Brighting

Chapter 14: The World is Weird, but That's Not My Problem.

Bright leaned against the kitchen counter, watching his phone screen with mild disinterest.

His phone had been on mute all day, but that didn't stop calls from coming through.

Not that anyone had called.

Only a single message had arrived, and it was from Emily.

Emily: You see the portals yet?

Sent at 4:37 PM.

That was it. No teasing, no long explanations. Just a simple text.

Bright hadn't responded. He didn't really see the point.

By now, the entire world knew about the portals.

He had finally checked the news while ordering groceries online, scrolling through article after article while filling his cart with the essentials—instant noodles, canned food, a few frozen meals, and an embarrassing amount of energy drinks.

It wasn't that he was worried about food shortages. He just hated going out.

His attention flicked back to the news as he waited for his order confirmation.

Governments had issued an official statement urging people to remain calm. Scientists were still investigating the anomalies, but there was no immediate danger.

The usual lines. We have it under control. We're looking into it. Please refrain from spreading misinformation.

Bright rolled his eyes. Classic.

Still, different countries had handled things in their own way.

The US and UK had quickly deployed security personnel, keeping civilians at a distance but allowing scientists full access.

China and Russia had restricted information, heavily guarding their portals while blocking off the surrounding areas.

Japan had already given theirs a name—"神の門" (Kami no Mon), meaning "Gate of the Gods."

Meanwhile, some countries were already turning them into tourist attractions.

Bright shook his head, mildly amused.

People reacted to the unknown in the weirdest ways.

Some had immediately rushed to visit family, fearing something big was coming.

Others were stockpiling supplies, preparing for an apocalypse.

And then there were the internet jokers.

One viral video showed a guy in a cowboy hat trying to lasso a portal. Another clip had someone standing in front of one with a sign that said, "WELCOME ALIENS, WE HAVE SNACKS."

Bright sighed.

It was too early to care about this.

Until something actually came out of those things, he wasn't going to start screaming about the end of the world.

His groceries had been confirmed for delivery.

That was more important right now.

He put his phone down, stretched, and walked back to the couch.

This was probably just some elaborate scam.

Like those movies where some secret organization tests humanity's reaction to fake disasters.

Whatever it was, it wasn't his problem.

Not yet, anyway.