"Going to the Western Continent"

Rat Calendar, Year 2026

5th Day of January, Monday Morning

The Outside City of Nova Asta, Main Adventure Outpost

The rhythmic clinking of metal resonated through the Workshop Area of the Main Adventure Outpost as Accel Winchester carefully etched special enhancement runes onto his Carbon Fiber Set Equipment. The delicate work demanded precision—one wrong stroke, and the rune's potency could diminish, or worse, his equipment might suffer unexpected side effects.

The special runes, purchased using Ascendance Coins from the Infinity Room of Echoing Ascendance, were rare. Their power worked both inside and outside the Infinity Room, but outside, their effectiveness was halved. Accel had tested them on scrap materials first, ensuring he wouldn't ruin his prized set. Three consecutive enhancements were guaranteed to work, but anything beyond that decreased in success rate—90% on the fourth, 80% on the fifth, and so on.

"Tch, enhancement failure." Accel sighed as the rune on his gauntlet fizzled out, causing a thin crack to form on the armor's surface. He had been trying to push past the safe three-enhancement limit, knowing the risks. "I'll have to stop at three for now."

The enhancements he successfully applied had raised the durability and defense of his armor, making it slightly stronger than its base form. His health bonus increased from 500 to 750, a modest yet noticeable boost. More importantly, he knew there was a chance for random effects, both positive and negative. Luckily, his enhancements had so far resulted in minor but beneficial effects—increased movement speed and better resistance to Energy depletion.

As he adjusted the final rune on his chest plate, a sudden buzzing sound echoed through the workshop. A bright glow pulsed from the announcement crystals embedded in the walls, drawing everyone's attention. The usual clamor of hammering and crafting died down as adventurers and outpost workers turned to listen.

Public Announcement Across the Five Continents

[Continental News Network—Official Broadcast]

A holographic projection flickered to life, displaying an elderly man in refined robes, the official news anchor of the Five Continents Alliance. His expression was grim yet professional.

"Attention to all adventurers, warriors, and scholars across the five continents. We bring an official statement regarding the Second Expedition to the Newly Discovered Dimensional World."

Murmurs filled the workshop as adventurers exchanged glances. The first expedition had ended in catastrophe—an event that left scars across the world. Accel narrowed his eyes, listening carefully.

"The Solaris Empire, in cooperation with the allied nations, has formally declared the launch of the Second Expedition one month from now. This mission is open to volunteers who wish to explore the dimensional world and secure new opportunities for the future."

The projection briefly shifted to display the Solaris Empire's military insignia, along with images of fortified camps and dimensional gates.

"However, we must acknowledge the failures of the First Expedition," the anchor continued. "A year ago, a great loss occurred—not because of the threats in the Dimensional World itself, but due to the uncooperative actions of the Northern Continent's forces."

A tense silence filled the workshop. Everyone knew about the Northern Continent's cunning tactics, but to hear it confirmed in an official broadcast was different. Accel clenched his fists.

The projection changed again, revealing a man clad in black military armor—Overlord General Alexander James Whitmore, one of the highest-ranking commanders of the Solaris Imperial Order.

"General Whitmore led the first forces into the Dimensional World, alongside Imperial authorities such as Third Imperial Princess Victoria Elise Solaris," the anchor stated. "Despite their efforts, sabotage and treachery from the Northern Continent forces led to the expedition's failure."

The name Victoria Elise Solaris stood out to Accel. He had heard of her—one of the Empress's adopted daughters and the head of the Supreme Authority Council. Unlike other nobles who inherited their power, she had earned her rank through merit, becoming a Prime Marquis, one of the 12th Noble Ranks in the Solaris Empire.

The anchor concluded the broadcast. "The Second Expedition will begin preparations immediately. Those who wish to participate should make their way to their continent's designated Main City, where transport to the Solaris Empire will be arranged."

The projection faded, leaving the room in silence.

Accel's Decision

Accel stared at the empty space where the projection had been, his mind racing.

"A new expedition…" he murmured. Unlike the first expedition, which had been tightly controlled, this one was open to volunteers.

It was an opportunity—not just to explore a new world, but to witness the Nobility System firsthand.

He had two goals:

Join the Second Expedition to test his strength and further his progress. Learn about the Solaris Empire's Nobility System, a unique power structure that granted buffs and authority to those who earned noble status.

If he could secure a position within the system, it could expand his options and potential growth.

Making up his mind, Accel left the workshop and headed home.

Seeking Permission from His Family

Back at his house in Nova Asta, Accel sat across from his parents, explaining his decision. His father, Thomas Winchester, listened with a serious expression, while his mother, Elaine Winchester, frowned in concern.

"You just returned home from a near-death experience, Accel," Elaine said. "And now you want to leave again?"

"I understand your concern, Mother." Accel kept his tone respectful. "But this is an opportunity I can't ignore. I need to keep moving forward."

Thomas sighed, crossing his arms. "I won't stop you, Accel. You've always made your own choices. Just don't get yourself killed."

Elaine still looked uneasy but eventually nodded. "Promise us that you'll stay safe."

"I promise." Accel bowed his head in gratitude.

With his parents' permission, Accel began preparations for his departure. His next destination: the Main City of the Central Continent, where he would access the continental-scale teleportation hub to the Solaris Empire.

A new journey awaited him.