Chapter 366: The World Ring"
Chapter 366: The World Ring"
Chen Chuan's gaze fell upon the agreement, and he picked it up, examining the content within. The document outlined confidentiality regulations for the conversation they were about to have.
However, the restrictions were not absolute. The signer's relatives could disclose limited information depending on the circumstances, but they would also need to sign a confidentiality agreement, and the number was limited to two people.
There were numerous clauses in the agreement, covering various aspects.
As he looked at the faint, almost imperceptible patterns on the bottom of the agreement, he suspected that some sort of formal secret ritual might have been used.
Such constraints must be for something significant, likely related to the true secrets hidden beneath Central City.
Chen Chuan had reached this point, passing the Central City entrance exam in a shorter time than most, partly because he wanted to seize any potential opportunities that might exist.
Now, the hidden information was within reach, and the door was right in front of him. All he had to do was push it open, and he wasn't going to miss this chance.
Without hesitation, he put down the agreement, picked up a pen, and signed his name on it.
At that moment, he felt a faint sense of virtualization in his second self, as if some long-standing surveillance was present, though it didn't seem to harm his physical body.
Ignoring this sensation, he looked up at the two people across from him.
Seeing that Chen Chuan had signed the agreement, the female officer stepped forward, scanned it with a boundary token, presumably recording it, and then handed it to Commissioner Liang.
Commissioner Liang took the agreement, examined it, and then returned it to her. The female officer walked to the side and placed the document in a pre-prepared metal box.
Commissioner Liang turned to Chen Chuan, his expression becoming solemn. "Executive Chen, since you've chosen to sign this agreement, please listen carefully to what I'm about to tell you."
He paused, "The world we live in is brewing an immense crisis..." He continued slowly, "Another world is gradually drawing closer to ours."
Chen Chuan's eyes narrowed slightly. "Another world?"
Commissioner Liang nodded. "Yes, another world. Our understanding of it is currently limited to the word 'world.' In fact, although we've been in conflict with it for a long time, our knowledge remains quite limited.
And now, the two worlds are being attracted and entangled, slowly drawing closer."
At that moment, Chen Chuan suddenly recalled the massive vortex he had seen in the sky when he achieved the Third Limit. Could that be it?
After a moment of thought, he asked, "Commissioner Liang, what is this 'world' like? And when did it start approaching our world?"
Commissioner Liang replied, "Actually, this world didn't suddenly appear. Since ancient times, it has had contact with us on more than one occasion."
"More than once?"
"Yes, to give you an analogy, imagine two worlds as two celestial bodies orbiting each other. Sometimes we are farther apart, and the influence is weaker, and sometimes we are closer, and the influence is stronger."
Commissioner Liang's voice turned grave. "The rise and fall of ancient dynasties and the ebb and flow of civilizations were all closely related to the influence of this world.
When it draws closer, we call it the 'Transition Period,' and when it moves away, we call it the 'Dormant Period.'
But for some unknown reason, this situation has changed. Now, this world is getting closer and closer, and the Transition Period is being indefinitely extended, as if it will never end..."
His voice became incredibly solemn as he continued, "According to our observations, if this continues, one day, this world might completely merge with ours.
We don't know what will happen then, but it will undoubtedly be an unprecedented crisis. So, we've tentatively named it... the Great Collision."
"The Great Collision..."
A chill ran down Chen Chuan's spine. Just from the name, he could imagine the scene that would unfold. Changing his train of thought, he asked, "Commissioner Liang, can I ask how long until the Great Collision occurs?"
Commissioner Liang's voice was heavy. "We can't give an exact timeframe, but at least two hundred years ago, it had already exceeded the historical limit of the Transition Period.
Based on our long-term observations and deductions, if nothing is done, it could be as soon as two or three years, or it might take a decade or two. It depends on our efforts."
Chen Chuan said, "Commissioner Liang, are you saying we can find a way to save this situation?"
"Crisis also brings opportunity," Commissioner Liang said. "The convergence of the two worlds has led to continuous, unprecedented changes in our world.
The old empires invested vast resources in studying the world convergence to maintain their rule, but they never anticipated that it would bring about a transformation. In just over a hundred years, a revolution has occurred.
