Chapter 366: The World Ring
Chapter 366: The World Ring
Chen Chuan's gaze fell upon the agreement, and he picked it up, flipping through its contents. This document contained confidentiality regulations regarding their conversation.
However, it wasn't an absolute restriction. 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 of people involved was limited to two.
There were numerous clauses in the agreement, covering various aspects.
As he looked at the almost imperceptible pattern at the bottom of the agreement page, he suspected that some kind of formal secret ritual might have been used.
The use of such a binding agreement must not be a simple matter. It probably involved the true secrets beneath Central City.
He had reached this point, passing the Central City exams in less time than others, partly because he wanted to seize the potential opportunity.
Now, the hidden information was within reach, the door to it right before him. All he needed to do was reach out and push it open, and it would be revealed. Of course, he wouldn't miss this chance.
Without hesitation, he put down the agreement and picked up a pen nearby, signing his name on it.
At that moment, he felt a faint sign of virtualization in his second self, which seemed to be a long-existing surveillance, though it didn't harm the body.
Ignoring it, he looked at the two people across from him.
Seeing that Chen Chuan had signed the agreement, the woman stepped forward, took it, and scanned it with the Boundary Vessel. Then, she handed it to Specialist Liang.
Specialist Liang's expression turned solemn as he said, "Chen Executor, since you've chosen to sign the agreement, please listen carefully to what I'm about to tell you."
He paused, "The world we live in is facing an immense crisis... Another world is gradually drawing closer to us."
Chen Chuan's gaze slightly intensified, "Another world?"
Specialist Liang nodded, "Yes, another world. For now, we can only describe it as a 'world.' In fact, although we've had interactions with it for a long time, our understanding of it is limited.
And now, the two worlds are attracting and influencing each other, slowly drawing closer."
At this moment, Chen Chuan suddenly remembered something. It was the huge vortex he had seen in the sky when he achieved the Third Tier.
He pondered for a moment, then asked, "Specialist Liang, what is this 'world' like? And when did it start getting closer to our world?"
Specialist Liang replied, "Actually, this world didn't suddenly appear. Since ancient times, it has had multiple interactions with us."
"More than once?"
"Yes, to use an analogy, the two worlds are like two celestial bodies orbiting each other, attracting and repelling. Sometimes, the distance between us is farther, and sometimes it's closer. When it's farther, its influence on us is weaker, but when it's closer, the impact is more profound."
"The rise and fall of ancient civilizations, as well as the ebb and flow of cultures, are all closely related to the influence of this world on us. When it draws closer, we call it the 'Transition Period,' and when it moves away, we call it the 'Dormant Period.'
But something has changed. Now, this world is getting closer and closer to us, and the 'Transition Period' is indefinitely extending, as if it has no end..."
His voice became incredibly slow, "According to our observations, if this continues, 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 temporarily named it... the Great Collision."
"The Great Collision..."
A chill ran down Chen Chuan's spine. Just from this name, he could imagine the scene that would unfold. Then, he thought again and asked, "Specialist Liang, may I ask, how much time do we have before the Great Collision?"
Specialist Liang said, "We can't give an exact timeframe, but at least two hundred years ago, it had already surpassed the historical limit of the Transition Period.
Based on our research and deductions, if we do nothing, it could happen within two or three years, or maybe ten or twenty years. It depends on our efforts."
Chen Chuan said, "Specialist Liang, do you mean we can find a way to save this situation?"
"The crisis also brings opportunities," Specialist Liang said. "The convergence with that world has led to unprecedented changes in our world.
The ancient empires, in order to maintain their rule, invested vast resources in studying and researching this world. But they didn't anticipate that this would have another effect. The transformation occurred within a mere hundred years.
In the past hundred years, technology has advanced rapidly, and the emergence of high-energy algae and the Algal Oil Revolution have caused constant shifts in the world order. Empires that had ruled for hundreds or even thousands of years have collapsed one after another, and the research results have been utilized by the various countries established afterward.
As the new era dawned, nations and companies that overthrew the old empire came together to form the Grand Alliance.
