Lord Of Beasts

The city blurred past Ethan in streaks of grey and steel as he began bolting towards the Gate’s location.

’Beast Assimilation: Talon.’

A faint pulse of energy rippled through his body.

His vision sharpened instantly, the world gaining an almost unnatural clarity. Every movement around him slowed just enough for him to process it all: cars shifting lanes, pedestrians turning their heads, distant reflections in glass.

As for his body, it felt incredibly light, almost uncomfortably so.

’My speed is currently 23, then with 15 added from Talon...’

That wasn’t just an increase; it was a transformation.

His feet barely touched the pavement as he moved, weaving through streets with fluid precision. To anyone watching, he would look like a blur darting through the city, gliding across the ground effortlessly.

’Almost four times as fast as an athletic untitled.’

And he could feel it: the wind in his face, his steady, deep breathing, the explosiveness of each step.

As he approached the Brooklyn Industrial District, Ethan slowed down as the location of his first gate came into sight. Not wanting to draw attention, he eased into a steady jog, slipping his hands into his pockets like any normal guy out for a run.

Except nothing about him was normal anymore.

His thoughts drifted as he followed the map on his phone.

’What’s the worst that can happen?’

A faint smirk tugged at his lips.

’A Gate should be easy compared to the Tower...’

The Tower was relentless, brutal, and worst of all, he was alone.

In a Gate, from everything he had heard, they were structured, predictable, and broken down together in groups of Titled.

’It’ll probably feel like Floors 21 to 25...’

It was still dangerous, but it was certainly manageable and only a C- Rank Gate.

’They’re overboard with Titled anyway.’

Numbers definitely mattered, and from the registration list, this wasn’t some desperate last-minute clear - the clearing squad was stacked.

Ethan didn’t overthink things and instead scanned his surroundings with his enhanced vision. Even from a distance, he could pick it all apart instantly while assimilated with Talon.

There was a large blockage around the entire area with military trucks, barricades, and personnel in full camo. Even suited employees of the Titled Association roamed around.

It was a complete lockdown, and they clearly took security seriously in case of a Gate Break.

Ethan slowed further, approaching at a controlled pace.

He didn’t need to rush anymore.

But the moment he stepped into view, rifles shifted, and though not aimed at him, two men stationed at the nearest barricade were ready to shoot at any moment.

’I definitely can’t take a bullet just yet.’

Ethan raised a hand casually.

”Who are you?” one of the soldiers called out, stepping forward.

He answered calmly and clearly.

”I’m a Titled and registered for the gate.”

They didn’t relax, exchanging doubtful looks.

”Identification.”

He pulled out his Titled card and handed it over, and they both looked at it before one of them scanned it with some radar-like device.

E Rank.

Ethan, who had deactivated Beast Assimilation, didn’t need enhanced senses to notice the shift. The tension eased, and both of them lowered their weapons.

But along with the tension went any respect they had for him.

Instead, it was replaced by mild indifference as the second soldier checked a tablet, scrolling through the list.

”You registered late?”

”Yeah.”

”The gate entry’s starting soon.”

Ethan glanced at the time.

11:55.

’I’m cutting it close, haha.’

It was such a spontaneous decision that he was still digesting the fact that this was actually happening, his first gate.

One of the soldiers sighed, handing the card back.

”Come with me. I’ll drive you over.”

Ethan blinked, then nodded.

”Appreciate it.”

A camo-wrapped SUV roared to life as they sped past the barricade.

The soldier drove like he actually cared about getting Ethan there on time, which was quite unexpected.

”So,” the man said, glancing sideways, ”this your first gate?”

”Yup.”

”How long you been a Titled?”

”A month.”

A pause.

”...You scared?”

”No.”

Another pause.

The man snorted.

”Not much of a talker, are you?”

”Nope.”

That got a laugh.

The soldier shook his head.

”I can’t get a read on you, man. Most guys on their first run are either shaking or talking too much.”

Ethan leaned back slightly.

”No point worrying.”

The soldier smirked.

”Well, word to the wise - stick to the highest rank there. Don’t play hero.”

Ethan didn’t respond.

”It’s only a C- Rank Gate,” the man continued, ”and from what I’ve seen... you’ve got a skilled B Rank and even an A Rank in the group.”

That caught Ethan’s attention.

”An A Rank?”

The soldier grinned.

”Got your attention now, huh?”

Ethan didn’t deny it.

”Don’t get your hopes up, though,” the man added, his tone shifting slightly. ”Let’s just say... she’s-”

The vehicle came to an abrupt stop, and Ethan felt it immediately.

An immense presence that caused a suffocating pressure; it was as if the air itself had become heavier.

The soldier cleared his throat.

”I can’t go any further, but just head straight through there.”

He pointed to an opening between a cluster of warehouses.

”You can’t miss it.”

Ethan nodded.

”Thanks.”

He stepped out, walking forward anxiously.

It wasn’t long before he saw the Gate, and no amount of pictures or videos could do something like this justice. Black and purple energy twisted together like a wound in the world, pulsing with something that felt ominous.

The thing was a literal tear in reality itself.

Ethan slowed to a stop.

”Damn...”

Even after everything he’d seen in the Tower, this felt different.

He could feel thick mana radiating from it, so dense it made his skin crawl. Something about it also irked him and made him feel on edge, but he assumed it was just the anticipation of what was to come.

Voices snapped him out of his daze, as his eyes focused on a group standing nearby.

’They’re Titled.’

If their flashy attire and equipment didn’t already scream that was the case, Ethan could feel it in his very bones.

Their attention also fell on Ethan, watching him closely as he walked over to them.

”Look who decided to join us.”

”What time do you call this?”

”Who the fuck are you?”

”And are you sure you’re going into a gate like that?”

Five figures stepped forward slightly, one of whom remained silent but felt the most threatening. They were all confident and armed to the teeth.

Ethan didn’t react.

”Ethan,” he said simply. ”E Rank.”

There was silence after his plain introduction, then the four of them who had called him out burst out into laughter. Even the others couldn’t help but join in. They didn’t seem to be laughing directly at him, but were more amused by how blunt and casual he was.

Ethan didn’t care either way.

His eyes moved, observing and counting those who would be clearing this gate with him. It wasn’t long after that the A Rank he was most excited to see showed up.

And let’s just say they weren’t exactly what he was expecting...