Chereads / The lord of life and death / Chapter 2 - 2. Spiritual Gate

Chapter 2 - 2. Spiritual Gate

The Spiritual Gate was first discovered when the Genetic Warrior system had reached its peak at B-rank. At the time, powerful monsters, known as A-rank monsters, roamed the surface. In a desperate attempt to subdue one of these beasts, 100 peak B-rank Genetic Warriors were sent to capture an A-rank monster. What followed was a brutal massacre—none survived. Later, when the monster moved on, other warriors were dispatched to recover the bodies. Along with the fallen warriors, they brought back samples of blood and flesh from the monster. 

Through extensive research, scientists found that the genetic makeup of the A-rank monster was surprisingly similar to B-rank creatures. The mystery deepened over the next ten years until a breakthrough came. A B-rank warrior named Atlas managed to ascend to A-rank. Unlike others before him, Atlas didn't rely on genetic medicine. Instead, he spent years accumulating energy, pushing his body to the absolute limit of B-rank power.

One day, while meditating and circulating energy through his body, Atlas encountered something new—a barrier in his brain. This barrier hadn't been there before. Driven by instinct, he forced his energy through the barrier, and to his surprise, it opened like a gate. In that moment, he broke through to A-rank and named his discovery the 'Spiritual Gate.'

Scientists immediately began researching the phenomenon. They studied warriors of every rank, urging them to push their limits. Despite their best efforts, they found that most warriors, even at their peak, couldn't locate the Spiritual Gate. However, some warriors managed to break through their rank without the aid of genetic medicine, something previously thought impossible. Before this discovery, D-rank warriors needed genetic medicine to advance to C-rank, but some warriors were now ascending from D to C and even from C to B without it.

This led to a groundbreaking conclusion: to open the Spiritual Gate, one had to unlock all the genetic barriers within their body. The scientists even attempted to teach ordinary humans, those who hadn't unlocked any genetic potential, a special cultivation method to help them reach their body's ultimate strength. Amazingly, some of these individuals succeeded in opening their Spiritual Gates, greatly enhancing their control over their bodies. They were able to take D-rank genetic medicine safely and became D-rank warriors themselves.

This was the extent of Rain's knowledge about the Spiritual Gate. As he returned to his body through the vast black space, a thought crystallized in his mind: 'If the gate is in my brain, and this endless void is where my thoughts seem to originate, then this must be my soul space—where my very essence resides.'

Rain returned to his body, wondering how much time had passed while he wandered through his soul space. To his surprise, only 20 minutes had elapsed, though it felt like hours. Restless in bed, he pondered what to do next. 'Let's check the rest of my memories,' he thought, closing his eyes and slipping back into his soul space. His mind drifted to 'Spark Technology', the force that governed Walter City.

Spark Technology was a medium-level force within the new human civilization on this continent. Even now, humanity had no idea what had become of the people on the other two continents. In this new world, there were no nations or democratic systems. Instead, most cities were controlled by research institutes or private companies, with A.I. systems governing the cities. Walter City was a tier-2 city, one among many controlled by Spark Technology.

Rain lived on the 6th floor of the underground city. He had never been to the other floors; his access was restricted. He knew there were 10 underground levels and 8 surface levels in the city, though now only four surface levels remained. The 7th to 10th underground floors had been merged to form a massive factory floor. The 6th floor, where he lived, was the Educational and Research Center, where children from the 2nd to 10th floors attended school. The 5th to 2nd floors were designated as commercial zones. That was about all he knew of Walter City's layout.

Rain's dorm was a part of a three-story building, each floor standing at an impressive 60 meters tall. He lived on the ground floor, room 109, while his two best friends, Marco and Cistro, lived next door in rooms 108 and 107, respectively. His thoughts drifted to them, and a wave of bittersweet nostalgia washed over him.

The three of them had grown up together in the same orphanage and had been inseparable since childhood. Over the years, their friendship had only grown stronger, and they had remained classmates until now. However, a pang of sadness gripped Rain as he realized that after today, their paths would likely diverge. Marco and Cistro weren't as naturally gifted as he was. While Rain had opened his Spirit Gate and would soon become a genetic warrior, both Marco and Cistro were stuck at late E-rank. With only 15 days left until graduation, the chances of them opening their own Spiritual Gates were slim. They would likely have to purchase genetic medicine after graduation and pursue civilian careers. 

'It's good for them,' Rain thought, trying to comfort himself. Marco had always been more interested in robotics, and Cistro had a keen fascination with genetics. Civilian courses would be a natural fit for their talents.

His mind drifted again, recalling two other important names from his memories—'Siobhan' and 'Luke.' There was something significant about these two, but the memories remained hazy, tugging at the edges of his consciousness like a forgotten dream.

