Yuan lazily propped his chin using his hand as he tapped the save button on the menu to save his work. After writing at least thirty chapters which he accumulated over a span of two weeks, Yuan had finally finished writing the second volume of his book.

He swiped the cup of coffee he placed on his left and drank a mouthful.

Glancing at the clock in the wall, Yuan was not surprised that it had already surpassed one in the morning.

"With the time this early and me drinking coffee, I can't fall to sleep again.."

Then a monotone and familiar voice appeared.

Momo noticed it's master's restlessness and suggested,

"Why don't Master watch the news?"

"Oh, great idea."

Replied Yuan with a grin.

Standing up from his seat, Yuan walked towards the leaving room and let his body fall into the comfy sofa cushion.

Tapping the remote, Yuan turned on the TV.

"Oh man, it's all about politics again." Yuan was aggrieved as he held the remote with a long sigh.

"Based on the time, its as expected." Said Momo.

"But politics have been killing me in both worlds. Though I'm not a king in here, the word politics would make me go crazy - well, I shouldn't be ranting as there's multiple channels out there."

Continuously pressing the next button, Yuan emotionlessly watched as countless channels flickered on the screen before going to the next one.

"Oh, there's this channel. It's quite surprising it had not shown anything about politics but other news which is what I prefer."

Yuan said aloud as he patted the pillows.

While listening to the news of different topics, Yuan found himself dozing off despite drinking coffee. As his eyelids were about to shut, his ears perked up as he heard something unbelievable from the news.

"....Portal - liked existence have made an appearance globally."

A male voice that belonged to the news anchor spoke aloud and aroused Yuan's interest.

Quickly sitting up, Yuan eyed the TV which had showed a picture of an oval portal where the internal color it was dyed with colors similar to the galaxy which was slightly blurred. An electric current circled around it and began glowing making the portal receive an ethereal like feeling.

"A portal - what?"

Yuan asked, feeling twisted. The picture captured may seem to be drawn but Yuan felt that it was the real deal. However, despite feeling that it looked real, Yuan still had some doubts.

"This picture have been captured by an online influencer named Mr.Waffleron who makes live streaming content for games...Based by the courtesy, he stated that he was just playing games as usual when a strange noise disturbed him..."

Upon saying that, the screen showed the screenshot of Mr.Waffleron's post:

(Waffle picture with a hat) Mr.Waffleron.

July 15 202X. 4 minutes ago.

I was playing Marncrife as usual when a strange and weird noise disturbed me. As someone who plays horror games often, I had thought I'd never feel fear again however I was mistaken as when I heard that noise, goosebumps appeared in my skin and I was deeply frightened. The noise...I don't know how to describe it. Despite being frightened by this unknown, I oddly received courage to go out of my house and take a look at my courtyard. And that is where I spotted this portal - Gates, I call them.

I hurriedly took a picture so that is why it is a bit blurry.

(Ps. To those who are saying I'm making things up, please take a look outside.)

Reacts: 4k Comments: 1k

----

After speaking the words written in his post, the picture then vanished as the face of the male news anchor reappeared on the screen.

"The higher ups have investigated the post and what it says are all truth. Scientist and researchers have began taking measures to ensure if this existence would be safe or harmful to mankind. It is best advised that one shouldn't carelessly interact with these Gates as is it yet to be known if it's dangerous or not..."

A ring then entered Yuan's hearing. He swiftly stood up and ran to his room, taking the vibrating phone that had been buried under the pile of soft pillows.

"Hello....?"

Yuan asked. Positioning himself near the window, Yuan gazed outside and watched the dimly lit street.

"Hello there, Yuan boy!"

A high male voice spoke from the other line. Yuan retrieved his frown as an arc formed in his mouth,

"Mr. Gabriel?"

He asked.

"Yes, yes, I'm glad you've never forgotten me..."

Mr.Gabriel, the owner of the bookstore named Brookes which is where Yuan works in as a librarian, said with a relaxed tone.

"As early it is in the day, what have brought you to call me?"

"Ah, hmm, well.... I suppose you have heard the news about gates ."

Gabriel said.

"Like you've said, I have."

Yuan replied.

"I would like to close the store for a few days but the idea flew off my mind, I'm here calling you to supposedly ask for you to look around the store's area if these portals have appeared within there."

"Forgive me, Mr.Gabriel. But it's not me who's on the night shift today. I've passed it to Amie, she's currently on the shift. Sorry for not telling you in advance."

Yuan answered.

"Oh? I see, sorry for disturbing you on whatever you're currently doing to be not asleep this time of the day....Kay' bye, Yuan boy."

After saying that, the call ended.

Yuan brushed off his eyeglasses as he walked towards the kitchen to fetch a cup of water.

Suddenly, a loud dingdong sound echoed.

Ding~

Dong~

Ding, ding~

Dong~

Drinking the cup full of water in one gulp, Yuan looked at the door with an irritated expression.

He walked towards it and placed his hand on the doorknob.

Then he paused,

Yuan patted his cheeks and let his expression soften, he couldn't confront the person on the other side with that ugly face.

Then he returned and twisted the doorknob.

The door creaked...

Yuan did not know why but while opening the door, it slowed down.

The door opened and the silhouette of a little person stood outside.

Before Yuan had a chance to speak,

The little girl in braided hair smiled as she jumped towards him. The rabbit she held bounced off and caught Yuan off guard.

The girl giggled for a certain amount of seconds as she spoke aloud,

"Daddy!"

Yuan stood on his spot, unmoving. A dumbfounded expression floated across his face...