"Please tell us how you managed to clear this gate!"
"Why were you so scared to enter if you were capable of such a feat?!"
"What tactics or strategies led to your quick victory?!"
"Is this the fruit of your five months of preparation?!"
"Tell us what exactly was inside the gate!"
"Was the evaluation wrong from the beginning?!"
A swarm of questions erupts—no room for silence. Camera flashes become blinding, the continuous pressure from the reporters forcing the party to retreat backward.
But even in the midst of unease, confusion, and suspicion, Tristan stands tall. His entire demeanor radiates confidence.
"Firstly," Tristan says, his voice firm, "the evaluation wasn't wrong. Our success was the result of our efforts alone. There were no shortcuts, no cheats—nothing."
A hint of anger bleeds into his tone.
"And lastly, there's no need for any explanations. Like I said… from now on, things will be different."
"I assure you, Foresight will not run or succumb to any challenge ever again."
---
The scene transitions to a news report displayed on a television screen.
"As proven and recorded by those on-site," Susan says, her hands resting atop her desk, scripts neatly arranged before her, "after the S-rank party Foresight exited the cleared gate, S-rank hunter and party leader Tristan reaffirmed the evaluation of the SS-rank gate Final Destination. He stated that despite the party's surprisingly fast clear time, the gate was deserving of its rank, emphasizing that their victory was the result of effort alone—no coincidences, no shortcuts."
Behind her, footage of the interview pauses mid-frame.
"He also declared that he and his party will no longer retreat from or fail to clear any gate in the future. This bold statement has resulted in backlash and widespread criticism across hunter society. Heated debates have erupted among hunters and gate analysts alike following Foresight's unprecedented clear record."
The screen cuts to two analysts engaged in a debate.
"I'm telling you," one says heatedly, "Foresight does not have the ability to clear an SS-rank dungeon in the time it took them. It's obvious the Hunter Association made a mistake in evaluating the gate. There's no other explanation!"
"You clearly don't know what you're talking about," the other fires back. "Records show that Foresight possesses some of the greatest talents of this generation. Tristan himself has been named the most promising hunter countless times. A party today isn't the same after five months of preparation—hell, even one month of focused training can drastically improve performance, especially for a party like Foresight."
The footage cuts again, this time to an interview with a retired hunter.
"Welcome to the show, and thank you for joining us," the host says, leaning back slightly in his chair. "As someone with extensive field experience, what's your view on the situation?"
"Well," the veteran begins with a chuckle, "from all my years in the field, I can't say I've ever seen anything quite like this."
Subtle laughter passes between the two.
"But I'll say this—nothing is impossible. I can't say with absolute certainty that the gate was SS-rank. The Association makes mistakes all the time."
He shrugs.
"But clearing an SS-rank gate in a matter of minutes? Haha. Only one person could pull that off, and we all know he's currently inactive."
He leans forward slightly.
"No matter how talented they are, it would take a miracle. And the audacity of that kid—what was his name? Tristan? Making such an arrogant claim… it just shows his immaturity."
---
Another clip plays.
"You all have to remember," a hunter commentator says, messages flooding his livestream chat, "before the Carestin District incident, Foresight had a 90% clear rate. Tristan's words were bold, sure—but he's never shown this level of confidence before. I believe he has something to back it up."
He smiles.
"A new era of hunters will be born from this. Trust me."
---
"Social media platforms have also become battlegrounds," Susan continues. "Countless debates are raging across applications such as OpenSpace, Let'sChat, and Opinion. Even the Hunter Association forums have been flooded."
Icons and scrolling comments fill the screen.
"Well, I for one don't care about his remarks or the record," Susan concludes. "If hunters are getting stronger, that's a good thing. I just want more gates cleared—and maybe one day, for humanity to put an end to this phenomenon."
She smiles gently.
"Thank you for tuning in. I was your anchor, Susan McCartney. Enjoy the rest of your day."
The broadcast ends.
---
The TV screen goes dark, reflecting Kade's face.
He exhales slowly, elbows resting between his thighs.
His mind drifts back to the events inside the gate.
"…"
Tristan's declaration echoes in his thoughts. Kade's expression tightens.
He looks down at his palm.
For a brief moment, an image flashes through his mind—a face, blurred and indistinct.
He clenches his fist.
"Tristan is becoming stronger… quickly," he mutters, staring at his reflection.
"I mustn't fall behind. I can't be powerless again."
He rises from the couch and walks toward the door, pausing with his hand on the knob.
"I must become worthy of the name Immovable."
He swings the door open, his shield secured on his back.
"A new era is imminent," Kade proclaims.
The door shuts behind him.
---
The scene shifts.
An office cloaked in darkness.
A lone figure sits behind a desk, his body obscured, his presence suffocating.
"It's about time we held a gathering," he says, eyes locked onto a news article displaying Tristan's image.
His chin rests on interlocked fingers as he stares into the shadows.
"We need to set things straight."
His eyes burn with a sharp, fiery light.
"Call all the S-rank hunters."