Chapter 182: The Gate Crisis

The view of the streets passed by quickly. How long has it been since Lee Shin last saw a scene like this from inside a car? As he looked at the people walking outside, he lost himself in contemplation.

‘The Gate Crisis is about to happen, so I need to finish preparing before that…’

Lee Shin was aware that internal unity was the most important factor.

"I could not resolve the Gate Crisis in the past, but this time will be different," Lee Shin muttered with determination.

The physical abilities of the Earthlings were significantly inferior to the monsters from other dimensions. Earthlings were considered the weakest of all the races. In fact, they were as good as Goblins.

However, there was one saving grace about the Earthlings. It was their extraordinary potential.

Humans from other dimensions had at least learned magic or skills, but humans from Earth had advanced in science rather than individual abilities.

"We need to come together," Lee Shin muttered once again.

Earthlings became stronger when they united. In the past, they could not present a united front due to the gods’ sudden closure of the Dimension Gate. However, things were different now. Currently, the combat force of the Earth was not drastically inferior to other dimensions, even if outliers such as Lee Shin were excluded from the count.

"Do you really think the gods will open the Dimension Gate?" Park Joo-Hyuk, who was driving, asked Lee Shin.

It seemed like Park Joo-Hyuk was questioning Lee Shin under the assumption that something like that was very unlikely to happen. Lee Shin smiled bitterly.

In the past, it was just a drama orchestrated by the gods when they took Earthlings hostage in order to make the challengers of Earth climb the Tower, but this time was different. The gods were truly angry, and there was a high possibility that they would open the Dimension Gate with the intent to destroy Earth entirely.

"Yes, they definitely will," Lee Shin replied.

"But, don't worry. Because we have you this time, don’t we?” Park Joo-Hyuk tried to comfort Lee Shin.

Lee Shin really hoped that he would be able to help. As Lee Shin looked up, he could see the darkening sky. They were heading to the National Security Agency base, where Cha Yu-Min was hospitalized.

‘We must take care of every single combat force we have.’

Lee Shin was aware that he alone could not protect the entire Earth. In places where he was not present, other challengers had to step up and defend. Besides, he had a grander plan if Earth's defense stabilized.

‘After that, we might be able to attack other dimensions.’

Cha Yu-Min would become one of Earth's most formidable weapons. It was the same for Park Joo-Hyuk who was in front of Lee Shin at the moment. The Tower made challengers stronger, and challengers protected Earth. That was the best structure Lee Shin could imagine, and the plan had been progressing quite smoothly so far.

Now, all that remained was for Lee Shin to become stronger. Earth needed an absolute powerhouse. Just like how there was a Demon God in the Demon World and Heavenly God in the Heavenly Realm, the existence of such absolute powerhouses made those worlds stronger, places where no one could invade.

***

Upon arriving at the base, Yoon Sang, the Director of the National Security Agency, warmly greeted Lee Shin. Cha Yu-Min was in a state of unconsciousness, his whole body badly injured.

"How does he look?" Yoon Sang asked Lee Shin.

Lee Shin could not feel death coming from Cha Yu-Min. It looked like he might not wake up so soon right now, but at least he would not die.

"He won't die. If we wait, he'll wake up," Lee Shin replied.

𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚

"Oh, is that so? That's a relief," Yoon Sang replied.

"When Cha Yu-Min wakes up, please let him know that I was here,” Lee Shin said.

"I will do that. But do you think he will be okay when he wakes up?” Yoon Sang asked again.

"...He'll be fine. He's a strong kid," Lee Shin replied.

Yoon Sang looked at Lee Shin with a puzzled expression, but he did not avoid Yoon Sang’s gaze.

"You’re speaking as if you are an old friend of his,” Yoon Sang said.

"Well, there are people who make me feel that way,” Lee Shin replied.

Lee Shin smirked and went back outside. Park Joo-Hyuk was waiting for him there.

"Sorry for the inconvenience,” Lee Shin apologized to Park Joo-Hyuk.

"It's okay. Compared to what you've done for me, this is nothing," Park Joo-Hyuk replied.

Park Joo-Hyuk was an agent of the National Security Agency. The deputy leader of his Task Force, Baek Hyun-Ah, was also part of the National Security Agency. The others were recruited from outside the Agency to form the team.

"So, where do you want to go next?” Park Joo-Hyuk asked.

"We should go meet those troublemakers," Lee Shin replied, referring to Cain and Pleta.

