After the disappearance of the three scientists, the Chinese president couldn't believe it. How could they vanish so suddenly? He couldn't comprehend it, and the shock was evident on his face. He acted in a way that contradicted his usual calm and analytical nature.
The Russian president, trying to confirm the situation, said,
"We couldn't believe it either. David's family inquired about his whereabouts in Egypt, but he was with his girlfriend and brother when he suddenly disappeared right in front of them. So, Egypt claims they know nothing, but they have promised to investigate."
Then he added,
"As for the other two scientists, they vanished at the exact moment that mysterious energy erupted from the Great Pyramid. Egyptian intelligence, neighboring countries' agencies, and even our own forces searched for them... but we found nothing."
The American president smirked cunningly before saying,
"So, the scientists truly disappeared. That makes things even more complicated. What if they knew something dangerous and were silenced? Or what if Egypt had a hand in this?"
Then he continued, his voice cold,
"Why don't we inform the sorcerers, the shamans, and the immortal trainers about this and let them act in their own way? That way, the pressure on Egypt will be immense, and these three factions will inevitably clash with whatever forces exist there."
The Chinese president quickly regained his composure and said in a deep, thoughtful tone,
"The situation is getting worse, and we cannot remain idle. So, we will proceed with our plan and observe who will emerge victorious: Egypt or those three forces."
Then he continued,
"We must also inform these three factions about the disappearance of the scientists. Perhaps they can find them or at least uncover what happened."
All the attendees of the meeting—including the presidents of America, Russia, the European Union, and some other European countries—agreed.
After the meeting, each country began executing the agreed-upon strategy. Sanctions were imposed on Egypt, and massive media campaigns were launched to tarnish its image globally.
At the same time, the three supernatural factions—the sorcerers, the shamans, and the immortal trainers—began monitoring Egypt closely, trying to determine whether there was a priest or an unknown power within its borders. When they decided to send a group of suicidal trainees to test the situation, those trainees felt an overwhelming sense of dread as soon as they neared Egypt's borders—something they had never experienced before. This fear forced them to retreat immediately.
When they reported back to their masters, the three factions decided to postpone any direct action and settle for surveillance.
Meanwhile, international pressure on Egypt escalated. The world's great powers concluded that if a resolution was not reached soon, war might be the only solution.
Yet, despite everything, Egypt showed no reaction.
Even when some countries sent their fighter jets into Egyptian airspace without permission, the government responded with a single message:
"If your planes do not turn back immediately, they will be destroyed."
When the pilots noticed that Egyptian artillery and missile systems were already locked onto them, they chose to retreat.
That was enough to make the world realize that Egypt was prepared to fight—even if it meant facing all the superpowers at once.
At first, the general public mocked the situation, questioning,
"How can a single country challenge America, China, Russia, and Europe at the same time? Has Egypt gone mad?"
But on the other hand, world leaders, the masters of the immortal factions, the heads of magical towers, and the elders of the shamans knew that Egypt was hiding something. Perhaps it possessed a real power that made it fearless in the face of war.
But even if it had nothing at all, no country or supernatural force was willing to risk an all-out war that could lead to their own destruction.
Thus, tensions remained high, but no direct escalation occurred.
The great powers and the three supernatural factions waited for Egypt to make the first move…
Yet two months passed, and nothing happened.
There were no sudden movements, no military escalations.
The world experienced an eerie period of calm…
But as the saying goes:
"The calm before the storm."
Gradually, people adapted to the new reality.
Some continued their daily lives as if nothing had happened, taking pictures of the new developments, returning to their jobs, or simply spending time with friends and family.
Others still anticipated the end of the world—just like in fantasy novels.
But suddenly, something completely unexpected happened…
Egypt was not the first to move, as everyone had predicted.
The world itself moved.
Three events changed everything:
---------
The First Event
1 - The Gates and Temples
Enormous gates suddenly appeared—one in China, one in America, one in Russia, and one in Europe. Smaller gates also emerged in various locations worldwide.
But the biggest shock came from Egypt.
Instead of just one or two gates… three colossal gates appeared, along with numerous smaller ones. Additionally, mysterious temples surfaced throughout the land.
While the Egyptian authorities allowed the world to witness the gates, they completely concealed any information regarding the temples.
As soon as the gates appeared, military forces from the superpowers swiftly moved to secure the surrounding areas, evacuating civilians and preparing for any potential threats that might emerge.
But, as expected, some enthusiastic fantasy fans attempted to approach and enter the gates before anyone could stop them.
The moment one of them tried to step through…
He crashed into an invisible barrier and collapsed unconscious.
That was proof that these gates were not open to just anyone.
Once the areas were secured, scientific teams began studying the gates. However, they soon uncovered a shocking truth—ordinary humans could not enter the gates.
When all attempts by regular humans failed, the governments turned to the sorcerers, shamans, and immortal trainers for assistance.
But before they could even attempt entry, one of the immortal trainers scoffed, saying,
"These sealed worlds were created by the greatest immortal masters in history… Do you really think you mere mortals can enter them?"
Hearing that, greed filled the hearts of those around him.
They imagined the treasures hidden within these worlds—the secrets, the power, and perhaps even… immortality itself.
The leaders of the three supernatural factions stood before the gates in different parts of the world, each one smiling as if witnessing the return of their long-lost glory.
Global media broadcasted everything live. The world watched in anticipation.
Chinese news focused on the immortal trainers.
European media highlighted the sorcerers.
American coverage centered on the shamans.
For the first time, humanity realized that three hidden forces had existed among them all along—extraordinary beings with immense powers who had remained in the shadows for centuries.
Excitement spread among the public.
People dreamed of learning these supernatural abilities, of becoming sorcerers, warriors, or legendary shamans.
But when the moment of truth arrived, and the supernatural elites attempted to enter the gates…
The greatest shock of all unfolded.
Even the most powerful sorcerers, shamans, and immortal trainers…
Could not pass through.
No matter how much energy, mana, or spiritual force they used, the gates rejected them all.
The Next stop: The Second Event… And the Fate of the World.
------
Well, since we're at Chapter 16, thank you for continuing to read even though you don't share your thoughts. The first arc is nearing its end, so I think it's time you told me your opinion, my dear reader. You are my silent audience, and I want to make my novel good for you. So let me know your thoughts in the comments, rate the novel, give me energy stones, or share the story with your friends—the choice is yours.
This chapter's questions are:
1. What do you think will happen in the world from now on?
2. What is the reason for rejecting the entry of magical forces through the gates?
3. What is the second event?"