The Gate of Fate

Jin-Won stared at Seo-Yeon Park, unable to believe his eyes. She stood firm, her glowing eyes reflecting something beyond mere power—a secret yet to be revealed.

Hori tightened his grip on his sword. "How are you here? We thought you—"

Seo-Yeon gave a faint smile. "Disappeared? Yes, that's what they wanted you to believe."

She took a step forward, the air around her trembling with unseen energy.

"There's no time for questions. If you want to survive, you'll have to trust me."

Yun-Su frowned cautiously. "And why should we trust you?"

She replied calmly, without hesitation: "Because the real enemy hasn't shown itself yet."

Before anyone could respond, the ancient throne began to shake. Cracks spread across its surface, glowing with golden light. Then, in a flash, the throne shattered, revealing a massive gate radiating raw energy.

Lyria felt the power of the gate and stepped back. "This… isn't just a portal. It's a crossing between worlds!"

Jin-Won shouted, "Where does it lead?"

Seo-Yeon looked at them, then at the gate. "To the truth."

A deep, resonant voice echoed through the hall, as if an unseen force had sensed their presence. The walls trembled, and the fading shadows began to gather again—not as human figures this time, but as massive creatures with burning eyes, staring at them with pure hostility.

Hori raised his sword. "It doesn't matter where it leads. But we need to move now!"

Without hesitation, Seo-Yeon stepped toward the gate, then turned to face Jin-Won directly.

"Make your choice, Jin-Won. Either step forward… or remain trapped here forever."

Jin-Won felt his breath quicken. This was the real test. Not strength, not skill, but the will to take the next step—despite all the doubts and risks.

He looked at his friends—at Hori, at Lyria, at Yun-Su, then at Seo-Yeon, who stood confidently before the gate.

He took a deep breath… and stepped forward.

—To be continued…