Chapter 1
「B-breaking news! China, Japan, Taiwan, and Mongolia have relinquished their rights to the 87th East Asian Gate...」
Gates.
They were doors that connected Earth to another dimension. And occupying them was a question of national power. Priceless resources not found on Earth could be found on the other side of the gates. But not without great risk—most gates led to habitats rife with monsters.
「... The incidence of new gates in East Asia remains an average of one every two years.... As per the amicable agreement signed between China and Japan, these gates have always been divided between themselves—until now. The status quo, which has stood for the last ninety-four years, has been broken for the first time... Truly, the powerful duke who managed to win a gate for South Korea is a man destined for the history books...」
***
“Uh?”
“W-what is this...?”
The crowd gathered at Incheon International Airport to welcome the hero back was in turmoil.
Kang Dae-Guk, also known as the National Treasure Yaksha, stood before them.
This was the leader of the four pillars supporting the Republic of Korea, a man whose mere presence would cause one’s chest to tighten. But something seemed different today. He looked haggard, and although he was still like a tiger standing on two feet, he seemed older somehow, more shrunken.
And it wasn’t just because he had lost an arm.