Park Joo-Hyuk took the wheel again. Lee Shin could fly on a Skeleton, but using such abilities within Korea was prohibited unless it was a special occasion. Of course, with his status, it would not matter much for Lee Shin anyway, but he thought there was no need to attract unnecessary attention.

"We've arrived," Park Joo-Hyuk said.

"Thanks again," Lee Shin replied.

"I have something to take care of, so I'll get going first,” Park Joo-Hyuk said.

After dropping him off, Park Joo-Hyuk left. The next moment, Lee Shin entered the hotel. Cain and Pleta were sitting at the lobby of the hotel that was provided by the Association, sipping coffee. As soon as he spotted Cain and Pleta, he glared at them. Their eyes showed a hint of guilt, seemingly aware that they had caused trouble.

"Oh you’re finally here,” Cain said, looking at Lee Shin.

"It feels weird to see you here,” Pleta said, looking at Lee Shin.

Lee Shin smiled bitterly at the two, who pretended like nothing happened.

"Why did you follow me?" Lee Shin asked in a cold voice.

"Well, Sevrino said that he needed someone to test whether your Dimension Gate was functioning properly," Cain replied.

"I was curious about what kind of place Earth was, so I decided to follow you," Pleta added.

"I’ll return to the Tower before the original Dimension Gate closes. So, you guys should come with me,” Lee Shin said.

"What? Already? I wanted to have more fun," Pleta replied with disappointment and finished the sweet coffee.

"This is really good," Pleta commented on the coffee.

"Don't worry. You’ll be able to come back,” Lee Shin replied.

"Alright. So, when are we going back?” Pleta asked.

"We’re going back tomorrow," Lee Shin replied.

Lee Shin had to change the coordinates of his gate that was currently connected to China to a location in Korea. Sevrino and Vian said that by plugging their device into a specific location, he could collect the coordinates. Therefore, Lee Shin thought of plugging the device near the original Dimension Gate that was located in Gwanghwamun.

Also, there were still things left unresolved in the Lardel Archipelago, so Lee Shin planned on tidying things up before returning to Korea.

***

Time passed by quickly. After taking the new coordinates of his Dimension Gate, Lee Shin handed it over to Sevrino and following that the gate connected to China was closed again. After quickly investigating and fixing some errors that occurred this time, they reconnected the new Dimension Gate, this time precisely to a certain location in Korea.

For testing purposes, other individuals also passed through the gate, but no one was sent to other locations. Such a masterpiece was created by the combined effort of the two individuals, Sevrino, the Sage who Traverses Dimensions, and Vian Stiger, the greatest hextech engineer around. When Shin Jae-Ho and Yoon Sang saw the new Dimension Gate completed, they were taken aback.

"I never thought this would be possible..." Shin Jae-Ho muttered in amazement.

Shin Jae-Ho assessed that this Dimension Gate had the potential to rock the whole world and with its value equivalent to the existence of Lee Shin. The ability to travel to and from the Tower throughout the year, not just one month, was an advantage beyond imagination.

"I think we will have to keep an eye on the surroundings thoroughly," Shin Jae-Ho muttered.

"Yes, that's right. But even if someone is nearby, there's no way for them to use it. The other side of the Dimension Gate is under my control, and they won’t be able to steal the technology. Besides, even by using Earth's current technology, it would still be impossible,” Lee Shin replied.

Lee Shin’s words could be thought of as an insulting remark toward the scientific and technological capabilities of Earth, but Shin Jae-Ho did not seem to care.

"Can I go over too?" Shin Jae-Ho asked with curiosity.

"No, that's impossible," Lee Shin replied firmly. "The world of the Tower itself won't accept it, just like the conventional Dimension Gate."

"Oh, I see." Shin Jae-Ho could not hide his disappointment. "Before other countries find out, we should get ready as much as possible."

"Leave the security here to me," Yoon Sang, who was standing next to Shin Jae-Ho, said.

"Thanks," Shin Jae-Ho replied.

"Also, do you remember what I said before?" Lee Shin asked, looking at the two of them.

Both of them immediately caught on to what Lee Shin was talking about and nodded.

"Yes, solidarity with other countries... I can finally understand why you were so confident, Mr. Lee Shin," Shin Jae-Ho replied with a nod.

"Yes, that’s right, because they will have no choice but to cooperate with us,” Lee Shin said.

"But you see, monopolization of power can cause backlash," Jeon Jae-Yong, who suddenly approached them, said.

"Don't worry. While we gain additional benefits, we won't impose any restrictions on the use of this gate. As I mentioned earlier, now is the time for us to unite. The reason why I was able to capture Reverse right away was also because of that,” Lee Shin replied.

