Synopsis: Upon entering the hidden chamber underneath Encyclopedia, the candidates of greatness must pass through a trial. Should they prove their worth, what they seek shall be revealed.
OP: Undead.
As they walk through the stairway, they are amazed & fascinated by the appearance of the cave itself. The stairs are curved as they walk down. The cave, completely dark purple, filled with blue torches attached to it. As the flames of the torches scorch, so did their fear...
Masato: This is creepy if you ask me. How long are we even walking down?
Daryl: No Idea...but on the bright side, it just goes to show that what Hou hears was no fluke.
Cross: The fact that it came out of nowhere just surprises me. How come they can hear it but we cannot?
Agito: Maybe they posses some unknown mysterious power? Like they're psychic or something?
Daryl: No. That's just impossible. If anything, Cross is the real psychic here. Other than that, Hou is just probably lucky.
Hou closes his eyes.
Hou: You know we can hear you guys right?
Garga: Yes. Luck doesn't play a part in this case.
Masato: Come On. I mean you two hearing voices out of the blue. The fact that we've committed a heist and are running inside a dungeon right now...doesn't that sound lucky?
Hou: I wouldn't count that as Luck my friend. Luck is something you grasp when you don't give up at something. Personally I would say right now is Destiny and nothing else.
Daryl: Destiny Huh? We're lucky Light is not here hearing this.
Masato: {Chuckles} Yeah. He would definitely freak out right now, wouldn't he?
All laughs aloud.
Daryl: But Hou, you met Gao Mikado in person. And then Garga evolved some more and you won against him.
Cross: If it weren't for those things, we wouldn't be able to find out about singularity points. Doesn't that sound lucky to you?
Hou: Daryl. I do need to remind you that Ranma was the one that started it all. If it weren't for him, We wouldn't have discovered any of this now wouldn't we? Again, it's Destiny.
Daryl: {Defeated} Ack...
Cross: {Defeated} This is a fact...
Masato: Haha. The Ace of Study just got outsmarted.
Agito: Yep.
Garga: How Hou won against Gao is not defined by luck. But defined by the amount of effort he has put in. Doesn't matter I evolved or not. Luck isn't always everything.
Hou: Just like researching those books earlier. Despite no results, we still gave it our all and found this, did we not?
Masato: {Surprised} This is true...
Agito: (Whispers to the three) Is it me or have they matured a bit?
Later, they made it down to the ground floor. However, what's before them is a giant hole. Everyone's shocked as they come to a halt. No sideway land. Nothing at all but torches on the wall.
Hou: What the Hole???
Daryl: A Dead End?
Masato: There has to be a way to get across.
Cross: Can't you two hear voices giving you instructions or so?
Hou: No, We can't hear anything. Perhaps we have to do this on our own.
Daryl: (Ponders) We definitely can't jump across in one go. And by the looks of things, that hole is like... 20 feet down so to speak.
Garga: Perhaps we can try fly across. We can carry you guys.
Hou: Then let's give it a try.
All of the monsters attempt to transform. They struggle as they do so...but they cannot?
Garga: Huh? I can't transform.
Agito: Me neither!!!
Cross: No.
Garga: And at the same time, I can't seem to fly or float. Something's blocking us.
Hou: Umm...Then perhaps we can climb on those torches to get across? Like sideway climbing.
Masato: Uh Yeah Bro, in case you didn't notice, the gap between the torches is like 10 meters away from each other. We definitely can't climb across since there's no foot paddle.
They all continue to struggle and ponder until Daryl notices something behind them.
Daryl: Wait, look there.
On their left is a sign board with a riddle inside. Hou proceeds to read it.
Hou:
To cross this gap, you must fly.
Yet neither human or creature can meet the eye.
But Fear not or shy, for I shall make you go high.
Yet Time it incorrectly, you will die.
Masato: Make you high yet we can't fly??? That doesn't make sense at all. Daryl, you're the brains of this group. What do you think this riddle means?
The two buddies ponder.
Daryl: Hmmm...Make you high...but you cannot fly...hmm...what if there is more than one way to go high?
Cross: It's definitely not a ladder since we can't climb. Even when it says "Time it incorrectly", we can't glide since there are no Hang gliders here.
Suddenly, in sync, the two buddies came to a realization in shock before pointing at each other.
Both: BOUNCE!!!
Daryl: Of course. Flying isn't the only way to go high. We can bounce too.
Cross: And when you think about it, bouncing also make you feel like you're flying doesn't it?
