Lackey's Seducing Survival Odyssey

Chapter 1740: Teaser of Hell’s Gate: Part-2

Ssshhhh~

The crimson portal shimmered above the rooftop like a wound carved into reality itself.

Rings of distorted space rippled around its edges. Every few seconds, golden particles drifted from the portal’s surface before dissolving into the air like fragments of liquid starlight.

The violent pressure generated by the portal sent powerful gusts sweeping across the rooftop, causing communication antennas, ventilation units, power conduits, and nearby generators to rattle violently beneath the overwhelming force.

Standing before the Hell’s Gate Portal were dozens of soldiers clad in red-striped black mech-suits.

Among them stood one machine that dwarfed the others.

Its armour was noticeably bulkier, layered with additional reinforced plating around the shoulders, chest, and forearms. Behind its crimson visor, twin optical sensors glowed with an intimidating intensity, and etched into its right shoulder was the luminous number ‘3’, shining like burning metal beneath the rooftop lights.

The commander of Squadron 3 stood directly beneath Jonathan’s position.

“Commander, it appears the commander of Squadron 2 has arrived as well,” one of his subordinates reported, snapping into a crisp salute.

As soon as the report ended, Jonathan and Young Aether stepped onto the rooftop.

The instant Jonathan noticed the glowing insignia marked with the number ‘3’, his expression behind the visor grew noticeably colder.

Without saying a word, he subtly lowered one hand, signalling Young Aether to slow his pace.

Military protocol was absolute.

Regardless of personal relationships, the commanding officer always walked ahead while everyone else followed behind.

Young Aether silently complied. There was no point drawing unnecessary attention to himself.

Commander 3 slowly turned toward the newcomers, his crimson visor reflecting Jonathan’s figure.

“So…” His mechanical voice echoed through the external speakers. “Why aren’t you wearing your suit, Second-in-Command?”

Jonathan met the commander’s gaze without the slightest hint of emotion.

For several seconds…

Neither of them spoke.

“Oh… where are my manners~”

Commander 3 let out a light chuckle before lazily raising his hand into a salute.

“Good evening, Second-in-Command.”

His exaggerated politeness sounded less like respect and more like open mockery, as though he had conveniently forgotten military protocol until the very last second.

“Report, Commander 3.”

Jonathan’s calm voice cut through his amusement.

Commander 3 lowered his hand with an amused snort.

“As you can see… a new Hell’s Gate Portal has opened above this sector. I dispatched an advance reconnaissance unit immediately. They’re currently surveying the surrounding terrain. We’re simply waiting for them.”

He paused before laughing behind his helmet.

“Hahah… Unlike certain people… I have no intention of sending my entire squadron to die because of my own incompetence.”

The surrounding soldiers remained completely silent.

No one dared react.

Everyone knew the hostility between the commanders.

Jonathan simply stared back.

He neither defended himself nor responded.

Seeing no reaction, Commander 3 clicked his tongue before his attention shifted toward the young man standing behind Jonathan.

His helmet tilted slightly.

“So…” he said with an amused chuckle, slowly looking Young Aether up and down. “Is that seriously all you managed to recruit? He looks like a brat who’d piss himself the moment something crawls out of that portal. Hahaha…”

He folded his armoured arms.

“What happened? Nobody wants to join Squadron 2 anymore? So now you’re dragging random kids off the street just to keep your command position?”

Several soldiers lowered their heads, pretending not to hear the conversation.

Nobody wanted to become collateral damage in a conflict between commanders.

Commander 3 ignored them completely before stepping toward Young Aether.

“Hey, kid,” Commander 3 said, his tone becoming almost welcoming. “If you don’t feel like dying a pathetic death under his command… come with me instead. Squadron 3 takes care of its own. At the very least, you’ll have a better chance of surviving than following… that useless piece of crap–“

“Mind your words, Commander 3.”

Jonathan’s voice remained calm.

“Oops~ Sorry.”

Commander 3 raised both hands in fake surrender.

His carefree tone made it painfully obvious he wasn’t sorry in the slightest.

With a dismissive wave, he simply turned back toward the Hell’s Gate Portal as though the conversation had already bored him.

Young Aether quietly watched his back.

‘Who is this motherfucker…?’

His eyes narrowed ever so slightly as if he had already marked his target.

Jonathan caught Young Aether by the wrist before he could take another step and gently pulled him away toward the edge of the rooftop, far enough that their conversation wouldn’t carry across the open air.

His visor remained fixed on Commander 3, making sure the man couldn’t overhear them through any directional audio sensors.

Then he turned toward Young Aether, his expression unusually serious.

