The Tunguska Incident
June 30, 1908.
Something believed to be an asteroid collided with the upper reaches of the Tunguska River, triggering a massive explosion.
The word "believed" was used because the true nature of the falling object remained unknown.
The shockwave was powerful enough to be felt on the opposite side of the globe.
Strangely, the blast was so intense that all of Russia experienced a white night phenomenon, yet no trace remained at the impact site.
A bizarre event of the twentieth century.
"In truth, that falling object was a fragment from another world."
"A fragment from another world?"
"From beyond. The realm of the Outer Gods."
Nyx furrowed her brow.
"The Primordial Chaos."
"Chaos?"
"The being that gave birth to me."
I blinked.
"Even a Concept God has a father?"
The Protogenoi.
Beings known as the laws or Concept Gods that formed the dimensions.
Constellations said to have existed since the beginning of a world were supposedly born from someone.
"It is not the kind of relationship mortals imagine."
"The being that gave birth to the Goddess. Tell me more about this Chaos."
"The moment Chaos perceived the sky, the earth, and the darkness, I opened my eyes."
The instant Chaos became aware of the "world," light entered the pitch-black realm.
Gaia, who governed the birth of all living things and their dwelling places.
Eros, who governed energy.
And Nyx, who governed the night.
The three Concept Gods called Protogenoi filled the empty world with their own colors.
"So?"
"When one speaks of Chaos, nothing comes to mind except the Chaos that made me self-aware."
"It might not be the same being."
"In truth, Chaos's actions after becoming aware of us were rather peculiar."
Chaos was, quite literally, a single "world."
Its presence was so immense it could fill the sky and the earth, and even Nyx, who was night itself, could not approach it.
"Strange."
I frowned.
I had encountered the divine relics of various constellations residing in the Pantheon on the 100th floor of the Tower.
If a god named "Chaos" existed as Nyx described, I should have found some relic or trace of it.
Even if not, I could not have missed a Great Constellation with a presence greater than Gaia's.
Information unknown even before my regression.
"Want to look into it?"
"Do not concern yourself too much. It could put you in danger."
"I won't push it."
If Nyx's hypothesis was correct, Chaos was likely connected to the Outer Gods dwelling in outer space.
The gods of outer space showed little interest in worlds connected to the Tower.
Unless I dug too deep, it would not become a major threat.
I called Team Leader Han Suchang.
- Yes, Jinho-nim.
"We have the Ten Great Demonic Realms this time, right?"
- I've been getting a headache over that exact issue. Requests for support from other countries have been pouring in.
"Is that so?"
- Our country has a solid player force and is far from the demonic realms, so we haven't suffered any damage.
Han Suchang's voice was filled with exhaustion.
Even powerful nations like the United States, Russia, and China had taken heavy losses from the appearance of the demonic realms.
The area around the upper Tunguska River had a low population density, so the damage there was relatively light.
America had lost most of Washington State.
China was suffering indirect damage from the demonic realm that appeared in the Gobi Desert.
- How many agents does the Association have? We can't even control the scene properly.
This guy was really laying it on thick.
The Player Association had rapidly expanded after the First Great Erosion.
Using the Gate Radar the Tower system had given to national leaders, they distributed Gates to various guilds after identifying their locations and collapse times.
A land of danger and opportunity.
Just knowing a Gate's name and grade in advance allowed one to predict the threats inside.
The number of agents affiliated with the Association had also increased significantly.
"I heard the Special Task Force reached full capacity and had to turn away applicants this time."
- Aigoo, the Special Task Force members are outsiders anyway.
"I'm no different."
- When I look at the applicants, none of them are like you, Jinho-nim.
Han Suchang let out a groan.
Well, I had already made enough of an impression.
"I think I can solve that problem for you."
- Really?
"The demonic realm closest to our country. I'll join the subjugation team."
- Th-thank you, Jinho-nim!
Han Suchang replied in a trembling voice.
Another debt owed to the Player Association.
* * *
I informed the guild members about the subjugation of the demonic realm that had taken root along the Tunguska River.
"After the Gates, now the demonic realms?"
"Why? If you don't want to go, just say so."
"No, sir. If Master is going, this unworthy disciple must assist him."
Ping Lei.
Had he always been this smooth-tongued?
"Did you grease your tongue or something?"
"My respect for Master has never changed from the beginning until now."
"Cut the nonsense."
After waving my hand dismissively, I spoke again.
"I'm going alone this time."
"Master, you're going to that dangerous demonic realm by yourself?"
"That won't do. I still have so much to learn from the Guild Master."
The two women immediately objected.
"It's dangerous."
I had even defeated America's number one ranker, Ellen Taylor.
Unofficially, of course.
All the guild members knew about it.
Combat power capable of defeating even Shin Junseok and Hong Yunsu in a head-on fight.
"Minimum Diamond rank. You guys aren't ready yet."
"Still……"
"This time, we'll follow the Guild Master's decision."
