Chapter 7 – English
Having something new does not necessarily mean it will be better.
And that was the situation Rain found himself in.
He had obtained tools made from stones that had been sharpened in such a way on a magical object.
For some reason, Rain thought that it wasn't just a crafting table—the magical objects in this world could be from various kinds.
Thinking about using his new tools was like a man who had just purchased a shiny new set of tools from the shop.
The first thing he thought of destroying was the crafting table.
Could this object be picked up and become an item like other objects?
Since it was made of wood, the stone axe should be able to do it more easily.
And sure enough, just like cutting a tree trunk, the crafting table cracked and shattered with a sound.
*pop*
A miniature crafting table floated near his feet.
Rain thought he could observe it more closely to see if the details when placed as a real object or what he thought would be the same in mini size or as an item.
But the crafting table item continued to float, even when he tried to position it between his index finger and thumb, as if there was a force field preventing his fingers from touching it directly.
He took some stones from his pocket and they did the same thing.
There was a rule that made items float and prevented them from being touched.
But when Rain decided to clench both different items in his fist, they also disappeared inside his fist like a magic trick.
He couldn't feel anything inside his hand. So unless he knew what was behind his hand, it would remain hidden.
This was the first time he had realized such things, and perhaps this was how the world applied its rules.
Not wanting to think about it any longer, he decided to put the two items back in his pocket.
It was time for him to really try out this new equipment.
Although it sounded ridiculous, he felt like he had regressed into a primitive human who had just experienced a change of era. The Stone Age, to be precise.
But his circumstances didn't really allow for that.
Looking at the flat green landscape gave him no inspiration to do anything.
Maybe it was time to move on to another place. A place where there might be something familiar.
Armed with an axe in his right hand and a pickaxe, both made of stone, he looked like a hard worker in the sense of being a skilled destroyer of nature.
All he needed was a backpack and he would be able to completely transform into an adventurer in a fantasy world.
But even without that, he already had some pieces of wood and rocks. With just those, he thought he could do many things.
"But where should I go..." he said in a tone that seemed to be asking either himself or someone else who was clearly not there.
Rain himself often looked up. It was a habit he had in the real world.
The sky still reflected the bright blue ocean under the stars of this galaxy.
Perhaps this was one of the stars that illuminated the earth, and conversely, there was an earth on one of the stars.
Distracted by that thought, he decided to head west after seeing the sun tilt slightly in that direction.
Rain himself was not someone who thought about such complicated things and just followed his heart.
Of course, it was also because he felt there would be something there.
His instincts told him so!
Is this what you called a journey alone to the west?
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At a time when most people are already asleep,
Silent nights accompany remote areas and untouched places.
Unlike in cities, where the hustle and bustle of the world is still evident.
The lights of tall buildings still faintly illuminate every corner of the city.
The same is true at the central point of the important disaster management facility, the gate.
Centered on the edge of a hill, a collection of buildings is neatly arranged, enclosed by reinforced barriers.
As expected of a special facility, directly beneath it is an underground facility where an important meeting will soon be held.
"President, here is the analyzed weekly report," said a young secretary with a flat face marred by tired eyes, handing an attached report to the person sitting next to her.
"There has been a significant increase in the number of gate anomalies appearing in various cities. The total estimated gates are 24 across the country, and they are starting to appear in densely populated areas."
The anomaly that occurs at these gates is characterized by a state that frequently changes over both short and long periods of time. Specialized personnel and technology are required to continuously monitor the situation, especially if drastic changes occur.
"Furthermore, the total completion of gates this week is… less than five. Based on field reports, explorers and soldiers are still having difficulty navigating the final room of each gate." With a slight pause, the young secretary held back her report, awaiting a response from the facility's leader.
"Hmm… what about the low-mid gate report?"
A middle-aged man with a thick beard, dressed in a suit, befitting an executive and leader, yet distinct and unique, his bald head illuminated by the sophisticated lighting in the enclosed room, was completely undisturbed.
Gates are divided into several classifications based on their energy levels and reactivity to Earth's regions. This can be detected by a collection of tools developed since the first generation of gates emerged.
These include Low-Mid, Mid-High, Raid, and Impossible. So far, the gates that have appeared have been limited to Raid levels, requiring several echelons with specialized expertise to counter them. Only a few Raid levels have ever appeared anywhere in the world.
One such level, as predicted, was incredibly costly, both in lives and resources. The world has already had to swallow too much pain with gates of that difficulty.
The Impossible classification itself, as the term suggests, remains a mystery. Early generations recorded the emergence of extremely large gates emitting radiation and energy levels that significantly exceeded the expectations for Raid levels.
"As experts suspected, the gates reported are predominantly at the Low-Mid level. Groups have been deployed to counter some, but…"
"What's wrong? Are we short on personnel?" the president asked, still staring at the report in front of him.
"Yes, President. All groups have requested reinforcements of at least several explorers to assist in the final gate chamber. Energy detectors equipment reports on the ground also indicate a concerning increase in the average energy level at this level."
After reviewing the report, the president slowly placed it on the table. A pitch-black, U-shaped table, typical of large gatherings, was set, especially within the gate enforcement agency.
Resignedly, the president rubbed his face, taking a deep breath, trying to comprehend the escalating situation. But he slowly moved his hand upward, rubbing his head directly, thinking he was being a cool guy, but in reality, it was like wiping his bald head like a shiny plate.
The young secretary could only close his eyes as he awaited his bald leader's response and solution.
"Humph, I understand. How are the clan and guild leaders? Where are they?"
"Everyone is waiting in the waiting room, just waiting for the president's permission to begin the meeting."
"Alright, bring them in."
The secretary's high heels clattered, as they passed by, opening the entrance. A sizable door slowly opened, revealing the clan and guild leaders sitting, awaiting news of the summons.
Each of them had their own distinct style: some wore formal attire, some uniquely attired, some matching their clan or guild's emblem, and still others dressed oddly, like strangers.
Slowly, one by one, they entered the room in silence.
No one spoke or made any extra noise other than their footsteps.
But in reality, some of their steps couldn't even be heard, a testament to their professional explorers skill in navigating the gates.
Each chair was filled by each of them, many occupied, while others were empty.
It was a rule of silence before the meeting began, a sign of respect for each other and the meaning of the meeting itself.
"I see. Many of you have come, thank you," the president said, standing and turning around.
Without prompting or precise timing, a hologram screen appeared behind him.
"Shall we start our monthly show?"