To address the impending crisis, we concentrated our resources at the junction and leakage point of the two worlds, building cities and defensive points to capture the first information from the world convergence and to accept or isolate things coming from the other world..."
As Specialist Liang spoke, a map of the world appeared on the wide arc-shaped wall around him, with the outlines of continents clearly visible. Then, dots of light emerged, spreading across the globe.
"That is the Central City, the index and anchor of the two worlds, as well as the forefront and fortress of resistance. And the Jinbei Province Central City, where we stand now, is one of them."
Chen Chuan looked at the bright spots on the map. The Da Shun Republic could be considered one pole of the world, occupying more than one-fifth of the central cities worldwide, which was in line with the size of the country.
Specialist Liang turned around and looked at the bright spots, his voice carrying a hint of regret, "But unfortunately, the Grand Alliance lasted less than thirty years before it fell apart, leaving only a nominal existence, merely serving as a platform for communication among nations and major companies."
After a while, Chen Chuan asked, "What is that world like?"
"No one can describe it clearly," Specialist Liang replied. "The things there are not the same as the material world we are accustomed to. Well, you should know about anomalies?"
"I do," Chen Chuan said. "Officially, anomalies include ghost stories and the things manipulated by secret rituals, which are simply categorized as one."
"Some of them are caused by the influence of the two worlds, and some are expressions of that world. This might help you understand what the other side is like."
Chen Chuan thought for a moment and seemed to have a vague understanding.
Specialist Liang's voice turned solemn, "As I mentioned earlier, our understanding of that world is still insufficient. Perhaps only when the Great Collision arrives will we gain a deeper insight. But I do not wish to see that day come."
The surroundings fell silent, and for a moment, none of the three spoke. Only the bright spots on the map continued to flash.
After a while, Specialist Liang turned around and said, "Alright, Chen Executor now understands the specific situation. So, let's talk about you, or rather, the constraints and responsibilities that your group must bear."
His expression became extremely serious, "With the approach of that world, an intermediate zone, or a transitional boundary, has formed at the junction of the two worlds, perhaps due to mutual influence. In this zone, the material world becomes particularly loose and weak.
Through long-term observation, we have 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 ways to counter the unprecedented changes that are about to come.
Today, we have established a barrier there using technology, which we call the 'World Ring' or the 'World Curtain'. This barrier serves to delay the Great Collision and block certain existences from the other world.
But this barrier is not impenetrable; the collision of worlds constantly presses against it, and occasionally, things from the other side seep through.
Third-Limit Combatants, due to their spiritual ascension, may actively or passively come into contact with or sense these external things. Some, unable to distinguish between reality and illusion, fall into confusion and madness. Others, under their influence, attempt to destroy the World Ring and make contact with the beings beyond.
Therefore, first and foremost, Third-Limit Combatants are strictly prohibited from privately investigating or contacting those things. They must undergo regular audits and inspections. We have also established a strict surveillance system on the World Ring, and any violation of regulations, such as attempting to cross or destroy the ring curtain, will result in immediate arrest or elimination.
At the same time, those who have signed the agreement, like you, and know the truth, are required to answer the call of the nation when needed. The specific tasks will depend on the organizations and institutions you serve."
He looked at the contemplative Chen Chuan and added, "I need to inform you that some special cultivation medications are unavailable outside. Only those who participate and obey the World Ring Defense System will be allowed to obtain them after achieving certain merits.
So, we do not force every Third-Limit Combatant to actively participate. It's up to you to decide how to proceed."
After a brief pause, he continued, "Alright, I have informed Chen Executor of the necessary details. Our conversation ends here today.
Chen Executor, you may leave now."
The woman approached, offering a ceremonial smile, "Please this way, Chen Executor."
Chen Chuan glanced once more at the world displayed around him before turning to Specialist Liang and asking, "May I inquire about your identity?"
Specialist Liang's voice deepened, "I am Liang Guanghai, the Da Shun National Defense Ministry's Special Envoy to the World Ring and Representative of the Jinbei Province Central City."
...
...
(End of Chapter)
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