The aftermath of the failed raid on Gate #2013 was like a dark cloud hanging over the office. Every analyst whispered about it—about the deaths, the Gate's abnormal behavior, and the terrified screams that echoed through the live feed. Yet no one talked about what really mattered: Jun Xin's warning.
Jun Xin sat quietly at his desk, staring at his screen but seeing nothing. The buzz of conversations swirled around him, but he didn't engage. The reports were piling up again, and new Gates was needed to analyze and classify, yet none of it seemed important anymore.
"Are you okay?" Min Su asked softly, pulling a chair over to sit beside him.
Jun Xin blinked, snapping back to reality. He glanced at her, then back at the chaotic data in front of him. "I'm fine."
Min Su frowned, unconvinced. "You've been staring at that screen for twenty minutes."
He sighed, leaning back in his chair. "It doesn't matter what I do. No one listens anyway. I gave them the report, and they still ignored it."
"Park ignored it," Min Su corrected. "Not everyone. You're a good analyst, Jun Xin. You saw something no one else did."
"Yeah, but that doesn't bring those Rankers back."
Min Su was quiet for a moment, letting his words hang. Finally, she asked, "What are you going to do now?"
Jun Xin's gaze darkened as he focused on the screen. "I'll make sure it doesn't happen again."
The next week was tense. The higher-ups conducted investigations into the raid gone wrong. Analysts were questioned, and supervisors grilled, but the results were predictable: the blame trickled downward, and analysts like Jun Xin found themselves under more scrutiny than ever.
To Park's frustration, Jun Xin refused to fold under the pressure. He kept his head down and his mind sharp. Every report he filed was perfect, every data set was double-checked, and every Gate was analyzed with careful detail. If a Gate so much as twitched, Jun Xin noticed.
But Jun Xin wasn't just working harder—he was digging deeper. He stayed late most nights, cross-referencing old raid reports, comparing mana fluctuations, and searching for patterns. Something about Gate #2013 gnawed at him, a feeling that it wasn't an isolated incident. If Gates could hide their true nature, then the entire system humanity relied on was flawed.
On Monday morning, Jun Xin arrived early to find an unusual buzz in the office. Analysts were gathered around the main screen, murmuring nervously. Min Su waved him over, holding a steaming cup of coffee.
"What's going on?" Jun Xin asked.
"Another Gate's acting weird," Min Su replied, handing him the cup. "Gate #2077. Look at this."
Jun Xin stepped closer, his eyes narrowing as he studied the screen. The Gate in question was projected in the middle, showing its swirling mana energy. Unlike most Gates, which had stable signatures, this one flickered erratically. The fluctuations reminded him of Gate #2013—unstable and unpredictable.
"It's another anomaly, the same pattern as before." Jun Xin muttered.
Mr. Park's sharp voice cut through the murmurs. "Everyone back to work! The Rankers are already mobilizing for Gate #2077. I don't need you staring at a screen and panicking like schoolchildren."
Jun Xin stiffened. "Sir, are we sure this Gate is properly classified? These energy levels look unstable."
Park shot him a glare. "Don't start with this again, Seo Jun Xin. It's a D-rank Gate. End of discussion."
"It looked like a D-rank Gate last time too," Jun Xin said evenly, holding his ground.
The room went silent. Analysts exchanged nervous glances. Park's face turned red with anger, but before he could yell, a new voice interrupted.
"Is there a problem here?"
Everyone turned to see a tall man in a black trench coat walking into the office. His sharp features and calm demeanor immediately marked him as someone important. Min Su whispered under her breath, "That's Captain Ryu of the A-Rank Raid Division."
Captain Ryu's piercing gaze landed on Park, then shifted to Jun Xin. "I heard there were concerns about Gate #2077. Explain."
Jun Xin swallowed, his heart pounding. He stepped forward and gestured to the screen. "The mana levels of Gate #2077 are fluctuating abnormally, sir. It's similar to Gate #2013. I believe this Gate is more dangerous than it appears."
Captain Ryu studied the data on the screen with a thoughtful expression. After a moment, he nodded. "Interesting. Thank you for bringing this to my attention, Analyst Seo."
Park sputtered, "But sir, it's just—"
"I'll be leading the raid team myself," Ryu said, cutting Park off. "I want a detailed report on this Gate within the hour. If it really is unstable, I need to know exactly what we're walking into."
"Yes, sir!" Jun Xin replied, his chest swelling with relief.
As Captain Ryu walked out, the room erupted into whispers. Min Su grinned, elbowing Jun Xin. "You just got the attention of one of the top Raid Captains. Not bad, Analyst Seo."
Jun Xin allowed himself a small smile. "Let's just hope I'm wrong this time."
The live feed for Gate #2077 was displayed across the office's monitors. Captain Ryu led his team of A-Rank Rankers into the Gate with calm confidence. Unlike the last raid, this time the analysts were on high alert, monitoring every mana fluctuation and signal. Jun Xin sat at his station, his eyes glued to the readings.
The Gate was quiet at first. The Rankers moved cautiously through a dense, misty forest, weapons drawn and senses sharp.
"Team, spread out," Captain Ryu ordered. "Stay close and report any abnormalities."
The analysts watched in tense silence as the Rankers moved deeper into the Gate. Jun Xin's gaze flicked between the live feed and the energy readings. For a while, everything remained stable.
Then it happened.
The mana levels spiked violently. The readings on Jun Xin's screen turned red, flashing warnings. The mist in the live feed thickened, obscuring visibility.
"Sir!" Jun Xin called out. "The mana levels are rising! This Gate is unstable!"
Captain Ryu's voice came through the speakers. "All units, retreat! Get out of the Gate now!"
The Rankers turned, but it was too late. The ground rumbled as a low, deep roar echoed through the mist. A shadow moved in the distance—massive and fast.
"Contact!" one of the Rankers shouted, panic in his voice.
The shadow burst from the mist, revealing a monstrous creature with jagged black scales and glowing red eyes. It was unlike anything the analysts had seen before. The Rankers fought back, their swords and magic slashing through the air, but the creature was relentless.
Jun Xin gripped the edge of his desk, his heart racing. "They need to get out of there!"
Captain Ryu's calm voice broke through the chaos. "Fall back! I'll cover you!"
The analysts watched in awe as Captain Ryu stepped forward, his sword glowing with powerful energy. He slashed at the creature, creating shockwaves that shook the ground. The team retreated toward the Gate's entrance as Ryu held the monster back.
"Sir, the Gate is collapsing!" one of the Rankers shouted.
Jun Xin's screen flashed red. The mana levels were out of control. If the Rankers didn't escape soon, the Gate would trap them forever.
"Get out now!" Jun Xin shouted at the screen, as if they could hear him.
The Rankers sprinted for the entrance. Captain Ryu delivered one final strike to the creature, then turned and ran. The Gate trembled violently as the team dove through the exit just as the screen went black.
The office erupted into relieved cheers and sighs of relief. Min Su leaned back in her chair, exhaling loudly. "That was too close."
Jun Xin stared at the blank screen, his mind racing. Two unstable Gates in a row. What's happening?