The air was thick, cold, and wrong.
Kael Drayven wiped blood from his cheek as the tunnel darkened behind him. The last of his squad lay dead—throat torn out by something that shouldn't have existed in a D-Rank Gate.
He was supposed to scout. In and out. Easy.
But this? This was a trap.
His communicator crackled. "Squad 3? Come in. Kael?"
He didn't answer. His eyes were locked on the ancient door in front of him—etched in glowing runes, pulsing like a heartbeat.
[You have entered a Hidden Dungeon: Gate of the Forgotten.]
[WARNING: This dungeon is unregistered.]
[WARNING: This dungeon is not meant for your level.]
[WARNING: You are alone.]
Kael laughed under his breath, bitter. "No kidding."
Then the door creaked open, and the system's voice spoke again—calmer this time, almost... alive.
[You have been selected as a candidate.]
[Will you become the Last Gatekeeper? Y/N]
He hesitated. Then he looked down at his blood-soaked hands, clenched his jaw, and tapped the screen.
[Y.]
End of Chapter 1.