"Youngsoo-ssi!"
"We can hone our skills until the Guild Master returns."
Jiyoung shot Youngsoo-hyung a disappointed look.
But when she saw Kim Youngsoo biting his lip, she quickly turned her gaze away.
I hadn't meant to, but I had dampened the guild members' morale.
"Good timing, Junior."
"Yes?"
"The minimum requirement is Diamond rank, and we happen to have two people like that."
A booming voice came from behind.
Shin Junseok, the Fist Saint, stepped forward with a hearty laugh.
"Our thoughts align, my friend."
"Does Ranker Hong Yunsu share the same opinion as Senior?"
"I was hoping to test my teamwork with the Guild Master. This seems like a good opportunity."
The leader of Team Yellow Storm.
And Korea's greatest martial artist.
Both men smiled confidently.
Hmm.
Moving alone would have been more convenient in the demonic realm, but now I had teammates I hadn't expected.
"So don't worry about the Guild Master's safety, juniors."
Shin Junseok pounded his chest with his fist and shouted cheerfully.
With these two, I could at least keep one body safe in the demonic realm.
"Mr. Yu."
"Go ahead, Thomas."
"I would also like to see the demonic realm with my own eyes."
"There are too many variables there."
"I know my abilities are lacking, but I still want to ask, even if it's unreasonable."
Thomas Miller bowed his head.
He only possessed the Analysis ability; his combat power was not high.
Since he had not actively cleared the Tower of Babel, his Tower rank was Gold, but he could not even defeat a single guild member.
However.
"Understood."
"Thank you for granting my unreasonable request!"
"But you must follow my instructions without question."
"Of course. I will obey Mr. Yu—no, Guild Master's orders."
Just as Devour grew stronger by consuming various essences.
The Analysis ability grew stronger the more "phenomena" it witnessed.
If I wanted to make proper use of Thomas, I needed to take advantage of this opportunity.
"Goddess."
"Hohoho, leave it to me."
Nyx, who had been perched on my shoulder, materialized.
Thomas's eyes widened.
"Th-this person is?"
"You can tell she's different with your Analysis ability, right?"
"Wonderful! She is far too beautiful. She is the incarnation of beauty, like a work of art!"
"……"
Excuse me, sir.
You weren't using your Analysis ability. You were just captivated by Nyx's appearance, weren't you?
"You have quite the eye, child."
"Ah, noble lady. If it is not too much trouble, may I at least know your name……"
"She is the one contracted with me, Thomas."
I cut in with a lowered voice.
Thomas looked surprised once again.
"I have committed a discourtesy. My apologies, Mr. Yu."
"No, it's not that serious."
I waved my hands to dispel the awkward atmosphere.
"We depart tomorrow morning. Someone from the Association will come, so make your preparations."
After dismissing the gathered guild members, I returned to my room as if being chased.
"My partner, your complexion looks poor."
"There's nothing wrong."
"Could it be that you are still dwelling on what that child said earlier?"
"Why would I?"
I replied curtly and sat on the bed.
I had always been aware of Nyx's beauty, but Thomas's praise had suddenly stirred an uneasy feeling within me.
An ambiguous emotion that could not be defined with a single word.
Discomfort seeped into my heart, and even after returning to my room, I remained dazed for a while.
The next day.
Our group, including the two rankers and the analyst, headed to Incheon International Airport.
"It is an honor to escort you again, Jinho-nim."
"Team Leader Han Suchang, weren't you busy?"
"This matter is being handled at the Association's official level. As the person in charge of the Special Task Force, I cannot be absent."
Han Suchang laughed heartily.
This guy.
After the Argentina trip last time, I was starting to suspect that following me on overseas trips had become his hobby.
"What is our travel route?"
"We will fly to Irkutsk International Airport, then proceed by vehicle."
"What about the Russian government?"
"Well, they sent a formal reply expressing gratitude for Korea's aid."
"I see."
"You should be careful."
Han Suchang lowered his voice slightly.
"Russian players are exclusive. The two rankers might be fine, but they could pick a fight with you, Jinho-nim."
Of course.
I knew that all too well.
I had experienced firsthand before my regression just how much those guys looked down on foreign players.
After all, Sergey, one of the Six Monarchs, was Russian.
Before forming a team with that guy, I had broken his nose more than once.
If you did not speak with your fists, he would always get cocky and stick his neck out.
"Haha, I suppose I should be careful."
"Do you think the same, Fist Saint?"
"It means those people should be careful of Junior."
Han Suchang was momentarily at a loss for words before letting out a sigh.
"I hope you will refrain from any actions that stand out too much."
We had demonic realms appearing, so what could possibly go wrong?
I already knew about the Russians' exclusive nature, but I did not pay it much mind.
Three hours later.
I regretted my own complacency.
"Orientals, your skills are not enough to help us, so get lost."
A menacing man with several piercings on his face.
Sergey, Russia's most famous player, shouted in front of our group.