The Gathering

Two months later*

The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across Seoul's bustling Hunter District.

On a raised platform in the center of Yongsan Plaza, a sea of faces turned towards the imposing figure of Choi Sung-min, Guild Master of the Crimson Phoenix Guild.

His voice, amplified by magic-enhanced speakers, carried across the crowd of assembled hunters.

"Esteemed colleagues," Choi began, his tone grave.

"As the third-ranked guild worldwide, it falls to us to address the growing crisis. The frequency of gate openings has increased tenfold in the past month alone. Our analysts predict—"

A ripple of movement near the plaza's eastern entrance interrupted his speech.

Murmurs spread through the crowd like wildfire, heads turning away from the Crimson Phoenix's carefully orchestrated presentation.