The Limelight Bridge shimmered with a vibrant blue glow emanating from the portal at its center. Heavily guarded by Zolack's special army, their security measures seemed tighter than usual – a protocol typically reserved for S-Rank portals.
Lightweight utility vehicles and army tents surrounded the portal, as hunters from Arrow Guild and Terra Guild congregated outside. They strategized in hushed tones, preparing for the impending raid.
"I'm too excited to just stand around," an Arrow Guild hunter exclaimed. "The last time a portal like this opened was five years ago, during the Disaster Portal incident. I hope nothing bad happens."
Another hunter reassured him, "Don't be stupid. We have Eva-sama, the Arrow Queen, with us. As the youngest member of the Six Pillars, her power is unmatched."
"Whoa, looks like Arrow Guild is getting ahead of themselves," a Terra Guild hunter interrupted, his tone dripping with condescension. "Don't forget your place. Kai-sama will defeat the boss and conquer the dungeon."
An Arrow Guild hunter's eyes narrowed. "Huh, what did you say?"
The Terra Guild hunter sneered. "Just go home. Terra Guild can handle this on our own. We don't need help from the likes of you....What do you want to prove?"
Arrow Guild members bristled, hands instinctively reaching for their weapons. Terra Guild hunters mirrored their stance, ready for battle.
The air crackled with tension as the two guilds faced off. But before the situation escalated, Maria stepped between them, her authoritative presence commanding attention.
"Is there any problem?" she asked, her voice firm but measured.
Maria's gaze swept across the Terra Guild hunters, instilling a subtle yet unmistakable fear. They hesitated, recognizing they weren't dealing with someone to be underestimated.
"Let's go, guys. We don't have any business here anyway," one of them said, as they swiftly retreated.
Maria's cold gaze then shifted to her own members, her eyes piercing with disappointment. "What did you think you were doing?" she asked, her voice low and even. "I've told you before: no fighting with other guilds."
Her gaze seemed to freeze time, instilling fear and respect. The Arrow Guild members bowed their heads, chastened.
"Sorry, Maria-sama. It won't happen again," they chorused, their voices laced with sincerity.
Kael watched from a few steps away, his expression grim. "They have no idea what they're walking into. They're so overconfident in their abilities that they can't see the danger right in front of them. If they don't work together, they'll probably end up in grave danger."
Max's voice reached him from behind. "Is the situation that ominous, Mr. Kael? I think with two S-Rank hunters from the Six Pillars, the situation is already well handled."
Kael's gaze didn't waver. "You're wrong, Max. The Disaster Portal from five years ago.... was never conquered."
Max's eyes widened in shock. "What? But—"
Kael's voice was laced with concern. "I don't know what really happened in there. The only person who knows is Cain, the sole survivor. And there's a possibility this portal is the same one from five years ago."
Sweat dripped from Kael's brow as he continued, "If we have any chance of conquering this dungeon, it's with Cain's help."
Max hesitated. "We've been trying to contact Mr. Cain for the past few days, Mr. Kael, but it's no use. We have no idea where he is."
Kael's eyes burned with urgency as he clenched his teeth. "I really hope you'll show up, Cain. I really do."
Meanwhile, Kai stepped forward, his commanding presence electrifying the air. His gaze pierced through the crowd, his voice thundering:
"Listen up, trash! You're nothing but disposable pawns in this game, but today you'll prove your worth. We're on the cusp of the unknown, where unpredictability reigns. Our only strategy is total domination. Hunt every monster in sight."
His tone dripped with disdain, his eyes scanning the crowd as if daring them to disappoint.
"This isn't a battle for glory or honor; it's a battle for survival. And if you're lucky, you might just make it out alive. Now, follow me, and let's see if you're worthy of standing beside me."
The hunters erupted into a frenzy of anticipation, their battle cries shaking the ground.
Eva's voice rose, her words weaving a tapestry of unity and resolve:
"We march into the unknown, stronger together. Chosen for this task, we'll face life or death. Remember, our strength lies not just in our skills, but in each other. Rely on your comrades, rely on me."
The hunters' fervor intensified, their screams becoming a deafening chant.
Hunters started marching towards the portal as they follow behind their leader.
As the hunters marched toward the portal, Kael watched, his anxiety growing. Time was running out, and Cain was nowhere to be seen. "So this is it," he muttered to himself.
Suddenly, a distant scream echoed through the air, its intensity escalating by the second. The ground shook, and Cain landed on the bridge, his impact cracking the pavement. Zarek, strapped to his back, looked on.
Kael's face lit up with relief as he rushed toward Cain. "I thought you'd never show up."
Cain smirked. "I didn't come for you. I came for myself."
He gestured to Zarek. "This is my new party member, Cain introduced."
"Hello, I'm Zarek Valtor," the young hunter said, extending his hand.
Kael's eyes narrowed, taking a moment to recognize him. "Aren't you...?"
"I'm Kael," he replied, shaking Zarek's hand.
"So, you're a hunter. What rank are you?" Kael asked.
Zarek hesitated. "D-rank."
Kael's eyes widened in surprise. "Cain, what do you think—"
Cain interrupted, a hint of amusement in his voice. "I can vouch for this kid. I trained him."
Kael's expression relaxed, trusting Cain's judgment. "Yeah, since it's you, I know you won't make rash decisions. I trust you, Cain."
The hunters murmured among themselves, their curiosity piqued.
"Who is that?" someone whispered.
"Why is Mr. Kael talking to him like that?"
Kai's annoyance boiled over, his voice cutting through the chatter. "What do you think you're doing? Don't get distracted! March forward!"
The hunters snapped back into formation, disappearing into the portal.
Kai's eyes seethed with resentment as he vanished into the portal. "How dare he show up here... Perfect. I'll make you pay for everything, Cain Locke."
Eva's gaze remained fixed on Cain and Kael, her sight obscured by the crowd. She caught a glimpse of Zarek, but his features were indistinct.
"Let's go, Eva-sama," Maria's voice broke the spell.
Eva's response was barely audible. "Yes..."
As the hunters disappeared, the portal began to shrink.
"Captain, the portal!" Zarek warned.
Cain and Kael exchanged a glance before sprinting toward the dwindling portal.
"When you come back, let's share a bottle of sake," Kael called out.
The bridge lay deserted, its silence a stark contrast to the earlier chaos. The hunters had vanished into the portal, each driven by their own motivations.
For some, this dungeon raid was a quest for a second chance.
For others, it was a quest for revenge.
And for a select few, it was a quest for truth.
The portal's eerie glow faded, leaving behind an unsettling stillness.