Chapter 1: Gate A – The Beginning of the Unknown
Scene One: The Selection and Departure
Rin stood before Gate A, surrounded by a ragtag group of mercenaries who looked like they'd just stumbled out of a discount fantasy cosplay convention. The air was thick with tension—or maybe it was just the stench of fear mixed with unwashed armor.
"An A-rank gate?" Rin muttered to himself. "That means we're diving straight into 'hard mode' from minute one. I hope they at least have snacks inside; fighting on an empty stomach is a no-go."
The mission leader, Haruto—an experienced A-rank fighter who resembled a classic shonen hero with perfectly styled hair—scanned the group with a cold expression, as if about to deliver some profound wisdom for the thousandth time.
Haruto: "You're all here because you chose to enter this gate. Remember—this is not a game. Either you make it out alive, or you die inside. There's no place for the weak in this world."
Rin thought to himself: "Oh god, the classic motivational speech! Is he about to make us raise our hands and swear loyalty to the mission? This is why I prefer solo play."
The team consisted of:
Rin, the only A-rank in the group, trying not to burst out laughing.
Seven B-rank mercenaries, seasoned fighters with prior gate experience—or so they claimed.
Two C-rank mercenaries, rookies who had never entered a gate before, looking like side characters doomed to die in the first five minutes.
Sayoko, a skilled healer who refused to be classified as S-rank out of fear of dying in high-level gates—or maybe just avoiding the spotlight.
No one knew the truth about Rin's power. To them, he was just another capable fighter—the "mysterious warrior" archetype that shows up in every squad.
One B-rank mercenary wiped sweat from his brow.
B-rank mercenary: "Why do we only have one A-rank? Does the Association think we don't need backup?"
Another smirked.
Another mercenary: "If this kid is an A-rank, he must be strong. Don't underestimate him before you see what he can do… or before he starts complaining that the Wi-Fi doesn't work inside the gate."
With that, the gate operator activated the portal, and the team stepped inside.
Rin sighed: "I hope they brought snacks at least. I can't fight monsters this size on an empty stomach."
---
Scene Two: Inside the Gate – The Shadow Wolves' Domain
As soon as they entered, they found themselves in a dense, eerie forest. The trees loomed overhead like they were trying to block out any hope of survival. The air was unnaturally cold, and distant howls echoed through the darkness.
"Welcome to my gloomy world!" Rin thought.
The two C-rank mercenaries looked uneasy, on the verge of melting into puddles.
C-rank mercenary (nervously): "Why does this place… feel alive?"
Rin (calmly, as if reading from a tourist guide): "Because it isn't just a place, buddy. It's another world entirely. Maybe they even have fast-food joints—who knows?"
Within minutes, the first threat appeared—Shadow Wolves. Faster than ordinary wolves, their claws were as hard as steel, capable of shredding armor like paper.
"Ah, the standard enemies. Boring as usual, but at least they don't talk much," Rin thought.
Haruto: "Prepare for battle!"
The team immediately engaged, as if competing in a "who dies first" tournament.
The B-rank mercenaries fought skillfully, drawing on past experiences—or perhaps sheer luck. The C-ranks struggled, moving clumsily, becoming easy prey—exactly as Rin predicted.
Rin stood back, observing the chaos. "Let them enjoy a bit of glory before I have to do all the work."
---
Scene Three: Rin's First Stolen Ability
During the chaos, one C-rank mercenary was ambushed by a Shadow Wolf. The poor guy screamed as the beast lunged, fangs bared, as if shouting: "Dinner's ready!"
In an instant, Rin moved. With blinding speed, he severed the wolf's claws with his bare hands (don't ask how—he just does that), then plunged a dagger into its heart, ending it in a single stroke.
"This isn't the first time I've seen a monster think it's the star of the show."
Haruto (impressed, trying not to show it): "That was… fast."
A sudden rush of energy coursed through Rin's body—the wolf's power was now his. It felt like installing a new software update.
His hands became more durable, resembling the wolf's hardened claws.
His speed slightly increased.
Monster powers didn't require mastery—they were usable immediately.
