the next room.
"Stay behind me," Alice ordered.
The ground started to shake as about 30 lizards appeared from the ground.
"You know what they say, fight fire with fire," Alice said, snickering, "Come out Drago."
The ground quaked as Alice's summoning spell brought forth a massive fire dragon, Drago, with scales that shimmered like molten metal. Its eyes blazed with an intense, fiery light, and its wings spread wide, casting a formidable shadow over the entire area.
Ava gasped in awe, her eyes wide as she looked up at the towering creature. "Wow… it's huge!" she exclaimed, barely able to contain her excitement.
Alice smiled, her eyes gleaming with confidence. "Drago, show them why you're the king of this domain," she commanded.
Drago let out a deafening roar that echoed through the volcanic cavern, shaking the ground beneath our feet. The volcanic lizards, which had been preparing to attack, hesitated, sensing the overwhelming power of the dragon before them. But Drago was not one to wait. With a swift, powerful flap of its wings, it launched itself into the air, hovering above the lizards.
The dragon inhaled deeply, and then unleashed a torrent of blazing fire. The flames engulfed the lizards, who screeched and writhed in agony as the intense heat incinerated them. The air filled with the acrid smell of burning flesh and sulfur, and the ground was soon littered with the charred remains of the creatures.
The sight was both awe-inspiring and terrifying. Alice controlled Drago with ease, directing the dragon's attacks with a mere gesture. The other lizards that had been hiding in the shadows were drawn out by the chaos, only to meet the same fiery fate.
Within moments, the battlefield was silent, save for the crackling of the smoldering ground. Drago landed gracefully beside Alice, its massive form casting a protective shadow over her.
"That… was incredible," Sarah said, her voice filled with admiration. Her spirits had returned to her side, watching the scene with a sense of reverence.
Ava was practically bouncing with excitement. "That was amazing, Miss Alice! Can I have a dragon too?" she asked, her eyes shining with hope.
Alice chuckled, shaking her head. "I'm afraid it's not that simple, Ava. Drago is a unique spirit, and taming a dragon requires a great deal of skill and experience."
Ava pouted slightly but nodded in understanding. "Still, that was awesome! I want to be able to do something like that someday."
"You will, Ava," I said, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "With training and experience, you'll be able to master your abilities and become a powerful Ascender."
Alice smiled at Ava, then turned her gaze to me. "Magnus, you did well in the earlier fight. Your portal abilities are quite versatile. I can see why Nari recommended you."
I felt a flush of pride at her words. "Thank you, Miss Alice. I'll keep working hard to improve."
"No need to be formal with me, we are the same age after all," Alice said smiling.
Same age? Wait she's only 20 and she's this strong already?!
With the area cleared, we continued deeper into the Door. The path became narrower, the heat even more intense. We could hear the distant rumble of lava flows and the occasional screech of a lizard, but the path ahead seemed clear for now.
As we walked, Alice spoke up. "Magnus, Ava, I want to teach you both something important. In the world of Ascenders, power is not just about strength or abilities. It's also about strategy and understanding your environment. Knowing when to strike, when to retreat, and how to use your surroundings to your advantage can be the difference between life and death."
Ava nodded eagerly, absorbing every word. "I understand. It's like a game of chess, right? You have to think ahead and plan your moves."
Alice smiled, pleased with Ava's analogy. "Exactly. And always remember, teamwork is crucial. No matter how strong you are individually, working together with your team can amplify your strengths and cover your weaknesses."
After that, all 4 of us worked together clearing the 3rd and the 4th room easily (Drago did most of the work.)
As we reached the final chamber, the air grew thick with tension. This was where the boss monster would be, and we all prepared ourselves for the final battle.
The chamber was vast, with walls that glowed a fiery orange from the lava pools scattered around. In the center stood the boss monster, a colossal volcanic lizard, easily three times the size of the others we had encountered. Its scales were a deep crimson, and its eyes glowed with an intense, fiery light. It let out a low growl, its massive claws digging into the ground.
"This is it, the Door Boss," Alice said, then she looked toward me and said, "Show me what you have Magnus. I know that you haven't used your full abilities yet."
She knows huh?
"Ok, I will just please stay back a little bit," I said as I closed my eyes.
