Chapter 18 – The First Steps to Other Worlds
The dawn broke over the village, its pale light creeping over the horizon and casting long shadows across the fields. Elric stood at the edge of the village, his eyes scanning the landscape, but his mind was far from here. Today was a day of decisions, a day where the next step toward survival would unfold.
"Grandpa," Elric called, his voice steady despite the uncertainty brewing within him. He had been awake for hours, staring at the empty space where his thoughts collided with the vast unknown of the worlds beyond their own. "It's time."
Grandpa approached, his face etched with concern but his eyes clear. "Are you sure about this, Elric? Reaching out to other worlds... It's not something to take lightly."
"I don't have a choice," Elric replied, his voice firm. "The attacks will only get worse. If we're going to survive, we need help. We need allies, and that means opening the World Gate."
Grandpa hesitated but then nodded. "Then let's make sure we're prepared. You might be the Shepherd, but you're still a young boy. Don't let ambition cloud your judgment."
Elric gave him a small smile. "I won't forget. You've always taught me to stay grounded."
Together, they moved to the center of the village, where the energy of the land felt strongest. This was the place where Elric could summon his beasts, the place where the power of the Shepherd class would resonate most deeply. His beasts, resting nearby, stirred, sensing his intent.
---
Elric closed his eyes, focusing inward. The System's presence was a constant hum in the back of his mind, but today, it felt different. Today, he could feel the weight of its power—he was beginning to understand how to shape it. The World Gate creation skill was at his fingertips, but it required concentration, focus, and a willingness to reach into the unknown.
> [World Gate Creation: Active]
[Target World: Undefined]
[Target Location: Undefined]
[Cost: 50 God Coins]
The System's cold, mechanical voice rang in his mind, and Elric paused. He had God Coins, earned through his past battles, but he didn't know what kind of worlds or beings might come through. What kind of cost would this demand of him?
"Elric?" Grandpa's voice broke through his thoughts, filled with concern. "You sure you're ready?"
Elric took a deep breath. "There's no turning back now."
He pressed forward, focusing harder, reaching through the veil between worlds. His vision blurred, and the air around him grew heavy. The wind picked up, a strange sensation tugging at his soul. Then, a shimmer—a crack in reality itself—opened before him.
A doorway. A rift.
The World Gate had been opened.
The sheer weight of the moment hit him like a physical blow, but Elric didn't waver. He stood tall, his mind set on the task at hand. This was just the first step, but it was a critical one. The gate pulsed with strange energy, the unknown stretching on the other side like a vast, empty void.
---
"Who dares to summon us?" A voice rang out from the depths of the gate, sharp and commanding.
Elric tensed, his hand instinctively going to the dagger at his side. He didn't know what he expected, but the voice was far more imposing than he anticipated.
"Who are you?" Elric called back, his voice steady, though his heart beat faster. He could feel the power surging through him, a reminder of the responsibility he carried.
The figure that stepped through the gate was massive—tall, armored, with eyes like burning coals. His form radiated an aura of power that Elric could feel deep in his bones.
"I am Kaelen, the Warlord of the Faded Lands," the figure announced, his voice echoing through the village like a thunderclap. His armor gleamed, covered in strange markings, and his presence was both commanding and terrifying. "You dare summon the might of my people?"
Elric stood his ground. "I need help. My world is under attack by invaders from other worlds. I need warriors, allies who can stand beside me."
Kaelen studied Elric for a long moment. "You are young. But you are not alone in your struggle. We, too, are familiar with the chaos that threatens to consume everything."
The Warlord's eyes narrowed, a flicker of something like curiosity in them. "What is it that you offer in exchange for our assistance?"
Elric hesitated. The System had given him no clear answers. But there was something in Kaelen's words that made Elric pause. He knew the Warlord wasn't the kind to give help for free.
"I can offer you resources, protection, a safe haven," Elric said, trying to keep his voice steady. "My world can provide you with what you need, but we need your strength. Together, we can defeat the invaders and protect both our worlds."
Kaelen's gaze shifted, the intensity of his stare not letting Elric break eye contact. "Protection... and strength." He said the words with a tone of skepticism. "I will require more than just promises, boy. I will require a pledge."
The tension in the air grew thick. Elric's heart raced as he weighed his options. This was no mere ally; Kaelen was a warlord, a leader. His help would come at a cost.
"I'll give you my word," Elric said, his voice more certain than he felt. "I will not let you down."
