Anime Ascendants Secret Questline Walkthrough
Red Gate, Fire Hunter, code 9261, and the Assassin's trials.
The Bloody Winter update added a secret questline that rewards players with the Assassin unit. This multi-step chain starts at the Red Gate (Solo Leveling event), passes through the Fire Hunter NPC Choi Jong-In, requires entering a special code, and ends with Kang Taeshik’s trials. Each step gates the next, so work through them in order.
Step 1 — Red Gate (Solo Leveling Event)
The Red Gate is a special gated stage that traps players inside once they enter. You must beat this stage while having at least one Rare unit equipped in your team to proceed. This is the entry barrier for the entire questline.
Requirements:
- At least one Rare unit equipped in your team
- Complete the stage (can be solo or with help)
The Red Gate seals shut after you walk through it. No one else can enter once you are inside. The gate will not open until the stage is cleared or you are defeated. Community reports indicate this stage is soloable with a properly equipped team.
Step 2 — Find Choi Jong-In (Fire Hunter)
After clearing the Red Gate, return to the lobby and locate Choi Jong-In, the Fire Hunter NPC. His dialogue changes based on your achievements:
If you cleared the Red Gate without a proper team, he will say:
“My guild requires elite firepower. I have no interest in someone who doesn’t understand the value of a strong team. Stop wasting my time.”
If you cleared the Red Gate with a Rare unit equipped, he says:
“You actually cleared the raid… with that thing on your team? Hmph. Reckless. I hear a ‘Very Important Person’ is hiding within these walls. Speak the code obtained from the story maps.”
This dialogue confirms you have met the requirements and tells you to look for a code in the story maps.
Step 3 — Enter the Secret Code
Return to any story map and play through until you find the hidden code. According to community sources, the secret code is 9261.
Enter this code into the Codes UI (same place you redeem event codes like SORRY4PORTALBUG). After entering the code correctly, a hidden passage opens behind the Crafting NPC.
Important: The code must be entered exactly as shown. Case-sensitive, no extra spaces, no special characters. If the code does not work, double-check that you have completed the previous steps.
Step 4 — Meet Kang Taeshik (The Assassin)
With the passage open, find Kang Taeshik hidden in the gap behind the Crafting NPC. He challenges your resolve with a set of trials:
“Join you? I don’t work with amateurs. However, I am getting bored of the usual prey. Complete these tasks, and I might consider lowering myself to help.”
The Assassin’s Trials
Kang Taeshik assigns three tasks:
| Task | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Beat Red Gate Stage | Complete 0/5 times |
| Win Any Stage | Complete 0/20 times |
| Deal Total Damage | Complete 0/20,000,000 |
These are cumulative across your account. Progress is tracked automatically. You do not need to do these in a single session.
Trial tips:
- Red Gate clears: Return to the Red Gate stage and clear it. Each clear counts.
- Any stage wins: Play any story, raid, or challenge mode. Twenty total wins required.
- Total damage: This accumulates naturally as you play. Farming with a strong carry speeds this up.
Step 5 — Claim Your Ally
Once all three trials are complete, speak to Kang Taeshik again. He will agree to join your ranks for a fee of 1,000 Gems.
Pay the 1,000 Gems to unlock the Assassin unit. The Assassin is a Secret Questline unit with the following reported traits:
- Flexible damage dealer
- Starter value for new accounts
- Support potential when needed
- Works as a fourth job in mixed teams
After unlocking the Assassin, you can evolve and trait it like any other unit. See how to evolve for evolution materials and paths.
Questline Summary
| Step | Action | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Clear Red Gate with Rare unit equipped | Unlocks Fire Hunter dialogue |
| 2 | Talk to Choi Jong-In in lobby | Gets hint about story code |
| 3 | Enter code 9261 in Codes UI | Opens hidden passage |
| 4 | Complete Kang Taeshik’s three trials | Proves your worth |
| 5 | Pay 1,000 Gems | Assassin joins your roster |
Related Content
- How to evolve — Evolution materials and paths for Assassin
- Units tier list — Assassin placement in the meta
- Story mode — Stage routing and Red Gate context
- Codes hub — Where to enter code 9261
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers for codes, traits, summons, and story progress.
What do I need to start the secret questline?
Clear the Red Gate (Solo Leveling event) with at least one Rare unit equipped in your team. This unlocks the Fire Hunter dialogue.
What is the secret code for the questline?
The code is 9261. Enter it in the Codes UI after talking to Choi Jong-In. A passage opens behind the Crafting NPC.
How much does the Assassin cost?
1,000 Gems after completing all three of Kang Taeshik's trials.
What are the Assassin's trials?
Beat Red Gate 5 times, win any stage 20 times, and deal 20,000,000 total damage. Progress is cumulative.
Is the Assassin worth the 1,000 Gems?
The Assassin is a flexible unit with damage, starter value, and support potential. See the units tier list for current placement.