As they discussed today's lesson, Deebt listened quietly and thought.
'That professor… One way or another, she believes that effort doesn't last forever. She's truly strange, weaving her own vision indirectly into the lesson.'
Deebt didn't see a problem with that, it was just her perspective, but people who stop making an effort have no right to talk about effort.
…
Africa, the second largest continent in the world.
During the two hundred years since the Horizon Gates first appeared, Africa and Asia suffered tremendously, as the largest number of gates emerged within these two continents.
This had a profound impact on wildlife and posed a grave threat to humanity.
Consequently, the human population in both continents dwindled significantly.
Ultimately, the African continent was divided into three major empires.
This occurred in response to the changes sweeping the continent, which led nations to vie with one another for fertile lands.
Once they understood the benefits and drawbacks of the Horizon Gates, conflict also erupted over these gates, just as conflict raged over the beasts affected by them.
These three empires became the rulers of this vast land.
The Great Kingdom dominated the entire northern and western half of the continent, stretching from Morocco, Algeria, Libya, and Tunisia down to Chad and Cameroon… even Mauritania and Senegal, the entire western side belonged to the Great Kingdom.
Despite being an empire that controlled nearly twenty of the ancient nations, it preferred to call itself a Kingdom, honoring the foundation of this expansion: The Kingdom Of Morocco.
Meanwhile, the second empire is known as the Land of History and is globally referred to as 'The Pyramid', its origins traces back to Egypt
Following several discoveries within the pyramids that coincided with the emergence of the Horizon Gates and 'The System'.
This birthed chaos, igniting a brutal struggle for control over territories and gates, leading to a relentless war against both monsters and humans alike.
It extended from Egypt down to Sudan and controlled the eastern part of the continent, including Ethiopia, Somalia, and Kenya, with its expansion halted at Mozambique in the south and at Uganda and South Sudan.
Meanwhile, the third empire took control, naming itself 'The Savanna' in reference to the nature of its lands and as a reminder of its African roots.
Starting from the heart of Africa, the Central African Republic, this empire controlled the entire southern part of the continent, including Gabon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angola, and Zambia, extending all the way to South Africa, which was the origin of this empire and the starting point of its expansion.
As for Madagascar, it became independent and did not submit to any of the three empires, as the indigenous tribes controlled it and refused to submit.
Presently, along the African equator, a region spanning two great empires, the Pyramid and the Savanna.
A colossal gate emerged.
It stood like a rift between the sea and the sky, and between the earth and the heavens; a horizontal line that seemed to split the world in two. Yet, it was a gateway to another world, a world both brutal and lethal.
Like magic and without warning, this gateway appeared, humans had no power to change this.
For they did not understand why the Horizon Gates appeared, or why and how?
There are absolutely no answers.
...
In the Savanna Empire at present.
An underground scientific facility.
The scientists looked at the sensing and monitoring devices, they were driven mad.
"The radiation is stronger."
"It is a colossal gate, the grandest the world has ever seen."
"This is completely inexplicable."
"It stretches only along the equator on this continent and doesn't reach the sea or any other continent."
"The idea of an invasion is correct, but this is strange."
"Yes, it emits radiation, but there are no changes in wildlife."
"Perhaps this is an anomaly."
"This is extremely mysterious, this type of reaction has never been observed before."
The discussions did not stop, nor did the sound of the alarms ever cease.
…
The Savanna Empire, the capital Pretoria.
All the empire's key figures had gathered: the conquerors, the ministers, the generals, every leader of the forces that make up the empire was present.
Under the gaze of the Emperor, Zulu Xhosa I.
No one spoke, waiting for the Emperor's words.
"Hello everyone."
"Due to the emergency circumstances that have arisen, it was necessary to summon you, some of you are aware of this, while others are not."
A tone filled with reassurance and authority took hold of everyone's hearts.
"A massive gate has appeared along the continent's equator, it did not extend beyond the land, nor did it reach the sea or any other continent."
"This is a grave danger, but what's even more perilous is that it hasn't affected a single living being. It is an anomalous gate."
"I have gathered you here today for a discussion. The Pyramid Empire has proposed a truce and an alliance to face a greater danger."
The Emperor spoke very calmly, despite describing the matter as a great danger, his tone did not reflect that at all, as if the danger were of no consequence whatsoever.
None of the attendees who were unaware of this matter reacted wildly to the news, after all, they were prominent figures who had dealt with so many dangerous situations that they had become routine.
"This gate appeared exactly four hours ago. No one has logged in, so we are here today to discuss a truce and an alliance. One of the conditions of this alliance is a joint exploratory mission between the two empires."
"As for the Great Kingdom, they have shown no reaction so far. Although we are at war with them, they have not backed down nor sent a message inquiring about the situation."
The Emperor spoke for a few more seconds, then the discussion began.
Many expressed their opinions, and no one feared that their views might anger the Emperor.
Emperor Zulu Xhosa I, was distinguished by his wisdom and intelligence, he did not prevent anyone from expressing their opinion.
This solidified his authority over the empire, and no instances of rebellion or treason against him were recorded.
…
In the Pyramid empire, the capital, Nile.
The emperor did not attend the meeting, but the prime minister was present on his behalf.
The prime minister, Mansour bin Hadi.
"Hello everyone, the closest conquerors, generals, and political leaders have gathered here today due to an emergency."
"A massive Horizon Gate has appeared on the equator, and a truce and alliance agreement has been sent to the Savanna empire, since we and they are the first to be affected by this, while the Great Kingdom has shown no reaction so far."
"Let it be known to all that this gate poses a grave danger, as it is an anomaly that has not affected living beings. This is unexpected and inherently carries great risk."
In a stern and authoritative tone, the prime minister continued his speech and explanation of the situation.
"The emperor has ordered me to do one thing: to have you vote on who will be selected for the joint exploratory mission between us and the Savanna empire."
"The emperor anticipated that they would agree, so he is staying one step ahead by having you choose who will venture forth to delve into the mysteries of this Gate."