World Gate Online Volume 7 Chapter 1: White Space

"…You lost it!? A [World Key]!?" (Lucas)

Damn, this is beyond being careless! It's like losing the key to your house!

And he even has an [Inventory] right!? Ah wait, I think he was transported while in his [Earth] body…

"Haah…You see, right after we transferred, the only window that popped up was the double EXP and item drop rate. There wasn't any [Mission] like in Lucas' case." (Lin)

Eh? None?

You got to be kidding me!

Do you know how much trouble that damn [Mission] gave me!? And you didn't have them!?

Sigh……..the world sure is unfair…

"This is probably because Lucas was [Summoned] while Lin was simply transported accidentally." (Archbishop Agerad)

In one of the monitors, Archbishop Agerad gave his hypothesis.

As for how we were able to achieve an internet connection to [Harus], I have no idea. In fact, I didn't even know these guys started to research on it.

But come to think of it…it's weird how you need an internet connection to start up [Portal]…

I made a mental note to ask about this some other time.

"Probably. After the transfer, since someone else was caught up together with me, I wanted to go back first and discuss about what we will do with the new discovered world but…" (Lin)

"But you lost the key…" (Bram)

"…Right…You see, in that world, there is a bird called [Jewelry Sparrow] which was famous for collecting anything shiny. People in that world would sometimes find their habitat but few will kill them. This is because they only want their accumulated treasures, if they kill the bird, then no one would collect the treasures for them." (Lin)

Hearing his explanation, a cave full of treasures appeared in my mind.

Treasures! Jewelry! Shiny!

It's decided, I'll definitely go to that world and find them!!!

Looking around, it wasn't just me who was thinking of that. The different people from [Earth], [Harus], [Sennerth] gulped down their saliva to prevent it from leaking out.

"In our bad luck, one happened to be gliding above us. The moment I took out the [World Key], it immediately swooped down and snatched it." (Lin)

Lin sighed as he probably thought back to that moment.

"I was in [Earth] form so I didn't have the power to give chase. Like that, we got stranded in another world…took me a very long time to track the damn bird down…" (Lin)

…I really pity this guy…

To get stranded in another world, full of unknowns! This is on a whole different league than being stranded on an island!

1100 years!

Haah…I can't even imagine how uncle and Lin survived like that…

But still…1100 years…100 years per 1 month in [Earth].

That's hmm….

"Lucas, hey Lucas. Are you listening?" (Bram)

"Hm? Ah?" (Lucas)

"What, are you daydreaming or something? We're talking about who will go that world to investigate." (Bram)

Ah, somehow, the conversation already flowed to that direction while I was unaware.

"Ah, I see…I was just thinking that if in that world, 100 years had passed per month here, then a day there must be approximately 5 minutes here." (Lucas)

"So you were calculating instead of listening!? And fast too!" (Bram)

Eh, it's nothing special, all I did was keep on dividing both sides and eventually reach that point. There's still leap years to consider so it was just an approximate calculation.

"Don't give me that 'it's nothing special' look you damn genius!" (Bram)

Ehh, I'm not really a genius though? More importantly, does it show on my face?

Well whatever, let's continue the conversation.

"So, who was going to go right? I want to participate too." (Lucas)

"…I want to go as well." (Bram)

"We want to send in someone too."

Most of the [Gatekeepers] volunteered while the other higher ups would give a name to send to that world instead of going themselves.

They probably didn't want to lose to others and would want to get some gains as well.

After all, if they send someone from their side, it's not like they would share all of the intel they gained and would keep the intel which would be most beneficial to them.

"How about we open it to public? Send people who want to try their luck and explore while we give them quests? We can also earn money from the transportation."

One of the higher ups suggested which brought about discussions in the room.

"I don't think that's a good idea." (Lin)

"Hm? What do you mean?"

"Unfortunately we lack the power to protect the gate. If the powerful people in that world were to catch wind that there is another world out there, they will do anything to go here. If we sent in normal people, they will be hunted down, taken hostage, tortured, killed, or even worse." (Lin)

As Lin spoke, it seemed as if the air around the room changed. From the faces of those on the monitor, it seems that even on the other side of the monitor, they also felt that sensation.

It was the feeling of being suppressed.

A drop of sweat trickled down my cheek as I try not to give in to the pressure.

Being in the same room as Lin, naturally, we felt the pressure more than those behind the monitors.

But still…what's worse than being killed and tortured?

"First of all, let me give you a rough explanation about that world." (Lin)

Lin sighed and the pressure decreased before finally disappearing.

Afterwards, he brought out an old looking scroll out and unraveled it, then placing it face down on the table.

After clicking a button, the monitor scanned the scroll then showed it on the main monitor of the room.

"This is the world map of [Zoulang], which is Chinese for-" (Lin)

"-Corridor…as the name suggests, it really looks like one."

The Chinese President spoke up as he looked at the map in awe.

Seeing the image on the main monitor, we wondered why it had taken such a shape.

The map was a long rectangle. On the right, top, and bottom sides were images of mountains while on the left side, was a waterfall.

Inside the rectangle, most of the islands populated the right side and gradually receding as it goes to the left.

Weird, is this map even possible?

I mean, if we look at the [Earth's] map, it will certainly be a rectangle for the flattened version, but it wasn't as long as this.

It was as if, the two ends don't meet at all.

"Like in other worlds, the sun rises from the east and sinks on the west. But in this world, their planet does not rotate on the sun's axis, but only on its own axis only. And yes, this is the real shape of [Zoulang]."

(Lin)

We all nodded and made sure to remember this fact in our hearts.

Our lives depend on it after all.

