PAID

A dense jungle, once the thriving heart of Africa's rainforest.

Now, in the middle of that lush landscape, a sinister black gate hovered, exuding a vile aura. A crowd gathered a safe distance away, waiting anxiously to welcome back the heroes who would conquer the terrifying gate. Their expressions were tense, worn from anticipation and worry.

Today marked a full week since their entry.

Having no idea when those who entered would return, they had no choice but to wait, camping on-site.

"Um... it seems there’s been a slight delay in clearing the gate," one broadcaster stammered.

"Hahaha... Right! Utopia said this type of demonic gate would be challenging, so it’s only natural it would take time!" another chimed in, forcing a laugh. "Besides, they mentioned clearing the gate would yield a special mana stone, with efficiency and capacity far beyond previous ones!"

"Yes, yes! That’s right! Let’s be patient and trust in our heroes!"

Seated with their cameras, the broadcasters continued with their strained smiles, nervously wiping sweat from their brows.

It was all well and good to explain who the hunters were and their accomplishments, but even the best stories only lasted so long. They’d been doing these daily one-hour broadcasts, yet the return was taking far too long, making their task increasingly awkward. While they couldn’t voice their worries, the crowd’s rising frustration was clear.

"Ugh, I bet everyone in there is already dead..."

"If something was wrong, wouldn’t at least one person have come out by now to give us an update?"

"Utopia cleared a demonic gate in 30 minutes—what’s taking these guys so long?"

"Let’s give it a little more time... maybe this gate is just really big..."

The public’s reactions were as volatile as a boiling pot. They’d rejected Utopia’s assistance to save face, but with no progress and potentially lost hunters, it was becoming a sore subject. The casters felt the pressure as they watched the heated crowd, hoping for any news soon.

'Damn it! Why’s it taking so long?!'

'Could something really have gone wrong in there...?'@@novelbin@@