"Understood," Jeon Jae-Yong muttered.

"As I mentioned before, when the gate appears, the world will undergo a tremendous change. With the new gate, challengers will no longer need to bring anything directly from the Tower, and Earth’s armies will be able to cross to other dimensions,” Lee Shin explained.

Upon hearing Lee Shin’s words, the officers who heard his story gulped. Even though they had occasional minor battles and continuous military training, it had been a long time since any major wars had taken place on Earth. Lee Shin’s words were no different than foreshadowing an invasion.

"The standards of battles will change, and so will the rewards," Lee Shin said with determination. He had pledged that he would not just hand Earth over as easily as he did last time.

"Your families, colleagues, friends, and loved ones are here. It's not just about protecting this place. It's about protecting your treasured people," Lee Shin said with determination.

The serious atmosphere in the area caught the attention of the researchers who had been checking the gate and the soldiers guarding the area. Lee Shin’s heartfelt words deeply moved them.

"I will take the lead. So, please defend Earth, everyone." Lee Shin’s sincerity resonated deeply in their hearts.

"We will... We will protect it, even if it means laying down our lives," a Major, who had come to protect this area, immediately responded to Lee Shin’s words—words that were filled with sincerity, words that no one questioned.

"So what’s the name of this gate?" Shin Jae-Ho, who had been staring blankly at the gate, asked Lee Shin.

"It’s called the Eternal Gate, because it’s a door that will never close," Lee Shin replied firmly.

***

It was already January 1st. The original Dimension Gate had closed, and the tumultuous year had passed.

The Korean government announced the newly appeared Dimension Gate to the world. It was not a gate that would open for only one month, but a gate that could be used to go to the Tower anytime. They called it the Eternal Gate. The shocking news attracted challengers from all around the world, and they spread word on the existence of the Eternal Gate.

[Is there no need to wait for the Dimension Gate to open now?]

[The birth of a gate that allows us to go to the Tower anytime!]

[Korea finally pulled off an amazing achievement!]

[The birth of the Korean version of the Dimension Gate. Where did it come from?]

[Challengers from all around the world are flocking to Korea…]

[Korean government: “There will be no restrictions on entry to the Eternal Gate…”]

[Shocking news! The Eternal Gate can be used by challengers from other dimensions too!]

Countless articles spun off from various media outlets worldwide. Many individuals praised the new Eternal Gate because it had overcome the fatal flaw of the previous Dimension Gate, which was restricted by time.

Countries that thought about the astronomical value created by the gate tried to trace the process of the emergence of the Eternal Gate, but it was impossible. Furthermore, in China, there were numerous false articles that claimed to have found the secret of the gate, but they were quickly taken down.

"These damn idiots! Why would they write such articles?" Zhuge Yun muttered.

Zhuge Yun had personally checked out the Eternal Gate at Lee Shin’s request. After realizing Lee Shin was behind its creation, he stopped talking about it. He realized that no one else but Lee Shin could have made it, and once the Eternal Gate was moved from China to Korea, there was no way to reproduce it.

Zhuge Yun had great influence over the Challengers Association of China, and he had great control over both the government and the military. Therefore, he used his connections to remove all articles and prevent any further false claims from China.

Zhuge Yun was well aware that for now, he should not draw unnecessary attention from Lee Shin and Korea. Therefore, his plan was to take over the Challengers Association which had great influence over the affairs of China in order to further increase his own influence.

"Hmm… The Gate Crisis..." Zhuge Yun muttered.

When Lee Shin came to Earth and met Zhuge Yun, Lee Shin clearly stated that these Gates would reappear on Earth. Besides, he even mentioned that the first Gate could appear in China.

"Well, I guess it’s good that it turned out this way..." Zhuge Yun muttered.

China was difficult to control. The high-ranking officials clung to their power for their own interests and did not listen to others. They were arrogant and unwilling to back down even when necessary.

Crunch—

Zhuge Yun gritted his teeth, reminded of the negative past experiences he had had with them. He hid the smile that appeared on his face by opening up the fan.

‘If we are left defenseless against the gate, the power of the Challengers Association will inevitably grow stronger. Especially now, with the appearance of the Eternal Gate, it would be even more so.’

Zhuge Yun thought that he only needed to be prepared to seize power before that day came.

***

A month had passed, and a small gate appeared on a hill near a secluded village in Shandong County.

"

Guruck

—

Gruuook

—”

Green-skinned, muscular bodies with thick fangs protruding from their mouths, Orcs with menacing eyes began to walk out one by one.