Essim and Aisha sat together at a table in Rudi Restaurant, enjoying a quiet meal. The second floor was known for its peaceful atmosphere, offering a perfect view of the bustling city streets below.
As they ate, Aisha broke the silence. "Brother, do you think they'll become hostile toward us because of the rejections?"
Essim, sitting across from her, didn't seem worried. "No," he said casually, continuing to eat. "It's not that easy to make enemies."
Earlier, Essim had received a private message from the Earth Paradise Alliance, requesting a partnership with the World Market Alliance. However, he had politely declined. In fact, over ten alliances had approached Essim with similar proposals, and each one had been turned down.
It wasn't that Essim was against cooperation, but these top alliances wanted the World Market Alliance to act as a subordinate, offering 20% of their earnings in exchange for the partnership. To Essim, this wasn't worth it. Cooperation should benefit both parties fairly, and the terms they proposed were simply unacceptable.
Aisha, still worried, asked, "But don't most stories end with rejection leading to conflict? What if they see us as a threat?"
Essim smiled at his younger sister's concern. "This isn't a story, Aisha. It's the real world. People don't always turn into enemies just because you say 'no.' They know it's all business."
Changing the subject, Essim asked, "Did you get any information about the largest portal size?"
"Yes, Brother," Aisha said, a little more relaxed now. "Several of the largest portals are near Sister Laras' city of Light."
Aisha had heard from the alliance's information department that the portals came in various sizes, and the largest one recorded so far was about 20 meters high.
"Good," Essim said, finishing his meal. "Let's head there after this."
"Okay, Brother," Aisha agreed, and they continued eating. After about thirty minutes, they left the restaurant and set off for the city of Light, located in the western part of Essim Island.
Southern Area, City of Light
The city of Light was a beacon of strength and beauty on the western edge of Essim Island. In the sports field, a massive blue portal, towering at 20 meters, shimmered ominously. It was a sight to behold, drawing curious onlookers and adventurers alike.
The portal had been cordoned off with barrier ropes, and four guards stood watch to ensure that no unauthorized individuals entered. As the leader of the alliance, Essim had ordered that the largest portals remain off-limits until he and the core members could personally assess the risks inside.
When they arrived, the head guard greeted them. "Welcome, Mr. Essim, Princess Aisha."
Essim nodded in acknowledgment. "Thank you. Please continue to ensure no one enters until we give the order."
"Understood, Sir," the guard replied with a firm nod.
Aisha, standing beside Essim, was practically glowing with curiosity. Her eyes were locked on the swirling blue portal, as if trying to divine the mysteries on the other side.
"Let's go in," Essim said, his voice steady, and together they stepped through the barrier ropes, approaching the portal with deliberate steps. They were soon swallowed by the swirling blue light.
[Multi-Space Portal: Are you sure you want to enter?]
"Yes," Essim confirmed without hesitation.
The sensation of passing through the portal was disorienting, but his mind raced as he recalled a detail from an earlier event. The top three prizes in that event had included multi-space portals. Did that mean the top players had access to these realms before anyone else?
Before he could ponder further, the portal had fully consumed them, pulling them into the unknown.
Guandu Realm
Essim and Aisha emerged on the other side of the portal, stepping into a vast field. In the distance, numerous smaller portals were neatly lined up, with people emerging from them at regular intervals.
The people who appeared from the portals were as diverse as the portals themselves—some wielding bows, others crowned with halos of light or cloaked in flames. Some took on more animalistic forms, resembling wolves or bears. Each individual seemed to carry an air of battle and determination.
"Haha! I'm back again, and this time that ugly monster's going down!" one man shouted.
"After upgrading my gear, I'll rake in so many contribution points," another boasted.
Nearby, two men complained. "Those Beast Masters are so arrogant with their monsters. And the Players—why are they helping them?"
The field was alive with conversations, most centered around ongoing battles and the competition for contribution points.
Not far from the portals, small outposts manned by guards stood ready. Each guard wore a matching uniform, their cloaks emblazoned with the emblem of crossed swords. Those emerging from the portals occasionally headed to these posts, where, after brief exchanges, they were awarded bronze badges.
Meanwhile, a group of guards on the field's perimeter engaged in hushed conversation.
"Look," one guard said. "The Faithwardens are joining this time."
"Yeah, I heard Lord Gou is putting more focus on the war against the Beast Masters now," his companion replied.
"Are you dense? This battle involves Royal-level artifacts," the first guard retorted, frustrated with his friend's lack of awareness.
"Still, why would they drag smaller forces like ours into this massive war?" the confused guard asked.
"Because this isn't free, idiot! They use smaller forces to win battles and reduce the cost of war," his friend snapped. "Now stop whining and get back to work."
Essim and Aisha, meanwhile, were quietly taking in their surroundings. It was clear that they had entered a realm unlike any they had ever seen. The energy in the air was palpable, making even Essim, with his considerable strength, feel unsettled.
"Brother, this place feels... dangerous," Aisha whispered, her eyes darting around the field. "I can sense it—these people, they could attack at any moment."
Essim nodded slightly, sharing her unease. The strength of those around them was evident, and even his average attributes of 500 seemed insufficient in this realm.
"Is this really a higher realm?" he mused under his breath.
Just then, a guard approached them. He was sharp-eyed, his uniform clean and well-kept.
"Welcome, Sir. Is this your first time in the Guandu Realm?" the guard asked, his tone polite but firm.
Essim turned to him and accessed his status panel.
[Status]
Name: Ju Kun
Race: Cui Race
Power Core: Cultivator
Level: Foundation Establishment
"A cultivator..." Essim thought to himself, reading the status information that popped up before him.
"Yes," Essim said aloud, "this is our first time here."
"Welcome, Sir. I am Ju Kun, and I will be your guide," the guard said with a smile, his demeanor friendly as he motioned for them to follow.
As they walked, Ju Kun began explaining their surroundings and the situation. They were in the Guandu Realm, home to the Cui race, a powerful group of cultivators. The Cui were currently at war with the Torvu, a rival race of Beast Masters from the Tuwu realm. While Cultivators gained power by harnessing the energy of the universe, Beast Masters commanded Star Beasts to fight on their behalf.
Essim was intrigued by the explanation, especially when Ju Kun mentioned the five types of Power Cores that existed throughout the vast universe:
Faithwarden: Beings who draw power from faith energy.
Cultivator: Beings who channel natural energy from the universe.
Player: Beings who gain strength from the will of nature.
Star Beat: Star-born beings who possess power through their bloodlines.
Beast Master: Beings who tame and control star beasts for power.
Essim absorbed the information, fascinated by the scale and complexity of the realms beyond their own. A whole new level of power awaited them, but so did new dangers.
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