“Do not even think about doing anything to him,” Jonathan warned in a low voice. “He’s directly below my rank. If he finds out anything about you, I’m the one who’ll have to deal with the consequences. Do you understand?”

Young Aether blinked before slowly nodding, unable to hide the faint disappointment on his face.

It wasn’t like he was actually planning anything…

Why did nobody ever believe him?

He was just an obedient guy who wanted to live his life peacefully~

“Anyway…” Young Aether said as he folded his arms across his chest. “Since he’s already here, shouldn’t we leave?”

Jonathan shook his head.

“The portal opened inside the Commercial City District. As the Second-in-Command, I have to remain here until the operation is complete.”

Young Aether nodded in understanding.

“So… we’re going inside again?”

“Yes.”

Jonathan gave a short nod before immediately adding,

“However, you aren’t coming with me, bro.”

“What?” Young Aether nearly shouted before Jonathan quickly covered his mouth with one hand.

“Keep your voice down,” Jonathan muttered before lowering his hand. “If it were just the two of us, I’d have taken you inside without hesitation. But there are rules and military regulations just to enter a Hell’s Gate. Every individual who crosses the portal has to be registered, identified, and assigned to an operational unit. Right now, you’re not part of any authorised deployment.”

He looked Young Aether straight in the eyes.

“So stay here quietly. Once I come back, we’ll leave together. Got it?”

Young Aether let out an annoyed snort before reluctantly nodding, looking every bit like a child whose request had just been rejected by his parent.

Jonathan couldn’t help smiling weakly behind his visor.

‘…Why do I suddenly feel like I’m babysitting?’

The thought made him shake his head.

The two of them quietly stood near the edge of the rooftop while the soldiers continued preparing for deployment.

After watching everything for a while, Young Aether finally asked,

“So… what exactly are they waiting for? Shouldn’t they just go inside and kill the monsters or whatever?”

Jonathan shook his head.

“That’s not how Hell’s Gates work.”

He pointed toward the crimson portal, where golden particles continued drifting through the air.

“First of all, this portal isn’t a selected gateway like the Numbered Hell’s Gates we use to travel between the Empires.

These Hell’s Gates are unstable dimensional ruptures, which means monsters can come through to our side at any time. That’s why our first priority is securing the surrounding area and establishing a defensive perimeter before anyone enters.”

Young Aether glanced toward the swirling crimson portal.

“Once the area is secure, we send a small reconnaissance team inside to analyse the terrain, atmospheric conditions, and nearby lifeforms. If hostile monsters are detected near the entrance, the squad immediately reports back and waits for reinforcements before advancing any farther.”

Young Aether slowly nodded.

“And if there aren’t any monsters nearby?”

“Our soldiers establish a temporary defensive position around the portal and wait until it naturally collapses. However…” Jonathan paused. “If the portal leads to a previously undiscovered landscape, the commanding officer personally leads an exploration team deeper inside. New landscapes often contain unknown resources, undiscovered species, or threats we’ve never encountered before.”

“I see…”

Young Aether’s gaze lingered on the swirling crimson portal, watching golden sparks drift into the evening sky before fading into nothingness.

Jonathan added one final detail.

“Of course… if civilians are trapped inside when a portal appears, everything else becomes secondary. Our first priority is rescuing survivors.”

“Hmm…”

Only a few minutes later, several mech suits emerged from the Hell’s Gate.

One soldier immediately detached a glowing data module from his forearm and handed it to Commander 3.

The commander silently reviewed the holographic report projected inside his visor before giving several short nods.

Without wasting another second, he walked toward Jonathan.

“It’s an undiscovered landscape,” Commander 3 reported. “No hostile monsters detected within the initial reconnaissance radius.”

“Good.”

Jonathan gave a single nod.

“Proceed with the standard exploration protocol. I’ll remain here and secure the defensive line.”

Commander 3 acknowledged the order but didn’t move.

Instead, he tilted his helmet slightly before speaking again.

“Hmm… how about you come with us?”

Jonathan remained silent.

“It’s a newly discovered landscape,” Commander 3 continued casually. “The deeper we go, the greater the unknown risks become. Having another high-ranking commander present would improve our odds. Who knows what kind of creatures we’ll run into?”

A faint chuckle escaped through his external speakers.

“And besides…”

He slowly pointed behind himself.

Several members of Squadron 3 were already staring directly at Jonathan.

“They’ve been rather curious about your abilities.” His voice carried an unmistakable hint of provocation.

“Seems they’ve only heard the rumours… and they’d quite like to see whether the famous Second-in-Command truly deserves that reputation.”

