Gloomfang

'Saviour, give me detailed information on this gate' he commanded internally, waiting for the familiar response.

[Gate Level: 3-Star]

[General Description: A high-risk portal containing powerful creatures and rare rewards.]

[Environment: Dense jungle with low visibility. The terrain includes overgrowth, steep hills, and natural hazards.]

[Threat Level: Moderate to High. Monsters rely on stealth and use the environment to their advantage.]

[Primary Monsters:

- Gloomfang Stalkers: Pack hunters with stealth capabilities, wolf-like in appearance. Known for ambush tactics.

- Vine Spitters: Stationary, plant-like monsters that launch venomous projectiles from a distance.

- Thunder Maulers: Massive, bear-like creatures with immense strength and an affinity for electricity.]

[Boss Monster: Stormfang Alpha. A hybrid predator combining the traits of a wolf and jaguar. Known for generating storms during combat.]

[Rewards: Rare resources, high-value loot, and significant XP upon gate clearance.]

'Even though this type of Gate is exactly what we need, this isn't gonna be easy'

A 3-star gate wasn't something to underestimate, and the monsters sounded like they were designed to prey on the careless.

He turned to the group, his voice steady and clear. "Alright, listen up. This is a 3-star gate. That means the monsters here are smarter, deadlier, and way more aggressive than anything we've faced so far."

[Note for readers: Gate threat level information is also available to every hunter before going for the raid, Leo just happens to get more insight due to the system]

Jerry smirked, rolling his shoulders. "Don't worry about me, I won't die until I settle things with that fucker"

Mia gave him a side glance. "Let's hope you're as good as you think you are" she muttered, adjusting her grip on her sword.

Caleb, always cautious, raised a hand. "What exactly are we up against, Leo?"

Leo nodded, appreciating the question. "Three main threats. First, we have Gloomfang Stalkers. These things are pack hunters, stealthy and fast. If you see one, assume its buddies aren't far behind. Second, Vine Spitters, are stationary monsters that hide in bushes or trees. They shoot venomous projectiles, so keep an eye on the foliage. Third, the Thunder Maulers. They're huge, strong, and can channel electricity in their attacks. If we encounter one, we need to focus fire and take it down fast."

"And the boss?" Caleb asked, already looking uneasy.

"Stormfang Alpha," Leo replied. "It's a hybrid predator—part wolf, part jaguar. This thing can manipulate storms and will likely try to separate us. We're not engaging it until we're ready."

The team absorbed the briefing in silence, Leo stepped forward, leading the way into the portal.

The moment they crossed, the world warped, twisting and reshaping into something new. As the disorientation faded, they found themselves standing in a dense jungle. Towering trees loomed above, their massive leaves blocking out most of the sunlight. The air was thick with humidity, and the scent of damp earth and vegetation filled their lungs.

"A jungle…huh" Jerry muttered, his eyes scanning the surroundings.

Leo held up a hand, signaling for quiet. "Stay alert. This jungle is perfect for ambushes. Stick together and call out anything unusual."

The group moved cautiously, forming a tight formation. The ground was uneven, with thick roots and jagged rocks making every step treacherous. The faint rustle of leaves and distant animal calls added to the tension, every sound making them jump.

Leo turned back to face the group, walking backward as he gave more details. "Remember, the Gloomfang Stalkers will use shadows to hide. If you see movement or hear growling, assume it's already too late. Don't—"

"Leo, behind you!" Mia shouted cutting the words

Leo didn't have time to think. Instinct took over as he dove to the side, narrowly avoiding the swipe of a clawed paw. A Gloomfang Stalker, its glowing amber eyes piercing through the shadows, snarled where he had just stood. The creature's thick black fur seemed to meld with the darkness around it, its hulking frame radiating menace. 

"Close one!" Leo muttered, gripping his sword more tightly as three more Stalkers emerged from the gloom, their low growls filling the space. 

Caleb raised his wand "Four of them, circling us." 

Mia stepped back, pulling her bow from her shoulder and nocking an arrow in one fluid motion. "They're not getting out alive." 

Jerry cracked his knuckles, his stance widening. "Time to warm up!" 

Leo positioned himself at the front while the others quickly formed a tight circle. The Gloomfangs prowled around them, their glowing eyes never leaving their prey. Then, as if on some silent cue, they attacked. 

The first Stalker rushed straight at Leo, its claws aiming for his chest. Leo sidestepped, deflecting its strike with his sword before countering with a slash across its flank. The creature howled in pain but didn't back down. It lunged again, but Leo was quicker, spinning behind it and driving his blade deep into its side. 

To his left, Caleb stepped forward, his wand glowing with a faint blue light. "Ignis Surge!" he shouted, and a burst of fire erupted from the wand, engulfing one of the Stalkers. The creature screeched, thrashing as flames licked its fur. Caleb's movements were deliberate, his spells weaving between offensive and defensive, casting barriers to block incoming attacks while striking with precise magical bursts. 

On the right flank, Mia's bow twanged as she loosed an arrow, striking a Stalker square in the eye. The beast snarled, stumbling back. She didn't hesitate, quickly drawing and firing another arrow, this one hitting its throat. When a second Stalker charged toward her, she sidestepped, spinning as she released another arrow mid-turn, pinning the beast's leg to the ground. It whimpered before collapsing as Mia delivered the final shot. 

Jerry, at the rear, grinned as one of the Stalkers charged him head-on. Instead of retreating, he dashed forward, meeting the creature with a powerful uppercut that sent it reeling. "That all you got?" he growled, following up with a series of rapid punches to the beast's chest and jaw. Another Stalker tried to flank him, but Jerry caught sight of it and spun on his heel, delivering a devastating elbow strike that cracked its skull. 

The battle raged on, each of them pushing their limits. Caleb's fire and lightning spells illuminated the battlefield, scorching and stunning the Stalkers. Mia's arrows flew with precision, her calm focus never faltering as she struck vital points. Jerry moved like a whirlwind, his raw strength and speed overpowering anything that came near him. 

"Leo, watch out" Caleb shouted, sending a bolt of lightning to intercept a Stalker that was closing in on Leo. The beast convulsed, giving Leo enough time to drive his sword through its neck. 

"Thanks!" Leo called out, wiping sweat from his brow. 

"We're not done yet!" Mia yelled, losing two arrows in quick succession to take down another Stalker that had leaped toward her. 

Jerry grabbed the last remaining Stalker by the throat mid-lunge, slamming it into the ground with enough force to leave a dent in the dirt. It tried to claw at him, but he smashed his fist into its head repeatedly until it stopped moving. 

The clearing fell silent, save for the group's heavy breathing. 

Leo straightened, surveying the battlefield. The Gloomfangs lay in heaps around them, their dark blood staining the ground. "Is everyone okay?" 

"Easy pezy!" Jerry said, shaking blood off his fists.

Mia lowered her bow, brushing a stray lock of hair out of her face. "We handled them, but these things don't mess around." 

Caleb leaned on his staff, the faint glow fading as he caught his breath. "They're stronger than I expected. But it's manageable if we stay coordinated." 

Leo nodded, cleaning his blade on a torn piece of his cloak.