"This is the random ability I've always dreamed of in Gacha games," Rin thought.
He realized something: the more monsters he killed inside the gate, the stronger he would become.
"Well, looks like I'm becoming a hero who feeds on kills. Fun times."
---
Scene Four: The Boss – A Talking Beast
After hours of traveling deeper into the gate, and after countless monsters were "absorbed" to level up Rin's skills, the team reached a clearing. A towering humanoid Shadow Wolf stood before them, over two meters tall, radiating terrifying presence.
"Hello, stage boss. I knew you'd show up."
Then it spoke.
Shadow Wolf Boss: "So, you've finally arrived, humans…"
B-rank mercenary (shocked, nearly peeing his pants): "It… it talks?! That's impossible!"
Rin: "Haven't you met talking monsters before? This is life, folks—learn to live with it."
Haruto: "Everyone, fall back! This is not an ordinary monster!"
Before they could react, the beast lunged, tearing one C-rank mercenary apart. Blood splattered across the clearing.
"The expected death of side character number two," Rin thought indifferently.
Rin (coldly): "The weak always die first. Simple rule of the world, just like 'never trust YouTube ads'."
The remaining mercenaries flinched at his emotionless words. But Kazuya, one of the B-ranks, clenched his fists in anger.
Kazuya: "Ah, looks like we have a sad hero here. Why are you just standing there?! Why are you stronger while we're dying?!"
Blinded by jealousy (and stupidity), he attacked Rin.
"Ah, classic mistake number three. Never attack a strong ally facing a stage boss."
Before his strike landed, the boss moved faster—its claw sliced Kazuya's head clean off.
"Welcome to the real world, where enemies don't wait for your turn."
Another mercenary, voice shaking: "W-we can't win this fight…"
---
Scene Five: Rin vs. The Boss
As the others hesitated, only Rin stepped forward. Instead of drawing a sword, he extended his new claws.
"Showtime, folks."
Shadow Wolf Boss (grinning wickedly): "That energy… it's mine. You stole my pack's abilities!"
Rin (narrowing his eyes): "How did the beast know about his ability? Do they have a spy network inside the gate?"
Rin: "What do you mean?"
The wolf laughed darkly.
Shadow Wolf Boss: "Ah, the villain's long speech is about to begin. You are the child of prophecy. Written centuries ago… Surely you've noticed—the more you kill, the stronger you become… but in return, you lose something."
Before Rin could question further, the beast produced an ancient scroll, written in archaic Japanese characters.
"Oh god, a prophecy in Japanese? Am I in an anime?"
Shadow Wolf Boss: "I won't tell you everything… but soon you will understand why you exist. You will either die, or become stronger than everyone else. There is no third option."
With those words, the beast pierced its own heart, collapsing. The scroll fell beside it.
"A stage boss killing itself? That's a plot twist I haven't seen before… or maybe I've seen it too much."
---
Scene Six: Betrayal and Fear
As dust settled, the remaining mercenaries turned to Rin, their expressions shifting from respect to fear and hatred.
B-rank mercenary (angrily, maybe scared for his paycheck): "You've been deceiving us this whole time! You're stealing powers!"
Another mercenary: "He's just like those monsters! We have to kill him before he gets stronger!"
They attacked.
"Good, more XP for me."
The first charged, and Rin sliced his head off instantly.
"Easier than cutting butter."
The second fired an arrow—Rin caught it barehanded.
"Weak, needs more training."
The third swung a sword—Rin snapped it and slit the mercenary's throat.
"Third attempt failed too."
One by one, they fell.
"This is the end of their story, sadly—they won't appear in the next chapter."
Only Sayoko remained, trembling.
"Ah, the healer. Will she cry now?"
Rin (coldly): "You're worse than them. Don't beg for mercy."
Without hesitation, he killed her, absorbing her healing ability—not to help, but to ensure his survival.
"Purity isn't my favorite option these days."
Finally, Rin picked up the scroll. As he read, a realization sank in:
"This knowledge would change the fate of all three worlds. At least, I'll have an exciting story to tell in my memoirs."
(To be continued…)