Synopsis

The chapter opens with hunters entering the Rhine River Gate, a place that will become historically significant for the protagonist. The gate's characteristics cause an unprecedented increase in magic power, raising the difficulty to A-Rank and trapping the hunters inside. One of the guild leaders, part of the Northern Army Guild, reveals a plan to use the other hunters as a shield while conserving his own forces, indicating a ruthless approach. This plan involves using some of his own members as bait, while also highlighting his paranoia about being observed by the group.