Gate Breakers

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Nureha had long stopped counting the days. In a world shattered by the gates, each day felt like another battle for survival. The once-bustling city she called home was now a broken husk, the echoes of its former life carried only by the sound of the wind and the distant rumblings of monsters within the gates.

The slums were crowded with the remnants of humanity-those who hadn't awakened as Hunters, those who had lost everything. And those who, like her, had been forsaken by the system that should have protected them.

Her stomach growled in protest, but Nureha didn't have the luxury to worry about hunger. She adjusted her worn-out cloak, blending into the shadows of the alley as she watched the street outside. A few familiar faces passed by, a group of B-rank Hunters laughing and boasting, their eyes flickering with disdain as they passed her by.

"Another day, another failure," Nureha muttered under her breath, her voice barely louder than the rustle of the wind.

Her rank as an F-rank Hunter was a scarlet letter. It wasn't just the mockery of others that stung-it was the constant reminder that no matter how hard she tried, she would always be seen as weak. She could barely survive the lower-level gates, let alone the higher ones. No one trusted her. No one believed in her.

When Nureha reached home, she was immediately met by the familiar voices of her twin brothers, Kieran and Tobin. Both still in their school uniforms, they stood in the doorway with the same concerned expressions they always wore when they saw her return from a mission.

"You're going again, Nureha?" Kieran asked, his voice stern as he crossed his arms over his chest. He wasn't just a brother; he often acted like her protector, always trying to be the voice of reason. "I told you last time-stay away from the gates. You're not ready for this."

Tobin, on the other hand, was more gentle but equally worried. His hands were stuffed into his pockets as he looked at her with genuine concern. "Sis, you don't have to do this. We can figure out another way to help. You're pushing yourself too hard."

Nureha stood frozen for a moment, feeling a pang in her chest as her brothers spoke in unison. She knew they were only looking out for her, but her heart was set on this mission. She couldn't afford to show weakness, not with the world as it was.

"I'm fine, you both worry too much." Her voice came out sharper than she intended, and she instantly regretted it when she saw the hurt flash in their eyes.

"Nureha, this isn't a game," Kieran said, his tone more forceful. "You're barely hanging on out there. I've seen you struggle on missions that should have been easy for someone even remotely skilled. What if you don't come back this time?"

Tobin stepped forward, his voice quiet but filled with determination. "Sis, we can't lose you. You're all we have left."

The words hit Nureha like a punch to the gut. Her brothers meant everything to her. The weight of their concern weighed heavily on her chest, but the world outside wasn't kind to people like them. She had to be strong. She had to push through.

"I'm doing this for us, you know that, right?" she said softly, her eyes meeting theirs. "I'll come back, I always do."

They exchanged a look, their concern still evident, but Kieran finally sighed in frustration. "Just... be careful, Nureha. Promise us that."

Tobin nodded eagerly, almost pleading with her. "Please, don't do anything reckless."

Nureha smiled faintly, though it was tinged with sadness. "I promise. I'll be careful. I'll be back soon."