Chapter 15 (2/2)

The s.p.a.ce itself was fluctuating.

Finally, countless holes began appearing around Al Araxar. They were 'gates'. If my eyes did not deceive, they were gates. And all of them…were purple. Within those gates dwelled unique monsters; unimaginably powerful beings. The monsters within purple gates were designed to invade Earth after a fixed period of time, and that time would be clearly written in rune language at the top part of a gate.

'5 years.'

That was the number written on the purple gate. 5 years later, Al Araxar would attack Earth. It was also my first time seeing this kind of phenomenon. Could it be that this was how purple gates were formed? If so, was there a process as well in the creation of the other gates?

”It appears time is up.”

Al Araxar spoke with a look of resignation on his face, as if resistance was futile, and then chains flew out from the gate. The iron chains bound Al Araxar, and a spot of black began to very slowly taint his ocean colored body.

”I…From the beginning I was fated to follow the will of the 'Great Star'. I had only resisted until now with the Ancient One's power. If you truly mean to walk a different path, I hope that you will take into your hands all of the Keepers' powers and save us all.”

One of the chains came flying toward me.

Splas.h.!.+

In the same instant the waters of the lake surged to block that chain. Al Araxar had squeezed out the last of his strength and protected me.

”Go!”

Al Araxar shouted to me, and I instinctively began to run. Staying here further was dangerous; my instincts were yelling at me.

”Guaarrrggh!”

The further I ran, the more clearly his screams sounded in my ears from behind me.

..

..

Kururung!

The altar collapsed. Even the engraving of the Ancient One cracked to pieces and scattered onto the ground.

I dropped onto the coa.r.s.e ground and took deep breaths. The gnolls that followed me out also flopped around onto the ground.

”Huk, Huk, Hu-uk!”

The ragged sounds of my breathing didn't calm down, but my mind was clear. So clear that I almost felt sick.

'A purple gate appeared. Al Araxar's gate.'

There were six types of gates: golden, orange, purple, blue, white and black!

The most dangerous among these were purple and black. Transcendental monsters with unique traits were all lined up waiting within the purple gates. Like a promise, they would wait until the indicated time on the gate pa.s.sed before emerging and invading Earth. As for black gates, it was speculated that they lead deep within the abyss where beings such as Demon Lords existed, but the biggest immediate threat to humanity was the purple gates.

Who could have known that purple gates were created this way. This was a truth that no one of humanity knew. But the bigger problem was that 'Al Araxar is coming to town after 5 years'.

'It's too soon.'

d.a.m.n it.

My expression hardened.

The only reason I won that time against Al Araxar was because he had matched my physique; if he were to get serious that Seoul would disappear off the map within hours. Monsters of this level were supposed to have started emerging at least 10 years later. Maybe it was because he was only barely holding on with the Ancient One's Power, but a mere 5 years later Earth, Korea, will be attacked by Al Araxar. Will Mins.h.i.+k grow fast enough to be able to face Al Araxar during those 5 years?

'Impossible!'

No matter how much a fast development the magic swordsman cla.s.s could provide, it wasn't possible within 5 years. Even if we fended him off one way or another, it would end up in staggering losses. In the end, I had to do something about it. I was the one to sow the seed, thus it was only right that I reap it.

'I'll have to pack my schedules tight.'

The power of Universal Man. I may just turn the impossible into the possible if I moved with my life on the line for 5 years.

But then abruptly, an popped up in my head and I hastily rummaged around my pockets.

'It's here.'

My hand grasped onto a key in my pocket.

It was an orange key; the other reward I had obtained at the same time I gained the Ancient One's Power.

'Odin's Treasury.'

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