Masato: FOR SHARE. So this means we need something to jump on.
Hou: Hmm...(Activates his flashlight and looks at the gap with it)
As Hou moves his flashlight, the light then shines on something that's in the gap yet attached to it's wall. It's a triangular trampoline going downwards atop of a stone that's in a shape of a half-triangular prism.
Hou: Hmm...
Hou moves his flashlight forward a bit and notices even more trampolines attached one by one at the sides of the two walls.
Hou: Trampolines. Just what we needed. And it's attached left by right in a pattern.
Garga: Guess that explains why we can't "Time It Incorrectly". One wrong move and it will be curtains for all of us.
Hou: So be it. Let's do it then.
Everyone nods. Immediately, everyone moves back to the back of the wall where the entrance resides. Everyone prepares themselves in position.
Garga: On a count to three, we charge one by one and jump. Remember, One miscalculation and the mission is over. Alright?
All: Yeah.
Garga: Okay. One....Two....Three!!! (Charges Forward)
Everyone else charges too one by one and begin to jump. As planned, they jump from trampoline to trampoline. Everyone's expressions spells determination as they didn't look back or down. Everything is timed perfectly as they bounce and land one at a time. The moment Garga & Hou bounce after the last jump, they land in a...
Garga & Hou: SUPERHERO LANDING!!! (As per said)
Hou: {Impressed} Nice One.
Garga: {Impressed} Same to you.
Masato: (About to Land) {Panics} LOOK OUT!!!
Hou: (Turns around) Huh?
Suddenly, it went SPLAT. Masato & Agito accidentally squish Hou & Garga as they land on top of them.
Hou: Oww...
Garga: Masato...
Masato: Sorry...
Agito: Why didn't you move out of the way???
Meanwhile, Daryl & Cross land beside them safely. Daryl is feeling a little arrogant with his arms beside his waist.
Daryl: Unbelievable, you guys are sloppy.
Masato & Hou gets back up in fast motion & blames each other like 5 year old brats.
Masato & Hou: (Points at each other) It was his fault!!!
Garga: Enough. Let's move on. And we are not doing this again.
Agito: Ditto.
Cross: Yes.
And thus they proceed forward. As they move, someone is watching them through a transparent globe. That unknown entity looks at them while pondering with it's right index finger by it's moustache. He lets out a little smirk.
The group made it to another level of the dungeon. This time, it includes a massive Stone Boulder & A Bunch of Stone Pins (4 levels) In front of Them. The atmosphere is quite huge so to speak like the floor gap between the walls is like 20 feet.
Masato: Another One...
Daryl: That is one big Boulder...
Agito: And by the looks of things, there's a bunch of stone pins in front of it.
Masato: (Realizes & rock pats his hand) Oh I get it. Stone Pins. Giant Boulder. It's Like Bowling. We have to use the boulder to knock down the pins. (Walks forward) Easy-Peasy.
The latter attempts to push the Boulder. But it's so heavy that it just won't budge. While trying & struggling hard, the latter makes a bunch of funny expressions like "AHHHH" And Saying "Why...is this...so...HEAVY".....AHHHHH". Everyone's who watching this feels very frustrated & annoyed.
Daryl: Masato. That Boulder literally weighs around 1-ton or something. Even a full muscle could not push it.
Garga: Personally I would try as well. But even that won't work.
Cross: Then how are we suppose to knock those pins down?
Hou: (Spots something on their left) Look. Another Riddle.
On their left is once again another sign board with a riddle inside. Now Daryl reads it while everyone attempts to solve as they ponder...
Daryl:
Unless you want to proceed, the pins stands guard.
A solution is given, serving as a wild card.
Yet Stubborn as a donkey, where one can disregard.
Leverage it cannot and it will be no holds barred.
Cross: So The first line implied that the pins are in our way. And the second line implied that the solution is to move the boulder itself. In other words, the "Wild Card".
Garga: But just like the riddle says, the boulder is "stubborn as a donkey". And Disregard is another word for "Ignore"...
Hou: And the last line, "Leverage". Leverage means advantage. And no holds barred means no limits I believe?
Masato: Yes. You're correct. But what does it mean by "it cannot"? And one can disregard...what does the one...(realize) Oh.
Agito: What do you mean "Oh"?
Masato: I think I know what does the "one" mean. The one means the Boulder ITSELF!!! That's why it says "stubborn as a donkey, where one can disregard". And disregard means it ignores everything!!! That's why IT won't budge.
