Gates of the Shattered Realms

Its origin was a mystery.

Perhaps it had been there since time immemorial, or it might have appeared just yesterday.

It was a gate, an arch of black that seemed wrought from steel. Yet when the technologically advanced descendants of later ages analyzed it with their cutting-edge instruments, they discovered its material was composed of elements unknown to our world.

The molecular structure was alien, too—a configuration never before seen.

It did not belong to our world.

The first to stumble upon it was a European, a merchant known as Vortex.

He and his caravan were forced to venture down an uncharted path for reasons lost to time, and there it stood, in the very heart of their route—abrupt and enigmatic.

It rose 56 meters tall, 18 meters wide, the twin doors sealed shut, adorned with patterns and symbols of unknown significance.

Despite his entourage's protests, Vortex pushed the seemingly heavy doors that, in reality, bore virtually no weight.

He had no idea that what he was opening was the gateway to a new epoch.

Beyond lay a dim world, where only the shadowy outlines of towering mountains could be faintly discerned.

Vortex made a decision of unthinkable audacity—he would explore this hidden realm!

This choice would crown him one of the greatest figures of the new era.

Despite the opposition, Vortex overcame resistance. With the promise of rich rewards, a makeshift expedition formed.

Led by Vortex, a team of guards and laborers ventured through the gate.

Three days later, they returned.

Of the eleven who left, only two came back—Vortex and a guard, both with vacant stares and disheveled appearances. Even the blind could see they had encountered something extraordinary.

When asked about the world beyond the gate, Vortex said nothing, only instructed for the gates to be closed.

For a long time after, he remained silent about their journey inside. It wasn't until two years later that he put pen to paper and wrote these words:

"...It is a world that defies all reason, where hope and despair reside side by side, light and darkness play the same tune. There lies unimaginable wealth, guarded by devils. Those dark offspring, those blasphemous beings. They are cunning and sly; do not hope to conquer them—can a single drop of water overwhelm the ocean?"

Despite his cautionary words that spread far and wide, adventurers continued to flock towards the gate, lured by the promise of riches Vortex allegedly brought back—objects lighter than gold yet more lustrous, dubbed "devil's treasures," fetching envious prices.

Thus, the gate named after Vortex became increasingly renowned.

Tales of interstellar wastelands, dark progeny, and demonic bounties multiplied...

And so, 37 years later, a second Vortex gate was found.

Beyond it lay a new interstellar wasteland.

And so, mankind began to number these barren expanses.

A millennium later, a total of 127 Vortex gates were discovered.