People on the subway, confused, reached out to each other, trying to grasp the new reality. They asked about the system windows, the classes—what the hell was happening? Confusion spread fast, but everyone was short on time.
Chaewon was just as lost. She stared at the screen, shock rippling through her eyes.
These are the same classes Ace used in his chess game! Is that just a coincidence?
Deep down, Chaewon knew it wasn’t a coincidence. As in Ace’s games, she chose the Queen class.
[You have chosen a Queen Class.]
[Stats have been updated.]
[Received: Queen’s Starter Kit—a katana, 3× small potion, War‑Forged Necklace]
The items appeared out of thin air. Chaewon grabbed the sheathed katana, then caught three small red potions and a black War‑Forged necklace.
On her left, Ace snatched his gear and stuffed it into his pockets. She copied him right away.
An invisible wave swept through the car, darkening the walls and twisting the sleek metal into battered, wood‑paneled coaches. The subway had turned into an antique train for no clear reason.
"Brace yourselves," Ace said.
This train’s the first safe zone on Gravehaven Isle, and later it’ll be the only ticket out of this Gate, Ace thought. It’s built for top rankers—not rookies like us. We’re about to get tossed.
The doors creaked open, and a rocky shore and the edge of a dark forest came into view.
Some unseen force decided they didn’t belong. One by one, it flung every passenger out like garbage.
Most slammed into the cold sand, crying out. A few landed on their feet—but not Don Capo’s gang. Alex even got a mouthful of sand.
Ace and Chaewon stuck the landing. They watched the black train stretch, sprouting extra cars.
It floated over the crimson sea like a brooding god. The engines roared, the chimney howled, and in seconds it was gone.
"What’s happening to us?"
The Crimson Ocean stirred, sending slow circles across the surface. Rotten heads poked through the widening rings on the water; moments later, their full bodies tore free—inky‑skinned undead called Black Umi.
They let out guttural screeches and marched toward the stranded humans.
Panic hit. Civilians bolted for the forest, screams echoing off the beach.
Amid the chaos, Ace dropped his heavy backpack. The thud caught the gang’s attention.
Ace pulled out three steel poles, one already sharpened. With quick hands he locked them together into the long spear he’d bought before the world went sideways. Then he faced Marko and Mercer.
"You two went for the Bishop class?" he asked.
"Yeah!" Marko gulped.
"Those things drain every drop of water from you. One smack on your arm and you’re useless. Only healers can patch that. You can save our friends here—our friends. Don’t blow your mana on anyone else," Ace said, turning away. "Same goes for the rest of you. None of us is a hero. Heroes die first, and they sure don’t get paid for it."
His cold words hit Don Capo’s gang hard. Nothing here was a game, and they got the message.
Ace eyed the undead wave trudging closer. In his first life he’d been just like everyone here—confused, scared, frozen. Running or hiding had both been death traps. In the end he fought, because fighting was the only answer this Gate accepted.
[You have received 4 quests.]
[Quest: Defeat the first wave of Black Umi.]
[Quest: Form The Sixteen.]
[Quest: Make it to the safe zone.]
[Quest: Find out more about Gravehaven Isle.]
On Earth people say, "If you don’t know what’s up, it’s money." In the Gates, it’s strength. Strength rules everything, Ace thought.
The nearest Black Umi lunged, arms flailing to drag him back to the sea. Ace didn’t back up. He stepped in and drove the spear through its neck, twisted, then ripped sideways. The head flew, dark red blood spraying before the body rolled into the waves.
Crazy difference... it used to take me forever to drop one of these things, he thought.
"DON CAPO IS SO FREAKING STRONG!" Alex yelled. He raised his shield and charged to Ace’s side. "Get behind me! I’ll pin these bastards, and you can skewer ’em!"
"Calm down, Alex!" Chaewon shouted. "Spread out! Other Rooks, stay around Mercer and Marko! Ace said they’re our precious healers—Mercer especially!"
Tears streaked down Marko’s face. "Am I really that unimportant, Godmother?"
Ace’s eyes widened, then a grin tugged at his lips. Yeah... what a difference.