One of them whispered to his friend and said:
"Do you think there's really another world behind this gate? I'm so excited! We are the trainees from China; we're going to enter a second world and explore it!"
His friend replied:
"Calm down. There are cameras and reporters everywhere. Don't forget this is a major event. This is the second attempt at entering the gates — the first one failed, but this one will definitely succeed."
He answered,
"Yeah, I know. And this time is different from the first attempt. The first was limited to the immortal trainees who tried to enter. But now, things have changed."
"There are humans who use Heka, and immortal trainees who have also started using Wahka, and even humans who inherited powers from their ancestors. This mission is fully equipped, and we've undergone intense training over the past three months. We're ready to enter the gate."
"And we're not alone — the Knights Squad in Europe, the Heroes Squad in America, the Hunters Squad from other parts of the world, and the mujahideen Squad in Egypt — they'll all be entering too. So this is an unspoken competition. Who will return with the most resources, discoveries, and information about this world beyond the gate?"
His friend replied,
"I know. That's why I feel so much pressure, especially because of the president's speech in front of the nation — in front of all of China."
Then he looked at the massive gate with pride, thinking he would bring honor to his family and country.
The other one stared at the gate with determination, thinking:
"Finally, I'll achieve my dream, explore worlds, become the strongest, seek immortality, and be invincible. I'll have a harem of the most beautiful women in the worlds and the universe."
Suddenly, applause interrupted his thoughts — the president congratulated them and wished for their safe return.
Then the mission leader stood up with a serious look and said:
"Are you ready for adventure and exploring the unknown?"
He knew he had to be a good leader if this mission were to succeed — no one knew what lay behind these gates.
And the same event started repeating around the world in different forms — in Egypt, Europe, America, Japan, Korea, and all other countries.
When the moment came to enter the massive gates, tension filled the air.
In an instant, they entered the gate — this time, it didn't block them like before — and they disappeared one by one.
Upon entering, each of them felt immense pressure, as if being crushed. Their veins popped from the strain. If not for Heka energy and their third-level status, they would've died in under a second.
Then, the pain vanished, and in front of them appeared a breathtaking scene from ancient times — Chinese architecture and beautiful streets. It felt like stepping back into ancient China. Everyone adapted quickly and sensed that Heka filled the place — but in a strange, incomprehensible way.
And it wasn't just them.
The Knights Squad entered and found castles and European houses from the Middle Ages.
The Heroes Squad discovered shaman tribes — but with modern buildings and upgrades.
The Hunters Squad saw ancient buildings from different civilizations.
While observing the scenery, they were shocked to find other humans in this world.
When they tried to approach them, those people screamed:
"The earthlings have returned! Run!"
With fear clear on their faces, they fled as if running from monsters, shouting words like "Madmen!" as they ran.
Each trainee turned to the others in confusion. They understood the words — the language was theirs — but it sounded slightly old.
Moments later, they heard hooves and horses galloping — fast, much faster than earthly horses. They looked like they were riding racing chariots.
Soon, a powerful army appeared, their weapons shining in the sun, emanating a terrifying pressure that made all the squads tremble.
Before anyone could speak, the army attacked ferociously.
The squads fought back, and battles broke out.
The one dreaming of becoming an immortal deflected a massive spear with his sword. It almost crushed him, but he barely managed to dodge.
Shocked by the force of the blow, he said while bleeding from his mouth:
"Ugh! They're too strong. These aren't humans… they're monsters!"
He looked at the man before him, veins bulging, weakness on his face, and tried to dodge his spear and strike back.
Another person, unable to defeat his opponent, decided to use an immortal incantation. But as he cast it, the man he faced smiled and said:
"You earthlings haven't changed."
Then he struck him with his sword — killing him instantly.
But...
In the first minute, they were already losing.
The Chinese trainees stared at the army killing their teammates.
It was an ancient Chinese army. Despite their attempts to communicate, the soldiers wouldn't listen — they kept killing.
The Knights Squad was attacked by true medieval knights.
They tried to reason with them, but the knight commander seemed uninterested.
The same happened with the Heroes and Hunters Squads.
All teams agreed to retreat after a few members were killed.
And they did — they retreated quickly.
The armies didn't chase them, just stared as they escaped through the gate, returning to Earth with disbelief — and fear that would haunt their dreams.
The army leaders — of the Chinese army, the knights, the shamans, and the ancient civilizations — watched the earthlings flee, then decided to inform their kings and emperors.
In a massive hall...
On a majestic throne, sat the Emperor of China — a striking presence, like the emperors of old.
He read the report in his hands and said:
"So the time has really come... the prophecy is true."
He looked back into the past, gritted his teeth in anger, and said:
"The earthlings have truly returned... Things will change now."
A mysterious smile formed on his face.
Then he turned slightly to his minister and said:
"Send a message to Egypt, to the King of Europe, to the King of the Native Americans, and the rulers of the other nations.
Ask them: What do you think about the return of the earthlings?"
He added:
"I already know what they'll say — their histories are like ours… but Egypt is different. I want to know what they'll do, and what they think."
He continued:
"And tell them about the plan to seize the Heka crystal mine and the weapons mine from the other races. Tell them we must act quickly before those arrogant races unite and strengthen their defenses."
The minister understood and left to send the messages.
The emperor remained alone, looking up at the sky, saying:
"The prophecy... hmm. Things are getting interesting now."
Each of the kings received the message — and it seemed they had been expecting it.
The King of Europe, after hearing the message from his minister, analyzed the situation.
Despite his age, he appeared young and wise — in his royal robe and on his grand throne.
Once the message ended, he asked to be left alone.
A terrifying gleam appeared in his eyes.
He smiled and said:
"They've finally returned..."
Then he laughed — no one knew what he was thinking.
As for the mujahideen Squad from Egypt, what happened to them was different from the others.
Their leader stared at the ancient Egyptian army commander — signs of battle and defeat were clear, but none of them were killed.
They had shown a glimpse of their strength, even in defeat.
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Next Stop: Understanding the Situation and a Test with No Room for Failure
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Chapter Question:
1. Why do you think humans from the Other World hate Earthlings?
2. Based on what you've read so far, how do you imagine the Other World to be?