At the entrance of the Enchanted Realm, the group turned back to see the terrifying scene behind them and rushed towards the spatial rift without hesitation.
The beasts also tried to escape through the rift but were stopped by some mysterious force.
Only outsiders who did not belong to this place could leave; none of the beasts could get out.
The time and space within the Enchanted Realm were different from Earth. From outside the rift, it seemed like those who entered had been inside for over ten days.
West Sea, outside the spatial rift.
The boundless sea surface was bustling with activity due to the spiritual energy flowing out from the rift. Various fish and seabirds swam and flew around.
Different types of ships were densely scattered around the rift, creating a spectacular view from above.
To avoid unnecessary panic, information about the spatial rift on the West Sea was still under lockdown.
On a research vessel from the United States, Caden and his two assistants were monitoring the rift’s changes using high-powered binoculars and a peculiar instrument.
Next to the instrument, three computers were continuously recording data.
At that moment, General Brody approached, followed by soldiers carrying trays of food and drinks.
Brody smiled at the focused Caden and said, “Dr. Caden, it’s time for lunch.”
Without turning his head, Caden waved his hand and said, “General Brody, thank you, but I’m not hungry.”
Brody had seen many researchers like Caden. Once they were engrossed in their work, eating became an optional activity.
“Dr. Caden, even if you’re not hungry, your assistants must be. They need a break, don’t you think?” Brody continued.
Caden finally turned around, saw the food in the soldiers’ hands, shrugged, and said, “Alright, Vincent, you all take a break and have something to eat.”
The soldiers placed the food on a nearby table.
Caden and his assistants sat down at the table with Brody.
Caden took a bite of a burger and said while chewing, “The Esper Troop has been inside for sixteen days with no sign of coming out.”
Brody nodded and looked at the rift with a hint of worry in his eyes.
The Espers who entered the Enchanted Realm were elite members of the United States Esper Troop. If anything happened to them inside, it would be a significant loss for the United States.
Seeing the concern on Brody’s face, Caden swallowed his food and reassured him, “General Brody, our United States Espers are very strong. They won’t be in any trouble.”
Brody nodded. In the world of superpowers, United States Espers were top-notch. Even if the rift was dangerous, they should be able to protect themselves.
Brody raised his glass and said to Caden, “Dr. Caden, let’s toast to our Espers returning safely with samples from the rift.”
Caden raised his glass and clinked it lightly with Brody’s.
As they finished their drinks, the rift began to change. The spiritual energy flowing out became chaotic and cold.
Five people were the first to emerge from the rift, falling directly into the sea.
The five splashed into the water, scaring away nearby fish.
They all carried military backpacks with strong protective features that could also serve as life buoys in water.
The backpacks bore the flag of The Rooskies.
These five were The Rooskies’ Espers. When the barrier shattered and icy air erupted from the lake, they were closest to the rift’s entrance and thus emerged first.
Seeing people come out of the rift, Caden jumped up from his chair, almost dropping his glass, and ran to the deck’s edge.
When he saw the five floating in the sea, he shouted, “General Brody, those are The Rooskies’ Espers!”
Brody rushed over. Seeing the flags on their backpacks, he nodded and said, “Indeed, they are The Rooskies’ Espers. Where are our Espers?”
Brody looked up at the rift in the sky, hoping to see United States Espers next.
The scene of The Rooskies’ Espers emerging was also seen by others on nearby ships.
Everyone’s attention was drawn. The Rooskies’ ships sent rescue boats towards their fallen comrades.
At that moment, more than ten people emerged from the rift.
Unlike their graceful entry into the rift, they now looked disheveled and frightened as they fell into the sea.
These people were also Espers with bulging backpacks filled with items.
Boats from various countries approached to pick them up.
A while later, another group emerged from the rift.
These people wore white clothes and did not fall into the water like the Espers. They headed straight for an Atraria ship.
These individuals were from True Martial Sect, led by Amari and Dylan.
Watching more people emerge from the rift sporadically, Caden frowned and said, “It seems like they’re escaping. Something must have happened inside.”
“Why haven’t our Espers come out yet?” Brody anxiously hoped to see his country’s Espers soon.
After True Martial Sect members emerged, more people came out in a similar state of panic.
Those who came out later had a thin layer of frost on their bodies and hair as if they had come from an icy land.
“General Brody, look! Our Espers are coming out!” Caden pointed at the rift excitedly.
Brody sighed in relief and said, “It’s Steven and his team. Quickly send rescue boats to bring them back!”
Caden’s excitement soon faded as he said in a somber tone, “General Brody, nine Espers entered the rift; only five have come out.”
Brody grabbed binoculars and counted his country’s uniformed Espers. Indeed, there were only five.
“Dr. Caden, it seems something terrible happened inside. Once we bring them back, we’ll know everything.”
After Brody spoke, more people continued to emerge from the rift, but none were United States Espers.