In the last century, technology has advanced rapidly. The emergence of high-energy algae and the algae oil revolution have led to constant shifts in the global landscape. Several empires that had ruled for thousands of years have collapsed one after another, and the research findings have been adopted by the newly established nations of the world."
With the dawn of the New Era, nations and companies from the old empire united to form the Grand Alliance, aiming to tackle the impending crisis.
"To prepare for what's to come, we've focused our resources on building cities and defensive positions at the convergence and leakage points between the two worlds," Liang explained, and as he spoke, a global map appeared around him, on the expansive curved wall behind him. The outlines of continents were clear, and soon, bright dots began to emerge, scattered across the world.
"This is Central City, the key link and anchor between the two worlds, and the forefront of our defense," Liang continued, "and the city we stand in now, Jinbei Province Central City, is one of them."
Chen Chuan gazed at the bright dots on the map, understanding that the Great Harmony Republic was a global power, occupying more than a fifth of all Central Cities worldwide, a testament to the nation's size and influence.
Liang turned and looked at the dots, a hint of regret in his voice, "But sadly, the Grand Alliance lasted less than thirty years before it fell apart, leaving only a nominal existence, serving merely as a communication platform between nations and companies."
After a moment of contemplation, Chen Chuan asked, "What is that world like?"
"No one can fully describe it," Liang replied, "The things there are not the same as the material world we're accustomed to. You should know about anomalies, right?"
Chen Chuan nodded, "I do. Official reports classify anomalies as phenomena like legends and cult rituals, grouping them together."
"Some of these are a result of the influence between the two worlds, while others are expressions of that world itself," Liang explained, "Perhaps this will help you understand what lies beyond."
Chen Chuan pondered this, beginning to grasp the concept.
Liang's voice grew somber, "As I mentioned, our understanding of that world is still incomplete. Perhaps only when the Great Collision occurs will we truly comprehend it, but I'd rather not see that day arrive."
Silence fell upon them, and for a moment, no one spoke, except for the persistent flickering of the dots on the map.
After a pause, Liang turned back, "Now that Chen Enforcement Agent has been briefed, let's discuss the restrictions and responsibilities that you, or rather, your group, must adhere to."
His expression turned grave, "As the two worlds draw closer, an intermediate zone, or a transitional boundary, has emerged at their intersection. Perhaps due to their mutual influence, the material world becomes particularly loose and fragile in this area.
Through long-term observation, we've confirmed that by weakening the erosion from the other side, we can delay the Great Collision to some extent. Moreover, technological advancements have provided us with more means to counter the unprecedented changes ahead.
We've utilized technology to establish a barrier called the 'World Ring,' or as some call it, the 'World Curtain,' to slow down the Great Collision and block certain entities from the other world.
However, this barrier isn't impenetrable; the collision of worlds constantly presses against it, allowing things from the other side to occasionally seep through.
Third Limit Fighters, due to their spiritual ascension, often actively or passively encounter or sense these external influences. Some, unable to distinguish reality from illusion, fall into chaos and madness, while others become deluded and attempt to sabotage the World Ring, seeking contact with the entities behind it.
Therefore, it is strictly prohibited for Third Limit Fighters to privately investigate or come into contact with these entities. Regular audits and inspections are mandatory. We've established strict surveillance on the World Ring, and any attempt to breach or damage the ring will result in immediate arrest or elimination.
Additionally, as a signatory to the confidentiality agreement, you, as a Fighter who knows the truth, must comply with the following: When the nation requires it, you will be called upon to serve. The specific tasks will depend on the organization or institution you're affiliated with."
He looked at Chen Chuan, deep in thought, and added, "I must inform you that at your level, certain specialized cultivation medications are unavailable outside of the World Ring Defense System. Only Fighters who actively participate and comply with the system, and who have made significant contributions, will be granted access to these resources.
We don't force every Fighter to engage actively, so it's up to you to decide how to proceed."
After a brief pause, he continued, "That concludes our discussion for today, Chen Enforcement Agent. You may return."
The woman approached and offered a ceremonial smile, "Chen Enforcement Agent, please this way."
Chen Chuan took one last look at the world map around him before turning to Liang, "I haven't asked for your identity yet."
Liang's expression turned solemn, "I am the Special Envoy of the Great Harmony Republic, the World Ring Representative, and the Jinbei Province Central City Commissioner, Liang Guanghai."
...
...
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
