The Gathering

The excitement of gaining access to the panel system had Iris sleeping too little, leaving him anything but well-rested by morning.

"You didn't sleep at all, did you?"

Lira's concern was immediate when she saw the dark circles under Iris's eyes.

"It's not as bad as it looks. Besides, we should get going. It's almost seven, isn't it?"

Iris waved it off with a tired smile. If people get excited, it is very hard for their bodies to rest.

"Okay, promise me you'll be rational with your decisions."

As she placed the dishes in the dishwasher, Lira looked over at him, her expression serious. 

"I promise. You know I wouldn't leap into the unknown unless I had to."

Iris spoke softly, holding her gaze. Lira nodded in relief as Iris assured her that he wasn't the type to jump into unnecessary matters.

"Alright, let's go quickly."

Iris took the lead, heading out while Lira followed at a slower pace.

The weather was utterly overcast, with dark, ominous clouds dominating the sky.

To their surprise, the roads were unusually empty. As they walked, they only spotted the occasional passerby. A few people lingered by their windows, silently observing the scene outside.

"Seems like not many are eager to attend the gathering."

Lira murmured, quickening her pace to walk alongside Iris.

"Indeed. We informed everyone last night, but it appears they're either scared or waiting to see what happens."

Iris replied, his tone measured as his gaze swept over the familiar faces of his childhood.

He noticed the fear etched on many of their expressions, while a few appeared particularly wary.

It took them only about ten minutes to reach the portal.

Iris was taken aback to see that even fewer people had gathered here compared to the previous night. At a glance, there appeared to be only about fifty or sixty individuals present, including the soldiers.

"Iris, Lira... over here!"

David called out, his voice carrying from the altar as he spotted the two approaching. With less than three hours remaining, the urgency in his tone was unmistakable.

He stood alongside Major Drew and Captain Edward, accompanied by a handful of others, including Claire and her brother, Mark.

Iris made his way over at a measured pace, his eyes scanning the scattered soldiers and the handful of others lingering around the portal area.

"Uncle Drew... with Iris and Lira here, that makes sixty-five people in total."

David noted after exchanging a few pleasantries with Iris and Lira.

David, Drew's nephew and the son of his elder brother, spoke in a calm manner that didn't suit him.

"Attention, everyone!"

Drew's voice carried over the gathered group.

"It's already past seven, and I doubt anyone else will be joining us. Let's begin the meeting and decide how to proceed with the altar." He gestured toward the structure as he spoke.

"Also... We examined the black walls this morning and conducted some experiments to uncover any weaknesses. Unfortunately, the walls are indestructible, and they extend deep into the ground, making it impossible to dig through to the other side. I'm bringing this up so those with lingering doubts can set the wall issue aside for now."

Before anyone could respond, Drew pressed on, determined not to let unnecessary discussions delay the meeting.

"Major Drew, wouldn't it be better to wait until the timer runs out?"

A middle-aged man among the gathered civilians suggested cautiously.

"If nothing happens afterward, we can just ignore it entirely."

His concern was evident, his unease about the risks of entering the portal clear.

"Indeed, Major Drew."

Another chimed in, nodding in agreement.

"I think waiting would be wiser... We shouldn't send anyone inside."

A murmur of assent rippled through the crowd as more of the common folk voiced their support for the idea.

"For how long?" Major Drew asked, his voice calm but firm as he addressed the crowd.

"Do we have enough food to sustain ourselves indefinitely? And if we don't know what's on the other side, how will we fare once the second timer ends and others arrive here? Do you expect them to take the same approach as us... Wait it out and leave things unresolved? By then, we'll have become passive, vulnerable, and possibly ready for slaughter if the other side is hostile."

His pointed questions hung in the air, silencing the murmurs. The crowd, previously focused on their immediate concerns, was now confronted with the unsettling reality of the long-term implications.

They had been fixated on the timer running out in two hours, but Drew's words forced them to think beyond that point.

Survival for the day dominated everyone's thoughts. Except for the few who could think further ahead in dangerous times.

"Alright, everyone." Drew began, breaking the silence.

"We're not forcing anyone to enter the portal. From the military side, five of our soldiers, including Captain Edward, will be entering. Miss Claire, old Thomas, and my nephew David will also join them."

His steady gaze swept over the crowd as they remained quiet, processing his words. Drew had faced many tense situations before and understood how people reacted under pressure. He didn't blame them for their hesitancy, instead, he felt a sense of pride.

The fact that they had shown up for this meeting at all meant they possessed a certain level of courage, even if fear clouded their judgment now.

As soon as Drew announced that some would be entering the portal, the crowd began to murmur again, their whispers spreading like wildfire through the group.

Iris, however, glanced at David with mild surprise. But it wasn't entirely unexpected. After all, it was because of him that both David and Lira had also trained.

David had proven himself capable, his mixed martial arts skills already at Basic Mastery. His proficiency with guns was even more impressive, likely nearing an intermediate level.

Lira, on the other hand, was more skilled in mixed martial arts, though slightly less proficient with firearms than David.

"We don't know what to expect when the timer ends, as this is our first experience."

Drew began, his tone firm yet measured, ensuring the crowd's attention.

"However, preparation is always better than making decisions at the last minute. With that in mind, I would like to ask... is there anyone among you who is willing to volunteer for this exploration alongside Captain Edward's team?" 

He paused, giving the crowd a moment to absorb his words.

"Of course, no one will be forced... This is a matter of life and death after all. But I want to make one thing clear. This exploration is new to all of us, and the unknown inside may hold dangers... but it may also hold opportunities." 

Drew's eyes scanned the crowd as he continued.

"Anything valuable found during the exploration, especially unique items, will belong to those who acquire them. Additionally, exploration team members will receive fifty percent of the food and daily necessities brought back. Finally, those on the team will have priority within the village for any future benefits... Whether it's improved resources or a potential rescue operation from the government." 

His words were direct and transparent, but he knew the weight of what he was asking. This mission into the portal was a step into the unknown, with real risks and a low chance of return, even for special individuals like Claire and Thomas.

Drew didn't sugarcoat the dangers as he simply laid out the stakes and hoped that courage, or necessity, would prompt a few to step forward.

Drew's words carried more than just transparency; they held a subtle temptation, carefully crafted to draw in potential volunteers. He needed people for this exploration, the more, the better. Since it was their first attempt, a larger group increased the odds that at least some might make it back, even if it came at the cost of others' lives. 

The survival of the group outweighed the survival of the individual, a cold reality Drew understood all too well. Those who returned would provide crucial information, details that could prepare the village for future explorations, improving their chances with each subsequent attempt. 

Of course, Drew was not blind to the possibility that no one might return. He knew the gamble he was taking, but it was one he was willing to make.

It wasn't just a matter of bravery or hope now, it was simply a necessity. Food supplies were a real concern, especially with the black walls enclosing the village, cutting off their access to the outside world. Survival depended on taking risks, and this exploration was their first step into the unknown.

Over time, the village would inevitably run out of food, and the second timer loomed like a ticking time bomb. Drew had no idea what might come through when it hit zero or what would happen when it did.