Seven Ring: First Stage Vol. 2
Chapter 38 – The Portal War Begins
The story continues from where it previously ended.
Navi suddenly starts laughing and throws a powerful punch. Jake Lee is sent flying backward, crashing into the hospital building. A massive explosion follows. Seeing this, the dark shadow is left stunned.
Dark Shadow:
"How did you do that?"
Navi:
"Everyone has their own secrets. You've only just entered my body… you know nothing about me."
From the smoke, Jake Lee walks out with a smile.
Jake Lee:
"That power isn't yours… it belongs to a monster. I'm impressed. Now this fight is getting interesting."
At that moment, the military arrives and starts firing at Jake Lee. However, he stands still as if the bullets have no effect on him.
Jake Lee:
"These insects are back to die by my hands… looks like more tasty food has arrived."
Civilians begin running in panic, while the military calls for backup.
Jake Lee rushes toward the soldiers to attack them, but in an instant, Navi picks up a weapon from the ground and fires an AK-47 at him.
This time, the bullets actually affect Jake Lee and even injure him.
Jake Lee (shocked):
"How is a normal weapon able to hurt me?"
He quickly creates a black aura shield in front of him.
Navi, laughing like a madman, keeps firing continuously. Slowly, the shield begins to crack… and eventually breaks.
Jake Lee is now bleeding heavily.
Realizing the danger, he releases a cloud of black aura and escapes.
Navi drops to the ground, exhausted.
"Good… he's gone."
The dark shadow, still confused, asks:
Dark Shadow:
"How did you do that? How can a normal weapon hurt him?"
A soldier approaches.
Soldier:
"Sir, are you okay? Who was that?"
Navi:
"I don't know… can you take me to the hospital?"
Soldier:
"It's dangerous here. A portal has opened in this hospital."
Navi:
"It's fine. Take me to my room."
Soldier:
"Alright, sir. May I know your name?"
Navi:
"My name is Zhao."
The soldier nods and takes him to his previous room.
Navi:
"Listen carefully. Evacuate all civilians from this place and move them somewhere safe. And all of you… stay away from the portal. I'll handle it alone."
Soldier (shocked):
"Sir… are you serious?"
Navi (angrily):
"Do as I said."
Feeling the overwhelming pressure from Navi, the soldier gets frightened and leaves without another word.
Scene Shift
The scene changes to another location where hunters from major guilds have gathered.
Everyone is murmuring, wondering why they were called.
Suddenly, the President stands up and speaks into the microphone:
President:
"Everyone, please be quiet."
Just the word "please" releases such immense pressure that even S-rank hunters struggle to move. Sweat forms on everyone's faces.
President (America):
"Sit down. I have called you here for something important."
"As you all know, a total of 24 portals have opened in New York."
"All of these portals are S-rank. The radiation levels have exceeded 200,000."
"Each portal may release different types of monsters… including dragons. The probability is currently 50%."
Hearing this, the entire hall falls into shock.
Everyone remembers the last time a dragon appeared—how powerful it was, and how many lives were lost.
Fear spreads instantly.
President:
"To fight this war, I need all of your support."
Steve:
"Do you have a plan? Have you requested help from other countries?"
President:
"Yes. I've sent requests to Korea, China, and the West Indies. I've asked for national-level hunters."
"But we haven't received any response yet."
"So, open the files on your tables. I've formed 24 teams—one for each portal."
"Each team will have a leader. If anyone has a problem, speak now."
A guild leader stands up.
Beast Guild Leader:
"I have a problem. I refuse to follow your decision. I want to be a team leader. I won't work under anyone."
President:
"Kwin, calm down. Everyone has been assigned according to their capability."
Suddenly—
A slash cuts through the air.
In an instant, the man is sliced in half.
No one even sees it coming.
Shock fills the room.
It was the leader of the Justice Guild.
Justice Guild Leader:
"We don't need someone like him. He talked too much. Anyone else has a problem?"
President (sternly):
"If you keep doing this, no one will be left to fight."
Justice Guild Leader:
"Fine. I'll control my sword."
President:
"Remove the body. We don't have time."
Scene Shift
Kartik is seen taking a ring from Murti.
Kartik:
"I want to ask you something. Will you answer me?"
Murti:
"Ask. If it's necessary, I'll answer."
Kartik:
"I've noticed something… the power balance in this world is broken. Why is the gap so huge?"
Murti smiles.
Murti:
"Interesting… I didn't expect you to notice that. But I can't tell you right now. Do something for me, and I'll tell you everything."
Kartik:
"That's unfair."
Murti:
"This isn't the right time. You'll know when the time comes."
Kartik disappears.
Behind Murti, a golden-colored man appears.
Murti:
"Master… what are you doing here?"
Master:
"I came to see how smart that boy is. You went to make a deal… but he made a deal with you instead."
Murti (confused):
"I don't understand."
Master:
"He took all the information he needed from you… and you didn't even realize it."
Both of them disappear.
Murti remains there, thinking:
"How did he trick me…? What information did he get?"
Final Scene
The dark shadow watches Kartik.
As Kartik suddenly opens his eyes, the shadow is shocked.
It becomes even more stunned as Kartik's wounds begin to heal rapidly.
Because Kartik awakened in the middle of the ritual, the backlash of that ritual hits the dark shadow instead.
Its condition starts worsening rapidly.
Chapter End
(Author's Note)
Thank you to all readers who read this chapter ❤️
If you find any issues, feel free to mention them in the comments.