World (Part 2)

Chapter 31: The World (Part 2)

The first chapter of the book.

It contained records concerning the discovery of the [Destiny Space] and early exploration events.

It also included descriptions of the world.

Han Dong learned that the world he had reincarnated into was also Earth... the five continents and the distribution of countries were exactly the same.

Two hundred years before the discovery of Higher Lifeforms, it happened to be the period of World War I. Humans possessed firearms... however, these firearms were utterly incapable of resisting these Higher Lifeforms, whose mere glance could drive one mad.

The following is an excerpt from the original text:

"When the expeditionary team confirmed the existence of life 'higher' than humans and it began attacking humans, spatial portals leading to unknown realms appeared simultaneously in the capitals of all countries worldwide.

Our technological level is insufficient to analyze these portals, nor can we even comprehend the meaning of their existence. I can only provide a basic textual description of their form. -

It possessed golden light edges, an elliptical structure resembling a starry night sky, a gate of stars as if multiple dimensions were merging within it-"

The description of the Destiny Space in the text differed from Han Dong's experience.

Han Dong had stood in the Festival Plaza and hadn't seen any portals at all before falling through the ground along with thousands of others.

Han Dong continued reading.

"The portals to the Destiny Space would close automatically upon contact with an 'Omnipotent Life'. It only allowed humans to enter, a gate opened by God specifically for humanity.

In the early days, coinciding with the outbreak of global war, a large number of volunteers entered the Destiny Space worldwide, but almost none returned.

The first 'Returner' appeared in Kyushu.

A corporal from the country of Kyushu, upon returning from the infinite space, received a certain degree of 'body enhancement.' His physical fitness doubled, and the hardness of his fists greatly increased. He found no match among ordinary humans.

It was from him that information about 'Destiny Points' and related primary professions was first revealed.

Following this, 'Returners' began to appear in countries worldwide, each returning to reality with different abilities and becoming the main force resisting the Higher Lifeforms.

Yet, they were still difficult to contend with."

Upon seeing 'Kyushu', Han Dong's heart trembled.

Since Kyushu was the first to produce a Returner, it strongly suggested that, besides the Holy City in Europe, similar city-states might have been constructed in the Asian region.

He continued reading.

On the next page, he saw the current state of the world.

According to incomplete statistics.

Before humanity discovered that high-purity Brass metal could repel Higher Lifeforms, thus resisting their frenzied invasion and constructing metal city-states capable of housing enough humans.

Only 1% of humanity survived.

That was also the lowest point of the global population, with fewer than one hundred million survivors.

If the properties of Brass had not been discovered in time, humanity would likely have been completely wiped out.

Currently, there are only three known 'territory-level city-states' in the world.

Holy City - Neunter (translated as Eternal City), coordinates [Italos]

Dragon City - Imperial Capital, coordinates [Kyushu]

King City - Megalanrui (translated as Mechanical City), coordinates [Samm]

The three cities share a common characteristic: they are built upon massive Brass ore deposits and are simultaneously centered around the Destiny Space.

"Is this the 'world structure'? Thinking about it, the world during my previous life was truly peaceful.

Indeed, humans are not perfect. We are merely the first intelligent lifeforms capable of thought and reasoning... Many life scholars have predicted that lifeforms higher and more adapted to the ecosystem could emerge on Earth, it was only a matter of time.

This parallel world has clearly encountered this situation ahead of schedule.

With the advent of the apocalypse, the reinforcement channels of the Destiny Space became humanity's only 'flame of hope'... However, the true origin of the Destiny Space is still not clearly explained.

This book is written subjectively, defining the Destiny Space based on the author's personal speculation without actual evidence, thus having little reference value."

The book also mentioned five basic profession choices, which held little novelty for Han Dong, who had already become a 'Returner'.

Han Dong had gained a basic understanding of the world's framework but still needed to delve deeper into 'Higher Lifeforms.' He also needed to know the Holy City's management methods, class structures, and economic systems.

"I should be able to learn these detailed pieces of information when I enroll in the [Royal Knights Academy].

As for wanting to explore outside the city, I'd probably need to allocate more than five Destiny Points and become a true knight before I can accompany the Knight Order outside the city and formally engage with 'Higher Lifeforms'."

As Han Dong closed the book, he noticed Nina still staring at him with wide eyes.

"Finished?"

"Mm... here, take it back to your master. Thank you."

"Hehe, what are you thanking me for! I should be thanking you, brother. Once you enroll in a few days, Mom and I can move out of here..."

Saying this, Nina leaned in and gently kissed Han Dong on the cheek.

Nina suddenly remembered that the person in front of her wasn't exactly her brother, and she felt a moment of awkwardness and blushing.

"I... I'm sorry!"

"It's alright... I have one more thing to ask you. Nina, are you a mechanical apprentice?"

"Mhm, mhm. Although I'm just a beginner apprentice, I get free lunch every day. But I can't take it home with me... Once I come of age, I'll be officially certified."

Hearing this, Han Dong unconsciously connected it to 'Akaman's' experiences.

Han Dong earnestly instructed, "If you need any help, remember to tell me."

"Heehee, my master is really good to me, Brother, you don't need to worry... Once my skills improve and I can make some steam components myself, my survival rate in the Destiny Space will greatly increase."

"Mm."

Suddenly, Nina shifted her body, deliberately moving closer to Han Dong. "Brother, what did you do 'before'?"

"Taught, biology."

"Biology? Wow, that sounds so advanced."

"The scientific research here wasn't able to develop normally for various reasons two hundred years ago... It's normal that you haven't heard of biology. You've heard of 'chemistry', right?"

"Chemistry? Brother, do you mean Alchemy?"

"Alchemy?"

Han Dong knew very well that Alchemy was, to a certain extent, ancient chemistry.

It was mixed with some unrealistic ideas, such as the 'Philosopher's Stone'.

However, in this world where magic and special abilities existed, Alchemy might truly be an extremely important branch of science.

"The identity of an Alchemist is a level higher than ours, the Mechanics. They are the 'think tank' of the Holy City."

Han Dong jotted down the three words 'Alchemy' in his notebook.

Han Dong didn't want to abandon his original profession. While delving deeper into the Destiny Space, he also wanted to integrate into this world's scientific circles and dabble in a side business.

After all, Han Dong didn't have any direct source of income yet.

"If you're really interested, Brother, you can go ask at the Academy... If you become an Alchemist, Brother, I'll get roast chicken every day, hehe."

"Mm, I can indeed consider it."

Group number 437125775. I heard yesterday that some mobile users couldn't see the full group number, so I'm posting it again. Go in and read the announcement. The link to "The Curse" is at the bottom of the announcement.