Hou: And Leverage!!! Leverage it cannot. It means the Boulder can't ignore the "leverage" itself. But what is the Leverage that it can't ignore? There are no buttons or levers here.
Masato: Correct. And earlier when I push it, it won't budge. And like Daryl said, even a full muscle won't work. What if...
Masato & Agito suddenly hit a realization in shock in sync.
Masato & Agito: (Point at each other) TEAMWORK.
Hou: {Confused} Sorry I don't get you guys.
Masato then makes his statement and slowly, everyone else reacts in shock.
Masato: Just look around. No buttons. No Levers. No single man or monster can push it whatsoever. But WE. We ARE the "Leverage". We can push the boulder TOGETHER And the Knock the Pins Down!!!
Garga: That's Why It Says No Holds Barred!!! Meaning if we push it, it WILL budge. No limits whatsoever.
Daryl: Then what are we waiting for? Let's push that stubborn rock together.
All: Yeah!!!
And immediately in front & the front corner part of the boulder, they prepare to push it with their bare hands attached. And just a heads up from left to right, It's Daryl, Cross, Masato, Agito, Hou & Garga.
Garga: One more time. One....Two...THREE!!!
All: (Struggles to Push) ERGGGGGGGGHHHHHHH.
The Boulder is slowly budging as it's starts to move forward....
Masato: Erghhh....It's Working....Come On!!!
All: AHHHHH!!!!!!
Little by little and all of the sudden, after they push their arms forward, the Boulder just Rolls Forward at High Speed, much to everyone's shock. The Boulder rolls forward and the ground rumbles with it and as a result, it hit the pins and the pins begin to tumble down. The sound of the tumble was really loud and fast. The earth shakes as they fall and crush. Everyone covers their ears very tightly and after 5 seconds, the sound stops and they let go of their ears. They are shocked to see that now there's a giant hole in with tons of debris in front of it.
All: Woah...
They all walk forward to see the result.
Hou: That's a lot of debris. Like my mom's butter chicken rice.
Everyone look at Hou awkwardly and when Hou notices that, he's like "What?".
Cross: There's a hole up front.
They walk towards the hole and activates their flashlights to see that there's a curved stairway going downstairs. Once again, blue torches are revealed attached to the sides. Everyone's kinda emotionless...
Daryl: I'm surprised the Boulder destroyed itself as well when creating this hole.
Masato: Never mind the stairway, but the fact that all 6 of us pushed a Giant Boulder is even crazier.
Hou: On the bright side, we made it this far. We need to move on.
And they all agreed. Thus they went downstairs one by one. They walk and walk further down until they reached to another halt in shock.
Masato: Say what?
This time, it's three separate pathways??? And the tunnels in there has no torches whatsoever. It's just tunnels.
Agito: {Annoyed} Oh Great...Let me guess, we have to pick one.
Hou: There aren't any riddles here so yes...
Garga: But which one of these pathways is correct?
Daryl: I don't think we have a choice. We need to split up. Go in twos. And at the same time...
Hou: (Interrupts) Or we can just do this.
Hou grabs a torch from left side of the entrance & then throws it at the first pathway. And all of the sudden, Bats Come Out of the Tunnel and made them scream as they buzz forward at them. After 3 seconds, the bats are gone.
Garga: Where those Bats Come From???
Daryl: Still. Good Idea Hou. (Grabs the torch on the right & throws it at the center path)
This time, the center path reveals a bunch of spiders crawling out in an army. Everyone panics & screams again & proceed to run quickly towards last pathway.
Masato: Why did you two had to have such Bad Luck!!!
Daryl: We Didn't Know, Masato!!!
Hou: Don't pin this on us!!!
Garga: Just RUN!!!
They ran and ran without looking back in panic.
Hou: JUST HOW LONG IS THIS TUNNEL???
But no one responds as everything just went quiet as a mouse. Hou finds it very strange as he runs.
Hou: Hello? Anyone?
The moment he turns around, everything is pitch jet black. Like it's all emptiness but himself. He feels shocked.
Hou: What the!!! (Stops & Looks around) What's Going On? Hello??? Guys??? This Ain't Funny.
Later Hou turns again and notices that Masato & Daryl are in front of them??? They are not looking back. They're just standing there...
Hou: Guys!!! (Runs towards them) What's going on? Why you'd stop? And how did you get around so quick???
They turn around feeling very disgusted & angry to see him.
Daryl: Hou?
Masato: You got nerve showing up after what you've done.
