Chapter 12: The Gate That Bled
It appeared without warning—an enormous crack in the sky that bled mist and screamed silently.
They called it a Blood Gate.
Those sensitive to energy trembled as the red mist spiraled downward like tendrils. Aero stood among a group of warriors—each chosen for their combat strength. Not one of them looked his way.
"He's just a medic," one spat, checking his double-bladed weapon.
They all ignored him—except Rei, a quiet but perceptive fighter who had seen Aero's touch mend bone and heal fatal wounds in seconds. He nodded slightly at Aero, standing beside him as they prepared to enter.
The moment they stepped through the gate, it snapped shut behind them.
The air inside was thick and rust-colored. The ground oozed as if alive. The gate's realm was a twisted, pulsing jungle of blood-veined trees, bone-like structures, and monstrous sounds echoing from unseen places.
"We need to split up," the leader of the group said. "Smaller teams are faster. First to kill the core gets the reward."
Aero and Rei were grouped together—intentionally by the others to get rid of the 'healer.'
The jungle tested them fast. Mutated beasts charged out of the trees—beasts with spines like jagged blades and eyes that bled steam. Aero healed Rei through multiple battles, never resting. He wasn't built for prolonged fights.
Meanwhile, the others underestimated the Blood Gate. One by one, their groups thinned. Screams echoed far and wide—some human, some not.
Hours passed. Aero and Rei reached a towering altar of flesh and crystal—the Heart of the Gate. They had arrived first.
But before they could act, the others returned—injured, angry, desperate. Accusations flew.
"You led us into a trap!"
"You knew where the heart was!"
They attacked.
Rei fought like a demon to protect Aero, but he was overwhelmed. One of the fighters slammed Rei into a pillar—knocking him unconscious, blood pouring from his head.
Aero stood alone.
Breathing hard.
Blood dripping from his mouth.
Hands trembling.
Something snapped inside him.
He reached for Rei—his hand igniting faintly in red light. "No... I won't let him die."
Then his chest glowed. The ring on his finger pulsed as if waking up. A symbol etched in old blood lit up across his palm.
A gust of red wind burst outward—blowing the enemies back.
They froze.
A figure walked from the swirling red storm behind Aero. Not entirely flesh. Not entirely spirit.
Long red hair. Red eyes glowing like dying stars.
Alan.
"You summoned me," he said calmly.
Aero turned, barely staying conscious. "I didn't mean to…"
Alan looked ahead at the terrified fighters. "You're part of my bloodline. You never have to ask."
And with that, Alan stepped forward—his very presence cracking the ground.
The others ran.
Alan didn't chase.
He turned to Aero, touching his forehead. "Rest. I'll handle the rest."