Gates had appeared all across the country.0

Even a quiet rural village deep in the mountains, home primarily to elderly residents, was no exception. Though far from urban centers, information flowed freely in this day and age, so the villagers were well aware of Gates and monsters.0

The elderly residents reported the Gate, and the Association immediately dispatched personnel to investigate and register it. Once a Gate's appearance was formally registered, Hunters arrived to scout and raid it, while Association employees came to manage the Gate.0

After spending considerable time and effort investigating, they concluded that the Gate covered a vast area and would be difficult to clear quickly. One major corporation sent trucks loaded with various supplies to prepare for a long-term battle, making the once quiet rural village unusually noisy.0

Then, on December 23, enough Hunters showed up that one might call it a small army, and the village residents evacuated to a hotel rented out by the Hunters Association.0

"There sure are a lot of people." A man stepped off a bus with a small, adorable girl and surveyed the scene.0

According to the Association's warning, a Break would soon occur. The Hunters inspected...0