Chapter 5: Echoes of the Past

The return to New Avalon was met with a hero’s welcome. The city’s inhabitants lined the streets, cheering and applauding the hunters who had faced the god-tier enemy and emerged victorious. Chris Tranvis, now a celebrated figure, was both exhilarated and overwhelmed by the outpouring of support.

In the heart of the city, the Guild Headquarters held a grand ceremony to honor the team’s bravery. Chris was officially recognized as an SSS rank hunter, and his achievements were celebrated with speeches and awards. The Guild Master, Evelyn Blackwood, presented him with a ceremonial sword, a symbol of his new status.

“Chris Tranvis,” Evelyn declared, her voice echoing through the hall, “you have shown unparalleled courage and strength. Your actions have not only saved countless lives but have also set a new standard for all hunters. We are honored to have you among us.”

The crowd erupted in applause, and Chris bowed his head in gratitude. Despite the accolades, he felt a growing sense of unease. The victory over the god-tier enemy was significant, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that something darker was looming on the horizon.

After the ceremony, Chris retreated to his quarters at the Guild Headquarters, seeking solitude. He needed time to process the events and prepare for what lay ahead. As he reviewed his notes and training logs, a knock on the door interrupted his thoughts.

“Come in,” Chris called.

The door opened to reveal Marcus, his face etched with concern. “Chris, can we talk?”

“Sure,” Chris replied, gesturing to a seat. “What’s on your mind?”

Marcus took a seat and looked serious. “It’s about the god-tier enemy we fought. We’ve received some troubling reports. There are rumors of other powerful entities stirring, and they’re linked to the gates opening more frequently.”

Chris’s expression grew grim. “You think there’s a connection?”

“I’m afraid so,” Marcus said. “The god-tier enemy we faced might have been a precursor. There could be more of its kind, or something even worse, waiting in the shadows.”

Chris nodded, absorbing the information. “We need to find out more. If there are other powerful entities out there, we have to be prepared.”

Marcus agreed. “I’ll work with the Guild to gather intelligence and track any unusual activity. In the meantime, you should also be aware of another development. We’ve found some old records about the origins of the gates and the entities that come through them.”

“Old records?” Chris asked, intrigued.

“Yes,” Marcus said. “They’re from ancient texts that were recently uncovered. They might provide some insight into the true nature of these entities and how we can deal with them.”

“Let’s review them,” Chris said, standing up. “If there’s a chance these records hold valuable information, we need to examine them as soon as possible.”

The two of them made their way to the Guild’s archives, a vast chamber filled with ancient scrolls and manuscripts. They sifted through the dusty records, searching for anything relevant. Hours passed, and Chris’s eyes grew weary, but he persisted.

Finally, they came across a set of manuscripts written in an archaic script. The texts spoke of ancient entities known as the “Abyssal Lords,” powerful beings that were sealed away in a distant past. According to the manuscripts, these entities were responsible for the creation of the gates and had been dormant for centuries.

“The Abyssal Lords,” Chris muttered, reading aloud. “It seems they were once sealed away because of their immense power. The gates were a way to contain their influence.”

Marcus examined the text closely. “If these entities are waking up, it might explain why the gates are becoming more unstable. They could be trying to break free from their confinement.”

Chris’s mind raced as he absorbed the implications. “If the Abyssal Lords are indeed waking up, we need to act quickly. We can’t afford to wait until they’re fully unleashed.”

Marcus nodded in agreement. “We should inform the Guild Master and prepare a strategy. We’ll need all the resources we can muster to face this threat.”

As they prepared to leave the archives, a sudden tremor shook the building. Chris and Marcus exchanged worried glances.

“What was that?” Marcus asked, his voice tense.

“I don’t know,” Chris said, heading toward the exit. “But we need to find out.”

They rushed outside, where they were met with chaos. The sky was darkened by swirling storm clouds, and the ground trembled with increasing intensity. People were panicking, and the gates around the city were becoming unstable.

Chris’s heart sank as he realized the gravity of the situation. The Abyssal Lords’ influence was spreading, and their emergence was causing the gates to destabilize.

“We need to get to the Guild Master,” Chris said urgently. “We have to stop this before it’s too late.”

As they made their way to the Guild Headquarters, Chris felt a renewed sense of purpose. The battle against the Abyssal Lords was only beginning, and he was determined to lead the charge. The fate of New Avalon and the world hung in the balance, and Chris Tranvis was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

The storm outside mirrored the turmoil within Chris’s heart. He knew that the coming days would test his strength and resolve like never before. But he was prepared to confront the darkness, no matter the cost.

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