“This is a map represents a part of the Khalodian Mountain jointly created by the Ainos and humans.”
A giant map was unfurled across the center table. The gathered people became confused.
“What is that place?
“Is it omitted on purpose?”
About 80% of the map was empty as if there was nothing there. The people turned to Joonbum, to which he nodded as he spoke.
“Some of you might have guessed, but that empty land is the area we have never visited. Not even the Ainos. And as you know, the mountain range is a third of the size of the whole continent.”
“Impossible…!”
The Ainos and Magnos were all shocked. They thought that they had explored every part of the land, but the mountain range was just too vast.
“And this is where the Gate has opened. Commander Jinpok will advance from this point to form a perimeter and close in.”
“Is there a need to come from that far?”
“Yes.”
The people seemed confused, but Joonbum turned to one of his generals. General James then drew a giant circle on the map.
“We will first drive out all living beings from this region just in case this place is breached, to remove any food sources.”
“Will it be that easy?”
“Of course, it won’t be. So we will set fires.”
“NO!”
“That is absurd!”
The Ainos and Magnos objected fiercely, but James ignored them. The people then turned back to Joonbum.
“If there’s a need for fire, then we shall do it. It is the only way to save lives. If you have a better way of doing it, then say it. I’m all ears. Just remember that we have to protect our people, our families, and our loved ones. If it is for the very lives of those people, I will burn the entire mountain if needed.”
Silence descended. The people were reluctant, but they had no better way.
“What are you REALLY thinking?”
Doral then came and whispered to Joonbum.
“I mean, this isn’t…”
It was then that they heard the sound of a horn designated as the alarm. Joonbum and Doral quickly ran out to go to the wall.
“What is that?!”
“A rat?”
As the armies of Ainos and humans threw giant Molotov cocktails, there were thousands of creatures burning and writhing under the flames. They had very similar features to that of a rat. On average, they were about four feet tall. However, the problem was that it was standing on two legs and had clothes and weapons.
“They’re quick!”
They also moved on all four limbs when necessary.
‘They’re similar… to humans.’
Joonbum could not stop to think as more of them came out. As the fire raged on, more of those rats jumped out and they were burned alive.
“S-Stop! Stop the fire!”
There were now mountains of burning corpses, with organs exploding because of the intense heat. It seemed that the rats had stopped coming out.
‘This…’
Joonbum had a theory, but before he could think further, a monster with a lion’s head came out. It screamed as it was engulfed by the fire and began charging towards the front. It ran through the mountains of corpses and over many traps until it eventually fell to its death.
“Dammit! There’s more coming out! HUH??”
Soldiers screamed in terror as a giant figure came through the Gate. It was of a size that was not expected to say the least.
“That one is like a dinosaur,” Doral mumbled. The monster was just huge. As it stomped on the ground, fires were put out and land was destroyed.
“That’s…”
Joonbum was shocked. What had appeared was a monster that closely resembled a Cyclops, one that existed only in myths. It was a hundred feet tall with one giant eye and a giant horn on its forehead. However, instead of wielding a wooden club, it was holding a long metal H-shaped beam that was normally used in modern construction.
“Was it called a Cyclops in your book? Was it real?”
Joonbum shook his head.
“No, it’s a myth. Or was.”
“I see,” Doral answered quietly. However, Joonbum seemed disturbed, so Doral smiled and joked.
“Hey, you thought this world wasn’t real either. Think of it that way.”
“Oh, you’re right.”
Joonbum nodded. He then picked up his sniper rifle, and so did Doral.
“I’ll take the left.”
“I’m taking the right.”
Joonbum looked into his scope. The giant monster was too big to miss.
Then, with two loud gunshots, the monster stopped, dropping onto its back to its death.
The surrounding people cheered in excitement. They chanted the Emperor’s success as if they had just won. But Joonbum didn’t seem too happy.
‘How long can we last like this?’
“Just focus now. The future has not come yet.”
Doral reminded him, and Joonbum nodded.
‘Right… it’s just begun, and we are prepared,’ Joonbum thought.
