A few months ago, when Secret Realm Gates first appeared in the Goblin World, there had been no warning whatsoever.
On a grassy slope in the hills of the Northern Territory, a goblin shepherd tending sheep stepped on a loose stone, causing the ground to collapse and reveal a two-meter-wide opening.
The edges of the opening were smooth grayish-white stone walls, with no chisel marks or seams from joined pieces. It looked as though it had been cut out in a single stroke.
The shepherd leaned over and looked inside, but all he saw was a mass of grayish-white light. He could not tell how deep it went.
The thing was clearly unusual, so the shepherd did not dare neglect it. He immediately returned to the city and reported it to the guards.
The guards reported it to their commander, who in turn reported it to the governor. After a squad of guards confirmed the situation through investigation, they reported back to the governor.
By the time the news reached the Imperial City, Halu was discussing strategy toward the Source Realm with his ministers.
Halu set down the documents in his hand, listened to the guard's report, and immediately issued an order.
"Send someone to inspect it. Don't let anyone get near that opening."
The first team he dispatched consisted of researchers and soldiers. Carrying rangefinders, energy detectors, and sensors, they set up equipment around the opening and observed it continuously for three days.
The rangefinder's beam did not reflect back after entering the opening. The energy detector's needle twitched several times beyond the safe range before returning to zero.
The sensors detected no known energy fluctuations. The conclusion was: "Unknown energy structure. Unable to analyze. Direct contact not recommended."
Halu ordered the site sealed off and sent word to