The Mayors from both towns had worked together to reach an agreement. It was time to put that agreement to the test. Today would be the very first day of the open borders between both worlds.
“I can’t believe this is happening,” Officer Sal said. “We are really opening the borders with the Overworld, huh.”
“Yeah, I never thought I would see the day - at least, not under the previous Mayor's ruling,” Officer Zimmer said.
“Yes, the previous Mayor was a bad guy. He would never agree to this, not in a million years,” Sal commented.
“What do you think, Detective?” Zimmer asked me as I sifted through the towers of paperwork on the reception desk.
“I think we are all about to witness history being made right before our eyes. I couldn’t be happier with the outcome of all this,” I said. “The previous Mayor was a crook, and he got what he deserved. Not to sound too biased towards my dad, but I think he’s doing a great job as a Mayor.”
“Detective, you don’t have to be his son to know that your Dad is a great guy,” Zimmer said. “What he has done for Crimson City… he’s constantly working towards improving life for everyone. We all owe him for his dedication.”
“Today’s grand opening is another example of that,” Sal said.
“Glad to know you approve of him. Now, I must head out to meet Dad at the border. They will be opening it to the new visitors very soon. Please keep an eye on things here and tell Detective Peter to meet me there. He should be arriving at the Station soon.”
As I was about to leave the Station, Detective Peter walked in.
“Hey, Detective, I guess I got here right on time,” Peter said.
“Yep, you arrived just in time. Let’s go, Detective, the new border is about to open,” I said.
We went to the Red Forest. Instead of the usual grassy path, the Red Forest now had a nice sidewalk for the citizens and tourists. At the Nether Portal, a structure had been built by the humans sent by Mayor Robert. It was the first human-made structure for our town, aside from the Electricity Generator.
The Nether Portal now had an Iron Fence surrounding it. An Iron Door was placed in front of the Portal, and two Piglin Agents stood next to the entrance. They were the Immigration Agents responsible for keeping a detailed log of everyone who entered or left the Nether Portal.
Additionally, there was a double chest behind the Agent’s counter full of Overworld Potions, courtesy of Beatriz. Later, we will start receiving more batches of Overworld Potions from the chemists commissioned by Mayor Robert.
The place was surrounded by Piglins from all over Crimson City. It was a big day for everyone.
“Greetings, ladies and gentlemen!” My Dad announced upon seeing Peter and me. “I guess we’re all set to get started. Today, as you all know, we’re here to open the borders of our world. The Overworld and the Nether shall become one. From now on, Piglins are allowed to visit the other side of this portal, and vice versa. May we all take part in this promising cooperation, and may it last forever. I declare the borders officially open.” Dad used scissors to cut the ribbon. Everyone clapped.
“Fantastic, Pigladies and Piglemen! We are witnessing history being made right before our eyes! All Piglins are now free to visit the Overworld and see the new world with their own eyes!” A reporter announced.
“Before we proceed, I would like to remind everyone that we have set a limit of thirty visitors per day for both worlds. Please bear with us as we progress with our negotiations. In the future, we intend to expand this limit. If you have any questions, feel free to ask our Immigration Agents in the Nether or the Border Patrol in the Overworld. All public employees will be more than happy to help you during this process. Now, I shall be the first Piglin to officially enter the Overworld after the declaration of our partnership!” My dad headed to the Immigration Agents, and they handed him an Overworld Potion. “Come, Calvin and Peter. I want you both to join me.”
“Me? Well, alright then,” I went with my dad, and Peter came right behind.
“Of course. You’re the most experienced Piglin when it comes to visiting the Overworld. Now, show me how we do this,” Dad asked me.
“It’s easy, Dad, throw the potion on your feet or drink it, then just step into the Portal and stay within the frame for a few seconds. You will be transported to the other side, which is the Overworld.” I helped Dad get up into the frame.
“Like this? But nothing is happen…“ Dad teleported to the Overworld before finishing his sentence.
“We ought to go along and help him on the other side.” The Immigration Agents handed us a couple of Overworld Potions, which we promptly drank.
“Let’s go!” Peter said.
We jumped into the Portal and entered the Overworld once again. On the other side, we were received by hundreds of humans, along with Mayor Robert, Johansson, Beatriz, and of course, my father. Dad seemed pleased and distraught by the whole experience.
“I have never done anything like that in my life! Crossing that portal was quite the ride,” Dad said.
“Indeed! It’s fun, isn’t it?” I asked him.
“I’m not sure whether ‘fun’ is the right word to describe the experience, but it was definitely something,” Dad said.
“Welcome to the Overworld, my friends.” Mayor Robert said.
The mine was no longer a dark and humid place. Instead, humans had turned it into a huge square with a water fountain in the middle. The Nether Portal lay by the end of the square, surrounded by beautiful bushes and flowers.
“I love what you guys have done to this place! From an abandoned old mine to a beautiful underground square,” I said.
“Yeah, I like the style.” Peter agreed.
“Thank you. Our men and women worked day and night to make this happen,” Johansson told us. “By the way, I’m happy to see you all again.”
Hey there, haven’t seen you in such a long time,” I joked.
“So, Mayor Robert, the opening has been a huge success. I can only say we are facing a prosperous and bright future for both worlds,” Dad said.
“You’re correct, Mayor Carl. May we harvest the bountiful results of this partnership in the coming years.” Mayor Robert shook his hand, and we all posed for pictures taken by the local reporters. After the event, it was time to go back.
“It has been a great pleasure to be with you all, but I must return. The duties of a Mayor are never-ending, as you know,” Dad told Mayor Robert.
“Tell me about it. I know exactly what it feels like. Either way, it has been an honor receiving the Nether Committee today. We will be seeing each other again in the future.”
“Definitely, Mayor, thank you once again.”
“Don’t forget to also come for a visit one of these days, guys.” Johansson said.
“We will, don’t worry. The same goes for you two,” I replied. “What’s the plan from now on?”
“Well, you know us. We’re always working on a new experiment or machine,” Beatriz replied.
“Good luck with that.” Peter replied.
We returned to the Nether after our brief but successful visit to the Overworld. Dad had one last announcement to make.
“The Overworld was great. They are ready to receive you. Have fun and stay safe,” Dad said.