“Yes, she’s right. What about our kids? They were born here. THIS is their home! What about them? I don’t want to bring our kids back to Earth.”
“I agree. This is heaven. We don’t have to be worried about monsters anymore.”
“Why should we go back just because we are from Earth?”
“WHAT?! Are you saying that we should abandon our families who were stranded there? Just leave them there?”
“HMPH!! You go help your family then! I have no family there, so I will stay!”
“What?!”
People began to argue, each not backing down from their opinions.
‘Everyone’s been thinking of this.’
Taesoo carefully looked at each person, some were shouting, others were crying. They all had their own different yet valid points.
‘I’ll have him decide.’
This was their problem, but it was ultimately up to that one man’s decision. They were accepted into the empire and were only allowed to live because of the empire.
The matter of moving across into the Gate was entirely up to the emperor as the whole area was under the control of the Khalodian Empire.
‘Nobody will be allowed to pass through without his permission anyway.’
“We have a 200% increase in our harvests from the new farmlands. It’s enough to send additional supplies to the Sadiu Kingdom.”
“Our dairy products have increased by the same rate. It is still being affected by monster attacks.”
“We have a 350% increase in fishing from the coast. The number of people hesitant to try out seafood is decreasing due to the work of our chefs in various cities.”
“We have recently arrested fanatics trying to copy the Horuns. They have been sentenced to hard labor for corresponding crimes. We are also keeping the young children from them in special education facilities. The total number of arrests is 27,321.”
“We are giving a 60% waiver to families with 6 or more children. It was impossible to have it in the past, but we can do so now.”
“We are now in need of restrictions for raising livestock in residential areas. The number of complaints due to the smell and illegal dumping of animal feces is also increasing.”
‘Ugh, it’s never ending…’
Joonbum looked haggard as he listened to the countless reports. It had been seven years since the Gate had closed. The Khalodian Empire was the only country who had successfully fended off the monsters, and that led to a surplus of refugees from all over the world. However, Khalodian was already used to this from past experience and accepted all those refugees, thus growing at a rapid rate.
Life there was more peaceful than ever.
‘But it’s just so boring.’
Everything had gotten better, but Joonbum exhausted with his boring life now. He even wanted to just stop what he was doing and walk off, but he couldn’t.
‘And it gets harder and harder to do that… ugh.’
He checked Jackson, who was glaring at him and frowned. Jackson now had a full head of white hair and beard, looking very dignified. Enigmatic, even.
‘U-ugh. I can’t take this anymore.’
Joonbum was about to speak out about his boredom when he heard a new report.
“New report on the monsters. The number of monsters in this world is quickly decreasing.”
‘Hmph?’
Everyone seemed curious. The man then continued, “The reason is because the monsters already in this world are attacking back now.”
“What?”
“That’s…”
“They are now hunting down the monsters that came through the Gate.”
“How can that be…!”
It was amazing news, but also unbelievable.
“The Keroxes are especially good at it.”
“Keroxes?”
“You mean, THOSE Keroxes?”
“They are hunting down the young, the females, or the lone roaming monsters.”
“That’s good news!”
“Great!”
Everyone seemed happy at the news. If the monster problem was dealt with, then there was nothing holding them back anymore.
“Our 15th Giant Steel Refinery of Magnos is about to be finished. The Magnos Elder council wants Your Majesty’s congratulatory speech. We have also been informed that the Magnos population is now over 15 million.”
“Reporting on the Daruan Mountain Range. We have found three possible mining spots with ease of development and low danger. We also…”
Longer reports continued while Joonbum was thinking about the monsters.
“That is the end of the report, your Majesty.”
Joonbum waved his hand and the people exited the room, except for Jackson and Doral.
“Ugh, dammit Jackson! Can’t you do something about this? Do you really need me here? It’s all been decided and it’s just a report anyway!”
Jackson just smiled, but that was it. He didn’t even respond. Joonbum frowned.
‘Dammit. It’s not working.’
“I have other news, sir. We have a meeting request from Seoul city.”
Jackson changed topics instead. Doral became intrigued.
“A meeting?”
Joonbum also seemed curious. Jackson continued, “It seems that they are discussing whether they should return or not. It’s as we expected.”
“I see. It’s about time then.”
Joonbum replied and Doral nodded. He then turned to Jackson. There were no words spoken, but Jackson merely smiled.
“So, I have to go?”
“You have to go, Your Majesty.”
Joonbum grimaced. He had no good memories of Earth. And even if he did, he didn’t want to go when the world he knew was already gone.
End of Chapter
