Gate

Centuries ago, an unknown power was released into the world. The power spread across many different worlds forever altering the course of humanity. This cataclysm triggered widespread mutations among populations of living things, endowing some with extraordinary abilities. Amidst the ensuing chaos, six individuals emerged, each possessing unparalleled strength and earning the title of "Gods." These formidable beings were assigned unique domains—strongholds where other mutants could challenge them for their divine titles. To slay a God was to ascend in their place, and the victor would be granted a domain of their own.

Years past since and only 3 of the original Gods have never known defeat while the other 3 god titles kept on changing throughout the years. 

As I laid in a field of grass, admiring the town below, a sense of comfort washed over me as the cool wind brushed against my face. The town below was very small but also very peaceful. It will be my final stop before I continued my journey. But before then I will enjoy this last peaceful moment before I am thrust into the unknown.

Just as I began to doze off, a familiar voice broke through the tranquility.

"Banri! It's time to go!"

I squinted my eyes against the dazzling bright light of the sun. Recognizing Hikari's voice I couldn't help but let out a sigh. "Five more minutes," I mumbled, closing my eyes again, hoping to drift back into my peaceful reverie.

"Seriously? You've been gone for hours! Alina and I have been searching everywhere for you. We've got a long journey ahead!" Hikari said with his tone a mix of exasperation and urgency.

"Is that so?" I replied, feigning indifference as I stretched out feeling the smooth grass against my skin.

Hikari closed the distance between us with a pleading expression on his face as he stood over me. "Enough already! We've wasted enough time here!" Hikari insisted, slightly rising his voice. I somewhat understood his frustration. The whole trip he and Alina excitedly engaged in deep conversation about the adventures that lay ahead. To them this was the start of a wonderful adventure but to me it was just a necessary chore that needs to be done .

"Alright, I'm coming." I relented, seeing no way out of this situation. I slowly got to my feet, stretching and yawning as I shook off the remnants of sleep. Together, me and Hikari made our way back to the town, where Alina awaited us, arms crossed and a glare fixed on solely at me. She was usually a cute girl with a great figure but she has a special condition where all her feminine charms disappears when she's upset. Or so I've heard, I've never actually experienced her feminine charms.

After a brief discussion filled with Hikari's attempts to smooth over Alina's irritation, we set off toward the foot of the mountain. The mountain is said to be the home of bizarre creatures, supposedly created from the energy pouring into our world through the gate. The mountain is called: Gloomspire Mountain, it is where the gate to God's Valley is located. Me and my companions, Hikari and Alina, are all mutants with special abilities. People born with these mutant ability are given the right to take on the quest of becoming God. To take on this quest we must first enter through a gate that will take us to God's Valley. 

After a few hours of traveling, the three of us made it to the foot of the mountain. We were unable to find a clear path to the top, it was a steep rocky mountain. We had to climb cliffs and navigate paths where one slipup could mean death while carrying our luggage. It was a hard climb, but we managed to reach halfway up the mountain relatively easily. As night fell, the three of us decided to make camp in a clearing we had found. Alina distributed the food she had prepared for the journey. She watching anxiously as Hikari took his first bite out of the meal. "Do you like it?" she asked shyly, a slight grin spreading across her face.

"It's delicious," Hikari replied with a smile, causing Alina to blush at his compliment. Meanwhile, I sat nearby, enjoying the meal while sipping from a cup of wine I had brought along. The wine gave the food a strange taste but I didn't mind. I was quite pleased with my meal.

The rest of the night was rather peaceful, I slept as good as I've ever have before. When I woke up the next morning I heard Hikari and Alina complaining about the cold temperature and the bugs they had to endure all throughout the night. With one look at them I could tell they had it rough but for me nothing changed. No matter where I was the world is always peaceful. 

We packed up our things and headed towards the summit, scaling the mountain as it tries its best to kill us. From land slides to deadly creatures, we pressed on making our way up. My blade was now getting dull and sticky with blood, swords are really not made for these beasts, I thought to myself. But it was a matter of efficiency, with this sword all I had to do was chop the monsters to pieces the moment they attack. And the best part is that they never learn, no matter how many of them I killed the others still continue their reckless assault. 

