Chapter 31

May 1998.

It was a day when the sky poured heavy tears. It had been about a week since I completed the three-month training and became a 'Hunter.'

Upon receiving a report of a gate appearing in Uijeongbu city, 35 Hunters, including Eunha, were dispatched to the location.

Of course, at that time, there was no Hunter Association to detect the appearance of gates and send disaster messages, nor were there any terminals to alert Hunters to the appearance of gates.

"Damn. We're late."

The squad leader spat out a curse while crushing the rain-soaked cigarette on the ground.

The gate, already in a 'saturated state,' was spewing out monsters like a rising tide.

"Th-this is... hell."

A distant cry of despair mixed with the sound of rain.

This gate had already devastated a squad two days earlier. In front of it, some Hunters stood frozen like stones, perhaps sensing their impending death. It was an intuition that always hit them when they stood before a gate.

"Everyone, snap out of it."

The squad leader began to issue orders, rallying the dazed Hunters.

Of the 35 Hunters dispatched, 20 were deployed inside the gate, while the remaining 15, including Eunha, were assigned to the external search team.

Area A, checking the collapsed shopping district. Tractor is moving. Requesting rear support.

Area A-4, 0 survivors. Two small monsters captured. Coordinates 273, 129. Establishing base.

Area B-2, Hunter 10328 Shim Joo-hyun's left leg severed. Currently unconscious, unable to continue mission. Other personnel will proceed with the mission.