Upon realizing that everyone was staring at him, the Asian man who accidentally put himself on the spotlight with his drowsy outburst regained his bearings and began his introduction.
“Good day to you all” He says as he lowers his head to bow. “I am Engr. Yamato Sakurai, representative of the Global engineering guild.”
The Global engineering guild is a prestigious organization of very outstanding engineers. In order to join their ranks you must first be recommended by a known industrial company or organization, and then be recommended by one of the guild's members. After that you must undergo a series of tests designed to test your theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The tests differ depending on what your specialization is.
“I was sent by the guild not only to help in the building of infrastructures but also for the study of the various ores and minerals that can only be found in Nelithea. We are most interested in Mithril and Adamantite. Mithril’s incredible strength and durability while being lightweight make it an ideal material for construction but also space faring vehicles. Adamantite on the other hand is a natural superconductor that can be used to improve the performance of our orbital launching platforms,” Engr. Yamato explained.
“With that I hope we can all get along well with each other” He said as he bowed once again.
As soon as Engr. Yamato sat down the man who looked like a zoo keeper stood up eager to introduce himself. His eyes were filled with excitement and passion, at the same time those eyes can really give anyone the creeps. Karl then braced himself for whatever this strange man had to say, while also mentally preparing himself for his own introduction.
“Good day to all of you, my name is Steven Irwin, a biologist slash explorer who has travelled to the most remote of jungles and discovered wondrous creatures!” The man proudly proclaimed.
“I am here to explore and study all of the unique fauna and flora that can be found in Nelithea. Fantastical creatures are finally within my grasp, how exciting! I can’t wait to get my hands on a living dragon specimen” the man said with his eyes vibrant with anticipation.
“Let me remind you now, do not cause any trouble for us. I don’t want to be cleaning up your mess.” Nelson exclaimed in a slightly irritated tone
“Fret not Ambassador” Steven said in a playful tone. “I know my limits; after all I have encountered many isolated tribes in the jungles of the world. You can rest easy for I know how to conduct myself thank you very much” Steven retorted and sat back down.
Nelson gave him a quiet glare and then suddenly everyone’s eyes were on the only person who hasn’t spoken a word thus far. Feeling uncomfortable he stood up cleared his throat and begun his speech.
“I am Karl Hoffman, I am a theoretical physicist who specializes in Quantum physics. I am one of the lead researchers in trying to solve the secrets of the quantum realm.” He said with a bit of arrogance in his tone. “I volunteered to be sent here for one reason, and that is to study the phenomenon that was observed in Nelithea, Magic.”
“As a scientist, I can’t sit by idly and accept his as just some unexplained supernatural event. This no longer the malicious rumours spread by charlatans, nor the delusions of deranged individuals. Magic has become an observable phenomenon, as real as the sun in the sky and the stars in the night. I as a man of science believe that is our duty to unravel its rules and maybe one day tame it for our own benefit. I believe that with the mastery of this new force Humanity will reach an even greater peak and we shall go beyond even the stars!” Karl exclaimed, his voice filled with passion and sincerity.
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Silence fell into the hangar once again but it was broken by the clapping of single man.
“BRILLIANT, ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT!” Steven exclaimed. “I whole heartedly understand your sentiment! I understand that burning desire to explore the unknown, to jump into the abyss! Let us join hands and together explore the wonders of this new world!”
*Ahem* Nelson coughed, irritation visible in his face. Karl cursed himself inwardly for getting too passionate. Not only did he attract the unwanted attention of that weird explorer guy he also knows that he somehow got to the bad side of his new boss, Nelson. Fortunately the general finally spoke up again and he continued with the briefing.
He snapped his fingers and the scenery around them changed. They were now transported into a medieval village. It was a small town with old brickwork and unpaved roads. The people who lived in it looked to be farmers who looked very fulfilled and happy. Then suddenly a horde of monsters appeared beyond the horizon and started slaughtering the villagers mercilessly.
Everyone in the room except for General Nikolai watched in horror as these demonic monsters tore through human flesh like nothing. Some men even tried fighting back but they were ultimately powerless against them. Some who had weapons in hand were able to take down a few weaker ones who looked like goblins but more sinister, but they ultimately fell to the bigger more ferocious monsters that can only be described as an uglier Ogre. The oversized canines hanging from its mouth, bony growths all over its back, and finally a very muscular humanoid body give it a very unsettling appearance. Sure they have seen far worse things from movies to comic books, but knowing that these creatures do exist and seeing them this close, will make even the people who are well versed in fantastical stories shiver in terror.
Then the familiar sound of engines roared in the distance and five huge metallic figures appeared. The air was then filled with the familiar crackling of gun fire and with it came a hail of bullets that swept these fearful creatures away. Everyone then figured out that this was the first contact humanity made with the denizens of this world
Soldiers donning a metallic exoskeleton and powerful firearms then came out of the vehicles. A tall dark skinned man can be seen giving orders to his men, urgency can be heard from his voice. He was none other than captain Christopher Clarks, leader of the recon team sent north of the FOB.
“Secure the village, and rescue everyone you can. We will be splitting up into groups of four while 5 of us will remain here and protect these surviving villagers and give first aid to the wounded. Do not underestimate these monsters and treat them as very high level threats. If it moves, shoot it. Do I make myself clear?”
“Sir yes sir!”
“Alright men, show these freaks the power of humanity! Begin the operation” the captain man exclaimed.
Like knights in shining armour, these soldiers tore through the monsters with ease rescuing as many people as they can. The frightening monsters fell one by one to this foreign force and after an hour of fierce fighting, the monsters retreated and the situation was under control. It didn’t take long before more armoured vehicles appeared and with it came more soldiers who administered treatment to those who are still alive.
Then the illusion ended and the hangar returned to its former appearance.
“What you just witnessed is our first encounter and first battle with the locals of this world two years ago. This footage was never revealed to the world and the encounter with the “demons” have been toned down in the official report. As you can see we are also dealing with a hostile force coming from this world. You heard the news right? Of the military being slammed for creating a large military complex on the Nelithea, this is the reason for it. We have also opened up a potential threat to our world, a threat whose full capabilities we know nothing about. And judging from the testimonies of the locals these “demons” are capable of so much more. So while you indulge yourself in your scientific studies, I advise you all to be careful. This no longer a world we control, this is no longer a world we understand” The General said in a stern voice.
“Sir we are going to exit the portal in a moment, I advise all of you to prepare for touchdown” said the pilot of the airbus.
Everyone had a serious look on their faces; even the passionate explorer Steven had a hint of fear visible on his face. None of them thought about the possible dangers they would have to face. Still the excitement in the eyes of a few of them didn’t disappear and a few minutes they finally touched down on the other side. The door of of the airbus slowly opened revealing the outside world to them. As they walked out of the vehicle they looked up at the sky and saw the sun high up indicating that it's noon, and just like the in the projection, there was a bluish moon sharing the sky with the sun.
They have arrived at Nelithea.