— First Trial at the Southern Gate
Seonwoo and the team moved cautiously into the southern Gate, a pulsing purple portal that throbbed like a living heart. The air felt heavy, charged with Void energy that made their skin crawl. The monster reported to appear here was larger than expected, its black scales glinting, red eyes glowing like embers, fangs dripping with dark energy. Elite Hunters positioned themselves strategically, waiting for the signal to strike, while Seonwoo felt his breath catch in his throat.
Hyunsoo tapped his shoulder again. "This is your lesson, not a time to give up," he said. Seonwoo swallowed, his trembling persistent, but a faint spark of resolve began to grow. He gripped his weapon, body shaking, yet his steps grew more deliberate.
The battle began. The monster lunged at them, its glowing claws slicing through the air, Void energy rippling with every swing. Seonwoo ducked just as the claws passed, feeling the wind cut through his hair. He dodged, then delivered a small strike to the side of the creature, trying to learn the rhythm of its movements.
Rina unleashed a sharp energy strike, cutting through part of the monster's scales, while Hyunsoo fired Void-infused arrows that pierced its thick skin. Seonwoo observed their coordination—every move calculated, every strike intentional. He mimicked their movements, seeking openings for more effective action.
The monster roared, spinning wildly, sweeping the ground and air with its limbs. Seonwoo nearly fell as a wave of energy hit, but he used the momentum to sidestep, avoiding fatal blows. Every second felt like a wager between life and death, every step a test of mental and physical endurance.
Amid the chaos, Seonwoo sensed something new: a survival instinct stronger than ever, curiosity forcing his mind to work faster. He began to analyze the monster's pattern, noting tiny weak points, attempting small attacks despite being far from effective.
The fight ended as the monster retreated into the Void, injuries scattered across the Hunters, including Seonwoo, who lay sprawled. He gasped for air, hands trembling, but felt a quiet satisfaction: he survived. He was no hero, no elite Hunter, but for the first time, he felt that his presence on the battlefield wasn't just a burden.
After the battle, the team returned to base. Seonwoo sat, staring at the Gate ruins, reflecting on failure and the courage he had found. This world was harsh, every step like dancing over an abyss, yet today he discovered a spark that might guide him to something greater in the future.