Chapter 48: [48] Need to Know
Xavier straightened in his seat. The shift in Rousseau’s tone caught his attention more than the subject matter itself. The professor moved to the door and closed it, then returned to stand directly in front of the class.
"The Global Gate Authority recognizes seven official gate types," Rousseau continued, writing on the board. "Dungeon, Survival, Puzzle, Escort, Racing, Siege, and Mystery. Each presents unique challenges and requires specific strategies."
He turned back to face the class. "Dungeon gates are most common—linear progression, monster elimination, boss encounter, crystal reward. These represent approximately seventy-five to eighty percent of all gates."
Xavier leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. Something about Rousseau’s demeanor made this feel less like a standard lecture and more like classified information.
"Survival gates test endurance rather than combat prowess," Rousseau explained. "Hunters must withstand waves of enemies for predetermined time periods. Environmental hazards increase as time passes."
Nolan raised his hand. "Professor, the first year textbook only mentions dungeon gates. Why aren’t these other types covered in our required reading?"
"An excellent question. The official curriculum emphasizes what you’re most likely to encounter as freshmen licensed hunters. The GGA prefers a... streamlined educational approach."
"You mean they don’t want us to know everything up front," Kyrie said, his pink eyes narrowing.
"I mean," Rousseau replied carefully, "that knowledge is often distributed on a need-to-know basis."
"Puzzle gates," Rousseau continued, "test intelligence rather than strength. These rare gates require solving complex riddles or mechanical challenges. Combat is minimal or nonexistent."
"So brains over brawn," Naomi commented, twirling a pen between her fingers. "Sounds more profitable than fighting monsters."