He come out his Soul space and check the time 6.07 Am, as quickly got up and went to the bathroom , the bathroom door is at the left sides between the edge of the bed and front wall. he took care of his bathroom buisness and showered, in showered, he thought from the memory he viewed his behaviour before he awaken his memory of his new life and his behavour is same. so he did not have to adjust meeting his friend.after showered he quickly got dressed and out of his room as thr time show 6.37 am.

Opening his door, Rain stepped into the dimly lit corridor. Above him, there was no sky, only a ceiling fitted with artificial lights casting a faint, sterile glow over the space. His room number was 109, and just next to him were the rooms of his closest friends—Marco in 108 and Cistro in 107. It had long been their morning routine: the first one out would knock on the doors of the other two, rallying them for the day ahead.

Rain quickly knocked on both doors, waiting for the familiar sound of footsteps inside. After a moment, the door to room 108 creaked open, revealing a boy with a fair complexion and dirty blonde hair. It was Marco, rubbing his eyes and yawning, clearly not yet fully awake. He flashed Rain a groggy smile, acknowledging the start of yet another day in Walter City's Educational and Research Center.

"Morning, Rain," the boy greeted him.

"Morning, Marco," Rain replied.

As Marco walked toward him, he kept glancing at Rain, eyeing him up and down as though observing something new. Rain felt uneasy under the scrutiny. He quickly checked his memory but couldn't recall any obvious differences in his appearance or behavior. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

Marco raised an eyebrow. "You're different today."

Before Rain could ask further, the door to room 107 opened, and another boy with dark skin and gray hair stepped out. "Morning, Marco. Morning, Rain."

"Morning, Cistro," Marco said, motioning him over. "Come look at Rain—something's changed."

Rain, growing more anxious, asked, "How am I different?"

Marco gestured to him. "Before, when you stood, you were always tense, like you were wound up. But now, your whole body seems... relaxed."

Rain let out a sigh of relief. "Oh, that. I opened my spiritual gate."

Both Marco and Cistro's faces lit up with excitement. "Congratulations, Rain!" they exclaimed in unison, pulling him into a hug.

Among the three of them, Rain was the only one who had chosen the path of a Gene Warrior. Marco had chosen to study artificial intelligence, and Cistro had opted for genetic engineering. They were thrilled for their friend's progress, knowing how much it meant in the world they lived in. 

As they pulled back, Cistro asked, "So, what beast genetic medicine are you going to choose after signing the contract?"

The three of them began walking toward the mess hall, which was about a five-minute walk from their dorm. Rain thought about the contract and realized both of his friends had already signed theirs. "You two have signed your contracts. What exactly did they say?" he asked.

Marco responded first. "In my contract, they'll cover my three years of Robotics studies. If I pass with good marks, they'll invest in my further education. But if I barely pass, I'll have to join one of their subsidiary companies and work for them. They'll take 20 percent of my salary until I repay the cost. If I fail... well, they'll send me to work in a factory and take 70 percent of my salary until the debt's paid off."

As they entered the mess hall, Cistro chimed in, "Mine's pretty similar. But you're a warrior. I'm sure the Gene Warrior contract will be different."

Rain grabbed a tray and joined the line for food. The food here was all made by a machine that offered nine options. Each option looked different and tasted different, but they were all made from the same basic substance. When it was his turn, he selected noodles. The machine buzzed, and a compartment opened at the bottom, revealing a bowl of noodles in soup. He placed the bowl on his tray and stepped aside, waiting for Marco and Cistro to collect their food.

Once they had their meals, the three of them headed toward an empty table to sit together. As they began eating, Cistro brought up the question again, "So, which beast genetic medicine are you going to choose?"

Rain, deep in thought, finally answered, "The Super Healing Lizard."

Marco raised an eyebrow, his expression slightly concerned. "But that medicine doesn't go beyond D-rank. Spark Technology hasn't developed a C-rank or B-rank evolution version for it yet. Taking D-rank medicine without a higher-level counterpart won't stop your warrior path, but it'll make advancing harder."

Rain could sense Marco's worry. While thoughtful, Marco was always cautious about the future. Yet, when Rain accessed his memory of genetic medicine, he recalled feeling a strong affinity toward the 'Super Healing Lizard' for its remarkable self-healing properties. "I know," Rain said with a calm smile. "But I like the Super Healing Lizard genetic medicine."

Cistro, always the logical one, nodded thoughtfully. "True, but the Super Healing Lizard medicine does enhance healing and flexibility by three times, speed by two times, and strength by 1.5 times. It's still a solid choice for someone focusing on survivability and agility."

With that, the conversation shifted to lighter topics. The three friends made small talk, discussing the day's classes, recent school gossip, and their personal ambitions. By the time they finished their meal, they felt more at ease and ready for whatever the day had in store. Together, they left the mess hall, heading toward the school.

As they approached the gate, their attention was drawn to a striking girl with short, light blue hair, her sharp features making her stand out. She was followed closely by a tall, muscular boy who seemed to command just as much attention. Trailing behind them were six other boys and girls.