“Who knows? Maybe you could finally recruit one or two properly trained soldiers instead of little brats.” Commander 3 let out a mocking laugh before adding with exaggerated politeness, “Haha… no offence, child~” Without waiting for a response, he casually turned back toward the members of Squadron 3 as though he had merely shared an amusing joke.

Young Aether silently watched the commander’s back disappear before leaning slightly toward Jonathan.

“He’s baiting you.”

“Definitely,” Jonathan answered without hesitation. A faint smile slowly spread beneath his concealed face as he kept his eyes on Commander 3.

“Which is exactly why I’m going to wipe that arrogant smirk off his face… again.”

Young Aether couldn’t help smiling in return.

Before either of them could continue talking, a brilliant crimson light suddenly pierced through the clouds above the city. It descended from the dark sky with incredible speed, resembling a burning meteor that left a blazing trail stretching across the heavens.

Puuuuuuuuuuu!!

The thunderous roar echoed across the Commercial City District, instantly drawing everyone’s attention upward.

[AUTHORIZED MILITARY DROP POD DETECTED.]

[CALLSIGN VERIFIED.]

[AURA NO.2 DEPLOYMENT CONFIRMED.]

Jonathan calmly held the enormous weapon resting on his shoulder before extending it toward Young Aether.

“Hold this for me.”

Young Aether instinctively caught the oversized weapon with both hands.

Jonathan walked toward the centre of the rooftop. Without receiving a single order, every nearby soldier instinctively stepped backwards, creating a wide clearing around him.

Meanwhile, the blazing object descending from the sky rapidly reduced its speed as several hidden thrusters unfolded from its underside.

PUFFFFFFFF!!

Brilliant columns of crimson flames erupted downward, producing a deafening hiss that shook the rooftop beneath everyone’s feet. Dust and loose debris were blasted outward in every direction as the object gently lowered itself before Jonathan.

That Object… It looked more like a massive cylindrical capsule nearly three meters tall. Its polished silver alloy reflected the crimson glow of the Hell’s Gate Portal.

Thin streams of crimson light flowed beneath the capsule’s metallic surface, tracing intricate geometric patterns that pulsed like veins carrying energy through a living organism.

PSSS!!

A series of mechanical clicks echoed from inside the capsule before compressed air burst from hidden vents surrounding its frame. The front section slowly separated with perfect mechanical synchronisation, releasing another wave of pressurised steam as the entrance fully opened.

Without showing even the slightest hesitation, Jonathan stepped inside.

The capsule immediately sealed shut behind him with a heavy metallic thud, completely isolating him from the outside world.

He disabled his visor and removed his glasses.

Darkness consumed the interior for only a brief moment before hundreds of crimson scanning beams suddenly illuminated the chamber from every direction.

The scanners swept across Jonathan’s body repeatedly, analysing his facial structure, retinal patterns, neural activity, and every other biometric parameter required for military authorisation.

Several holographic interfaces rapidly appeared before disappearing just as quickly.

[Identity Confirmed.]

[Second-In-Command Jonathan Vale.]

[Neural Synchronisation Stable.]

[Genetic Authentication Complete.]

[Combat Authorisation Granted.]

A calm mechanical voice echoed throughout the enclosed chamber.

[Welcome, Second-In-Command.]

[Initiating Aura No.2.]

The capsule gradually came alive as countless hidden systems activated one after another. Deep within its structure, miniature energy reactors began generating power while streams of crimson energy raced through transparent conduits beneath the armour plating.

Meanwhile, outside the capsule, Young Aether watched with curiosity as the polished silver shell surrounding Jonathan suddenly trembled.

Fine seams, previously invisible across the capsule’s flawless surface, slowly illuminated with crimson light before countless internal locking mechanisms disengaged simultaneously, creating the impression that the capsule was shedding its own metallic skin.

Tang!

Tang!

Tang!

Sharp metallic sounds echoed across the rooftop as the outer armour began shedding itself.

Large silver plates detached one after another, sliding downward along hidden rails before locking neatly around the capsule’s base. The process was smooth and almost elegant, resembling a mechanical creature shedding its skin rather than a machine simply opening.

As more of the silver shell peeled away, matte-black armour gradually emerged inch by inch.

Unlike the standard military mech suits surrounding the rooftop, this armour possessed an entirely different presence. Its silhouette was broader through the shoulders and chest, while every plate overlapped seamlessly like the scales of an apex predator. There wasn’t a single unnecessary edge or decorative feature.

Snnng!

Thud!

Crk!

Sssnnngg~

Thuddd!

