The forest within the Simulation Gate buzzed with false life—twisting vines, growling beasts, and a constant fog that made every shadow feel alive. Despite knowing it was just a simulation, the tension in Lumiel's team was real.
"Everyone," Lumiel began, his voice steady, "let's stick together. I know this is just a simulation, but an S-Rank Gate isn't something we can take lightly. Let's not get ahead of ourselves."
Lady Nishia nodded. "We should stay alert, especially you, Skye."
Skye, still trembling, gave a small nod without saying a word.
Suddenly, a sharp chime rang in Lumiel's mind.
> [System Notice: Monsters approaching Skye and Seraphine.]
"Skye! Seraphine!" Lumiel shouted. "There's something coming your way!"
A massive beast burst through the underbrush—a Dire Wolf, nearly the size of a small carriage. Its blood-red eyes locked onto its prey as it lunged toward the two.
Before anyone else could react, Seraphine twirled, her ribbon unraveling mid-air. With elegance that didn't match the situation, she caught the Dire Wolf mid-pounce, binding it tightly.
Everyone stood stunned.
Skye's jaw dropped. "H-How did you stop that thing?! It's three times your size!"
Seraphine giggled. "Oh… did I forget to mention? My ribbon weakens anyone it wraps around." She tilted her head. "Silly me."
Lady Nishia stepped forward and finished the beast off with a swift slash. "Let's keep moving. The faster we reach the boss, the better."
"Wait." Lumiel raised a hand, halting them.
> [System Notice: Would you like to modify skill — Summon Army of Undead Cavalry Knights: Y/N?]
He pressed [Y].
> [System Notice: Skill modified. New Skill Acquired — Summon Undead War-Horses.]
[Skill Recognition: Summon Undead War-Horses — Summons up to 10 skeletal steeds built for war. They do not tire, cannot die, last for one day, and have a one-day cooldown.]
Raising his hand, Lumiel invoked the new ability.
"Summon Undead War-Horses!"
The ground trembled. Bones burst from the soil, assembling into skeletal horses clad in rusted, tattered armor. Skye paled.
"L-Lumiel," Skye stammered. "A-Are those… monsters?!"
Lady Nishia raised her weapon in caution.
"Don't worry," Lumiel assured. "They're on our side."
Seraphine tugged his sleeve. "Mister… what's happening?"
Lumiel smiled at her. "Don't worry. I'm just summoning us some horses."
"Horses?" Her eyes lit up. "I've always wanted to ride one!"
"Then today's your lucky day." Lumiel chuckled.
Seraphine clapped her hands in excitement.
As the last horse finished forming, each team member climbed onto one—except for Skye and Seraphine, who shared a saddle. With Lumiel leading, they rode deeper into the forest, slaying monster after monster—Dire Wolves, Mad Hogs, Orcs, and Undead Mages.
Eventually, they arrived at a massive stone door. Towering beside it stood two motionless stone knights, each easily three meters tall, glowing faintly with sacred runes. The aura they emitted was ancient, powerful, and watching.
Lumiel dismounted and approached the door. He pushed it, then struck it with one of his strongest skills.
Nothing.
Not a scratch.
"This door…" Lumiel whispered, noticing strange carvings along its surface. "What language is this?"
He was about to activate his System for an appraisal when Lady Nishia spoke up.
"It says: 'The Gate Guardians, the Twin Sentinels of Sanctuary. The knight with the shield listens only to one who holds the will to protect. The knight with the sword acknowledges only strength above all.'"
Lumiel turned to her, blinking. "You understood that?"
"I studied this language with my parents when I was younger," she said, brushing her hair behind her ear.
"That's amazing," Skye added. "So… how do we open it?"
Silence hung in the air as the riddle lingered over them.
The wind shifted.
And as everyone focused on the puzzle before them, Seraphine—seated quietly on her skeletal steed—turned her head toward the group.
Her innocent smile slowly curled into something... off. Her eyes narrowed ever so slightly, a shadow flickering in her gaze.
She was smiling.
But it wasn't innocent anymore.
It was creepy.