Hou: {Confused} Wh...Wha? What are you talking about?
Masato: Don't you lie to us, you traitor!!!
Daryl: Yes. You just had to do it, didn't you?
Hou: {Heartbroken} What? What did I do?
Masato: Oh Look, He pretends he doesn't know. You planned the whole thing. You betrayed us. How dare you show up now looking all smug?
Daryl: So Dramatic you know that? You're nothing but an attention seeker & a lousy classmate. You're a joke!!!
Hou: {Shocked} Wha? What did I... What's Going On???
Meanwhile, Masato, who also currently experiencing the same thing, is feeling a little afraid at the moment as he runs forward.
Masato: (Stops & Looks around) That's Odd...What is...
Masato then looks up to see Hou in front of him standing sternly with his arms behind him???
Masato: {Shocked} Hou. (runs forward) There you are? What's going on?
Hou: {Coldly} Masato. I don't think I have the right to be friends with you anymore.
Masato: What? What are you saying?
Hou: You couldn't even beat me once. You kept trying for what? What are you? A naive fool?
Masato: {Angry} What??? How dare you say that?
Hou: It's the truth. Just admit. You'll never be good enough no matter how hard you try. "Ace of Sports"? More like "Ace of Failing".
Masato: {Angry} Why you...
And now, the same thing occur to Daryl. He runs forward yes but he's also a little afraid deep down while maintaining a stern face on the outside.
Daryl: What's going on?
He then spots the same thing that happened to Masato in surprise. Hou stands before him with his hands behind him.
Daryl: (runs & stops) Hou? What's going on? Why you're in my way?
Hou: You know Daryl. I gotta admit you're smart. Yet you couldn't apply what you have against me.
Daryl: What does that mean?
Hou: You got so much knowledge inside your brain yet you lack the knowledge to defeat me ever since I've grown. "Ace of Study" more like "Ace of Lacking Braincells".
Daryl: {Angry} You...You have the nerve to insult me like that.
Hou: The nerve to say that You're not the smartest man alive? In fact, I'd say in terms of Skill, you are way lousier than me.
Daryl: Grrr...
Back to Hou's Side. As he stands before the cold yet displeasing Masato & Daryl, he struggles in fear while maintaining a strong face. But then slowly he realizes that...
Hou: No. You're not the type to insult someone at all, Masato. And you're not the type to look down on others, Daryl. (Forehead shadowed) No way you're tricking me. In fact...
He takes a step back, eyes become very fierce and confident and he's prepare to back hand swing from the right.
Hou: I suggest you...(slashes the illusions) GET OUT OF MY WAY.
The illusions of the two fades away and everything that's around him returns to normal. However, it would seem that he's in a large circular part of the cave. He went from determined to surprised to see what happened.
Hou: Wait...what happened?
He then sees that everyone is sleeping around him as they are leaned against the walls. Naturally, he goes forward and wakes them up.
Hou: Garga. Hey...Wake Up!!!
Garga: (slowly wakes up) Ergh...What...Hou? Why are you yelling at me?
Then everyone else slowly wakes up too. They are all slightly dizzy but Hou himself.
Masato: Ergh...What happened? Why are we sleeping?
Daryl: You tell me...
Hou: Um...Quick question, when you guys are running earlier, did any of you notice that halfway things are like...empty? And then suddenly you guys saw some random visions in front of you?
Masato: I did...and they are not pleasant. You were there, Hou. You were insulting me.
Daryl: (Nods) Same.
Hou: Yeah. I experienced the same thing. It's just an illusion.
Masato: But it felt so real. Like you were there in front of me.
Daryl: Even though I should've known it's fake, I can't believe I've fallen for a mind trick like that.
Garga: (Walks forward) I think it's safe to say that this is no ordinary cave. We can't fly. We can't transform. And we got hit with some unknown hypnosis effect.
Agito: Never mind that. How are we going to get out of here? I mean there's no pathway or anything and...
Suddenly, they hear a rumbling sound behind them. They are shocked to see that a part of the wall moves itself downwards and reveals another pathway.
Agito: {Annoyed} I jinxed it didn't I?
Garga: Well there's no other way out...I'm afraid (points) that is our only option.
Hou: Garga's right. (smiles) No backsees am I right, guys?
Everyone nods in agreement.
Hou: Okay. Let's go then.
And thus they move forward once again. What will await our three fighters as they proceed? Next time, "Ancient Lore". Join us for a buddyfight.