As we approached the summit, a loud scream echoed through the air. Soon, a young girl, about our age, came running toward us as if being chased. Her yellow dress was torn up leaving her bare skin exposed. I was immediately on guard. She stumbled and fell down a slope, Hikari sprang into action, catching her just before she hit the ground. To be fair I was gonna save her but with some thorough consideration I really didn't want to trigger some kind of event besides Hikari is way better at the hero act.

Soon the culprits showed their faces baring their fangs at us. A pack of two-headed wolves charged at us. They ran with their tongue sticking out and a devilish smile on their faces. I guess the normal thing to feel was fear but I was a bit creeped out. With a swift motion, I drew my sword from its scabbard, the blade still sticky and disgusting. I faced the nearest wolf with calm precision, and in one fluid motion, I beheaded both heads, the severed bodies collapsing to the ground. One by one the perverted wolves fell as they lunge at me.

Alina, with a grim look on her face, focused her energy and reached out with her hand. With a mere touch, the ground beneath the wolves transformed into quicksand, swallowing them whole as they struggled in vain to escape.

Meanwhile, Hikari, still cradling the girl in his arms, let loose his power. With a flick of his wrist, he summoned bright green flames that erupted from his fingertips, incinerating the remaining wolves in a dazzling display of fire. The air crackled with energy as the last of the beasts was consumed by the flames, leaving only the scent of charred fur and the echoes of their growls behind.

"Are you alright?" Hikari asked the girl, who appeared to be entranced.

"I'm fine, thank you for saving me." she replied, bowing her head slightly in gratitude. "My name is Katherine.....Its very nice to meet you" said the girl as she desperately tried to cover up her self looking a bit flustered. Noticing this Hikari offered her his jacket causing her to blush ever so slightly.

"Oh... My name is Hikari, these are my friends Alina and Banri."

"It's very nice to meet you. My name is Katherine," 

And thus she told us her name again. What is it about this guy that makes girls loose all their common sense.

Alina stepped forward to greet her taking hold of Katherine's hand while smiling warmly. "Were you on your way to the summit?". 

"Yes, I was, but then I got attacked by a pack of two-headed wolves," Katherine explained, her voice tinged with unease.

"So, you're a mutant then?" I asked. It was a silly question, no one in their right mind would come here unless they're a mutant.

"Yes, I am," she confirmed, meeting my gaze. 'What ability do you have?' That's what I wanted to ask the most but I managed to restrain myself. I should keep an eye on her although she doesn't seem to be dangerous. But how did a girl like this managed to make it this far up the mountain? Her clothes are ripped and covered in dirt, to be frank he condition is deplorable. And she seems to be on edge, scanning her environment meticulously. At first I thought it was because she was shy or traumatized due to the attack but...

"How long have you been on this mountain Katherine?" I asked looking deep within her eyes.

She gave me a surprised look when I asked the question. "I don't know... maybe a week maybe more. Its been so long." she replied as if on the verge of tears. I have to say I'm a bit interested in her. Why would a girl like this wants to take on the challenge of becoming god. Is it for love, greed or maybe something more.

"It's dangerous to travel alone. Why don't you join us?" Hikari suggested, his tone encouraging.

"Are you sure? I don't want to be a bother"

"We'd be happy to have you," Alina chimed in with a reassuring smile. It was a bit annoying that their kindness was making me look bad but still I wasn't gonna offer my own thoughts. Truthfully though I don't mind her joining us.

As we reached the summit of Gloomspire Mountain, a chill hung in the air, sending shivers down my spines. The wind whispered secrets of ancient times, swirling around us as we stood before a colossal gate that seemed to pulse with an otherworldly presence.

The gate, crafted from a smooth black stone, towered above them, its imposing height dwarfing the trio. Intricate ancient runes were carved into its surface, their meanings long forgotten but radiating a sense of power and mystery. The runes glimmered faintly, hinting at the power that lay beyond, and a barely visible purple light shimmered through the cracks, casting an ethereal glow on the surrounding rocks.

As we stared at the gate, a powerful energy emanated from it, wrapping around us like a warm embrace, tempting us to step forward. The air crackled with anticipation, and we could feel the allure of the unknown beckoning us closer. It was as if the gate itself was alive, whispering promises of wealth and power, the secrets of another world waiting just beyond its threshold.