Heavy shoulder plates rotated into position while reinforced forearm armour locked firmly into place. Compact vector thrusters unfolded along the spine before stabiliser fins extended from the lower back, releasing faint streams of heated air that shimmered against the night sky.

[Aura No.2 Online.]

HHHMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!

A deep mechanical hum resonated throughout the entire rooftop as crimson energy surged across every circuit embedded within the black metallic frame.

They spread from the chest core across the shoulders, arms, torso, and legs, resembling veins carved into obsidian metal.

The armoured figure slowly straightened its posture before the visor, which had remained completely dark until now, suddenly ignited with two brilliant, razor-thin crimson eyes. [Imgincmt]

It slowly raised one armoured hand toward Young Aether without saying a word.

Still staring at the newly activated mech suit in amazement, Young Aether took a second to realise what Jonathan wanted. He quickly snapped out of his daze before stepping forward and carefully handing over the massive shotgun.

The moment Jonathan’s armoured fingers wrapped around the weapon, a mechanical voice echoed from within the suit.

[Weapon Detected.]

[Synchronisation Initiated.]

The shotgun immediately responded.

Crimson particles erupted across its red-striped mech-suit before streams of glowing energy raced through countless engraved channels running along the weapon’s body… lighting up with the same red strip lines all over the gun’s frame.

Even the barrel pulsed rhythmically, as though the weapon itself had become another extension of the mech suit.

The once-lifeless firearm seemed to awaken as every circuit illuminated in perfect synchronisation with Jonathan’s armour.

Tiny holographic indicators appeared across Jonathan’s visor.

[Neural Link Established.]

[Weapon Synchronisation: 100%.]

[Targeting Assistance Online.]

Young Aether watched the entire process with widened eyes.

“…That’s insane.”

Jonathan casually raised the shotgun toward Young Aether.

The surrounding soldiers instinctively stiffened, while several members of Squadron 3 immediately shifted into defensive positions, believing the weapon was about to discharge.

A faint mechanical hum echoed from the barrel.

Sssssssssnnnn…

Crimson energy rapidly converged toward the muzzle as streams of glowing particles raced through the weapon’s energy channels. The surrounding air distorted from the concentrated power gathering inside the accelerator chamber, producing a faint heat haze that rippled across the rooftop.

sssnnnn–

The charging sequence continued for another brief moment before the weapon abruptly powered down.

The crimson glow faded.

The humming disappeared.

Jonathan lowered the shotgun before giving a satisfied nod.

“Good.”

He turned toward Young Aether and walked over with heavy footsteps, each movement of the Aura No.2 armour producing a low metallic thud against the rooftop.

“I’ll transfer my communication access code to your AI,” Jonathan said. “That way we’ll have a secure channel.”

The black ring around Young Aether’s finger suddenly emitted soft blue particles that floated into the air before forming several miniature holographic symbols.

Unlike Rin’s usual lively personality, the voice that followed was calm, professional, and distinctly artificial.

^New communication channel detected. Do you wish to authorise the connection?^

“Yes.”

The holographic symbols instantly merged into the ring.

^Authorization confirmed.^

^Encrypted communication channel established.^

^Adding new contact… Please provide a contact name.^

Young Aether smiled mischievously.

“Well… Chubb–“

“BRO!!”

Jonathan nearly lost his balance inside the heavy mech suit.

Young Aether burst into laughter.

“I was kidding.”

He grinned before speaking again.

“Jonny.”

^Confirmed.^

^New contact “Jonny” has been added to your contact list.^

Jonathan let out a long, defeated sigh.

“…One day you’re going to stop calling me ridiculous names.”

“I seriously doubt that.”

Young Aether smiled innocently.

Jonathan simply shook his head before continuing.

“With this connection, you can contact me whenever you need to. However, communication won’t work if one of us is inside a Hell’s Gate while the other remains outside.”

“Got it.”

Young Aether nodded with a relaxed smile.

“Second-in-Command.”

Commander 3’s voice echoed from near the portal.

Most of Squadron 3 had already crossed into the Hell’s Gate without waiting for the commander’s conversation to finish.

Jonathan glanced toward the portal before looking back at Young Aether one last time.

“Stay safe.”

“I should be the one telling you that.”

Young Aether raised a hand and smiled as though he were seeing off a close friend heading toward the battlefield.

Jonathan gave a silent nod before turning around.

Without another word, Jonathan, in his red-striped black mech suit, walked toward the Hell’s Gate.

The moment Jonathan stepped through the crimson portal, the strange sensation of weightlessness lasted for barely a heartbeat before his boots struck solid ground with a heavy metallic thud.