Kaelen stared at him for another long moment before finally nodding. "Very well. Your word will suffice—for now. But remember this, Shepherd. We are not your pawns. We will fight for our own reasons. If you fail, we will not hesitate to turn on you."
Elric nodded solemnly. "Understood."
With that, Kaelen turned back to the gate, his form shifting like smoke, fading into the rift. The gate closed behind him with a soft pop, and the air grew still once more.
---
Elric exhaled slowly, his body shaking slightly from the encounter. That had been a close one.
Grandpa stepped forward, his eyes wide with disbelief. "You actually made a deal with him?"
"He's not the only one," Elric said quietly. "I'll keep opening the gate. There's more out there—more I need to recruit. This is just the beginning."
Grandpa gripped his shoulder. "You're a brave one, Elric. But don't take on too much. The weight of other worlds can crush even the strongest shoulders."
Elric looked out at the horizon. The sun was setting now, casting long shadows across the land. He had just begun to open the doors to other worlds, but the journey ahead was long. And with Kaelen's words echoing in his mind, Elric knew that the price of alliance was high. There were far more dangerous forces waiting to emerge from the depths of the gate.
---
Chapter 19 – The Price of Power
The village felt different now.
Ever since the World Gate had opened, a tension hung in the air—like the world itself was holding its breath. Villagers peeked from their windows with cautious eyes, curious but afraid. Even the animals were uneasy, their instincts warning them that the fabric of the world had shifted.
Elric stood at the training field, surrounded by his summoned beasts. They weren't majestic or terrifying—not yet. A small, chubby bear cub he'd named Pudge, a sleek black fox called Shadow, and a featherless baby bird that always looked confused, which he'd affectionately named Peep. They weren't strong, but they followed him loyally.
"One day," Elric mumbled, crouching next to Peep and scratching its head, "you'll be terrifying."
> [System Notice]
Loyalty of Beast: Peep – 98%
Peep is trying very hard to act scary.
"Aw, you little faker," Elric grinned. "I see you."
Suddenly, Grandpa approached, holding something odd in his hand—shimmering silver rings with ancient carvings and a faint glow.
"What's that?" Elric asked, narrowing his eyes.
"Slave collars," Grandpa said without shame. "Made by the ancients. I modified one last night. Want to see a goblin cry while hugging your feet for forgiveness?"
"...Grandpa, you're scary."
"Thank you," he replied, totally serious. "Come on. I've got a present."
---
The goblin leader—green-skinned, scarred, and still furious about being caught—was tied to a wooden post at the edge of the village. When he saw Elric and Grandpa approaching, he snarled.
"Filthy humans! I'll rip your bones and dance on them!"
Grandpa smirked. "Still got that pride, huh?"
With a casual flick of his wrist, Grandpa activated the collar. It clamped around the goblin's neck, glowing dimly.
The goblin's growl turned into a high-pitched squeal. "Wait! W-Wait! I—I can help! I can protect! Village very pretty! Nice food!"
"Uh-huh," Elric raised an eyebrow. "Now you want to help?"
The collar buzzed again. The goblin immediately dropped to his knees.
"Elric-Sama! Mighty Shepherd! Greatest Boy of All Worlds! Please allow humble Bug-toe to serve!"
"…Bug-toe?"
"It was my name before. I accept shame now. Bug-toe will guard village. Bug-toe will clean toilets! Bug-toe will even kiss bear cub's feet if needed!"
Elric blinked. "…This might actually work."
---
That night, around a simple fire, the villagers gathered as Elric stood in front of them. His tone was different. Gone was the confident boy shouting "I'll save the world!" like he was in a play.
Now, he just looked determined. Calm.
"We're not heroes," Elric said. "We're not warriors. Not yet. But we're not helpless either. We've got a few beasts. A few collars. A few allies. And we've got a System that, apparently, really wants us to get rich."
He smiled as the System screen blinked in front of him:
> [System Shop Unlocked]
You have 137 God Coins
Categories Available: Beasts | Items | Relics | Eggs | Weird Stuff Grandpa Might Like
"Oh, this is dangerous," Elric whispered.
"Don't buy anything cursed," Grandpa grunted. "Or we'll both wake up with flaming pants again."
Elric ignored him and opened the Beasts section.