"Anyway, those that will go, come here. I'll impart you with a cultivation technique." (Lin)

Hm? Cultivation technique?

Though we didn't understand, we still followed and went close to him.

Afterwards, he tapped his finger on our foreheads and immediately, I understood what a cultivation technique is.

NoticeYou have learned a new skill, (Passive) [Soul Vacuum] Beginner LVL 1 (0.00%)!

A cultivation technique which allows the user's consciousness to be directed to his/her soul in order to gather qi in a more efficient manner!

Note that it is best if one does not move when using this technique in order to be fully concentrated.

+ + +

Finally reaching my new house, I slumped down on the sofa in the living room.

"Ah, you're back already?" (Steph)

"Yeah. Today was a real shocker." (Lucas)

"Lucas, you're here. There's something I have to tell you." (Eu)

Hn?

Hearing Eu's voice, I tilted my head and see Eu in [Earth] casual attire.

Fumu, this view is quite amazing…

What does she want to say?

"I'm pregnant." (Eu)

"Pppppfffftt-!!!???" (Lucas)

Eh? EHH!?

EEEEEEEEEEEHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!??????????

"Actually, that's a joke. Hehe." (Eu)

"…"(Lucas)

I opened my mouth to say something but then decided it would be too much work so I simply sighed and slump back on the couch.

Haah, this girl…

"The thing is, I actually still haven't finished my training. So I won't be coming back for a while." (Eu)

"Ah, it's fine. I'm also leaving tomorrow to explore another world." (Lucas)

"Another…I see…" (Eu)

"Heeh, so another world was discovered again huh?" (Steph)

"Yeah, but please don't tell anyone as it won't be released to the public for some time. Hm? Where are the others?" (Lucas)

"In their rooms. Wait a sec." (Steph)

Steph jogged to the stairs and went upwards in order to call everyone.

After they got down, I also told them about my trip.

Turns out, all of them will also be leaving as their training hasn't ended.

Lily also has work and can't skip while Steph is participating in the mafia war or something.

In the end, only Vil chose to come with me.

At first, I was against it but after her countless pestering, I gave in and simply told her to remain in her rabbit form if she wants to come with me as well as not to transform into human form if we are not alone.

…I feel like I would have a lot of sleepless nights from now on…

Oh yeah, when Vil transforms into rabbit form, her clothes disappear. And when she transforms into human form again, the clothes instantly comes back.

Till now, I have yet to find a proper explanation to this so I simply let it be.

Afterwards, I went to my room and rested.

Not the master bedroom but another room. I don't want to stay there…I have a feeling one of them will suddenly come and attack me.

On the wall of my room was a huge map of [Harus], [Earth], and [Sennerth].

At the top portion, I can pull a string and a transparent plastic would unroll which would show another layer on the map.

This layer has markings and notes on it.

There, displayed the places I've been at and places I should be concerned about.

Until now, there isn't much written yet but someday. Someday, I will travel every place there is!

But for now, I want to see what this [Zoulang] world is capable of!

Thinking that, I sat in a comfortable position on the bed and closed my eyes.

Recalling the technique Lin passed down earlier, my consciousness submerged into the depths of my mind.

Inside my head, I saw a purple orb floating steadily and had a golden glow to it.

This should be my [Soul].

The technique that Lin passed down allowed my consciousness to be directed instantly to my soul, otherwise, it would've been hard for me to look for it.

The technique stated that as long as my soul is within my vision, the absorption of the surrounding qi would be faster than normal. Sure enough I can feel the suction force generated by my body.

Lin said that the qi in [Earth] is minimal so I shouldn't expect to get much qi but it's better than nothing.

Afterwards, I should direct the qi to my lower dantian as stated from the technique.

The lower dantian can be found three fingers below the navel. Regarding this, I have no idea what it is and only know that I should refine the surrounding qi in here.

In my mind, a purple drop appeared in my lower dantian. Then another drop, and another, and so on.

NoticeYou have gained a new stat [Qi]!

+100 Qi

I continued to spend my day like this, only stopping during dinner and before bedtime.

Currently in my lower dantian, a small puddle of purple water can be seen. It should be about the size of a glass of water.

Hmm, the qi in [Earth] really is scarce…

Oh well, it can't be helped, I'll continue tomorrow in [Zoulang]…hm?

Just when I was about to retract my vision from my soul, I caught sight of a thin thread that seemed to be connected to my soul.

As for the other end of the thread…I don't know where it is.

I traced my line of sight so see where the other end but it was too far away.

Thinking that, I moved my consciousness and followed that thread.

A few minutes passed and I saw another purple orb with a golden glow.

…Huh? Another soul?

Just as I was thinking about that, my consciousness seemed to be sucked into the soul which made my eyes open wide in shock.

However, when I opened my eyes, I didn't see anything resembling my room.

I looked around and saw only an endless white.

My naked body floated in this white space.

…Huh? Why am I naked?

Is this still in my mind?

A dream?

Where am I?

"…What is this place…?" (Lucas)

I scratched my head helplessly. That's when I noticed it.

"Huh? My hair…it's black?" (Lucas)

That can't be. I was in [Harus] form when I was cultivating just now. Why am I suddenly in my [Earth] form?

Unless…No way…

This body…

This place…

Don't tell me…

"This is where our bodies are sent after switching!?" (Lucas)

Author's Notes

Woosh~ An unexpected development!

Supposed to post this last sunday but things happened and....booom!

Next up, wuxiaaaa~~~

Till the next chapter!

P.S.: There's a new illustration in Volume 5 Illustration btw for those who missed it! Though, only Aeran is finished :P

Chapter end