Day 232

Today was one of those rare moments that etches itself into memory, marking the dawn of a new era. My experiments at the Altar were suddenly interrupted by the frantic shouts of amironov, who had just returned from the vanguard. His voice was a mixture of awe and fear as he yelled, "PORTAL! Professor, there’s a portal in the desert!" Like a bolt of lightning, this news shattered our current understanding of existence in this world.

I don’t recall how I got there, but before me in the sweltering desert stood a rift in space, shimmering with heat waves and the distortion of the air, almost like a mirage. This rift, an ethereal threshold, revealed glimpses of another world. On the other side was a realm strikingly similar to our own "IN," yet subtly different. It seemed like a place frozen in time, where life revolved entirely around one ritual—battles in the arena.

Conflicting emotions washed over me. On one hand, the portal was a symbol of progress, proof that our efforts were unraveling the mysteries of this world. On the other, it was a stark reminder of how thin the veil between worlds is, between freedom and perpetual struggle, between our pursuit of harmony and the eternal fight for dominance.

Initial measurements confirmed that the portal was two-way, but it didn’t lead back to Earth. Instead, it opened into a parallel universe of "IN." This alternate realm appeared to be a distorted reflection of our own: a place where heroes, like phantoms, lived simplified lives with only one purpose—combat. At its center stood a colossal coliseum, the epicenter of endless battles to claim the title of champion.

The phenomenon left me shaken. Perhaps the portal doesn’t just bridge two worlds but also reflects the multifaceted nature of existence. Here in our realm, we strive for progress, development, and harmony. There, life is an endless loop of battles, with no greater purpose or resolution. These two worlds, like puzzle pieces, reveal fragments of a larger, unknowable reality.

This discovery will undoubtedly reshape life in our camp. The question isn’t just how we might use this portal, but how it will transform us. Will we hold onto our drive for creation and growth when faced with the allure of instant recognition through arena combat? Will our community fracture between those who see the portal as an opportunity and those who fear its consequences?

The portal in the desert is more than a physical anomaly. It symbolizes a choice each of us must make: to align with the creative force that seeks harmony and progress, or to succumb to primal instincts and enter the unending cycle of conflict. It’s a reminder that every path brings lessons, but true wisdom lies in maintaining balance between these extremes.

I am certain this moment marks the beginning of a new chapter in our chronicles. Standing before the portal, we are poised at a crossroads, and the choices we make now will shape our destiny.

Learn even more about the world of In-Match3 and keep up with new events on the In-Match3 Fan Zone.