> Simple Beast Eggs Available:
Stone Pup Egg (50 GC)
Moss Lizard Egg (40 GC)
Tiny Thunderhawk Egg (65 GC)
Mysterious Golden Egg with Question Mark (120 GC)
"Do Not Shake The Golden Egg. Seriously." – System
"…I want the golden one," Elric muttered.
"No," Grandpa said.
"I want it more now," Elric insisted.
"…Fine. But if it hatches into something that eats sarcasm for breakfast, that's on you."
---
Later that night, Elric stared at the egg glowing faintly next to his bed.
He didn't feel like a hero. Not really. He hadn't trained. He didn't meditate or swing a sword or scream about justice.
He was just a boy with a System. A friend. A few beasts. A village to protect.
That was enough—for now.
But somewhere beyond the skies, across a sea of stars and dimensions, other races stirred. Elves with eyes that saw through time. Trolls armored in stone. Beastkin from savage lands. Dark creatures that fed on
Chapter 20 – The Egg That Shouldn't Be Shaken
Morning sunlight crept through the window, golden rays dancing across the mysterious golden egg sitting on Elric's table. It shimmered like it had a heartbeat of its own—glowing once… then pulsing again.
Elric sat cross-legged in front of it, rubbing his chin. "Okay. You haven't exploded. That's good. You haven't hatched. That's… expected. But why do you hum like an old grandpa snoring in rhythm?"
> [System Warning]
Do Not Shake the Egg.
Seriously. We Mean It This Time.
He narrowed his eyes. "What if I just tilt it a bit?"
> DO NOT.
Elric chuckled, reaching over to pat the egg. It was warm. Not dangerously so, but like it had been hugged all night.
Behind him, Pudge the bear cub rolled over in his sleep and accidentally kicked Shadow the fox, who retaliated by biting his ear gently. Peep flapped in panic and fell off the bed again. Standard chaos.
Just then, Grandpa entered the room, wiping his hands on a greasy towel.
"You fed the egg?"
Elric blinked. "What do you mean 'fed'?"
Grandpa threw him a bottle filled with glowing blue syrup. "Beast eggs need energy. Magic. Emotion. Food. Or chaos. Depends on the egg. That one probably wants chaos."
"Perfect," Elric muttered. "I live and breathe that."
---
Down in the village square, the goblin slave Bug-toe had taken his job very seriously.
Wearing a pot for a helmet and wielding a stick as a spear, he marched back and forth in front of the village gate. "Protect! Protect! Protect the stinky humans! Serve the Mighty Shepherd!"
A small child tossed a fruit at him. It bounced off his head.
Bug-toe flinched, then immediately bowed. "Thank you, kind child! Bug-toe deserves punishment! Praise me more!"
Elric watched from afar, snickering. "He's ridiculous."
"Better ridiculous than rebellious," Grandpa grunted. "Now about that egg—"
They didn't get to finish.
A loud crack echoed across the village. The golden egg shimmered bright… then split open.
A gust of wind whooshed out from the cracks. Light burst upward into the sky like a signal flare.
"Tell me that's normal," Elric whispered.
Grandpa was silent.
From inside the egg came… something.
A creature with golden fur, a lion-like body, bat wings, and wide baby eyes that sparkled like stars. It sneezed, sending out a small lightning shock that fried Bug-toe's stick into ash across the village.
> [System Notification]
You have hatched a Rare-Class Beast: Thundercub (MYSTIC)
This beast has a high chance of mutating into a Divine-Class Beast under emotional or chaotic conditions.
Thundercub has imprinted on you.
Name it wisely.
The cub wobbled forward and licked Elric's finger.
He blinked. "I name you… Zap."
The cub growled, lightning crackling behind its ears.
Then it rolled over and snored.
---
Later that night, the system buzzed again.
> [System Transmission – Crossworld Frequency Intercepted]
…They've found a breach. One of the Eastern Races… the beast-skin scouts from Blackfang Ridge…
…academy defenses will be tested soon.
…prepare the Shepherd. He must not know what he truly is yet…
---
Meanwhile, in a distant world cloaked in storm and smoke, a council of strange beings gathered. One of them, with wolf ears and a furred cloak, pointed at a swirling orb showing Elric's face.
"That boy hatched the Thundercub," the wolfkin growled. "That class… can't awaken here. Not unless someone from the gods interfered."
An orc slammed his fist into the table. "Then we invade now."
A silent elf in black armor stared at the image longer. His lips curled into the barest smile.
"We watch," he whispered. "And when the