This is so boring! Why do we have to keep watching this place? For how long? A boy ranted as he stared at the large empty s.p.a.ce in front of him . He kept yawning as he spoke . Haha, Jack you always whine like a crybaby . Huh? How dare you call your brother a baby! You little girl! Hehe, that makes you sound even more like a baby . WHAT?! -Grrrr- Jack raised his hands but cowered at the deep, low growl . Dont side with her! Hehe, my Blue protects me . The girl reached out to stroke the fur next to her . Next to her was a wolf with bluish fur . It was a giant wolf that was at least twelve feet long . You like it Blue? Hehe . Herina giggled as she scratched the Guardians neck and turned to Jack . Are you sure it will open here? Theres nothing here . Thats what the adults say . And thats why we always watch this place every day . And… huh? HUH? H-HEY! Jacks eyes widened . There was a blue oval swirl appearing in front of him . The Guardian rose up and began to bark, but Jack couldnt hear it . He was too shocked, as was Herina . Wow, its so pretty! HEY! Herina, back off! Its getting bigger! Ooh, okay! Jack took Herinas hand and they both moved back . The swirl began to grow in size and finally stopped when it was about as big as a house . Wow, it really appeared! Grr… Blue growled while Jack was astonished . Jack! We have to let them know! Oh, right! Jack then took out a signal fire and shot it up into the sky . Tens of Ainos began moving quickly when they saw the signal fire . Elder! Elder Hesgal frowned . It was a quiet, relaxing afternoon when he was enjoying his tea without any interruptions . Ugh, whats the fuss? He was now even retired from his Elder t.i.tle and only a.s.sisted Howen when needed from time to time . There was no need to come and look for him like this . Theres a bunch of others who can work . Stop looking for me . Elder! Yeah, yeah . Im not an elder anymore . R-right . But… elder! The Gate has opened! Stop calling me Elder… huh? The Gate?! Did you fire up the signal? Yes! What about the messenger birds? N-no, not yet . Then, go on! No, wait . Lets go . Bring all the warriors and the Guardians to the Gate! -Gate reopened . Let the Emperor know . - Many birds with the same message were released into the sky . Is it war again? Yes, Your Majesty . Joonb.u.m frowned . He was enjoying a relaxed time with his two wives and his kids . And they were all enjoying various cooked dishes from his mother . It was a peaceful . What are they up to now? Joonb.u.m asked . Jackson sighed and answered, Its just a tantrum . A tantrum? Yes . I think the Aspens want more . MORE? Isnt Aspen a newly created Kingdom? Didnt we give them enough? Yes… but theyre becoming greedy . I think they are pus.h.i.+ng for war so we cower and ask for peace . Fools . Joonb.u.m spoke as he became irritated . He then looked at Jackson and asked, What do you propose we do? Jackson smiled . We will not let them do what they want . However, we cant just oppress them with our forces as that will give us a bad name, saying the empire oppresses the small kingdoms by force . Hmph, Joonb.u.m nodded . That doesnt mean we shouldnt do anything . Wed be raising an enemy . They will compete with each other and then ask the empire for help . Well then take the middle ground and become a negotiator . Sounds good . Joonb.u.m smiled . So, when are you going to start? Ill start right away . All the preparations are complete . The army they raised to fight us will now have to fight their new enemy instead . Well stand at the back and aid them with supplies . It was a quick and calm answer . Joonb.u.m shook his head . We still have to be merciful . Peoples lives are at stake . Yes . I a.s.sume they will ask for help before it becomes a huge problem . Good . Joonb.u.m nodded . Then I will- Reporting! Black signal fires have been spotted at Khalodian Mountain! A soldier came with an emergency report . Only the most important of reports were allowed into the emperors office . Black fire? Huh? Black? OH! They all gasped . Its opened again! Finally . Joonb.u.m, Jinpok, and Doral moaned . Jacksons face also became grim . The more they talked about this, the more they had to fear . After the investigation, they found that the Gate phenomenon was almost random . It opened regularly at the Khalodian Mountain, but there were times that another gate opened at a different time frame . Also, whenever it opened, something came out or disappeared into it . And it proved to have a large impact on the world . All living beings and plants had come through the Gate; the Ainos, the Magnos, and even humans had arrived here through the Gate .