I brought mana to my eyes, making me able to see through rocks and enhancing everything around me. I brought out my hand, activating portal entrapment. The colossal lizard noticed me activating a spell so it was now going toward me. I didn't care about it right now. All I cared about right now was the spell.
"Trap," I said out loud.
From my command a box the size of a lizard formed around it, trapping the lizard. The lizard looked around, trying to find an escape but it was too late, I had already made a portal, covering its head. I closed the portal, decapitating the lizard, killing it.
The final blow left the chamber eerily silent, save for the soft hiss of steam rising from the pools of lava. The colossal lizard's body collapsed to the ground with a thud, its head severed cleanly by the Portal Guillotine.
Ava gasped, her eyes wide with awe. "That was incredible, Magnus! I've never seen anything like it."
Alice nodded in approval, her expression one of quiet pride. "You've truly mastered your abilities, Magnus. The precision and control you displayed were remarkable. Nari chose well."
Sarah, who had been standing by with her spirits, gave a low whistle. "Impressive, Magnus. You've got some serious skills."
I couldn't help but smile, feeling a surge of pride and relief. The battle had been intense, but we'd managed to clear the Door successfully. More importantly, Ava had seen firsthand the dangers and challenges that lay behind these portals.
We made our way back to the entrance of the Door. As we walked, the oppressive heat began to subside, replaced by a cool, refreshing breeze. It was a welcome change after the intense heat of the volcanic chamber.
As we reached the exit door that would take us back to the safe zone, Alice turned to Ava. "You did well today, Ava. You have great potential, but remember, becoming an Ascender isn't just about power. It's also about responsibility and knowing your limits."
Ava nodded, looking thoughtful. "I understand. I have a lot to learn, but I want to keep getting better."
"You will," Alice assured her, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Just keep training and stay safe. You're lucky to have a brother like Magnus to guide you."
Ava smiled, glancing at me. "Yeah, I am."
We stepped through the door and emerged back in the safe zone. The bright, natural light of the outside world was almost blinding after the dim, fiery glow of the Door. We took a moment to adjust, enjoying the fresh air and the feeling of accomplishment.
Alice turned to me and Ava, her expression warm. "It was a pleasure working with both of you today. You've shown great courage and skill."
Sarah nodded in agreement. "Definitely. It was an honor to fight alongside you."
"Thank you," I said, feeling a sense of camaraderie with these seasoned Ascenders. "It was an invaluable experience, and I appreciate the opportunity."
Ava grinned, her excitement still palpable. "It was amazing! Thank you so much, Miss Alice, Miss Sarah."
As we prepared to part ways, I couldn't help but feel a pang of gratitude for the guidance and support we had received. Alice had not only helped us through the Door but had also imparted valuable lessons about what it meant to be an Ascender.
Alice extended her hand to Ava, who shook it eagerly. "Take care, Ava. And remember, if you ever need advice or help, you know where to find us."
Ava nodded, her eyes shining with determination. "I will, Miss Alice. Thank you!"
Sarah gave us a friendly wave. "Take care, you two. And Magnus, keep honing those skills. You're going to go far."
With final goodbyes exchanged, Alice, Sarah, and Drago made their way to another portal, their figures slowly fading from view. As they disappeared, I turned to Ava, who was still buzzing with excitement.
"You did great today," I said, ruffling her hair. "I'm proud of you."
Ava beamed. "Thanks, brother. I couldn't have done it without you and the others."
As we made our way home, I couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment. The day had been challenging, but it had also been a valuable learning experience for both of us. Ava had shown her potential, and I had discovered new facets of my abilities.
We stepped through the portal and back into our world, leaving the heat and danger of the Door behind us. The city was bustling with life, a stark contrast to the quiet intensity of the volcanic chamber. As we walked down the familiar streets, I felt a renewed sense of purpose.
"Let's head home and get some rest," I said, glancing at Ava. "We've earned it."
Ava nodded, her expression one of quiet determination. "Yeah, but I'm not done yet. I want to keep training and getting better."
I smiled, proud of her resolve. "And you will. We'll keep training together, and one day, we'll be strong enough to handle anything."
As we made our way home, the sun setting behind the city skyline, I felt a sense of hope and anticipation for the future. There were still many challenges ahead, but with Ava by my side and the support of allies like Alice and Sarah, I knew we could face them head-on.
For now, we had each other, and that was enough.